People often ask us, GFM — what does it mean? It can be found in many genre’s, styles and forms. Obviously, we can debate that ALL day, and would love to, but for today, you can just listen to Kendra Ross and judge for yourself.

From the lyrics, sultry voice, jazzy production and vocal stylings….This is Grown Folks Music.

Anyone disagree?

And if you’re in Houston this weekend, be sure to check her out at the Arena Theatre with Babyface. This single (Jeff Binder, Kendra Ross) is from her album, New Voices (Lola’s Child Music/2007).

Check out Kendra live after the jump.

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You cannot watch or listen to this and not be feel something. This is an excerpt from the DVD of some of Marvin’s greatest live performances on TV and film, “Real Thing: In Performance 1964-1981.”

Shout out to brainchild9 for the clip.

Image Source – Jim Britt/Getty

Image source:http://flickr.com/photos/cathychoi/

Great question, I’m glad you asked!

Ahhhhhh, the great debate rages on, in beauty salons, barber shops, college campuses, executive board rooms, locker rooms, message boards, blogs and recording sessions. Mac vs. PC, Tupac vs. Biggie, MJ vs. Kobe, the greatest running back of all times (sorry Emmitt, it’s still Walter Payton) and on and on. I particularly like what DJ Stylus with our friends over at SoulBounce had to say:

“Grown folks music makes it clear that it’s rooted in some sort of tradition. It’s music that satisfies on multiple levels. The enjoyment comes from the need to engage with it rather than having a passive experience. It’s the difference between fast food and a nutritionally-balanced, well-seasoned home cooked meal.”

I would add that it feeds the mind, body & soul, makes an emotional connection and transcends time. It has an inherent ability to move you, touch and drive you towards something (person, place or thing), rather than away from something (no artist mention needed). It takes you to a special place, one you may have forgotten, or want to forget, but yet it still reels you in. It doesn’t take “no” for an answer and forces you to be late for work, in your car listening, reminiscing, dreaming, thinking. It can turn a bad day around and conversely, turn stop a great day in it’s tracks. It grabs you. Makes you sing, makes you shout, makes you laugh and makes you cry; often within the same song. How is that possible? What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term Grown Folks Music?
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Back to the music.

Al Green’s latest album, Lay it Down, available here. In the meantime, a few classic performances.

“Tired of Being Alone” (Al Green), Gets Next to You (The Right Stuff/1971)

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Happy Veteran’s Day to all!
50+ years and still going strong, still sounding GREAT! One of our all time favorites, The Isley Brothers.
From the 1973 album, 3+3, (T Neck), their powerful interpretation of Seals & Crofts, “Summer Breeze” was a top 10 single on the R&B, Pop, UK and Easy Listening charts. (Source)

Source

Lyfe Jennings

Lyfe is that dude.

Will I Ever

Never Never Land

Unfortunately, looks like he had a run-in this weekend, something serious, let’s pray for this cat.
R&B singer Lyfe Jennings arrested in Smyrna

R&B singer/songwriter Lyfe Jennings was arrested Sunday on gun charges in Smyrna while trying to locate the mother of his children, police said.

Jennings, 35, whose real name is Chester Jennings, kicked in the door of a residence on Springwoods Drive in Smyrna while looking for Joy Pound, according to an arrest warrant. He fired the gun in the street and later tried to run from the Smyrna police when they arrived, police said.

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Here’s a special invitation from my man Vinx.  For those of you not familiar with Vinx, the man, or his music, check him out — Live below.  If you appreciate the art of songwriting, strong vocals and excellent musicianship, give him a shout and show him some love.

Hey Vinx Fans,

On November 8, I will be pre-releasing an unmixed/mastered version of Volume 1 (out of 4) of my greatest CD to date, but need your help to complete the final version and market it effectively.  The CD series is called “50 Memoirs of a Hip Ole Black Man and will feature 50 new songs and an online book.  We are hoping to add a DVD to the mix as well. My audience deserves as much value as possible.

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