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

UNDERGODS OR UNDERDOGS?
So called 'comebacks' are very common in hip-hop music, but many of those attempts fall on deaf ears. In most cases the artists themselves have not change, but the music is changing all the time, leaving them sounding dated. To add insult to injury, their past fans have usually forgotten about them and could care less about their return. Well, not matter how you feel about he news, veteran emcees Keith Murray and Canibus have team up for their return as a hip-hop duo. They call themselves The Undergods. In their prime these two emcees could easily rip the average rapper or track to shreds. Is that still the case in 2009?

There have been a couple of leaked tracks floating around on the Internet from their upcoming collabo project. I won't bother sharing my feelings about the new tracks just yet, because I want you to form your own opinions. So, with that being said, put ears on the track "Show & Prove" featuring Crooked I and hear what you think...

Show & Prove

If you have an opinion, share it!

ERRO PUTS HIS FANS FIRST!
This is actually my second post promoting my dude Eric "Erro" Roberson's upcoming album "Music Fan First" on my blog. I normally don't dedicate two posts for the same album of any one artist because there is so much music that deserves to be showcased. However, Erro is an exception because he puts his heart and soul into every album that he makes. Plus, his independent promotion game is unmatched. The man has built his worldwide fan following with hard work and great music. To show his appreciation for all of the support over the years, Erro has dedicated his latest project to his fans. After hearing a few of the new tracks, I am convinced that this album is going to be a banger for sure! I still keep his last album "Left" in rotation like I just purchased it. So, I am pretty hyped about getting my hands on "Music Fan First" on August 25th. If you go to his blog blueerrosoul.blogspot.com you can checkout his daily video countdown he will post until the album is officially released.

Just to wet your music appetite, check out this video snippet from Erro:


Head over to www.ericroberson.btruu.com and pre-order an autographed copy of the Erro's new album.

www.ericrobersonmusic.com

SOULE LA VIE IN THE D!
Vanglorious! I just finished listening to some old X-Clan joints. Remember that group? Actually, they still sound pretty good even in 2009. Too bad all rap music can't last the test of time in the same way. Obviously, all of the vintage De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest albums still sounds pretty damn good even by any standard, but most don't come close to those groups. Fortunately, most quality soul music maintains its worth very well in my personal opinion. That's why I still replay R&B tracks that came out back in the 1980s like they just dropped last week. Go put on anyone of Loose End's albums and hear what I mean. If you don't have any Loose End's in your personal music collection, get some immediately. That's an order!

Ready for some soul music? Good, because I have some goodies that should make your ears very happy. It's a mixx of course, and I call it "Soul La Vie" because it sounds catchly-cool! Check it out when time allows...

Soul Track list:

01-Hornee Intro
02-Reggie B ft. Daru – Bring You Down
03-Moon Baker – Stay
04-Lizz Fields – Say The Word
05-Usher ft. Method Man/Blu Cantrell – U Remind Me (remix)
06-Jason Simmons ft. Slakah – It’s All Good
07-Erykah Badu – Back In The Day (Live)
08-Erro – Power That Kisses Hold
09-Geology – Funky 4 U
10-Van Hunt – NEthing2getura10chin
11-Usher – Be
12-Ananda Diva – Heart Strings
13-Tweet – Small Change
14-Innosphere – Gotta Be Me
15-Ledisi – Everything Changes
16-Sa-Ra – I Swear
17-Daru – Hold On
18-Clipse ft. Pharrell – I’m Good
19-Darnell Levine – First Impression
20-Bahamadia ft. T3 – 4 Teen (Funky 4 U)
21-Muhsinah – Gogh (Daru remix)

GET SOME SOUL HERE!

NEXX ON VIDEOS SESSION!
These are some of my favorite music videos right now. First up is the latest from my hometown homie Dwele. The second video is a remix joint by Fabolous featuring Jigga. Last but definitely not least is a video from the talented Amanda Diva. Check them out and see what you think...

SLY & ROBBIE+UNITZZ = PARADISE!
I think the music world needs more reggae in 2009 and beyond. Personally, I miss it! Remember, when reggae music went totally mainstream in the 1990s? Reggae artists like Supercat, Maxi Priest, Shabba Ranks, Mad Cobra, Patra, Shaggy, etc. could be heard everywhere from the clubs to urban radio. However, over the last decade the reggae fever of yester-year has become non-existant. Most of the artists mentioned above have been forgotten by the masses. Fortunately, reggae music veterans Sly & Robbie are back in 2009 to hopefully save the day. They have a new album entitled "J Paradise" that will be released on August 18th. Female vocalist Unitzz is providing the beautiful vocals throughout the collaboration album. The combination of Sly & Robbie's production and Unitzz vocals reminds me of lounging in a tropical paradise sipping on a cool drink.

Put ears on to the track "Automatic" and listen for yourself:



If you are a fan of that smooth reggae sound, I think you should give this album a listen.

www.myspace.com/slyandrobbie

HOT NEW MUSIC, SO LEDISI!

I consider myself a true Ledisi fan! Fortunately, Ledisi has become a household name on the soul music scene ever since she dropped her highly-acclaimed "Lost & Found" album back in 2007. If you've missed hearing that album somehow at this point wait no longer, however, it's time to get focused on Ledisi's new album that drops on August 18th. It's called "Turn Me Loose" and it's more of that Ledisi goodness that we've come to expect. Production duties for the album are being handled by: Raphael Saadiq, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Chief XCel, Chucky Thompson and Rex Rideout.

Checkout Ledisi and Raphael talking about working together:

Ledisi fans mark your calendars and support quality music. Also, make your way over to her web sites for more music information and details.

www.myspace.com/ledisi

www.ledisi.com

THE BALLADEER MIXX!


Recently, I saw the Motown legend Smokey Robinson do his thing live at a local venue. I am definitely a fan of Smokey and the music he's created over the years, but I didn't know what to expect from the 69 year old vocalist during a live event.

Needless to say after witnessing the magic that Smokey brings to the stage it was obvious that this seasoned veteran has not lost a beat or a step for that matter. Mr. Robinson shook his tailfeather more than the two sexy female dancers that remained by his side for most of the show. Vocally, Smokey can still hold those notes, so when he finally sang my favorite of his classic records "Cruisin" it was almost like listening to one of his CDs.

If Smokey makes it to your town, do yourself a favor and check him out.

Okay, enough typing for me. Let's get into some music. I call this mixx the "Balladeer" which is fitting since Smokey is one of the great ones. When you get some time put ears on it...

PLAYLIST:

01)Lynden David Hall - Don't Hide Your Heart
02)Usher - I Swear I'm In Love
03)V - This Moment
04)Anthony Hamilton - Please
05)Frank McComb - Left Alone
06)Luther Vandross - Give Me The Reason
07)Maxwell - Bad Habits
08)Russell Taylor - How Deep
09)Van Hunt - Funny
10)Will Downing - Just Think About It
11)Jesse Boykins III - Be All Truth
12)Frank Sinatra - The Girl From Ipanena
13)Eric Roberson - She Went Away
14)K'Jon - I Get Around
15)Kem - Matter of Time
16)Smokey Robinson - More Love
17)John Legend - Take Away

BALLADS R HERE!

O.J. SIMPSON IS MURDER!

Let me be clear, this post is NOT about Orenthal James “OJ” Simpson the troublesome football legend. This post is strictly hip-hop! OJ Simpson is a rap force consisting of Detroit emcee Guilty Simpson and the legendary super-producer Madlib. I love the group’s name. Madlib’s government name is Otis Jackson Jr. (OJ) and I think you can figure out how the second part came about. I’m trying to remain unbiased (even though I am) as I discuss this group because I’m a huge stan of both artists. Honestly, for fans of real hip-hop music this is a match made in Heaven. Why? Because not every emcee can do a Madlib beat justice. His unorthodox use of obscure music samples and changing beat counts leaves many rappers tongue-tied. However, Guilty Simpson’s rhyme flow sounds natural and effortless over Madlib’s production. Remember, how lovely Guru and CL sounded over many DJ Premier and Pete Rock beats? It’s a chemistry that not many emcee/producer duos have attained. OJ Simpson is not one of them.

Stones Throw has provided us with OJ Simpson’s first 12” release for the track “Coroner’s Music” as an appetizer prior to the release of the album this Fall!

Want to hear it, here it go:

www.myspace.com/madlib

www.myspace.com/guiltysimpson

R.I.P. BAATIN OF SLUM VILLAGE!


Unfortunately, another soldier from the Detroit hip-hop movement has left us. Slum Village was always one of my favorite groups, but when Jay Dee and Baatin parted ways things never seemed the same. Before J Dilla died there was talk about a potential Slum Village reunion, but it never happened. However, I was happy to hear that the past termoil had finally been squashed between Baatin and remaining SV members (Elzhi and T3).

Fortunately, Baatin was able to contribute some verses for the upcoming Slum Village album. Sadly, the new project will be the last time fans ever hear these three Detroit emcees doing their thing together...