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Normani Signs to Keep Cool/RCA Records

Fifth Harmony may be taking a break but that isn’t stopping Normani’s grind. The 21-year-old artist has signed a deal with Keep Cool/RCA Records, a new joint venture led by Tunji Balogun.

“I’m so incredibly grateful to be able to be in a place where I can explore myself as an artist and what I’m capable of,” Normani said in a press release. “Never in a million years did I think I would be in this position in 2018. Everyone has been so supportive and patient; thank you so much to my fans for giving me the opportunity.”

She added, “I’m so thankful to my girls that we created this space among ourselves to explore and branch out creatively. Fifth Harmony has always been and will always be home. I’d like to say thank you to Tunji and Peter for believing in the vision that I have for myself as an artist. I’m appreciative for their commitment and perseverance.”

The Atlanta native is currently working on her debut album. Balogun, who was also promoted to executive vice president of A&R at RCA, will be hands-on with A&R for the album. “Normani is a dynamic, multi-talented young woman with vibrant energy and a powerful spirit,” says Balogun.

Peter Edge, chairman and CEO at RCA Records, shared his excitement about Normani joining the label. “We are thrilled to welcome Normani as the first artist under the Keep Cool/RCA Records imprint. Normani’s talent and charisma really sets her apart as a leading lady in the industry and I know she will bring that same energy and more to her solo career.”

Normani’s “Love Lies” duet with Khalid, from the Love Simon soundtrack, is having much success. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on April 4. The beautiful track has over 136 million streams on Spotify and its official video has nearly 30 million views on YouTube.

Last month, Fifth Harmony announced their hiatus to allow each of the members (Normani, Lauren, Ally and Dinah) to pursue their solo careers.

Keithan is the founder/editor-in-chief of Rated R&B

Jorja Smith Announces Debut Album ‘Lost & Found’

It’s about time. After several major features with hip-hop biggest stars (Drake, Kendrick Lamar), rising singer Jorja Smith has announced her debut album, Lost & Found, will arrive on June 8.

Smith will enjoy the spotlight alone on Lost & Found as there are no features on the project, which includes “Teenage Fantasy” and “Blue Lights.” She performed the latter song along with “On My Mind” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last week.

Lost & Found Track List
1. “Lost & Found”
2. “Teenage Fantasy”
3. “Where Did I Go?”
4. “February 3rd”
5. “On Your Own”
6. “The One”
7. “Wandering Romance”
8. “Blue Lights”
9. “Lifeboats (Freestyle)”
10. “Goodbyes”
11. “Tomorrow”
12. “Don’t Watch Me Cry”

Pre-order Smith’s Lost & Found today.

 

Erykah Badu, Miguel and The Roots to Headline Smokin’ Grooves Festival

The performance lineup for the Smokin’ Grooves Festival has been announced. Erykah Badu, Miguel and The Roots are set to headline the event, which takes plance on June 16 at The Queen Mary in Long Beach.

Other artists on the bill include Jhene Aiko, NxWorries (Anderson Paak + Knxwledge), H.E.R., Majid Jordan, dvsn, Tiara Thomas, Lion Babe, Arin Ray, Ravyn Lenae, Omarion and THEY, to name a few.

While Badu doesn’t have a new project out, fans will be expecting to hear her classic records. Miguel and Jhené Aiko will promote their latest albums. The latter artist released her  sophomore album Trip last September, while Miguel delivered his third album, War & Leisure, in December.

Tickets are on sale now at smokingroovesfest.com.

See the complete Smokin’ Grooves lineup below.

JoJo Announces ‘Leaks, Mixtapes and Covers’ Tour Dates

Photo Credit: Steve Jennings/WireImage

JoJo will soon embark on a 15-date tour. Dubbed Leaks, Covers and Mixtapes, the singer will launch her tour in Anaheim, Calif. on May 29. From there, she will travel to several other major cities including Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Boston and New York before concluding in Dallas, TX on June 26.

Last August, JoJo launched her Clover Music imprint at Interscope Records. “I’m reunited with [Aaron Bay-Schuck], my original A&R at Atlantic, who was instrumental in signing me there,” JoJo explained. “One of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my career was leave the Atlantic family. It was a decision I seriously struggled with, but felt I owed it to myself to fulfill one of my ultimate goals, which was ownership.”

Leaks, Covers and Mixtapes Tour Schedule

Aaaaffddkfkfjskshdhshksdjiehagayahff!!!!!!! You have no idea how excited I am to sing these songs live for the very first time 😭😭😭 Leaks. Covers. & Mixtapes. This tour is especially for everyone who rocked with me when my hands were tied and my voice was silenced… thought it’d be mad fun to perform these songs since they were such a massive part of my life and you have always shown such passion for them. I wanted to keep the shows small and intimate so… get your tix now baebs. I miss seeing you up close and I want to get that connection that inspires me so much while I’m working on NEW material for my next project. Just starting to put the set list together… what songs do you want to hear most?! 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀 •ARTIST PRE-SALE tickets are available tomorrow, April 25th at 10am local time – use password: JOJOEXCLUSIVE •VENUE PRESALE tickets available this Thurs, April 26th at 10am •GENERAL tix go on sale this Fri, April 27th at 10am local (except New York, which goes on sale at noon)

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