BKS1 Radio Network

Live In The Vocal Booth the Show that started it all... Airs LIVE Saturday 11pm -1 am and Sundays 10pm - 1am est

This Edition of LIVE In The Vocal Booth Show we rate and review along with YOU the listener Melanie Fiona's new release "The MF Life"

Here is our rating system:
5 Stars: It's blazing hot – on fire
4 Stars: It's a hot song – pump it up
3 Stars: It's alright-good song
2 Stars: Thanks for the album cut-what's next
1 Stars: I won't tell nobody about that if you don't…lets keep that a secret

Melanie Fiona | The MF Life

Melanie Fiona crossed many bridges to arrive at The MF Life. Conceptual bridges. Spiritual bridges. Actual bridges. Stadium-thumpin' bridges. Hard-lovin' emotional bridges. The MF Life, the Grammy-nominated soulstress’s second album for SRC/Title 9/Universal Motown, evinces the charmed life of an immensely gifted vocalist in forward motion, hurtling up the road, the radio dial, and the charts to a unique place where myriad listeners can soothe their souls and hear the beat of their own hearts.

With the release of The Bridge, Melanie Fiona emerged as one of 2009’s finest new breakout stars, appearing everywhere from The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to Live with Regis and Kelly, The Wendy Williams Show, and Last Call with Carson Daly. The album’s breakthrough ballad, “It Kills Me,” topped Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for nine weeks and earned Fiona her first Grammy nomination in 2010 for Best R&B Female Vocal Performance. Popular favorites such as “Give It to Me Right” and “Ay Yo” demonstrated Fiona’s unique ability to mix classic R&B/soul influences with a street-smart attitude and hip-hop swagger, resulting in an entirely fresh sound all her own, which she has developed into an electrifying live show. In fact, in 2010, Melanie Fiona was the only artist to be invited to perform on BET’s Rising Icons program for the second year in a row, and she has toured with Kanye West and Alicia Keys, in addition to co-headlining the 2009 Heineken Red Star Soul Tour and the 2011 BET Music Matters II Tour.

The maturity Melanie Fiona displays on The MF Life is underscored by her remarkable versatility and cosmopolitan panache. The album showcases a stunning mix of vibrant new sounds from a host of A-list R&B producers and songwriters, each partaking of the originality that has made Fiona a sought-after collaborator by everyone from Cee-Lo Green (“Fool For You”) and John Legend & The Roots (“Wake Up! Everybody”) to reggae superstar Stephen Marley (“No Cigarette Smoking (In My Room)”) and U.K. rapper Tinchy Stryder (“Let It Rain”). “The MF Life is definitely less retro-sounding than my first album,” says Fiona, who credits her parents, Guyanese émigrés to Canada, with giving her a solid foundation in the time-honored classics of Sam Cooke and Stevie Wonder, among other greats. The transformative impulse is one Fiona relishes. “Making the leap from Canada,” she explains, “I was recognized for two things: Being a powerful vocalist and an emotional storyteller. It’s clear to me that with those traits in place, the sky’s the limit. I think if listeners feel that they can believe what you’re singing, they’ll stick with you no matter what you try.”
Clearly, The MF Life points the way forward for a boldly captivating new voice with an auspicious future.

Tonight's Topic: Facing Foreclosure.....The Facts You Need to Know!

Many Americans are caught in the cycle of owing more than there home is worth.  The rescission has left many jobless which has resulted in the loss of homes, cars and mounting debt.  The bank and car industry got there bail out of financial ruin, but what about Middle America?  Tonight your “Live in the Vocal Booth team discusses the foreclosure process and the resources you need to know when you are facing Foreclosure.  What options do you have?  What are your rights?  Don’t run from the situation Face Foreclosure and Fight Back.

Join the Live In The Vocal Booth Team as we discuss this serious matter that is facing a lot of American homeowners! Call in 646-233-1302 or chat live with our chat rebels. Follow us on twitter: @BKS1RadioEnt and Like our facebook fan page: Best Kept Secrets Ent.

Calandra...

..Who Is She? The question has been asked time and time again. So here is a little insight. She was born Calandra Elmaria Donastorg, a native of St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands. She began showing signs of being a star at the tender age of four years old. Her ability to put words together that expressed such emotions at such a young age was brought to light by her soft tones that made everyone stand still and feel chills throughout their bodies. At the age of seven, Calandra came to New Jersey with her mother and father in which she continued to write and sing throughout her elementary and high school years. A graduate of East Orange High School and also a former Hal Jackson Talented Teen International Winner for the state of New Jersey, Calandra made it clear that her goal was to succeed in the music industry. With her sights set and at the age of seventeen, her father’s label was established for the sole purpose of making his daughter’s dream a reality.

Calandra's current release entitled "Calandra" can be heard across the air waves in the U.S. Virgin Islands thanks to Peter Ottley of WSTA Lucky 13. Calandra continues to write and sing music that she feels has meaning and gives an underground hip-hop and reggae tone flavor. Always thinking of giving back to her community, she would often lend her voice to campaigning offices, even singing at mayoral and community affairs. Calandra has received countless awards for her performances at talent shows throughout New York and Tri-State area. Calandra also performed at the first ever televised, ESPN2 Boxing event held in the U.S. Virgin Islands where she performed both the UVI and the U.S.A. National Anthem, in which she received a standing ovation. This event was sponsored by Sugar Ray Leonard and company, for which Calandra wrote a tribute song for the famed boxer. The following year she was asked to return home to the U.S. Virgin Islands to perform at a party celebrating the birthday and anniversary of Former Heavyweight Champion Riddick Bowe for which she received great reviews. In her constant push to succeed, she continues to express herself through her music in hopes that her voice reaches one of many around the globe. This young lady is definitely someone to watch out for. With so much to offer, everyone should definitely stop, look and listen because only then will they understand the TRUE beauty of an ARTIST! Calandra, Inc

Anthony Hamilton, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, was discovered at the age of 10 while singing in his church's choir.  Releasing his first studio composed album in 1996, Hamilton has been delivering music for over 15 years. After being introduced to the mainstream on the Grammy winning song by the Nappy Roots Po' Folks, Anthony has continued to deliver quality music to the masses. Back to Love is Hamilton's 7th album. Can he continue to deliver powerful soulful songs with a message that can be felt by all.

Read more of Anthony Hamilton's Bio Here

New Years Resolutions:

Is it really realistic to set New Years Resolutions? Do we set goals that are really obtainable? Do we shot for the stars with only a bottle rocket to get there? Tonight on Live In The Vocal Booth let talk about Resolutions and how to really fulfill our goals and setting realistic resolutions. How can we enlist other to help us obtain our goal? How many goals are too many Goals? Lets help set each other up for success in 2012. We want to know whats your goals and whats the craziest goals you have heard. Tonight rite here on Live In The Vocal Booth.

Khaled was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is of Palestinian descent and lives in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Currently, he hosts the weeknight program TakeOver on Miami-based urban music radio station WEDR with fellow host K. Foxx; Khaled states that he has worked for the station professionally since 2003. In 1998, Khaled worked as a "sidekick" for Miami rapper Luther Campbell for Campbell's Friday night WEDR radio show The Luke Show. In his albums, Khaled usually provides "shoutouts" that assert his representation of "the ghetto" and urges people to listen, Khaled's passion for hip hop music began at the age of 14 but he did not intend to be a rapper, instead he opted for a career as a producer in hip hop music stating, I became interested in rap music in my early teens but I didnt wanna be a rapper cuz I didnt have that kind of ethic, however I loved making beats and the first demo I made, I was like damn! I fell in love with making sounds and beats and from then on I worked very hard to get somewhere with my music. From 2004 to 2006, Khaled assisted in the production of the hip-hop albums Real Talk by Fabolous, True Story by Terror Squad, All or Nothing by Fat Joe, and Me, Myself, & I by Fat Joe.

Grammy Award Winning Artist Mýa, is celebrating 13 years in the entertainment industry as an internationally known, respected singer, songwriter, producer, dancer/choreographer, actress, designer, model, activist and philanthropist. In Fall 2009 Mýa entertained the world and impressed millions as the highest scoring contestant on ABC’s Season 9 of Dancing With The Stars. Mýa also created her own label, Planet 9, and released the first of a series of independent music compilations, Sugar & Spice LP and “The Perfect Edition” double disc in Japan in 2008 & 2009.  Mýa finished out the decade as one of Billboard’s Hot 100 Artists Of the Decade, and was featured on a number of diverse charts & top 10 lists from Fuse‟s Sexiest Videos of All Time to VH1 Latin America’s Top Videos of The Decade. In 2010 we will see various musical releases from Mýa including collaboration with Cedric Gervais of Ultra Records, the world’s top dance label, titled “Love is The Answer.” In 2010 Mýa also reprised her role as National Spokesperson for The North Shore Animal League‟s Tour For Life and is featured in the Wyclef Jean remake of We Are the World, to benefit Haiti.

Read More Mya Bio Here (www.myamya.com)

How To Blend The Blended Family

" The Blended Family " What do you do when two people are in a relationship and its like your in heaven? He knows and fulfills your every need. She knows what you like and want before you do and makes it come true. Life is really good. UNTIL its time for the family's to meet. Hear come uncle Joe drunk as a skunk and your aunt Sharon is no angel either, with her low cut shirt and high rise dress. Can you say Cougar? Like in the movie ( Jumping The Broom or Four Christmas ), How do you explain your families little secrets and make the transition to one happy family. Lets talk about it tonight on Bks1 Radio. Tell us your story.

S.W.V. - Sisters With Voices

S.W.V., an abbreviation of Sisters With Voices, is a R&B group consisting of three friends Cheryl Gamble, Tamara Johnson and Leanne Lyons. SWV are legends in the music industry with 2 platinum and a gold album to their credit. Since entering into the music game in 1992 the group has released 10 studio albums. Including studio releases and best of compilations. Will I Missed Us, the 11 project released by the group, deliver the same soulful and powerful sounds that SWV has been known to deliver?

Join the Vocal Booth team for our interactive review process where your opinion counts. Let us know your thoughts and opinions on SWV or music in general, call in 646-233-1302 or chat live with the rest of the chat rebels! Join the BKS1 Radio experience.

Follow us on twitter: @bks1radioent and like our facebook fan page: Best Kept Secrets Ent.

Get more SWV Info here: http://therealswv.com/bio/

Tonight's Topic: The Psychology of Prostitution

Why does a woman choose to be a prostitute?  Why do men whether single or married seek sex with prostitutes?  What is the illusion or attraction of paying for sex with a stranger?  Do men seek prostitutes so that don’t have to deal with the complexities of a relationship?  Do women seek the oldest profession in the world as just a means to pay the bills?

Tonight on “Live in the Vocal Booth” the team will discuss the Psychology of Prostitution and why even in the face of sexually transmitted disease and the threat of arrest many still seek the services of a prostitute.

Norman Bradley A.K.A. “Storm Norm” born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey, the home of famed artist that range from Parliament Funkadelics and to the hot female group “Total”. Norm graduated from Plainfield High School where he was known as “DJ. Norm Ski” .

He rocked high school parties as DJ Norm Ski at some of The Tri States hottest clubs. His passion for music didn’t stop at just dee-jaying, he also formed a rap group called Fresh Finesse and released their first single titled “ You Ain’t Saying Nothin” on Valley/Trumpet/Atlantic records. The single did well in the US.and was 11 on London’s top DJ./Producer Tim Westwood’s top 40 pick hit list. He then went on to study recording engineering and the business of music at the prestigious Arts Institute of Atlanta, GA.

While persuing his education he decided to go back to the Tri-State area to start his own music production company and studio, which led to the transformation from dee-jay to producer/songwriter. The first act he discovered, produced and developed was a female R&B/Hip-Hop group called “Total Opposites” which consisted of three local New Jersey girls Kima, Keisha, and Pam, they later went on to become the bad girls of Bad Boy Records-“Total”.

Since then he has worked in the presence of an array of artist and celebs such as Whitney, Bobby Brown, Nice and Smooth, M.O.P.,NBA legend Earl the Pearl just to name a few. Storm along with his long time friends formed a company called “Best Kept Secrets Entertaiment” which is an entertainment media company which  also consist of BKS1 Radio network as well.

One of Storm Norm’s biggest career highlights was producing and co-writing for the tribute song “Nothing But The Truth for the Sojourner Truth statue tribute at the US Capitol with Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton & Nancy Pelosi in which he worked with artist Dorinda Clark and Yolonda Adams. Storm Norm is now involved in the film making industry and well on his way to becoming a force to be reckoned with in this jungle we call the entertainment industry. Watch out! “the STORM is coming.”

Tonight's Topic: Is Today's Workplace Legalized Slavery?

Is Today's Workplace a form of Legalized Slavery? With unemployment still at such a high rate today's employers seem to feel you should be grateful to have a job. Do you walk on eggshells wondering is today my last day? Are you asked to work longer hours with no regards to your family or personal life? Do they also ask you to do so without getting paid at times? Even with the current state of the employment market, we need to know we have right's as employees. If your employer is like a slave master you need to know you have rights. Let's talk about what you can do to get off of the "Plantation", on Bks1radio.com.  Call in 646-233-1302 or become a chat rebel. Join the BKS1 Radio experience!

Special Guest: Singer/Song Writer Tiffany Monique

Joining the live in the vocal booth show tonight is the very talented Singer and Song writer Tiffany Monique.  Who better to describe Tiffany than the Legendary Beyonce, with whom she has toured the world with and performed countless times:

"Tiffany's voice has effortless strength, sass, seduction, and heart with a tone that puts you at ease. I am very lucky to have worked with her for many years and I am proud that she now has such a wonderful piece of work to share with the world."

-Beyoncé

Best known to the general public for being one-third of Beyoncé’s background singers – famously known as “The Mamas”– vocalist/songwriter Tiffany Moníque stepped out of the shadows as a solo recording artist with her debut EP, Nemesis,  in 2010. The five-track gem not only highlighted Tiffany’s stylistic diversity, but solidified her place as a superstar on the rise. In less than two years since the launch of her debut, Tiffany Moníque has amassed an impressive international fan base of thousands, including none other than her former boss, Beyoncé:

"Tiffany's voice has effortless strength, sass, seduction, and heart with a tone that puts you at ease," said Beyoncé. "I am very lucky to have worked with her for many years and I am proud that she now has such a wonderful piece of work to share with the world."

A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Tiffany’s mom moved the family to Newark, New Jersey in 1983.  At the age of three, Tiffany became actively involved in church and began to lay the foundation of her musical career through the church choir. “I went with my grandmother every Sunday and was involved in every ministry,” she pleasantly recalls. By the time she was in high school, Tiffany was a director in the church’s music ministry. While she knew well the songs in her hymnbook, Tiffany also found joy listening to seasoned soul singers on the radio. Listening to artists like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, Whitney Houston, Vesta and Chaka Khan, for whom her Aunt Beverly once sang backgrounds, Tiffany was inspired.

Read More About Tiffany Monique at www.tiffanymonique.com