MUSIQ SOULCHILD "LUVANMUSIQ"
I am a true Musiq fan! Not only has he remained very consistant over the years, but he has his own style when it comes to soul music. His songs remain catchy without sounding annoyingly bubblicious. I still remember the first time I saw him live back in Denver, Colorado while he was touring with Erykah Badu. Back then no one knew who he was, so when he was on stage no one really cared? Even with no one looking at the stage, Musiq ripped it! I was impressed by his enthusiasm and energy on stage. Several years later Musiq is a household name when it comes to soul music. He has released several dope albums over the years, but has yet to receive the recognition that he deserves (kinda like Jon B). I never find myself hitting the skip button when I am listening to one of his albums unlike most of the stuff I come across.

It's been approximately four years since Musiq's last album release "Soulstar" back in 2003. He's about to release his new album "Luvanmusic" on March 13th! The hot single "Buddy" is already making some serious moves on the radio and video scene. I have been on so many sites where folks (yung whippasnappaz) are saying the original sample for the "Buddy" track is from De La Soul? Yes, De La did a track back in the day with the same title and even used the same sample. Unbeknownst to many people, De La is not the true originator of that beat. The beat was sampled from a song called "Heartbeat" that was sung by Taana Gardner back in the 1980s! Here a sample of the original Heartbeat track here. It's a great song by the way, so add it to your collection if you can.

Now, that you know when Musiq's new album is coming out...check this out:

Oh yeah....and this too dammit!!

GO AHEAD, TAKE THE BLUE PILL NEO!

Lupe Fiasco - Sunshine (Live)

GHOSTFACE "HIDDEN DARTS!"
Saying the Wu-Tang Clan was an undeniable force in hip-hop back in the 1990s would be an understatement! These katz changed the game with their style, production, concepts and business savvy. I still remember when me and my boy Marv were living in Tokyo, back when we used to hit up the music stores pretty hard. We would go on what I called "music runs" where we would take large amounts of money and try to put a serious dent store's CD stock? Normally, music comes out faster overseas compared to stateside releases, so we had no clue who the Wu-Tang Clan was when we stumbled up on the Return of the 36 Chambers album. The cover looked pretty dope, so I took a chance and bought it! Remember those days?? When I finally listened to the album, I quickly realized that I had found something special. I enjoyed the originality and complexity of the lyrics, but what really caught my attention was RZA's production. The use of the martial arts movie samples was pure genius, and it worked well with the whole concept of the group and the album. It was groundbreaking! Since, I was a big kung-fu buff (still am today), I really appreciated the use of the cheezy english karate movie dubs. He used them to set up the theme of the different songs. After listening to the album a couple of times, I quickly realized who the standout MCs were amongst the group (in my opinion): ODB, Method Man, Ghostface & Raekwon. Not to imply that the others were not dope, but these four personalities shined the most.


Sadly, the glory days of the Wu camp have left us in the new millennium. Beef between group members, ego trippin' & solo aspirations have basically ripped the foundation of the group to shreds. There was an internal mini-war amongst the Wu-Tang soldiers, and when the smoke finally cleared there were only a few survivors that remain relevant in 2007! In my personal opinion, Ghostface Killah is the last Wu-soldier standing! He has dropped several solo albums over the years, and they have all been pretty solid. Ghost is basically carrying the Wu-Tang Clan on his shoulders, which is definitely keeping their sound alive. Last year Ghostface released two dope albums in the same year, which is pretty much unheard of by today's standards. Soon as you think Ghost is finished, he comes back at us with another joint! This time it's the "Hidden Darts" compilation which drops on March 13, 2007. The project is packed with rare and unreleased tracks from his previous albums that you probably haven't heard before. A lot of these joints have appeared on various mixtapes over the years, but most of them have those big mowfed DJs talking all over them dammit! Now, you can own the CD quality versions of these wonderful songs. One of my favorites on this project is "Good Times" featuring Raekwon! The producer flipped the hell out of that Good Times tv show theme music on that one! You gotta love that! I am a big Ghostface fan like most true hip-hop headz, and it's good to know we have a new release to salivate over....

Checkout his Myspace Page:

www.myspace.com/ghostface

REDMAN "THE SAGA"

PRODIGY - MAC 10 HANDLE

P is back at it again! This joint is off of his upcoming album "Return of the Mac."

SOUNDNEXX WNEX RADIO #6!
It's about time for one of these posts? I thought it was about time to drop another one. For all of you new comers that don't have a clue what WNEX Radio is, it's basically a musical venture where I get to express my radio hosting talents? In my personal opinion Urban radio stinks, so I create my own fake radio broadcasts to fill my void. There is no real theme to these fake broadcast, which means I touch on all kinds of genres that fall under the urban music umbrella. Putting these together are fun for me because I don't have to think about what song comes next. I just put whatever I want to dammit!

I normally attach a personal radio experience to these posts, and today is not exception so here we go! As most of you folks know, I avoid the radio like a person's house that has roaches! Recently, I turned on the Steve Harvey morning show while I was getting ready for work. I wasn't really paying attention to the show (background noise), but I did notice that some of the music wasn't just the normal bubblicious crap that I have heard in the past. So, the next morning, I turned on the show again and guess what, the same exact songs that were played the day before were on there one again. Not only that, but they were playing the songs in damn near the same order as the day before! Why? Does it take that much time to change the tracklist up a little? I don't like watching tv reruns the very next day, so why would I want to hear the same songs next day? For some I guess this format is cool, but for me it sucks like straw! I enjoy a little mystery and surprise in my music. I guess that's why I keep my Ipod on random, because I don't want to know what's coming next. Just sucka punch me with the musical goodness dammit!

So, in the spirit of the sucka punch, I won't be posting the tracklist for this fake radio broadcast until later! Just sit back and enjoy the music with no expectations and hear what you think. I won't leave you hanging for too long, so be patient. I understand how much it sucks to not know the name of a song you really like. Being kicked in the bean bag with a size 14 Timberland boot is less painful?

Okay folks..feast your ears on this:

SoundNexx WNEX Radio #6

Talib Kweli - More Or Less

New Reflection Eternal!

MICK BOOGIE & LITTLE BROTHER
For all of you Little Brother fans, please pay close attention! If you didn't already know, Little Brother will be releasing a brand new album "Get Back" in March of 2007? Even though 9th Wonder's stankin' azz has decided to leave the group, I still think the new album will be pretty dope. While true hip-hop fans remain patient for that new album to drop, Mick Boogie and LB have decided to drop a new mixtape "...And Justus For All" to keep us happy for awhile. Now, here the coolest part about this whole thing. It's TOTALLY FREE DAMMIT!! Due to the recent arrest of DJ Drama and DJ Cannon, the mixtape scene seems to be a little grim? So, Little Brother has decided to allow free downloads for everyone to eliminate any problems with the RIAA? I wish more artists were this giving and understanding! Don't waste time downloading it either! I know some of you snails missed out on that free Talib Kweli & Madlib's "Liberation" mixtape download a few weeks ago! I feel sorry for you, but don't let this one get by you! I have done my part, so enjoy it while it lasts!

Here are some linky-links:

LINK 1

GET THE MIXTAPE TRACKLIST HERE

www.myspace.com/littlebrother

www.mickboogie.com

LINK 2

A TWISTED VALENTINE!
Does anyone really care that St. Valentine's Day is right around the corner? I don't, but there are plenty of people that do. This holiday has lost many of it's traditional values over the years, but the most important part has remained. It's the celebration of L-O-V-E! I don't think you need a holiday to show someone you love them. That should go on all year long dammit! Society has deemed Valentine's Day as the perfect time to show the person that you like or love how much you really care? It seems to be more of financial gouging of the public for businesses to make a profit? Valentine's Day can get pretty expensive if you are not careful. Taking time out of your day to purchase mushy cards, pretty flowers, tasty chocolates, expensive dinners and other lavish gifts can add up. All in the name of love dammit! Just to see that big smile on your mates face in hopes that they will forgive you for all of the crap you'll do wrong for the rest of the year. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't, but the reality is V-Day is tailored for folks that have someone special in their lives. I really think that sucks actually. Single people are totally overlooked. Some single people purchase goodies for themselves to fill the empty void, pretending that it doesn't matter. Have you ever heard someone say, "I am so happy being by myself?" Yeah, whatever! I personally believe that EVERYONE wants to have someone special to enjoy their lives with, even when they swear that they don't. Companionship is a human desire, so why wouldn't you want someone special in your life? The only reason people say that they don't won't or need anyone is because it's usually easier to deal with the reality of their current situation? Wanting someone to love and not having anyone really sucks, so using reverse psychology can help in some cases? I know plenty of people that fall into that "loveless"category.


Folks that have real love in their lives usually look forward to V-Day, but there are plenty others that despise it! For all of you lovebirds out there that are overly ecstatic about February 14th arriving in a couple of days, there are others that wish Cupid would just fall out of the sky and die already! It's sad, but damn sure true. The reality is even when you are in a relationship with someone it is not always a wonderful experience. People suck sometimes! Your lover can be your worst enemy? Pushing your buttons just because they can, never taking the trash out until it starts to stink, burning your favorite shirt with the iron or cheating on you with your father! Ooohh, the suffering! Sometimes relationships are a downhill & prickly slide into Hell's abyss, but yet you remain in it miserable and on the verge of committing a homicide. Why? Well maybe you have children, lots of time invested, financial ties or you may feel like you can't do any better? My favorite reason for staying is, they're mate will eventually change for the better! No they won't dammit, so smarten up! Some folks like drama though. A dysfunctional relationship feels like home to some people. A hard punch to the face can be just as loving as a luscious kiss on the lips to some people? Whatever floats your boat? In any case V-Day can be a terrible reminder of how lonely or unhappy you really are. It can't be over fast enough!


While the rest of the world has totally forgotten about the folks that have serious turmoil in their relationships, I haven't! I decided to go against the grain. I put together a few tracks that remove the glossy honeymoon phase of relationships, and cuts to the raw emotions of getting along with someone. It's not easy being in a true relationship, and it takes hard work to keep it going. There are plenty of ups and downs. If you ever have or thought about cheating on, using, leaving, cursing the hell out of, or beating the snot out of your mate then this mix is for you. There are plenty of classic drama filled tracks on here, but I couldn't totally ignore the true lovebirds either. So, I ended the mix with some of my favorite uplifting love songs to even things out a little. All of these tracks are from the male perspective....

I hopith thou enjoyith!

TWISTED VALENTINE MIX TRACKLIST:

01 - Vikter Duplaix - Another Great Love Gone
02 - Bilal - Sometimes
03 - Erro - Obstacles
04 - Musiq - Where Are You Going
05 - Dwele - Caught Up
06 - Vinnie - Trouble
07 - Van Hunt - Down Here In Hell (With You)
08 - Carl Thomas - I Wish
09 - Usher - Truth Hurts
10 - Darien Brockington - Love Is Gone
11 - Jaheim - Back Tight
12 - 112 - Intro
13 - Musiq - Her
14 - Anthony Hamilton - In Love With You
15 - Erro - So Much In Store
16 - Darien Brockington - Lovers & Friends/Come Over
17 - Jon B - Before It's Gone

GET THIS MIX HERE!

THE COMMENTING PROBLEM ON BLOGS!
I recently had a discussion with a couple of my peeps about this topic, so I thought I'd share some of my feelings on the subject with you good folks! I'm taking a break from the music for just a moment to address this hot topic that seems to be plaguing the blog world! Topic: The lack of or dismal amounts of comments left by visitors for these hard working bloggers? How many times have you gone to a blog and glanced your eyes past the comments number below the post you just read and saw a big fat azz ZERO (0)?? Hell, if you come here enough you have seen it plenty of times. For all of you non-blogger types that don't have a clue, plenty of my fellow bloggers take that shyt real personal? It's like a slap in the face to some, and even an e-form of disrespect to others. I have concluded that unless you are running a gossip/entertainment news type of blog where the motor mowfed type folks hang out to discuss the latest scoops, the comment area on most blogs is going to be pretty weak. There are some exceptions though. Take a blog that has free music downloads of your favorite albums and mixtapes available. The few comments that they get are from visitors dropping a quick "thank you" (maybe), begging for more music or bitching about a link that is inoperable. This leaves many bloggers frustrated because they normally feel like they have invested plenty of work into their blog for visitors to enjoy, but yet no one seems to have time to leave a decent comment?

Most bloggers put in a substantial chunk of their personal time to run a decent blog. So, when a blogger provides the goodies (video clips, music downloads, essays, etc.) he or she wants to be recognized for that in many cases. Instead, they are left feeling like they have been ignored and violated by the ungrateful-leechers that just come on their blog, shop for free and leave without even saying goodbye! Some bloggers desire plenty of praise and attention for what little they may do, so without it their self-esteem can start to deteriorate. The saddest shyt ever is when a blogger starts begging for comments or threatening to stop blogging if more comments aren't left! It's like watching a drug addict trying to get that next fix with no money. I've even seen where bloggers have tried to extort funds from their visitors with statements like "Click on my paypal account link and show me some financial appreciation or else!" That type of stuff sickens me! Nobody makes a person start a blog, so if you don't want to do it then DON'T dammit! Just stop all of the blog bytching and moaning because nobody owes you anything. Just be grateful that one person took the time out of their day to click over to your blog in the first place. Be nice to them and they might just come back again? If you need visitor comments or money to validate who you are or what your blog is providing, then maybe the problem is you and not your visitors? Take a look at the person in the monitor Michael Jackson...

For me this blogging stuff is not that dayum serious!! I don't give a hot damn about my visitors consistantly leaving me comments on this blog. Yes, I definitely appreciate it when it is done, but honestly I totally understand why many folks don't do it. I don't judge how well my blog is doing by counting how many comments I get. Just because another blog gets pluthers of comments a day from visitors doesn't mean that their blog is any better. I would be a total hypocrite if I pretended that I always leave comments when I visit another blog. When I discover a great blog that I have never visited before, I will normally leave a comment stating that I dig their blog or a little chitter-chat about the latest topic (only when I want to). Personally, I didn't start this blog to become an e-celebrity in my own mind or for folks to praise me for the work I put in. I get enough love and joy from my real friends and family, so I don't need a blog to fill that void like many other obviously do. I originally started this blog because one of my homegirls (Honeysoul) encouraged me to start one, plus I wanted to reach out to my homies that love music as much as I do. I decided to join Honey and a few others e-soldiers on this crusade to shine some needed light on the truly great music that exists, but rarely gets heard. This blog crusade has hopefully enlightened many folks about the number of quality music choices that are available and provided these dope artists with more fans. It's all about the music for me.

Here is my final conclusion on this matter. Even though many of you visitors don't leave comments, I know you come here on the regular gathering information and great music. Even though you don't think I see you, I do. Most of you email me your feedback about the topics and ask questions about all kinds of stuff. I'm cool with that. I have no complaints. This blog has allowed me to meet plenty of cool celebs, make some good friends and learn a lot more about music as a whole. To all my visitors whether you leave a comment or not, thanks for stopping through because I know you don't have 2!

Dayum, this was a long winded ass post! I had to speak on this though (real talk), so now I can get back to the music you all need and love.

Also, for all of you illiterate and non-reading suckaz that didn't take the time to view this indepth literature, I have a sound clip coming with me narrating this whole essay word for word! So, hold your breath and be patient. Come on now, would I lie to you????

ERIC ROBERSON HAS LEFT!!
Who doesn't know Eric Roberson a.k.a Erro by now?? If you think you like soul music and you don't know him by now, then shame on you dammit! Erro is to soul music what jock is to itch and Bruce Lee is to kung-fu. U feel me yet? "More wasabee Mister Wee?" Honestly, at this point in his career..Erro should be a mega-star by now, but he gave up the unsure promise of fame to have total control over his musical destiny. That was a wise move in my opinion. At the beginning of his career he was signed and dropped from several major record labels. Through those trials and tribulations he was unable to release any of his music, which was his main purpose for getting into the business in the first place. Basically, he was shelved while other major artists were pushed ahead of him. Realizing that he was doomed if he left things as they were, he decided to break free from his label oppressors and start up his own independent label. Every since then Erro has been making plenty of successful moves to get his name out to the masses. I think he tours about 6 months out of the year for the last 5 years, so I am quite sure he has been in or near your city at one time or another. He puts on a helluva concert too and because of that he has a very strong fan following. He honestly appreciates his fanbase though, unlike some other artists that I have come across over my music loving years. After conversing with him during one of his shows here in Detroit, I quickly realized that he is a pretty down to earth kat with a decent sense of humor. He'll talk about you like a dawg if you come to one of his shows with some busted gear on too! Erro is definitely the whole package when it comes to being an entertainer? I haven't seen him dance yet, but I'm quite sure he can shake a tailfeather if he's put to the test. All brothas have a little rhythm in their soul. Atleast, that's what I've been told anyway?

I have personally enjoyed all of Eric Roberson's projects over the years, but I must say that his new "..Left" album is one my favorites at this point. Mr. Roberson is not pushing the soul envelope with this project, but he seems to have perfected his own soulful sound this time around. This album flows like a stream in the summertime. It feels like he's telling a long story, which is refreshing to hear these days. Erro has also stepped his guest appearances game up on this album with help from Algebra Blessett(you'll know her soon) Phonte (Little Brother) and Curt Chambers! He also got some of the hottest producers in the game today to lace the tracks too! Can you say Kev Brown, DJ Spinna, James Poyser and J Dilla (R.I.P)..... You got to love that!! This album may just push Erro's career to the next level? Support quality music people!!

Eric Roberson is an independent artist, so the chances of you finding his music in your local music stores are slim to none! Luckily, you can order his albums directly from his website for very reasonable prices.

Purchase Erro's music here:

www.ericrobersonmusic.com

Checkout his myspace page too:

www.myspace.com/ericroberson

If you feelin' frisky, click here:

I feel real frisky dammit!!

SOUNDSPOT: OWUSU & HANNIBAL
Owusu & Hannibal is one of those groups that I felt was really overlooked in 2006. I know that many of you folks are unfamiliar with this group, so please don't judge them by the photo that I have posted on the left? This picture is a little bit suspect with these two grown men sitting "oh so" close while one eats a plate of poor man's spitzgetti! I don't know what that's all about, and I really don't want to know either. As long as the music is good, who really cares? Owusu & Hannibal is a soul/electronica group coming out of Copenhagen, Denmark. These two artists have only been working together since 2005, but you wouldn't be able to tell that by the rich and vibrant chemistry they exibited with their debut album "Living With Owusu & Hannibal." Sometimes, groups that have been together for several years don't sound this good together. They're music sound has been described as Moody Man meets Steely Dan meets J Dilla meets Jorge Ben meets Spacek and you're just getting close.

I love American soul music with a passion, but I also enjoy the blissful soul sounds from overseas as well. Hell, I guess I always did even in my younger days with my fascination with artists like Loose Ends, Sade & Soul II Soul. I can't deny their contributions to my music world as well. On "Living with Owusu & Hannibal" the group has managed to combine the greatest aspects of music and put a soulful spin on it. I really enjoy their melodies and beat patterns, but the real standout for me are Hannibal's vocals! He's voice has a soothing and relaxing feel to it like the sensation you would get after drinking a large glass of Nyquil & warm milk! Tracks like "Blue Jays" and "A Million Babies" are two of my favorite tracks on the album for that reason. There first single from the album was entitled, "Delirium" and that joint sounds real nice too. Albums like this are why I enjoy music overall, because of their interesting and diverse interpretations...

Check these katz out and hear what you think.

www.myspace.com/owusuhannibal

Owusu & Hannibal at Ubiquity

Buy album & hear snippets here

Nas - Can't Forget About You feat. Chrisette Michelle (Live)

Off of the HHID album! Dope track!

Critically Acclaimed - Another Private Conversation

I'm on some backpack rewind ish!

Kev Brown - The Versatility Joint

New joint from Kev Brown!

NAS RESURRECTION REMIXES!
I must admit, Nas has the hip-hop world buzzing over his new remixes of my favorite HHID track "Where Are They Now" in 2007! On the album version of this track Nas reminds fans about the forgotten hip-hop pioneers that paved the way by asking the simple question "Where Are They Now?" At the end of the record Nas reassured everyone that the track was not meant to be considered a diss toward the mentioned pioneers in any way. To prove it he put together three massive remixes showcasing many of the forgotten hip-hop veterans while he played the background vocally. The original album version is dope enough, but these three remixes have taken the record over the top! Some of these veterans haven't touched a mic for many years, but Nas got them together and created some serious posse cuts may go down in hip-hop history. Most of the katz have never been on a record together before these remixes, so that makes them even more impressive. Nas has proven once again that he has much respect and influence in the world of hip-hop! It's a miracle that the God Son was able to resurrect so many of these forgotten hip-hop souls from the afterlife for one more hoorah! True hip-hop fans are glad he did. Mainstream hip-hop needed this jolt of life....

Here are all of the remixes for your listening pleasure...

Nas - Where Are They Now (90's Remix) featuring: Redhead Kingpin, The Original Spinderella, Rob Base, Father MC, Monie Love, Mike D (Jungle Brothers), EST (3xDOPE), Positive K, Das EFX, Lords of The Underground, Chip Fu (Fu-Schnickens) & Dres (Black Sheep)

Nas - Where Are They Now (80's Remix) featuring: MC Shan, Raheem (Furious 5), Doctor Ice (UTFO), Kangol (UTFO), Kool Moe Dee, Sha Rock (Funky 4+1), Tito (Fearless 4), Grandmaster Kaz (Cold Crush Brothers), Linque (Isis of X-Clan), Dana Dane, Pebblee Poo & Just Ice

Nas - Where Are They Now (Westcoast Remix) featuring: Breeze, Kam, King Tee, Candyman, Threat, Ice-T, Sir Mix-A-Lot, The Conscious Daughters & DJ Bobcat

Props to Onsmash, Nahright & ArtofHipHop!

Performances: DJ Houseshoes Party

Ill Manored - Gorilla Pimpin'