BKS1 Radio Network

Artist Review: Trey Songz

I GOTTA MAKE IT. TREY DAY. READY. PASSION, PAIN & PLEASURE. The story of Trey Songz is the classic saga of taking a dream and making the impossible possible. It is a story of determination, faith, struggle, hard work and inspiration. With each chapter, Songz has held onto the best parts of what he offered previously, while continuously raising the bar and creating original and ground-breaking, yet classic, R&B music. Songz has poured his heart and soul into each chapter, showing growth as an artist, businessman and, most importantly, a man.

CHAPTER V, the fifth studio album from the Grammy-nominated international R&B superstar, is the latest chapter in this incredible story. “Musically, it’s going to be my best album - sonically, vocally, and in respect to the songwriting,” says Songz of CHAPTER V, “it is an album that will take you many places, emotionally and sensually.”

CHAPTER V is the follow-up to the Petersburg, VA-bred singer’s 2010 RIAA Gold-Certified album, “Passion, Pain & Pleasure,” which featured the chart-topping, multi-platinum hits “Bottoms Up (feat. Nicki Minaj)” and “Can’t Be Friends.” Over the last two years, Songz, born Tremaine Neverson, has crafted a body of work that is a true testament to who he is, where he’s been and where he’s going.

Read more about Trey Songz: www.treysongz.com

Tonight’s Topic: GOD SAID "BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY" BUT NOT IN HIGH SCHOOL! We Talk About Teen Pregnancy!

What do you do when your lil girl, daddy's lil angel pops up pregnant? Are you upset? Are you disappointed? What do parents feel in that situation? If your son has 1 child but gets another girl pregnant before he is 21 do you make him forget about his aspirations to go to college and now prepare him for the workforce? Is abortion a option? How about the "shotgun wedding?" How do you keep track of the sexual activities of your teenager? Tonight we open the forum to parents and teens to talk about this situation that has gone on since man has been around. We get to it Live In The Vocal Booth!

Tonight on the Live In The Cipher Show we are reviewing an The Nicest Indie Hip Hop, Vol. 5. This compilation is compiled of various artists, with guest appearances from the likes of Styles P, Fat Joe, Joell Ortiz, Royce 5'9" and more. We have a nice mix of independent artists collaborating with established artists, hopefully we will be blessed with a solid contribution by all.  Indie hip hop artists are not signed to a Major Label, (ie Def Jam, Sony, Interscope), or are signed to an Indie label or their own independent label.

Tune in 9 pm est and give us your opinion of the indie artists that are on this compilation. Get introduced to the works of some MC's who you may have never heard of before, we need to keep the hip hop culture alive and well. Support the independent, underground artist. Tired of hearing the same 5 artists in rotation on terrestrial radio check out one of the few places to hear new artists and get  a dose of real hip hop.

Follow us on twitter @liveinthecipher and like our Facebook Fan page: Live In The Cipher Show. MC's call in 646-233-1302 and spit your hot 16, show the world what you got! Join the bks1 radio experience!

On The Next Live In The Vocal Booth Show 9/1/2012

Topic: Music Saved Me

You know when you're going through something in life and you feel as though nothing or no one can relate to your pain or give you the solution to your problems. All of a sudden you hear a song that changes your spirit and gives you hope that everything is going to be alright! That song becomes your inspiration and uplifts you every time you hear it. Tell us what song inspires you and what times has it helped pull you through.

We have performers from the Garden State Gospel Gala taking place September 9^th at Newark Symphony Hall. Joining us will be Isaac Carree, Aaron Thomas, Marcia Sapp, Carmen Brown, and “Brooklyn Mike” Mike Troy.

Call in 646-233-1302 or chat live in our interactive chat room.

Special Guest: Isaac Carree

Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Isaac Carree found his voice in the choir stand while his mother commanded the pulpit at New Beginnings Community Outreach Church. He began his career singing with John P. Kee, and in 1995 he created the gospel quartet Men of Standard with Lowell Pye, Bryan Pierce and Michael Bacon.

The group released several albums, and won two Stellar Awards for their 1998 project Feels Like Rain, which peaked at 11 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. Carree's first solo album, 2011's Uncommon Me, hit #1 on the same chart.

Special Guest: Aaron Thomas

Christian/Pop Recording Artist/Producer/Songwriter/Vocal Arranger. Singing since the age of 4. You might know him from national showcases such as Showtime at the Apollo 2002 and The Word Network "Gospel F.O.C.U.S" competition commercial headliner 2005. Graced many platforms in the Philly Tri-State area such as Music Video for Macy's Thanksgiving Parade 2005. Former Mayor John Street Mayoral Ball, Penn's Landing, Warmdaddys, NorthbyNorthwest, The Arts Garage, LUX Lounge, 10 Live, Channel 6, CLC Bookstores just to name a few.

Shared the stage with some of Gospel greats Karen Clark Sheard, Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett, Beverly Crawford, Tramaine Hawkins, Da' Truth Anointed, Vashawn Mitchell, Youthful Praise and Lonnie Hunter. He has sung background vocals for Artist in the Philly, New Jersey, Delaware Tri-State Area such as Bashir, Jameelia Drinks, Brian Pittman and Worship Unrestricted and Tiffany Brooke. Aaron has written and produced for upcoming artist from all over the U.S. Aaron Thomas is a young man wanting to go out and grab the young people and bring them to Christ.

Check out: www.aaronthomasmusic.com

Special Guest:  Rev. Marcia Sapp Salter

REV. MARCIA SAPP SALTER began her music career at the tender age of three, singing across New Jersey with her family. Since then, her ministry has taken her across the US, Europe and the Caribbean and has included partnering with such musical greats as Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, the late Reverends James Cleveland and Timothy Wright, The New Jersey Mass Choir, Lady Tramaine Hawkins and many others.

A psalmist and preacher of renown, Rev. Marcia has traveled across the globe as a psalmist, and as a preacher and facilitator at churches and conferences. Her ministry has been featured on various television outlets, including BET Gospel.

After doing undergraduate work at American University in Washington DC and receiving formal biblical training at Philadelphia Biblical University, Rev. Marcia received her ordination under Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr., Senior Pastor of The Cathedral International in Perth Amboy, NJ  and later co-founded Christ Centre, a church in St. Michael, Barbados, West Indies, under the covering of Bishop Hilliard. While in Barbados, she reached nationwide with messages of empowerment and healing, uniting with Rev. Dr. Jacqueline McCullough in her conferences.

Rev. Marcia is the proud mother of four beautiful daughters and uses her testimony to bless and encourage others. Her songs and sermons offer healing, peace and encouragement in Christ. She now serves as the Praise and Worship Leader at St. James AME Church in Newark, NJ and CEO of His Way Music and Consulting Group, which offers musical training and consulting services to churches who need structure and new energy in their music/worship departments.

Rev. Marcia recently finished a live recording for her first solo cd and is awaiting the debut. It will feature “But He Failed”, a song that encompasses her testimony and encourages the soul, currently on iTunes and Amazon.com in the MP3 Downloads section.

Special Guest: Carmen Brown

Carmen Brown demonstrates her firm commitment to Christ and spreading the gospel through her deeply soulful songs. Her vocals are strong yet beautiful and smooth mixed with an enthralling blend of R&B/ hip hop rhythms and inspiring lyrics. Her music resonates across all age groups, especially today’s youth, offering them a route to Christ.

A native of Plainfield, N.J., she began singing in churches at a very early age. By the age of 16, Carmen entered and won several state competitions and was named vocalist of the year in “Who’s Who in Music”. This gave wings to her dreams and allowed her to embark on several European tours with various gospel and non-gospel groups and productions.

Carmen is an accomplished songwriter/performer and the consummate business artist. She was the writer and featured vocalist on the triple platinum recording artist Adeva’s “Musical Freedom” released on Crysalis/Capital Records. Two of her Atlantic dance singles (released under the name Simphonia) made Billboard’s top ten charts. She graced the dance floors in the U.S. and abroad with the underground dance tune “Can’t get over your love” released on Reprise Records. She also co-wrote and performed on the song “Cutie” with her R&B/ Hip Hop singing group Raw Stilo released on A&M / DV8 records. The video had excellent rotation on Black Entertainment Television (B.E.T.) and the single reached the top 20 in Billboard magazine. In addition, she also has opened for or worked with various artist/producers including: Walter Hawkins, Vicki Winans, Usher, Faith Evans, Joe, Will Downing, Nas, The Wu-Tang Clan, Teddy Riley, Rick James, Aaron Neville, Tom Jones, and Bruce Springstein. Only to name a few.

Although she had much success in R&B and dance, Carmen felt the Holy Spirit leading her in a different direction and she answered the Lord’s call to share his message with all who will receive it. Carmen spreads love, hope, encouragement and most of all God’s word through her music ministry. Her music is a beacon of light in today’s tough times - listen and enjoy.

Special Guest: “Brooklyn Mike” Mike Troy

Let me introduce you to the only American Comedian that host a comedy show abroad in Amsterdam, Holland. Born Mike Troy in Brooklyn New York, Mike is by far one of New York’s most versatile comedians, not to mention a worldwide entertainer. Mike has performed stand-up in England, Germany, Japan, Italy, Holland and the Caribbean.

In the states he’s been seen on two seasons of the Dave Chapelle Show; The Dave Attel Show; and the Jon Stewart Show on Comedy central. He’s also appeared on Showtime at the Apollo airing on NBC-TV, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, MTV Snaps, VH1’s Hard Rock Live, Fox’s Uptown Comedy Club and the Comedy Factory in Holland. Mike's recent television appearances include BET’s Comic View and Shop Talk (cast member). He has also appeared in One Life To Live (reoccurring role), on ABC and Law and Order on NBC; and several commercials, including Lugz Urban Gear, Sprite, Heineken, McDonalds and Burger King. He has shared the comedy stage with Paul Mooney, Steve Harvey, Sinbad, Kevin Hart, Wanda Sykes and the late great George Carlin.

This global comic is known to have audiences bent over in laughter. From cruise lines to New York’s Caroline’s on Broadway. His sundry styles and wide range of topics work everywhere from the pulpit to international opera houses. And wait until you hear his unique perspective on women after growing up surrounded by 14 females. Mike has opened for several R&B and Rock performers; including Chaka Kahn, Maxwell, K.D. Lang, Phil Collins, Gladys Knight, Third World, Bob Skaggs, Bare Naked Ladies, The whispers and the OJays.

A graduate of Shaw University in Raleigh North Carolina, Mike is a humble comedian and a family man. His greatest joy is making people laugh. However his most important audience is his family, which includes his beloved daughters.

Check out: http://brooklynmike.blogspot.com/

Tonight live 11 pm et   "THE GROWN SEXY SITUATION SHOW" with guest co-host Andrea Melton. Our guests for tonight are the talented & amazing voice of Brianna Colette and Author of Ignorance Is Contagious Abdul Majid. Tonight’s topic: Single Life vs. Marriage – Why Is Marriage Losing The Fight? Chat live or call in 646-233-1302. Join the bks1 radio experience!

Special Guest: Brianna Colette

Ever wonder what a modern day soulful Billie Holiday would sound like?  Well she’s the Industry’s newest rising star Brianna Colette; while she sites Billie Holiday, Sade, Lauryn Hill and Barbara Streisand as some of her musical influences, Brianna definitely has her own unique style which is an eclectic mix of Jazz, Soul and Pop.  Often described as a Jazzy Pop singer her voice is soulful and melodic, her lyrics are catchy, intense and thought provoking.  Listening to her music her mission is simple...to transport the audience to a place they’ve never been.

This 5’9” Cajun beauty was born and raised in Nashville Tennessee and later in Northern Virginia.  Brianna is a Creole mix of French, Black, Spanish, Italian, and Cherokee Indian.  While on her rise this singer/songwriter has been featured in a number of national commercials and print ads, such as Kit Kat, Diet Pepsi & McDonalds.  Upon returning to the states after finishing a Jazz tour in Russia with renowned Pianist Daniel Kramer, she’s performed at Casa Mezcal, The Village Underground, and The Liberty Theatre for Wings Over Haiti, creating a huge buzz in the industry. Brianna’s music videos “Too Old” and “Sad To Say” are in heavy rotation on MTV-UK and BET/International and climbing the music charts in Europe, her music was also featured in a RedBull media film titled “Sugar Beat” about young Women in Extreme Sports.

When asked what her inspiration for her first single “Too Old” was, she responded “I think age is just a number, and we forget that, what is too old or too young when you really love somebody”.

More than just a singer, this Cajun Queen is looking to make her musical mark in this new era of emerging artists.

Dolphin Entertainment Management Group

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Special Guest: Abdul Majid

Abdul Majid is an experienced screen writer, talent booker and sound engineer. He has worked for "The Metro Channels" on show like "Full Frontal Fashion" "Behind the Label" and "Reservations Required and booked celebrity and musical guest for "Studio Y" and "The Daily Beat" In addition, Abdul work with shows like WE's "Style Me" Oxygen Channel's "Race Matters" A&E's "Biography" and Superbowl XXXIX. Abdul secured a film deal for his script "All in the Game" and has been a ghost writer for several prime time television shows.

James LeGrand is the author of "Evolve" an Amazon.com best seller in Religion and Spirituality, and an Expert Author with SelfGrowth.com and Ezine Articles.com. James is also a Vice President in a Fortune 500 company, a Life Strategist and a Sifu in Shaolin Kungfu, which has been known for centuries as a pathway to spiritual enlightenment.

Naughty By Nature - Anthem Inc.

Live In The Cipher team along with you the listener reviews Naughty By Nature's latest release Anthem Inc. New Jerseys own Naughty by Nature gives the hip hop world its 7th studio released album. One of the few hip hop groups that stood the test of time, fought through adversity to comeback and deliver their fans what we have long waited for. Its great to see the trio come back and give us some real hip hop. Something the industry has been missing for a while now.

Tune in 9 pm est Wednesday and join our interactive review process, where your opinion counts. MC's call in and spit your hot 16, show the world  what you got!

Special Guests:

Papa Lock

“If an artist’s value is measured by the accomplishments he or she has accrued over their career, then 15 yr. old, Sherlock Anthony p/k/a “Papalock” must be priceless…”—BET 2010

The one thing you will notice when you approach this talented teenager, is the humble disposition that exudes from him when he is asked questions about the things he has done in the “business” over the course of 5 years. The Jersey City, New Jersey native has been recording and performing since he was 10, but actually started singing at the age of 4 when his father began to notice that he had a habit of singing songs from commercials on television. Fast-forward 7 years, a chance meeting with New Edition’s Michael Bivins and the rest is history. Whether performing in front of 20,000 people at the Verizon Center for the WNBA, or doing a school tour in Oklahoma, this artist has exceeded the expectations of even his most opinionated critics. And even as other artists’ have problems dealing with becoming an entertainer, Papalock seems to embrace the challenge, as evident with his performance on BET’s “Spit yo Game”, where he was nationally spotlighted for his lyrical prowess.

In 2008 under the tutelage of FunMusicGroup, Papalock’s song “Dreamer”, was selected for the National D.A.R.E. campaign, a program that is designed for kids against drugs, he went on to perform in various capacities from city events to being the opening act for various well-known artists. In 2010, and after being courted by many major labels, Papalock was at a crossroads on what direction to take with his music. It was during this time that he was called upon for a reading of the musical “The Lion King”. Always up for a challenge, Papalock took the opportunity seriously and soon found a new love of labor… the acting bug! After seeing the potential in his onscreen presence, FunMusicGroup began filming his first film, “Rush”, over the summer of 2010. Backed by his own soundtrack, and with the enormous buzz of the first single, “Heat Babe”, children from across the globe will know, “The King of Kids”.

Next Weeks Guest: Railroad Gutta

Ray Carter, was born on December 23, 1982 in Newark, NJ (Grafton Ave. Projects). Gutta has been influenced by some of today's top rappers such as: Notorious B.I.G, Jay-Z, T.I., Beanie Sigel, THE L.O.X, & Snoop Dogg just to name a few. Gutta began rapping at the age of 14, performing at Newark Syphony Hall for a promotional showcase that he won 2nd place, two conssective times in April of 1999, editorial comments about him & his lyric's in Vibe Magazine's unsigned hype column also winning numerous Lyrical Combats & other Hip-Hop showcases airing on local cable t.v. stations. Gutta auditioned for B.E.T's very own 106 & Park Freestyle Friday and MTV's Rocafella Def Jam competition. The year 2005 was a good year for Gutta. Fed's Magazine, Universal Records had a promotional showcase at New York cities own Remote Lounge. Gutta won 1st place landing him a spot in Fed's Magazine. This experience open a lot of doors for Gutta, with the music Industry on his mind Gutta continues to stay on his grind. Working even harder, performing hit songs, writing, recording in the studio, & promoting his very own cd's throughout the streets of New Jersey. This well rounded artist is sure to become the next big thing to lead the new youth in the world of Hip-Hop. So lend Gutta your ears, let the music take control of your soul & remember RAILROAD GUTTA.

Artist Review: Tamia

For the love-starved man who craves the warmth of a good woman, Tamia’s songs ignite flames of hope that romance and love still exists. Songs like "The Way I Love You", "Too Grown For That" and "Can’t Get Enough Of You" fuse Tamia’s sinfully smothering vocal abilities with Darkchild’s signature bounce to every beat. Don’t forget the woman’s anthem of 2007, that you can hear coming out of every house window and car stereo, “Me” from Tamia’s latest album Between Friends.

Between Friends is an R&B guide to the beauty and dynamics of relationships. Mixing the writing styles of Shep Crawford, the producing finesse of Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and singer and songwriter, Tamia’s maturity as an artist, you will find imagination and fluidity resonates throughout the entire album.

Since her last album, More, Tamia is doing it all: being a supportive wife to husband NBA star Grant Hill, mother of Myla Grace and Lael.

Investing her own money, without waiting for anyone to propose a new album, Tamia created her very own record label, Plus One Music Group. Tamia has finally been able to make music she wants to create and represent the “real” Tamia. She has involved herself in every aspect of this project, putting forth an album that truly is personal and soulful.

Read more Tamia bio: www.tamiaworld.com

Tonight’s Topic:  Do You Have Faith To Overcome Obstacles?

Tonight we discuss the steps to increase your belief that you can overcome the challenges that arise in life. We will give you methods to help you tackle these obstacles with the right mindset and faith.  Chat live in our interactive chat room or call 646-233-1302 to voice your opinions.

Krs One is a legend in the hip hop game. Known as the Teacha, KRS has constantly delivered conscious hip hop to the masses. Lets see if he can continue to bring us the music we have grown to love.

Not just a hip hop artist KRS-One is a published author with the release of The Gospel of Hip Hop, and the founder of The Temple of Hip Hop. The Temple of Hip Hop is a ministry, archive, School, and Society (M.A.S.S.) founded by KRS-One. Its goal is to maintain and promote Hiphop Culture. The Temple of Hip Hop maintains that Hip Hop is a genuine political movement and culture, as it has been accepted by the United Nations as a culture. The Temple of Hiphop calls on all Hip Hop fans to celebrate Hip Hop Appreciation Week, occurring in the third week of May. It encourages DJs and MCs to teach people about the culture of Hip hop, to write more socially conscious songs, and radio stations to play more socially conscious hip hop. Hip Hop Appreciation Week is celebrated on the third week of May each year. Hip Hop History Month (November), founded by the Universal Zulu Nation, is also recognized.

The BDP Album is his 12th solo album from Krs. Join the Live In The Cipher team as we rate and review The BDP Album, where your opinion counts. MC's call in spit your hot 16 or send your songs into This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and get your song played and rated.

Tonight's Guest:

Railroad Gutta

Ray Carter, was born on December 23, 1982 in Newark, NJ (Grafton Ave. Projects). Gutta has been influenced by some of today's top rappers such as: Notorious B.I.G, Jay-Z, T.I., Beanie Sigel, THE L.O.X, & Snoop Dogg just to name a few. Gutta began rapping at the age of 14, performing at Newark Syphony Hall for a promotional showcase that he won 2nd place, two conssective times in April of 1999, editorial comments about him & his lyric's in Vibe Magazine's unsigned hype column also winning numerous Lyrical Combats & other Hip-Hop showcases airing on local cable t.v. stations. Gutta auditioned for B.E.T's very own 106 & Park Freestyle Friday and MTV's Rocafella Def Jam competition. The year 2005 was a good year for Gutta. Fed's Magazine, Universal Records had a promotional showcase at New York cities own Remote Lounge. Gutta won 1st place landing him a spot in Fed's Magazine. This experience open a lot of doors for Gutta, with the music Industry on his mind Gutta continues to stay on his grind. Working even harder, performing hit songs, writing, recording in the studio, & promoting his very own cd's throughout the streets of New Jersey. This well rounded artist is sure to become the next big thing to lead the new youth in the world of Hip-Hop. So lend Gutta your ears, let the music take control of your soul & remember RAILROAD GUTTA.

Follow us on twitter: @Liveinthecipher and like our facebook fan page: Live In The Cipher Show

LOVE, marriage and baby carriages, can we really have it all and at what cost?

We have come so far in today's world and I sometime wonder if that is a good thing or bad thing.  When it comes to Love, Marriage, Careers and of course Baby carriages what should come first?

Should we put our hopes and dreams on hold as far as careers are concerned; can WE really have it all?  If she decides (not) to have children and be a career woman will society look at her as if she has a scarlet letter on her door? This can be the same for men as well. There are many men who have decided to opt out of being a husband and a father because their careers are their babies, Is this selfish?

Let’s Talk About It!

Special Guest: Aria Lee

Aria Perez is a young Colombian-Dominican singer/songwriter based out of New York City and is the daughter of merengue legend Rubby Perez. Aria blends contemporary club, pop and dance music with a latin-flavor.

Her crossover sounds are influenced by salsa, merengue, cumbia and 90s pop and are infused with her Afro-Colombian roots to develop energetic and rhythmic dance music that can be compared to Rihanna, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Pitbull. Aria has a sexy, fun, up-tempo and eclectic vibe that resonates with Latin American, Miami and New York City nightlife.

WEBSITE: Ariaperez.com
TWITTER: @Arialee

We are back to the essence of the Live In The Cipher show. We are bringing you a couple of underground artists California's own Chuuwee and Sundown,one half of the duo Actual Proof, from Raliegh, NC. Let's see if they can bring the essence of real hip hop back.

Chuuwee Bio:

Born in San Antonio,Texas, Chuuwee has been rapping for eight years. Influenced by his mother and many great mc's like Jay-z, Outkast, UGK, and more Chuuwee blends the borders of underground, back pack hip hop and mainstream rap. During the first years of his career people tried discouraging him by saying music wasn't for him. Negativity hasn't slowed him a bit, doing shows opening for Mistah Fab, Rakim and Rymefest in Los Angeles, California if only fueling his fire. Chuuwee is becoming a well-known talent throughout Northern California. Between his love of writing, recording and releasing music, Chuuwee also enjoys to sharing his thoughts and seeing how people react to his ideas. He also likes performing and was told, If your live performance isn't any good then your music won't matter at all.

Actual Proof Bio:

Being raised in the projects, streets, or trailer parks have historically laid the foundation for dope emceeism. We now have Actual Proof that epic beats, lyrical acuity, and unique style knows no geographical limits. This duo consists of two emcees - Sundown and Enigma - raised in Raleigh, North Carolina and bred on classic soul, funk, jazz, and hip hop. Enigma was a student at N.C. Central University and the two of them would visit 9th Wonder's Hip Hop in Context course on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During a conversation after class, 9th found out they were major Talib Kweli fans and invited them to a free Kweli show in Brooklyn. “If y’all can get there, y’all can roll,” 9th told them. Sundown describes the experience as surreal: “We stood up in bassline studios, met Kweli, Buckshot, the staff at Duck Down, Marco Polo, Young Guru...” He says of 9th, “He was our hero.” Actual Proof has since rocked the stage with artists including Big Daddy Kane, Nice & Smooth, and Raekwon, and they plan to keep rocking stages, record stores, and the internet with their distinct brand of hip hop style. Enigma explains, "We’re hoping that with hard work, dedication, drive, and dope music, Actual Proof can make some noise.”

Tune in and join our interactive review process. MC's call in and spit your hot 16, don't be scared let your voice be heard. Follow us on twitter: @liveinthecipher and like our facebook fan page: Live In The Cipher.

Artist Preview: Mint Condition

Once upon a time there were great funk/R&B bands like Earth Wind & Fire, The Meters, War, Kool & The Gang, Slave, and numerous others who constantly broke down musical barriers. The musicality of these units was superior – they could rock or funk out as easily as they could move the crowd with a tenor soulful ballad. The rise of electronic music gradually undermined self-contained bands but in the 90s a dynamic young new band emerged—Mint Condition, now the greatest self-contained R&B band of our time. Anointed early on by superstar producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (formerly of the band The Time), Mint Condition does it all—delivering hard-bitten funk with a hip hop edge, rocking out with screaming lead guitar, and crooning lush, "baby-making" soul ballads.

The much sought after band, who mark their 20th Anniversary this year, has amassed a string of hits and performs hundreds of live shows each year. In the Fall of 2010 when Prince took the podium at the legendary Apollo to announce his "Welcome To America," and his plans to feature his favorite artists, it was no shock to many that Mint Condition was among them. The only band on his list that day? Mint Condition. During the month of February, TV One tapped Mint Condition as the house band seen and heard every night on the show "Way Black When," which celebrated the biggest African American stars throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s. With not one but two current hit singles on board—the sumptuous "Caught My Eye" and lead singer Stokley's duet with Kelly Price, "Not My Daddy," Mint Condition marks the 20th anniversary of its first chart hit with the release of 7  (Mint Condition’s seventh studio album) due out on Shanachie Entertainment/Caged Bird April 5, 2011.

Read more Mint Condition Bio here: www.mintconditionmusic.com

Tonight’s Topic: You Ain’t My Daddy!

You may love your wife/girlfriend or husband/boyfriend but maybe their kids don't love you! Maybe you have a problem with the way your step kids talk to your mate? Maybe you have a little "Baby Boy" running around in your life? How do you handle it? Maybe the child's biological parent who is not with your mate now is causing problems telling your spouse "He better not discipline my child! I'll do that!" How do and you handle that? Do step parents always get the respect of their step children? When is it ok to tell your mate about what you don't like about THEIR child? Tonight the Vocal Booth tackles this interesting topic with the help of the Chat rebels and ask for your opinion and stories on the call in line of (646)233 1302. join us tonight at 11pm on bks1radio.com LIVE IN THE VOCAL BOOTH!!! Where you at Jooooo-deeeee!!!!!!

Special Guest: Carl Carlton

Detroit native Carl Carlton got his start in the record business through baseball. When a neighbor yelled down from an apartment window to some kids playing baseball in vacant lot to stop playing ball and to turn that radio off, they yelled back "that ain't no radio, that's Carl!" The neighbor ran down to see where this astonishing soulful voice was coming from. Later, he took Carlton to Lando Records where he began recording in the late '60s as Little Carl Carlton. His first single was "I Love True Love." Carlton had some previous experience from singing in church and being snuck into clubs to perform for tips by his older siblings. When a later single, "Competition Ain't Nothing," started to take off in the summer of 1968, the single was picked up by Don Robey's Back Beat Records. Carlton signed with the label and moved to Houston where the label was located. It was a big change for the youngster to go from Detroit's notorious Black Bottom neighborhood to waking to fresh country air and the gentle mooing of Jersey cows on Robey's spacious ranch.

When he wasn't touring or flying around the country doing recording dates, he'd perform at Robey's club, the Duke Peacock, which was also the name of Robey's other label. During this time, Carlton worked with a then-struggling songwriting/production duo named Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, producer David Crawford (Candi Staton's "Young Hearts Run Free"), and producer/writer Bunny Sigler. Carlton scored some minor chart hits for Back Beat in the late '60s and early '70s, with "46 Drums - 1 Guitar," "Oh Mary How I Got Over," "I Can Feel It," and "Drop By My Place," which broke the R&B Top 20 and the pop Top 40. When Don Robey sold his Duke Peacock/Back Beat labels to ABC Records in 1972, a compilation album of Carlton's singles was released, You Can't Stop a Man in Love. Former Temptations David Ruffin was a friend of Carlton. After listening to one of Ruffin's albums, Carlton got excited about one song, "Everlasting Love."

Carlton wasn't aware that the song was previously a Top Ten hit for Robert Knight in 1967. In spite of the song's previous success, the first Carl Carlton single on ABC was "I Wanna Be Your Main Squeeze" with a low-key version of "Everlasting Love" on the flip. After given a more disco-friendly arrangement, "Everlasting Love," produced by Nashville's Papa Don Schroder (Bobby & James Purify's "I'm Your Puppet"), garnered Carlton his first Top Ten pop hit in 1974, peaking at number six and going to number 11 R&B. An album, Everlasting Love, produced by Bob Monaco (Rufus, Three Dog Night), was released and included two other singles, "Morning Noon and Night" and a cover of Rufus' "Smokin' Room," which gave Carlton his second pop hit. 1975 saw Carlton travelling to Philadelphia to work with producer/songwritwer Bunny Sigler.

Though the album credits the backing musicians as MFSB, the core rhythm section is Instant Funk, which was a part of MFSB and scored a million-seller four years later with "I Got My Mind Made Up." The resultant album, I Wanna Be With You, is generally regarded as Carlton's best album. Carlton's vocals are much more relaxed and supple than on the Everlasting Love album. Despite good reviews in Right On magazine and the release of three singles, "Ain't Been No One Before You" (released January 1976), "Ain't Gonna Tell Nobody (About You) (charted the summer of 1976), and "Live for Today, Not for Tomorrow" (released late winter 1976), the album weakly charted. Some believe that it had to do with the royalty dispute that Carlton was involved in with ABC at the time. For a year and a half, Carlton had to wait until his contract with ABC lapsed until he could do anymore recording. He resurfaced in late 1977 with a Mercury single, "You You," a lovely lush ballad produced by the Dramatics' L.J. Reynolds along with the group's musical director John Brinson. On the flip was a funky blues number called "Something's Wrong." There were two other tracks recorded, but they were never released. With a lot of time on his hands, Carlton got into fitness. Weightlifting and jogging appealed to him and he found a workout partner in boxer Thomas "Hitman" Hearns. Carlton continued to perform around Detroit. Many people in the music business promised to work with Carlton, but the only one to come through was veteran soul singer Leon Haywood.

He flew Carlton to California and worked with him in his recording studio. Getting him a singles deal with the label that he was signed to, 20th Century, Haywood produced a cover of his own "This Feeling's Rated Xtra" with a James Ingram tune, "Fighting in ihe Name of Love" on the B-side. It charted briefly, doing well enough for 20th Century to release the next single, "She's a Bad Mama Jama." "She's a Bad Mama Jama" earned Carlton a gold record in 1981, staying at number two for eight weeks straight, kept out of the number one spot by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie's "Endless Love." An album, Carl Carlton, was released with a front cover of a shirtless Carlton showing off his chiseled physique. The album went gold also. Such success afforded Carlton the opportunity to appear on such top-rated TV shows as Solid Gold, Soul Train, and American Bandstand and to tour major venues doing some dates with Rick James. The next single was "I Think It's Gonna Be Alright," a gentle acoustic guitar-laced ballad that briefly charted. Various rappers have rapped over "She's a Bad Mama Jama" in later years. His next album was The Bad CC (RCA), which included a catchy synth-heavy cover of the Four Tops' "Baby I Need Your Loving." Produced by David Rubinson and Friends, it features one of the last performances by Sylvester sideman/synth wizard Patrick Cowley.

The single did good in the U.S. and was a Top Ten hit in Australia. "Everyone Can Be a Star" was the flip side of "...Loving." It was co-written by Carlton and Gavin Christopher and may be Carlton's most autobiographical song. 1986 saw the release of Carlton's sixth album, Private Property (Casablanca). It is safe to say that Carlton wanted and needed a hit. So one can probably excuse the title track and first single for being a "Mama Jama" clone. It did the trick, landing in the upper half of the R&B charts. The same can be said for the follow-up, "Slipped, Tripped and Fall in Love." But the album shouldn't be overlooked because of this. It's one of the last albums produced by Memphis hitmaker Allen Jones with able backing from his main band, the Barkays.

There's a sweet cover of Ben E. King's "Stand By Me." Sam Dees produces the unique "Mama's Boy," and his heart-tugging ballad "Never Got Over You" has to be one of the best things Carlton has ever recorded. Dropped from the Casablanca roster, Carlton started working with Leon Haywood again in 1994, releasing a single, "Rock N Roll" b/w "Main Event."Give Carlton self-admitted fault of "going for the cash" and signing bad contracts, the lyrics of "Main Event" seem appropriate: "Obstacles have come at me/although somehow I've overcome/I can see the prize just waiting there/so through the maze of life I run I run/I fight each battle round by round/maintain my quest for higher ground." An album, Main Event, was released later that year.