Patti LaBelle's New Album Celebrates Her Years in Music

Hey there R&B fans,

Welcome back to the R&B 94.1 Newsletter. Whether you’ve been a dedicated listener, or you just found us on the dial, we’re glad to have a spot in your inbox.

Here’s what we’ve got for you this time:

• Patti LaBelle Turns 80 Years Young

• R&B Albums on Apples Best 100

• Muni Long’s Latest Release

• High Dive Closes Doors

But first, it’s Listener’s Choice! Do we play too much Michael Jackson? Not enough Usher? Fill out the poll, reply to this email and let us know what you really think.

Patti LaBelle Turns 80 Years Young

In a surprise soiree organized by icons Whoopi Goldberg and Gladys Knight, The Godmother of R&B Patti LaBelle celebrated her 80th birthday.

In between partying like it was 1999 and showing everyone that age is just a number, Patti laBelle shared with Entertainment Tonight that she was releasing an album in 2024.

The upcoming album is called “8065”, as a symbol for Patti’s 80 years of life and 65 years in the music industry.

LaBelle teased a collaboration with Cardi B, referring to the rapper as her “new best friend”. Only time will tell if a collaboration between the two is possible.

R&B on Apple’s Best 100 Albums

Apple Music released their 100 Best Albums, receiving a mixed bag of reviews and reactions. Some are highly in favor of the albums that were chosen, while many disagree with the selection or order.

Some of our favorite R&B artists made it on the list, including Usher, Solange, Mary J. Blige, SZA, Rihanna, and Marvin Gaye.

Let’s take a look at the R&B albums in the top 10.

• #10 Beyoncé - Lemonade

• #6 Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life

• #5 Frank Ocean - Blonde

• #4 Prince & The Revolution - Purple Rain

• #1 Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Muni Long’s “Make Me Forget”

“Make Me Forget” is Muni Long’s highly anticipated follow-up to her hit “Made For Me”, having been certified platinum selling over one million units earlier this month. 

The track interpolates D’Angelo’s “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”, and was co-produced by powerhouse producers Tricky Stewart, MOMBRU, and Jehreeus.

Muni Long is joining Chris Brown on his upcoming 11:11 North American tour, performing in Atlanta on July 5th.

Gainesville Venue Closes Doors

A casualty to the rapid expansion of Gainesville, the beloved music venue the High Dive closed their doors with their last show on May 19th.

Pat Lavery, High Dive owner, made an official release on the venue’s social media. Sadness and frustration flooded the comments, with anticipation of the venue’s last shows and potential plans for the future.

It’s unclear whether the High Dive will move into an existing location, or build a new venue of its own. In the meantime, the High Dive is selling “Keep the Dive Alive” and “Gainesville Won’t Back Down” t-shirts.

• Rihanna Earns Four New RIAA Diamond Certified Singles

• Keke Wyatt Announces New Album “Certified",” Shares Title Track

• Usher and Victoria Monét to be Honored at ASCAP’s 2024 Rhythm & Soul Music Awards

For more local news, visit Mainstreet Daily News.

• 6/14 Free Fridays Concert Series

• 6/19 Journey to Juneteenth: The Jubilee 

For more local events, visit Mainstreet Daily News.

That’s All, Folks!

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