New Music Video: Tamar Braxton: "The One"

Tamar Braxton released a visual for her second single from her highly anticipated second album, "The One"

Even with her "love on top" (aka pregnant belly) in tow, Tamar glows in the fun loving and colorful video complete with a cute beau and a lighthearted stroll on Santa Monica pier.

Are you feeling the new song and video??

-T. Amour

New Music: J. Cole "Niggaz Know"

J. Cole has blessed his steadily increasing fan base with a follow up single to the radio smash "Power Trip"

As always, the North Carolina native (shoutout to my home state) doesn't disappoint! His upcoming album, Born Sinner, is slated for a June 18th release.

Stay tuned, I may have a few copies to give to some lucky followers of my blog!!!! 

What do you think??

-T. Amour

Memorial Day

Happy Monday to you all!

If you are from the USA, take time to remember the significance of Memorial Day. Remember the bold men and women who laid down their lives to protect your freedom. Even if you are anti-war, please keep in mind that many men, women, and even children died so you could have choices, dream big, live abundantly, and love bravely.

This week, do something to make these people proud.

With all my love,

T. Amour 

New Music: Tamara Saul "Biggie Say My Name (Girls Love Beyoncé Bootleg)"

Songstress Tamara Saul has put her unique spin on Drake's "Girls Love Beyoncé" and I am loving it!

Tamara has a great voice and I am anticipating what she will do in the future.

Check it out below and let me know what you think!!

-T. Amour

Lessons Learned

**quote courtesy of Ghandi 

Happy Sunday!

As I sit here and reflect on my past week, I have realized a few important lessons. 

First, we have to be honest enough with ourselves to recognize an unhealthy situation and brave enough to walk away. It doesn't matter if it is an abusive relationship, job, or social group. Life is too fragile and fleeting to waste precious time being trapped in a prison of pain. We may have to plan our escape for safety reasons, but our departure is necessary and needs to happen as quickly as possible. There is a huge difference between having a bad day every now and then and being constantly unappreciated and undervalued. Know the difference and know your worth.

Second, we have to truly believe in our abilities. We know what personal and professional moves we want and need to make to truly feel fulfilled. We may not be able to move as fast as we like, but we should keep moving. People will doubt you, people will judge you, but what do YOU say about you?

Third, the world needs more love. Period. We can't afford to turn a blind eye to things happening in our local, national, and global communities because if we do, then hate and fear will spread and multiply. The world is falling apart and our children, nieces, nephews, and their generation will suffer because of it. Reach out to someone and say hello with a smile. If they don't do it back, that's their loss. You tried! Pay for the person's food behind you at the grocery store. When someone helps you, genuinely thank them. Encourage others, spread love, and seek all things positive in the world. 

Have a great week!

-T. Amour 

Bad Day at Work? Kanye West Has Gotcha Covered

It happens to all of us. It has a way of finding us, even when we avoid the triggers. Even a positive person like me goes through it from time to time.

What is it?

A BAD DAY AT WORK. Sometimes, things just don't go your way. If you don't feel like venting about it, get in your ride and put this Kanye West song in your ears a couple times. Yeah, I know "Spaceships" is old, but its classic Kanye material!

Then, pick yourself up and get over it!! No time to waste on stupidity :)

-T. Amour

Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Sunday!

Today, focus on the amazing women in your life who are mothers or who have been like a mom to you. Don't bash your mother, don't bash your deadbeat dad, and don't bash the mother of your child. Instead, be thankful for your life and the lives around you.

Remember the mothers and grandmothers who paved the way for the freedoms you enjoy today...

With love,

-T. Amour 

The Future of Music: Sonnymoon

I have a ton of music addictions. Right now, there is no stronger addiction than the one I have recently developed for Sonnymoon.

The dynamic duo hails from Boston, Massachusetts and makes music from another planet. The genre bending, stirring, and haunting experience you will receive from their catalog is ethereal. Sonnymoon is Saturday jazz, Sunday spiritual, and Friday electrifying.

The group's vocalist, Anna Wise, possesses a vocal instrument that soothes your soul like an elixir. If you are a fan of Kendrick Lamar, you will recognize her as the prominently featured female vocalist on his 2012 album good kid, m.A.A.d city.

To find out more about Sonnymoon, like their Facebook Page here and check them out on Twitter here

And check out their single "Kali" below

Peace,

-T. Amour

Song of the Week: Tamar Braxton "The One"

Several months after Tamar Braxton finally dropped the single that changed the course of her music career, "Love And War", a long awaited follow up single was released this week.

Many have doubted her chance at matching the success of her older sister Toni, but Tamar proves that she has the vocal chops and great material to be a formidable force in today's R&B landscape.

"The One" is a feel good, mid-tempo love song with a summer ready vibe and I am loving it!

Can you recognize the sample used? 

Happy Birthday Chris Brown!

Today, one of R&B's most talented figures, Chris Brown, celebrates his 24th birthday!

Christopher Maurice Brown burst onto the music scene with his velvety voice, dynamic dancing, and schoolboy sweetness back in 2005. Since then, we have watched him rise to meteoric heights of fame and crushing personal valleys. 

Since 2009, the world has had their eyes on his every move and word. If he hasn't done anything else, he sure has been...interesting..to watch. Some are waiting patiently for him to spiral into a tabloid, drug addicted mess. Others hope that his gift of entertainment and eventual growth/maturity will bring him into a higher realm both personally and professionally.

When I look at Chris, I see past images of myself. I was young, wild, crazy, and deeply wounded inside. I can not imagine what it is like to have ALL of my bad decisions on fully display for the world to see. Even worse, I would hate to be continually condemned for the worst decision I have ever made in my life. Why? Because when I look back at that decision, I have punished MYSELF for it enough. I am sure Chris Brown feels the same way.

I am a positive person, so I wish him all the best and can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for him!

In honor of his birthday, I want to share one of my favorite Chris Brown songs, "With You"  :)

Love and Light,

-T. Amour

She's Got Next: Rochelle Jordan

Canadian artists have been dominating the American music scene in recent years with artists like Drake and the inescapable Justin Bieber. 

But, as the famous saying goes, the best is yet to come. And, Rochelle Jordan is gaining steam with her sultry vocals and unique music palate. If you wanted to draw a comparison,she has Aaliyah's cool demeanor and Jhené Aiko's intelligence and unbridled passion for authentic music.

Her last mixtape, Pressure, was released in Fall of 2012 and she has most recently been spotted as an opening act for Jessie Ware earlier this year. Although she's still relatively under the radar, Rochelle has gained buzz by doing several covers of popular songs and adding her creative twist.

Follow Rochelle on Twitter to keep up with her moves (@Rochelle_Jordan) and check out on of the many great tracks from her mixtape below.

"Make Me Wanna" is my personal favorite :)

-T. Amour 

RIP Chris Kelly from Kris Kross

Live life and enjoy it...

Chris Kelly was found dead tonight at the very young age of 34. As of right now, the cause of death is unknown. Chris was known as the "Mac Daddy" in Kris Kross. May he rest well.

As an 80s baby and 90s kid, I loved Kris Kross. His family and friends are in my thoughts.

-T. Amour