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Natalie Imani Goes "Deeper" at BET Music Matters Showcase

The R&B songstress makes a splash at the monthly concert series.

By Austin Carter

Posted: 04/11/2012 03:56 PM EDT

Filed Under Music Matters, Music News, Music Matters, R&B Soul, Hip Hop News

BET’s Music Matters showcase did it again! Some of the best up-and-coming talent in R&B and hip hop was on display at New York City’s Santos Party House last night for the monthly concert series. As usual the venue was packed with music lovers, aspiring artists and industry tastemakers, all in attendance for a glimpse at the untapped newcomers who could be music’s next superstars.

DJ Quick Silva was once again on the 1s and 2s spinning everything from reggae to classic hip hop throughout the night. Living up to his nickname "the party kingpin," Quick Silva got the usually lax NYC crowd pretty worked up.

With the venue already buzzing, the show opened with a bang thanks to R&B singer Natalie Imani. The Keri Hilson look-a-like got the crowd moving with her seductive groove “Deeper,” which was well-received by the one lucky guy in the audience who she serenaded with the line “Don’t be shy, I got something to show you.” While her stunning looks held the attention of the men, Imani captivated the ladies with her potent pipes and the adoring songs featured on her album Passion Mark.

A hard act to follow, Imani may have left her mark with the fellas, but R&B crooner Gabe Roland turned the tables in favor of the ladies. The smooth tenor delivered a crowd-pleaser with his song “Wait for You.” The Los Angeles native connected with the East Coast audience on the cut inspired by a long distance relationship.

Things took a turn when pop singer Moxie introduced a different vibe. The New York native’s performance was highlighted by her cover of Outkast’s “Hey Ya,” where she made it her own with catchy hypnotic harmonies. Another New Yorker, Dolo The Bandit, was the only MC of the whole show. He spit fire on every track and got the crowd hype backed by his band and an arsenal of rhymes.

Crooner Leron Young was the closing act and he didn’t disapoint. This was another one for the ladies. The best was “Perfect Girl,” off his new project American Heartbreak. In search for the perfect lady in the audience, Young ran through a host of love songs that where appealing to all in attendance. He even had a hip hop joint that was like a throwback to the golden era with its new jack swing vibe that brought nostalgia for those who remember it well.

If you missed last night’s festivities, make sure to check out the BET Music Matters page or follow us on Twitter for information on next month’s gig.

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