Source: YouTube.com

You may have heard that when it comes to new rappers on the scene, Kendrick Lamar’s name is almost always mentioned. With a distinct voice, smooth flow and deep lyrics, Kendrick is definitely one to watch. His album, good kid, m.A.A.d city, is full of gems but Poetic Justice, the single he released, seems to be everyone’s favorite. With a sampling of Janet Jackson’s “Anytime,” there were rumors that Janet was going to make an appearance in the video. She was even see recently rocking her iconic box braids. She didn’t make an appearance in the video, but the treatment is nicely done and sends a message. Plus there’s a nod to Poetic Justice the movie in there. You’ll appreciate it.

Source: YouTube.com

If you’re like us here at the Madame Noire office, you’ve probably been wondering why Tamar has taken so long to release a video for her wildly successful single, “Love and War.” Well, now the wait is finally over. The youngest Braxton debuted her video today on “106 & Park.” Check out the video below. We know many of you enjoyed the vocals so check out the visuals and let us know what you think.

Hmmm…my girl Dawn is probably going to have to explain this one because I’m not going to front–after watching this “short film” the first time, I was confused. Well, at least more than normal that is…

Nonetheless, Richard is able to make the track “’86″ shine throughout this message-riddled video. In it, Richard traverses through the woods, viewing her old life through new eyes. In the beginning, four women who are supposed to represent her former Danity Kane members, dance and point her to other pivotal points in her life, including her childhood as a little girl shares a close moment with both parents. And while that’s all good and dandy, things get a tad bit confusing towards the middle, where Dawn starts dancing in the woods in a slinky fringe-loving outfit, and then has to get all Street Fighter against two individuals trying to hold her back, eventually whooping some a** and taking their armor to go forward. Honestly, that part of the video went on a bit too long. But aside from that, the song is what gets my attention the most, sounding like an ’80s Prince-inspired synth-heavy declaration of independence. And as usual, her vocals are great and the lyrics about change is deeper than most: “Say you can’t go back, the same way that you came…”

Check out the video for yourself and let us know if you’re feeling the visuals and the track on its own. Enjoy!

“Some things change babe, sometimes they stay the same.”

Source: YouTube.com

Personally, I’m surprised to see that Prince is allowing his new video to be posted online. You know how he feels about the internets. (He said he thinks it’s just a fad.) Well, his new song, “Rock and Roll Love Affair,” has a video and thankfully, someone convinced the Purple One it needed to be uploaded. True story, if it had been left up to the networks, where would we see it? On 106 & Park (LOL, I kid.) Maybe Vh1 Soul? Either way, now that’s on the internet, it can get the exposure it deserves.

So check out the official video below. And be sure to take note of Prince’s natural do. This is a big step for a man who at least stayed with a serious press and curl.

Yaasss! If you ask me, the man’s still got it. Isn’t it nice to hear real instruments in a song? What I appreciate about Prince as an artist is that though he’s clearly grown, evolved and even experimented, his music is still consistent to his iconic brand. I’m digging this song. What do you think about it?

Source: thisisrnb.com

If you’re a fan of TV One’s “R&B Divas,” you probably got to see a behind the scenes look at Avant and KeKe recording this song, “You & I” together in the studio. Since then, this R&B ballad has been all over the grown and sexi radio stations and you’ve had a chance to decide if you love or loathe the entire version.

I’m personally glad to see the modern day Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell back at it again. I knew I was going to be a fan of this song just from the snippet of vocals we heard from KeKe on that episode. Like she said, if she can’t do anything else, she knows she can sing. (And that’s the truth Ruth.)

Check out the video below and let us know if you’re feeling the song and the visuals.

As women, we’re used to wearing many hats and Alicia Keys is saluting all of them in the new video for her female empowerment anthem, “Girl on Fire.”

From taking care of the kids as mothers, to being caretakers of the elderly, to looking after the home, cooking and cleaning, to paying the bills and looking after our man at the end of the day, Alicia salutes our tenacity and ability to do it all — and looks pretty phenomenal while doing it. It’s also nice to see a video with an actual story line and cool visual treatments that you don’t see everyday.

Check out the new video and tell us what you think; pass or play?

From BlackVoices.com

Willow Smith is showing off her vulnerable side in her new music video for “I Am Me,” the pre-teen singer’s latest song. Unlike her previous efforts, however, “I Am Me” is an inspirational ballad for all of the 11-year-olds (OK, and adults too) who are a little left of center. She’s just trying to be fre-eeee, you know?

“It’s just explaining who I am and what symbolizes me-like me as an energy, me as a person, just cool and rounded,” the 11-year-old superstar explained to Global Grind.

Check out her new video on BlackVoices.com.

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Source: toyazworld.com

One of our favorite underrated singers, Tamia is back on the scene! (And looking fabulous, we might add. You would never know she’s battled Multiple Sclerosis.) Now the Canada-native has released a video for her latest single, “Beautiful Surprise.” Her album, which bears the same name, will be released in August. Check out this video starring her baller husband, Grant Hill. Don’t you just love these two together? We’re feeling this romantic cut and hope the rest of the album will display the undeniable talent this mommy of two has showcased ever since she hit the scene back in the ’90s.

What do you think of the song? Are you feeling it?

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If you’ve listened to Jill Scott’s “Light of the Sun,” then you know the opening track on the album is meant to uplift. “Blessed” is a series of everything Jill, the homegirl in our heads, has to be thankful for. Eventually, she transitions from talking about all the things she’s thankful for, to talking about what we, her listeners have to celebrate as well. I go through periods where I absolutely love this song and times when it always gets a skip on my iTunes. But after watching the video for this uptempo, feel good groove, I think I’m loving it again.

Check it out.

What do you think about the song and the video? Do you love the vibe Jill is giving off?

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It’s hard to bounce back after being a called a bona fide “gold-digger” in the press, but lo and behold she did it!

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