BKS1 Radio Network

This Edition of LIVE In The Vocal Booth Show we rate and review along with YOU the listener Melanie Fiona's new release "The MF Life"

Here is our rating system:
5 Stars: It's blazing hot – on fire
4 Stars: It's a hot song – pump it up
3 Stars: It's alright-good song
2 Stars: Thanks for the album cut-what's next
1 Stars: I won't tell nobody about that if you don't…lets keep that a secret

Melanie Fiona | The MF Life

Melanie Fiona crossed many bridges to arrive at The MF Life. Conceptual bridges. Spiritual bridges. Actual bridges. Stadium-thumpin' bridges. Hard-lovin' emotional bridges. The MF Life, the Grammy-nominated soulstress’s second album for SRC/Title 9/Universal Motown, evinces the charmed life of an immensely gifted vocalist in forward motion, hurtling up the road, the radio dial, and the charts to a unique place where myriad listeners can soothe their souls and hear the beat of their own hearts.

With the release of The Bridge, Melanie Fiona emerged as one of 2009’s finest new breakout stars, appearing everywhere from The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to Live with Regis and Kelly, The Wendy Williams Show, and Last Call with Carson Daly. The album’s breakthrough ballad, “It Kills Me,” topped Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for nine weeks and earned Fiona her first Grammy nomination in 2010 for Best R&B Female Vocal Performance. Popular favorites such as “Give It to Me Right” and “Ay Yo” demonstrated Fiona’s unique ability to mix classic R&B/soul influences with a street-smart attitude and hip-hop swagger, resulting in an entirely fresh sound all her own, which she has developed into an electrifying live show. In fact, in 2010, Melanie Fiona was the only artist to be invited to perform on BET’s Rising Icons program for the second year in a row, and she has toured with Kanye West and Alicia Keys, in addition to co-headlining the 2009 Heineken Red Star Soul Tour and the 2011 BET Music Matters II Tour.

The maturity Melanie Fiona displays on The MF Life is underscored by her remarkable versatility and cosmopolitan panache. The album showcases a stunning mix of vibrant new sounds from a host of A-list R&B producers and songwriters, each partaking of the originality that has made Fiona a sought-after collaborator by everyone from Cee-Lo Green (“Fool For You”) and John Legend & The Roots (“Wake Up! Everybody”) to reggae superstar Stephen Marley (“No Cigarette Smoking (In My Room)”) and U.K. rapper Tinchy Stryder (“Let It Rain”). “The MF Life is definitely less retro-sounding than my first album,” says Fiona, who credits her parents, Guyanese émigrés to Canada, with giving her a solid foundation in the time-honored classics of Sam Cooke and Stevie Wonder, among other greats. The transformative impulse is one Fiona relishes. “Making the leap from Canada,” she explains, “I was recognized for two things: Being a powerful vocalist and an emotional storyteller. It’s clear to me that with those traits in place, the sky’s the limit. I think if listeners feel that they can believe what you’re singing, they’ll stick with you no matter what you try.”
Clearly, The MF Life points the way forward for a boldly captivating new voice with an auspicious future.

Tonight's Topic: Facing Foreclosure.....The Facts You Need to Know!

Many Americans are caught in the cycle of owing more than there home is worth.  The rescission has left many jobless which has resulted in the loss of homes, cars and mounting debt.  The bank and car industry got there bail out of financial ruin, but what about Middle America?  Tonight your “Live in the Vocal Booth team discusses the foreclosure process and the resources you need to know when you are facing Foreclosure.  What options do you have?  What are your rights?  Don’t run from the situation Face Foreclosure and Fight Back.

Join the Live In The Vocal Booth Team as we discuss this serious matter that is facing a lot of American homeowners! Call in 646-233-1302 or chat live with our chat rebels. Follow us on twitter: @BKS1RadioEnt and Like our facebook fan page: Best Kept Secrets Ent.

Anthony Hamilton, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, was discovered at the age of 10 while singing in his church's choir.  Releasing his first studio composed album in 1996, Hamilton has been delivering music for over 15 years. After being introduced to the mainstream on the Grammy winning song by the Nappy Roots Po' Folks, Anthony has continued to deliver quality music to the masses. Back to Love is Hamilton's 7th album. Can he continue to deliver powerful soulful songs with a message that can be felt by all.

Read more of Anthony Hamilton's Bio Here

New Years Resolutions:

Is it really realistic to set New Years Resolutions? Do we set goals that are really obtainable? Do we shot for the stars with only a bottle rocket to get there? Tonight on Live In The Vocal Booth let talk about Resolutions and how to really fulfill our goals and setting realistic resolutions. How can we enlist other to help us obtain our goal? How many goals are too many Goals? Lets help set each other up for success in 2012. We want to know whats your goals and whats the craziest goals you have heard. Tonight rite here on Live In The Vocal Booth.

Grammy Award Winning Artist Mýa, is celebrating 13 years in the entertainment industry as an internationally known, respected singer, songwriter, producer, dancer/choreographer, actress, designer, model, activist and philanthropist. In Fall 2009 Mýa entertained the world and impressed millions as the highest scoring contestant on ABC’s Season 9 of Dancing With The Stars. Mýa also created her own label, Planet 9, and released the first of a series of independent music compilations, Sugar & Spice LP and “The Perfect Edition” double disc in Japan in 2008 & 2009.  Mýa finished out the decade as one of Billboard’s Hot 100 Artists Of the Decade, and was featured on a number of diverse charts & top 10 lists from Fuse‟s Sexiest Videos of All Time to VH1 Latin America’s Top Videos of The Decade. In 2010 we will see various musical releases from Mýa including collaboration with Cedric Gervais of Ultra Records, the world’s top dance label, titled “Love is The Answer.” In 2010 Mýa also reprised her role as National Spokesperson for The North Shore Animal League‟s Tour For Life and is featured in the Wyclef Jean remake of We Are the World, to benefit Haiti.

Read More Mya Bio Here (www.myamya.com)

How To Blend The Blended Family

" The Blended Family " What do you do when two people are in a relationship and its like your in heaven? He knows and fulfills your every need. She knows what you like and want before you do and makes it come true. Life is really good. UNTIL its time for the family's to meet. Hear come uncle Joe drunk as a skunk and your aunt Sharon is no angel either, with her low cut shirt and high rise dress. Can you say Cougar? Like in the movie ( Jumping The Broom or Four Christmas ), How do you explain your families little secrets and make the transition to one happy family. Lets talk about it tonight on Bks1 Radio. Tell us your story.

S.W.V. - Sisters With Voices

S.W.V., an abbreviation of Sisters With Voices, is a R&B group consisting of three friends Cheryl Gamble, Tamara Johnson and Leanne Lyons. SWV are legends in the music industry with 2 platinum and a gold album to their credit. Since entering into the music game in 1992 the group has released 10 studio albums. Including studio releases and best of compilations. Will I Missed Us, the 11 project released by the group, deliver the same soulful and powerful sounds that SWV has been known to deliver?

Join the Vocal Booth team for our interactive review process where your opinion counts. Let us know your thoughts and opinions on SWV or music in general, call in 646-233-1302 or chat live with the rest of the chat rebels! Join the BKS1 Radio experience.

Follow us on twitter: @bks1radioent and like our facebook fan page: Best Kept Secrets Ent.

Get more SWV Info here: http://therealswv.com/bio/

Tonight's Topic: The Psychology of Prostitution

Why does a woman choose to be a prostitute?  Why do men whether single or married seek sex with prostitutes?  What is the illusion or attraction of paying for sex with a stranger?  Do men seek prostitutes so that don’t have to deal with the complexities of a relationship?  Do women seek the oldest profession in the world as just a means to pay the bills?

Tonight on “Live in the Vocal Booth” the team will discuss the Psychology of Prostitution and why even in the face of sexually transmitted disease and the threat of arrest many still seek the services of a prostitute.

Tonight on the Live In The Vocal Booth team reviews Eddie Levert new release I Still Have It. Eddie Levert is a legendary figure in the music industry, from being the lead singer in the O'Jays and father of the late Gerald Levert and Sean Levert, as well as Eddie Levert Jr.. Lets see if Eddie Levert can continue to deliver the music that he has been known to deliver.

Read More Eddie Levert Bio: www.allmusic.com/artist/eddie-levert-p98018/biography

Tonight's Topic: Why is Life So Hard?

"In each life, some rain must fall".  These famous lyrics ring true for us all.  Although we know we will always experience ups and downs on our journeys, we don't question much while enjoying the "mountain top" experiences.  However, when those "valley" ordeals surface, there is one simple question that's not so easy to answer..."Why is life so hard?"

What gets you down in the dumps?  What steals your joy?  Tonight, let's peel back the layers of this complex topic.  With all that's happening in the world, most of us are dealing with some stressful and dark realities.  Let's have an open and honest discussion tonight that may help those who are struggling with life.  Why is life so hard?  The answer may not be as hard as you think.

Keep it locked, tonight, on "Live in the Vocal Booth".

Tonight on Bks1 Radio we have a special show for you. First we review Tank's latest release This Is How I Feel. Then following the Tank Review we bring you the Premier episode of Tatum Talks, Bks1 Radio's newest show added to the line up.

Artist Review: Tank

Tank delivers his 5th studio release with This Is How I Feel, lets see if he can continue to bring the soulful sounds that he is known. Here is an excerpt about Tank from (www.therealtank.com):

Tank is one of the most recognizable names in modern R&B, known for vivid storytelling and sensual love songs. He’s an icon in the making, with four albums and eight Grammy nominations under his belt. He’s also a singer who carries the torch of masters like Marvin Gaye and Al Green, while redefining R&B for a new decade. For singer/songwriter/producer Tank—about to release his Atlantic Records debut Now or Never, his first album in three years, and the one he describes as his most confident yet—the secret is simple. He remains true to who he is, as a man and an artist.

“My music is the real me,” says Tank. “I’ll either live by that or I’ll die by that in this business, but I’ve got to be me.” He’s famous for sexy yet relatable love songs that are at once thoroughly modern and yet steeped in the sounds of classic soul. Though fans know and love Tank for smash hits like “Maybe I Deserve” and “Please Don’t Go,” they may be surprised to learn that he is also behind such chart-toppers as Rubben Studdard’s “Change Me” and Omarion’s “O.” What’s more, Tank served as an associate member of the hit-making production team, The Underdogs, with further credits including the smash soundtrack to the 2006 musical film adaptation of Dreamgirls (in which he also made a cameo). Since releasing his previous album Sex, Love, & Pain in 2007, Tank took a moment to step out of the spotlight, but not necessarily out of the studio. He formed the Los Angeles-based production company Song Dynasty, and began shaping the sound of modern R&B with songs for a diverse roster of artists including Keyshia Cole, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Chris Brown, and Keri Hilson. Though he has enjoyed crafting hits for these artists, Tank is ready to step into the spotlight yet again, and returns with an incredibly personal collection. “I put a lot of my personal business into my music because people relate to it. I sing based upon the things that I’ve been through. I don’t just sing about the pain, I sing about getting through it. Whether I’m singing about sex, relationships, or the occasional party, the songs are still about classic R&B themes.”

Read more about Tank at www.therealtank.com

World Premier: "The Tatum Talks" - The Great Debate: Do Momma's Get Too Much Credit?

Do both society and the media market motherhood to be the end all, be all?  Whether it's the uproar behind celebrating Mother's Day, to countless songs paying tribute after tribute to the family matriarch...are we going too far?  Are you fed up with hearing about the drama-ridden plight of single mothers and the sacrifices they make,
all the while only being force fed nothing but negative perspectives about our single fathers?  Who has the most crucial influence to their child?

Tonight, we introduce to you a preview of BKS1Radio's newest show, "The Tatum Talks", where we'll be offering you the most controversial topics debated against the clock.  Join us as both sides of the coin discuss just how strong a mother's role is to the family unit, and whether we downplay the contributions fathers make due to stereotype. It's Mommy versus Daddy, tonight on the 1st "The Tatum Talks".

Special Guest: Comedian G.L. Douglas

Comedian GL Douglas joins us tonight to talk about her current event Laugh it up 2 and more.

Join the live in the vocal booth team as we review Usher's new release Looking 4 Myself. A legend in the R & B world Usher has always delivered quality music for the world to hear. Looking 4 Myself is Ushers 7th studio album. Lets see if he can continue the trend of hits he is known to deliver. Read more info on Usher at www.usherworld.com

Tonight's Topic: Ghettofabulousness

"GHETTOFABULOUSNESS" Is it ever ok to lose your class? Have you ever been so mad that "Ghettofab" took you out your character? Some people let "Ghettofab" tell them how to get over and they end up getting caught and embarrassed at the same time! Maybe you were raised to believe it was ok but someone pulled you to the side and told you what you did was not proper but "Ghettofab." What is being "Ghetto?"

Can anyone be Ghettofabulous? Tonight on "Live In the Vocal Booth" we have a little fun talking about being "GhettoFabulous" Is there a thin line between being "GhettoFab" and boojie? We invite you to laugh it up and tell your stories of "Ghettofabulous people and situations you know of tonight Live In The Vocal Booth bks1radio.com! And don't park your car in front of your neighbors house and use their WiFi on your laptop cause you didn't pay your bill! That's GHETTO!!!

Tonight on the Live In The Vocal Booth Show we bring you Eric Benet latest release The One. Followed at 11 pm est with another hot topic: Is Blood Thicker Than Water? Is this still true these days, Are your family members there for you more than your friends? How has your back and by your side when the times are the toughest? Let us know tonight on the Live In The Vocal Booth Show!

Artist Review: Eric Benet

R&B Crooner, songwriter and actor Eric Benét has successfully released five albums and is releasing his sixth album entitled The One on June 5th, 2012. Very appropriately named, Benét’s new album The One marks a moment of positive transition in his life and lyrically speaks to the many new beginnings developing in his career and family. The One will also be the first album released on Benét’s newly formed record label Jordan House Records, which he created in partnership with EMI.

“Real Love” (available on iTunes) is the first single off Benét’s new album The One and was the #1 added song to Urban AC when shipped to radio in October 2011 and is currently #5 on the Urban AC chart and climbing. This new single is a taste of only one-half of what to expect on Benét’s new album, which he describes as a “very contemporary approach to old-school songwriting integrity” with Benet’s signature mid-70s soul groove, but modernized with a bit of funk, hip-hop swagger and feel. On the new album, there are a variety of instruments from strings to horns plus featured artists, a confirmed duet with his first daughter India and even a lullaby at the end of the album dedicated to his new baby girl Lucia Bella.

Eric Benét was also nominated for a 2012 Grammy Award for “Best Traditional R&B Performance” for his single “Sometimes I Cry”. CeeLo Green’s “Fool For You” feat Melanie Fiona won the category. Additionally, Benét was nominated for a 2011 Soul Train Award for “Best Male R&B/Soul Artist” and also performed during the award show’s tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire, which aired November 27th on BET.

In addition to a new album, single & record label, Eric Benét also has a new marriage and baby girl. Eric married Manuela Testolini on July 31st, 2011 in Newport Beach, CA and the newlyweds had their first baby together on December 20th, 2011, naming her Lucia Bella and weighing 6 lbs 5 oz. Previously, Eric was married to actress Halle Berry from 2001 – 2005 and has one daughter named India from a prior relationship with his longtime girlfriend Tami Marie Stauff, who tragically died in a car accident leaving Eric as a single father to their daughter at age 1. India is now 21 years old, attending USC and very musically gifted. Testolini also familiar with being in a Hollywood marriage was married to Prince prior to Benét.

Read More Eric Benet Bio: www.ericbenet.net/about

Tonight's Topic: Is Blood Thicker Than Water?

It's been said that friends come and go, but family is forever. How true is that statement for you? How many good friends do you have more of a bond with then your actual blood relatives? When you've been at your worst and really need assistance, is it family or friends that have been there for you the most? Should you always choose your family over your friends no matter what? Let discuss this right now here on Live In The Vocal Booth.

Special Guest: Ronald Alston, My Father Knows Best

Join CEO Ron Alston for a Cancer Awareness event on Friday, June 29, 2012 at Kays’ Sports Lounge located at 193-197 Western Parkway, Irvington NJ at 6pm.

There will be music, food and much more!

Donations are being requested for this event. Hot Dogs, Hamburgers; whatever donation you can contribute is appreciated.  

If you would like to volunteer for this event, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or sign-up online at the MFKB website: www.myfatherknowsbest.org. Click the volunteer link.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door! Please call  973 399-5153.

My Father Knows Best Organization was created in 1988 with a mission to improve father and son relationships. CEO & FOUNDER Ron Alston developed this organization through sacrifice and twenty-six years of being a dedicated community activist. His motivation continues to press toward positive changes for his community. 

Visit www.myfatherknowsbest.org to learn more about the organization.

Artist Review: R. Kelly

In an era of declining songwriting skills and auto tune crooning R. Kelly embodies the best traditions of American music as a vocalist, songwriter and producer. He uses classic materials to create music as contemporary as Siri’s iPhone voice. Despite selling millions of recordings and writing classic songs for himself and many others, this Chicago based singer-songwriter continues to push his art forward with Write Me Back, a dynamic twelve song collection that is part of his extraordinary 2012 -- The Year of the R.

Along with his remarkable new album, R. Kelly is publishing his first memoir, Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me, and signed with the IFC Channel to add chapters to his innovative hip hop opera Trapped in the Closet, which was an early 21st century cultural phenomenon.

Write Me Back continues the homage to classic soul/R&B that distinguished 2010’s critically acclaimed Love Letter. But where that album celebrates the music of the ‘50s and ‘60s, this has a wider collection of musical inspirations, going to sounds that echo Ray Charles, while evoking the passionate magic of Teddy Pendergrass, Barry White and Michael Jackson among many others. The content and the title of this new recording were definitely inspired by the triumph of the previous album.

The songs on Write Me Back do not simply pay homage to older styles, but evoke a myriad of influences at the same time and in the process create something pleasing and new. “I have many directions I still wanna go in musically,” he says of where he is creatively. “This just happened to be a direction I choose for now because the first album did so well people started asking me if I was gonna be doing any other songs like that.. Through those questions I found a second wind of inspiration in the area of doing the classic R&B type of songs.”

Read More R. Kelly Bio: www.r-kelly.com/content/biography

Tonight's Topic: After The Death Of Rodney King..Why Can't We Still Get Along?

This is the twentieth Anniversary of the LA Riots and black on black crime is still prevalent in many black communities. Police brutalities still exist and black genocide among our nation’s young black men is happening every day.   Rodney King's recent passing coinciding with the twentieth anniversary of the riots and his words that still ring “Can’t we all just get along?”  What is the answer to this question?  Join us Live in the Vocal Booth for this hot topic.  Jump in the live chat or call in 646-233-1302. Bks1 Radio, where your voice matters.

Artist Review: Chris Brown

Chris Brown (born Christopher Maurice Brown; May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer and actor. Born in Tappahannock, Virginia, Brown taught himself to sing and dance at a young age and was involved in his church choir and several local talent shows. In 2004, he signed with Jive Records, and released his self-titled debut album the following year. The album peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart, and featured the hit single "Run It!", which topped the Billboard Hot 100, making Brown the first male artist as a lead to have his debut single top the chart since Diddy in 1997. Chris Brown was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Read More Chris Brown Bio: www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Brown

Tonight's Topic: Like A Virgin

In this day and age, maintaining one's virginity until marriage is a foreign concept.  Why do we consider people who decide to keep their sexuality sacred taboo?  You may be surprised to find out the number of Americans that are still virgins.  Are there any reasons outside of religious choices to maintain a sexless lifestyle?  How much does the media encourage or pressure people into having sex?  Let's discuss the pluses and minuses of being a virgin tonight on "Live in the Vocal Booth".

Special Guests: The Ultimate Power Couple, Robert & Nicola Jackson

"If you dream it, you can achieve it!" That's the motto of one of Atlanta's most admired power couples, Robert and Nicola Jackson.

Both serial entrepreneurs, the Jacksons each have more than two decades of entrepreneurial experience. Together, they lead a multi-million dollar sales force of over 200,000 in more than 30 countries world-wide.

They are leaders in the health and wellness industry and together hold the coveted position of Platinum President, in one of the fastest growing health and wellness companies in the world, Ardyss International. Robert also runs a successful contracting company while Nicola is a licensed real estate agent and investor. She also owns a successful hair line, Nikki J Hair Collection and is author of the book, “Inside the Millionaire’s Vault”.

Challenges and obstacles don't hold this couple back, they only make them stronger. In addition to running their successful companies, they are also parents of 4 sons, one of whom has Cerebral Palsy. This has fueled their passion for and commitment to the cause to find a cure for this debilitating disease through research. Robert and Nicola also participate in numerous community and charitable events, offering support and empowerment to other families who have children with disabilities.  Stars on the BET Centric hit reality series, Amateur Millionaires Club, Robert and Nicola hold true to their Christian faith, putting God first in every area of their lives. Using kingdom values and principles, they share with millions of people around the nation how to manage a household, maintain a strong marriage and create a multi-million dollar empire.

The Jacksons have won many awards and have been featured in several national publications including Success From Home Magazine. Nicola has also been featured in Sister to Sister Magazine and Essence Online. She was the Chozen Awards 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year and was selected to be a part of the 2012 planning committee for former Mayor of Atlanta and Ambassador to the United Nations, Andrew Young's 80th Birthday Celebration. Currently the couple travels the world speaking to thousands on how to be successful entrepreneurs. They are also being featured as the Power Couple Honorees at the Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation’s (TWEF) 2012 Annual Leadership Conference.