Showing posts with label r&b. Show all posts
Showing posts with label r&b. Show all posts

Monday, August 24, 2026

Spotlight on Usher Raymond Our Saving Grace

  


It was another night of sold-out crowds, musical enrichment, stellar vocals, impeccable dance moves and stage light show enjoyment from a comfortable seat. There were moments when I thought I was viewing the actual firmament beyond the risers of Soldier's Field and in the midst of an actual star filled universe. It was awesome and not in the more mundane use of that word. Check out this video capture of Usher performing "You Got it Bad" before a packed Soldier's Field recorded by producer extraordinaire Jermaine Dupris. Dupris of course, has produced some of Usher's greatest hits.  It was great seeing him supporting the superstar and exchanging greetings with the concert luminaries and fans before and during the show. It was Dupris who first prophesied about the greatness of the tour and what it would do for the black community months before official kick-off at Mile High Stadium in Denver. From all accounts his forecast has been uncannily accurate and on point. Also, check out this series of poses taken by a fan and posted on Instagram. Speaks to the firmament again. This time Usher's brilliantly shining suit blends in or should I say dovetails with the stellar background.

Usher has had more than the R&B concert tour success to celebrate these days. He recently  checked his son into prestigious HBCU Howard University like a normal proud parent whose child is leaving the nest. His daughter also has accomplished a milestone graduating from pre-school. Usher was right there cheering her on. He also enjoys spectacular splashes in the family pool fully clothed with wife and kids upping the fun, splash harmony and humor.

There are some other things you may not know about this r&b icon. He gives back to the community graciously and consistently  and has been doing so for over 25 years through his New Look foundation. Ten interns were selected for participation in  the behind the scene production activities of the R&B Tour from big cities like Detroit and Atlanta through Usher's  New Look Foundation. He also contributed along with Detroit's own Big Sean a Million dollars in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club to a creative studio for youth housed in Detroit's Michigan  Central Station. Usher also serves as an ambassador of Global Citizen. He has also supported the careers of up and coming artists like Kehlani, Miguel and others through through the aforementioned special mentor and music training program. Gracious and graceful Usher. 

Keep him lifted in prayer as he lifts up prayer to god in this photo and his and Chris Brown's (Breezy's) team with Pastor Gray before R&B Tour's opening concert in Detroit.

Big thanks to the fans who generously share their photos and videos on the Gram. I appreciate you.

Next stop Santa Clara.

Peace and blessings,


Rev. Cynthia D.  Wilson, Chaplain of Pop


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Thursday, November 6, 2025

R&B Icon Chris Brown Celebrates Twenty Years With Breezy Bowl, Grammy Win, BET Viewer's Choice Award and 11:11 Deluxe Album Release






 Chris Brown has fought back fiercely and triumphed brilliantly through the storm of negative media attention and legal battles he has experienced in the past. He still has some legal hurdles ahead. However,the pinnacle of success he has achieved today is really nothing short of miraculous. From a small town in Viginia to a global superstar. Resiliency is definitely in his DNA and must be one of his superpowers.

This year Breezy Bowl XX his concert tour received critical acclaim.

"According to Billboard Boxscore, the Breezy Bowl XX earned $295.5 million and sold 1.98 million tickets over 49 shows. Of those totals, $47.8 million and 490,000 tickets are from the tour’s European leg, and the remaining $247.8 million and 1.5 million tickets are from North American shows.[1] The tour received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising Brown’s dancing, vocals, stage production, aerial stunts, audience engagement, and overall performance energy, with several describing the tour as a demonstration of Brown's continued prominence in R&B and pop music.[6]"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breezy_Bowl_XX?wprov=sfla1

His deluxe album 11:11 was awarded a Grammy for Best R&b album in February. He gave thanks to god and graciously thanked his fans.

Residuals, his single from that album won the BET Viewer's Choice Award in June. Brown was not there to receive the award


Check out this video compilation of his best performances over the past 20 years:




Wednesday, October 15, 2025

D'Angelo Neo-soul Genre Pioneer Passes

      Photo Credit- Roquai Creative Commons

 Grammy award winning recording artist and Neo-soul genre pioneer D'Angelo passed away yesterday at the age of 51 after a courageous private battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his family. 

We send out our prayers of comfort and supportive  condolences to his family and friends. Stay tuned for podcast.

Rest in love, peace and honor.


Cynthia Wilson and the Chaplains ministry team

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