Gods'illa ft Maimouna Youssef - You Don't Have To Be A Star (Video)

Yes, it's been a minute since I've posted something. It's that time leading up to and following the Christmas holiday that throws me off; so let's start back with this gem from brothers Acem, Truth & Powerful bka Godsilla. Featuring the captivating voice of Maimouna Youssef, this hip hop - party version of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr's, 1976 classic "You Don't Have To Be A Star" is just right to get the New Year party flowing in the right direction. I'll definitely be vibing to this joint for weeks to come. Be sure to check the album CPR BlendTape hosted by DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown (Erykah Badu) and peep the "You Don't Have To Be A Star" remix below featuring Bahamadia, Monie Love and MC Lyte. 

Gods'illa - You Don't Have To Be A Star (rmx)

Bashiri Asad - Running On Empty/ I Am 1

Over the past year plus some, I've become more acquainted with the warm and soulful sounds of Indianapolis native Bashiri Asad. The upbeat defining single, "I Am 1" brought him to my attention and caused me to seek out more. Since that time, I bought a few singles from his previous (I Am 1) and current project (The Space Between), but fell behind on posting anything about him. So let me say this, the brother is definitely one you need to have added to your collection. Bashiri reminds me of a young Luther Vandross! That's an automatic win for me. But Bashiri has great storytelling and song composition of his own that's well worth giving him your ear. I suggest you head on over to his bandcamp right now and idulge in some great soul music from an artist who's making moves toward becoming one of your favorites. 

Bashiri Asad - Running On Empty

Bashiri Asad - I Am 1

Mecca:83 - Midnight Kids ft Kan Sano & Buscrates

I won't brag and say how much you should be up on this cat, but based on what I heard via his bandcamp, Mecca:83 got something for beat heads like myself and others. His approach at beat making translates to a finely polished collective of instrumentals, some with vocal samples that clearly draw influences from producers, Peter Rock, Flying Lotus, JDilla, Large Pro and a host of others which soothe  the soul as well as get your head bobbing. "Midnight Kids" is featured on his Life Sketches Vols. 1&2 (available now) as a bonus track, but as a thank you to all his supporters, he decided to release this one for free. Featuring the talents of Tokyo based producer/pianist Kan Sano and Pittsburgh's finest beat technician Buscrates 16-Bit Ensemble, this gem is sure to have you seeking more from M:83. Get your free download of the track here and follow him if you feel his work on twitter Solarsounds. Another dope album just added to my to get list.

Mecca:83 - Midnight Kids ft Kan Sano & Buscrates 

Georgia Anne Muldrow - More & More ft. Bilal (Video)

Georgia Ann Muldrow is one artist known for delivering a plethora of very different styles of music. Soul, jazz, hip-hop, electro, funk... you get the picture. She's super talented and blessed with the gifts of voice, songwriting, production, instrumentation and much more we have yet to see. The featured single, "More & More" ft. Bilal comes from her latest release, "Owed to Mama Rickie" which is now available everywhere. The song itself is straight up classic, and the message throughout the video is one of staying true to yourself & loving who you are. So many beautiful images of black and brown people rocking their naturals and just expressing their beauty and love of self and family. I sat watching with my five year old son and had him nodding his head and singing the hook after our second viewing. This album is next on my to get list. I suggest you do the same. Take your preference below and support good music.  

Buy it at iTunes: http://bit.ly/rIqGcD
Buy it at Amazon: http://amzn.to/vyhgkb
Buy it at CDBaby: http://bit.ly/syl139
Buy it at FatBeats: http://bit.ly/w3iY7Z
Buy it at UGHH: http://bit.ly/sAHEbv
Buy it at Access: http://bit.ly/u9EuwS
Buy it at HMV: http://bit.ly/s24OFv
Buy it at Ebay: http://bit.ly/v9Gxa7
Buy it at Bestbuy: http://bit.ly/vhKoYa
Buy it at Dustygroove: http://bit.ly/vtWFCN
Buy it at Barnesandnoble: http://bit.ly/uregWM
Buy it at Animatedcartunes: http://bit.ly/rFslfH

Himal - Makin Moves ( Video)

"Makin' Moves" is the debut and lead single from London based singer, Himal. Just last week I received an email notifying me to Himal, the video above and his forthcoming Ep, Soul Light /Soul Love. The track is produced by Kensaye, who brought us an amazing remix of Amy Winehouse's "Rehab."  On "Makin' Moves," Kensaye composes a summery feel type track which compliments the easy going flow of Himal's vocals. As much as I like the track, I thought it was a bit long though and could've ended under four minutes (just my thoughts). Still and all, it's a solid first for Himal so I won't be to hard on him. Check out below another single that I came across from him and keep watch for the Ep in 2012. Get your free download of the single here. 

   

Kaleem Taylor - Smooth Ep

One of my new favorite voices on the scene is London's, Kaleem Taylor.  After first being introduced via his classic track "Never", I was sure of his abilities to create something pretty nice for audio relief. And with a baritone so rich in soul, 20 year old Kaleem, delivers this five piece recording - Smooth Ep to wet the palates of his fans and new ones to come. Do not sleep on this kid! You can download the project for free here.

Kaleem Taylor - What Do I Do

Maimouna Youssef - I Got A Man (Video)

Back in August, Maimouna Youssef dropped the lead single, "I Got A Man" from her well crafted debut album, The Blooming. With the visuals, Maimouna along with director, Brian "B Kyle" Atkins create a colorful backdrop for the song. I don't watch to many videos from start to finish, but this one definitely had me, and at over 6 mins long, that's saying a lot. Enjoy! Stream/purchase the album here.