Award-winning R&B Group Jagged Edge stop by Conversations LIVE 06/19 by Cyrus Webb Presents | Entertainment Podcasts

They have given the world some of the best R&B over the past decade. Now Jagged Edge stops by #ConversationsLIVE to talk with host Cyrus Webb about their career and their new single HOPE.

Listen to the conversation here: Award-winning R&B Group Jagged Edge stop by Conversations LIVE 06/19 by Cyrus Webb Presents | Entertainment Podcasts

Cupid: Singing and Dancing His Way to Personal Greatness

Photo credit: PYP Portraits LLC

by Cyrus Webb

What is considered "good" these days is really in the eyes and ears of the beholder. Especially when it comes to music, what is popular is not always what is the best in the market.

Few understand this like recording artist Cupid. Many have gotten to know him because of his infectious single CUPID SHUFFLE which has a staggering 19 million-plus views on Youtube alone, but he is more than that one song. Since its release Cupid has been keeping people moving on the dance floor, but in 2013 he also got them thinking about their health and living a more fulfilled life. Simply put, through his life he has been showing people how to live.

"When you look at it you start to realize that God has a reason why he gives you the tools that he gives you and to use them in the right way," Cupid told me during our conversation."I wake up looking for ways to change people's lives through music."

He has certainly done just that. You'll not only hear him on the radio, but when the First Lady of the United States gives you a shout-out you know you must be on to something. Through his musical exercise program CuRobiks Cupid has taken his ability to bring people together and given them a tool to use in their quest for a more fulfilled life.

The dance party king is back with a new song sure to get you moving---and a new video that puts you in the mood to have a good time.On April 30th he released the video for his single WHAM DANCE featuring Mystikal and Dj Ro---and in less than 2 months over 52k have taken to Youtube to enjoy the latest offering of a man that is living his purpose and passion each and every day.





With limitless opportunities around him Cupid talked with me about the ride to success, being true to himself and the craft and what he hopes you know about him as an artist and a man.

 CUPID ON HIS BEGINNINGS:
"I started early, directing the church choir at age 12. It didn't really dawn on me until I was in college and became the talent show go-to guy that I could really do this."

 CUPID ON HIS CREATING MUSIC:
"It's a feeling that is hard to explain. There are no boundaries. The labels put you in a box. I've been blessed to just make music."

CUPID ON HIS CAREER:
"It's been a blessing. Initially when I signed (my deal) I spent a lot of time making music that wasn't great to me. Over time I've learned to fall back in love with music and making music that makes people feel good. I just try to make it fun and bring back the genuineness in music. "

CUPID ON HIS GROWTH:
"The feeling is like when you create something and you watch it grow. It's a love that you can't really explain. That's how it is with my music. It's been humbling to watch my music grow and touch so many people. Out of thin air we create something special. To see people dancing, sweating and really into it is something I will always appreciate."

CUPID ON STAYING TRUE:
"I'm deeply grounded in God. I've learned a lot along the way. I pray that no matter what mistakes I make that I don't make big mistakes I can't come back from. I'm constantly growing day by day. I do this not just to have a hit but for the true passion for it. When I make music, I don't make it for the trend. I want it to last a lifetime."

As he moves forward, Cupid has some sage advice for those who look at his success and think about their own path to greatness. "Keep on pushing and loving what you do," he says. "Remember that good guys do finish first. I'm proof of that. You just can't give up. The only way that you fail is if you quit."

Stay updated with everything Cupid by following him on Twitter @newcupid. His website is www.newcupidonline.com.

Entertainment Renaissance man Tray Chaney celebrates Fatherhood with Single, Video

Tray Chaney seen here with his father, grandfather and son
(J Landers Photography)

by Cyrus Webb

Actor (HBO's The Wire and movies like Masterminds & Streets). Author (The Truth You Can't BeTray) .Community Leader.Recording Artist. Tray Chaney has used his various hats that he wears to showcase not just his talent but his commitment to making a difference as well. He brought in 2014 with a new video for his single DEDICATED FATHER from his album THE CURRICULUM.

The song and the video bring back the message that he shared with the world in his song FATHERHOOD which got national attention, even being featured on BET's 106 and Park. With DEDICATED FATHER, however, Tray takes us deeper into his own journey as a father, both to his son and his daughter from his wife's previous relationship. "I couldn't sit back and dwell upon the negative," Chaney says in the song, "so I had to make the situation turn positive. As I took your mom's hand in marriage I made a vow to you don't ever call me a step-parent." What a great message for those who are in relationships with individuals who had children previously. His message to other men in this situation? "Father to a father let's go make a difference."





We hear on the news all the time about individuals who have abandoned their responsibilities as fathers to their children. What Chaney reminds men of is that if you are truly going to call yourself a man, you should be making sure that your offspring are taken care of, regardless of the situation you might find yourself in with their mother.

An interesting element of the video is the group of men of various ages marching by the monument of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As they walk Chaney raps: "Motivating fathers all over the place.Fist in the air, fatherhood celebrate." It reminds you that just like King had a mission for his life, fathers should be willing to give everything to make sure that things are turned around when it comes to taking care of the youth.

Definitely a message that should motivate you to action, Chaney sums it up in the song with this truth: "Being there for your kid really makes a difference."

Get DEDICATED FATHER on Amazon here.