Williams rose to fame in the mid 80′s and 90′s with a string of top 10 R&B hits including “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”, “Sweet Sweet Love”, “4 U”, and most notably, “Congratulations”. The Ohio native is also remembered for her witty and outgoing personality and spot on celebrity impressions.

The untimely passing of Vesta breaks my heart because I feel that her talent was largely ignored and that she never got the proper respect that she deserved. We really need to honor our legends and let them know how much they are appreciated before they leave us.

We found one of Vesta’s last interviews, where she seemed so full of life. Check it out below and also watch her last performance, just days ago. Gone, but never forgotten.

“Congratulations” at the Autumn Jazz Explosion Sept 17th in Portsmouth, VA

Chris Brown performed a medley of his hits from, F.A.M.E including “Yeah 3X” and “Beautiful People” and also danced up a storm. He also flew around the venue suspended from wires.

Beyonce sang and danced to “Love On Top” from the certified platinum 4. Amazing performance. Even pregnant she continues to be unstoppable. Loved the belly rub at the end.

Adele performed the haunting, “Someone Like You” from the multi-platinum and critically acclaimed 21. Beautiful performance, but I felt like I was at a funeral wondering where the repass would be and who was making the potato salad.

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Adele

Bruno Mars performed an exciting rendition of “Valerie” for Amy Winehouse.

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Bruno Mars

The Throne, better known as Kanye West and Jay-Z performed the latest single from the #1 album Watch The Throne. The performance was nice, but it seemed to end just as it was getting started.

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, JAY Z and Kanye West

Lady Gaga did her best Joey Badacufo impression and performed the fourth single, “You And I” from Born This Way. She was also joined on stage by Brian May of the legendary rock band Queen. Honestly, I’m over Gaga and her antics, but she sounded great.

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Lady Gaga

Pitbull and Ne-Yo came together once more to perform the #1 hit single “Give Me Everything” with Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” dancers from the 2009 VMA’s.

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Pitbull

Lil Wayne performed “How To Love” and “John” for his newly released Tha Carter IV.

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Lil Wayne

Check out a list of the winners below:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Katy Perry, “Firework”

BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Lady Gaga, “Born This Way”

BEST NEW ARTIST
Tyler, The Creator, “Yonkers”

BEST MALE VIDEO
Justin Bieber, “U Smile”

BEST COLLABORATION
Katy Perry featuring Kanye West, “E.T.”

BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO
Nicki Minaj, “Super Bass”

BEST ROCK VIDEO
Foo Fighters, “Walk”

BEST POP VIDEO
Britney Spears, “Till the World Ends”

BEST VIDEO WITH A MESSAGE
Lady Gaga, “Born This Way”

BEST DIRECTOR
Adele, “Rolling in the Deep” (Director: Sam Brown)

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Beyoncé, “Run the World (Girls)”

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Katy Perry featuring Kanye West, “E.T.”

BEST ART DIRECTION
Adele, “Rolling in the Deep”

BEST EDITING
Adele, “Rolling in the Deep”

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Adele, “Rolling in the Deep”

Hip-Hop star Nicki Minaj has finally unveiled the video for the 2382839th single, “Fly”, from her platinum plus debut, Pink Friday.

The clip sees Nicki Minaj joined by Pop Sensation Rihanna, walking amongst plane wreckage. Yea. Nothing much else happens. Oh wait, Nicki gets into an altercation and then a secret garden emerges. Who needs water, when you have a mean uppercut? Scoop it below.

As you all must be aware, the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards air this Sunday, August 28 at 8pm and promises to be a night full of non-stop entertainment with performances by Beyonce, Chris Brown, Lady Gaga and more. In light of one of the biggest nights in music, we thought we’d count down some of the shows most memorable and unforgettable performances. Take a look at some of our favorites below.

Whitney Houston- “How Will I Know”/ “Greatest Love Of All” (1986)

Trailblazer and legend Whitney Houston starts off our list with the uptempo #1, “How Will I Know”, followed by the timeless ballad, “The Greatest Love Of All”. The magnitude of this woman’s stage presence and command is unmatched. All she needed was a mic and her talent did the rest. Whitney, along with Michael Jackson helped break down a lot of barriers in music and MTV specifically in the 80′s, by being the first to generate substantive video airplay for blacks. A debt of gratitude is owed to these pioneers.

Chris Brown featuring Rihanna- “Wall To Wall/ “Kiss, Kiss”, “Umbrella” remix  (2007)

In a show stealing, jaw-dropping performance, full of energy and acrobatics, Chris Brown showed why he is one of the premiere male entertainers of today, with a medley  of songs from his second studio album, Exclusive. Brown, was then joined on stage by Rihanna for “Umbrella”. Chris also paid tribute to the King Of Pop with a dance breakdown to “Billie Jean”. Don’t worry, this one is tear free.

N’sync- “This I Promise You”/ “It’s Gonna Be Me”/ “Bye Bye Bye”‘ (2000)

N’sync performed on the VMA’S for three consecutive years, in 1999 (“Tearing Up My heart”), 2000, and 2001 (“Pop”) and this performance of all three stood out for me the most. The concept using the television screens was creative and both the vocals and dancing were on point. This is also the first time that I noticed the striking resemblance between Lance Bass and Ellen Degeneres.

Pink- “Sober” (2009)

Pink is a bonafide Pop Superstar and in 2009 proved that she can sound great, suspended hundreds of feet in the air and still make it look easy. “Sober”, is hypnotizing  and mesmerizing from start to finish. As much as I miss “Black Pink”, “Cirque Du Soleil Pink” slays from up high and below.

Madonna- “Like A Virgin” (1984)

Many refer to Madonna as the Queen of Pop and she may as well be called the Queen of the VMA’s too. Madonna has given us so many great performances and moments over the last 2 and a half decades that it was hard to narrow it down to just one. I ended up choosing arguably the most iconic performance of her career with “Like A Virgin”, from the first ever Video Music Awards. Who will ever forget the enormous wedding cake and Madonna paying homage to Patti Labelle by rolling around on the floor? Madonna has gone on to re-invent herself time and again, but this look, this style in particular is what she’s most heavily identified with.

Beyonce- “Single Ladies” (2009)

By 2009, Beyonce had already established herself as one of the best female performers of her generation and this performance of the #1 hit “Single Ladies” solidified that claim. Amazing vocals? Check. Powerful stage presence? Check. Precise choreography? Check. Beyonce’s interaction and engagement with the audience also makes this performance one of her best. Now put your hands up!

TLC-”Kick Your Game”/ “Creep”/ “Waterfalls” -CrazySexyMedley (1995)

At the time that TLC hit the stage at the 1995 MTV VMA’s, they were the number one selling female group in history, due to the diamond plus selling sophomore album, CrazySexyCool. In celebration of the history making feat, they performed a medley of songs from the Grammy Winning album including “Waterfalls”, which won the ladies four awards that night. What’s so great about this performance is the Jackson 5 nod at the beginning, and the energy that TLC brought on stage.  There were no special effects, no large ensemble of dancers, just those three, sheer star power and endless swag.

MC Hammer- “You Can’t Touch This” (1990)

MC Hammer was known for his elaborate stage shows and this performance was no different. He had an entire town on stage with him performing, but even with so much going on, it didn’t detract from him. The level of effort and dedication that MC Hammer put into his shows still hasn’t been matched, especially in rap music.

Janet Jackson- “That’s The Way Love Goes”/ “If”(1993)

The other Queen Of Pop, Janet Jackson brought the house down with her sensual and smooth performance of “That’s The Way Loves Goes” and “If”, from the multi-platinum Janet album. Miss Jackson was SERVING these intricate moves with fluidity and ease. This performance leaves no doubt as to why she was MTV’s first ICON and quite possibly the greatest female entertainer ever.

Lil Kim, Left-eye, Missy Elliot, Angie Martinez and Da Brat- “Not Tonight Remix” (1997)

In the 90′s, there was a lot of  unity in female rap. Although the competition was fierce, the ladies of hip-hop could still come together to create one of the funnest performances in recent memory. Lil Kim was joined on stage for the hip-hop classic “Not Tonight (Ladies Night)” the remix featuring Angie Martinez, Left-Eye, Da Brat and Missy Elliot.

Brandy and Monica- “The Boy Is Mine” (1998)

“FINALLY”, the word screamed by millions of R&B fans after seeing Brandy and Monica meet for the first time on stage to perform the #1 single “The Boy Is Mine”. This performance signaled an end to the rumors about the pair not being able to stand one another, albeit temporarily. The two then baby divas sounded excellent and played off of each other well. This was one performance where the background dancers were a distraction and unnecessary. The ladies had more than enough talent to keep our attention.

Britney Spears- “Satisfaction”/ “Oops I Did It Again” (2000)

Britney Spears has continued the legacy of Madonna and has been the face of the VMA’s for her generation. She has performed on the VMA’s 5 times, starting in 1999, with each performance more exciting than the last, except for that trainwreck in 2007. Of all her showings, “Satisfaction”/ “Oops I Did It Again” is most unforgettable because of the moment where she strips down into seemingly nothing and danced for her life. Jaws dropped. Yes, she sounded like her vocal cords had been run through a meat grinder until the pre-recorded vocal kicked in, but still, amazing nonetheless.

P. Diddy, Usher, Busta Rhymes, Pharrell- “We Ain’t Going Nowhere”, “I Need A Girl 1 & 2″, “Pass The Courvoisier”

Regardless of how you feel about P. Diddy, he has always been a dynamic entertainer, carrying on the tradition of Big Daddy Kane, Heavy D and MC Hammer and with this showing, they had to be made proud. On the 2003 VMA’s Diddy managed to top himself with a performance which looked like something from the Universoul Circus, not to mention he was joined on stage by R&B veteran Usher, and hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes.

Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Madonna, Missy Elliot- “Like A Virgin”/ “Hollywood” (2003)

In 2003, a moment was etched collectively in the minds of the world. Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera paid tribute to the pop innovator, Madonna, with a redux of her classic performance of “Like A Virgin” from 1984, wedding dresses and all. Then came Madonna, Britney and THE KISS. It was cringe-worthy, tacky and 12 different kinds of wrong, but still Nat King Cole unforgettable. Missy also made an appearance looking like one of The Four Tops. Reach out indeed.

Michael Jackson- “The Way You Make Me Feel”/ “Black Or White”/ “Billie Jean”/ “Dangerous”/ “Smooth Criminal”/ You Are Not Alone” (1995)

What more can be we say about the King Of Pop, Michael Jackson that hasn’t already been said? He was the greatest. Period. The 1995 VMA’s was an important moment for MJ, because people needed to be reminded of who he was and what he’s capable of as an entertainer and boy were they ever. This performance was masterfully executed with precision and power. No one comes close. No one.

Click here for parts 2 and 3.

What were some of your favorite VMA performances? Did your fave make the list? Who did we forget? Sound off in the comment section.

Follow us on twitter @realrnbradio and host/ founder Miriam @miriamwknc for live tweets of tonight’s show.

R&B/ Soul sensation Noel Gourdin has officially released the video to rising single “Beautiful“. Check it out below.

Noel’s sophomore album, “Fresh: The Definition” hits stores April 12.

Hip- Hop and R&B legend Nate Dogg has died at the age of 41. At this time, the cause of death is unknown. Nate Dogg suffered a stroke in 2007 and he had two additional strokes in 2008 , one of which leaving him partially paralyzed . Nate was in physical therapy, yet never fully recovered, similar to R&B legend Luther Vandross.

This is really sad news. For 80′s babies, 90′s kids like myself, Nate Dogg was a major part of the soundtrack of our lives. From the classics he sang on at Death Row, to his solo material, to the records he did with other hip-hop acts, everything he sang on was a hit.

Nate was from a time in Hip-Hop when an actual SINGERS were hired to perform the hooks, instead of the rapper themselves. Nate Dogg was gangster, he was smooth, he was honest, he was authentic and he was undeniably the voice of Hip-Hop.

R.I.P. to the legend, whose music will continue to live on. Take a look at some of his biggest hits below and see what Snoop and others had to say about Nate Dogg on twitter.

Game: “I lost a friend. Been here before. Tears. Memories. One day someone will lose “US” as well. LIVING until that day comes is our only option. R.I.P. Nate Dogg. Why does it take Death to remind us about the importance of life ??? Cherish every moment cuz tomorrow he mite call your #.”

Snoop: “We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb. One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met. I love u buddy luv. U will always b wit me 4ever n a day u put the g n g funk u put the 1 n 213 n u put yo stamp on evrybdy u ever didit wit. All doggs go to heaven yo homie n baby brotha bigg snoopdogg!! I miss u cuzz I am so sad but so happy I got to grow up wit u and I will c u again n heaven cuz u know d slogan.”

Daz: “R.I.P. TO MY HOMEBOY NATE DOGG DPGC DOGG POUND GANGSTA 4 LIFE.”

Xzibit: “We love you Nate Dogg, it’s never going to be the same”.

Erykah Badu: ”Nate Dogg… freshness period. rest in beats.”

Dave Chappelle “Moment of silence for a hip-hop legend; RIP Nate Dogg. You will be missed, G Funk Era forever.”

“I Got Love”

“Lay Low”

“Regulate”

“21 Questions”

“I Like That”

“Area Codes”

“Can’t Deny It”

This is amazing news for all Carolinians. I, for one was angry that Prince exclusively performed in the New York area last December, so I feel like my cries were heard. My motto? B. U. S.H— Bitch Until Something Happens.

The concert series was just announced today, but tickets will be going on sale this coming Monday 3/14 and Tuesday 3/15 at Ticketmaster.com. Prices range between $20-$199 depending on seat location and venue of course. Check out the official schedule below and don’t forget to order your ass-less chaps now!

I loved the video because I’m a big fan of dance, and Sofia is getting it! She even moonwalked across the street! I hear Rihanna was her body double. Take a look below. I miss MJ so much!

Michael is in stores now.

The self-proclaimed “King of Dance”, Omarion has finally dropped the full video to “Come And F*ck With Me”, a remake of the Jodeci classic “Come And Talk To Me”. This is gonna send K-Ci and Jo-Jo back to rehab. Look, I like the pint-sized popper, but this is unacceptable. Jodeci songs, hell songs from the 90′s should just not be redone.

The video shows Omarion getting his freak on with model Rosa Acosta, who premiered She By Sheree’s lingerie line.  I was uncomfortable. I still am. I think this video was intentionally shot in black and white to disguise the fact that Rosa wasn’t wearing red bottoms. This is not safe for work, or home. Watch at your own risk.

Grammy nominated R&B/Pop star Chris Brown has things just leaking all over the place. First, his nude pics surface last week, then his album leaks, and now the video for his latest single “Look At Me Now” has emerged sooner than scheduled. The clip was directed by Colin Tilley, who also directed Melanie Fiona’s “Gone And Never Coming Back” and will OFFICIALLY premiere 3/10 on 106 & Park.

The video sees Chris Brown doing what he does best….no, not tweeting and deleting, but dancing in an underground setting with his posse of bad boys.  Chris is also shown sporting a Studio 54 disco mask, while dancing inside an enormous bird cage. How nice of Kat Stacks to rent out her home while she’s away. Anyway doe, check out the video below.

****UPDATE!!! Here’s the official version

F.A.M.E. is slated to hit stores on March 22 and is available for pre-order now.