John Legend releases the new single “Made To Love” off his forthcoming album Love In The Future, now slated to drop on September 3rd of this year.

The first 10 seconds of bare-bones percussion had me wondering if this was John Legend or some futuristic dance track, but his smooth vocals came just in time to remind me of the Legend I loved from his debut Get Lifted. With longtime collaborator Kanye West at the helm as executive producer, this beat exudes the stripped down, new age sound we’ve come to expect from ‘Ye, but meets the equally distinct John Legend at a comfortable crossroads that leaves me looking forward to the rest of the album.

Once the guitar came in and the clap-driven chorus (with mysterious lady vocals in the back) pushed me into the heart of the song, any confusion left over from the first bars had been alleviated and I found myself head-bobbing along to this epic love song. Apparently dedicated to his fiancée, Love In The Future stands as a serenade to his beloved–but with production from the likes of Q-Tip, Hit-Boy, and No I.D.  No wonder she said yes. 

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John Legend recently hit the stage in London as one of a few male artists performing in support of Chime For Change – an organization founded by Beyoncé and Salma Hayek to raise money for women’s empowerment. During an interview at the show, John Legend voiced his support for the initiative which helps women and girls to “live up to their full potential.” The evening also included a 45-minute set from Chime For Change founder Beyoncé along with performances from Timbaland, Jennifer Lopez, Rita Ora and others in a show that was broadcast around the world to fifty countries. Check John Legend’s Chime For Change interview and performance below.

Spotted at TIRNB

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John Legend will follow a growing list of celebs before him as he takes the hot seat for an in-depth interview with Oprah Winfrey on the upcoming season of Next Chapter – the intimate interview series that has reestablished Oprah’s television presence since her departure from The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2011. On the precipice of marriage and heading his Homeschool Records label, it is clear that John Legend has a lot to look forward to even as he stands atop a good bit of success. He will likely discuss his beginnings as an artist and his personal journey from Springfield, Ohio to the center of the world stage, as one of the most loved vocal talents of his generation. Check the trailer below to get a glimpse of what’s to come.

Spotted at TIRNB

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Well then. John Legend has been known to keep a beautiful woman at his side, for his latest video, he fills a mansion with them… and has them take their clothes off (so yeah, NSFW). It’s a black tie affair as Legend hooks up with Rick Ross for the lead single off of Love In The Future, “Who Do We Think We Are.” Opulence in slow motion (I need to get my name on that RSVP list). Look for Love In The Future to drop on June 25th.

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John Legend made a stop at L.A.’s Power 106 to talk with Rikki Martinez about his forthcoming LP Love In The Future. John Legend appeared with singer/songwriter Stacy Barthe – a recent Homeschool Records signee. During the visit he discussed his effect on rap music, whether he would ever consider rapping himself, his forthcoming HBO drama Down Lo and his recent collaboration with producer Benny Benassi for “Dance The Pain Away” – a track originally written to be a ballad. Barthe also talks a bit about herself, past projects and her future with Legend’s Homeschool imprint. Check the full interview below.

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Just in case you missed it, ?uestlove and John Legend sat for an interview with AOL Music to discuss their musical origins, politically driven inspiration and the collaborative work that went into their Wake Up! LP, following its 2010 release. The pair offer a bit of insight into the earliest stages of the project and the more difficult aspects of production in the six-part discussion. With John Legend and The Roots in one room, a performance was bound to happen. The crew ran through four songs from the 12-track project, including “Wake Up Everybody” – the title track courtesy of Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, “Little Ghetto Boy” by Donny Hathaway, “Hard Times” by Curtis Mayfield and “Shine” – an original track from Legend. Check the interview below. Scroll down for a link to the performances.

>>>View The Wake Up! Sessions Here

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John Legend has teamed with producer/director Tony Krantz to produce Down Lo – a celeb-driven drama set in Miami’s South Beach. The show, being developed by HBO, focuses on the lifestyles and secrets of the rich and famous. Delving into the underbelly of celebrity life, the drama follows a gay rapper living on the down-low as homosexuality remains grounds for dismissal in the world of hip-hop. The story originates at the intersection of the industries as producers mine the worlds of sports, fashion and music for source material. Producers will reportedly rely on John Legend’s first-hand knowledge of the music business as a point of creative reference. The project is being produced by Krantz’s Flame Ventures in cooperation with John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co. The Down Lo teleplay is being written by Seth Zvi Rosenfeld, who will also serve as executive producer with Krantz, Legend, Ty Stiklorius, Mike Jackson and Reece Pearson.

Spotted at Deadline

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John Legend recently paid a visit to BET‘s 106 & Park, where he sat for interviews backstage and during the show – the singer appeared onstage with singer/songwriter Stacey Barthe, who is signed to his Homeschool label. John Legend talks everything from wedding plans to upcoming tours and his NBA finals predictions in the duo of videos. He joins Barthe – a BET Music Matters alum – in discussing her talent, new music and surprise collaborations. Barthe and Legend also paid a visit to The Breakfast Club, where he discussed his own music and Kanye West‘s evolution. John Legend reveals that Kanye West “doesn’t really make beats anymore” – a comment that surprises his hosts. He clarifies his point before it gets too rowdy. Peep the footage below.

Spotted at TIRNB

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It’s really just a matter of time before a full John Legend x Rick Ross album comes out, these two collaborate way too often for it not to happen at this point (insert __ of Both Worlds title here). JL recruits Ross for the first official single, “Who Do We Think We Are,” off his upcoming LP, Love In The Future. “I’m so excited to release this project.  I’ve thoroughly enjoyed making this album with a team of incredibly gifted producers and co-writers.” Says Legend “Every day we went to the studio with the goal to create something beautiful, to make the best album of my career. After all the writing and arranging and re-mixing and editing, it’s finally time for the world to hear it.” Look for the official video to premiere next month. Legend’s fourth studio album, Love In The Future (produced by Legend, Kanye West, and Dave Tozer) will be out June 25th via Columbia/G.O.O.D. Music.

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John Legend preps fans for his forthcoming release Love In The Future with “The Beginning” – a haunting soul track with a dope drum that will leave you wondering what’s to come. The G.O.O.D. Music star dropped the track via twitter. This single  teaser (we’re told the first single will be “Who Do We Think We Are” featuring Rick Ross which is slated to drop on Monday, March 25th) follows Legend’s recent loosie “Caught Up,” co-written by Kanye West and produced by Hit-Boy. Love In The Future will be John Legend’s fourth studio release and will be executive produced by Kanye and Dave Tozer.  Keep your ears peeled.

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