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Instead of giving you the long story about why this podcast didn't drop when it was scheduled to - how 'bout I just give you the music and you take it from there. Enjoy!
No matter what, I going to keep my promise of being consistent. Didn't get to mix this out fully the way I normally do, but it still sounds good! Sorry no download link this time, but enjoy it all the same still. Don't forget to like the page on Facebook: Soul Lessons Entertainment and follow me on Twitter @mysoullessons and share the vibe with a friend.
Tracklist
1. Skyzoo – Drew & Derwin
2. Rapper Big Pooh – For Members Only
3. Vel The Wonder – Lizzy Love
4. AlexisDavis – The Lift Off
5. Kris Mars - Night Falls
6. Staycen X Koen - Never Too Late
7. Breezy LoveJoy – Sadie
8. Lucille Ghatti – The Super Villain #2
9. Radio Galaxy – Feel Trip
10. Nicholas Ryan Gant – Liberty
11. Substantial - Neighborhood Watch (feat. Acem of Gods'Illa)
12. TingTryer - .38
13. Funkommunity – The Light
14. BMB aka WayneTweed - Amore
15. Robert Glasper Experiment – Black Radio ft Yasiin Bey (Pete Rock rmx)
16. Missoles - Under the Sun ft. Erik Rico (LAID S.O.U.L. rmx)
17. Gwen Bunn – Epitome
Tokyo Dawn Records drops their latest project, Serendipity: an indie, electronic, disco & pop oriented sounds produced primarily by Ronni Vindahl. Due to numerous postponements, this has been a labor of over four years for Vindahl. Serendipitycombines the bold sounds Vindahl has created with lyrical insights from his work in philosophy and art galleries. I personally didn't feel this release as much as previous works from TDR as well as the work Vindahl has done with Boom Clap Bachelors, butyou may feel different, so peep two of my personal favorites below, then head on over to the site to hear for self.
Ronni Vindahl - Head over Heels ft Coco of Quadron
Your average hip hopper, most times will only expect but so much change from an artist and the sound that he/she has created. Now if the change is too drastic that project could start a number of conversations about how it was "whack" or "it was on some other ish" or "I don't know what the hell he/she was on when he/she made that." I'm guilty of having said this here and there and sometimes very prematurely. But sometimes I just can't get into it. So given what I just prefaced, you may be thinking "he's about to go in on this album." Your thoughts are absolutely wrong.
The title: Saudade - it is of Portuguese origin, and although there is no true english translation it can be defined as a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that one loves and which is apart. It often carries a repressed knowledge that the object of longing might never return.
Now judging from the sound & sentiments throughout Saudade, I'd have to say, Colorado native, Mr.J.Medeiros, the man/artist behind it all is yearning and/or has lost his connection with a number of facets within his life, or the experiences he speaks about have been related to him or witnessed first hand. I'm inclined to say a little of both but less of the latter. Statements like "I lost touch/I cause much and never meant to" from "Fear & Safety"speaks volumes to conditions and what effects our decisions consciously and unconsciously can have.
On tracks like "Nothing Without Providence"Medeiros spits, "Now I have got a voice, and it's a voice you're hearing now/leaving you the only choice to adhere or turn it out/to the message that I'm speaking and the providence I'm after, but I am not a leader, I'm a rapper." Considering the role fans have placed artist in, this is a powerful statement he makes. Despite record execs and higher ups looking at him as just a rapper, Medeiros is clearly a messenger speaking on relevant issues in hopes of leading people to seek God and to stand for self.
Throughout Saudade, Medeiros fits in various styles of production to express the different emotions he conveys. Hip hop is the foundation but there's jazz, a little pop & electronic, ambient and some straight up head banging rock which surprised me on the track "Stand Down." No comment there, but what I will say is Medeiros put a lot of thought into how he wanted this project to come together.
Let it be understood though, this album - regardless of what is heard sonically, listeners will have to sit still and remain quiet to really understand the intricately woven words delivered by the at times quick rap flow of J.Medeiros. I'm a bit perplexed at times. Thank you for the lyrics!
In the end, Saudade is a defining moment in the career of Mr.J.Medeiros. And as his second solo project via his De Medeiros LLC. he moves forward without limitations in creating honest music that needs to at least be heard more than once.
Special thanks to Mr.J.Medeiros who gifted me his project some time ago and also for the lyrics.
The first single to release from Eric Roberson's forthcoming 8th album, Mr. Nice Guy - "Summertime Anthem" gets the video treatment. Eric takes the concept straight from Spike Lee's classic, Do The Right Thing and features Chubb Rock as Radio Raheem dropping a quick 16 to add to the feel good joint. Looks like the crew had lots of fun! And if one gem wasn't enough, Erro followed up with the 2nd single, "Picture Perfect" ft Phonte. Mr. Nice Guy drops sometime in September and thus far sounds like it's going to be another win for the #1IndieHustler.
Although a year late of its release, Of God's and Girls by Mr. J. Medeiros was one of my favorite albums of 2008. "Change" most definitely has to be my favorite off the album. From it's rhythmic dope production to the real life lyricism displayed by Mr. J. Medeiros, Rez & Wako Texas' Strange Fruit Project, the vibe was infectious and made the album a worthy addition to my collection. His latest track "Pink Lights" is his rendition of Laura Veirs track of the same name. J speaks of lost innocence, broken hearts and getback on this progressive yet thoughtful track. Peep the joint below, and get your free copy via his bandcamp site. Thanks Mr. Medeiros for this one.
FE Official strikes again with the first single from Zo's upcoming Sunstorm album. "Greatest Weapon of All Time" is one of those raise your spirit type joints that gets the head bobbing from the onset of the bass line. "Don't ever underestimate the power of your mind..." Sy Smith belts out making this easy flowing, soul inspired track a perfect welcome for the full length dropping July, 27th. Expect another banger from Zo & FE Official as they continue to bring us music for the ages. Download your free copy of the track here.
Zo! - The Greatest Weapon of All Time ft. Sy Smith
The first time I heard Czelena bless a track was back in 2008, when she featured on Tanya Morgan's - "Be You" off The Bridge EP. Her voice - a combination of soprano and sonorous singing styles grabbed my attention from the moment she laid down vocals for the hook. Yearning for more, I did my research to find her myspace and discovered more music there. Unfortunately, none of them are for sale nowhere on the web, but she did make one track available for free download. "A Way Home" is a feel good, free spirited vibe which finds Czelena finding herself and taking control of her life. She hasn't dropped anything since this release, so hopefully that means she's in the lab creating some beautiful music for us. She's still active though as can be seen via her twitter and facebook accounts, so if you dig her sound, give her a link. Check the other tracks courtesy of her ReverbNation page, and look out for more from Czelena. Continue to support good indie music.
It's been about 2 years now since my introduction to Washington DC native, Muhsinah. She is what I like to call, the chanting voice of heaven. Daybreak 2.0 (2008) set the tone for me and displayed a far reaching sound in soul music. When my ears first took hold to her via the song "Knetnot," I allowed myself a few minutes to truly fathom her style. Vocally, she's easily compared to Georgia Anne Muldrow, but Muhsinah holds her own over a fusion of electronic, hip-hop and funky soulful beats. The Howard University graduate and Grammy nominated Foreign Exchange affiliate knows she won't win everyone over with her style, but she continues to do her and allows her music to do what it do. Check the two tracks below to begin, then . subscribe to her site, The Golden Girl, and keep up to date with her movement. Support the eclectic sounds of the rising underground.
The pic above of drummer/producer, Daru Jones speaks volumes of a tireless beat junkie's passion. Lending his musical talents to remix J Dilla's"History," Daru crafts a tough, spacey kind of sonic boom to keep heads bouncing. Check it out below, and if you don't have Spirit and Soul-Hop Sampler 09', make sure to download it here.
Drummer/producer, Daru Jones is no secret to the web. Like many of artist have done this year, he follows suit using the internet to his advantage and creates a name for himself and a slew of other talented artists. Back in 96', he founded Rusic Music, a well sought out production company to promote and work with the rising unsigned talents yet to be heard by the masses. Early this year, he delivered the solid, A Work In Progress with singer ABalong with Producer's Luv Tribute featuring his sister Rena. Currently residing in N.Y., the Michigan native stays on the grind working on a host of other projects and drumming for the likes of Talib Kweli, Slum Village and Black Milk when on tour. Enjoy the sampler, which is really like two albums in one. DL it here, and keep your ears tuned to the Soul-Hop of Daru Jones.
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