Halftime Chat

16/09/2026

🔥 THE VOICE OF TROOP IS SPEAKING! 🔥

We sat down for an EXCLUSIVE interview with Steven Russell, lead singer of legendary R&B group Troop, and he opened up about the highs, lows, and untold stories behind the music.

From growing up in Pasadena, California and developing Troop’s iconic dance style, to recording classic albums like Troop, Attitude and Deepa, Steven takes us behind the scenes of their incredible journey.

🎙️ He also speaks candidly about Troop’s fallout with Elektra Records and Sylvia Rhone, their association with MC Hammer’s brother, and what he believes happened when the group was pushed out of the music industry.

Perhaps most powerful of all, Steven reveals how he personally blamed himself for the struggles surrounding Deepa and the impact that had on him.

❤️ Steven also gives us an update following his recent health scare and talks about being on the mend.

And despite the heartbreaking loss of Reggie Warren, Steven makes it clear: Troop is still one. The brotherhood continues, and there are plans for the future.

This is more than an interview — it's R&B history, brotherhood, resilience and an artist finally telling his story.

🎙️ Full interview coming to Halftime Chat!

11/09/2026

🔥 30 YEARS LATER… DOES MONICA’S “MISS THANG” STILL HOLD UP? 🔥

Before the hits, the Grammys and the legendary career, there was “Miss Thang.” Released in 1995, Monica’s debut album introduced the world to a teenage powerhouse who would become one of the defining voices of 90s R&B. 🎙️✨

From “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)” and “Before You Walk Out of My Life” to “Why I Love You So Much” and “Like This and Like That,” this album was packed with classic R&B.

With Dallas Austin at the helm and production from Tim & Bob, Soulshock & Karlin, Daryl Simmons, Arnold Hennings and others, Miss Thang blended R&B, soul, hip-hop, pop and blues into a sound that helped define an era.

🎧 In our latest Halftime Chat album review, we revisit the entire album and COUNT DOWN OUR TOP 10 FAVORITE SONGS!

But we want to know:

👇 What’s YOUR #1 song from Monica’s “Miss Thang”?
🔥 Did we rank your favorite in our Top 10?
💿 Is Miss Thang one of the greatest R&B debut albums of all time?

Full review on Halftime Chat 🎙️

👉 Follow and for more exclusive R&B interviews, album reviews and music history.

HalftimeChat

06/09/2026

The Music Industry

What happened to R&B in the late 1990s? 👀In this powerful discuss...

03/09/2026

That brotherly love runs deep, but when it comes from El DeBarge himself, you know it’s real.

I had the chance to sit down with El to talk about the genius behind the DeBarge family sound, and he didn't hesitate: his older brother, Bobby DeBarge, was on a completely different level.
From leading Switch to pioneering that iconic high-tenor falsetto, Bobby wasn't just an influence—he was the blue print.

Listen to El break down Bobby's incredible musicianship, his vocal range, and the unmatched talent that inspired an entire generation of R&B.
Dropping the full clip in my stories! Drop a 🎶 if Bobby DeBarge is still on your playlist.

02/09/2026

🚨 MARY J. BLIGE & RODNEY JERKINS ARE BACK IN THE STUDIO! 🚨

I sat down with the legendary , and he dropped a massive bombshell: he’s currently cooking up new music for the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul herself, .
The biggest twist? Mary is tapping into Afrobeats for this era, and Darkchild confirms it is pure 🔥.

R&B royalty meets global rhythms. Are you ready for this drop? 🎧✨

20/08/2026

DONELL JONES Tells ALL! 🔥 From Chicago Streets to R&B LEGEND | His Music, Life & Untold Story

Donell Jones sits down with Halftime Chat for an unforgettable conv...