Robert Glasper Experiment - Ah Yeah ft Musiq Soulchild & Chrisette Michele

I heard this yesterday via Kev Beadle's podcast and was instantly blown away. "Ah Yeah" is the first official single from pianist/producer, Robert Glasper's fifth album, Black Radio scheduled for a February 28th release. Featuring Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele on vocals, this has only intensified the desire to purchase this album. Having heard two previous singles and peeping the track-list, I can go on early to say Black Radio probably will be album of the year for 2012. Pre-orders available now via amazon and itunes. 

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. 

Allen Stone - Unaware (Live Video)

Heard this joint while listening to 22tracks and had to inquire about dude. Shocked to see who the singer was, but nonetheless Allen Stone has a soulful voice that can't be denied. I appreciate that fact that this is so organic - live from his mother's home and it plays just as beautiful as the recorded song itself. "Unaware" comes via his sophomore effort - Allen Stone. Some pretty nice tunes provided the preview on itunes. It's been added to my wish list. Check it out for self.

Dynasty - Forgive (Video)

Queens-bred femcee Dynasty drops a truly emotional tale about her absentee father and the trickle down affect it has had on her life as a grown woman today. As a father of four and one who only knew his own through pictures, I feel Dynasty's hurt. At 39 years of age, I often reflect on how lessons in my life would've been delt with differently had my father been there. In the end though, the will to "Forgive" allows the freedom to let go of the pain and live for the joy that is there for us all to gain. "Forgive" comes from Dynasty's latest effort, The Love Ep which is available today. With production from Jinx, Tall Black Guy, O.p. Supa and more, this is the next phase to come from an emcee that remains to thrive despite all diversity. Please be sure to support The Love Ep, and thank you Dy for a beautiful song and Darryl Richardson for a well conceived video!

Tamara Wellons - Ah God (Songs For Janie Promo Video)

Tamara Wellons is one of a few artists that has been making moves for a few years now, but I honestly just got into her early last year. I heard her song, "Like Rain" on some dj's mix and couldn't stop bouncing to the heart pumping house song. Her debut, "Life Is" is a great mix of dance, house, jazz and R&B vibes sprinkled with inspirational and uplifting lyrics. Her beautifully executed cover of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is one that needs to be heard by the masses.

Three years later, the Ivor, Virginia native returns with her first single, "Ah God"off her long awaited Songs For Janie, due out next Tuesday (11-15-1). Tamara been hard at work creating this work of art and which happens to be inspired by the Zora Neale Hurston classic, "Their Eyes Were Watching God." "Ah God" begins with a quick tale of blinded love then breaks into a richly sung chorus of trusting ones intuition. To carry out that dream inside your heart and in to the world where it belongs. Sounds like a pleasant changing of musical lanes for Tamara, and I thus far personally accept.    

Tamara Wellons - Ah God

Naira - inkDREAMING ft. Young Scolla & D Julien (Video)

A few months back I was sent an email introducing me to Atlanta based recording artist, Naira. I don't remember exactly what the joint was, but I don't remember being moved by it. However, this go round Naira grabs my attention with this video for her latest single "inkDREAMING" ft Young Scolla & D. Julien. "inkDREAMING" comes off the See Me, See Trouble album which I'm gonna have to give a listen to now. "inkDREAMING" is what she calls the process of being lost in the pages of your mind and the ink with which you write the story of your life in song. I'm feeling the way the three convey their stories on this joint.  Make sure to check out the album for yourself. 

ISHE + HEZEKIAH PROJECT - Hold On (Video)

Choreographers, Tannos & Choice laid the inspiration for ISHE + HEZEKIAH's latest video "Hold On"with their very own creative dance video over SBTRKT'S joint of the same name. What a clever way to give exposure to two uniquely expressive art forms which compliments each other perfectly.

The track itself was remixed by the super-talented Georgia Anne Muldrow who beefs up the drums and gives it a more afro-beat type of feel. Down below is the original for you to hear the difference. If you have yet to cop or even hear the ISHE + HEZEKIAH PROJECT, peep it and support it here.

ISHE + HEZEKIAH PROJECT - Hold On

Illus - Old Friends (DJ Johnny Juice rmx) (Video)

Can't say that I know much at all about emcee/illustrator & producer, Illus, but through this video, I've come to know of another emcee who is putting out honest music worthy of checking for. Building on the foundations of what made hip hop such an original genre, Illus reminisces about the days when the music was fun and good rhymes and good times were shared amongst friends. I truly enjoyed this video and credit all involved in the concept. Also gotta give it up to Paul Dateh on the hook. Dude has soul! Illus has a new album out entitled For Adam in addition to last years Feel Good Music. I encourage those of you who are fans of 80's hip hop to check dude out. You can start with the Feel Good Remixes produced by DJ Johnny Juice.

Mara Hruby - The Panties (Video)

I have a confession! I passed on Mara Hruby when I first saw her on bandcamp last year. Can't say why. Just did. But call it fate that I'd eventually take notice. Earlier this year, she found her way into my ear space via her video for Bob Marley's "Is This Love." Covering the massive tune with a soothing angelic vocal combined with an irresistible look - tall, lean and simply sexy, Mara is steadily working her way up the ranks of the romantic movement. Premiering today, she returns with another video from her debut, "From Her Eyes." "The Panties" is a cover of Mos Def's sultry banger of the same name, and in the video directed by Jesse Boykins , we are treated to a playful yet innocent tease of Mara's sensual side. As I watched it, I wish JBIII would've keep a clean focus on Mara, but for the sake of creative expression, I won't complain. Enjoy, and keep your eyes and ears open for more Mara Hruby. 

Ishe & Hezekiah Project: 2nd Album Promo (Video)

Had a quick chat last night via FB with Philly based emcee/producer, Hezekiah about his forthcoming project with Cali songstress/lyricist, ISHE. Aptly titled The Ishe & Hezekiah Project - it is scheduled for release on June 1st. Dating back to over a year, the project which started as a 3 song EP changed plans after witnessing the great chemistry between the talented duo. After viewing all of the videos in support of the project, in addition to hearing the first single, "Stand Guard," I can assure you this project will be one to savor and get plenty of spins in the Ody and at the house. Support this one, and listen out for "Can We" & "Paradise." #OfficialBangers.    

Ishe & Hezekiah - Stand Guard

Jinx - U ft. Monica Delgado (Official Video)

I'm proud to say, I was in attendance last night at the "U" video release party for my dude Jinx. The crowd showed up a bit late, but nevertheless, they showed up and represented well for the Tampa emcee. Backed by a live band and featured vocalist, Monica Delgado, Jinx delivered an energetic performance that had the crowd in awe. The video for "U" is most definetly a winner and one to compete with for many big named artists. Colorful, playful, creative and hip-hop all the way. Enjoy this one. 

ReneeDion - Nothing At All (Video)

Fresh new vibe from Ohio native, singer/songwriter ReneeDion hit my mailbox just yesterday, and I'm feeling it! The vibe captures all the elements of great soul and forward thinking music and combines ReneeDion's sultry vocals to put her on the winning path to success. Her debut album, The Rhapsody Inn, is produced by BJazz and Rob Riley of The Liquid Crystal Project, and is scheduled for release this month. Make sure to keep tuned in! Also, check this snippet of Smile, which is straight HEAT!  

Robot Koch And John Robinson "Robot Robinson" album snippet

Project Mooncircle presents the forthcoming album from producer, Robot Koch and emcee, John Robinson entitled Robot Robinson on April 12th. The two dynamic forces come together to deliver cosmic opted sonics with science-fiction narratives. Listening to the album snippet below puts me in the frame of late 90's hip hop group Company Flow. Hard hitting, tripped out spacey beats with exquisite rhyme stories and styles. Robot Robinson continues in that vain adding their own twist to the current elevations of music. Peep the video below for "Smorgasbord," and enjoy the snippets from the album.

 

The Bug - Catch a Fire (Video)

Kevin Martin aka The Bug reunites with King Midas Sound vocalist, Hitomi for the new single, "Catch A Fire." Loving the slow dub vibe of this record. It's sort of enchanting. You can get the Infected EP which features 3 other songs via itunes. 

Grillade - Dream of You (Video)

Director, Andrew Juncker and producers, French Press Films brings forth the visuals to one of the best songs I've heard this year. Grillade's - Dream of You tickles your soul and fills you with warm feelings of good times with friends.

goodgrillade.com

Gregory Porter - Illusions (Video)

Via my inbox comes an amazing new discovery from jazz/soul pianist and vocalist Gregory Porter. This smooth crooning baritone from Brooklyn N.Y is no newcomer to the world of music. A well studied artist of the late Nat King Cole, Gregory has performed on stages from the US to Russia and on national television shows such as “Late Night with David Letterman,” “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” and “The Today Show.” He's been said to be our next great jazz singer by Soulmattersmag.com, and after listening to the above track "Illusions" I truly understand why. His latest release Water is available now. I suggest you give it a listen!.  

Erik Rico & Marc Mac - Destiny (Video)

I first heard this song about 2 weeks ago and I've been patiently waiting for it to release. Thankfully the duo of Erik Rico and Marc Mac will be dropping their Direct Soul EP on Oct 24, 2010. The tune overall is a refreshing blend of keys, guitar, drum programming and an assortment of other instruments layered by the great vocals of Erik Rico. You can stream the 4 song EP via their bandcamp page for now. But you're going to want to cop this on the 24th, so make sure to mark your calendar.