Coming again to you with #FRESHFRIDAY Gospel. I have to highlight these two projects:
Pastor Charles Jenkins and the Fellowship Church, founded by pastor and gospel music great Dr. Clay Evans in Chicago have an AWESOME project. I was introduced to their music via my church, Concord Church of Dallas, TX - when we sang the song "Awesome". The song is so simple but it has power. It's easy to catch on to, but dynamic to think about. Download their album on iTunes, but definitely check out their single below!
Myron Butler-founded group, Levi, has by far some of the most talented invididuals in gospel music. As a yheir signature vocals have awesome control and demonstrate poise and control . You've heard them serve as background vocalists for projects in the past 2-3 years., They've worked with powerhouse vocalists like Marvin Sapp and Tonya Baker, just to name a few. One of Levi's tenors, Mr. Ryan Brockington is stepping from the shadows and doing some independent work. Remaining very true to his gospel roots, but also taking a unique and flavor-filled approach to the music that I believe is suited for his voice, he offers a few tracks on his website at http://www.ryanbrockingtonmusic.com/. Here's one of my favorite tracks on his site
OTHER FRESH NEWS
Be sure to look out for BET's Celebration of Gospel airing April 1st at 8PM ET (7PM Central)! As always, this blog will do a full recap of the show's highlights and downfalls. I think BET has been doing decent this year, let's hope they do the same for gospel music!
CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams will be replacing Tina (thank you LORD!) and Erica Campbell on Sunday's Best this year. I think CeCe and Yolanda will be great additions to the show! Too bad PJ Morton won't be doing the Musical Directing. I know we will have Kirk's BGVs (which are great by the way). I just want this season to be well organized and the judging categories to really mean something to church participants this year! I hear that Dallas auditions went well this past weekend! We shall see what happens with the rest of the preliminary judging for contestants.
Now that every church in America is singing "Nobody Greater", Vashawn Mitchell is back at it - ready to record his next album. He will be recording live on April 30th, 2012 in Harvey, IL at the the Thorton High Auditorium. $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
MUSIC NEWS 3/28/2012
Miguel is still putting out music. Check out his Art Dealer Chic Vol. 2 today. I like an artists who knows their lane and sticks in it. But I would like to see more dimension from Miguel. I would like for his sound to evolve, because everything is starting to sound like extensions of "Quickie". In any case, click on the link!
In a dedication to Trayvon Martin, a few of your favorite stars got together and created a nice piece of work. I like this song, and I think the demonstration is even better. Please watch "Super Life" by the original diva herself, the incomparable Chaka Khan. (SIDENOTE: Luke James and Eric Benet are in this song and they sound quite a bit like each other in-studio.. That could be a real good look as far as consistency and predictability for sales with Luke!)
Dawn Richard has released a video treatment for her iTunes released project entitled, Armor On. One of the cuts on her EP is "Bombs" ... and I think you will enjoy this video as well.
I love me some Goapele. I think her sound and look are unique. Plus her songs are memorable and her delivery is impeccable. I'm a fan. Off her latest project Break of Dawn this is her video treatment for "Tears on My Pillow". Of course, it goes!
In a dedication to Trayvon Martin, a few of your favorite stars got together and created a nice piece of work. I like this song, and I think the demonstration is even better. Please watch "Super Life" by the original diva herself, the incomparable Chaka Khan. (SIDENOTE: Luke James and Eric Benet are in this song and they sound quite a bit like each other in-studio.. That could be a real good look as far as consistency and predictability for sales with Luke!)
Dawn Richard has released a video treatment for her iTunes released project entitled, Armor On. One of the cuts on her EP is "Bombs" ... and I think you will enjoy this video as well.
I love me some Goapele. I think her sound and look are unique. Plus her songs are memorable and her delivery is impeccable. I'm a fan. Off her latest project Break of Dawn this is her video treatment for "Tears on My Pillow". Of course, it goes!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
MUSIC NEWS (R&B/Soul/Pop)
If you don't have Armor On by Dawn Richard or Following My First Mind by P.J. Morton you are missing out on some DOPE MUSIC.
Dawn's project is hosted on AOL Music and PJ's is FREE for the download. You can get it by sharing it on Facebook or Twitter at www.pjmortononline.com -- I promise both are worth a listen.
SIDENOTE: There is a difference between an EP and LP. Both of these projects are EP's -- which stands for Extended Play. EPs function much like mixtapes in where they don't qualify as a whole album, but they are more than just a sampler or single. Both artists, especially since they are signed to new deals, are introducing their fans, critics and the world-at-large to their "new sound". Therefore, rather than take the risk by creating an entire album, they give you a teaser, of sorts. I highly recommend both projects. I already have favorites from both.
Tank has a new video for his mixtape released earlier this year entitled, Diary of a Mad Man - as a preview of his album to come later on this year. I've heard that the album would be called Savior and now I hear it's This is How I Feel. What I do know is that the concept behind this video works and of course... Tank sings! Watch and listen to "Underrated"....
One of my favorite vocal collaborations (not necessarily in lyrics but in vocal quality) is Tank and Chris Brown. Chris recently threw a little teaser at fans called "F*ck the City Up" a few weeks ago. WELL... now he's added my boy Tank to the mix and they've done a remix... Instead of tellin' you how I feel - just listen!
Dawn's project is hosted on AOL Music and PJ's is FREE for the download. You can get it by sharing it on Facebook or Twitter at www.pjmortononline.com -- I promise both are worth a listen.
SIDENOTE: There is a difference between an EP and LP. Both of these projects are EP's -- which stands for Extended Play. EPs function much like mixtapes in where they don't qualify as a whole album, but they are more than just a sampler or single. Both artists, especially since they are signed to new deals, are introducing their fans, critics and the world-at-large to their "new sound". Therefore, rather than take the risk by creating an entire album, they give you a teaser, of sorts. I highly recommend both projects. I already have favorites from both.
Tank has a new video for his mixtape released earlier this year entitled, Diary of a Mad Man - as a preview of his album to come later on this year. I've heard that the album would be called Savior and now I hear it's This is How I Feel. What I do know is that the concept behind this video works and of course... Tank sings! Watch and listen to "Underrated"....
One of my favorite vocal collaborations (not necessarily in lyrics but in vocal quality) is Tank and Chris Brown. Chris recently threw a little teaser at fans called "F*ck the City Up" a few weeks ago. WELL... now he's added my boy Tank to the mix and they've done a remix... Instead of tellin' you how I feel - just listen!
NEW in GOSPEL
So I came across this YouTube video today... like the production and the message and I hope to have more information on this Jonathan McReynolds soon. Check it out!
Monday, March 26, 2012
NEW MUSIC and NEWS! (3/26)
With HITS like "For You" and "Never Too Busy", Kenny Lattimore was one of the leading R&B men of the 90s. And guess what? He's BACK! This song is HITS. He will definitely be able to tap some audience of artists like Robin Thicke with this joint. I cannot wait until he releases an album. Kenny is playing NO games with songs like this. I think you will enjoy his new single, "Find A Way". Check it OUT!
Many of you who watch The Braxtons know one of the leading storylines in the show is Trina and her band. Trina Braxton is stepping beyond the shadows of her oldest sister, Toni and etching her own place in music. I'm happy for her because it seems like this music is on her terms and done with her flavor and not just a recreation of something that Toni would have done. Well, we have her new single. I must say, this track is pretty dope. It has a dance-track flavor and if her management/production team is wise, they will definitely do some international publicity for this song. I like it though. Check out "Party or Go Home"!
RANDOM MUSIC NEWS:
If you liked Miguel's Art Chic mixtape ... well there's another one that we will have available on tomorrow. STAY TUNED!
Mark my words -- Usher will BLAZE with this upcoming album. I just got word that he is working with Empire of the Australian production duo. I think this will be so different from anything he has ever done. I like the collaboration because I think it will challenge and possibly start restructuring our idea of genre. Mixing their style and production with Usher's vocal talent will definitely be a pairing of unusual forms -- but I think this will work in a phenomenal way. I'm excited for this project to come out... I think if Usher does this right, it could be one of his best projects to date.
Many of you who watch The Braxtons know one of the leading storylines in the show is Trina and her band. Trina Braxton is stepping beyond the shadows of her oldest sister, Toni and etching her own place in music. I'm happy for her because it seems like this music is on her terms and done with her flavor and not just a recreation of something that Toni would have done. Well, we have her new single. I must say, this track is pretty dope. It has a dance-track flavor and if her management/production team is wise, they will definitely do some international publicity for this song. I like it though. Check out "Party or Go Home"!
RANDOM MUSIC NEWS:
If you liked Miguel's Art Chic mixtape ... well there's another one that we will have available on tomorrow. STAY TUNED!
Mark my words -- Usher will BLAZE with this upcoming album. I just got word that he is working with Empire of the Australian production duo. I think this will be so different from anything he has ever done. I like the collaboration because I think it will challenge and possibly start restructuring our idea of genre. Mixing their style and production with Usher's vocal talent will definitely be a pairing of unusual forms -- but I think this will work in a phenomenal way. I'm excited for this project to come out... I think if Usher does this right, it could be one of his best projects to date.
Friday, March 23, 2012
#FRESHFRIDAY (3/22/2012)
It's #FRESHFRIDAY and you know I have new artists and music for you!
-
Rapper/Singer/Producer/Songwriter… I mean is
there anything else that Frankie Bellamy could add to his list of
occupations? As a new kid on the scene,
Bellamy just released his mixtape on Monday entitled, 4PLAY. I’ve listened to it more than 3 times. There’s something infectious about the feel
of this project. This is one of those
mixtapes that you should not be playing late at night when you’re THINKING
about calling/texting someone to “keep you company”. This mixtape reminds me of a meal that just
hits the spot. It’s organic soul in an
often-superficial society. And you all
know that “MIC’D UP” does not embellish, we keep it real. This blog is
dedicated to supporting strong individuals whose passion and ability meet in
their art. And I feel like you will appreciate this mixtape in your
collection.
One of my favorite blogs ConcreteLoop.com profiled artists
Natalie Imani on Monday. After reading
their article, I downloaded Passion Mark
her new mixtape. And when I say I’ve
been waiting on a female voice like this – I mean that. It’s pure, rich and full of personality
without being BUSY. I can see why she
has been successful working behind the scenes with people like Jennifer Hudson,
Keri Hilson, and John Legend. She
sounds like she knows her voice, which is so refreshing! AND – she rubs elbows with one of my favorite
voice, Ms. Jazmine Sullivan on this mixtape.
I love this sound! I sincerely
hope that we continue to hear from her – not to mention, her style is so
unique. Check out her Reverb Nation page
– her mixtape is on there.
Ability and beautiful describes Jade Novah. She is an incredible voice that has been
around for a while. When I heard that
she was an artist to watch this year, I immediately went to YouTube to check
her material out. I like the fact that
she chose to cover 2 male songs: “All
Back” (originally sang by Chris Brown) and “It Will Rain” (originally sang by
Bruno Mars). Her latest cover (the Chris
Brown joint below) has garnered the attention of internet fans and industry
alike. Expect to hear from her this
year! She will be on someone’s tour, in
someone’s studio – and she may even give some of your favorite female
vocalist/performers problems this year.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
A Music MOVEMENT... please watch!
David Banner has all my respect for this. I think that if this is successful it could signal a major shift in tide with how the industry deals with urban music. I KNOW there are other artists that need to join this effort, to save the integrity of their careers. AND WE know who they are, and so do they. Take a moment and watch this though!
MUSIC NEWS... *... AND HEADS WILL ROLL*
Well GOOD AFTERNOON!
This morning, I saw that controversial artist B. Scott (just google him and I'm sure that you will see why I said that) released a single entitled "Body Rock". Although, I'm not a fan in any way - I saw it, and clicked on it to listen. I even saw links to his website, where he's allowing people to sign up for receive the digital download in an effort to build promotion for Creative Recreation. The deal is, if you sign up for the single, you are also entered into a contest to win a pair of Creative Recreation shoes. Sounds like a pretty good deal right?
WELL... that was UNTIL I found out that the songwriter, Tiyon "TC" Christian, wrote the song and did not authorize its use. (You will here more about TC in the coming days... I something planned for my blog readers). TC took to twitter and just simply put:
It's not right to take someones song and just put it out.. when you haven't spent a dime on the record & u want to take publishing? lol.
And I'll give it to TC, because in the world of twitter, people like to be a little fake -- the proceeding tweets he told everyone who he was talking about by putting the man/woman's twitter name into it. B.Scott has been quiet the WHOLE morning. Friends, fans, other writers and respecters of the songwriting craft have been going LIVE all morning. Here's a few of the tweets that I've seen today:
@ayoyungstar I wrote the song, but said he couldn't use it, cause he wanted to take my publishing like he was Rihanna lol
CHOZN @THEREALCHOZN
Torrie @TORRIEthatisall
@SongWriterTC is killing me lol but ur so rite. Plus "she" cant even sing and yet ur on the backgrounds?? #DEAD
And if @lovebscott & @ElectroLov3 feel they need to say I'm lying - I have our archived emails of them wanting to take my publishing! FYI
This morning, I saw that controversial artist B. Scott (just google him and I'm sure that you will see why I said that) released a single entitled "Body Rock". Although, I'm not a fan in any way - I saw it, and clicked on it to listen. I even saw links to his website, where he's allowing people to sign up for receive the digital download in an effort to build promotion for Creative Recreation. The deal is, if you sign up for the single, you are also entered into a contest to win a pair of Creative Recreation shoes. Sounds like a pretty good deal right?
WELL... that was UNTIL I found out that the songwriter, Tiyon "TC" Christian, wrote the song and did not authorize its use. (You will here more about TC in the coming days... I something planned for my blog readers). TC took to twitter and just simply put:
It's not right to take someones song and just put it out.. when you haven't spent a dime on the record & u want to take publishing? lol.
And I'll give it to TC, because in the world of twitter, people like to be a little fake -- the proceeding tweets he told everyone who he was talking about by putting the man/woman's twitter name into it. B.Scott has been quiet the WHOLE morning. Friends, fans, other writers and respecters of the songwriting craft have been going LIVE all morning. Here's a few of the tweets that I've seen today:
CHOZN
written by @SongwriterTC and Stolen by B. Scott! Haha “@lovebscott: New Music: B. Scott - Body Rock [Free Download]
Torrie
Yeah... It could only go worse from here. Unfortunately for B. Scott, it could be financially and character death for him if he doesn't reconcile this SWIFTLY. Because of the information/digital age, this news is bound to hit every local and major songwriter/producer and before working with he/she/B. Scott there will be strict legal codes followed which is not worth the headache. I imagine that people are just not going to want to work with him if this is intentional and malicious. The crazy thing about this whole scenario is that the song is intellectual property owned by the songwriter, and production credits to the producer. In the grand scheme of things, the song performer retains no rights to the song. There will probably be a "Cease and Desist" letter drawn up before the end of the day if my boy TC goes ahead and takes the legal route (which I anticipate). He could technically sue for damages too seeing as though B. Scott is taking money out of his pocket, if he T.C. and the producer wanted to sell the song to another party. #ImjustSayin...
Take a listen to B. Scott's tragic vocal display though...
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
NEW in Music - R&B/Soul/Hip-Hop 3/21/2012
This song is high energy, high impact, but fresh face. Check out Lydia Caesar's "Lottery". I gotta change it up for you guys and give you something a little upbeat for this "Hump Day"
This is a little different... but I came across this Andreena Mill song. I dig it though. The lyrics got me thinking about a friend of mine's poetry. Whoever does this young lady's writing (especially if she does it herself), should be commended. Check out her new song, "You Should Know Now".
Music by Singersroom.com | More on Andreena Mill
I like this video. It's a new installment from Wale featuring Lloyd. Sidenote - even though I think Wale's music has change since he's become more commercial, I still dig his current work. This video is especially funny to me considering I've been talking about the movie The Wood today. Hope you all enjoy!
This is a little different... but I came across this Andreena Mill song. I dig it though. The lyrics got me thinking about a friend of mine's poetry. Whoever does this young lady's writing (especially if she does it herself), should be commended. Check out her new song, "You Should Know Now".
Music by Singersroom.com | More on Andreena Mill
I like this video. It's a new installment from Wale featuring Lloyd. Sidenote - even though I think Wale's music has change since he's become more commercial, I still dig his current work. This video is especially funny to me considering I've been talking about the movie The Wood today. Hope you all enjoy!
Monday, March 19, 2012
NEW MUSIC 3/19/2012
John West is blue-eyed soul. First and foremost, this song "Nobody" is catchy, and the beat is good groove music. You can listen to this in your car, and I know you'll want to replay it. Mercury/Def Jam signed John West is certainly making a come up with this song and his project that you can buy John West Live. This Baton Rouge native (who is now residing in Los Angeles) has already got some nice features with Big Sean ("Already There") and Pusha T ("Lovely"). I promise you will want to have his album when it releases. I think they will really promote his work.
So during an interview with UK magazine, The Guardian, TheDream decided to operate outside of his lane by being vocal yet again on the state of R&B music (which he often uses synonmyously with Soul Music -- which I have a HUGE problems with given my research field). I profusely disagree with this statement but I decided to post it to get your reactions on this. TheDream, whose government name is Terius Youngdell Nash said:
"What’s crazy is that blacks can’t do soul records any more. We love Adele singing it, but Beyoncé singing it? No, the tempo’s too slow, gimme the club hit. Now the blacks in America are responsible for the pop records, and everybody else is singing soulful records. It’s weird to me. We’re pigeonholed over there.”
So during an interview with UK magazine, The Guardian, TheDream decided to operate outside of his lane by being vocal yet again on the state of R&B music (which he often uses synonmyously with Soul Music -- which I have a HUGE problems with given my research field). I profusely disagree with this statement but I decided to post it to get your reactions on this. TheDream, whose government name is Terius Youngdell Nash said:
"What’s crazy is that blacks can’t do soul records any more. We love Adele singing it, but Beyoncé singing it? No, the tempo’s too slow, gimme the club hit. Now the blacks in America are responsible for the pop records, and everybody else is singing soulful records. It’s weird to me. We’re pigeonholed over there.”
What do yout think about what he said?
Torion Sellers - another YMCMB production. Great young singer. I don't know who I speak for but I'm interested in all these YMCMB "acquisitions". They are really going for great talent, and are being very successful in signing them. I just don't want this young guy to get caught up in the foolishness of Young Money. It makes me nervous - because when I think Young Money, I don't think "children". In any case, I have a lot of respect for the timbre of this young man's voice. If his management is good, and he still has a stellar voice AFTER puberty, this guy could be really major given his platform. This track reminds me of Drake though...
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