UNDAGROUND FINESSE MIXX!

The SoundNexx movement has added another place for music lovers to dwell in "mixxingful" bliss. Put ears on my latest "Underground Finesse" mixx when you get chance. Get this mixx and your music fix by clicking HERE or the photo above. Enjoy!

SOUND SPOT: GUILTYPLEASURES!
Alright ladies and gentlemen, meet Rick White a.k.a Guilty Pleasures. I have only been aware of this musician for about 3 months now, and during that time I have quickly realized that this guy is pretty dope! He specialty is the bass guitar and from what I've heard so far, he's pretty good with it. Rick is originally from Washington D.C. where he was greatly influenced by the "Quiet Storm" slow jam sessions that he heard on local radio as a youngster. I remember hearing those hours of slow jams on saturday nights on our local radio stations back in the day. They should definitely bring those back. It was during that time when Rick's love for song writing emerged. His desire to write and produce the types of songs he grew up listening to led to the creation of the project known as "GuiltyPleasures". Rick's taste in deep, laid-back grooves with engrossing lyrics is evident in the GuiltyPleasures debut CD entitled, “Lovestories”.

When I first heard this album I was shocked by its mature and very soulful vibe. This ear pleasing "Lovestories” joint is a collection of songs that were written, produced, and arranged by Rick White. It features the vocal stylings of Mycah Chevalier, Sol Edler, and Jerrica White as well as a host of other talented vocalists and musicians. It is their contributions vocally that take this project to that special place. This album is ten tracks deep, and if you dig soul music done right with that old school feel, you'll be glad you picked this one up. I hope to hear more in the future from Mr. White and his crew. I can't wait to hear more LOVESTORIES...

www.myspace.com/ricreations

RANDOMNESS WITH KEV BROWN!
I like a lot of artists that I have come across over my years, but I am only a true fan of a few. Kev Brown is one of those few. The reason should be obvious if you've heard any of his music over the years. Kev is not only a fan of hip-hop music, but he knows a lot about its history. Also, his production style really reminds me of the legendary producer Pete Rock. I enjoy production a little more than rhymes, so if the beat is hot I'm all in! Kev's beats always seem to have that perfect mixture of boom and bap that keeps my head nodding for hours. If you haven't heard Kev's first underground official album "I Do What I Do" (a classic in my book) you've done yourself a great injustice. That joint has hot tracks from beginning to end. Your ears will love you for hearing it.

Mr. Brown released some fresh material earlier this year entitled "Random Joints" its more of that goodness fans have come to expect from the kid. If you missed it when it dropped over the summer, it's never too late to redeem yourself. Also, Kev needs and deserves your support. Typeout to the whole Low Budget Crew!

Click here for the RANDOM JOINTS album!

Get a taste of Kev's musical flavor below:


www.myspace.com/kevbrown

kevbrown.blogspot.com

A&E IS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT!

Hip-Hop is like a circus, and everybody is striving to be the top act under the big tent. With the new schoolers influencing the mainstream version of the art form into the dark side (based on some people’s opinions), some rap veterans have decided to build a buzz by joining forces. The thought of hearing two of your favorite emcees sharing the microphone on a collaboration project is a win-win without a doubt. It’s feels similar to seeing two of your favorite actors chopping it up on the big screen. Some of most recent veteran collaborations have been KRS-One (Boogie Down Productions) & Buckshot (Black Moon) on the “Survival Skills” album, plus Canibus & Keith Murray a.k.a Undergods. The Undergods haven’t released an official project yet. These emcees are passed their prime at this point; however, any one of them could still lyrically manhandle the average rapper on the scene today. If you are still a non-believer, take a look at the two hip-hop freestyle ciphers showcased on the recent 2009 BET HipHop Awards show featuring KRS and Buckshot. Both of them ripped the mic like it was 1994! It’s worth checking out just to see them drop their verses.

Remember, the D.I.T.C. crew members A.G. and O.C.? BTW, if you don’t know what DITC stands for, please turn in your Hip-Hop I.D. card immediately before exiting the building! Anyway, these two veterans are releasing an album entitled “Oasis” drops on 11/24/09. This one could be a doozy!

The last rap duo I want to discuss is currently going by the name A&E, which is short for (Masta Ace & Ed O.G.). Masta Ace is one of my favorite rap veterans still doing it today, and I have been a fan of his since the Juice Crew was on the scene. I’ve always appreciated Ace’s ability to change his style up. He’s been a trendsetter in many ways, but he’s rarely recognized for it. Ed O.G. (Edo) has been on my rap radar over the years of his career. Remember his classic “I Gotta Have It”? He’s released a few solid underground joints over the years, but most heard nothing about them. Their collabo album “Arts & Entertainment” is out right now, and featured guests include: Marsha Ambrosious, Large Professor, Posdnuos, KRS-One and Jamelle Bundy. Production duties for the album were handled by DJ Spinna, DJ Supreme One, M-Phazes and Rain.

GET A&E's JOINT HERE!

Put eyes on the video for A&E's "Little Young" track:

ZO...JUST VISITING TOO!

Zo!...one of my favorite producers out of Detroit is releasing "...Just Visiting Too" on November 3rd! Not only is he dropping new music, but the album will downloadable for free! Guest features on the album include: Sy Smith, Carlitta Durand, Darien Brockington, Yahzarah and Phonte. Enough said!

http://www.musicalarchitect.com/

www.myspace.com/zo

Watch Zo! @ work below:

Checkout the "thank you" message to the fans from Zo!:

MELANIE FIONA: SUBWAY SERIES!


Newcomer Melanie Fiona is documenting her travels while in New York and Canada, as she sings with various street performers in those locations. The video footage shows Melanie's diversity as a singer, and her love for music. She sounds good over just about any instrument or human sound that she comes across. My favorite of her many encounters is the one when she sings as this guy beatboxes in a New York park. That was pretty dope!

Check the footage out for yourself below:

New York City Series


Canadian Series


Melanie's album "The Bridge" drops on November 11th, so mark your calendars.

www.myspace.com/melaniefiona

STOP BY DYNAS' APARTMENT!
There is so many rappers running around like roaches in the game these days, I can't keep up. I am not really trying to actually. I find myself sticking with familiar names that have proven to be worth my attention rather than immediately jumping on the bandwagon of some "nu-skool" kat. The Miami based emcee named Dynas may be be new to many of you, but he's been putting work on the underground for some years now. I originally took notice when I heard Dynas drop verses on the DJ Spinna produced track "Spittin" from the "Beyond Real Experience Vol. 2" joint back in 2002. Over the years I lost track of the rapper, but I did hear some of his guest appearances on tracks with Nas, Little Brother, Masta Ace and DJ Spinna.

Fortunately, Dynas has released a brand new album entitled "The Apartment" that is full of solid tracks. It's described as an coming of age album for the emcee. It's a musical look into the endeavors of his life over the last few years.

Production duties are being handled by: Illmind, J Dilla, Jazzy Jeff, M-Phazes, Khrysis, DJ Spinna, S1 and Exile. Now, that's a helluva line up! Guest vocalists on the album include: Tiye Phoenix, Slick Rick, Rich Medina and Tone Trezure.

GET "THE APARTMENT" HERE

Checkout the Spittin' track below:


www.myspace.com/dynas

TRANSITIONING WITH R. LES!
Those of you that have been frequenting my blog over the years have probably figured out that I hardly ever speak on mainstream music artists. Why? Most of them lack true talent and/or they are already getting plenty of exposure through radio airplay, TV commercials and music videos. I normally feel there is no reason to post about artists that already have strong marketing teams. However, my main man Ryan Leslie is an exception. This guy is the best thing to hit the mainstream in a minute, and I appreciate this man because he's a real musician. He understands and respects music enough to not pimp the artform for a quick buck like so many others in his genre. Also, the guy makes great music! His catchy basslines and hooks stay on your brain long after hearing them. Ryan has perfected his sound, and with each album he seems to get even better.

R. Les is releasing his new album "Transition" on November 3rd. The first single from this album "You're Not My Girl" was released earlier this year, which was a banger!

Peep the video below if you missed it:

Get more info about Ryan Leslie and his music below:

www.ryanleslie.com

DJ CAM HAS FALLEN INLOVE!
Bare with me as I play catch up, and drop knowledge about some previous releases that may have been missed. This is a great place to start! You see that stunning young lady you on the album cover showing on the left? At first glance I know you thought that was a young Olivia Newton-John, but it's not. Her name is actually InLove. She's a soul singer from Nigeria, Africa that was discovered by DJ Cam a few years ago. DJ Cam took InLove under his mentoring wings and began developing her talent. She's been on the underground scene for a minute now, and InLove is finally releasing her debut album. It's called "Stories" and I was taken back by how soulful this joint sounded when I first heard it. InLove's voice has that sultry-hypnotic sound that deserves recognition. Add in DJ Cam's production, and you have the makings of a classic album!

I have consistantly kept this joint in heavy rotation since it dropped back in September, and I still can't get enough of these smooth grooves.

Get a taste of what InLove is cooking by listening to the track "Rain" below:


Fall InLove by checking out these links:

www.myspace.com/inlovethereal

www.myspace.com/djcamrecall

Get the "Stories" album here!

HIGH ON SOUL MUSIC!
I am in musically bliss right about now! There is soooo much good music that has dropped over the last month or so, and I can't keep up. Trust me, I am definitely trying though. Unfortunately, time hasn't been on my side lately. I will be posting about some of the more interesting projects in the near future, so stay posted. However, to keep you occupied until then, I have put together a listing eargasmic joy for those that have the time to listen. I call it "SoulHigh" and once you hear it you'll hopefully understand why. The tracklist is now available, so check it out.

SOULHIGH MIXX

LIFE'S MEANING: SHELBY BROWN!
Unbeknownst to many I am a true fan of the saxophone sound. It's stimulating to my ears, and those soothing sounds never fail to relax my mind during life's hectic moments. I have several saxophonists that are on my favorites list, and one of them is Detroit's own Mr. Shelby Brown. Shelby first hit the music seen back in 2003 with a collaboration project entitled "Miracle" featuring guitarist Dee Brown. He followed that one up in 2005 with the solo album "No Boundaries" which made jazz fans all over the world take notice. After taking some time off to regroup, Mr. Brown is back with his latest album entitled "The Meaning of Life" for all to hear. This is my favorite jazz album out right now! It's definitely his most soulful endeavor thus far. The featured guests include soulful vocalists Chanda Long and Alvin Frazier, plus musical contributions from Terrence Herd and Nick Colionne.

If you dig soulful contemporary jazz give Shelby Brown a listen, and hear what you think. For more information and music from this artist click on the links below:

www.shelbybrownjazz.com

The Meaning of Life Album

COLOUR JOSS STONE FREE!
The sounds of soul music are delivered in many different forms and styles. For that reason I never underestimate an artist's ability when it comes to making a soulful tune. You can never judge a book by its cover. The songstress Joss Stone is a perfect example of why you shouldn't. Looking at her exterior you may not think she's a soul singer, but you'd be quite mistaken. Joss is not only an accomplished singer, but her voice has a soulful energy that the average artist can't even tough. The girl can sang! She's back with her fourth studio album Colour Me Free that is filled with uplifting, political and relationship tracks that we have come to expect from this young lady. Her first single from this album is called "Free Me" which is getting some play on the radio airwaves.

Watch Joss perform Free Me live on Jimmy Kimmel below:

www.jossstone.com

FINALE - THE SENATOR VIDEO!


My Detroit bretheran Finale has released his lastest music video for the track "The Senator" off of his Pipe Dreams album. He samples one of the most famous lines from highly acclaimed HBO show The Wire that fans will recognize immediately. It's not really a line actually. It's a word that is said by the show's character named Senator Clay Davis, but he says it with such conviction and swagger that it sounds like a sentence. Finale's song is loosely based on this character and the city of Baltimore.

Check it out above when you get a chance.

MICHIGAN TITAN: V-STYLEZ

There are plenty of rappers trying to make their way through or into the music industry. One local talent trying to get his name out to the masses of the world goes by the name V-Stylez. For hip-hop heads around my way, he definitely not a new comer, but for those unfamiliar it's time for change. V-Stylez has a new album dropping later this year entitled "Masterpiece Theater" and the first single "Clash of the Titans" features Royce 5'9, Elzhi, Phat Kat & Rapper Big Pooh. This is definitely one of those raw posse records for the streets. It's full of beats, rhymes and curses!

Put eyes and ears on the Clash of the Titans video below:

www.myspace.com/vstylezrebelsoulmovement

ME'SHELL'S MUSIC IS QUITE DEVILISH!
Some music makes you want to dance, while others inspire the act of sexual healing. Then there are those artists that put words and sounds together in a way that literally touches your soul, which reminds you why you love music in the first place. Me'Shell Ndegeocello is one of those special musicians! I have been a closet fan of hers for many years, and each of Me'Shell's albums over her 20 year career has touched me a different way. Me'Shell's diverse talent allows her to share different aspects of her musical creativity. None of her albums sound exactly the same. The 8th and latest album from Ms. Ndegeocello called Devil's Halo is definitely one of my favorites! She describes this album as--all about contrast - then and now, raw and polished, beats and harmonies, Devil's Halo, good in evil in all things.

If you have never experienced the Me'Shell movement up to this point, I would definitely suggest that you start by listening to this album. It's truly a buffet of her various styles, so go get a plate of what she's cooking and dig in dammit! If this joint moves you, then begin backtracking your way through some of her previous records.

Get the Devil's Halo HERE!

Then checkout www.meshell.com for more info and other stuff...

Before you leave, put ears on one of my favorite jams from her last album 'The World Has Made Me The Man of My Dreams' called Lovely Lovely...

NEXX ON VIDEOS
Checkout some of my favorite videos out right now:

SPIRITUSOUL PART DEUX!

LIFTING YOUR SPIRIT ONCE AGAIN!

Jay Dee ft. Ma Dukes – Believe in God
Daru – Spread Love Pt. 2
Todd Smith – The Power of God
Coko – I Get Joy
Jaafar – We Can Make It
Phil & Melba – Optimisitic
Kindred – So Much Better
Rahsaan P – Cloud 9
Donny Hathaway – Lord Help Me
Kelly Price – It Will Rain
SFP – In the Garden
Big Bub – This is the Day
Reggie B – Spiritual
Commodores – Sweet Love
Carmen Rodgers – Just Believe
Marvin Gaye – Praise
Marvin Gaye – God is Love
Faith – Keep the Faith
Dana Owens – What Ya Gonna Do

STREET HOP'N WITH ROYCE!
Remember, the emcee known as Royce 5'9" from Motown? His new album is called Street Hop. Detroit hip-hop fans have been waiting on this joint for a minute. I spoke about this project earlier this year when he drop his EP, but the actual release date for album is literally just a few days a way. October 20th is the drop date, so mark your calendars. Personally, I look forward to emcees like Royce to release albums because they actually deliver lyrics with some type of substance. Royce still loves and respects hip-hop enough to keep his craft in perspective. With all of the money making rap gimmicks out there in 2009, many have converted over to the dark side, but Royce remains true to his roots. Hot beats, clever rhymes and that's it! Truthfully, that's all any hip-hop fan should need.

Royce has provided fans with an album sampler until the official one drops, so put ears on it by clicking the album cover above. Shoutout to Onsmash for the link...

Before you exit, be sure to put ears on some new mixxes under the video player on the right.

YOLANDA J. IS BREATHING AGAIN!


Well, I guess my unplanned mini-vacation is finally over, so lets restart the movement with a little soul music. If you don't recognize the female above, her name is Yolanda Johnson and she's a soul songstress. I showcased her talents awhile back when she released her first musical EP project "Violet Flower" that got overlooked by the masses. It was a great introduction to Yolanda's sound, but now she's back with her first full album entitled "Breathing" for all to hear. The new album is currently available for purchase digitally on Itunes, and the actual CD version will be released on October 13th!

Why wait? Listen to the "Breathing" album for FREE by clicking the album cover below, then hit up www.yolandadiary.com and show Yolanda some support by purchasing her new joint. Support quality music!

www.myspace.com/yolandajohnson

VIDEO NEXX BOXX!
I present you with some of the latest and greatest from the music video world just in case you missed them:

J-Davey - End of Your World (Mama's Back)


Fat Joe - Hey Joe


Mary J. Blige - The One (ft. Drake)


Raekwon - Walk With Me

RAEKWON AND GHOSTFACE KILLAH!
Forget whatcha heard because the Wu-Tang Clan is coming back with a vengence in 2009 while carrying a very sharp shaolin sword! After hearing the official leakage of Raekwon's "Cuban Linx 2" joint, and a few tracks from Ghostface's upcoming album "Ghostalini:Wizard of Poetry" it's hard to deny that the Wu is back. That Cuban Linx 2 album is beautiful hip-hop music that reminds fans of the Golden Era of the 1990s. With all of the hype surrounding this release, I wasn't sure if they could pull it off or not, but they did. The production is tight, lyrics are on point and most of the Clan members made cameo appearances throughout. What else could we ask for? If you haven't actually purchased a rap album in over a decade these new Rae and Ghost albums may be worthy enough for you to dig in your change purse again.

If you missed it, check out Ghostface's first single "Baby" featuring Raheem:


Ghostface Killah's second single is called "Stapelton Sex" that is full of raunchy flavor in the spirit of those early Too Short and 2 Live Crew tracks from back in the day. The leakage is within your grasp...

Only Built 4 Cubin Linx 2 available on 9/8
Ghostalini: Wizard of Poetry available on 9/29

SOUND SPOT: JAAFAR
Meet the soul crooner named Jaafar from Birmingham, Alabama trying to make his musical mark in the game. In a musical world overdosed with male singers you may wonder what sets him apart from the rest. According to Jaafar what separates him is his passion and drive to make what he calls "non constrictive" music. He describes it as music that moves you and constantly transforms yet it can't be placed in any one genre. What's cool about Jaafar is that he's a soul artist with a heavy jazz background. He is a trumpet player and vocalist all rolled into one. Jaafar has been developing his skills since 2004, and now his debut album entitled "Travel Light" is finally available for all to hear. It actually hit the streets a few months ago. There are some smooth tracks on there that are definitely worth putting your ears on.


Here some snippets from the album below:


Hear more of Jaafar's music @: www.myspace.com/jaafartimetraveling

IT'S A SCHOOL GIRL KRUSH
This particular mixx was inspired by my younger female cousin who I'll refer to by her nickname Solokiki for the sake of this post. I want to keep the potential stalkers at bay. Anyway, she enjoys music, which is something that we definitely have in common. Like most of the young ladies in her age group, she has several male artists that she likes. While picking songs for this mixx, I was reminded about the Al B. Sure album "In Effect Mode" because all of the teenagers at that time had a major crush on that guy. He could do no wrong. That's back when being light-skinned with wavy or curly hair was in. It didn't matter one bit that the dude had a unibrow either. Don't get me wrong, Al B. had a hot debut album and I won't try to pretend like it wasn't. Hell, I still play that joint from time to time.

So, I put together a few of my favorite tracks from younger male R&B artists that have been doing their thing over the last few years. Many of them are one hit wonders, and I have tried to showcase those hits on this mixx. I call it "School Girl Krush" and even though I don't listen to most of these artists on the regular, it actually came out pretty dope! That's my opinion anyway, so now it's your chance to create an opinion of your own.

Playlist:

01-Jeremih - Starting All Over

02-Mario - Just A Friend

03-J'Son - Take A Look (Remix)

04-Ray J ft. Lil' Kim - Wait A Minute

05-Bobby Valentino - Give Me A Chance

06-Omarion - Tryna (Remix)

07-Myron - Destiny

08-Pleasure P - Under

09-Usher - Can U Get Wit It

10-Lloyd - Get It Shawty

11-Jeremih - Birthday (Uptempo Mix)

12-Soul For Real - If You Want It

13-J. Holiday - New York Girl

14-Drake ft. Trey Songz - Successful

15-Trey Songz - I Gotta Go

16-Lloyd ft. Wayne - Girls Around The World

17-New Edition - Cool It Now

18-Mario ft. Cassidy - 18

19-Jesse Boykins III - Sunstar

20-Chris Brown - Yo (Excuse Me Miss)

GET GIRL KRUSH HERE!

To download this mixx click the "more options" tab and have at it!

THE PERSONA OF A QUEEN!
The Queen is back! I consider Queen Latifah the true Queen of Hip-Hop. Her talent, style and longevity in the game has earned her the type of respect that most never attain. Even though Latifah has ventured into other arenas of entertainment like TV show, commercials and movies, she hasn't forgotten her roots. I have been down with Queen since the days of The 45 King and the wrath of her madness. However, over the years Queen has grown as a person and as an artist. Her musical sound no longer has that hardcore street appeal of her youth. She's no longer considered just a rapper, but an evolved artist with many different styles and talents. Her new album "Persona" showcases less of the emcee and more of the alternative singing and rock vibes. Don't look for any of those jazzy ballads found on her last project because you won't find them here.

The well respected producing team known as Cool & Dre provided the beats for 80 percent of the album, with two contributions from The Neptunes and Skitz. Guest appearances include Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, Shawn Stockman, Marsha Ambrosious and Missy Elliot.

Put ears on the Queen and Missy collabo called "Fast Car" below:

LISTEN HERE

Now, go get the album and show Queen Latifah some love and support!

FRANKIE & MAZE GET TRIBUTED!
What true music fan doesn't enjoy listening to some Frankie Beverly and Maze? Well, I do know one person that said she didn't like Maze at all, and I almost gave her a fresh one across the face before I caught myself. I don't condone violence over music (normally), but don't push me! As you've probably guessed from my previous statements, I am true fan of these gentlemen. Their music just brings back so many great memories from my youth. Those were definitely the good ole' days! After decades of being in the music business, Frankie Beverly's son decide to recruit some top soul artists to make a tribute album paying homage to the group. It's called "An All-Star Tribute To Maze" featuring artists like Ledisi, Mary J. Blige, Musiq Soulchild, Kem, Joe and Raheem DeVaughn. Of course these tribute remakes can't outshine the original versions, but it's always nice to hear a new interpretation of classic records.

I truly enjoyed the Earth, Wind & Fire tribute album that was released a couple of years ago, so I am pretty sure that I will like this one as well. Plus, I like most of the soul artists singing on this project, so this is definitely a win-win situation for me and you too!

Check out Musiq singing the Maze track "Silky Soul" live below:


Get more information about the album here: www.frankiebeverlytribute.com