South African artist BlackProcelain has released the first single “Today is the Day“,  to her upcoming debut album “Invincible Summer”.  I first was exposed to her wonderful voice from her second EP “TheInBetween“, last year.   From that point I was hooked.  With the new single, it reminds me that Soul from outside U.S., feels so refreshing and provides a unique take on the genre.  This song provides you with the most positive “break-up” song that I’ve heard.  It has a lot to say about the process, but in a very light meaningful way.  As you watch the video of her getting ready, it provides a perfect transition with the lyrics of the song.  Very Nice.

 Twitter/Facebook/SoundCloud

I have a new musical crush.  Her name is Gloria Ry’ann.  She released “Just Glow The EP” on November 21, of last year.  It’s a five songs of Soul that is simple, soothing, seductive and allows for her voice to bring you in her world.   This video is a perfect example of the vibe she exudes in her music.

Nakia Henry has released a great video for the song “Transition 3rd Cycle”.  It’s a variation/remix of “Transition” from her 2009 album “Remember Me”.  It’s nice to see an artist keep working son a song, and see it grow and evolve from it’s original form.  Check out the video, and let her  (@nakiasaid) know your thoughts.

 Website/iTunes/Twitter/Facebook/Youtube

Website/Twitter

Maysa has released her latest album “Motions of Love” last week that is already holding the #1 spot on the R&B charts for iTunes.  This being her 9th solo album, I feel it’s one of her best.  I’ve been a fan of hers since the album “All My Life“, which was released in 2000.  I have been a willing captive of her voice, style and beauty since then.  With this latest album, it seems that has a more Neo Soul or relaxed Soul feel than previous albums.  I love it.  Her first single to be released is “Have Sweet Dreams”.  It was co-written by Stevie Wonder.  Which is a huge deal by it self.  Listening to the song, you can definitely hear where Stevie Wonder left his mark on the song. You can listen to the song below, but please don’t stop there.  The whole album needs to be heard to appreciate the complete, total experience Maysa is offering to you.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
 

Nakia Henry, an artist who I have come to love her music, has released a video for her remixed song Transition. It’s from her debut album “Remember Me”.  It’s a song of life, struggle, and change.  Very beautiful, and will give you insight to her and her music.  Take a listen, and check out the album.  You’ll enjoy the discovery.

 The wonderfully positive artist Avery*Sunshine, is one of the first Soul artists to move her music, talent, and vision to the mobile space.  She has released her Avery*Sunshine App on the Apple AppStore and Android App Store.  It gives the fan and possible fan a free peek  into her world.  With sections for the Shows, News, Photos & Videos and of course the music.  The music is the main reason the app exists.  You can play seven of her recent songs, which you have control over the playing of each song.  I know that sounds weird, but with some apps the music streams over, and you don’t have those options.  I do see this as being a new trend for artists, to help reach their fans and extend their fan base.  Other artists are getting into the trend also.  Check out Bjork’s recent entry into the mobile space.  I’m hoping the soul artists are able to strip and embrace this idea.

Download Here Cafe Bohome EP (76)

Akello Light has dropped another EP for us to sample.  Another collection of laid back music, featuring beautiful women. Not a bad combination.  Here is what Akello Light describes it. “Jazzy, laid-back hip-hop beats mixed with lost tales of love are the main ingredients within this musical adventure. South Carolina producer Obsidian Blue and North Carolina creative artist Akello Light give you a late-night dream to expand your thoughts to. Inhale and Exhale!”

Saidah Baba Talibah (twitter/facebook) has released the video to her single (S)Cream. Which is also the name of her debut album, that was released two weeks ago. She brings a welcome change, and realness to the genre.  She is an artist that uses real instruments to compliment her infinitely ranged voice.  The reason that I say that she wakes up the genre, is that she isn’t afraid of the electric guitar. For some reason, if we hear an electric guitar we are turned off.  If you do that, in this case, then you are really missing out on what she has to share with you.

The range in her talent can be really realized, when looking at the power of “(S)Cream”, then the subtleness of “High”, and finally the warm and inviting “”Good Morning Baby”.  Again, don’t be afraid of real instruments, and miss something great.  Let Saidah Baba Talibah be your guide to this new world.  As I listen to her music, her album is hooking me with each song. It’s like getting a little sweet in one bite, and a little spicy in the next.

Muhsinah is going to give her loyal fans a double dose of her tomorrow.  On July 20th, is when she will release her double EP “Gone”, for free to the world.  This is her way of saying thank you, for her winning a contest to open for Jennifer Hudson in Aruba (video interview below).  I’ve been a fan of her for a few years now and don’t think that she gets enough press for her glorious talent and business savvy.  To signup for the notification of EP, just head over to her Facebook page, and “Like” her page.  Pretty easy.

Dessy Di Lauro has released her first video for, her 2nd album “Jumpin N Jivin’ Live @ The Swing House”.  The video “Why You Raggin’” is the visualization of the song, which won Hollywood Media In MusicAward for Best R&B/Soul Song.  The style of the music and video are from the combination of James Johnson, Cab Calloway, a bit of R&B and a helping of funk.

Kawan Debose has released his new mixtape “Exposed”.  This is his first project after his album “Vintage Soul”, which was released in 2009.  Kawan is in a special class that wears three hats, as writer, producer, and thankfully singer.  On this mixtape, there is a great collection of songs, that will show you his talents of all three.

There are a few songs that standout to me.  First would be his version of Adore You, by Prince.  Not many people can pull off a Prince song, but Kawan does it well. Second would be “Rolling In the Deep”, which has been a song made popular by Adele on her album “21″.  he is able to added a additional depth and emotion to it that, wasn’t present before.  Most importantly, the song “Crazy”, which is from “Vintage Soul”. It really shows his range.

Now all these great songs are packaged nicely, and available to you for FREE.  So, you have no reason not to pick this up and enjoy what Kawan Debose has to offer you. You will be surprised and pleased.

Stumbled upon this Soul/Gospel artist, Laura J (twitter, Facebook) that has blown my away. It’s very fitting that I find someone, on Sunday, who is breathing new life into Gospel.  From listening to the first song on her site “Illuminate”, which also is the album title, I was hooked.  It’s a very upbeat, song that will energize you, and makes you feel that Laura J is speaking directly to you.

She released her debut album “Illuminate” this past spring.  There are 16 tracks which will captivate, motivate and just entrance you in her experience. I hope to have a review up soon.  One thing that I can really feel from her music, is that she loves what she does.  Check out her site, follow her on twitter and watch the video.  I think that you will be happy you did.

One of the most prolific mixtape artists out there has dropped a new one.  Well new to me.  It was released in early April.  This mixtape is made up of his favorite slow jams.  So, if you are looking to create the mood, this is what you need to get.

1. Gently
2. Breathe
3. Text Messages
4. Garden Of Luv
5. Mo Betta
6. Prototype
7. Believe
8. Customer
9. B.O.B.
10. Calling Me
11. Can’t Be Friends (Remix)
12. Bedroom
13. Desire
14. Some Kind Of Way
15. Closer (Won’t Be Long)
16. XO

I think that it is very fitting that the lovely Arinmaya is the first artist that I spotlight on my return on Soulified.  She was the last artist that was interviewed and spotlighted in January.  She has been busy in that time, and is bringing us goodies and treats.  She is getting ready to release her 2nd album “Let The Love Come”, which is an acoustic album.  It is being released June 14th, and you can pre-order it now.

This album consists of nine songs that truly let you hear, feel and embrace the emotion that she releases from her voice.  Also you get the bonus of hearing Nick Cassarino.  He performs on many of the songs.  With the two of them bringing there talents together, the listener should be humbled.  One of my favorites of the album is  ”Love’s In Need Of Love Today”, which is awesome version of Stevie Wonder’s song.  I could go on and on gushing over each song, but in that time you could have listen to some of it by now. So, head over and check it out and pre-order.

<a href=”http://arinmaya.bandcamp.com/track/lemon-drops” _mce_href=”http://arinmaya.bandcamp.com/track/lemon-drops”>Lemon Drops by ArinMaya</a>