Conya Doss gives us a “Pocketful Of Purpose”

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The lovely and talented Conya Doss has released her newest project upon  the world.  It’s been about a year and a half since her last release “Blu Transition”.  She has crafted her sixth album with the same Soul, inspired writing, and great voice that has been pillars in all her music.  From her debut album of “A Poem About Ms. Doss” to “Pocketful of Purpose”, they all exhibit a genuine and solid sound.   This wonderful music is even intensified, with her being a teacher in Cleveland.  That shows a a dedication to both that is early seen.

The album doesn’t disappoint in any way.  If you are old fan or this is your first time learning her name, you will have much to appreciate and love in this album.  Some my favorites of this album are “Paradise”, “Don’t Change” and “Lost”.   For the first two, you can listen to “Paradise” and watch her first video release from the album, “Don’t Change”.

You can learn more about Conya Doss and also purchase the CD version of the album right from her site.  You can support an artist greatly, by purchasing directly from the artist.  If you are looking for the digital version, check out iTunes.


Tracy Cruz’s Universoul Symphony Dazzles

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I’ve always had a secret love affair with Tracy Cruz’s music.  From the her first release in 2005 of “Illuminate Love” EP (that’s very hard to find), then on to her lovely “Feel’osophy” in three years later.  Now that  love grows with her new album “Universoul Symphony”, but I can’t keep it a secret any more. When her music and I first met, I thought it was too good for me. lol.  It wasn’t until “Feel’osophy”, that I really understood her music and could appreciate the “Illuminate Love” EP better.  Here is a video of her describing the creation of the new album, which gives you a very intimate look at her, her music and life.


Her new album is the best that I have heard her yet.  The best way for me to describe it, is as an uncomplicated spacial rhythm that wraps you in the blanket of her unyielding ranged voice, that holds you from “Soundation” to “Struggle Reprise“.  Just beautiful. My two favorite songs of the album has to be “Electricity” and “Love’s Galaxy“.  I think that “Love’s Galaxy” really showcases her voice and spot on production that’s contained on the album.  There is a whole feel to the album, that blends greatly with the whole Universoul and galaxy environment Tracy sets up.

As I wrote this article, my respect grew for Tracy Cruz and her music.  As a music lover you can love the music, but not fully understand the artist or what they are trying to present to the world.  With Tracy Cruz, you get a more complete view of what she is doing and trying to to show you through her music.  Nothing is hidden, all is there for you to absorb and allows you to get more insight and appreciation of her music and art.  Give her and her music a chance, starting with “Universoul Symphony”. You will be thankful that you did.

Let The Love Come from Arinmaya

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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>

 

Khristopher Lamont Releases “Change”

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Website/Twitter/Facebook/Youtube/CD Baby

Was just put on to this talented artist, Kristopher Lamont.  When I say this voice is out of the blue, I really mean out the blue.  I’m a little partial to my female Soul artists, but listening to Kristopher’s voice has show me that there is hope on the male front.  One main aspect I love about his voice, is that it conveys such power and feeling.  There is meaning behind each verse.  As if you were to peel back a layer or two, you would find some happiness, joy or sadness that he is pulling from, to give each verse it’s emotion.

Anyway, he has just dropped his debut single “Change”, and it’s here for you to listen.  His debut album is scheduled to appear Spring of 2011. So, check him out, spread the word and enjoy some “Change”.

[audio: Change (Radio Edit) 1.mp3]

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiYuH7wnFjY

Exact Opposites- The Amazing Adventures of Quick Draw McGraw and Huckleberry Hound (EP review/ free download)

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The dastardly trio comprised of Mechanism (white) I Fit The Description (black) and D.J. Jae Rawkwell (mexican)are white black at cha with a brand new EP for 2010 after a 2 year wait since they’re debut album “Manufactured” dropped in 2008. If your into dope versatile lyrics, production, arrangement, cartoon samples, flow, album artwork, and theme then click the download link below and add this bad boy to your I Pod touch or bootleg MP3 player because this EP comes correct with all thee above. The more I listen to it the more it get’s reminiscent of a classic Wu Tang album with a West Coast twist especially track #5 The Final Showdown. Got this bad boy on repeat at my spot. My only complaint is that it’s an EP with 5 songs and not a full album cause it def would of been nice to hear more.

Exact Opposites are “Quick Draw McGraw” and “Huckleberry Hound” in this story of two do-gooders from the Wild West who travel from venue to venue seeking to amend the quality of hip hop and it’s current state.“The Amazing Adventures of Quick Draw McGraw and Huckleberry Hound” is a mini-series, showcasing the creative and versatile rap styles of Exact Opposites.


Check out more of Exact Opposites here…

www.reverbnation.com/eosonata

www.myspace.com/eosonata

1. Huck N’ Quick
2. Long Arm
3. Rolling Into Town
4. The Standoff
5. Final Showdown

[audio:eo soulified.mp3]

Download: [Download not found]

5 out of 5 Cartons

-Black Milk

Cee Lo Green- Lady Killer (album review/ online listening party by Dj Smoke1))

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Finally after playing the ish outta his single “Fuck You” I got my hands on the highly anticipated 3rd solo studio album by Cee Lo Green which drops November 9th, 2010 and you know I had to send it to our Dj Smoke1 to mix up for your listening pleasure.

Listening to the whole album it’s almost hard to believe this was recorded in 2010 because it has a very soulful Motown vintage feel from the many ways Cee Lo sings to the production arrangements that back his vocals. I sent the album over to my boy Shawn Harrison of the hit tv show Family Matters to get his thoughts on it and he even liked the album which is a pretty good compliment being that he’s not a Cee Lo fan and pretty much hate’s most the artist I love. lol My favorite song by far on the album aside from the hit single “Fuck You” has to be #10 “Fool For You.” The beat has a dope Earth Wind and Fire funk sound about it and Cee Lo’s singing style in this one is nuts the way he transitions from an in your face head sway style to convince everyone why he’s a fool for the woman he’s singing about to the smooth out crooner style when the hook comes to my favorite part via the way he sings the “YOU!” parts. This one has definitely been on repeat. Something I noticed that the version of #8 I Want You is totally different then the one I featured awhile ago. All the lyrics are the same he just sings them way different more at a slower tempo and the production to match. I def like the other version a lot better. Also his rendition of  Georgia didn’t make the album that I featured here as well which makes no sense to me because that single is dope and totally reps the place where he comes from. Oh well you can download them both at that “here” and add them to the album when you purchase it.

I highly suggest picking this album up on the 9th if you want some “instant vintage” and to hear Cee Lo in a way and style like you’ve never really heard. Dude is mad talented and has come a long way since his hip hop group Goodie Mob.

1. The Lady Killer Theme (Intro)
2. Bright Lights Bigger City
3. Fuck You
4. Wildflower
5. Bodies
6. Love Gun Ft. Lauren Bennett
7. Satisfied
8. I Want You
9. Cry Baby
10. Fool For You Ft. Philip Bailey
11. It’s OK
12. Old Fashioned 13. No One’s Gonna Love You
14. The Lady Killer Theme (Outro)

Cee Lo Green- Lady Killer Presented by Dj Smoke1…

[audio:C lo album mix final.mp3]

Download: Fuck You

10. Fool For You Ft. Philip Bailey

[audio:10-cee_lo_green-fool_for_you_ft._philip_bailey_(produced_by_jack_splash).mp3]

Download: [Download not found]

4 out of 5 Cartons

-Black Milk

Lee Reveals His Gift in “Naked”

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Lee? Yes, Lee.  Don’t know him?  Let me introduce you.  Lee is a an artist that has no definitions or genres that bind him.  He is a everything from a singer to poet to songwriter to rapper.  The reason I’m introducing you to Lee, is not just because of his new album “Naked”, that is to be released on October 26th.  It’s also to introduce you to an artist that has a body of work that allows you to draw from, and then listen to “Naked” with a reflection of how Lee arrived at this point musically.

Before his solo career, Lee was the front person for the band The Square Egg that was formed in 1999 in Miami.  The band members included Lee with lead vocals, Mike Rens (bass player), Woody Quinn (guitarist), Jim Antonucci (saxophone), Russ Kleiner (drummer), Pete Clagett(trumpet), Rick Parker(trombone), Pat Firth (keyboards), and background singers Kristen Maxfield and Carol Brevard-Stern.   This awesome collection of talent released four recordings which were:

Quite Possibly The Best Of Square Egg (2005)

Things Change (2005)

The Wooden Tongue (2004)

Songs To Live By (2004)

Here is a sample of their music.

Now, in 2008 Lee released his first solo album “Meet Lee (2008)“. This solo project set the fertile soil for the creative seed that bears fruit in the new album “Naked”.  It was a 17 songs that really talents and the breadth of his reach musically.  That’s another thing about Lee, that I truly admire.  He gives you an album.  Not a 6 or 8 song sampling, but a full album.  His new album has 22 songs. When is the last time you picked up an album that wasn’t a greatest hits or mixtape what had 22 songs? Was it Prince’s B Sides release? :)  Yes, it’s been that long.

To help spread the word of the new album’s release he has two singles.  The first is “Alone” and then “? (Love)“. Out of the two, my favorite is “? (Love)”.  Both should hold you till the album is released on the Tuesday, the 26th.  Also while you’re waiting, check out the previous albums and take the time understand and appreciate Lee and The Square Egg.  It will make the enjoyment of “Naked” so much more pleasant.

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Introducing Mahasin’s Single “Meet Me On The Dance Floor”

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Wow. Just had a revelation.  You can’t have sultry Soul and mellow songstresses all the time. You must have some upbeat and vibrant music for those times you need that energy.  What helped me come to this revelation? It was Mahasin’s new album, “Party Life”. This is the first that I have heard of her, but I’m glad that I have.  As her second album, which was released on September 14th, it’s very energetic and stands out from the R&B club type music.  It has a another layer of deepth, that the others lack. The synopsis given for the album is

“‘Party Life’ is a conceptual DJ friendly album that takes place in every urban scene on the planet Earth! It’s based on ‘Tell Me (feat. Nigel Bennett) from Mahasin’s previous album ‘Wind It Up!’.”

The first single is “Meet Me On The Dance Floor”, which has a smidge MJ feel to it, which can never be bad.  Need a song to get you moving in the  morning, this is it.  You can visit her BandCamp page and sample the whole album before you pick it up.  So, far I like what I hear, and this is from Mr. Mellow and relaxed. lol.  Enjoy.

Website/Facebook/Twitter/MySpace/BandCamp/Youtube

[audio: MeetMeOnTheDanceFloorSingle.mp3]

Faith Evans – Something About Faith (review/online listening party by DJ Smoke1)

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Faith Evans is bizzack! And I gotta say…”It’s about damn time!” Almost 6 year’s have gone by since she put out an album.  For all those that are pissed about that blame Puffy’s sorry ass, for never keeping his artist happy and hot. Man, I’d hate to be signed to Bad Boy. lol

Something About Faith will be her 6th studio album and very independent release since peacing out from Bad Boy and her short lived engagement with Capitol Records.  Though I’m not feeling the album artwork with that funky ass outfit and little ass hat.  Faith is one of the most beautiful females ever and those black and white back pictures aren’t doing her any justice. I can say, that I’m feeling the track list behind the album work though. 17 tracks to be exact! Thank you Faith for actually filling up the whole album and thinking about the fan’s and they’re monies worth. My home girl Wyldeflowher was just chopping it up about artists short changing the fans with short ass 10 track albums, when a CD can store way more media. The truth behind that is that a lot of artist are only putting the amount of tracks on that they’re album that they’re getting paid for.  In my mind that’s stupid, because touring is where the money is and if your fans aren’t happy with a 10 track album your touring is gonna be boo boo.

Anywaaaaays, I summoned our official Dj Smoke1 to do what he does, and mix up the whole album for your listening pleasures right here right now before the album drops this Tuesday October 5th, 2010 aka my sister’s birthday! Whoop whoop! Though I’m not a huge fan of Faith’s music I can say that this is a really good solid album. You can definitely tell Faith went all out on this one to make it up to her true fans for being gone so long.  By again giving you a full album of tracks that are all versatile, great content, nice production, and some surprising yet dope feature’s like Snoop Dog, Raekwon, Redman, Lil Mo, and Kelly Price just to name the shockers. lol

Love the video to her first single “Gone All Ready.” It’s just her, the piano man, and some mimes and works well. I love how the mimes express the feeling of the words Faith is singing through theyre body language. And its a very deep song for those that listen to the content.

“Gone All Ready”

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub3JG7LHxlE&feature=related

1. Something About Faith Intro
2. I Still
3. Way You Move F/ Snoop Dogg
4. Real Things
5. Worth It
6. Gone Already
7. Party F/Redman
8. Right Here
9. Your Lover
10. Can t Stay Away F/ Keyshia Cole
11. Sunshine
12. Everyday Struggle F/ Raekwon
13. The Love In Me
14. Change
15. Troubled World F/ Kelly Price & Jessica Reedy
16. Troubled World Pt.2 F/ Lil Mo & Estelle
17. Baby Lay


Faith Evans- All About Faith Presented by Dj Smoke1…

[audio: faith evans.mp3]

6. Gone Already

Download: [Download not found]

7. Party F/Redman

Download: [Download not found]

4 out of 5 Cartons


-Black Milk

Blu Transition’s Album Review

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She’s back! We were first introduced to Ohio native, Conya Doss in 2002 with her debut album “A Poem About Miss Doss.” She has returned with her fifth album, entitled “Blu Transition.” It’s been two years since her last album “Still” was released. While away from the music scene she has given birth to a baby boy Blu.

“…showed me love is pure, now I’m sure, I’ll never be the same…” One of my favorite cuts is “Never Be the Same” which expresses the love between two people. Although the track was inspired by the birth of her son, it can still apply to a couple in love.

“…my ex was a PC, you’re my MAC I use to keep a virus, you changed that. You took my heart and gave it an upgrade…” Another favorite off the track is “Wi-Fi.” The computer geek in me, truly loves this song. This song mentions everything from Microsoft to acronyms like OMG. The connection between tech words and a relationship makes this tune a keeper in my book.

“…what’s the use in trying to make it work, you’re never satisfied and that hurts…” Ladies and gents, haven’t you ever been in a relationship and you’re not even sure the purpose of it after a certain point. Always fussing and arguing or simply not happy being together. “Pointless” is the track for all of us who have endured this in our lives and for those dealing with it now. This is your anthem song.

Some other faves off the album are “Celebrate,” “What We Gone Do,” “You’re Not Ready,” and “Doesn’t Have to Be This Way.” This is definitely a relationship album. So there is something for everyone no matter what stage of your relationship you are in. From the “about to break-up” folks, to the newfound lovers.

Be sure to check out our interview with Conya Doss HERE. “Blu Transition” is a fabulous album for your collection. Grab your copy here at www.conyadoss.com

Fresh from the Fridge: Devi Dev and Terrace Martin- Here, My Dear (mixtape EP)

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Man do I have one hell of a treat for yall and it come’s in the form of this EP by my fellow gorgeous  Halfrican Devi Dev and West Coast super producer/ rapper Terrace Martin titled “Here, My Dear.”

Terrace stated the EP is inspired by Marvin Gaye’s critically acclaimed 1978 album of the same name, “Here, My Dear” which showcases the raw & varying emotions of love in a Hip Hop form, On this project Terrace blends his live instrumentation and production with new Hip Hop elements with some dope feature’s like Snoop Dog, Kurupt, Charlie Wilson, Wiz Khalifa, and U-N-I- just to name a few. I’ve had this album on repeat since I got it and can safely say it’s a breath of fresh air as well as a masterpiece. Every track on the album is dope and gives you a little bit of everything. Great production, lyrics, content, vocals, comedy, and structure. Even the interludes on the album are nice where they showcase Devi Dev keeping it very real as her and Terrace chop it up about various love/ relationship related questions over samples of Marvin Gaye’s original version of this up to date album. I can relate to everything they chop it up about as I’m sure you all will like “turkey burgers and good sex.” hahaha

And just when you think the album is dope you have the 3 in 1 video that showcase’s 2 of the best songs off the album in a short film format that tells Terrace’s situation with serious and funny moment’s starting from the end and rewinding all the way to the beginning like one of my favorite movies “Memento.” Big ups to Aplusfilmz for putting it all together.

“Love Prelude and Thing For You”

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoKbLqIM8iA&feature=player_embedded

[audio: Devi Dev.mp3]

Download: [Download not found]

4 out of 5 Cartons





-Black Milk

An Interview with Conya Doss

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Conya Doss was able to take some time out of busy schedule to answer a few questions about her and the recent release “Blu Transition“.  The album is great and gives fans the hit they need to carry on.  As a long time fan, I’m very pleased and now can’t wait for the next one. :)  Enjoy the interview. Album review is coming shortly.

Soulified: If you had 4 words to describe music, what would they be?

Conya Doss: Smooth, soulful, heartfelt, and raw.

Soulified: Why did you choose this time to act on your inspirations to create Blu Transition?

Conya Doss: It just came naturally, I do this for every record, all is just contingent on what I am experiencing during that given time.

Soulified: Who are some of your musical influences?

Conya Doss:Bonnie Raitt, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, Prince, Angela Winbush, Michelle N’Degeocello, list goes on and on.

Soulified: What is your favorite track off of the new album, and why does it stand above the rest?

Conya Doss: “Never Be The Same” because it speaks of my whole experience this past year with regards to the birth of my son Blu.  Life as I knew it will never be the same, in a great way of course.

Soulified: With the other people that worked with you on this album, who had the biggest impact?

Conya Doss: Rodney Jones, Myron Davis, Jayshawn, James Blaque, they all had something special to offer, with no one making an impact more than the other.

Soulified: How do you keep in balance the fight for creative control with the chance for major label success?

Conya Doss: It’s a constant struggle; I’d rather hold on to my creativity, I love music too much to compromise it.  However, it would be great to have “the machine” behind you.  An ideal situation would be a partnership, but that’s rare.

Soulified: Continuing with the previous question, how would you define success?

Conya Doss: When a supporter approaches me and tells me how much my music has inspired his or her life in one way or another, I have succeeded in reaching someone with my god given gift.

Soulified: Do you have a tour planned? If so what cities are on the list?

Conya Doss: Washington, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Detroit, Birmingham, new york, and hopefully more to add.

Soulified: What tunes are currently in heavy rotation that you jam to?

Conya Doss: Anthony Hamilton’s album “Ain’t No Body Worrying” and all of Raphael Saadiq’s latest joints.

Soulified: Thank you for your time. Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?

Conya Doss: Thanks for taking the time to listen to my music and visit my website www.conyadoss.com

Thanks Sweetlocs, for the great questions and your effort.

Conya Doss Set to Release “Blu Transition”

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Website/Facebook/MySpace/Twitter

Conya Doss is set to release another album to her waiting fans on September 28th, 2010.  This album took me by surprise.  I have been a long time Super Fan of her.  She was my first serious venture in to Soul/Neo Soul music.  This will be her fifth album, in a long line of great albums.  This album is to be a more emotional and deeper album based on recent events in her life. The album is named after her newborn son, Blu.  So I can’t wait to hear how she wraps her subtle, yet gripping voice around these songs.

You can pre-order this album at many places, but the best place is from her site.  If you want to really support an independent artist, thats the best way.  To help get youhyped up for the release here are three snippets to help your three week wait.

[audio:  http://www.conyadoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/1-03-Never-Be-The-Same.mp3] [audio: http://www.conyadoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/1-04-All-In-You.mp3] [audio: http://www.conyadoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/1-02_What_We_Gone_Do.mp3]