Columbia Nights - Feel

Finally, some new music from Record Breakin' Music (RBM) via DC trio, Columbia Nights. Paying homage to legendary jazz/soul artist George Duke, the two man - one woman collective give a more subdued version of "Feel". Lead vocalist, Sarai Abdul-Malik sings with a warm and sexy tone that wraps around tender keys and a deep moving bass-line which does the original its just due. Readying fans for their debut EP: Dawn, which is scheduled for a May release, you can rest assured they won't disappoint. 

Columbia Nights - Feel

Mr. J. Medeiros - Pale Blue Dot (Video)

Here's the video for Mr. J. Medeiros' exceptional song, "Pale Blue Dot." Definitely one of my favorite  tracks of 2012 thus far. I encourage you to spread the news about this song and video as this is a "word of mouth campaign." Positive content needs to be supported even more so than the barrage of b.s that remains to prevails via tv and radio.  

Sleepy Brown - We Run The Night

It's been like six years since the release of Mr. Brown by Atlanta's, Sleepy Brown of Organized Noize. Can't tell you how surprised I was to  hear something new from him given it was almost a year ago that I heard the smoothed out gem, "You're My Lady" not to mention, Mr. Brown was such a dope album. "We Run The Night" is straight up funky! A chill vibe that's infectious and soul stirring. Enjoy this and make sure to keep an eye out for his forthcoming album, Sex, Drugs and Soul - if that's still the title. 

K15 - Theme Music For A Pariah

Last week, K15 shot me the promo to his new Ep, "Theme Music For A Pariah." I would've had this up sooner, but I'd gotten thrown off with my children and several emails that had inundated my box since then. To be fair though, I gave it a good listen several times over the weekend and the project is a beat-head's thrill. From the mellow start of the title track it quickly takes off on some electronic/hip hop move ya body groove and keeps it going 'til the end. Loaded with some haunting and spacey sounds, intricate key workings and of course the drums for that knock, "Them Music For A Pariah" establishes K15's work as a producer to keep your eye on (if you're not already aware.) The digital format will release March 26th via the kind folks over at WotNot music. Until then, you can preview clips of the EP there.  Enjoy!

K15 - Beat Intoxication

Indigenous Soundwaves - Native Sun

First things first, shouts out to my dude, producer, Kensaye Russell for introducing me to this sensational duo. Indigenous Soundwaves consist of thought provoking emcee, Mohammed Yahya and the angelic soul of  singer/songwriter, Sarina Leah. The London based duo joined forces in 2010, melding Hip Hop and African rhythms with the aim of promoting a positive message of Universal Peace, Equality, Social Justice and Environmental Change. 

As individuals, I'm familiar with Sarina's voice via her work with producer, Eric Lau and Mohammed's - his Luvolution project as part of Blind Alphabetz. Together the two have assembled an album so soulfully harmonizing - rich in conscious content that perfectly blends Sarina's delightful vocals with a combination of Mohommed's english inflection and his native South East African tongue. "Gallery of Dreams" is my favorite at the moment, but don't sleep on "Senses" produced by Kensaye provided he introduced me. Albums like this I want to have on disc, so I'm going to hold off on the digital 'til then. Take a listen below and please do support.  

Quantic & Alice Russell with the Combo Bárbaro - I'll Keep My Light In My Window

Her rousing rendition of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" brought the soul of UK songstress, Alice Russell to my attention. Sometime around the end of summer in 2009 is when I heard it via the Radio One network. Like most persons who hadn't seen her prior to hearing her, I thought she was a black woman. Nevertheless, with pipes that can belt out pretty much any soul classic of the late 60's, 70's & 80's, she surely holds her own. It's a wonder howAlice didn't get the same acclaim as fellow UK songbirg, Adele. 

Her debut, 09s' Pot of Gold, in my opinion was a great album! Eleven tracks inspired by the sounds of Motown and legends like Aretha Franklin and Curtis Mayfield flow all throughout the album. Now after nearly three years, she's back - joining forces with producer,  Quantic (who I've come to know only last year). Look Around The Corner is the forthcoming album schedule for an April 3rd release, and judging from the symphonic sound of the first single by the same name and now the amazing second single "Ill Keep My Light In My Window," fans will not be disappointed. Keep tuned in; 2012 is going to be another great year for music. 

GreenTea - After The Laughter ft Oddisee

It's been a minute since I heard something new from D.C native GreenTea. The soulful flavor of 08's "Crazy Feeling" with its mellowed bass-line and GreenTea's stutter style flow began my introduction to the stirring vocals of another dope artist to check for. In early 2010 she dropped "Beautiful Weirdo Mixtape" then later, "The Crazy 8's, Dosage II: Remixes," (both of which I slept on) just to tide fans over 'til the release of her forthcoming album, Dosage III: The Time To B.E. I'd read via twitter last night of the newness to drop and as promised, here it is! "After the Laughter" ft. Oddisee places GreenTea over a party vibe reminiscent of 90's hip hop/r&b delivering a message of redemption to all those who clowned and spoke against her. Having shed some pounds over the past year, she's armed with a new sleek & toned build, but lost nothing where the voice is concerned, GreenTea's got something in store for us this year.