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.
P.S. If you enjoy BlackPorcelain, you might want to also check out Giovanca from the Netherlands.
https://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/960blackporcelain.jpg298927BB8Finnhttps://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/soulified-logo1.jpgBB8Finn2012-02-01 12:28:472012-02-01 12:47:55BlackPorcelain has decided "Today is the Day"
Antoine Dunn is a new artist that you should listen and take notice of his talent. He has been grabbing more and more attention, radio play and mind share with his voice. He released the single “Can’t Forget” this fall, which is to give you a taste of his upcoming debut album. That anticipated album is scheduled for Spring 2012. To accompany this single, he has released the accompanying video. To build on the video, today on 106 & Park (BET), this video will be the “New Joint”. Take a listen, check out the video, and become a fan. It’s that easy.
https://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/antoinedunne930.jpg300930BB8Finnhttps://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/soulified-logo1.jpgBB8Finn2011-12-26 12:53:232011-12-26 13:01:41Antoine Dunn just "Can't Forget"
Teedra Moses has released “Luxurious Undergrind” Mixtape, a quality project that will help you get into your chill mood do, for the weekend. Besides the great music that is encapsulated in this mixtape, it also is a tie in for her the show On Ustream, that she is starring. Joining her is Vanessa James, Mara Melendez. They can be seen every Thursday 10pm-11pm EST.
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.
https://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/dessy.jpg300929BB8Finnhttps://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/soulified-logo1.jpgBB8Finn2011-07-15 03:07:182011-07-15 03:07:18Dessy Di Lauro asks "Why You Raggin'?"
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.
https://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/banner3.jpg300930BB8Finnhttps://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/soulified-logo1.jpgBB8Finn2011-07-13 02:40:162011-07-13 02:41:01Kawan Debose is "Exposed" Mixtape
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.
[Download not found]
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
https://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/soulified-logo1.jpg00BB8Finnhttps://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/soulified-logo1.jpgBB8Finn2011-07-10 18:59:312011-10-07 09:54:25Raheem Devaugh released "Heemy Taught Me"
This beautiful brown poet and songstress is a delightful soul to speak to, and incredibly talented. I had an opportunity to interview this Goddess from Chicago, and was relieved to find that there was still, yet another artist who despite the compelling circus of the mainstream, remains true to herself and true to the legendary craft of creating timeless SOUL.
Find the audio interview below, along with her bio and links to learn more about her and her art…
Brooklyn-based artist ArinMaya is a singer/songwriter with her soul wide open. Her style cannot be contained but is often characterized as graceful and healing, whether she’s scatting through standards, riffing to R&B or improvising over electro-beat. Her voice culls audiences to remember the sensuality and mystery of Sade, the deep hurt of Billie, and the wisdom of Nina. And her songwriting sends audiences to a hopeful, sometimes private place where they are comforted, satiated and affirmed.
Hailing from Chicago, ArinMaya was born into the arms of two music-loving parents whose record collections spanned from Paul Simon’s Graceland to almost every album released by Sweet Honey in the Rock, from show tunes like Ain’t Misbehavin’ to Pharoah Saunders and Stevie Wonder’s entire discographies. From age 5 she wanted to be in every choir possible, and she was. ArinMaya participated as section leader or soloist in Trinity United Church of Christ’s children’s and youth choirs, the Chicago Children’s Choir, the Community Renewal Society’s All God’s Children and every single choir she could join in high school at the Latin School of Chicago. She even gave strong voice to the teenage and women’s drill teams at church, filling the 3,000-seater sanctuary (sans microphone) every other Sunday with “I’ve got a feeling, I’ve got a feeling church, I’ve got a feeling the TUCC drill team’s gonna step for Christ.”
In college at Howard University, her focus was studying, but she did get to stretch her lungs out for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority as a song leader and briefly in Howard’s Gospel Choir, then led by Richard Smallwood. A year-long exchange at Stanford allowed the songstress to join the popular Everyday People a cappella with whom she toured and recorded an album.
Though music was never far from her mind, it took a few years of dedicated yet unfulfilling work in New York for her to step out onto the tightrope of her dreams. At the end of 2007, ArinMaya took the bold step of leaving her job to leave for Paris—city of light. While in Europe, she also visited Berlin so that by the time she was heading back to the states, she had explored and become more comfortable with performing solo for audiences at such venues as The Swan Bar, Le Blue Note, and Cotton Club Berlin, sharing the stage with artists like Mario Canonge, Catia Werneck, and Fumi Tokie.
ArinMaya’s return to the states only confirmed she had been traveling in the right direction and she has been writing, collaborating and performing ever since at venues such as Brooklyn’s Joloff Restaurant, D.C.’s National Cherry Blossom Festival, and New York’s world-famous Blue Note, to name a few.
Her debut recording, The Sound of ArinMaya, was released in Spring 2010 and continues to be well-received and downloaded by audiences worldwide. 2011 will prove to be even more exciting, as the singer plans to release her first full-length recording with long-time collaborator and guitarist, Nick Cassarino, as well as some other collaborative projects.
ArinMaya has grown and continues to grow into a widely sought after artist and looks forward to spreading her love for the craft and artistry of music to audiences worldwide.
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)
https://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/ceelo.jpg301930BB8Finnhttps://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/soulified-logo1.jpgBB8Finn2010-11-07 09:12:302010-11-09 10:59:50Cee Lo Green- Lady Killer (album review/ online listening party by Dj Smoke1))
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:
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.
https://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/lee930.jpg300925BB8Finnhttps://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/soulified-logo1.jpgBB8Finn2010-10-15 03:46:582010-10-15 03:48:02Lee Reveals His Gift in "Naked"
I don’t know about yall but these days you can’t really go anywhere without hearing this Chris Brown single. And though I haven’t really been a fan of Chris Brown ever since he slapped the shit outta Rhianna and his “Gimme That” day’s I gotta admit I’m feelin this single and even Tyga and the “other dude’s” verse. lol
I guess I wasn’t the only one feeling this single because outta the blue comes the remix full of a ton of big name MC’s by the names of Drake, Kanye West, T.I., Faboulous, and Andre 3000. Though I could have done without T.I. and Fabolous the remix is fire none the less and Drake totally murder’s it coming out the blocks first.
So the other day I was choping it up with my homegirl/ graphic girl Gigi and she’s ask me if I saw the Affion Crockett spoof he did on the Deuces song and video. I hadn’t so took a little trip to youtube and checked it out and busted out laughing! I can even listen to the original right anymore without thinking about Affions hook “Douche It!” LMAO! Be warned yall that his lyrics in the video are pretty ummmmm graphic and the title should say it all. And to any of the females that don’t like the lyric’s you more then likely prolly need to…. “Douche It!” lol : o )~
Affion Crockett- Deuces “Douche It” (spoof video)
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5622HSZuCws
And just when I thought Affion couldn’t be a bigger fool on the spoof he goes ahead and does the full remix impersonating every feature just as they spit on the song but with his lyrics and sounds just like them! Talk about some flippin talent! Expect the Affion Crockett show to come out in February of next year on the Fox network yall and suscribe to his youtube channel cause dude’s got some super funny stuff on it.
Affion Crockett- Deuces “Douche It” (remix)
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nySOaf9LxWk
Deuces feat Drake, Kanye West, T.I., Fabolous, and Andre 3000
https://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/chris-brown-deuces.jpg300930BB8Finnhttps://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/soulified-logo1.jpgBB8Finn2010-10-09 12:02:542010-10-09 12:02:55Fresh From the Fridge: Chris Brown- Deuces remix (single/ video/ spoof video)
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.
https://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/mashin930.jpg301929BB8Finnhttps://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/soulified-logo1.jpgBB8Finn2010-10-08 02:28:082010-10-08 02:28:08Introducing Mahasin's Single "Meet Me On The Dance Floor"
I’ve had my hands on Bruno’s new album for a hot sec and thought I’d have our very own Dj Smoke1 bless you all with an early listen of the album before it drops this Tuesday October 5th, 2010.
For those expecting the Bruno Mars that you’ve heard on the 2 dope feature’s he blessed on the vocal/ production tip for B.O.B and Travie McCoy I wanna let you know right now none of that is really on this album. Bruno is definitely showcasing the real him on this album as well as his versatility through all kinds of different genre’s of music like the obvious doo-wop, r&b, pop, reggae, soul, and some island acoustic like you’ve heard on Travis McCoy’s “Billionaire” song.
I’ll be honest, when I first listened to this album I wasn’t really feeling it because again I was expecting the catchy hook, up tempo production I heard on the feature’s he had done prior. After a few more listen’s of the album and Smoke1’s mix some more the album started to grow on me. It’s definitely something a little different then what your typically use to hearing and I dig that Bruno stayed true to himself and went that route. I wish the album would have had more the 12 tracks because again I can’t stand when an artist doesn’t feel that bad boy all the way up and give fans they’re monies worth but you can expect a different track out of each of the 12 that sound nothing the same. I recommend this album to all the true Bruno Mars fans and for those that want something different to listen to with some substance and versatility cause it’s worth the $9.99. For more information on Bruno, the album, the music video and some exclusive download’s from the album check out my past preview post.
1. Grenade
2. Just The Way You Are
3. Our First Time
4. Runaway Baby
5. The Lazy Song
6. Marry You
7. Talking To The Moon
8. Liquor Store Blues feat Damian Marley
9. Count On Me
10. The Other Side feat Cee Lo Green and B.o.B
Buno Mars- Doo-Wop and Hooligans presented by Dj Smoke1…
[audio:Bruno Mar Mix final.mp3]
Enjoy the party and make sure to leave me your thoughts down below.
3 1/2 out of 5 Cartons
-Black Milk
https://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/BrunoMars_640.jpg294930BB8Finnhttps://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/soulified-logo1.jpgBB8Finn2010-10-04 07:24:562010-10-29 01:36:38Bruno Mars- Doo Wop and Hooligans (album review/ online listening party by Dj Smoke1)
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.
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
https://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Faith-Evans.jpg300930BB8Finnhttps://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/soulified-logo1.jpgBB8Finn2010-10-02 22:25:142010-10-29 01:36:40Faith Evans - Something About Faith (review/online listening party by DJ Smoke1)
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.
https://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/FRONTCOVER_HMD_WEB32323232.jpg300930BB8Finnhttps://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/soulified-logo1.jpgBB8Finn2010-10-02 10:01:122010-10-08 14:40:51Fresh from the Fridge: Devi Dev and Terrace Martin- Here, My Dear (mixtape EP)
The good people at We Plug GOOD Music, have complied together a strong collection of unsigned, and maybe even unknown to you, Soul, Hip-Hop and Spoken Word artists. The collection is called “A Prelude to the Future“. Based on what I have heard so far, you will see a number of these artists on Soulified in the future. Here is the introduction from We Plug Good Music.
“‘We Plug GOOD Music’ has established an online presence successfully plugging the emergingmusic that commercial radio doesn’t play,Aiming to push the true artform of music and NOT necessarily what the industry calls ‘good’ & in their consistent, continuous bid & effort to keep plugging the best of NEW & EMERGING Performing Artistes, they’ve come together with 20 of the most promising emerging artists to create ‘The Future is NOW’ project beginning with this ‘A Prelude to the Future’ mixtape”
You can download the mixtape here or from Soulified. [Download not found] Enjoy.
https://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/WPGM.png300930BB8Finnhttps://www.soulified.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/soulified-logo1.jpgBB8Finn2010-09-30 10:48:352010-09-30 10:52:58We Plug Good Music Presents "A Prelude to the Future" Mixtape