KarenCivil.com

It seems with any urban artist you meet nowadays, they all share one thing in common: their love for all-things Michael Jackson. From early Jackson 5 recordings of “Ill Be There” to “ABC” and then to solo pop superstardom, MJ was the man for all the little kids growing up aspiring to be in the music biz. Call it the “MJ rule” if you want. That rule applies to Brandon Hines, the authentic R&B/Soul singer who is fittingly from Motown. Growing up in Detroit and being introduced to the soulful sounds of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and Jodeci to name a few, the latest Epic Records signee Hines has been working on filling in the rhythms and blues void that’s been somewhat in the grey area lately with today’s pop-sounding, crossover influence. The smooth vocalist with the baritone is hoping to bring a sense of soul, emotion and feeling through the notes he belts out –something that will make females feel sexy listening to and have the fellas wanting to up their game.

Interview by Michael Nguyen

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According to Billboard, Ne-yo has made the transition from his deal at Def Jam, to pursue responsibilities as senior VP and A&R of Motown. It’s a big move especially trying to fill the void of Smokey Robinson who has always been one of Ne-yo’s role models. In addition to this move, he will also bring his Compound Entertainment imprint to the label.

“I’m honored that I¹ve been given such a prestigious title and trusted with such responsibility; terrified because I know that playing this role in the fashion of one of my career role models, Mr. Smokey Robinson — these are big shoes to fill. But trust, I can handle it.” But trust, I can handle it.”