Ashly E. Smith | The Urban Twist

Entertainment

TV Land Vibes: Booch Band’s “Standing In Your Light”

Led by musician, singer, songwriter, composer, producer, and acoustician Leroy Bocchieri, the Booch Band aims to keep summer’s heat rising with “Standing In ...

By Ashly E. SmithAugust 12, 20190

Entertainment

Summer Bop: Julian’s Xtra’s “Need A Vibe”

The summer sounds train continues with Chicago’s own Julian Xtra as he rides a melodic wave with his new single “Need A Vibe“! ...

By Ashly E. SmithAugust 8, 20190

Cover Story

Lyrical Connoisseur Toni Morrison dies at 88

“Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined.” Those profound words were few of many that Toni Morrison used to evoke, inspire, and ...

By Ashly E. SmithAugust 6, 20190

Cover Story

Mr. Hudson’s New Summer Music Machine

Ten years after his first acclaimed release Straight No Chaser, Benjamin “Mr. Hudson” McIldowie is back and better than ever with his new ...

By Ashly E. SmithJuly 29, 20190

Entertainment

Tropical Sounds: Robert Ranson’s “Jamerican”

Imagine a life filled with chaos, disorder, and a never ending workload. Now imagine escaping the madness to a place with skies dressed ...

By Ashly E. SmithJuly 19, 20190

Entertainment

Summertime Vibes: “Got Me Singing” by Jaafar Jackson

“I will not stop til’ I hear you sayOh baby, I’m all about youI want it to last, be here day to dayOh ...

By Ashly E. SmithJuly 4, 20190

Entertainment

Exclusive Single Premiere! Sail through the summer with Lilac Jun’s “neonights”

Let’s escape into the future with the kaleidoscopic sound of Lilac Jun. Born Aaron Krause, the Nashville, Tennessee based, multi-instrumentalist aims to take ...

By Ashly E. SmithJune 30, 20190

News

Stand out performances dominate the 2019 BET Awards

The 2019 BET Awards opened with a bang! Live from the famed Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, this year’s blazing event was first ...

By Ashly E. SmithJune 24, 20190

Featured

On the Rise: MAULX

Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, MAULX(pronounced MAUL-X) is on the quest to take the hip hop world by storm. Currently based in the Washington, ...

By Ashly E. SmithMay 9, 20190

Featured

A Creative Fortress: Innovation Station Music

The recording studio: A boisterous domain jam-packed with state of the art equipment to produce the best vocal, musical and instrumental content possible. ...

By Ashly E. SmithMay 7, 20190

Cover Story

Cinematic Icon: John Singleton 1968-2019

Director, screenwriter, and producer are just a mere three words to describe the prolific John Singleton. A native of South Los Angeles, Singleton ...

By Ashly E. SmithApril 29, 20190

Music

New Album Release: Kingdom Come by Schreiner!

What do you get after combining robust vocals, impulsive lyrics and exceptional musicianship? None other than rock/blues/acoustic band Schreiner! Led by vocalist/mulch-instrumentalist John ...

By Ashly E. SmithApril 19, 20190

Music

New Music Alert: Charlie Harris’ Moonbounce

Inspired by the eclectic sounds of Daft Punk, The Weeknd, and Muse, the North Carolina born, Brooklyn, New York based, Charlie Harris creates ...

By Ashly E. SmithFebruary 27, 20190

Cover Story

Spike Lee wins first Oscar at the 91st Annual Academy Awards

The streak is over! After 30 years in the business, and many other accolades including five Oscar nominations, Sheldon “Spike” Lee has finally ...

By Ashly E. SmithFebruary 25, 20190

Features

New video alert! Kamryn Marie’s “Baby Girl”

https://vimeo.com/315756830/59fb3e65a5 Love is in the air for EDM/pop artist Kamryn Marie! The Arizona born, Washington DC bred songstress has just answered “yes” to ...

By Ashly E. SmithFebruary 12, 20190

Music

Cardi B sizzles with 2019 Grammy performance and snags win for Best Rap Album

Flanked by 20 dancers clad in black, Cardi B served serious Josephine Baker vibes as she sashayed across LA’s Staples Center stage performing ...

By Ashly E. SmithFebruary 11, 20190

News

Silky voiced soul: James Ingram-1952-2019

A multiple Grammy Award-winner, the Akron Ohio born James Edward Ingram started his musical journey in 1973. Throughout his expansive career, the singer, ...

By Ashly E. SmithJanuary 29, 20190

Entertainment

Shining Brightly: AZTEC SUN

From the funk-soul grooves of “The District” and “Wild”, to the melodic hypnosis of “In the Name of Everyone” and “The Healing”, ...

By Ashly E. SmithDecember 2, 20180

Entertainment

Jason Masi captures hearts with new album

“I’m on a one way track, I’m living on faith, gonna get me some of what’s out there”. Jason Masi’s opening lyrics ...

By Ashly E. SmithNovember 30, 20180

Entertainment

Forever Our Superhero: Stan Lee 1922-2018

The Master of Marvel succumbs at 95.

By Ashly E. SmithNovember 12, 20180

Featured

The Dream That Became a Reality: Calvin Brown

Hailing from Richmond Virginia, singer, songwriter, and jazz-pianist, Calvin Brown was touched by musical prowess while his peers were still playing video games. ...

By Ashly E. SmithNovember 2, 20180

Entertainment

A Rose Among Us: Natalie Claro

Singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer are just a mere four words to describe 19-year-old Natalie Claro. With her latest alternative-pop album DISCONNECT, ...

By Ashly E. SmithOctober 25, 20180

Entertainment

Cardi B gives showstopping performance at the 2018 American Music Awards

Hosted by the mega talented Tracee Ellis Ross, Tuesday night’s 2018 American Music Awards was full of delightful surprises. LA’s Microsoft Theater was ...

By Ashly E. SmithOctober 10, 20180

Entertainment

Soaring Southern Charm: South Hill Banks

What do an upright bass, acoustic, mandolin, banjo, and electric guitar, have in common? They are more than just members of the prestigious ...

By Ashly E. SmithOctober 2, 20180

Entertainment

A tribute fit for a Queen: Stars pay proper homage to Aretha Franklin on Black Girls Rock 2018

Hosted by Queen Latifah, BET’s Black Girls Rock 2018 was nothing short of exhilarating. After fans were disappointed by MTV’s version, BET sought ...

By Ashly E. SmithSeptember 9, 20180

Entertainment

Rest Peacefully Aretha Franklin: 1942-2018

Singer, songwriter, mother, pioneer. These are just a mere few words to describe the incomparable Aretha Louise Franklin. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Franklin ...

By Ashly E. SmithAugust 16, 20180