K15 - Note To Self #2

New music from one of London's finest producers, K15 - a short but chill groove entitled "Note to Self #2..." This follows his release of the very dope Theme Music For A Pariah EP, which if you haven't heard, I suggest you take a minute out to do so. "Note to Self #2..." is available for free download beginning today for a very limited time, so if you enjoy, make sure to head on over to his Soundcloud page to cop it and also hear more of his work.

K15 - Note to Self #2

Nicholas Ryan Gant - Promises (Quickview)

So many times since my absence from blogging, I'd thought of returning just to let my visitors know what I've been vibing to. Loads of great releases from singles to EPs & LPs, free releases and paid for gems that I've been inundated with, and all have truly been taking me a minute to get through. Finally after six weeks, I return with a notable mention - a rising underground voice that rightfully deserves his spotlight. Known as Ghetto_Falsetto via twitter, Arizona native, now New York resident, Nicholas Ryan Gant steps out on a good foot with his debut, Promises (5-22-12). Filled with that electro soul/hip hop fused sound that I've come to really appreciate, NRG wraps his soft crooning pipes around every key, bassline synth and drumbeat that surrounds him. NRG takes on relationships setting the sex filled tales aside and gives focus to one of past loves (New Day), change (Whirlwind), trust (Good Thing), freedom (Liberty) and of course promises (Promises). 

Leading off the album "Disclosure" kicks with a nice dub type vibe which sets the mood for NRG's introspective narrative, admitting to the world his flawed ways which in turn is damaging to his own self, but God has mercy on him despite that. "Good Thing" "Memory" and "Over Us/Convo With Queen Godis" with its house inspired groove all get the body moving, and NRG laces them all showcasing his controlled ranges which never slip considering the fact he sings in his upper register quite a bit throughout the album. 

Delivering thirteen tracks with only one to my dislike, NRG closes his gem outing with a superb track so vastly different from all the rest. "You Are" is a jazz lovers dream, backed by a beautifully played piano and NRG's caressing tone seems to set the stage for an EP or just a string of other works to come in a different direction. Upon first listen traditional R&B/Soul music fans may not get what NRG has crafted with his choice of production, but for those of us who follow the sound, Promises is a love story descriptive of all its wins and fails which in a whole doesn't fail. You can stream "Memory" and "Over Us/Convo With Queen Godis" with it's house inspired style here, and if that's not convincing enough with respect for the artist, I've provided snippets of two others. "Thought of You" which sounds like Pete Rock may have produced it and the beautiful "You Are." Thank you Nicholas for gifting me. You will get supported. I encourage you all to do the same.       

Nicholas Ryan Gant - Thought of You ft. Marion Ross (snippet)
Nicholas Ryan Gant - You Are (Snippet)

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.