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Futcha Steele Steals the Edge

Futcha Steele is one of Brooklyn’s finest in the rhythm and blues category. Discover him before it’s too late!" No Lies" is a great song because the harmonies really carry the song and make it have layers. “Bye Bye” is a song in which the energy is pumped up just a bit while; “Show Me How to Love You” takes things back to a nice and slow pace. “I’ll Never Let Go” would be the perfect song for a wedding – especially the first dance. It’s clear in the title and the reoccurring line in song that it’d be perfect for that first embrace as lifetime partners. The whole time Futcha Steele has had his own style, but you can’t help but hear and compare him to R. Kelly’s smoothness in “Shifting in the Atmosphere.” If you’re into R&B like that, then you have to do yourself a favor and check out Futcha Steele.

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Mr.zay Croons His Way Up

You don’t hear about a lot of R&B crooners coming out of Ohio. That is until now thanks to Mr.zay. “It Feels Good” starts out nice and never stops being that way. It’s got this sweetness to it that’ll make listeners smile in an instant. “What Would Happen” slows things down compared to “It Feels Good.” The vocals are still on point, but this one’s not as upbeat and airy as the last. “One Soul” will remind audiences of R&B that came from the likes of Babyface; smooth but ready for the mainstream. It’s not this overbearing sense of soul, but just enough to make the music sail easily from one end to the other. “Try to Love Again” picks things back up. This is more of a fun atmosphere in this one. It gets a little serious with “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me.” It’s a serious conversation topic made easier when put to song. Mr.zay is recommended for those who like everyone from Brian McKnight to Ne-Yo. (https://soundcloud.com/bmrzay)

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4rmdajournal inc. and Their Throwback

4rmdajournal inc. creates cool with their music. “You’re Welcome” has a good, laid back beat and the vocals are smooth. You can’t help but nod your head along to it. While some songs done in this manner can be a bit slow, this one is hyped just a bit with a pinch of swag that carries it to another level. It’s reminiscent of some of the best R&B to come out of the mid-90’s when it had this really cool feel about it; Mary J. Blige like. If that’s the scene you like, check out 4rmdajournal inc’s “You’re Welcome” and don’t forget to give it a vote too. (https://coast2coastmixtapes.com/audiodetail.aspx?audioid=298815)

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Steve Fritz's Many Sides of Life

Steve Fritz is a man of many styles and it pays off because that makes him a Jack of all sounds. “Under the Surface” taps into the emotions of its listeners with its soft delivery and the lyrical content. “Fallen Short” gives you another side of Steve, a more America rock side ala Tom Petty. “I’ve Been Feeling You” offers up another side of this guy. It’s like he’s a Dungeons and Dragons die; too many sides to keep track of. This time around he’s got a slight 80’s vibe going on; almost getting into industrial – but not quite. “Don’t Taunt My Soul” is still sitting in the 80’s, but has more of a dark club feel. “Going a Little Crazy” takes us out of the decade that gave us Trapper Keepers and Madonna and takes us to the south. This is where Steve lets his hair down and does it like a Country boy. It doesn’t matter what kind of music you like, because it’s likely Steve Fritz has it in his catalogue. So there’s no denying him, check him out. (https://soundcloud.com/steve-fritz)

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*Artex* Rocks Through It All

*Artex* has been through a lot with the constant being Lee Flores. Through the ups and downs, he’s managed to create music along the way. “Betrayal of a Lover (Acoustic)” compared to the original is just a bit softer, but you can still here the rock come out. “Endless Thoughts & Weightless Memories (Acoustic)” is another one where you can still tell it’s a rocker singing due to the grit in the vocals and the pinch of anger heard in the delivery. “Wait 4 U” straddles the line of going for it and teeters between a song that could break your face with noise or one that might just loosen you up. I’d like to hear it a bit more amped up. “Alone-n-a-Box” has some thrashing qualities and really gives you a 90’s alternative vibe, while “Untold” does the same along with “One Night.” The strength of *Artex* comes from their alternative ways and ability to still be a rock band even when he takes it easy. If you like bands like Breaking Benjamin and 12 Stones, you may want to check out *Artex*. (https://www.reverbnation.com/leeflores)

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Cecily's Voice Will Take Her Above and Beyond

Cecily is a talented vocalist out of Washington D.C. who dazzles with her pipes. “Heaven In Your Eyes” featuring Tabi Bonney is a fun and light R&B song that is reminiscent of early Brandy. Then prayers are answered and she gives a strong and bold acapella performance with “Too Much.” The one thing you need in R&B is the ability to tear down walls with your range and emotion. Cecily has that. Even with “Used To Being” she’s able to capture spirits with her over joyous performance. If you’re a fan of true R&B that is all about the voice, then check out Cecily. (https://soundcloud.com/cecily-music)

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HighDiamond Make Dance Floors Pop

HighDiamond is a pop duo that’s all about having a good time. “Broken” is a party song. You put it on to sing along with your friends in karaoke style. The girls provide a good vocal performance that’s surrounded by a beat that will make even the shyest dance. “Just Like That” is more or less the same, but this one is more about the dance aspect. It reminds me of when Britney went through the “Gimme More” transformation and was more about creating great club songs that could translate to the Top 40 scene. If you’re a fan of groups like Icona Pop, check out HighDiamond. (https://www.high-diamond.com/)

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Brian Allen Spreads The Gospel

Brian Allen brings his faith to the forefront from Marion, North Caroline. There he spends time at the Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church helping to share the Gospel and bring light to the world through his music. “Freedom” is an upbeat song that doesn’t really sound like a traditional song of worship. It’s got a hip feel to it and the country rock vibe helps it crossover well. “God Made A Way” slows things down with this very soft intro that helps easy in Brian Allen’s vocals that are just as tender but will prove to have a strong impact on listeners as the lyrics are touching. If you’re a believer and music lover, check out Brian Allen. (https://www.brianallenmusic.com/)