​The 7th Annual Black Music Honors' highly-anticipated celebration of trailblazing music legends with exciting performances and must-watch moments is airing nationally on Bounce TV Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM during Black Music Month. The television special is energetically infused with the comedic and fashionable synergy of electrifying co-hosts Two-Time GRAMMY Winner LeToya Luckett and Comedian DeRay Davis.

The 2022 Black Music Honors honorees displayed the excellence of Black music culture as they were commemorated by knockout performances that took them on a nostalgic journey down memory lane with anthems that shook the airwaves and raised them to stardom. The long-awaited reunions of Kid N’ Play and Dru Hill manifested on the Black Music Honors Stage. The legendary groups didn’t miss a beat and had the crowd partying like it was the 1990’s.

​Other music icons honored were Dynamic Gospel Duo Mary Mary who invited fans to worship and turn up at the same time; GRAMMY Winning Singer-Songwriter Keri Hilson for her pop sensibility and swag as a songwriter; and Five-Time GRAMMY Nominee Tevin Campbell who was honored with the R&B Icon Award. For their nearly six-decade career, The Whispers took home the Legends Award and Soulful Singer Jerry Butler was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his secular harmonies as the lead singer of the 1960’s group The Impressions.

​Honoree performances kicked off with powerhouse vocalists Tasha Page-Lockhart and Crystal Aikin who delivered a shoe-throwing worthy rendition of Mary Mary’s “Yesterday” followed by an energetic, crowd-rocking performance of “Shackles'' from sister starlets Ahjah and Rhea Walls. Songster Eric Roberson serenaded Jerry Butler’s “For Your Precious Love” with a smooth, doo-wap ensemble while music artists Jade Novah, Zonnique and Dondria Nicole turned up the heat with edgy performances of Keri Hilson’s “Pretty Girl Rock,” “Knock You Down,” and “Turnin Me On.”

​Crooners Eric Bellinger and Avery Wilson lended their smooth, buttery vocals to honor music veteran Tevin Campbell by performing “I’m Ready” and the viral hit “Can We Talk.” Teen Prodigy Keedron Bryant also honored Campbell with his own rendition. Other performers who graced the stage with Twitter-worthy performances include Carl Thomas, Kevin Ross, Amber Riley, Sheléa and more who delivered unforgettable performances.

Singer/Songwriter, Dionne Farris, speaks with Jermaine Sain of When We Speak TV during the 2022 Black Music Honors.  

​Black Music Honors celebrates legendary artists and institutions making a significant impact in African American Music.

The 7th annual Black Music Honors is hosted by Letoya Luckett and Deray Davis, honoring Dru Hill, Tevin Campbell, Mary Mary, Karyn White, Keri Hilson, and The Whispers. 

​MNRK Music Group, announces the signing of GRAMMY, Soul Train, & 7x NAACP Image Award-nominated triple-threat, MAJOR. Affectionately known as “Mr. Why I Love You,” MAJOR., returns to his roots with his Urban Inspirational single debut, a reimagined version of the classic, “Whole World In His Hands.” The new single will be available everywhere music is sold and streamed on Friday, June 3rd exclusively via MNRK Music Group. 

​There is a meaning behind his birth name MAJOR. (spelled with all caps and a period at the end) but even more purpose behind his music. The multi-faceted singer delivers a soulful-pop sound to the new age. MAJOR.'s distinct voice and cool presence gives birth to an aura that he exudes from the inside out. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, he has a message of hope and inspiration to aspiring young artists.
 
As both Stevie Wonder & Patti LaBelle projected - lovers from everywhere have commissioned MAJORs.’ debut breakout ballad, “Why I Love You,” to soundtrack their greatest love stories - thus making the song reach Platinum status. 

​Follow MAJOR. on social media using the handle @NowThatsMajor; MAJORs.’ new single, “Whole World In His Hands” will be available everywhere music is sold and streamed on Friday, June 3rd exclusively via MNRK Music Group.

KEYWORDS
songs by MAJOR. - this is why i love you - why i love you by MAJOR. - whole world in his hands - NAACP Image Award - MNRK Music Group - Jermaine Sain - When We Speak TV - Speak TV - new music by singer MAJOR. - now thats major - nowthatsmajor - MAJOR. the singer

​When We Speak TV cordially invites you to the City of Norcross, Georgia, for the 2022 Jazz In The Alley concert series.

Held in historic Norcross, Georgia, (Betty Mauldin Park), Jazz In the Alley has an upward attendance of 1,000. 
Did we mention that it's FREE? 
That's RIGHT!
Thanks to generous sponsors:  City of Norcross, Peachtree Awnings, MikTu Naturals, Krush by Jai, When We Speak TV, and Elite Behavioral Medicine.

For more information and updates, follow Jazz In The Alley and When We Speak TV on all social media platforms.

​GRAMMY® Award-winning artist and songwriter Brandon Lake releases his latest full-length album, HELP!, on May 13th, 2022.
This timely collection of songs depicts Lake’s heart cry in the battle against depression, anxiety, loneliness, and other mental health struggles—acting as a declarative prayer amidst the processing of his personal emotions.
Available now, is the EP's lead single, "HELP."

​HELP features the voices of JUDAH, Chandler Moore, Amanda Cook, and his sons Blaise and Beau, this album is infused with the healing honey of raw honesty and authenticity—while serving as a resounding “me too” in response to anyone who is wrestling with thoughts that are not from God. Juxtaposing roars of declaration with songs that invite the heart into intimate worship, one of the messages carried out by this album is that perspective is everything. Whatever the devil meant for bad can be redeemed by the Lord for good. At a time when mental health is at an all-time low, Lake’s desire is to remind others that they’re not alone in their battles. There’s freedom and power behind the word, “help.”

Follow Brandon Lake on social media using the handle @BrandonLake.

We are true fanatics of the Tyler Perry drama series, Ruthless, on BET+, so when the opportunity presented itself for us to speak with the cast of Tyler Perry's Ruthless, there was no way we were going to pass it up.  During our conversation, Blue Kimble, shares his anxieties from season 1 of portraying the role of Andrew, as well as shooting with Tyler Perry.

Kimble also contines to say that after about the second day of shooting Tyler let's you know that you're "killing it and doing it right".

​Season 3 picks up with even more drama, jealousy, and deception as The Highest plans to grow the Rakudushis cult. While a growing number of his flock are trying to escape paradise, the FBI infiltrates the cult. Bodies begin to pile up in the pursuit of all of the deserters and agents are jeopardized. All the while, Ruth tries to gain power in the compound, with her number one mission being to get Marva out of power.

“Tyler Perry’s Ruthless” stars returning cast Melissa Williams, Matt Cedeño, Lenny D. Thomas, Baadja Lyne, Blue Kimble, Colin McCalla, Stevie Baggs, Jr., Alise Willis, Michelle Nuñez, and Samantha Thomas.

This season, new cast members joining the series, include Josh Adeyeye and Nadège Augu. The one-hour drama will drop three episodes on its premiere date, with new episodes launching every Thursday exclusively on BET+.

​Urban One announced the superstar group of honorees for the upcoming URBAN ONE HONORS including Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Lifetime Achievement; Timbaland, Music Innovation; Gamble and Huff, Living Legends; Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Inspirational Impact; and Oscar, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Jennifer Hudson, Entertainment Icon. 

Hosted by Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Ne-Yo, the two-hour telecast premieres Monday, January 17, 2022, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, at 8/7c, on TV One and Cleo TV, a division of Urban One.

​URBAN ONE HONORS is presented by TV One and Radio One's Washington D.C. market's cluster of radio stations: Majic 102.3 and 92.7, WKYS 93.9, Praise 104.1, WOL 1450 & 95.9, and Spirit 1340. The televised event heralds the accomplishments of individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in entertainment, media, music, education, and the community.

​The 30th Anniversary Bounce Trumpet Awards has been rescheduled for April 23, 2022, at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood and will air on Juneteenth, Sunday, June 19, at 7 p.m. ET.

Produced by Magic Lemonade Production Company, the gala event will be televised on Bounce, the nation’s popular entertainment television network serving African Americans.
The event was rescheduled from January because of COVID-19 concerns.

​On January 17, the Bounce Trumpet Awards returns for its 30th anniversary, celebrating the best in African American excellence and achievement. A beacon to inspire, enlighten and raise the human spirit to its highest potential, the Bounce Trumpet Awards recognizes Black humanitarians who have succeeded against immense odds and augment the richness of our society by striving for the justice and equality of all.

The gala event will take place at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Saturday, Jan. 15.

Among the special guests paying tribute to this year’s honorees are Wendell Pierce, Sanaa Lathan, JB Smoove, and Tamron Hall.
​Musical performers and more presenters will be announced soon. 

About the Trumpet Awards
The Bounce Trumpet Awards were conceived to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of African Americans and those who have succeeded against great odds and inspired success in others. Founded in 1992 by American Civil Rights leader Xernona Clayton, The Trumpet Awards were acquired by Bounce in 2016. The list of prestigious honorees includes Muhammad Ali, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry, Stevie Wonder, The African American Women of the U.S. Congress, Steve Harvey, Martin Luther King, III, Janelle Monáe and Spike Lee. For more information about past honorees, presenters, performers and information about The Bounce Trumpet Awards visit here. 

ABOUT NELSON RAMOS
​(from sonjazzy.com)​
I was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico, on the Caribbean side of the Island. I come from a family of distinguished musicians, to include my Grandfather who was a master luthier. My musical journey started by observing my uncle’s orchestra, and playing and studying percussion instruments since the age of 5, to include drums, congas, bongos and timbales. My first live performance was at the age 7 with My Uncle's Salsa Orchestra at the Fiestas Patronales de Guayama, Puerto Rico. In 1974 my Father moved us to Atlanta, GA where I continued to play drums and percussion instruments. In June 1979, I graduated High School in Atlanta from Sylvan Hills High School. In 1980 I joined the military and traveled to Europe, and returned back to Puerto Rico in 1983, where I started to study and play guitar and piano with local salsa bands. I left Puerto Rico in July 1985 and moved back to Atlanta, GA and started to study and learn jazz guitar and piano with musical instruction and mentors such as Bill Brannon, Felix Febles, Jazz Organist Joshua Seabrook, percussionist Skip Burney, and drummer Steve Ellington. I started to play regular jazz gigs with local jazz groups, attending jam sessions, studying, performing and collaborating with jazz musicians and groups in the Atlanta area. In July 1991, I organized, recorded South Side Trio, and performed in the 1992 Atlanta Jazz Festival at Grant Park. The Southside Trio was an organ, guitar and drum jazz trio, selected among many local groups to perform in the 1992 Atlanta Jazz Festival. We had the privilege and honor of performing on the same stage where Horace Silver, Carter Jefferson, and Freddie Hubbard performed.

In 1995, I went back in the service and studied piano at the U.S. School of Music at Little Creek Naval Installation in Virginia Beach, VA. I continued the John Mehegan Piano Jazz studies program (1) Jazz Improvisation Tonal and Rhythmic Principles, (2) Jazz Rhythm and the Improvised Line, (3) Swing and Early Progressive Piano Styles, (4) Contemporary Jazz Piano Styles. I was later stationed in Kobe Barracks, Panama, where I performed for local dignitaries, and performed for the Southern Command’s activities for General Wesley Clark. In addition, I performed for Panama’s premier female jazz vocalist Ms. Barbara Wilson. I played with members of Panamanian National Band, and performed weekly at Las Bovedas Restaurant in the French Quarters of Panama City, Ciudad Panama. In 1997 I moved to San Antonio, Texas where I played with: Luis Shati Orchestra, El Combo Rican Orchestra, Orchestra Tropicana, and Orchestra Esencia Latina, backing the best salsa singers such as El Cano Estremera, Luisito Carrion, Albita, Paquito Guzman, and many others. In June 2001 I moved back to Puerto Rico where I performed with my Uncle’s Orchestra, “Orquesta La Grande”. In June 2004, I moved to New Orleans, LA where I played with Blues singer Jimmy Hicks, Ashe Son, Freddie Omar, and many other local jazz and Latin Jazz groups. Performed weekly at Tippitinas’s, Harrah's Casino New Orleans, and Café Brazil in the French Quarter. Performed in the 2006 French Quarter Festival with Asheson, at the 2007 New Orleans Jazz Festival with Ashe Son Cuban Group, and Freddie Omar’s Salsa Band.

From June 2006 to June 2008, I moved to Baltimore, MD were I performed with local bands in Baltimore, and D.C., and performed piano at the Barrack Obama Mambo Inauguration "Mambo" party with Ted David and his Orquesta “La Leyenda” out of Washington, D.C. I recently performed at the 2015 French Quarter Festival with Fredy Omar Con Su Banda. I am currently living and working in Roswell, GA where I lead and direct Son Jazzy Orchestra and perform with other Jazz and Latin groups in the City of Atlanta, Georgia and Southeast United States. Son Jazzy has performed at several venues in the Atlanta Metro area to include Our Place Cafe & Bakery, Churchill Grounds, Loca Luna Restaurant, the Sweet Auburn Festivals, Johnny's Bistro and Pizza, and the Atlanta International Jazz Festival May 2012, New Orleans French Quarter Festival 2015, New Orleans Cervantes International Guitar Festival 2016, City of San Juan, Puerto Rico Adoquin Jazz nights, May 2016. I am also a United States Army Gulf and Iraq War Veteran. I served for over 25 years, and served in leadership positions for over 20 years. 

It's time for another When We Speak TV update.....and this time it's about our friend Speech Thomas of the Grammy winning hip hop group, Arrested Development!  If you don't know, Speech is a previous When We Speak guest.  We also spoke with Speech and Arrested Development at Black Music Honors a few years back.

But back to the reason for the post.... Arrested Development has released a new album called, For The FKN Love, which is definitely bringing a positive balance to hip hop.  
We are super excited because the album also features other great artists like Dee-1, Tony Momrelle, and Tasha Larae, that we have had the pleasure of speaking with in the past. 
It's always a great joy to see such great and positive people collaborating together!!!
Other artists joining Arrested Development on For The FKN Love, includes Big Daddy Kane, Configa, Monie Love, Fatman Scoop, Masta Ace, MRK SX, Freddie Foxxx, Cleveland P Jones, and more. 

1.      Yes Always
          featuring Configa & Dee-1
2.      Building from the Bottom
          featuring Configa, 1 Love, 4-IZE
3.      Never Had Your Back
           featuring Configa & Ke'Andra
4.      Swing Um
           featuring Configa, Fatman Scoop, Masta Ace, Dell-P
5.      Thank You
           featuring Configa, Tony Momrelle, Monie Love
6.      Bout It
           featuring Configa, MRK SX, Jahah, Alex Jones
7.      UNI(TY)
           featuring Clint Taylor
8.      I Don't Care
           featuring Configa
9.      Do It Up
           featuring Cris Acosta
10.     Where Lions Roam
           featuring Cris Acosta
11.      We Are Not in Kansas
           featuring Configa & Freddie Foxxx
12.      Be Refreshed
           featuring Configa, 1 Love, Twan Mack
13.      Grandma's Southern Ways
           featuring Configa, G. Love, Lish Speaks
14.      We Feeling it All
           featuring Twisted Royalty
15.      VIBE
           featuring Configa, Big Daddy Kane, Cleveland P. Jones, Tasha LaRae
16.      I Want U 2 Make It
           featuring Configa & KXNG CROOKED
17.      Have Your Moment
          featuring Configa, 1 Love, Sugarhill Gang