Damn... Dawn!

Well... I didn't know my girl had it in her.  She got explicit and just cussed us all out but made it sound good!  LOL!  That girl right there on this song right here made me feel some kinda way at 3:35 PM on a Friday.  MAN... I can't even say anything else.  Just hit play!

That Bellinger Boy is doing it...

Endorsed by R&B/Pop giant, Usher, Eric Bellinger is hitting our ears with his newest mixtape installment.  And he definitely wants you to hear what his chops.  I’m sure working alongside Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson, Tank and Ne-Yo has help this young guy develop his talent.  If you’re digging Usher’s new “Gone Missin”, Breezy’s “Fine China”, J. Hud and Ne-Yo’s “Think Like a Man” – you know his sound.  This mixtape is combination of smooth sounds, familiar subject area, and the pulse of what is going on right now.  Born II Sing Vol. III highlights the real skill of Bellinger. You may need to visit Vol. 1 and 2 if you aren’t hip to him.   Stream this one right here and download!

New Music for your ears... 4/5/2013

I'm back y'all with some music updates...

Say Chris Brown does this.  I have to give him props for his interview that he did on the Today Show and for really doing some GOOD music with this video. Hit PLAY to watch "Fine China".



If you know anything about the late 90's, you know it was the era of the "Quiet Storm".  You know the sound when you hear it: slow grinding music that make you "feel some kinda way". WELL - Shanell, YMCMB artist, has decided to cover one of the HITS that blazed that era, Adina Howard's "T-Shirt and Panties".  What do you think?



I'm becoming a fan of Jarell Perry.  He puts out great work and I'm digging this new joint "Smoke + Mirrors" ... Check it out and I'm sure you will love it too.

NEW MUSIC!!! The Drought is OVER!

I had to drop this off.  This project is dynamite and you definitely want to go to this jump and download the entire project!  But just in case your, skeptical on Jarell Perry - here's an opportunity to stream it.


Maleek – yeah, I like this track. It has that easy going feel. And it only gives us a snippet of this young new thundercat in music, but it’s enough to make you think twice about finding more music by him. Hit play to see what I mean.




Shoutout to my bro!  Last week my bro RL from the group Next hit us off with a video of the single he put out and I'm proud of how hard he's working.  If you think he's been chillin' since "Butta Love", check his resume y'all.  Congratulations man, and we look forward to hearing more from you.



Y'all know I'm a fan of Dawn Richard!  She continues to be her, and she's winning in her own lane.  Give her major distribution and publicity - I truly believe that she's different and talented enough to take over.  Check out this one!



Go and download this at Travis Garland's website.  I'm not going to get into how great this project is or how phenomenal Travis is.  Just hit play and it'll speak for itself.  BY FAR... one of my favorite mixtapes of the year!

Everybody LOVE/HATE? Bey...

Although not a fan, I have a tremendous respect for Beyonce and her public relations team.  This blog entry is inspired by her latest track “Bow Down/Been On”.

Let’s talk about what the track is, first.  The song is ego-driven, southern fried dance joint.  It is atypical of the stereotypical (and often true) hood fantasy: make it out, talk about your success and throw it in your hater’s face.

Let’s talk about who Beyonce is… Beyonce is the premier pop female artist of the last 5 years.  She has managed to crank out hits that keep the radio waves, award shows, SuperBowls and yes – even inaugurations (YES.. plural!) abuzz with her presence.  As an artist, Beyonce is a creation of everything that is powerful, friendly, talented, feminine - and most importantly COMMODIFIABLE. She not only looks good, but she sings well.  Now whether or not you believe her talent as a writer or executive producer for anything, you can’t knock the way that she has allowed her persona to be bought, sold and traded internationally without people really knowing who Beyonce Gisele Knowles-Carter really is.  The only thing we know about her other than that she is a daughter, sister, mother and wife is what she chooses to share (and even she does that in style and for an HBO special, you too can see it! LOL).  She carefully releases pieces of herself because she doesn’t want you to confuse her PERSONA with her PERSON.  As a result, she is one of the most respected artists to date because her business is not daily morning news or blog reel exclusive.

Now – where the incongruence comes in: based on her history as a person, people are polarized by the track.  Either they love Bey for doing something different (which is in part false.  This is the southern extension of “Diva”. It’s just the hoodrat remix) all while saying she got it like that, even saying “bitch” a couple times.  Or they hate it because they feel like Bey can change music, be a greater voice and use her influence for something that is better than this.

It is my belief that the fans/stans of Bey that love it are just that: fans.  They are going to consume all that is Beyonce.  For those who are sucked in by the fame machine, they are just buying into the commodified image that is offered.  They are acting as perfect consumers – some more ignorant than others.  I can’t knock the ignorant ones because they are genuinely products of their environment.  They are given and accept what they are told to think.  And if you are fan, you choose to enjoy what she does because of your connection to her: not only is that a right, but it’s a conscious and informed decision. Those who vehemently disagree with this track usually throw in commentary of real musicianship, associations with the Obamas, and tainting her image as a performer.  

As a self-proclaimed music connoisseur, I have to look at this from a historical, social and musical aspect.  In fact, that’s what my master’s trained me for.  Geographically, Beyonce is from Houston.  And as a resident of the state of Texas – this music is high quality regional music.  You walk down the street in Oak Cliff (Dallas), South Dallas, 4^th Ward (Houston), and other relatively urban communities in Texas [with the appropriate tour guides] – you will find music JUST LIKE it.  Historically, this song did not fit within the realm of music that she has most recently been doing.  THAT – indicates that either she’s breaking a trend OR this was fun.  And I choose the latter.  WHY?! Bey’s camp is smart.  This was released for free online via blogs and her website.  Based on her previous behavior, she’s using this track to generate a buzz about something else.  BRILLIANT MARKETING.  Beyonce’s more strategic contributions to issues of social matter (in response to her relationships to the Obamas) are carried out philanthropically through corporations and charities.  She rarely addresses issues within her music because that’s not her niche as an artist. She has to do things that are widely commodifiable in order to maintain her position.  YES, she has a great deal of respect for the Obamas and they think highly of her too.  But lest we forget – Wayne, yes Lil’ Wayne whom the president says he has in his iPod (which is an endorsement, no matter how you look at it) a few months ago was publically vilified and crucified (and rightfully so) for his Emmitt Till line on the “Karate Chop” remix.  So we have to put things in perspective: Wayne made a error in judgment, Bey was a hoodrat for less than five minutes.    She said no more than what other artists have said before.  In fact, for a moment - I applauded her for being brazen and bold enough to put it out.  She could've chosen to keep it. 

For the musically astute – this was not a traditional music form.  This is a product based on artistic expression.  The “degredation” of music that some music elites constantly bark over existed LONG before Bey got on the scene.  With increases in technology that made producing music at the tip of someone’s fingers (enter stage right “Fruity Loops” and Soulja Boy), how we consume and experience music has FOREVER changed.  Expecting someone to change music everytime they open their mouth is an insurmountable task.   Asking Bey to be more cerebral and musically meticulous with every music release is the equivalent of asking rappers to spell check and use correct grammar/sentence structure to bring a greater form of consciousness to the art form.  What makes artistic expressions through forms of music such a universal experience is that it is meant to meet people wherever they are.   It doesn’t have to be cerebral: it’s okay to just wanna move without the intention of being prolific.

Either you accept/like the song or not.  But critiquing her and making her an American Culture/Musicology/Sociology assignment is POINTLESS.  Why?  Beyonce owns a realm she created.  And she makes one HELL of a living doing so.  She may not be among the greats in history that changed music, but she definitely is an Honorable Mention in changing how people experience music.  Like her or not – the girl is an entertainer.  R&B newcomer and writer extraordinaire, Tiyon Christian (better known as TC) said it best last week on twitter when he talked about Bey always winning because she never responds to the negativity like people want her to, and for that – she always wins.  TC… bro you are spot on.   And Bey… keep WINNING – even though I won’t be listening to that song again.  LOL!

NEW MUSIC!!

Candice Nelson… whoa!  I stumbled upon this track and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised.  I had no idea that she could sing.  She’s a writer that has a composer’s credit list that is QUITE impressive, including songs for Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Mindless Behavior, Jennifer Hudson, Brittney Spears and Jennifer Lopez.  Just to name a few.  Her latest installment is her formal introduction as a solo artist.  This song has an innocent sweetness to it, and could be a nice hit for her.  Hit play, and I promise that “Fallin” will have you hooked.




Anyone who knows me and knows me well knows I enjoy Stacy Barthe.  From the previous mixtapes to the Pandora station named after her, I love her work.  Well folks, she’s released another mixtape!  Stacy is giving us some more feel good music, and this mixtape is a great Spring joint.  It’s fresh and easy-going.  Definitely one of those that you can ride to all day long – just because it puts you in a great space!

 
 

Kevin McCall, one of hip-hop/R&B’s favorite writer/producers has released a mixtape.  And you know his work if you grooved to Chris Brown in the past 2 years.  He has been the hitman behind Brown’s mixtape and album hits – and if I must say so myself – his work is just as stellar, independently.  If you don’t believe me, check out Definition for yourself.

http://www.datpiff.com/Kevin-McCall-Definition-mixtape.452133.html

Brittany Barber is a lovely little talent.  She is relatively new to the music scene, but she is definitely an undeniable talent.  Bursting on to the scene with her latest offering, Love Letters, she delivers a mighty punch, and I definitely enjoyed listening to this project!

 

The Grammy's 2013 Recap!

2013 Grammy Recap!

First, let me say that it makes me happy that you all enjoy this from year to year.  I’ve been doing this since 2009, and you all have positively responded to it, and I look forward to providing my commentary. 

This year, even though I’m going to “GO IN” on the award show itself, I would like to point out a few things about the Grammy’s in general, to help you guys understand where I’m coming from.  The Grammy Award Show is a production of the Recording Academy.  People win Grammy’s not based on their chart positions, popularity, or sales.  The Recording Academy that picks these winners are an elite group of touted writers and producers with resumes deemed worthy.  Of course, there are some guidelines, but ultimately – it is up to those who are already apart of the Recording Academy to create space for those who want to become members.  For those of you think that an artist should have won in a category, get your writing and production credits up – because it’s about power… not about JUST talent.  Being that said… here we go…

I have to nod to the acoustic vibe that The Grammy’s was going for.  It exposes those who aren’t real singers. Point blank period.  BUT… taking that into account, you must realize that you want to present the best.  And I am not sure if they accomplished that last night. 

Performances

Justin Timberlake was good. And was perhaps the best performance of the night! I love the contrast in “Suit and Tie” already, but the performance just made it that much more visually believable.  And anytime you bring Hov up to perform with you, it’s going to be phenomenal.  It almost seems as though JT never took a break.  In addition to the performance, you have to appreciate the live instruments too.  He channeled the big band feel, and managed to pull it off with the whole black/white vibe too. 

So, the tribute that Elton John was performing with Mumford and Sons was a total distraction.  I promise he reminded me of Bobby Jones on the piano.  LOL! That suit was shimmering wasn’t it?! He is a legend so you can’t talk too much about him… but we can COME for Mother Mavis Staples… LOL!  I mean… other than the fact it sounded like she had been gargling with rocks and glass, I couldn’t write about the Grammy’s and NOT mention how she did.

Kelly Clarkson has been doing her GOOD singing lately.  First, the inauguration – and now the Grammy’s … Well kinda. I will say that she’s redeeming herself in these live joints. I think she should think about a live album.  Granted, she had some moments of “Kelly, you’re just about to lose your footing with all this emotional belting”… but she still stayed in KEY and managed to pull it together as a cohesive and enjoyable performance.  Not the night’s best, but certainly not its worst.

Maybe it was the hair… but Rihanna was… ehhh… I don’t know how I feel about it.  I mean, we know she’s limited vocally.  And I applaud the fact that she stayed in her lane (no pun intended – “Stay”)  Can’t help but think that she was thinking about Chris when she was singing.  And I liked Mikky Ekko singing it with her.  Ri-Ri got one of those voices that you need to break the monotony up a bit. And he was a healthy distraction.  The performance was kinda boring though.  

Now… the most aesthetic performance has to go to Taylor Swift.  She had a lot going on with her performance.  And I think that she did a decent job – and she definitely channeled Alice in Wonderland.  I don’t know if I like Taylor as an artist – it seems like she’s hyped (lest we forget what poor Kanye did to her years ago… LOL!)

Now Miguel… he was doing his thang!  Y’all have to peep the fact that he was really trying some things out vocally and TOTALLY nailed the beginning part of his performance.  And then Wiz in the performance too? Wiz is perhaps the most beloved rap artist out right now … this expectant father (of about 22 months now…) is forever “that dude” because he’s wifing and impregnating a former-stripper that was scorned by popular culture’s most scandalous rapper/personality. *shrug* 

Maroon 5 is a great group, one of my favorite artists is a member (PJ Morton).  Adam was giving us a great performance UNTIL he was interrupted by the yelling/scream of Alicia Keys and that HORRID song.  I love her as a writer but I wish she would hang up her vocal folds on the next clothes rack and just STOP singing – especially that daggum “Girl On Fire” song.  UGH!!!! I knew it was going to be pitchy as SOON as she opened her mouth. Now because the energy was already in the room – I will give her a bit of a pass.  Especially since she had Adam Levine was covering her MULTITUDE of wrong.  

Bruno Mars – what can you say bad about him?  Sure he looks weird and has adult ADHD, but the man brings energy which is 75% of a performance.  I like the 80’s-pseudo choreographed band and how they get everyone involved with him.  Then you add Sting… who is like a legend…  and check the cameos in that performance.  EVERYONE knew the song and looked like they were feeling it!  That shift to the Jamaican feel … I ain’t gon lie – I started beefin’ it up. It was a SMOOTH transition.  Shoutout to the arranger! Now when Ri-Ri came out there with Ziggy – I was like “okay”… but then I peeped the fit on Rihanna.  I instantly thought… this could be another Nipplegate.  You could definitely see her tattoo, and the way she kept lifting those arms… every man watching television was hoping to catch a glimpse!  The cameraman is a FOOL for the shots of Chris Brown during that segment too.  

Now – Frank Ocean… hmmmm…

Social media attacked the hell out of Frank for this.  I loved the visuals that were going on.  Now my only question is how do you sing out of key when YOU’RE PLAYING THE SONG??  But it goes to show us that Frank, in all his undoubted and unmatched creativity in his writing, isn’t really a singer.  He’s a great mind, and he does well in his lane.  But his live performances have been lacking for a while now.  Now I understand his song choice, my only issue is that you cannot force-feed someone into accepting you.  The general consensus is that people accept Frank’s music.  And I think the acceptance of his music is because there is a genuine respect for his ability.  It didn’t make me feel awkward, I just kept thinking, “Frank, you have to know your audience.”  He was trying to make a statement on a platform for his lifestyle.  I understand that.  I just don’t think that the Grammy stage was equipped to provide him with what he was attempting to do.  The Grammy’s – as a show – lack validity in terms of political, social and economic power.  It is designed to entertain! It highlights the achievement of artist in terms of people who have “pull” in the industry.  That’s all I’m saying.  And then you whistle… you lost EVERYONE and walk off stage… people clapped because it was the appropriate thing to do.  

LL Cool J.  I’ll take time to pause there.  For the most part he did okay… until he tried to perform.  I was over it.  Bro, take your walker and live in the fact that you are a cultural icon with a fairly lucrative acting career.  You are a part of a class that changed music for future generations.  No need to expose your feelings of inadequacy or irrelevance in music – we get it!  Will Smith ain’t going out trying to be on Billboard’s Top 100, so you shouldn’t either.   Now a highlight of his performance was certainly Travis Barker on the set.  He wrecked that joint.  I don’t know if he’s been going to late-night sheds, but he was dynamic.  I mean Travis always been cold but now last night… he was the truth!

All in all – I have no qualms with the winners.  Generally, the individuals who won this year deserved their wins – not because of their performances but because of the influence their work produced.  There were some tough categories there, granted.  But it was what it was.  This award show gets a C.

MORE MUSIC... couldn't resist!

Say Austin Brown is THAT guy!  He has a nice sound, and he's doing some creative material.  He's just released this nice mixtape that I wanted to share with you all entitled Highway 85 Mixtape.  Don't miss this mixtape.

Austin Brown - Highway 85 Mixtape

 

 

 

I'm a fan of Ester Dean.  She just makes good music.  In addition to her being an extremely talented singer and producer in the game (and a MAJOR game changer), she just seems as though she is enjoying the music she makes.  That aspect makes her shine - and this video of a song that I'm really enjoying from her right now, shows you EXACTLY what I mean.  This raspy-alto gives a nice retro feel - circa the late 80's/early 90's with "Baby Making Love. 

 

 



New Music 1/11/2013

Happy New Year!  I have some new music for you!

Okay... you gotta check out my friend and one of the HOTTEST songwriter's in the R&B music realm right now, Tiyon Christian better known as "TC".  Love this guys work ethic and the integrity in which he does his work.  He's DOPE... and right now, if you are a singer or producer, you want to get with this guy because his skill is unmatched in the industry.  Check him out on twitter at: @SongwriterTC and DOWNLOAD his mixtape that he released right before the New Year (sorry guys, I've been a little busy!) entitled Harmonic Fatality.  You really wanna have this in your collection.

TC - Harmonic Fatality: The Covers Vol. 1

I found this song last week, and I like it.  Maybe it's because Jarell Perry is talking about my favorite kinda liquor... LOL!  But this song makes you groove.  It has a pop/R&B feel that verges on the side of Frank Ocean, but it's definitely not copycat material - it's original and I dig it.  I think you will too!



Now we know that 2012 was the year for COMEBACKS... and I promise 2013 is geared up to be an even stronger follow-up to that theme.  With people like Maxwell giving us 40-second snippets online, D'Angelo in the studio, and Justin Timberlake talking about collaborations with King Hov and Queen Bey, this year could be some SERIOUS HEAT!  Well, popular R&B singer Avant, is following up his duet with KeKe Wyatt ("You and I"), with this track that I can truthfully say that I definitely enjoy.  Avant has followed up HARD with this "Best Friend" and I have to say that I identify.  LOL!  Check it out and you'll understand!