YouKnowIGotSoul Top 10 R&B Albums of 2010: #2 El DeBarge "Second Chance"

El DeBarge enjoyed success in the 80's as part of the family group DeBarge and sought for greater heights as a solo artist, following advise from original "Music Mogul" Berry Gordy. After hits such as "Rhythm of the Night," "Who's Johnny," "Stop! Don't Tease Me," and "I Like It;" El faced a string of legal problems that overshadowed his career. In 2008, El was sentenced to a 2 year bid in Federal Prison for possession of narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and breaking probation. During his time in jail, El reflected about his life, got rehabilitated and upon his release; he made an amazing return to the music business. "Second Chance" enjoys production efforts from Mike City, Babyface, and production duo extraordinaire Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis just to name a few. "Second Chance" definitely has a nice blend from beginning to end. with a Grammy Nomination, Tours, and a new album in the works; 2011 looks like a very promising year for El DeBarge. We leave you with a personal favorite of mine from the album "Close To You."

YouKnowIGotSoul Top 10 R&B Albums of 2010: #3 R. Kelly "Love Letter"

What can I say?. I've been a big R. Kelly fan for years, but I can honestly say that I had given up on him momentarily and was waiting for a triumphant return. I didn't know when, I didn't know how; but I knew that a genius like Kellz could not be held down. Well, to a very pleasant surprise; R. Kelly made his triumphant return during the last quarter of 2010. "Love Letter" is definitely an ode to soul music from the 60's, 70's, and 80's but displayed in such a way that today's younger crowd can enjoy as well. With production, mixing, writing, and arranging credits from R. Kelly himself (as usual); "Love Letter" is a must have collectors item for any music lover. I hope that the release of "Love Letter" is the beginning of a new era in Kellz music legacy. I leave you with one of the most amazing performances I've seen in quite some time; R. Kelly's 2010 Soul Train Awards "When A Woman Loves" performance. Enjoy!!

Teena Marie (March 5, 1956 – December 26, 2010)

Teena Marie was born Mary Christine Brockert on March 5, 1956. Raised in California, Teena grew up heavily influenced by Rock, Funk, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, and R&B. Lady T, as her friends nicknamed her; became the first white act signed to Motown in 1976. At first, Motown did not know what to do nor how to market Teena. She sat on the shelves for a couple of years until, her music soul mate; Rick James came in the picture. Rick saw Teena's raw talent and took her under his wing, making her a bonafide star. Teena went on to take the name "Ivory Queen of Soul," because she was embraced so much by the African-American community. Her production was timeless, her lyrics were deep, her performances were unforgettable, and her voice was as strong and soulful as your favorite's singer's singer. Sampled by some of today's biggest stars such as NaS, The Fugees, 50 Cent, and Mary J. Blige; Teena was deeply loved and influenced many. The music world has truly lost a legend. Teena, we hope that you and Rick are reunited in music heaven. May she RIP.


Teena Marie & Rick James - Fire and Desire
Teena Marie & Rick James - I'm A Sucker For Your Love
Teena Marie - Square Biz
Teena Marie - I Need Your Lovin'
Teena Marie - Portuguese Love
Teena Marie - Lover Girl

Teena Marie - I'm Still In Love

Teena Marie - Ooh La La La
Teena Marie Feat. ft. Gerald Levert - A Rose By Any Other Name
Teena Marie Feat. Faith Evans - Can't Last a Day

YouKnowIGotSoul Top 10 R&B Albums of 2010: #5 Sade "Soldier Of Love"

Sade is one of the few select artist that can take a ten year break between studio albums and still find her audience intact upon her return. in 2010 Sade graced us once again with the masterpiece "Soldier Of Love". The album touches on relationships, love, and heartbreak. Even though all these topics sound melancholic, as you listen to record; Sade successfully embeds a feeling of empowerment to the listener. I leave you with a personal favorite of mine "The Moon And The Sky".

YouKnowIGotSoul Top 10 R&B Albums of 2010: #7 Erykah Badu "NEW AMERYKAH Part Two: Return Of The Ankh"

New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) is Ms. Badu's fifth studio album to date. With production from J Dilla, ?uestlove, Madlib, 9th Wonder, Sa-Ra, Karriem Riggins, and Ms. Badu herself; the album tells a troubled love story through a beautiful blend of Hip-Hop, Soul, Funk, and R&B bliss. Here is one of the best cuts from the album "Umm Hmm" Produced by Madlib & Erykah Badu.

Erykah Badu - "Umm Hmm"

Rare Gem: Deborah Bond "Keep On"

Coming from New Haven, Connecticut Deborah Bond brings a very unique soultry sound to the music scene. "Keep On" was released on Deborah's Debut album "Day After" in 2003. Three years later, Deborah released "After Day" a cutting edge remix version of her debut album. Along with her band 3rd Logic, Deborah has spent the majority of 2010 performing in events such as the "Luanda Jazz" festival in Angola, Africa. Deborah is rumored to be working on her "Madam Palindrome" Sophomore album, we hope to see it in stores very soon. To hear a sampler of her new album, please click here. We will keep on featuring Deborah's music on YKIGS and hopefully get an interview with Deborah herself. To learn more about Deborah, you can follow her on Twitter @QueenZeb and visit her official page www.deborahbond.com

YouKnowIGotSoul Top 10 R&B Albums of 2010: #8 Monica "Still Standing"

Coming back strong from a four year hiatus, Monica snatched the spotlight once again with her fifth studio album "Still Standing". Her 2010 campaign was launched with her hit reality show on BET also titled "Still Standing" and a publicized break up with Atlanta's own rapper Rocko, her fiancee of five years. I was very glad to see Monica back on the scene with such a well rounded record. With an all-star production and writing cast that included the likes of Bryan-Michael Cox, Bei Maejor, Missy Elliot, Jim Jonsin, and Polow Da Don, Monica was able to put together amazing R&B cuts that appealed to both her older and younger crowd; something very difficult to do nowadays if you ask me. We leave you with the track "Mirror" Produced by Jim Jonsin.


Monica - "Mirror"

Classic Vibe: Monica "Street Symphony" (1998)

From her multi-platinum selling album "The Boy Is Mine". Written by Dallas Austin, this song was just Brilliant to me.

YouKnowIGotSoul Top 10 R&B Albums of 2010: #10 Faith Evans "Something About Faith"

After 15 years in the game, millions of records sold, a Grammy Award, and a NY Times best-selling book; Faith Evans blessed us once again with her solid 2010 release titled "Something About Faith". What we liked the most about this album, was the fact that Faith took FULL creative control of the project and delivered 100% REAL music (no gimmicks attached). With a production team that enlisted the likes of Mike City, Malik Pendleton, and Chucky Thompson; Faith was able to capture the essence of R&B that most artist are missing today. We leave you with one of YKIGS's favorite cuts from the album "Baby Lay". Enjoy!

Faith Evans - "Baby Lay"

To read YKIGS's Interview with Faith Evans, please click here

Classic Vibe: Diana Ross "Missing You" (1984)

"Missing You" was recorded by Diana Ross in 1984. Released on her album Swept Away, the song was written and produced by Lionel Richie. This song came together as a tribute to Marvin Gaye, who passed away on April 1, 1984. The song was also sampled later on for The Notorious B.I.G. & 112's "Miss U" cut, which was released in 1997 on BIG's "Life After Death" album. Mike Keith of 112 touched on the making of BIG's "Miss U" record during his interview with Slam earlier this year. For the interview with Mike, please click here. Today I want to dedicate this song to my Abuelito, who passed on earlier this week on Tuesday nite. We should HUG, KISS, and LOVE all our loved ones TODAY because tomorrow is never promised. Grandpa I love you with all my heart...always have, always will. May you RIP.

The Notorious B.I.G. Feat 112 - "Miss U"

Classic Vibe: Snoop Dogg Feat. Charlie Wilson & Justin Timberlake "Signs" (2004)

Leave it up to The Neptunes to cook up a classic (YES I said classic) collaboration between three very talented artists and you'll get an incredible track like this. "Signs" was released in 2004 on Snoop's multi-platinum "R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta) - The Masterpiece" album. Snoop's signature laid back flow, combined with Uncle Charlie's soulful 70's melodies; yields for a magical bliss that the two veterans have had together throughout the years. The Neptunes used music and lyrics from The Gap Band's "Early in the Morning" (1982) and Cheryl Lynn's "Got to Be Real" (1978) songs. Slam pointed this out to me earlier today and it was pretty fun to try and figure out the melodies that were sampled from these songs. Please listen to the links below and let us know if you can find the samples. As a bonus treat, I also included links to some of the best collabos between Snoop and Charlie Wilson. Enjoy!

The Gap Band - "Early In The Morning"

Cheryl Lynn - "Got To Be Real"

Snoop Dogg Feat Charlie Wilson - "Doggfather"

Snoop Dogg Feat. Charlie Wilson - "Snoop's Upside Ya Head"

Lost Soul: Christopher Williams "All I See"

Wud up everybody!! yo boy SG checking in once again with another beautiful creation from Jodeci's Devante Swing. "All I See" was produced and co-written by Devante and Christopher Williams while they were both signed to Uptown Records in the early 90's. This song displays Christopher's amazing vocals and Devante's soulful production skills. With additional vocals from Horace Brown, this record is just a perfect example of the essence of R&B. Below you can find links to a live version of the song from "Uptown MTV Unplugged" and a bonus treat to one of Horace Brown's songs featuring Faith Evans. Enjoy!!

Christopher Williams - "All I See (Live)"

Horace Brown Feat. Faith Evans - "How Can We Stop"

Classic Vibe: Surface "Happy" (1987)

Wuz good YKIGS fam!! we are back today with a slammin' track from the past. "Happy" was released by the group Surface back in 1987 on their self-titled debut album. Before making their mark in the music industry with hits like "The First Time" and "Lately," the members of Surface used to be local writers for EMI and wrote songs for the likes of New Edition and Sister Sledge. Slam and I picked "Happy" because it has been sampled by some of our favorite producers and artists. The song itself just has a very chill Summer vibe to it. it just makes you feel like your kickin' at the park or ridin' with the top down on a sunny Saturday morning every time it plays. Jagged Edge just sampled this song on their brand new single "My Baby" I think they did a descent job with the sample. I also liked the way JE incorporated Jodeci's "Come And Talk To Me" intro in their song. Check out Jagged Edge's new single on the post below and let us know what you think. Here are some links on some of the best "Happy" Samples.....enjoy!!!

Kool G Rap Feat. NaS - "Fast Life"

Carl Thomas Feat. LL Cool J - "She Is"

R. Kelly - "Only The Loot Can Make Me Happy"

Classic Vibe: K-Ci & Jo Jo "How Could You" (1997)

Hey wuzup everybody!! this is your boy SG checking in!! I've been a fan of the site for some time now and I have been fortunate enough to be invited as a Guest Editor on YKIGS by DJ Slam. I will be bringing you a blast from the past every Thursday with "Classic Vibe Thursdays." For any requests, hit us up on Twitter @TheDJSlam and @SGBIZz. Today's pick comes from a fantastic duo that have influenced the music industry in a MAJOR way since they came out with their group Jodeci in the early 90's. K-Ci & JoJo's "How Could You" was released in the Summer of 1997 on their classic "Love Always" Album. Nowadays You can catch K-Ci & JoJo on their new show "Come Clean" on Centric. We hope that they get their stuff together and get back to record that timeless music that we all used to and still love!!

Faith Evans & SWV Live Concert Footage at Indigo2 in London UK 12/05/10 (Reader Submitted)

I am very exited because we've decided to try something totally new on YKIGS. In an effort to expand and interact on a different level with our readers, today we are posting Live concert footage submitted by one of our lovely followers from London UK. I had a real good time watching this footage because acts of this caliber don't perform often down in Miami. I’m sure many of our readers might be limited to attend this amazing shows as well, but can enjoy them through the Live posts Slam puts out on the site. Today's Live Footage comes courtesy of Miss Birmingham. Miss Birmingham is a music lover just like we are and is very active in the R&B community. Please make sure you follow Miss Birmingham on Twitter @musicmelb. For Miss Birmingham's Youtube Channel, please click here. Feel free to submit any ideas, music, requests, footage, and any other material related to the site to djslam@youknowigotsoul.com or hit us up on Twitter @TheDJSlam or @SGBIZz. Enjoy!

1) Faith Evans - "Soon As I Get Home"
2) Faith Evans - "You Used To Love Me"
3) Faith Evans - "True Love"
4) SWV - "Weak"
5) SWV - "If Only You Knew"
6) SWV - "Rain"