NEW SLUM VILLAGE EP! New Villlaaaa!! You already know how I feel about Slum Village, and if you don't, you should. My favorite local rap group has gone through some unfortunate circumstances over the years. Both Jay Dee (J Dilla) and Baatin split from the group for different reasons back in the day. Local emcee Elzhi teamed up with remaining member T3 to keep things going. Dilla rejoined the group only to die from illness before they could develop the anticipated reunion album. Elzhi and T3 mended their relationship with Baatin and the three worked together on the upcoming album. Everything was going good until Baatin suddenly past away earlier this year. Even with all of the tragedy that has been suffered by the group over their existance, I am happy to say that they are still releasing new music for the fans. Slum Village will be releasing the "Villa Manifesto EP" on December 15th. It will only be available digitally, so check for it on Amazon and iTunes. You can listen to the EP on their Myspace page right now, so put ears on it immediately! The new album drops in the first quarter of 2010. www.myspace.com/slumvillage That is all!
SOUND SPOT: JACKSOUL Clear your music mind before you begin this journey into the Jacksoul movement. Remember, SOUL music comes in different shapes, sounds, flavors and colors. Meet Haydain Neale and the Jacksoul band. Haydain was a musician from Ontario, Canada and lead singer of the Jacksoul band. Jacksoul's musical sound reminds me of a Seal and Van Hunt combination. The band delivers acoustic type grooves while Haydain delivered raw vocals. Canada is a buffet when it comes to various styles of music, and you definitely hear that diversity when you listen to Jacksoul doing their thing. They just released their fourth album entitled “SOULmate” a few days ago, but I only discovered them about three months ago. I still haven’t checked their previous releases, but I will soon enough. Sadly, the group’s lead singer Hayden Neale lost his life to lung cancer back in November of this year. Fans were saddened by his death, but happy to have one last recording to cherish.
If you are listening out for something different from the norm, checkout Haydain & Jacksoul and hear what you think. You can hear songs from their new album on the www.jacksoul.com web site.
SOUND SPOT: MATEO Here is another up and coming young crooner for all you R&B fans out there. Everywhere you look these days there are male singers galore. A small few are great, many are average and most are cookie-cutter clones trying to make a quick buck. I feel most of these young singers are trying to follow in Usher's footsteps, who actually developed his style watching legends like Michael Jackson (RIP). Shamone-nah, I know that I am not the only one that feels that way. However, just recently I heard a track called "Get To Know Me" by a new singer/musician named Mateo. The song actually had a traditional musical feel to it. It's a simple track, but very effective. Mateo plays the piano on the joint, which is rare by today's standards.
If you are interested, I recommend reading Mateo's lengthy bio on his Myspace page. It discusses his journey up to this point and it's a good read. Without further delay, please put eyes on the video that inspired this post:
Get more information on Mateo and download his latest mixtape "Underneath The Sky" at www.mateoonline.comthen stop through www.myspace.com/mateo if you want more.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
NEXX PRODUCER: DARU BEATS!
Remember the name Daru Beats! Why? Well, because the guy is still on the come up and he is straight FIRE with the beats. His unorthodoxed style of production has me hooked like a druggie, and I am not too proud to admit it either dammit! What I dig most about this kat is that he has true love for music and his craft, plus he's from Michigan. I also appreciate how Daru shows love to his soul singing sister Rena by lacing her with some of his hottest beats. If you've been listening to my mixxes for any length of time then you already know who she is. Unfortunately, Daru is an unknown to many, but it is time for folks to pay attention and take note. If you are unfamiliar, get familiar. You can start by putting ears on Daru's new compilation album "Spirit & Soul-Hop Sampler 09" available for free download.
DE LA SOUL IS20 DEEP! One of my favorite old school and hip-hop groups in general is De La Soul. They had definite “swagger” before it became the misused and overused term that it is today. De La developed an original style of speech and a dress code that took the hip-hop community by storm. When their debut joint “3 Feet High and Rising” dropped back in 1989 the game would never be the same. Twenty years later De La Soul is still a force to be reckoned with in hip-hop. Don’t let the receding hairlines and weight gain fool you. These kats have consistently delivered quotable verses and music that remains relevant even in these misguided times of the hip-hop genre. De La is still a refreshing break from the monotonous BS that is camouflaged as hip-hop on the mainstream airwaves today. I always look forward to every project that De La releases, and that won’t change until they have finally retired.
In celebration of De La Soul’s 20 years of being in the music game, Mick Boogie, Terry Urban, Lemar and Daulet have put together a tribute mixtape called “Le Da Soul: 20 Years of De La Soul” paying them homage. Actually, this joint plays more like a compilation rather than a mixtape. It’s a well organized collage of classic and well-known De La Soul tracks being reinterpreted by various underground artists. Overall, this mixtape was orgastrated very well and it does the legendary group justice. When Mick Boogie is involved with any mixtape it is always in good hands. Some of the featured emcees on the joint include: Tanya Morgan, Chaundon, Skillz, Asheru, Talib Kweli, Phife, Camp Lo, Kardinal Official, and many others.
TRACK LIST: 1. Intro: Senor Kaos, Von Pea and Homeboy Sandman (produced by Dave West) 2. Me Myself and I: Kardinal Offishall (produced by Diabolic) 3. Pease Porridge: Phife Dawg (produced by Dj Rasta Root) 4. Breakdawn: Tanya Morgan (produced by 6th Sense) 5. Oooh: Fly Union (produced by Fly Union) 6. Baby Phat: Skillz & Colin Monroe (produced by nVMe) 7. Stakes Is High part 1: U-N-I (produced by 6th Sense) 8. Say No Go: Chaundon, Esso + The Kickdrums (produced by The Kickdrums) 9. Rock Co Kane Flow: Shawn Christopher & Pheo (produced by Garbs) 10. Ego Trippin: Asheru (produced by The Els) 11 Ooodles of O’s: Camp Lo (produced by Apple Juice Kid) 12. Sunshine: Christian Rich + Curtains (produced by Christian Rich) 13. Plug Tunin’: Tabi Bonney + Stalley (produced by Judah) 14. Hey Love: Chip Tha Ripper (produced by Remot) 15. The Bizness: Big Pooh, Butta Verses, and 6th Sense (produced by 6th Sense) 16. I Am I Be: 6th Sense (produced by Hasan Insane) 17. Eye Know: Daytona & Mike Maven (produced by 6th Sense) 18. Saturdays: Niko Villamor, Brittany Street & Kidd Neer (produced by SMKA) 19. Watch Out: J.Sands (produced by J. Rawls ) 20. Stakes Is High part 2: Talib Kweli (produced by eJones)
NEXX PRODUCER:ARAAB MUZIK! What is music without great production? Not much at all in my personal opinion. Like any other music fan I always desire the whole package of dope lyrics over hot beats, but the production is just a little more important in my book. That's why I truly dig those strictly instrumental projects from producers like Pete Rock, Madlib, Nicolay, Black Milk and many others. Instrumentals can be just as satisfying as a song with lyrics. I am always seeking out new producer talent, and recently I stumbled across this young kat named Araab Muzik. He's a 20 year-old producer from New York working with the Dipset camp. If you listen to rap artists like Cam'ron and Juelz Santana you've probably heard some of Araab's beats. Not only is Araab a dope producer, but he's a beat conductor. Actually, that is what impresses me about this kid the most, and that is truly why I decided to do this post in the first place. What is a "beat conductor" you ask? I can show you better than I can tell you. Please, put your eyes on video clips below of Araab Musik doing his thing on the MPC beat machine:
FEEL MISTER FELTON! This mixx is all about showcasing the "dopeness" of the underrated soul artist known as Wes Felton a.k.a W. Ellington Felton. I have been a fan of this kat since I first heard the music he did with Raheem DeVaughn under the Crossrhodes moniker. Over the years Wes has released several solo projects demonstrating his singing and rapping abilities. The boy is good, but for some reason he's not getting the attention he deserves. With each new album I get a greater understanding of the man behind the music. His lyrics are conscious without being too preachy, and they manage to speak on the current events that effect us all. He's a new school Chuck D if you ask me, even though you didn't ask. Wes also touches on issues of love, family, relationships and life's obstacles in his music, so pay attention and you might learn something. If not just keep bobbing your head to the beats...
The "Feel Mister Felton Mixx" is filled with many of my favorite tracks featuring Wes, so put ears on it and hear what you think. If you like what you hear, purchase some of his music online. I know he'd appreciate that...
Slum Village member T3 reveals how he goes through his email listening to beats made by up & coming producers. I've always wondered if these artists actually listen to beats sent to them by random folks, and now I know. Makes me want to reload Frooty Loops on my PC and see what I can do...
The new Slum Village album drops digitally on 12-08-09!
NAJEE...MIND OVER MATTER! If you didn't know, the comtemporary jazz genre is flooded in 2009! Just like rappers, there is a new hopeful newcomer with a sax, trumpet, flute or guitar in hand hoping for their chance to showcase their talents. For that reason I rarely explore new jazz artists these days. I'd rather stick with my old faithfuls like legendary saxaphonist Najee. This kat has been feeding me an earful of saxaphone filled goodness over my many years, and for that alone I owe him my gratitude. He was one of the first musicians to spark my interest in jazz. Once I heard his classic "Betcha Don't Know" from his Najee's Theme album, it was a wrap. If you haven't heard that joint by now you definitely need to put ears on it. Back in August of this year Najee released a new album entitled "Mind Over Matter" and I wanted to be sure that the jazz heads out there didn't miss it. It's another solid release from the man as he provides perfect background noise on a Sunday afternoon. Find out more about the album HERE.
CHOKOLATIE SWEETUMZ MIXX! Soulful R&B is back in this blogsphere once again. This joint is full of sweet (goodies for your ears) tunes with that chocolate flavor that you've come to expect. As I briefly mentioned in my last mixx post, I have added another place where I can musically connect with my followers at Podomatic.com. Check it out HERE! I am showcasing (as always) soul artists that I am checking for, and most of them don't get the recognition that they should. Some of the artists blessing this joint include: Zo!, Loose Ends, Soulpersona, R. Les, LuvBugz, Yahzarah, Wes Felton, Darien, Phonte and many others... Click the photo above to check it out or play it below.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
ANGIE STONE IS UNEXPECTING! Awww-shukz...look at your girl Angie Stone on the cover of her upcoming album called "Unexpected" looking all provocative. Stoney has obviously lost a few pounds over the last year and she's ready to show it off. I'm a little confused about her sitting on that motorcycle with a prom dress on, but I guess the rest is all good. Slick chopper though! Anyway, I always enjoy Angie's albums because her music consistantly delivers quality. Plus, there is always at least one hit single on each joint that becomes an anthem that'll be remembered for years to come. Her voice never gets stale to my ears. It's the balance of her old school vibe with a new school twist that keeps me coming back for more. Sounds like "Unexpected" will be no different from Angie's past endeavors. On November 23rd check it out for yourselves...
I truly dig her first single off of the new album "I Ain't Hearin' U" that is lyrically directed at Angie's favorite subject matter, men. The theme of this particular song should be self-explanatory and obvious based on the title. If you haven't heard the song yet, put ears on it below:
LISTEN to "I Ain't Hearin' U" HERE
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 HEREor 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...
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:
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.
