Black Porcelain’s Invincible Summer Review

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Invincible Summer cover

Black Porcelain has released her truly independent self finance album.  We first wrote about her in 2011 when she released a remix of Butterflies. Then in 2012 when she released the video of “Today Is the Day”. To this day I still love this song.  Which listening to “Invincible Summer”, I was very happy to hear it as the first track.  Kind of a feeling of being at home, and put me in comfortable place with this new material.

As I said the first song is “Today is the Day”.  It’s a very deceptive song. It’s the most upbeat positive “Get the Hell Out” song I have every heard.  The simple yet effective piano keeps the song very light and positive.  Most other singers in the genre would and have made this subject more dark than it should be.  That’s why for me it’s very refreshing to get her take on this type of song.  Also the horns arrangement on the song is excellent.

The next two tracks “Aching Head” and “Hot Pink” continue the strong start of the album.  With “Aching Head”, the bass guitar plays big part in establishing the tempo of the song.  Which could be taken as a drinkers anthem. lol.  In the song “Hot Pink”, her voice really stands out and takes over the song.  In doing so, you realize something.  That the first three songs are not similar at all, and Black Porcelain’s voice handles each distinctly and masterfully.  You don’t notice her voice strain, or reach areas where she is uncomfortable.

The album continues with song after song that describes her on her Journey.  Each song is a glimpse into that journey and her life, which makes this album very personal and meaningful.  This album has many reasons why I love independent artists.  I feel that each fan, album purchase and “like” helps that artist accomplish their dreams, which is repaid by more music for the fans.

Website/ Twitter/Facebook/SoundCloud/YouTube

BlackPorcelain has decided “Today is the Day”

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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

P.S. If you enjoy BlackPorcelain, you might want to also check out Giovanca from the Netherlands.

Gloria Ry’ann releases “Back With You” Video

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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’s Transition 3rd Cycle Video

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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.


Antoine Dunn just “Can’t Forget”

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 Website/iTunes/Twitter/Facebook/Youtube

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.

 


Tracy Cruz’s Universoul Symphony Dazzles

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Website/Twitter/Facebook/YouTube

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.

Nakia Henry Tells a Story of Transition (Video)

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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.


Saidah Baba Talibah Wakes up the Genre with a (S)cream

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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.

Teedra Moses “Luxurious Undergrind” Mixtape

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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.

 

Download [Download not found]


Dessy Di Lauro asks “Why You Raggin’?”

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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 is “Exposed” Mixtape

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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.

 

 

Laura J “Illuminates” us with her voice

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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.


Nakia Henry lets loose her “Love Letter”

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Nakia Henry has joyously released her video “Love Letter” on VH1 Soul.   This is the first video from her album “Remember Me“.  If you don’t know, that’s a big deal.  She has other videos in the pipeline, which is great for her fans.  Enjoy.

Interview With Avery*Sunshine

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Twitter / MySpace / Official Website

Today we have the great blessing to speak with Avery*Sunshine and understand a little bit more about her wonderful voice, talent and positivity.  With the release of her debut album last summer, she has brought an energy to the genre, that was lacking in my opinion.  You can gather that vibe from her music, watching her perform or just hearing her in a voicemail. (Which I had the pleasure to receive, I will never delete):)  Anyway, if you haven’t picked up the album please do, and give yourself a treat.  Also, if you are in the Memphis, she will be performing at The Vine this Saturday January 15th.  You know I will be there.

Soulified: With the release of your debut album last summer, how has your career changed?

Avery*Sunshine: We are definitely a lot busier!!! The album helps to increase awareness.

Soulified: What was the message that you were trying to convey to your fans with that album?

Avery*Sunshine: I wanted to encourage people to not be afraid of honesty. I hope that my honesty and “realness” (That word is not in the dictionary lol) encourages others to be honest and real. From that honesty will flow healing and from that healing will flow “SHINEABILITY”: the ability to SHINE! . (I made that word up too.) ;)

Soulified: As each song is an intimate creation of talent, heart and soul, what song had the most meaning to you on this album, if you had to narrow one down?

Avery*Sunshine: They are all very meaningful to me. If I’d have to pick,  I’d choose UGLY.  From that tune we were able to create an album. The vocals on that tune were recorded in my closet!!!!

Soulified: I really enjoyed your video “All In My Head”. What songs are next to make the transitions to a music video?  Why was that one picked to be the first?

Avery*Sunshine: Thank you! We thought that the story of ALL IN MY HEAD would visually be interesting. We hope that it was! I GOT SUNSHINE and PININ’ will be next!

Soulified: I love that you are touring, even to the smaller cities like Memphis. How has the experience been for you?

Avery*Sunshine: The touring experience is very close to my heart. I am privileged to have the opportunity to travel the world doing what I love to do. BLESSED.

Soulified: Since you gave your fans such a great album last summer, what are you plans for the next album?

Avery*Sunshine: First of all, THANK YOU. Secondly, the thought of creating another album is TERRIFYING but a feat we intend to take on nonetheless!!! We, my music partner Dana Johnson and I, plan to write from our hearts again and see what happens. Wherever God leads, we’re gonna follow!  Can’t go wrong that way. I’d like to have a few guest artists on the album too. (We’ll let you know if Prince agrees!!!) I’M KIDDING!!! well… ;)

Soulified: I can tell by your music, videos and just how you carry yourself. How do you keep your positive nature and outlook?

Avery*Sunshine: Prayer. My family. My friends. Music. Getting rest when I need it and being adamant about having personal time to “re-up”.

Soulified: With the growth of twitter and facebook as ways for artists to connect directly with the fans, what method do you prefer and what was the most surprising thing that you have noticed about the increased fan connection?

Avery*Sunshine: I am both a Twitter and Facebook junkie. When I first started, I was surprised that people were actually interested in the seemingly mundane things that I was doing!!! Now I realize that the social networks allow artists to have the necessary connection with the people who help to make the artists who they are. I was not a fan initially. Now, I’M SOLD!!!!

Soulified: So what are you plans for your music in 2011?

Avery*Sunshine: We intend to continue  our touring to further increase awareness about the project. Of course we’ll be making more music too. ;)

Soulified: Thank your for your time, and best wishes.

Avery*Sunshine: Thank you Eric for your interest!!!  I’m Honored!





Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (album review/ online listening party by Dj Smoke1)

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It’s been 2 years since we heard an album from Yeezy and this time he’s back to rapping! Yay! No more auto tuned singing and crying and 808’s etc etc. So how does it stack up? Well with the help of our very own in house Dj Smoke1 on the 1’s and 2’s and yours truly on the lap top keyboard lol were gonna let cha know before it drop’s on the 22nd of November.

My first impression of the album is seeing alllllllllll of the features that Kanye has and most of them are hella random too me not to mention majority of them are wack as hell and do the tracks no justice. In fact the only features I was feeling were RZA, Jay-Z, John Legend, and Chris Rock who wasn’t even mentioned on the track list but had one of the most memorable not to mention funny features on the album with his comedic “Yeezy Taught Me” insert towards the end of track # 11 Blame Game. And I thought for sure I was going to see a Drake feature. I mean he’s the hottest out right now and he was present with Kanye in Hawaii when they were recording on both they’re albums. West said that Maya Angelou, Gil Scott-Heron and Nina Simone were his musical inspirations for this album which are some pretty heavy figures to site and I just don’t hear it on this one at all. There’s not even a good sampled song which is one major things Kanye is known for.

I think the 2 things that kinda killed it for me with this album aside from Nicki Minaj speaking in a British accent doing spoken word in the intro is that when I first heard Yeezy was putting this album out and it wasn’t going to have auto tuned singing crap that his last one had and that he was going back to what put him on the map I expected to hear the raw hungry innovative genius that he all blessed us with on his first 2 albums with that super dope production and witty lyrics to follow but sadly I got none of that on this album. Second when I listened to the album I found myself skipping tracks because I had all ready heard them or had them with the immense saturation on the radio and leaks on the net so nothing was really new to me. It’s a solid album none the less with a good flow. Whats going to save this album are the visual’s that Kanye paints with the songs cause I give him mad props on that. From the 30 plus minute mini music film I featured in a later post here to his super dope Saturday Night Live performance which were by far thee best in SNL history in my mind down below…

“Power”

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e1B2YMQNlU

“Runaway”

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X81PAlsbXhY&feature=related

Aside from the visual’s I lastly think that Kanye’s infamous rants and outspoken personality is going to get his album sales like the recent naked pictures of him floating around that Playboy turned down for $10,000 or the current Bush beef he has going on where Bush talks about Kanye in his new book in regards to being disgusted when Yeezy pretty much called him a racist live on MTV during the Katrina disaster. After hearing Bush’s view point and explanation on many show appearance’s like Oprah and Today along with Kanye’s apology I have a much better understanding and somewhat side with Bush on it. Especially after Kanye’s Matt Lauer interview…

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

Below you’ll notice 5 different album artwork covers. I’m not sure which one’s we’ll get when they hit stores but I do know the very first one we won’t as it’s been banned for obvious reason’s. Yeezy wasn’t to happy about as he clearly expressed via his twitter stating that back in the 60’s and 70’s they put real nakedness on they’re covers and that banning the cover takes away from his expression and creativity. He lastly went on to say that he said he didn’t make his album cover’s to please retailers like Walmart and Target who pretty much are the main sellers of his album. Smart one Yeezy *shakes head*

1. Dark Fantasy
2. Gorgeous (feat. Kid Cudi & Raekwon)
3. Power
4. All of the Lights (Interlude)
5. All of the Lights
6. Monster (feat. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver)
7. So Appalled (feat. Jay-Z, Pusha T, Prynce Cy Hi, Swizz Beatz & The RZA)
8. Devil In a New Dress (feat. Rick Ross)
9. Runaway (feat. Pusha T)
10. Hell of a Life
11. Blame Game (feat. John Legend & Pusha T)
12. Lost In the World
13. Who Will Survive In America

Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy presented by Dj Smoke1…

[audio:kanya west album mix final.mp3]

31/2  out of 5 Cartons


-Black Milk