Check the post every week for a dose of what's real. Bios on local talent AND the locals who've gone INTERNATIONAL.
One word to the wise: Please note that any music posted on this site is for PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY!! Please delete any music files from your computer after 24 hours!
The Weeknd made my FRIGGIN night!!! Check the release that we've been waiting for!!!
PS: The new mixtape has been out for a few minutes and totally crashed the artist's website!!! If you weren't quick enough, I am so sorry but you'll have to wait my dears!!! Don't worry, i'll enjoy for you!!
Now, I've been looking for an excuse to rage today... This video didn't give me that opportunity. This record is a reminder of what GOOD RnB should sound like lol!! Mary J. is the queen for a reason and she could sing the entire Mandarin buffet restaurant menu without losing a fan. Diddy's grandpappy-hip-lockup-so-he-walk-with-a-cane bars aside, this is a really nice song. Can't wait to hear more from you, Mary!!
The Distant Relatives album is one my top ten rated collaborations EVER. This record "Land of Promise" ... If you don't know, now you know, ok? Enjoy the visuals :)
If you, my faithful reader, ever caught the intro credits to HBO's "How to Make It in America," then you had an idea where this song came from (if not, i suggest youtubing some of the episodes because that show was amazingly entertaining.) I fell in love with the artist behind the theme song when I found out who he was:
YEAH.... I am FEELING this song very much! This is Rihanna's second single off of her upcoming album "Loud", due out November 16th. Thank you to Toronto's Aubrey Graham for lacing this record with a very sexy 16. Rih Rih? I need those knee highs and pumpum shorts in the worst way! Imagine me walking into a fete with that outfit on?? lol lol... Sigh, I wish.
This was a very entertaining video that was released for our viewing pleasure a few hours ago! Cutesy and sexy at the same time, Rihanna and Drake cuddle up on the couch with some white wine. Cut to Rihanna whining down on the street in her tights and heels... Wow. Additionally, I just didn't understand the drumming in the park under the red lights... Rihanna has her OWN red light district?? Ummmm.... Drake? I think your girlfriend's a hoe. Dump her. Immediately. You should have clued in when she was willing to mess with you in the dairy aisle of the corner store two minutes after meeting you.
Moving on...>>>
Jazmine Sullivan kills it again with her sultry and soulful vocals. I've been a fan ever since she broke out with her first solo debut single "Need U Bad" in mid 2008, with Missy and one of my all-time favorite producers, Salaam Remi, at the helm. "10 Seconds" is the first single off of her upcoming sophmore album, Love Me Back, due out November 30th, 2010.
Lesson from this vid? Don't ever cross a black woman, because she'll cut you...
Oooops, well, not cut you, but she will bruise something.
Ladies and gents, boys and girls, its the list that keeps on giving! I sat down and thought about the songs that came out this year and one trend caught my attention: BIG COLLABOS! You know, the ones that have you scratching your head and saying "What are these artists doing on the same record?" or "WOW! That's a stacked team!" Ok, maybe you don't say those things BUT the fact remains that 2010 has been a year of AWE-INSPIRING musical collaborations. There are more to come, I'm sure of it.
Check the list AFTER THE JUMP and please leave your comments! Which one is your favorite? Who had the best verse? Why aren't there any soca tunes? That is because those collaborations deserve a list all on their own. Soon come, don't worry.
I heard this song as my alarm was going off this morning!! I have to say, its nice to feel patriotic as i open my eyes :D This song starts off with the National Anthem!!! Fantastic!
For my readers who are unsure of who this Classified is, please, rest assured that i'm not advertising an advertisement lol. This is the name of a proud, Nova Scotian emcee who has been making beats and rhyming for many, MANY years. What I like about him is the way in which he presents himself as an emcee... Not so boastful like many other Canadian rappers, but humble and thoughtful with his rhymes. Check out his website to learn more about his music and where he's touring. Go support him and continue to support Canadian Hip Hop!
OOOOOhhhhhhhh, Breezy is Back!! I thought Deuces was nice, but this tune is on the new-age RnB tip.
I pressed play and I was immediately transported back to last year's BET Awards, where Chris Brown wowed me and showed the world that he is an ENTERTAINER. This new single, "Matrix: 12 Strands," will be complimented by a video treatment that I will be on pins and needles to see. Kung Fu and Sci Fi in one music video is too much. Add in the fact that the proceeds for downloading this vid ($2.99) will go to Brown's nonprofit that develops youth who want to explore the arts, aka 'The Symphonic Love Foundation', we've got a philanthropic winner, people! Check the trailer just below:
In other news, I watched the stream of John Legend and the Roots Crew's "Wake Up" Concert! The gems were there, but a stand out performance had to have been Roots f. Legend and ESTELLE singing "You Got Me". I beamed from ear to ear. Classy, classic music. I love my RnB, so that was a treat to watch. If you want to catch the rebroadcast of Spike Lee's directorial treat, click this link (HURRY THOUGH, I'M NOT SURE HOW LONG THEY'LL REPEAT THIS SHOW!!): http://www.youtube.com/johnlegendvevo?feature=ticker
I rarely wake up to good news, so when I saw that another Spragga Benz single dropped this morning, I was stoked!!! (Can I say "stoked" without being judged?? No? Well I don't care *indignant face*) Paired with Swizz Beatz (insert your own views here), Kardinal Offishall and SHABBA EFFIN RANKS, this is my new summer song!
Spragga's new album and documentary are called "Shotta Culture" and are expected to drop August 31, 2010. The first official single released was the title track "Shotta Culture", produced by one of my favorite musicians, Salaam Remi. The video, seen below, was directed by Ras Kassa (same person who directed Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley's "Welcome to Jamrock" video.) There is so much back story to this project and Spragga Benz will definitely be sharing his story once the documentary comes out. In an interview conducted last August, Spragga spoke to DancehallUSA.com about what to expect:
...."It’s a 90-minute documentary and I will be candidly talking about everything about Jamaica – gang violence, politics. We nah glamourise it but we a speak pon all these things[.]”
Spragga's son, Carlton Grant Jr., was killed in a shoot out with Jamaican police in 2008. While this project was being completed, Spragga felt the need to include elements of the aftermath of his son's death, including the court case, in the documentary:
...."We want to include the trial. We want to put the full story in it. Show seh the lawdo its job, if it do it job[.]”
This movie will be about Spragga's life and should feature many recognizable faces, such as Stephen Marley and Buju Banton. I can't wait!
Hit them with music, Rasta! Welcome back, Spragga!
Now, I know that i'm going to be called "gay" for this post (Riley-reminiscent "that's gay") BUT I have to say that i'm a huge sucker for romance and lovey-dovey stuff. That's probably why I HAVE to post what i read on Miss British's blog tonight. For those who live under a rock, Reggae superstars Tami Chynn and Wayne Marshall were married on September 20, 2009. Their storied love is one for this generation and I, for one, am grateful to know that a young man and woman can find their way past all the bs and create a life together. Tami's wedding vows said it all:
“You are my once-in-a-lifetime, my miracle. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; I love you because I know no other way than this, where I do not exist without you… so close that your hand on my chest is my hand. So close that when your eyes close, I fall asleep…”
This week's biscuit is like an alternate universe for this beautiful couple. This tune is tearing up radio waves and dance halls all over the world. It's called "My Heart" by Wayne Marshall and di tune maaaaaaad!!!
As a bonus, here's the REMIX featuring the Gully God, David Brooks aka Movado:
Enjoy!!!
PS: here's the music video for "Good Love" by Wayne Marshall with a cameo by Tami Chynn. If you wanna see what they're up to these days, follow them on Twitter: @tamichynn and @wayne_marshall. I love these two!
I was on the train heading TO work just as Mr. Collie Collie let loose about the new single dropping! I had to wait sooooo long just to hear it! This tune is too sweet for me to describe as I am a sucker for this man's voice. If you are on Twitter and would like to get the heads up on Collie Buddz upcoming album release, follow @colliebuddz. I did.
We all know this song by now, but I have to post it because my site feels so empty WITHOUT it!! lol lol Everytime I hear it, i get the goose pimples!!! Let the tune play!!
Now - Ricky Blaze. Who amongst you actually know who this kid is?? I was hearing bits and pieces, but I wasn't satisfied with that. I went searching for more information on the worldwide web. I came across his myspace page that kind of sums up his rise to glory in Brooklyn, and over the globe: http://www.myspace.com/rickyblaze1997.
I am officially a fan! I know that autotune is played out, but I can't blame Blaze for utilizing it in his records. His production is fun, and reflects the need for more playfulness in music, especially for the kids who listen to those records on the streets of Brooklyn, New York. His latest single, "Just You and I" pulls at my heart strings even though i'm a jaded, 25 year old woman who sometimes has a hard time believing in young love.
***I have this one on repeat right now. I know, I jumped on the wagon really late, but i'm glad the cart came around to pick me up!! This tune is really nice...I know that there's a better word but for now i'll use "nice" (just consider the fact that "nice" was used to describe Michael Jordan's basketball skills back in the day. Now you know what I mean.) Here's another gem that I heard and just had to share with y'all, featuring Toronto's own Kardinal Offishall:
One day, the truth will be revealed. In the meantime, all we can do is wish Buju Banton health and strength. As it stands right now, Buju's trial has been set for April 19th, 2010 in the state of Florida. Concerns right now surround his access to a proper diet and his subsequent weight loss (approximately 40lbs) while in prison. It is alleged that Buju was redirected to a maximum security lockup since he was incarcerated in December 2009. According to an article published in the Gleaner, Buju's lawyer, David Markus, is now filing for bail! The conditions in prison have become so harmful for his client that he'd rather have Buju in an immigration facility instead of county jail.
I also found out that there was an interview with Buju, from prison, on Irie.fm (aired March 18th, 2010.) This interview was very short, and Buju was not able to comment on too much, but he sounded strong...:
WINTER IS ALMOST DONE!! I can't wait to shed that Canada Goose for good and SKIP to my Lou with Ding Dong!!! Dancers, get ready to come out in force because he'll be in the Dot for Spex's birthday bash, "Skip to My Luu," on March 26th, 2010 at Guvernment!
A video will have to suffice! This track always gets me in the mood, and now there's a video for it!
One of my focuses for this site is to highlight Toronto's upcoming talent. Here is a man out of Brampton, Ontario who is moving towards the light - J. Staffz.
The latest leak from Nappy Roots just MIGHT NOT be from their upcoming release "Pursuit of Nappyness," but it's still an amazing track. I am a sucker for samples, so when I heard that Adele's glorious record "Hometown Glory" was being used, I jumped right on board!
I am a defender of all good music. My blog is dedicated to all the road warriors who play the music for the people every day. I also have the utmost respect for the Disk Jockey. Check my posts to discover why...
