Soul Clap: Bill Paul
1934 - 2016
Billy Paul, born Paul Williams in Philadelphia in 1934, was a Grammy-winning soul singer best known for his chart-topping 1972 single “Me and Mrs. Jones.” A key figure in the Philadelphia soul movement spearheaded by Gamble & Huff, Paul’s style uniquely blended jazz, soul, funk, and pop with electronic and psychedelic influences, particularly evident in his 1973 album War of the Gods. Deeply inspired by female jazz vocalists like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, Paul developed a smooth, versatile voice that ranged from mellow to raspy, earning praise from contemporaries like Questlove, who considered him a vital yet often overlooked voice in socially conscious music.
Paul began performing at age 11 and trained formally at Philadelphia music schools. In the 1950s, he recorded early singles for Jubilee Records and shared the stage with jazz greats such as Charlie Parker and Nina Simone. His early albums, including Feelin’ Good at the Cadillac Club and Ebony Woman, established his jazz-soul fusion style. His breakthrough came with the 360 Degrees of Billy Paul LP and the smash hit “Me and Mrs. Jones,” which sold millions and won him a Grammy. Despite a few follow-up successes, including a 1973 live album and Got My Head on Straight, Paul struggled to replicate the mainstream impact of “Mrs. Jones,” though his work remained critically respected and politically bold, often addressing civil rights themes.
Though he retired in 1989, Paul continued to perform and was honored with multiple awards, including the NAACP Image Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Artists Music Guild in 2015. He passed away from pancreatic cancer on April 24, 2016, at the age of 81. Paul left behind a rich musical legacy marked by innovation, activism, and a voice that defied easy categorization—silky, soulful, and unforgettable.
Skip Marley (grandson of Bob) continues his family’s legendary reggae lineage with the release of his new video for “In Our Sight,” filmed in Jamaica and directed by Aka.Ruppi. Produced by Supa Dups, the track samples Al Green’s “Love and Happiness” while drawing inspiration from Dennis Brown and The Abyssinians, weaving reggae’s past into the present. The visuals highlight unity and perseverance, showing Marley rallying community strength. With support from Canadian rapper Kardinal Offishall, the song delivers a timeless call for resilience and generational connection.
R&B singer and actor Keith D. Robinson has dropped the music video for his new single “Forever Bae,” the lead track from his upcoming album Love Episodic II, due this fall. Directed by Derek Blanks, the video stars Robinson opposite his Beyond the Gates co-star Daphnée Duplaix, who plays his love interest. The story follows their journey from first spark to romantic ups and downs, capturing passion, vulnerability, and commitment.
A proposal to bring a Caesars Palace casino to Times Square, backed by rapper Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, was rejected Wednesday by a state community advisory committee in a 4-2 vote. The $5.4 billion plan, which also involved Caesars Entertainment and developer SL Green Realty, sought to transform the office tower at 1515 Broadway into a hotel, casino, and entertainment hub. But opposition from Broadway theater owners, producers, and residents proved decisive. The “no” votes came from representatives for Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, state Sen. Liz Krueger, Assemblyman Tony Simone, and Councilman Erik Bottcher. Appointees of Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams voted in favor. Following the defeat, SL Green CEO Marc Holliday lashed out at the committee, calling the decision “a despicable display of cowardice” and accusing opponents of turning their backs on potential jobs and economic benefits. The Broadway League, which spearheaded opposition through the No Times Square Casino Coalition, hailed the decision as a victory for a theater district still struggling to recover from the pandemic. Theater owners, labor unions, and neighborhood groups argued a casino would undermine the cultural and economic balance of Times Square. Without local board approval, the project is off the table, narrowing the field as the state Gaming Commission prepares to award up to three New York City-area casino licenses in December.
The children of late R&B icon Angela Laverne “Angie” Stone are pursuing justice following her tragic passing earlier this year. On September 2, 2025, Diamond Stone and Michael D’Angelo Archer filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia’s State Court of Gwinnett County. The suit targets multiple parties, including drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers, for their alleged roles in the Alabama highway crash that fatally injured Stone in March while she was traveling with her band. According to court filings, Stone was a passenger in a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van that overturned on I-65 after its driver lost control. Though shaken, Stone and the other passengers reportedly survived the initial crash without life-threatening injuries. While efforts were made to safely evacuate the overturned van, a 2021 Freightliner CRST tractor-trailer driven by Jared Wilkinson collided with the vehicle without braking, striking Stone as she attempted to escape. She later died from her injuries, while others survived. The lawsuit alleges both negligence and product failure. Wilkinson is accused of failing to react to visible roadway conditions despite other drivers safely avoiding the van. Additionally, the tractor-trailer was equipped with Detroit Assurance 5.0, a collision mitigation system that allegedly failed to detect and brake for the overturned vehicle. Stone’s children argue that if the system had functioned as advertised, their mother, whose musical legacy spans decades, might still be alive today.
Mario returns with heartfelt passion on his new single “Nobody But Us,” released via New Citizen/EMPIRE. Produced by Grammy-winning hitmaker Dre Moon, the bass-driven track finds Mario professing unwavering devotion to his love interest while dismissing outside noise. It’s his first release since the critically acclaimed Glad You Came album in 2024, marking a fresh chapter for the R&B star.
Platinum-certified R&B star Queen Naija kicks off 2025 with her new single “Rain…,” a soulful yet contemporary track blending ethereal production with her unmistakable vocal power. Co-produced by Cardiak, Wu10, and Poo Bear, the song channels passion and vulnerability, setting the tone for her upcoming fall EP. With its shimmering, Prince-inspired soundscape and lyrics exploring the complexities of love, “Rain…” marks the beginning of a bold new era for Queen Naija.
Cardi B makes her long-awaited return with Am I The Drama?, her first album in seven years since the groundbreaking Invasion of Privacy. True to its RuPaul’s "Drag Race"–inspired title, the record embraces chaos, honesty, and unapologetic flair across 23 tracks and 71 minutes. Alongside fan-favorite “WAP” with Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi taps Summer Walker, Cash Cobain, and Tyla for standout collaborations while paying homage to Jay-Z and Janet Jackson through sharp interpolations. Brimming with reflections on her divorce, motherhood, and industry feuds, the album cements her reign as rap’s fearless queen.
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This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to 1978, when Gloria Gaynor released her timeless anthem “I Will Survive.” Written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris, the disco classic gave voice to resilience and strength after heartbreak, quickly becoming a global sensation. What began as a B-side recording turned into a cultural phenomenon, spending three weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in the UK and Ireland. The song’s empowering message resonated widely, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, cementing its place as both a disco staple and a symbol of self-empowerment. Gaynor’s powerful performance—recorded while recovering from surgery and personal loss—gave the track unmatched authenticity. In 1980, it won the Grammy for Best Disco Recording, later earning preservation in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for its cultural impact. Decades later, “I Will Survive” remains one of the greatest pop and dance songs ever recorded, still inspiring generations to rise above challenges. From the dancefloor to history books to your current-day favorite radio station's playlist, Gloria Gaynor’s classic continues to prove that strength and survival never go out of style.
Moonchild returns with a stunning new video for their single “Not Sorry,” featuring the powerhouse talents of Jill Scott and Rapsody. The Los Angeles-based trio—Amber Navran, Andris Mattson, and Max Bryk—blend their signature mix of jazz, R&B, and electronic textures into a soulful anthem of self-assurance. Amber Navran’s playful yet resolute vocals set the tone, celebrating hard work and independence, while Jill Scott’s smooth delivery and Rapsody’s sharp lyricism elevate the track into a mesmerizing collaboration.