BKS1 Radio Network

Ending It All

It's the most haunting news you'll ever hear, and unfortunately we've all heard it before.  Someone has committed suicide.  Tonight, we're tackling an issue most shows won't even touch.  When someone takes their own life, the questions as to why stop you in your tracks.  What kind of pain can drive someone to take their own lives?  Why didn't they reach out to someone for help?  How do you pick up the broken pieces and carry on?

Join us as we have a heart-to-heart about losing loved ones who couldn't defeat their demons.  We will discuss how depression can drive someone to a choice they feel is the only way to escape their inner turmoil. We'll also learn how the statistics stack up demographically in our society when it comes to suicide.  Does it affect one race, gender, or age group over another?  Listen in as we talk to family and friends who have been left behind in the aftermath of such a devastating loss.  Most importantly, share your own stories of how suicide has affected your life.  Are you contemplating ending it all?  While you may be hurting, we want to help.   Tonight on "Live in the Vocal Booth".

Call 646-233-1302 with your thoughts, opinions or tell us if you have battled through these issues or currently battling with them. Your story and experience may help out someone who is going through them. Join the BKS1 Radio experience! Like our Facebook fan page: Best Kept Secrets Entertainment and follow us on twitter: @bks1radioent

Musical Guest: Thurston Ray

Smooth, soulful, and jazzy are a few words that may describe the musical style of singer-songwriter, Thurston Ray. It may also be described as romantic, optimistic, and uniquely familiar. However it’s described, the Thurston Ray sound has been crafted to take the listener on a journey through emotions, melodies, and sweet inspiration. Thurston Ray is a Brooklyn, NY bass baritone vocalist who blends groovy soul music, jazzy vocals, and messages about real life and love.

Thurston Ray, originally born Timothy Thurston, got his start while growing up in the small town of Montross, VA. From the beginning, Thurston always had a love for the arts, whether drawing, writing, or singing. And growing up in a family rooted in gospel music helped to develop an ear for music and melodies at an early age. Somewhere in the midst of the music, Thurston started writing and reciting poetry as an outlet for creativity in churches, schools, and talent showcases.

After moving to Norfolk, VA to attend Old Dominion University, Thurston gained a name for himself in Virginia’s underground spoken word community as a spoken word artist. Under the stage name ShakespeareBlak, two albums were released. “From Dust” was released in 2003 with the help of a local independent record label, TMS Records. A single from the project, “Harmony”, was later featured on the Compilation CD “Fusion: A Blend of Poetry and Music” which was released through GPM Records-Malaco Music Group in 2005. Also during the same year, “The Mind…The Melody” was released independently and featured a cappella vocal melodies and spoken word. Although neither album gained major commercial success, Thurston was simply satisfied with sharing his gift and touching people through song and poetry.

Today, after years of quiet growth and focus, Thurston Ray is poised to step back into the music scene with more maturity and confidence. Relocation, rededication, and of course time were needed for this moment. Years were spent simply writing songs in his small Brooklyn apartment, and Thurston knew that one day he’d be delivering his music to new audiences. “I didn’t know how it would all come together,” Thurston stated. “I just knew that I had to write, and do what I could with the gift I had.” During this quiet hiatus, the majority of Thurston’s latest project was written. So once Thurston found the producer and place to record, a studio mysteriously located one block away from his apartment, there was an abundance of creativity waiting to be manifested. It was at this studio that Thurston Ray joined forces with producer Matthew “Matlock” Robinson. Together they created a jazzy Soul and R&B sound fused with catchy, sing-a-long hooks and bob-your-head bass lines.

Thurston Ray’s sound and messages are made to stand as a soundtrack to the ups and downs of anyone’s love and life. It marks life’s imperfect journey and reflects on its fresh new beginnings. For everyday is a new beginning. This is the start or restart of something special, something real. This is Thurston Ray.

Check out more on Thurston Ray at www.thurstonray.com

"So God Created Man, And It Was Good!!!" Because you demanded it we brought it back!! THE MAN SHOW PT 2!!! Part 1 was one of the highest rated shows on bks1radio ever! An all man panel answered your questions HONESTLY about Men! Why we do what we do, why we cheat, How we feel about one night stands, What goes on in bachelor parties, How we feel about women with babies, What's more important to us our money or our women, and anything else about the #1 gender on the earth, THE MAN!!(little shot at the ladies)

Join us as we go on to Part 2 IN THE MAN CAVE @ 11 pm on bks1radio.com join our chat or call in 646-233-1302!!! Tell your lady you got MAN THINGS TO HANDLE TONIGHT on bks1radio.com

Artist Review: Bilal

If there was one R&B artist for whom the neo-soul categorization seemed limiting, it was Philadelphia native Bilal. None of his recordings resembled the sycophantic worship of soul artists who thrived in the '60 and '70s, and it wasn't just because his voice -- classically trained, capable of singing opera in seven languages -- was so unique. While some inspirations were detectable, his recordings were wholly modern and became increasingly creative.

His individuality led to being dropped from a major label, and he went several years without releasing any solo material. Through evangelism from his peers and word of mouth from his early fans, Bilal gained an insatiable following and was supported by sympathetic independent labels, where he was finally able to thrive creatively.

Bilal Sayeed Oliver came up in Germantown, a northwest neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A deep interest in jazz was fostered by his father, who took him to the city's clubs. Singing eventually became more than an interest. He attended New York's New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, where he received voice training, as well as training in jazz and big-band arrangements.

Grenique's Black Butterfly, a 1999 release on Motown, was the first major album to feature Bilal's vocals; he contributed to three songs. The following year, he established a deep connection to hip-hop by appearing on Common's Like Water for Chocolate and Guru's third Jazzmatazz album. These recordings led him into the Soulquarians, a rotating collective of collaborators who included Common, Jay Dee (aka J Dilla), the Roots' Ahmir Thompson, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Q-Tip, and Raphael Saadiq within its ranks.

Read more Bilal bio: www.allmusic.com/artist/bilal

Tonight Topic: Do You Love Me or What I Do for You?

How do you know if someone's love for you is sincere? A lot of people with kind hearts get taking advantage of and they don’t even know it.  People can deceive you into believing it’s all about you, but really there is an underlying motive.   How do you spot a snake who poses as a caring friend or lover?  When do you know if it’s okay to let your guard down?  How do you know if you are being loved by a real friend or used by a cut throat conniver!   Join us “Live in the Vocal Booth” Jump in chat or call in 646-233-1302

Artist Review: Lady

All you have to do is listen to Lady once, and you’ll remember—in case you forgot—why they call it soul music. The honesty, the aching sweetness, the raw power of these singers and their songs will remind you that nothing can move you as much, or touch you as deeply, as two women with amazing voices singing in tight harmony.

Lady is the name of the group and of their first recording—the latest from Truth & Soul. Together Nicole Wray and Terri Walker make music that sounds a little like the songs your Mama loved best—and at the same time like nothing you’ve ever heard before.

Nicole, who’s from Atlanta and Terri, from England, met in New York City in 2009 and realized that their love of soul classics and the hip-hop of today would make for a new kind of record. They linked up with producers Leon Michels and Jeff Silverman, whose lushly-orchestrated, beat-heavy songs have showcased artists such as Adele, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Aloe Blacc, and Lee Fields.

Terri Walker has released four hit albums in the United Kingdom. Her debut was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize. Nicole Wray’s debut single, “Make It Hot,” was certified gold. She has been featured on singles by Missy Elliott, Cam’ron, the Black Keys, Kid Cudi, and many others.

Lady, Nicole and Terri’s first project together, unites the mellowness and pop flair of 60s soul with the driving beat of hop-hop, and the silky rhythms of modern R&B. These two powerful voices harmonize to create a fresh sound that tells the stories of growing up and never giving up, of love and friendship, of yearning and losing, bad girls and good hearts.

Lady is an authentic original, drawing from the past to infuse the present with new power. In one of the album’s most touching songs, “Sweet Lady”, a loving tribute to their moms and to strong women everywhere, they sing, “Take my hat off to my mother, / such a sweet lady. / There will never be another one like you.”

Prepare to take your hat off to Lady. Get ready to fall in love. There has never been, there will never be, anything like it before.

Follow Lady on Facebook and Twitter.

Read More about Lady: http://truthandsoulrecords.com/artists/lady/

Topic: Is The Pressure of Being a "Man" Killing Our Men?

Tonight on BKS1RADIO.com  Is the pressure of being a "MAN" killing our men? Living up to the status of husband,father, provider, head of household can be a stressful burden to hold. Women are less supportive and tolerant as they used to be. The laws are pro woman anti man when it comes to alimony and divorce.

You lose your job all fingers point at you to make it happen, men are dying from stress and stroke and people wonder why? What is the woman's role in this situation, what is a man to do? Love to hear you thoughts Live in the Vocal Booth!

TONIGHT ON bks1radio.com at 10pm est "Has the spiritual righteous man/woman gotten too critical and judgmental for the unrighteous man/woman?" No matter what religious belief you have there was once a time when the pressures of the world came down on you, you could seek comfort and guidance in going to a church, mosque, kingdom hall etc to reestablish a link for inner peace.

Today, though in a lot of these spiritual dwellings there is a pressure amongst members to live a certain way according to their interpretation of that religion. Are the righteous chasing away the unrighteous from God? If God is love why are we so critical and hard on those who are new to that way of life? If I eat pork can I still study Islam? If I have a drink on occasion will I burn in hell for eternity? If I forget 1 day of the Passover will I not be Jewish? In these days of such hate and anger what can be done to embrace the lost instead of pushing them away?

Let's discuss this tonight in the vocal booth!!! Call in 646 233 1302. We are rating and reviewing  gospel artist William Murphy and his new project "God Chaser" also in studio guest the smooth singing E-Bland! Also special guest Phil Gates will be joining the vocal booth team to discuss his upcoming projects.

Artist Review: William Murphy III

Most gospel music fans know the smash hit “Praise Is What I Do”—the title track from Shekinah Glory Ministries’ 2002 gold-selling album—much better than they do the name of its writer, William Murphy. But that is about to change, and in bold and dramatic fashion.

With the release of William’s own label debut album, The Sound, the world can now hear the amazing voice and deeply moving songs of a young man who already is one of the brightest lights in the firmament of contemporary praise & worship music.

Possessing a voice that is nothing short of stunning, in range and dynamics, and with seasoned hit-makers flare for instantly accessible, engaging and unforgettable words and music, William makes music that crosses all lines of age, creed and color. William Murphy makes for the masses, and The Sound is the calling card introducing one of the most formidable talents in contemporary music.

Recorded live before a vocally enthused and inspired audience, The Sound runs a gamut of musical influences from modern gospel, urban, R&B, rock and pop, all drawn together into a brilliant and original combination that defies easy, preexisting categories. Don’t bother with labels. Just call it William Murphy, and be prepared to be amazed.

Read more William Murphy III bio: www.newreleasetuesday.com

Special Guest: Elijah Bland

ELIJAH BLAND brings a refreshing dimension to the modern world of soul music. Coupled with powerful lyrics and soulful grooves, his silky smooth delivery is a gift that has touched many around the world. His sound fuses elements of jazz, funk and R&B to create a unique brand of soul music.

The multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, and musician embodies a humble expression of soul that fits the mold of a true artist.  Largely influenced by jazz and soul records from his childhood, Bland is a self-taught musician who has been tuning his uncanny ear for music since anyone can remember.

Elijah was born and raised in Hackensack, New Jersey, a suburb of New York City, where he generally kept his artistic abilities under the shell of being a lifetime athlete. After a successful college basketball career and receiving his bachelor's degree, he turned to his creative side and focused much of his time on songwriting and production. In writing for other artists, however, he realized a voice of his own that would become the tool he used to pursue his career as an independent recording artist. It was then that he decided to follow his passion and turn his life over to music.



In April 2007, Bland released his debut album "Just Me..." (under the name "E. Bland") and quickly earned the respect of music lovers everywhere.  With a fitting title, Bland was at the helm of all writing, production and recording. His first musical effort garnered immediate international reach, including sales in more than 20 countries around the world.



His sophomore release "Soulcentric" (August 2008) has received rave reviews!  It includes the hit singles "Necessary", "Talk To Me", and "Sugar High" (featuring Grammy-nominated soul singer, Wayna). With an overwhelming response since its release in November 2007, "Necessary" quickly became a MySpace.com favorite and has been in rotation on Internet, satellite and mainstream radio stations around the world.  In 2009, "Talk To Me" made its debut on the nationally syndicated Michael Baisden Show and "Necessary" was nominated for Best R&B Song in the 9th Annual Independent Music Awards.



His first new release in almost five years, Elijah's latest EP "Freedom" (January 2013) has given music lovers exactly what they have been waiting for.  The EP features the sexy hit single "For The Record" and provides an encouraging preview of his highly-anticipated third full-length album.

On stage, he leads his band as its lead vocalist and primary keyboard player, and has been known to play nearly every instrument on stage at some point during the show. Elijah has performed throughout the United States, touching countless lives with positive, uplifting music.  In 2012, Elijah performed on the world-renowned Capital Jazz SuperCruise, in a lineup of legendary Jazz and Soul artists, including George Duke, Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Lalah Hathaway, Boney James, Dwele, Yolanda Adams, Eric Roberson, and many more.

Anyone who knows this man can attest to his undying passion and love for creative expression. He is also an accomplished graphic designer and voiceover actor. With a healthy blend of passion, purpose, faith, and love, Elijah Bland is committed to sharing his gifts with the world, one soul at a time.

Special Guest: Phil Gates

For Barbados native Phil Gates, it was life lived in the birthplace of hip hop – the New York Bronx - that would later shape his professional destiny.  Even while working as a legal assistant, Gates still found one foot in the action on the streets. When trouble threatened to upend his life, he made a prayer and promise – that if no knock at his door came he’d leave his old life behind and go into the music business.

After finding encouragement to leave his other life, a friend with a group signed to Strong City Records, a label out of MCA (with acts at the time like Masters of Ceremony, Busy B and others), showed him a way. Before long Gates used his introductions and began managing and eventually forming his own label, also going through MCA. 35 years later Phil Gates has more than kept his promise – he has excelled in it. Now respected as a music, television and film producer, it was a successful path that Gates chose, leading him to work with household names and in fact helped to build many. From his early introductions and influences such as Grand Puba, Afrika Bombatta & DJ Jazzy Jeff, to his work developing artists while pushing them into the mainstream; Gates continues forging new inroads.

His earlier life lived with a foot in both worlds helped to build a unique business savvy allowing Gates to maneuver the boardrooms of major labels and corporations, but also giving him the edge in working with raw, underdeveloped artists. His leadership and marketing talents led him deeper into the field with the task of overseeing the national promotions of major labels such as Warner Bros, RCA, WEA Distribution and others. By the time the new millennium rolled in he was seasoned enough to take on working with hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons; managing his personal promotions and a host of other tasks under RUSH Communications - from clothing, books, and fragrance lines to international marketing campaigns. He worked with the label for seven years until it folded, then reinvented his position by staying on to manage Simmons’s adopted son – Cavalli.

At one point in his career, not liking the direction that many of the major labels were headed, Gates pooled his money and resources to create his own. Projects during this era include an act he had signed to Cardiac Records called True Culture. After having honed himself into a successful player in the industry, Gates started his own brand with the launch of PG World Wide Media. He has since maintained solid industry relationships while extending into areas such as film and TV projects. His management roster has included the Brand Nubians and Jaheim among others, while his effort to get music where it needs to be is evident in songs such as Eric Benet’s Georgy Porgy. Gates says the key to good management lies in his ability to adjust to all circumstances. “You have to know how to take the good with the bad, take the bad and remix it and make it good. You can’t fly off the handle at every bad thing that happens, you have to be able to assess it and make the right decisions - move forward in the right direction.” He prides himself on being “an entrepreneur of the hip hop décor”; joking that in true West Indian fashion he does a lot. He is known for working indefatigably at getting his talent where they need to be, using excellent managerial skills and positive outlooks.

“Fortunately or unfortunately I never had anything that the people wanted, I always had to make something that the people want. Like when I had Brand Nubians – their name was brand new at the time and it took us almost a whole year to work that ‘All For One’ record and get people to stick to it and make them a household name - same thing with Jaheim at Warner Brothers.” His work in making and shaping the artists and/or their records includes groups like SWV and artists like Grand Puba.

His current film project ‘Blame It on the Hustle’ features Ving Rhames, Steven Segal, Mekhi Phifer, DMX and more. It is based, in part, on true elements from his and his friend’s lives - with the underpinning message of what results from the love of money, greed and the effect of double crossing the mob. The film emphasizes how the negativity takes a good thing and turns it bad, while highlighting the intricacies of the related men and their families. “I want to do something that hasn’t been done before.” Gates explains about the film. While still realistically portraying the turmoil on the streets, Gates reminds youth it is just a movie, and encourages them not to emulate what they see in films or hear in music. In underscoring this message he has teamed with friend Michael Tucker, an activist who founded the organization ‘Lay the Guns Down’ – in the wake of Tucker’s son having been gunned down by police. In various joint efforts such as these, Gates in this way directly ties into community work and youth related programs, including offering summer internships on his projects.

His leadership skills and work as an Executive Producer finds him currently helming a TV project for the Miami based lifestyle and talk show The Sara Shulevitz Show: Legal Fashionista that initially debuted in NYC on ABC Live Well Network HD and is now aired on NBC Non-Stop, every Monday at Midnight. Featured in 2013 in EBONY Magazine, Gates expounds on the project and the star studded cast.

Phil Gates takes 35 years in the industry and spreads his work into multiple genres, using his strong spiritual foundation, leadership skills and work ethic to erect projects that are not just good entertainment, but ones he hopes will impact the world.