After 30 Years In the Business Singer Johnny Gill Continues to be a GAME CHANGER

by Cyrus Webb

Timeless. That is just one way to describe Grammy nominated recording artist Johnny Gill.

With the recent BET mini-series on the group New Edition there has been renewed appreciation for what artists like him bring to the table. Many have gotten to know him for his hit singles like "My, My, My","Rub You the Right Way" and "Where Do We Go from Here" (with Stacy Lattisaw) as well as his involvement with the popular groups New Edition and LSG, however, there seems to be no substitute for the man himself.

With his last full length album GAME CHANGER, Johnny Gill fed his fans insatiable appetite for new music, and on January 27th he re-released the single 5000 Miles featuring another R&B crooner Jaheim.

"I have been blessed with a gift from God that is magical. You can't design it," Johnny told me in our conversation together. "I think about my career and how my music has touched people. It is beyond a miracle and a blessing. To have people to connect with you is a gift."

Like many other soulful singers before him Johnny Gill began singing in the church and blossomed from there. He believes the main reason he is still able to do what he loves is because he understands the importance of staying consistent. "I stay true to me and my music," he says. "If you look at my body of work you'll see that I'm open to trying new things. At the end of the day my biggest goal is to always stay focused and be careful that I don't lose who I am. I set out to make great music, songs I can identify with and connect with and do it justice." Remaining true has given him the confidence to say that in spite of it all, he has put his heart and soul into each and every project. "I have something to hold my head up about and be proud," he says. That comes from walking in his musical truth. 

His beginnings were not so full of pride. Johnny relayed to me how when he first started in the business at the age of 15 he was not always the best of himself. "There was no blueprint about how you are supposed to be and act," he told me. "All the things you have to learn growing up in this business---the ups and downs that come with it---now make me blessed that I have my fans there for support." He understands that it is all a process, a machine that brings it all to life. The process that gets his music to the masses is something he feels more connected with, and he knows it's important not to take any of it lightly. 

To his fans, Johnny says this: "Thank you. Know that I don't take you or my success for granted. I couldn't have done this without you. "

Johnny Gill's GAME CHANGER is available on Amazon. Stay in contact with him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/realjohnnygill. His website is  www.johnnygill.com. 

REVIEW: Kalenna's SPACE AND TIME reminds us absence can make the heart grow fonder

by Cyrus Webb

Musically it seems as though Kalenna can do no wrong.

Though many have focused on her emotional ride as played out on the current season of VH1's hit television show LOVE AND HIP HOP, we have to remember that she actually DOES SING---and does so well.  If anyone had any doubt then SPACE AND TIME is just the reminder that you need.

The single is seductive in its beat and the way Kalenna delivers the message of the song. When things in relationships don't seem to be going well, sometimes those two things---SPACE AND TIME---are just what you need to reevaluate where you are, what you want and what you're willing to do in order to get it.

"Maybe we need time to get back together," Kalenna sings. "We've been fighting all day. If it's meant to be then we will be together, forever always." How do you know what's meant for you? "Space and time, always makes the heart grow fonder. Space and time, always make the love last longer. Space and time, say what's really on your mind. Space and time, somehow makes the heart grow fonder."

Kalenna shows that in order for any relationship to work, the two have to be in it equally. "Pray for me," she sings, "and I'll pray for you. Fight for me, and I'll fight for you. Stay with me, and I'll stay with you."

This is just the kind of song men and women can take in and jam to, knowing they have been there at one time or another---or may find it to be just the song to address what they are experiencing right now. Either way SPACE AND TIME delivers a jam just in time for the summer wind-down, and Kalenna shows why talent in the end always proves itself.

Get SPACE AND TIME for yourself on Amazon here. Stay connected with Kalenna on Facebook and Twitter for more appearance and music updates.