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Embrace, the 2025 album by Change featuring Tanya Michelle Smith.Embrace was released on May 23, 2025 Change originated in 1980 with hits like The Glow of Love. After a long hiatus following 2018’s Love 4 Love, Embrace marks their next major studio album Initially conceived as Tanya Michelle Smith’s solo project in 2019, it evolved into a Change album following approval from founding producers Davide Romani and Mauro Malavasi Singles like “Sunrise Forever” (Jan 10) and “Got 2 Get Up” (Apr 4) gained traction in Europe, with “Sunrise Forever” remixes topping Traxsource dance charts Embrace Stands Out because of it’s artistic continuity, it seamlessly bridges the classic dance-soul vibe of Love 4 Love with modern production, spotlighting Tanya Michelle Smith’s vocals.

Kevin Ross has earned a major milestone with his latest single “Love in the Middle” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart dated July 12. The Louis York-produced track climbs from No. 4 to the top spot in its 20th week on the chart — a testament to its steady and growing radio presence. This marks Ross’ second No. 1 on this chart, following his 2016 hit “Long Song Away,” which he released while signed to Motown Records. “Love in the Middle” adds to Ross’ growing reputation as a consistent voice in the adult R&B space, now operating under his own label, Art Society Music Group.

Few groups in the history of R&B and funk have managed to leave a mark as distinctive and lasting as The S.O.S. Band. Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Atlanta in the late 1970s, the band fused soul, funk, disco, and early electronic production to create a sound that not only defined an era but also influenced generations of artists that followed. Origins and Breakthrough The S.O.S. Band, an acronym for Sounds of Success, was formed in 1977. Their big break came just two years later when they released their debut single, “Take Your Time (Do It Right),” in 1980. Produced by Sigidi Abdullah, the song was a massive hit — reaching No. 1 on the R&B chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. With its hypnotic groove, sultry vocals, and polished production, it became a dancefloor staple and a defining anthem of early 1980s R&B. This early success set the tone for what was to come: a decade-spanning career filled with soulful ballads, funky basslines, and genre-blending innovation. The Jam & Lewis Era While their debut put them on the map, it was the partnership with legendary production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis in the mid-1980s that elevated The S.O.S. Band to iconic status. Jam & Lewis, fresh from their days with The Time and on the cusp of producing Janet Jackson’s “Control,” brought a slick, futuristic sound to the band. They helped create some of the group’s most enduring hits, including: “Just Be Good to Me” (1983) – A moody, minimalist groove with haunting synth lines and rich vocals from lead singer Mary Davis. The song has since been sampled and covered by numerous artists. “Tell Me If You Still Care” (1983) – A slow-burning ballad that showcased the band’s emotional depth and vocal prowess. “The Finest” (1986) – Featuring background vocals by Alexander O’Neal and Cherrelle, this track encapsulated the lush, romantic side of the band’s sound. These songs defined The S.O.S. Band’s mature period, cementing them as forerunners in the use of synthesizers and drum machines in R&B music. A Sound That Endures While the band saw lineup changes and eventually faded from the mainstream spotlight in the early 1990s, their music never truly went away. Their influence can be heard in the work of countless modern artists, from hip-hop producers who sample their tracks to contemporary R&B singers inspired by their soulful delivery. Mary Davis’s voice remains one of the most recognizable in R&B, and her reunion with the group in later years sparked renewed interest among longtime fans and new listeners alike. Legacy The S.O.S. Band’s impact goes beyond hit singles. They were part of a transformative era in Black music — a bridge between the lush arrangements of the 1970s and the electronic, groove-heavy future of R&B and funk in the 1980s. Their music continues to resonate because it speaks to universal themes: love, resilience, pleasure, and longing — all wrapped in rhythms that make you move. Final Thoughts Whether you’re revisiting their classics or discovering their catalog for the first time, The S.O.S. Band offers a masterclass in timeless groove. Their sound, forged in the heart of Atlanta and polished with cutting-edge production, remains as vibrant today as it was decades ago. So next time you’re curating a playlist or looking for a soundtrack to a soulful night, don’t forget: just be good to The S.O.S. Band — and they’ll be even better to you.

Melanie “Mel B” Brown officially tying the knot with Rory McPhee after six years together is such a full-circle moment for fans who’ve followed her journey. The fact that the ceremony was held at The Crypt of St. Paul’s Cathedral adds such a regal, historic touch — it’s not every day someone gets married in one of London’s most iconic cathedrals. Her MBE honor clearly opened some unique doors! And then, to top it off with Victoria Beckham designing her wedding dress and one for her mother? That’s some Spice Girl sisterhood at its finest. It’s a meaningful, stylish nod to their history — and to how deep that bond still runs. The romantic proposal at Cliveden, rose petals and all, sounds straight out of a movie. Mel’s had her share of ups and downs over the years — from high-profile relationships to co-parenting challenges — so it’s heartwarming to see her find happiness and love on her terms. Also, kudos to her for balancing such a personal life highlight with her career. Between judging on America’s Got Talent and delighting fans with surprise Spice Girl moments, she hasn’t missed a beat. A huge congratulations to Mel B and Rory — here’s to love, resilience, and always keeping it spicy.

The devastating Texas floods have left at least 59 people dead as of Sunday morning, with several others still missing. Among those unaccounted for are around 27 young campers from an all-girls Christian summer camp, Camp Mystic, near the Guadalupe River. The situation has prompted growing concerns about flood preparedness and the role of the National Weather Service (NWS) in forecasting the disaster. Flash Floods in Kerr County Spark Massive Rescue Efforts Kerr County, one of the hardest-hit areas, has seen over 850 rescues, according to Texas Governor Greg Abbott. More than 1,000 first responders from state agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard have been deployed to aid in search-and-rescue efforts. Camp Mystic, located near the Guadalupe River, was directly impacted by what camp officials described as “catastrophic level floods.” The river has a long history of severe flooding, including a tragic 1987 incident that killed 10 people. Could the Texas Flood Tragedy Have Been Prevented? The timeline of emergency alerts is under intense scrutiny. While the National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch Thursday afternoon, it wasn’t until overnight that flash flood emergencies were declared — by then, rising waters had already endangered lives. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly admitted, “We had no reason to believe that this was going to be anything like what’s happened here.” Meanwhile, W. Nim Kidd, head of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, criticized the NWS, saying they failed to predict the unprecedented rainfall levels. Staffing Shortages and System Failures at the National Weather Service? A representative for the National Weather Service Employees Organization told CNN that while NWS Austin and San Antonio offices had “adequate staffing,” the San Antonio office lacked a coordination meteorologist—a key role for communicating with local emergency teams during weather emergencies. The NWS has experienced major staffing cuts, losing nearly 600 employees in recent years—equal to the number of staff lost in the previous 15 years combined, as reported by the Texas Tribune. These cuts stem in part from cost-reduction measures introduced by the Trump administration, which aimed to “upgrade” outdated systems within the agency. Federal Response and the Role of FEMA Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the federal response, stating that weather prediction remains inherently difficult and that the NWS is in the process of modernizing. “We all want more time, more alerts, and more notifications,” Noem acknowledged. President Donald Trump called the Texas flood deaths “shocking”, promising to coordinate federal aid with state officials. However, Trump also reiterated his stance that states should be more self-reliant in disaster preparedness, saying his administration plans to “wean” states off FEMA assistance. FEMA itself has faced steep staffing reductions and funding cuts under Trump’s leadership. The discontinuation of FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which previously provided billions in funding to improve disaster preparedness, has further strained emergency response capabilities.