Most Slept on Artists: Bringing Brand New Flava To Ya Ear

Cool Kids & Theophilus London in Boston 6/24

2010-06-21T11:34:00.014-04:00

Like, most crazy events that occur in my life finding new music from artists is usually an accident. I never think, hey i'm going to surf the net for new music because when I do go out on that type of musical quest I always end up finding garbage. So, I may check my inbox, which is flooded daily with press releases of artists I have never heard of, so if the artists are lucky enough for their inquiry to hit my inbox when I have some down time, I give it a hardcore listen. Thats how I discovered Palestinian/Canadian Soul singer Ms. Ayah, whom I adore.

The point of all of that was to say that The Cool Kids & Theophilus London, two artists that I accidentally fell for (story of my life) are coming to Boston this week. They will be performing at the Middle East, in Cambridge, MA. I plan on reviewing this show and hopefully setting up a quick Q&A with the guys.

Theophilus is not your average emcee because his style is peculiar, he writes all of his music (which is an oxymoron when discussing hip-hop nowadays), like Kanye he has a sick blog "This Charming Blog" http://theophiluslondon.wordpress.com/, and the dude can actually rap. Yeah, his flow sounds like The Roots Black Thought, but when has that become a bad thing. Theo's music--wait can I call you that? Theo's music is easy on the ear and believe it or not the brotha is actually saying something.

Check his latest video "I want you", YouTube him, and if you are in the Boston area def check him out this week.

-Nakia

Drake "Thank Me Later" Album Review

2010-06-21T00:31:00.005-04:00

"All and all I learned a lesson from it though. You never see it coming you just get to see it go..." -Drake

The anticipation for Drake's album "Thank Me Later" sort of died down after his debut CD "So Far Gone" wasn't what the fans expected. True music fiends know that an artists mix tape is usually better than their album, which is filled with heavy, watered down commercial tracks.

Drake proves on this second album that he can bring the mix tape sound to the retail shelves & sell. "Thank Me Later" is like listening to the audio version of Drake's diary (rhyme book).

The first track sets a melancholy tone of the album taking its listeners on his emotional journey of how fame has changed his lifestyle, family ties, and love life. Love, Success, Regret & Dysfunction, & Trust seem to be the reoccurring themes on this album. Drake airs out a lot of deep feelings that he probably kept bottled up regarding his relationship with his Father, "My dad called me up knowing that I still listen and he still got his foot out, guilt tripping,"Grandmother ", "I heard they just moved my grandmother to a nursing home and I be acting like I don't know how to use a phone," Women "I'm always up to late I worry bout you there alone in that place you call your home, warm nights and cold patron. I hope you don't get known for nothing crazy cuz no man wants to hear those stories about his lady," Groupies "She just trying to make it, so she right here getting naked. I don't judge her, I don't judge her, but I could never love cuz to her i'm just a rapper, and soon should have met another."

"Thank Me Later's" solemn tone definitely eases up on tracks "Show Me a Good Time" where Drake loosens up the buttons on his button up and gets his listeners ready to experience nightlife at its finest. The album mood shifts into serious party mode with "Fancy", which is definitely going to be the ladies summertime anthem because its all about the state of being fly.

Shut it down is probably the track that Drake wrote solely for me. Oh yeah, I'll fathom that all 6:59 secs was packaged just for moi.

Drake knew to get the sickest producers including Timbaland, Crada, Noah "40" Shebib, Francis and the Lights, Jeff Bhasker, Al Khaaliq, Kanye West, No I.D., Omen, Swizz Beatz, Boi-1da, and Tone Mason to grace this album to capture the right sound. I think Drake and the team succeeded!

Although, I have so much love for my Drakey Poo I do believe the way he spits and busts out in song is borderline annoying, but somehow remains infectious. Drake's random storytelling and subtle corny punchlines like, "baby you finer than your fine cousin." Okay, Drake why did you have to go there? And, for what? We get the point she fuuiiiiiinnneeeee!!!!! But it works and all is fair in love and hip-hop...

Thank Me Later

B+

1. Fireworks Featuring Alicia Keys

2. Karaoke

3. The Resistance

4. Over

5. Show Me a Good Time

6. Up All Night Featuring Nicki Minaj

7. Fancy Featuring T.I., & Swizz Beatz

8. Shut it Down Featuring The-Dream

9. Unforgettable Featuring Young Jeezy

10. Light Up Featuring Jay-Z

11. Miss Me Featuring Lil Wayne

12. Cece's Interlude

13. Find You Love

14. Thank Me Now

Latest New York Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/arts/music/13drake.html

As pop as pop can be...

2010-06-14T19:34:00.006-04:00

Auburn is making her mark on the pop music scene with her latest single "La La La,". Coined “The Princess of Beluga Heights” sort of what Rihanna was to Def Jam Records, so lets see if this good girl will go bad. Auburn is signed to sizzling Multi-Platinum producer J.R. Rotem's new label, Beluga Heights, which is a linked deal with Epic Records.

Rotem has produced multi-platinum hits for Rihanna, Sean Kingston, Jason Derulo, Iyaz, Leona Lewis, Britney Spears, Rick Ross, and the star studded list goes on and on. Any pot J.R. seems to dip his hands into whether we're pop heads or not seems to turn into gold, so this is probably not the last time you will hear the name Auburn.

Auburn has several cutesy tunes including "Get my jerk on", reply to New Boyz jerk anthem, "Superman", and "Top of The World". Even if bubblegum pop isn't your cup of tea, you might find yourself humming the melody to a few of her tracks after one listen.

Auburn style is fresh, her sound is what the radio has programmed listeners to love, and she has a team of creative geniuses that will market her directly to pop cult followers.

What more can I say, but Auburn is as pop as pop can be...

I AM A SUPERWOMAN

2010-05-06T20:01:00.009-04:00

Finally, I can break my silence, dust my pretty self off, come up from prayer position and tell the world how my dreams are starting to unfold before my eyes and announce my blessing to the world...

Two weeks ago I received a phone call, which I missed from a Consultant from Monster.com announcing on my voicemail that he needed to speak to me ASAP. So, I immediately returned the unknown man's call, but there was no answer because it was after 5:30pm on a Friday. Dang! Then, it finally clicked in my mind, woman, its Friday, which means the man left the office. Don't give up! Maybe he checks his work emails from home during the weekends. Nah, but hey it won't kill me to try. So, I flooded his inbox with a few subtle, but forward messages letting him know that I received his call and I asked if he would return my call at his earliest convenience. Alright, i'm not gonna lie I even called homie's office on a Sunday before and after church. I know, I know I pushed it, but thats how excited I was. So, to kill time I prayed, yapped my friends ears off for the next 24hrs and finally reached the guy from Monster.com first thing Monday morning.

John was a friendly man who I tried to keep on the phone for a while because I wanted him to see how enthusiastic I was about being 1 out 8 applicants chosen out of a pool of 5,000 to become a candidate for the Head Blogger position for one of my Sheroe's Alicia Keys site www.iaas.com I AM A Superwoman, (Ughhh Hmm which I AM).

Well, if you know me personally, read any of my articles, recognize my name from email media blasts then you know that I am a Writer first, Educator, Woman's & Youth Advocate, and lover of timeless music. I live and breathe journalism, my fingers touching my Macbook keys is the ultimate high for me. I have been writing for as long as I can remember and have been working with young women in my community since I was 13 years old.

I graduated from Howard University---The Real HU almost 3 years ago, tear. BISON!!!! And, ever since I moved back home to Boston from the steep HU Hills I have been grinding and chasing after my dream to become a successful Journalist. My journey has been a turmultous one filled with a near death experience, losts, sleepless nights, 8 hour bus rides 2x a week from Boston to NYC to work at a mag, tears, rejections, successes, but in the words of another Sheroe of mines Still I Rise. I rise to beat the odds of being a statistic. I rise to beat the odds of never giving up even when you hear so many No's and experience so many Setbacks. I have genuinely applauded other peoples successes even when I felt it was my time. I never hated, I just congratulated because I was once told when your neighbor is being blessed that means blessings are in your neighborhood.

All of the doors being slammed in my face only left me with four options Seek God's Face, Have Faith, Grind, and Start Building Doors for myself to walk through. So, I write until my fingers are sore, teach youth within my community until my mouth is dry, and continue to walk on a journey that I call the grind.

Thats who Nakia Hill is in a nutshell. I hate to say that because what I just described is not one tenth of my journey. One thing is for sure I AM A SUPERWOMAN. I AM A SUPERWOMAN because I AM STILL HERE. I am here to share my story with so many SUPERWOMAN from Japan to Kentucky. If you have overcome adversity, chasing after your dreams despite setbacks, and have managed to keep your head above water in the midst of the storm then you are a SUPERWOMAN.

I need everyone's support, votes, and prayers. Once I AM A SUPERWOMAN www.iaas.com announces the 60 applicants on their site I need you to vote for me NAKIA HILL. Come visit my page via If you want to help turn my dream into a reality Please Vote for Nakia Hill to be Alicia Keys Head Blogger. Log onto www.iaas.com .

VOTE FOR ME @ www.iaas.com

When you vote please leave comments on my blog entries and I will make sure to send you lots of LOVE! Trust me, I will cover the most impact filled, intriguing stories that will shed light on issues affecting all SuperWomen and their communities.

Besos,

Nakia

New Video: Teairra Mari Ft. Gucci Mane & Soulja Boy "Sponsor"

2010-04-22T23:17:00.004-04:00

Before Rihanna there was Teirra Mari princess of the R-O-C we running this---you know the rest! Its been a hot minute since we have heard or seen this lady in action, but she's back fiercer than ever with a few catchy songs including "Sponsor".

Now, if you heard the song prior to this post I know what you may be thinking--straight "gold digger" anthem, but I beg to defer! Lets not get it twisted people. What's wrong with a sista having a sponsor? Hey, don't judge me or Teirra because if you watch the video in its entirety you will see who her sponsor really is...

What is a sponsor?! "He ain't no square he just like to share!" I luvvvv that verse! Ok-no-really I believe a sponsor is anyone who supports your grind. Shoot Jesus is my sponsor because he puts the fuel in my classy tank for moi! So, you can be your own sponsor its not about gettin dem dollars from a Suga Daddy ladies and fellas who think i'm encouraging modern day prostitution or gold digging. Not so! Its all about being independent, but independence doesn't always mean you didn't have a sponsor or two along the way... I'm just saying!

"All my ladies say, my go-go girls say!!!"

-Nakia

New Video: Erykah Badu "Window Seat"

2010-03-27T17:16:00.005-04:00

Erykah Badu knows how to make your eyes drop and make your ears ring with her tunes. @Fatbellybella is stirring up Twitter bugs with her brand new video "Window Seat" where she sings a low key melody underneath hardcore lyrics delivered oh so subtly.

The lyrics in "Window Seat" have arrived right on time because I know so many people including myself just get in a funk or mood where you feel caged in, not defeated, but caged. I think theres a difference because if you free a caged bird it will fly, so there's no defeat when you still have the ability to fly when given a chance. I know the feeling of going through and sitting on a plane and praying that no one sits beside you just so you can be alone to cry. Purging is good. The message in this video means so much to me Freedom, War, Peace, God, Integrity, Love, Oppression, and everything else in between.

What do the lyrics mean to you?

Erykah's album Amerkyah will be released March 30.

-Nakia

New Video: Lady Gaga & Queen Bey "Telephone"

2010-03-11T22:22:00.010-05:00

When I was a little girl I always fantasized about being like Madonna, but now that i'm older I definitely wish I was one of the dancers at the end of Lady Gaga's "Telephone" video.

I can see it now me and Bey are the only brown girls out of breath in the middle of the dance floor BOOM, BOOM KAT!!! Yes, i'm on beat because i've been practicing for months in 6 inch heels for this very moment to show the world my FIERCE DANCE MOVES rockin a fly, imported honey blonde wig & tight gold metallic bodysuit that is sure to suffocate my vagina, but hey its for the love of Lady Gaga & Bey. SUPERSTAR!!!

And, then... I woke up and realized that I was daydreaming as I watched this fab video "Telephone". I never really came to terms about how I truly felt about Lady Gaga. Is she peculiar? Heck yeah! Artistic? For Sure! Genius? Absolutely! I mean anyone who goes from stripper to pop icon and pulls off those creepy costumes that she rocks on a daily basis and not give a dang about what no one has to say is FIERCE in my eyes. She's like the Madonna of our day! So, I have succumb to the madness and say, I luv me some Lady Gaga!

Since, Bey is the QUEEN of all things it is so unfair to say that this video is "Featuring" Beyonce because she's the WO-MAN! My gurl don't make video features BEY is the VIDEO!!!

Do you love or hate?

-Nakia

Album Review: The Love & War MasterPeace

2010-03-08T21:08:00.004-05:00

Timeless, Raw, and oh so Eloquent are words to describe the R&B hippie, neo-soul, rock star's classic album "The Love & War MasterPeace". After March 3, 2010 the music industry will never be the same with the release of Raheem Devaughn's latest project. The DMV native has took music making to higher heights on "The Love & War MasterPeace", which goes beyond old fans expectations and is sure to create a cult of R&B hippie followers.

Mr. Devaughn has definitely earned a timeless artists rank on this album, which is reminiscent of an audio history book with a dash of spoken word documenting past and present wars, devastating natural disasters such as the earthquake in Chile and Haiti, and records the impact Love can have on mankind.

"The Love & War MasterPeace" is narrated by Dr. Cornel West who offers his perspective on Raheem's delivery of his musical R&B sermon. West declares in the albums intro, "Marvin Gaye, Donnie Hathaway, Isaac Hayes, Nina Simone, Bob Marley, and Gil Scott-Heron is now coming alive in the music of my dear brother Raheem Devaughn! He's created a masterpiece, but he wants inner peace to be found in your life, so that your life can be a masterpiece as you listen to his masterpiece."

On the first track "Bulletproof" Raheem tackles the issue of oversea and street wars. He sings, " Some will die over oil, kill over land. Charge you for taxes and Blame Uncle Sam. Read you your rights and charge you for nothing. Now who’s really gangsta?".

The album features collaborations with Damian " Junior Gong" Marley, Ludacris, Wale, and Malik Yuself. There are numerous tracks that are just plain beautiful, witty, and touching discussing issues of domestic violence "Black and Blue", war "Nobody Wins A War", marriage "Wife" and surprisingly dildos "B.O.B".

"Nobody Wins A War" is a star studded collaboration with Jill Scott, Bilal, Anthony Hamilton, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele, Citizen Cope, Dwele and Chico DeBarge. "Nobody Wins A War" sounds like a 2010 version of Marvin Gaye's "What's going on". Its truly a deep track that sheds a bright light and a loud roar on the pointless act of war. Jill Scott delivers a strong spoken word piece at the end of this track calling out the government.

One word that is extremely fitting to describe "The Love & War MasterPeace" is without a doubt, no punches held, Classic...

New Video: Monica "Everything to Me"

2010-02-25T21:16:00.005-05:00

Still Standing needs to hit stores sooner than March 23 because fans including myself are waiting impatiently for Monica's album to drop. I absolutely love her latest single "Everything to me," which samples Deniece Williams old school classic "Silly".

Here's a pic of Deniece!

I'm so proud of Miss.Thang-do ya'll remember that album loved it?---Anywho, i'm so proud of Monica showcasing her acting talents in this mini movie/video that actually makes sense. Its so difficult to find an interesting music video that matches the content in the song. You did ya thang in this video Monica! Thanks for the eye candy too, Mr. Chad Ochocinco who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals and plays Monica's boo in this video.

ATL's Queen Peach leaves a sweet dedication to the late fashinisto Alexander McQueen who lent his threads for Monica to rock in this video.

-Nakia

Exclusive Video:Vaughn Anthony "In Your Shoes" Teaser

2010-02-15T00:42:00.005-05:00

Its post Valentine's Day and hopefully our lovers are still in the state of their V-Day bliss. As the week begins I am more than pleased to feature one of the Most Slept on Artists of the past couple of years Mr.Vaughn Anthony. Guess who's his Grammy winning brother? If you want to know then you better Google him Baby! I won't even mention his bro's name because his talent stands alone and with the launching of my new site I will feature an intimate interview with this talented artist to give you the inside scoop on his upcoming album and life as a MSOA.

If you are into that real R&B sound, keep your eyes on Mr.Vaughn Anthony whose music is easy on the ears and looks are pleasant to the eyes.

Here's a teaser for his latest video "In Your Shoes". Enjoy!

"In Your Shoes" -- Artist: Vaughn Anthony - TEASER from Sandra Varona on Vimeo.

Stay Tuned www.mostsleptonartists.com Is Coming Soon!

-Nakia

Exclusive: Rihanna "Rude Boy"

2010-02-10T20:57:00.005-05:00

Rihanna gets sassy and a likkle rastafari on us in her new video "Rude Boy". Ladies, what else is bound to happen to us after a relationship has gone sour? Oh yes, we go buckwild to shake ourselves loose from that loser! Just check out RiRi in this video riding a horse like she's in a rodeo... Point proven.

-Nakia

From Earthquake in Haiti to Lauryn Hill Shaking The Stage In New Zealand

2010-01-26T00:52:00.014-05:00

True Pride! Yay Colts!

The earthquake in Haiti has been devastating not only to Haitians, but the world. This tragedy has not only shook Haiti's native land, but the minds and hearts of those who have a connection with Africans throughout the diaspora. The images displayed on television and on front covers of magazines and newspapers will forever leave an imprint in my mind.

Through the spirits of Haitian people raising praises to God while facing destruction it has taught me the essential lesson of giving back and the true definition of faith & prayer. Wyclef is so amazing and he is the prototype of what black pride is all about and restoring your own community in times of need. I would like to know where is my boy's Nobel Peace Prize? Because Wyclef has been screaming Yele before the earthquake. I believe that respect is due to those who earn it and Wyclef's respect is long overdue because he does good deeds without the pats on the back or "bandwagonist" or screams for Haiti when the people have been screaming for centuries. This not the beginning of Haitians fight to rebuild their country, its just a continuation and a setback from the emancipation and slave revolt in 1804. I say all this because it is going to take more than 2 weeks worth of water, biscuits, and rice to save this country. Its going to take nation building, faith in God, and Prayer... Not media exploitation, pity, and improper utilization of all funds raised to "support Haiti". If it was up to me I would say Wyclef for Prez in Haiti, but all I can do for now is groove to this performance & pray for Haiti... Although, I could only translate parts of french hidden in the church/carnival creole break down I was still gigging in my room like, Ayiti!

"Earthquake we seen the earth shake but the soul of the haitian people it will never break!" Loved it!

Donate Now: 1-877-99-HAITI in US/Canada, or go to www.hopeforhaitinow.org

Apple will be donating the sales proceeds from the iTunes.com/Haiti downloads and purchases in various organizations to help Haitians. These organizations include: Red Cross, Clinton-Bush Haiti Foundation and Wyclef’s Yele Haiti foundation.

Buy the Hope for Haiti Benefit Concert Album now at iTunes.com/Haiti and help a lot of Haitians.

The Hope for Haiti Telethon is now finished. How much did Hope for Haiti raised? Hope for Haiti Teletho raised more than $58 Million.
Speaking of all things Wyclef, Lauryn Hill is back on the scene she performed at New Zealands Raggamuffin Festival. Seriously, I pray Lauryn Hill finds a dose of sanity, so she can make another classic album because I heart & miss her so. Enjoy!

It was extremely touching to see so many celebrities come out and support Haiti during last weeks telethon.

Melanie Fiona's Redemption Song For Haiti. I heart her too!

NYE: Sex and The City 2010

2009-12-31T00:09:00.008-05:00

Ladies and gentlefemmes I know you have been searching the web for this trailer and fortunately I got that good clip that you have been waiting for...

Everyone deserves a little Sex and The City, so before you make your unrealistic New Year's Resolution to abstain from all guilty pleasures. Indulge in this trailer before midnight.

Enjoy!

I swear my boy Hova is taking over the planet! "Empire State of Mind" featured on the Sex and The City Trailer. What more can I say, but its da Roc!!!

Although, this trailer is filled with such ambiguity it strangely kept me on the edge of my seat grasping onto my MacBook. It does not feed any of the rumors of Carrie being pregnant, someone suddenly dying, or any real clips of it being any good, but who cares! If you are part of the Sex and The City cult you will be dressed in your sexy number with those expensive Christian Louboutin's on your feet, followed by Cosmo's with your girls after this summer's premiere.

See you there!

Happy New Years! Hanukkah & Kwanzaa!!!

New Videos, Album Releases, & Music Chit Chatter

2009-11-05T19:06:00.012-05:00

My two month hiatus is over and i'm back to do what I do best, which is bring brand new flavor to your ear. Its been a while, but a sista has been mucho busy trying to get her personal life in order while staying up to date with the latest in music.

So, lets get straight to the music biz.

My favorite male r&b group Ju-Taun has been crazy busy traveling from ATL to Philly and hitting up almost every major city promoting their latest album Love Changes Things, if you haven't copped it you need to download it quick on i-tunes, like right now. Don't sleep on true talent people! You can follow my boys on twitter www.twitter.com/jutaun.

Amerie released her latest album In Love & War yesterday. Honestly, I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet, so i'll keep you posted on my thoughts about that project.

The beautiful and timeless artist Ayah released her new video In My Lifetime, which is a collaborative effort to promote awareness and funds for The Remix Project. The Remix Project is an urban youth initiative that supports, provides resources, and guides youth, ages 16-22, in identifying and reaching their career goals! So, make sure to check out this organization and support the youth.

Absolutely, love, love, love this song & video is simple and sweet.

value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FoSH90bSl08&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f">

BTW, Alicia i'm loving the leather jumpsuit topped off with the fresh Christian Louboutin pumps. Fierceeee!!!

Now, you know I wasn't going to fail to mention my man Jay-Z who recently released his highly anticipated video Empire State of Mind . Anyone who has ever had a whiff of the funky shish kabob, sewer, and hot dog aroma on the streets of New York City knows exactly what an Empire State of Mind is all about. Although I will forever be a beantown girl at heart I adore The Big Apple. Its just something about the vibe and energy of NYC. The concrete jungle just makes you want to grind, live, and love harder. Hov's video absolutely catches the essence of NYC, which is why Hov is the man in my book. I will continue to have this track on heavy rotation while I sing with my brush to AK's part in the morning as I get dressed for work.

-Nakia

Alicia Keys: New Single "Doesn't Mean Anything"

2009-09-15T23:04:00.007-04:00

Two Days after she tore it up on stage with Jay-Z at the VMA's Alicia Keys releases her debut single, "Doesn't mean anything". The lyrics on this track are interesting especially with all of the rumored speculations about her love life and how my girl is a home wrecker and what not. Leave the woman alone!

Her voice on this track sounds very solemn, which is unlike the singer who usually sings with such conviction. Wonder who this song was written for... Maybe things have gone sore with Swizz and she's trying to reconcile with her ex boo Krucial Keys? Enough, of my attempt to be a gossip columnist. I think this track is nice and I can't wait to hear her new project.

This single will be available on iTunes Tuesday September 22.

If you missed Alicia Keys and Jay Perform "Empire State of Mind" on the VMA's here you go!

SAMSUNG AT&T SUMMER KRUSH PRESENTS MAXWELL

2009-09-03T03:17:00.006-04:00

Tonight there was no throwing panties, ladies being serenaded on stage, or heavy bumping and grinding for the Maxwell show presented by Samsung AT&T Summer Krush tour at the House of Blues. Instead, there was light bumping and grinding for TV, long lines which snaked down Lansdowne street and impatient fans inside Fenway's House of Blues chanting, "Lets go Maxwell, lets go!" as they waited for the sexy soul singer to hit the stage. Inside the HOB it was packed with hundreds of lucky winners who were granted free access into a private taping of Maxwell performing live for the Jimmy Kimmel Show airing this Friday evening on ABC at 12:05am EST.

A couple of hours before the show Maxwell twittered to Beantown fans, "BOSTON thank you in advance for the ridiculous line you all done started around the block at the House Of Blues....."

The holy ghost was no where to be found as the Pentecostal raised soul singer Maxwell sung his heart out on stage for local Beantown fans and Jimmy Kimmel viewers. The Brooklyn native revealed some intimate information to the crowd about his childhood admitting that he was once a Boston resident for about a year until his home burnt down and forced his family to move back to New York City quick, fast, and in a hurry. Hmm... Wonder what complex housed his Pretty Wings?

Maxwell is definitely a crowd pleaser and teaser singing old skool and new tracks "Bad Habit", "Stop the world", "Pretty Wings", "Fortunate" and of course "Woman's Work". As always this show was strictly for the ladies and their men who like the Red Sox wanted to score a home run with the screaming femme fans in the audience.

Tonight's show was part of the third annual Samsung AT&T Summer Krush concert series, an exclusive music tour featuring well-known musical acts, designed to provide attendees with private concerts and the opportunity to experience the slim-designed Samsung JACK(TM) mobile phone, which was given out to a few lucky concert attendees.

Overall, the show was short and sweet leaving Maxwell tunes lingering in the minds and hearts of pleased fans...

To see what town Maxwell will hit up next just check out his site!

Sundays Best: New Track Jay-Z OFF THAT

2009-08-23T19:54:00.011-04:00

A lot of Twitter peeps and the entire web world have mixed feelings about Jay-Z's new track "Off That" featuring Drake.

"JAY-Z CLEARLY THE BEST RAPPER ALIVE... i wish he would have some better hits like he used to.... :/," says Twitter user ThaeBaeddest.

"Dammit...I was anticipating this album, but between this and "Run This Town"...shitty at best. Most verses are plain nonsense and songs sound as commercial as ever!! Minus D.O.A. anyways(NO ID's production complimented Jay beautifully) What was the point of even having Drake on that track? I was at least hoping he skewed my opinion of him and dropped some substance, rather than the watered down stuff i'd heard before this, " says Allhiphop.com user CaptainBackSlap.

Ouch!

Simmer down Twitter and All Hip Hop peeps, simmer down. I'm actually feeling this track. Music lovers what about evolution?
Everything in life has to evolve and that includes music people! I think we are so afraid of change that we can't appreciate growth and unique sounds, objects, and etc because we are so use to watered down artistry. If every track on this album sounded like Blueprint I or II folks would complain about Hov not stepping out of the box. Well, FYI Jay-Z is the box! And like his woman Bey he can do whatever the heck he pleases as long as his same remains Shawn Carter his true fans will still love him. I'm excited about September 11, which symbolizes change for America and Jay's album being dropped on that day symbolizes an attack (in a good way) and bold moves in the hip-hop industry. So, whether or not this track makes the final cut on Blueprint III one thing is for sure... Jay-Z's album is the most anticipated and probably will be one of the hottest albums of 2009.

So, leave your comments and let me know what you think about "Off That" featuring Canada's finest Drizzy.

video platform
video management
video solutions
free video player

Run This Town

Sunday's Best: Beantown's Own LaNeah

2009-08-02T17:13:00.004-04:00

MJB's protege LaNeah is a woman on the move with a hot, timeless, and classic sound and surprisingly she is from my neck of the woods Massachusetts. Yes, she is a beantown girl at heart rockin the mic to Hov's beats underneath the wing of the queen of hip-hop and r&b. LaNeah is signed to Matriarch / Interscope records which Mary is the HBIC of. LaNeah's musical vibe was absolutely Love @ first sound. Hearing her debut single "Screaming My Name" just made me want to grind harder and I fiend for more of her music and proclaim her as this week's Sunday's Best.

Listen, Watch, & Enjoy!

LaNeah's sound is hot right? Told ya! In addition, her grind and hustle to make it to the top is very inspirational. She is also a heavy writer in the game and her most recent work was Kanye's "Love Lockdown". Keep it locked on MSOA to find out more updates and info on LaNeah because she is indeed a Slept On Artist that you should keep your eye on...

Follow LaNeah on Twitter! Twitter.com/TheRealLaNeah
Oh yeah, you can follow me too! Twitter.com/kiawriter

Sunday's Best: Rock The Bells Review

2009-07-19T19:55:00.012-04:00

Yesterdays Rock The Bells concert in Mansfield/Boston Massachusetts was packed with screaming fans, loud music, crazy emcees rocking the mic, and the potent smell of ganja filled air.
Although, I missed more than half of the show I arrived just in time to hear Big Boi sing, "Kryptonite" from the parking lot as my guest and I speed walked towards Will Call to pick up our tickets.

Once I entered Comcast Center there were mobs of people with hip-hop influenced attire on, socializing and trying to find their way back to their seats before the next performer hit the stage. When I finally reached my assigned seat I was greeted by a few Rock The Bells goers sucking on cancer sticks, which were disgustingly unbearable to inhale, so my friend and I debated with the ushers and upgraded our seats 12 rows forward.

After a quick intermission and a clearer view of the stage Queensbridge's own Nas hit the stage performing the classic tune "The world is yours" which had true hip-hop fans going crazy. As my friend and I raised our fist in the air screaming to "My president is black" we peeped our surroundings we realized that we were the only folks jamming to that tune until "Made you look" and "Got ur self a gun" came on and then to our surprise hundreds of fans decided that they wanted to raise their guns in the air to some of Nas's most ignorant tracks.

Nas's performance was the opening act of the Distant Relatives portion of the show, which was the last segment of Rock The Bells. When Damian Marley and Nas graced the stage together singing their famous track "Road to Zion" and new music from their upcoming EP Distant Relatives it was pure magic. I had no flipping idea that Nas and Damian Marley were recording an album together focusing on Africa and its influence on modern day society and its connection to its people. From the sounds of tracks such as "Africa Must Wake Up" Distant relatives is going to be one of the sickest collaborations that has reached our ears in years.

NAS & DAMIAN "JR GONG" MARLEY DISTANT RELATIVES preview from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Performance in Chicago! Peep the background singers/energy dancers who were killing it on stage last night!

Other performers included The Roots, Chali 2NA, Knaan, and Common, Eyedea & Abilities, and Many More...

Rock The Bells is in NYC Tonight!!!!!

Video: Wale "Chillin"

2009-07-16T22:23:00.009-04:00

I know i'm a tidbit late, but this is the first time I've seen this video. Love Wale! The first time I ever heard or seen this DC native's face/music was in 2006 "Dig Dug (Shake It)". I checked him out and I really didn't know what to think.

Dig Dug Shake It - Wale!

Although, I believed he was a skilled emcee, I doubted the industry would take a rapper from DC seriously, but boy was I wrong. So, happy to see a Go-Go music lover get some shine.

Check out Wale's latest video "Chillin"!. If you've never been to DC trust me, its definitely a place you would love to visit. I attended Howard University, so I definitely appreciated shots of Ben's Chilli Bowl, Georgia Ave, and Cardoza High School which helped capture the true essence of DC. Ben's Chilli Bowl is the spot to get the best chilli dog and chilli cheese fries after you get your dance on at club Love. Mmm... I can taste that chilli now.

Oh yeah, the infamous Lady Gaga is featured in this video too, not much to say about that one, but she's getting paid branching outside of pop music. I ain't mad Lady Gaga, I ain't mad at ya!

Enjoy Wale's Introduction to Chocolate City!!!

Sunday's Best: Beyoncé Sweet Dreams

2009-07-12T10:37:00.016-04:00

To step my blog game up a notch i'm going to introduce a brand new segment Sunday's Best, which will debut the hottest songs, videos, and photos of Timeless and Talented artists on Sunday. You like? Of course, I knew you would! Well, the premier artist is none other than the Queen Bey with her latest video "Sweet Dreams", which is one of my fav songs on her album.

Beyoncé - New Music - More Music Videos

What do I think? Unstoppable, Phenomenal Performer, & This Chica Can Do Whateva She Wants Cuz she's Bey! So, does it matter what I think? Nope!

Not Sunday's Best

Now, I absolutely love Drake and respect this brotha's hustle from playing a handicapped dude on Degrassi to an emcee that folks actually pay attention to his lyrical content, but his premiere video "Best I Ever Had" was extremely wack! Who produced this video? It had no visual concept of the actual song and the big breasted chicks were tacky. I don't know Drakey Poo you have to do better second time around and the BET performance didn't help you either... Poor thing.

Drake - New Music - More Music Videos

Part 2 of Ju-Taun's interview will be up this week.

Ju-Taun: Love Changes Things

2009-06-30T03:19:00.007-04:00

When I think of Ju-Taun the song that plays on heavy rotation in my mind is Drake's "Successful" because these four gentlemen epitomize the true hustle and journey to success. Its been a few years since their debut album release How Bad U Want It and now they are taking another step out on faith with their independent album Love Changes Things, which fans locally and nationally have been anticipating.

Ju-Taun definitely brings back that true r&b flavor to the industry. Pete, Jake, Samoeun, and Jamie's voices are smooth as satin and their musical style is reminiscent of Shai, Blacksteet, and Boyz II Men.

Talk about a group that has paid their dues, built a strong foundation as friends, and experienced a taste of the good life as they starred on last years hit show MTV's Top Pop Group. Ju-Taun has been grinding for ten years and Love Changes Things is beyond overdue, but somehow they're just in time to give the industry what its been missing... Its been over a year since the last time i've spoke to these fellas and it is amazing how they have evolved as artists and its evident in their latest single "Get @ Me", which has a magnetic affect that will draw ladies to the dance floor.

So, fans old and new its time to exhale because June 30th is here and you no longer have to wait to hear the sweet sounds of Ju-Taun... If you thought you were knowledgeable about Ju-Taun's journey to success then you need to think again because there is so much more to the four humble, handsome, and talented New Jersey natives.

Check out Part 1 of the exclusive interview with Ju-Taun!

In your own words who is Ju-Tuan?
Jamie: in my own words Ju-Taun is a group that is a real group. We're friends, we were just hanging out together and we decided to sing together, which is how groups normally started back in the day. It wasn't something that was manufactured, it wasn't something that was put together by producers who were looking for a certain type of sound or looking for a certain type of thing, it evolved on its own. Its just something that has been a real natural progression, a real natural process, something that wasn't in our hands, so I think that Ju-Taun is a real vocal group. Its not like four solo singers that are now singing together and will be broken up tomorrow, this is a group of guys that are making music together and its not just your normal typical group of singers, we also write and produce our music together.

So, no Making The Band Here.
Jamie: No disrespect to Making The Band, but we didn't make the band, we are the band!

Thats right! So, when I interviewed you guys last year we were talking about your journey as emerging artists and performing at local colleges and pushing your album on the streets of Philly and Times Square. Describe your journey thus far from then to now.
Pete: Since, the last time we spoke with you the biggest thing that happened to us was being on MTV's Top Pop Group and we met so many people and we were exposed to a whole world that we knew existed, but we never knew how it worked. And, it just made us see how many people we could touch. Millions of people saw us on TV and til this day we still get responses today all over the net when we're talking to all of our fans about how that affected them and how all the people that we met on the show we affected them also. The name of our album Love Changes Things is like when we meet people we want to make sure that when they meet us that we affect the way they live their life. Just working on our album has been a long journey and it feels like its all coming together and its all suppose to be like this, it wasn't something that was fabricated, its all destiny.

Okay, that goes into my next question. How was your experience on MTV's Top Pop Group?
Samoeun: Actually, the show was like a vacation. We were so used to being in the grind and working 24/7. We were working in California, the weather was nice, we got paid to do what we loved, and worked with the top choreographers, and the top vocal coaches in the country. It was just awesome! We met beautiful people that we are still friends with today. It was a total blessing!

How has your fan base grown since the show?
Jake: After we got back from the show and about a month later we did a concert in Mississippi in the middle of nowhere and they wanted us to go to the schools to get the kids hyped about the show. We were like why would we do that because nobody really knows who we are, but we went to like five different schools and when we got there people went crazy and when we got on stage and we asked how many of ya'll know us and the kids went crazy. So, we realized people actually watched us when we were in LA in our little bubble and you didn't realize how many millions of people are watching the show all over the world.

Is it crazy going to the mall today?
Jamie: Yea, Its crazy cuz when we were around in our own area before people always recognized us because we were always out selling cds in the mall, putting posters up everywhere, and people were like, "Oh, you guys are the group thats always selling ya cds!" But now its like, "Oh, wassup we saw you on TV!" Its a totally different vibe, so we still get the same core people that remember us selling our cds, but now they know us as being on TV as a group.

Now, you worked with a lot of different artists on MTV's Top Pop Group, what did you take from that experience?
Jamie: I think one of the biggest things that we took away from that experience is that it was another challenge that we conquered. We were saying that it was a lot of pop music and choreography that we were not normally doing, but we knew that we were capable of. Even the choreographers were amazed at how well we picked it up and how good we did with the choreography. They were expecting us to come in and only be able to do a couple of things, but if the show would have lasted longer I think we would have been able to go a lot further with the choreography. Being on the show we really saw a lot more of what we were capable of doing.

How did you guys feel about not winning?
Pete: We couldn't have lost to anyone better. When we first started the show everyone was good. We love everybody and Mosaic was the group that won and we felt like they were our mentors. So, for us to lose to them its a compliment to be so close and be right behind them and it was only by a couple votes and we love those guys either way.

Well, for the record I was little upset at you guys lost because my friends and I were voting for you guys all the time.
Ju-Taun: Aww... Thanks!

Love Changes Things is being released digitally and I know you guys have been pushing your album hard on the web. How has the internet played a role in your career and help put Ju-Taun out there?

Jake: [laughter] Its meant everything for us man! The web has changed the game for independent artists and has put us on a platform to the world. The only thing is a lot of artists don't want to take advantage of it and we're just hungry, so we've been trying to go as hard as we could to get our name out there. Its just amazing how many fans we have, but we're doing a video together now of our fans all over the world just saying the statement, "I believe love changes things!" to go along with our album and we're getting people from everywhere like Ukraine.

Jamie: So, it just shows you how you can just touch people from all over.

How long have you guys been pursuing a career in music?
Jamie: Well, we've been singing together for ten years, but we actually put our first product together six years ago. Its so funny because we were just talking about the first time we ever sold our cds is when we went to this event out in Philly and we didn't have our cds yet, but we knew they were coming so we went out there selling cds to people without the cds and promising them that we were going to mail them to them when we get them. We actually sold a bunch of cds and that date was June 30, which is so crazy because our new album is coming out June 30th. We just recapped and realized that it is actually a complete 6 year cycle.

Hmm... Thats a good sign guys! Its just amazing to me how you guys just stayed so tight throughout the years and maintained that same grind. How do guys stay so focused and together?
Jake: Its called a higher power! We had a vision for the group and its bigger than each individual and thats something that we keep close to us and that vision is what keeps us going. So, when we're writing these songs, listening to them, mixing them, and mastering them, and we hear them all the time and each song represents where we need to be. We're not even there yet, its just where we need to be. Its kind of like a prophetic thing, so we have to think like, if we don't make it these songs don't mean nothing to us. So, its kind of like we have to keep going not just for us, but for other people because its bigger than us.

Jamie: Plus, its like this whole thing for us from the beginning- you know people always say, "you guys are living your dreams," but I think thats where a lot of people get it wrong because for us its not a dream, to us its a reality, its what we do everyday. We quit our jobs for this, so there is nothing else, when there is nothing else you have to work it, or else you have nothing else. Its just complete faith that we have to have in what we're doing and as you can see if you know the group we have lost a member along the way.

Describe the vibe of the album and what will your listeners receive when listening to Love Changes Things?
Pete: I just received a message yesterday and it said, "I really love the way that you guys give us what love is from a man's point of view". And, it really sums it all up for me and its not just romance love, its love from all angles and how a man should live his life and should look at love and how he wants to give love to others, the way he wants to change others with the love that he gives for other people, and thats why the name of the album is Love Changes Things. So, thats really the whole focus of the album and there's different genres pop, R&B, hip-hop, and whatever you want to call it, but for us its good music because it comes from the heart, and it all has the same message that love can change things.

Jake: At the same time this is something that was inspired by our journey. Like, everywhere we've been, we've realized that even if somebody does us wrong we've realized that if we just continue to show them love in a loving way and say okay we have to work this out because its bigger than them, we always went further. We've been through some horrible situations that nobody would want to go through, but we always try to keep a positive outlook and [figure out] what [we] could we get out of this-there's something there, we didn't know what it was, but there was always something there and you have to keep that and stay in that love perspective. Every time something always good came out of that situation.

Well, describe a situation where there was a road block.
Jamie: When we were on MTV we made up in our minds that we were not going to be into the whole this is a competition, so we need to be rude to everybody, or act like we have egos because thats what you do to stay on the show, or just feed into the drama that you can get into when you do these types of shows. In doing that, the cast of the show became so close, it was truly a huge family-all of the groups and even some of the staff and camera people.

What do you think stands out about Ju-Taun that makes other groups look up to you?
Samoeun: We've been together forever like we were friends before we even became a group and we just had this bond. I think thats what some groups lack is a bond where you don't care about yourself, you care about other people in your corner.

Jake: To just add to that, like I said before we have a vision and its not about me Jake personally, its not about Samouen, its not about Jamie, its not about Pete. Like, whenever we get into an argument we know to refocus because its not about us and that dismisses all things. When your in a group you have to look pass yourself.

Samoeun: Yeah, and another thing you have to go into it knowing that-if you don't want to be in a group its not gonna work. You have to really want to be a group and think I want to make music with these guys, so if there's ever a issue its something we've worked out, and us being together for ten years we've had time to really get to know each other and work out a lot of issues. I mean, there's things about myself that i've change just by being in this group and being around people that are constantly a mirror for me and tell me like, yo thats messed up what you did right there. And, because we love each other we can do that, we can call each other out and not take it personal.

Do you guys feel like you've been preparing this album your whole lives?

Pete: It really does feel like all of our experiences, all of our hurdles, it all came down to this, and it just feels like this is suppose to happen the way we're releasing this album, the way we're touching so many people and we're still independent. It just feels like its suppose to be this way, we've worked hard for so long, and of course you know the story about us hustling in the streets, and that just really humbled us, and we've met so many people along the way and we've treated them with respect and we've learned from other artists that we've ever opened for. So, just having that love and respect for other people it just opened so many doors for us and it just lead us to the point we're at now.

How are you feeling its almost June 30th?
Jake: We're ready! Just working, we're working 16 hour days, and it really has become a Love Changes Things movement. A lot of our fans have been really, really supportive and promoting us. We just feel even before the album comes out so honored and loved by our fans just by the way their supporting us and promoting the album. We definitely understand that its the people that keep you alive.

What interest me about you guys is the connection you have with your fans and how you never seem out of touch from your fans. I mean they can reach you on Myspace, Twitter, and Facebook and your really good about responding.

Jake: We never want to lose that.

To be continued...

BET Awards: Thoughts, Michael Jackson Tribute, & Recap

2009-06-28T22:41:00.018-04:00

Music will forever have a void because of the passing of the world icon Michael Jackson. Words cannot explain how his music, presence, and gift of song and dance has impacted all nations. All respect and prayers go out to Michael Jackson's family and everyone impacted by his death. No words can express how we all will miss him! R.I.P. Michael Jackson!
So many artists came out of the woodworks including BBD, New Edition, Tevin Campbell, GUY, Johnny Gill, and Keith Sweat.
I was so happy to see my ex boo Trey Songz share the stage with someone else rather than his ego.

The renactment of Baby Boy was very entertaining and it was very nice to see Tyrese and Taraji P. Henson together because that movie launched their careers.

Beyonce is the queen B, so she can clearly do whatever she feels because her performance was lukewarm. Her man Hov killed his new track DOA and the video premiered tonight after the awards. Loved it!

Young Money? Hmm... Drakes performance was good, but when Weezy and the rest of Young Money got on stage it was downhill from there. I mean, do you really have to bring children on the stage when your rapping about hoes and how many girls you want to sleep with around the world? That behavior will earn the entire squad a call to the Department of Social Service, don't you think?

Maxwell killed it with his "Pretty Wings" performance. Although I thought a pillow fight broke out during his performance. His voice was absolutely flawless.

Monica & Keyshia did their thang too performing "Trust".

Keri Hilson also did her thang and I was feeling the Michael Jackson getup with the socks and dance at the end.

Wyclef & Alicia Keys deserved their long overdue humanitarian awards for their community efforts. Love them! I loved when Wyclef said, "I went from a hut, to the projects to a mansion." Enough said.

For the amount of time BET had to honor MJ and actually convincing Janet to show up they earned a B.

Although, I believe the network needs to step it up in the content and quality of the shows aired, when the going gets tough BET is always the first to honor their own.

IT'S DA ROC!!!

2009-06-09T01:00:00.008-04:00

What else can I say? Listen and Love!

Find more music like this on Roc4Life

This track is so Blueprint!!! Call me bias if you want, but Hova can do no wrong in my ears. He is the only man who can make a track speaking against Ye the king of autotune and still have him featured on his track. Jay explained his reasoning behind the song to Hot 97, "The guys who did it, did it great. T-Pain, he does great melodies. If you listen to Kanye, great melodies. Everybody can’t do it. Let them guys do it. They got their little niche, let’s move on.” Jay-Z’s hope is to “draw [a] line in the sand” so that rappers can begin “moving [the conversation] forward.”

A lot of young rappers including Jim Jones had a mouthful to say about this track. But Jay is simply saying auto-tuning is not for everyone. So, of course every emcee whose vocals lean on the shoulder's of autotune will have a problem with what he's saying, but someone had to address the state of hip-hop and who can do it better than Jay?. So, in the words of my girl Lauren Conrad, "It is, what it is". DOA saved me because I was starting to drown in my swag and take heed to Soulja Boy's music... No sah, I can respect the dude, but there is nothing and no one in hip-hop greater than Hov.

Check out the videos below!

Jay-Z Performs DOA at Hot 97's summer jam concert.

MTV Interview

What do I think of the song? Loving DOA! Blueprint 3 will be released exactly 8 years from the release of his first Blueprint album, September 11, 2009!

Don't hate! xoxox Jay!

Introducing Melanie Fiona

2009-05-12T13:49:00.007-04:00

I absolutely Love, Love, Love authentic and fresh musical artists like Melanie Fiona. She is a 24-year old, Toronto-Guyanese woman who was discovered by Steve Rifkind who is a big deal at Universal/Motown Records where she is signed now. Melanie has opened up for Kanye to da West and is managed by Jay-Z's ROC Nation. If you wanna know why just check out the videos below!

Who is MELANIE FIONA?
Melanie Fiona EPK

Watch as she kills it lyrically with her human orchestra!

Melanie Fiona Give It To Me Right with Human Orchestra

This video does this chica no justice because she can sang!

Melanie Fiona - Give It To Me Right

Her debut album The Bridge is expected to be released this summer!

CNN Anchors say Obama Got Swagga

2009-05-05T17:45:00.003-04:00

Now, that our prez is black some folks are just keeping it real in the news room. Everyone knows Obama got swagg, but did we have to say it on CNN too?! Guess so. Lol. This is a trip!

The sweet taste of R&B: Premiere of Maxwell's Video "Pretty Wings"

2009-04-30T04:43:00.005-04:00

Mmm... Can you taste that? Yes, finally an R&B song by a brotha that we're familiar with Mr. Maxwell whom true music lovers missed deeply. I can't say much, but watch, listen and enjoy!

Maxwell's Johnny come lately fourth studio album, "BLACKsummer'snight," is expected to drop July 7th released on Columbia Records. Can't wait! I saw him in concert in Boston a few months ago and he sung all of his oldies, but goodies and I thought oh how I miss him... Now he's back!

Ne-Yo is no longer a guilty listening pleasure of mine because he is a lyrical genius, which I can respect as a writer. I absolutely love this song "Part of list" if you do not have the album Year of the gentlemen
shame on you!

Good Friday, Good Music: 88 Keys & J*Davey

2009-04-10T11:42:00.014-04:00

Most people probably have not realized that they have been grooving to the sounds of 88 Keys, but believe it or not its true. Producer, emcee, and Long Island native has produced tracks for my hubby Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Macy Gray, Musiq Soulchild and Consequence. He's homies with Ye and is a fan of Ralph Lauren (its reported that dude owns over 700 purple label polos) and I wouldn't put it pass him. He released his debut album Death of Adam in 2008, which received rave reviews from Billboard magazine. Although, its several months after the release of his debut album he is still relevant because he just shot the video for my Jizammmm "The Friends Zone", which I bet a lot of you fellas out there can relate to. Here's a lil sneak peak of the making of the video provided by VIMBY. Enjoy!

VIMBY - 88-Keys

the friends zone ft. shitake monkey - 88-Keys

J*Davey

J*Davey is a peculiar, but talented group that produces an unfamiliar sound that will keep you coming back for more. The group is a duo concocted of Jack Davey and Brook D'Leau. Can you guess who's who? Well, they're not who you would assume because the female's name is Jack and the male name is... Yes, you got it right Brook, which I find so odd and hilarious, but whatever works. J*Davey sort of sounds like Martina Tobley Bird who I will write about soon because she is a great artist with a unique sound that was featured on the last track of Common's latest album Universal Mind, "Everywhere" track. Back to J*Davey... Yes, this duo was sort of an accident waiting to happen because they were linked up by mutual friends and then their friendship blossomed into this psychedelic soul group that we now know as J*Davey. Check out the goodies below featuring J*Davey's latest video "Slooow" and "Dirty Peaches" an 88 Keys tracks featuring J*Davey. I guess great artists attract like magnets.

dirty peaches ft. j*davey - 88-Keys

Signing off and keep it logged onto Most Slept on Artists where I always bring brand new flava to ya eyes and ears!

Happy Good Friday!

Ayah's back with a soulful vengeance

2009-04-03T21:38:00.010-04:00

Palestinian and Canadian singer, songwriter Ayah has slipped through the industry’s fingertips the first time around, but now she’s back with a soulful vengeance.

Ayah has messed with some big boys in the industry including DJ Jazzy Jeff and NYC lyricist Skyzoo, but still the mention of her name is unnoticed. Ayah's vocal skills, cool vibe, and outer beauty is what caught underground media outlets attention last year when she released her Marvin Gaye inspired mix-tape Problem Woman. Ayah’s mix-tape epitomizes the true meaning of a slept on album with crazy tracks ranging from her remake of Pharcyde’s 90’s hit Pass Me By featuring Skyzoo and Pusha Man featuring one of Toronto’s hottest emcees Tona.

Ayah releases her debut video "Believe" off of her sophomore album '4:15'. Believe was directed by the Slakah the Beatchild (Kanye West of Toronto) and reveals the true essence of Ayah.

Believe is probably going to be one of the rawest videos you might see this year, so remember Ayah's name and face. Ayah constantly proves that her talent is effortless and the industry shouldn't let such a phenomenon slipped through their fingertips again.

Ayah - Believe (Official Video)

Ayah's sophomore album '4:15' will be released on 04/15/09. For more info on Ayah check out her site, www.ayahmusic.com. Check out the link below to download her latest single Might not be!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/hl7x45

Cave talk

2009-03-18T11:18:00.015-04:00

Excuse me while I shake the gravel off myself because I've been hiding in a cave. And if I were literally hiding in one it would be pretty just like this one. How dare I not post a blog entry in over a month?! A month and one day to be exact. To all my readers and my fab 3 followers I apologize, but a sistah has been busy commuting back and forth from Boston to NYC to intern at GIANT twice a week. [Sidebar] Aww look at the kiddies playing red light, green light in the school yard in Harlem... Too cute. Yes, i'm blogging from Megabus and i'm so happy they have wifi on this bad boy cuz my Macbook is my entertainment on this bus. From the looks of what people are wearing outside and how folks are already chilling hard on every block from 125th to 34th street its going to be a nice day in the city...

Back to da biz: Music, music, music... Its ridiculous how music can evolve in just a month. I don't know where to begin. Well, last week both J.Holiday and The-Dream released their sophomore albums, which were both aight in my opinion. I felt like both could have stepped outside of the box just a tad bit, the albums were good, but not great. Sorry fellas, love ya, but gotta keep it real. I must admit that The-Dream does have a few more bangers on his album than J.

Take U Home 2 My Mama - The-Dream

Sing 2 U - J. Holiday

Keri Hilson released a diss track supposedly addressing Beyonce and Ciara. Check it out! Keri Hilson's album is expected to be released on March 24, which I am anticipating to have the official copy although she tried to diss the Queen B. This track is a couple of weeks old, but it gives me a chuckle every time I hear Keri's feisty verse. "I shot the sheriff, but wait til I shoot these B****** Down!!!"

That track is a trip, huh?

I've been really in hiding because I slept on Kid Cudi whose single "Day and Night" I've beem mimicking for a few weeks now. My cousin Krissy and I start rolling every time we hear this hook. From the sound of his voice its pretty obvious that this dude has worked with Kanye West and he's signed to G.O.O.D. Music, which is Kanye's label which released both Common's Be and John Legend's Get Lifted albums. Kid Cudi was born in Cleveland, Ohio and now resides in NYC.

"Day and Night" reminds me of Kanye's Heartless video.

There are so many remixes to this song including this one featuring Jermaine Dupri.

Day N Nite (Remix) - Jermaine Dupri

Mos Def finally released the date for his new album The Ecstatic, which should drop on June 9th. Can't wait! Love him!

Ode to Hip-Hop: Who is Knaan & Black Milk?

2009-02-17T23:44:00.001-05:00

As a lover of music I feel like I have neglected displaying my love for hip-hop in my blog. Don't get it twisted your girl loves and is pretty knowledgable regarding the origin of hip-hop, "South Bronx, South, South Bronx!" and its historical context and how hip-hop affects people of today, yesturday, and years to come. While I watched the Grammy's two weeks ago like everyone else I was a little thrown off by the whole knockout between Chris Brown and Rihanna which is dying down since CB's publicist released a statement this week. Anywho, I finally tuned in on the actual performances and grammy nominees and my homegurl Shandha was a little pissed off by Mr. Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. also known as Lil Wayne's big win at the Grammy's. Weezy sure don't look like a Dwayne. Although Lil Wayne has sold record breaking numbers of his latest album "Tha Carter III", Shandha was still offended by the Grammy's placing Weezy in the same category as Jay-Z, Nas, and Lupe Fiasco. She asked, "Who the hell puts the categories together and furthermore who decides who is the best?" As Lil Wayne exited the stage at the Grammy's with the Best Rap Album of the year award I began to ask myself,"Was his album better than Jay, Nas, and Lupe?" Personally, I loved Hov's "American Gangster" album because although the lyrical content was not Jay's best it was relatable to what was going on within our government, the parallel between the album and the movie American Gangter was genius. Nas, "Nigga" album, well I cannot honestly give my opinion on that because I did not listen to it in its entirety and I can say the same for Lupe's album too, but their singles were convincing enough.

In the music industry and in life there are always going to be great leaders, founding fathers, or whatever you want to call them who pave the way for future leaders. Look at Barack. I think that Lil Wayne winning the Grammy's symbolizes not the passing of the torch, but a borrowing of the torch. Feel the heat Weezy. Right now, its his time to reap the benefits of selling over a Milli albums, which is major in this day and time when records rarely sell thanks to online downloading. Overall, I am proud of him, but I felt a little sick seeing my boy Jay [like I know him on a first name basis lol] just sitting there when he paved the way for him. Do I think Weezy is the best rapper alive? I don't think so... Do I think he is one of the most successful rappers out? Yes, next to Jay, Snoop, T.I. and Will Smith. Let's not forget Will Smith was one of the first hip-hop artists to win a Grammy, so he actually paved the way for Weezy, Mr.Shawn Carter, and everyone else who claims they're rappers. I say all of this because I love hip-hop and I don't want this blog to be boxed into a Neo-Soul/R&B category because I am a lover of all genres of music. As long as I can groove to the sound of it, recite its substantial lyrics, and its easy on my ears...

Speaking of Hip-Hop I am giving crazy props and respect to T.I. for his show "Road to Redemption", which is raw and emotionally too heavy for a sistah. I cry every time I watch each episode, its like a mini series of Antwan Fisher. I pray young kids or the hood is watching and taking heed to the reality of violence, poverty, and ignorance that T.I. is putting on blast that so many of our youth are facing this second. I think its time that hip-hop gets it overdue props for making a change in its lyrical content and society.

Although we have a long way to go there are so many artists who are definitely slept on in hip-hop and I am currently speaking of the Somalian Emcee Knaan. You might have noticed him recently in Facebook ads or MTV commercials talking about Black History and its significance. Not only can this brotha spit, but he's sick on the spoken word tip. Take a sniff! You smell that? Fresh talent. Introducing Knaan.

Knaan's album TROUBADOUR will be in Stores and Online on Feb 24. I can't wait! Check out his site because he is currently on tour and coming to a city near you.

Knaan w/my boo Mos Def

Tracks by Knaan that I love!

If Rap Gets Jealous - Knaan

In The Beginning - Knaan

Detroit native Black Milk is another artist whose talent is effortless and he's sick on the beat machine. I interviewed this dude last year and he was one of the realist emcees that gave me no other option, but to love and believe in what he was spitting. His album "Tronic" was one of the highest rated hip-hop albums that I have ever rated on Yo!Raps and is deserving of street credibility.

Try - Black Milk

Ryan Leslie album compared to spoiled milk that still taste good...

2009-02-06T10:24:00.009-05:00

If Ryan Leslie's album could be compared to anything it would definitely be expired milk that still fortunately doesn't stink and still taste so good. Can you taste it? Am I the only one that feels like I already know what the vibe of Ryan Leslie's album and track listing is? Track listing. Hmm... I have been downloading every Ryan Leslie collaboration, single, and video that he has ever created. I guess you can call me a R. Leslie fiend. "Addiction" was written for me and maybe Cassie too. Lol.

Well, the release of his debut album is Tuesday February 10 and for the life of me I cannot find the entire track listing that I trust. There were more songs added to his MySpace page, but i'm sure Ryan didn't reveal all of the songs from his overdue album to the world yet. If so, I will still march my pretty fanny to the store and cop his album and you should too. Please support Slept on Artists including Ryan Leslie. I should get paid for promoting him so much! Its all love...

I decided to play a little Ryan Leslie Track Listing Guessing Game and while you're listen to each track think about appreciating yourself on V-day if you find yourself being single. Gift idea, just treat yourself to this album because it will put your singleness into perspective. Ryan is exposing the unspoken thoughts and selfish thoughts that we tend to hold back while in relationships.

Track 1. "Out of the blue" What your ex is probably thinking?

Out Of The Blue - Ryan Leslie

Track 2. "Shouldn't have to wait" What you probably told your ex as you were walking out the door

Shouldnt Have to Wait - Ryan Leslie

Track 3. "Ready to love you" featuring Talib Kweli What your ex tried to say to get you back. Hah.

Track 4. "Promise not 2 Call" Lets move on...

Promise Not 2 Call - Ryan Leslie

Track 5. "Irina" What you're probably singing to ya new boo

Ryan Leslie - I.R.I.N.A.(2oo7) - Ryan Leslie

Track 6. "Gibberish" I love this song! How many of us speak the language of gibberish when we can never find the right words to say?!

Gibberish - Ryan Leslie

What are your feelings on this track listing? I pray these tracks make the album.

Hello February: Go Steelers! Introducing PJ Morton & Suai

2009-02-01T20:56:00.014-05:00

February has started off with a bang! Although i'm a little upset that the Patriots didn't do New England right this season, i'm happy that the Steelers won 27/23. Although I have a lack of football knowledge one thing is for sure, there are some fine brotha's with swagga on the Steeler's team. Troy call me!
Can you say no one on the corner has Swagga like Troy Polamalu?!
What a way to start the month off with the NFL Superbowl and reintroducing our ears to the lovely sound of Miss Jennifer Hudson's voice. Isn't she a doll? Her voice is sounding better than ever and I am so glad to see her looking fabulous and standing tall after her horrific tragedy and loss of her mom, nephew, and brother. My heart still goes out to her and her family. Stay strong Jennifer.

Listen to my gurl Pipe! She still got it!

On the bright side of music my brother from another mother said, "Kia, Kia, you gotta check out this hott artist PJ Morton!" So, I took his advice Googled the brotha and my heart was pleased when I heard PJ Morton's soulful voice and gentle lyrics. Mr. Morton, a New Orleans native and son of Bishop Paul Morton, Google him too. If you don't know, Step your spiritual game up! I find it quite ironic how church leaders children are drawn to secular music such as J.Holiday and Mario Winans who are both successful and talented artists who started singing in the lord's house. PJ Morton has worked with some greats in the music industry including Janet Jackson's boo/producer Jermaine Dupri who he helped co-write songs for platinum artists Jagged Edge and Monica. He recently worked with gospel artists Mary Mary and Musiq Soulchild.

Sounds like: Raheem Devaughn

Accolades:"Song of the Year" at the 2008 Stellar Awards

Genre: You decide

Musical Envy's: Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Prince, James Taylor, Tommy Sims, Bob Dylan, Sting, Bob Marley, and Donny Hathaway.

Introducing Suai (Pronouned, "Sway")

This young woman caught my eye when I read about her in Giant magazine's Flash section and I have been hooked for the past 3 weeks. Suai is 21 years old and she hails from Detroit, Michigan. She is signed to Universal Motown Records, but she later found herself serving lattes at Starbucks because as we know celebs aren't born overnight. Suai is a triple threat songwriter, singer, and pianist. Watch out A.Keys! Suai is here and her music is a pleasure to listen to because she offers such a variation in her sound. She has worked with inda Perry, Akon, Dre & Vidal, Carvin & Ivan, Dallas Austin, B. Cox, Polow (da don, lol), Ne-yo, Neffu, Harold Lilly, Madd Scientist, Claude Kelly and Jevon "Duvall" Hill just to name a few... Suai's sound is a mixture of Chrisette Michele, A.Keys, and a dash of individuality. I just love her style, lyrics, and voice. I'm really feeling this chica!

Sounds like:Chrisette Michele

Accolades: Stay tuned...

Genre: Pop, R&Bish

Musical Envy's: Lauryn Hill, Billie Holiday, Kanye West, John Mayer, and Nina Simone.

Listen to some of her tracks!

Come Out - Come Out - Suai

Stronger (When A Woman Loves A Man) - Suai f/ Akon

Suai In the Mix

Well, thats a wrap!!! Stay logged onto Most Slept on Artists where I never fail to bring more flava to ya ear!

In Awe over the Inauguration

2009-01-20T00:00:00.004-05:00

OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA is the name that is roaring in my soul. Today's Inauguration is a vision that will never be erased in my mind, heart, and spirit. Although I was watching history be made from my grandmothers couch, I still felt the warm energy that filled all nations. I can't say much besides "MY PRESIDENT IS BLACK"!

Young Jeezy - My President Is Black (feat. Nas)

Do you remember?

2009-01-16T00:15:00.013-05:00

I remember when I first heard the sultry sound of DC native J.Holiday's voice and experienced his presence live on stage in all of his fine glory. It was my sophomore year at Howard University and he opened up for the main act at Howard's Homecoming R&B concert and I asked myself, "Who is this dude?" He sung, "So anxious" by Ginuwine and from that moment I was hooked on him, I mean his music.

When his debut album finally came out I couldn't get enough of the timeless R&B tracks "Be with me", "Suffocate", "Thug Commandments" and "Fatal". I killed this album and still do. I am so pleased to hear that J.Holiday's debut album "Back of My Lac" is nominated for 2008 Best Contemporary R&B Album. Hopefully, the man gets his due accolade at this year's Grammy's, which will premiere Feb 8, 2009. Good luck J!

His new single "Its Yours" off his unreleased sophomore album has been blazing most urban radio airwaves and if your local station hasn't been playing his music you better call and make a request. "Its Yours" just makes me fall in love with his voice and contagious swag all over again.

Its Yours - J. Holiday

Do you remember Amerie?

Isn't she a beauty? Not only is Amerie gorgeous, but she is smart "Georgetown University Graduate" and her music is truly missed. Her debut album "All I have" is in my opinion a classic album and was a major, but unnoticed contribution to the neo-soul era. This Korean and Black chica released a mix-tape entitled "Because I love it Vol 1" last year, which was hosted by DJ Clue and laid crazy dormant in the music industry. Why? Who knows, but i'm dying to find out so i'm going to hit up her manager/MySpace and see if I can get an interview and see what's up with her because i'm curious about when she will release her 3rd album. If you check out this site http://loveamerie.com/ you can hear her mix-tape in its entirety.

"Take Control" this is definitely one my favorite tracks from her mix-tape.

Before Rihanna there was the princess of the Roc Detroit, Michigan native Miss.Teairra Mari. "Is there any boys around who know how to make a girl feel!?" I still haven't found one, so Teairra if you have any pointers hit me up. Yes, that was my jam about 3 years ago and I know you hated to love that joint, but you have to admit it was hott in "05". Well, Teairra is back with a new single, "Hunt 4 u" featuring Pleasure P of Pretty Ricky.

Lost, but found tracks by Teairra Mari:
No, No, No featuring Charles Hamilton

No No No - Teairra Mari

Exclusive (2oo8) - Teairra Mari

U Said (FuLL) - Teairra Mari

Are you feeling these tracks? Or should Teirra stay gone?

This my favorite Teairra Mari Track! Brings back drama filled memories, this song is the truth young ladies so listen to ya momma's!

Phone Booth - Teairra Marí

Most Slept on Artist, Album, Video, and Song of 2008.

2009-01-01T12:07:00.015-05:00

It's 2009, woohoo!!! Can you feel the weight of all 08 baggage lifted off of your shoulders? I know I can and I am so amped that my new Beginning has Begun. In the words of Lil Jon, "Yeah!". I was chatting with my friends last night and its so crazy how we really didn't reflect on the drama of 08 and the only words that slipped off of our tongues was, "This is our year!" Honestly, I believe when you speak something into existence that you truly mean its no turning back. Forward Movement with a stronger stride and swagg is what I will be doing in the "09" in my stilletoes...

I originally wanted to do a recap of "08", but I believe the things of the past shouldn't be resurfaced unless its for a phenomenal reason such as MUSIC. So, I decided I would nominate the Most slept on album, artist, video, and song of 2008. Then, i'm going to stop there with the old and bring in that brand new flava of 2009 to ya ear.

Drum Roll Please!!!

2008 Most Slept on Artist of the Year

Ayah: I swear this woman is the epitome of what a most slept on artist is all about. Ayah released her mix-tape, "Problem Woman" early 2008 and if I keep making copies of her album and passing it on to anyone who is willing to listen and continue mentioning her name on my blog, or pitch a feature story to a major publication Ayah will get her break. I back her talent up 100 percent and she is more than deserving of some shine because her talent is phenomenal. From her unique Canadian vocals and harmonies to her honest lyrics and her flawless and realistic looks, which are not a result of being airbrushed. Its true beauty that sistah's can relate to and brotha's can appreciate. I interviewed her last year and she was one of the realest people that I have interviewed up to date and chatting with her was like talking to an old friend who had a just released a banging album. Ayah is paying her dues by spreading her music around the world and performing in NYC, DC, Toronto, and coming to a city near you. For more information on Ayah hit up her MySpace page www.myspace.com/ayahmusic.

Most Slept on Album of the Year

Not only is Ayah the Most Slept on Artist of 2008, but her mix-tape "Problem Woman" is the Most Slept on album of 2008.
My favorite songs on this album are, basically every dang song cuz "Problem Woman is hott! Listen up!!!

"So wrong"

So Wrong (Bonus) - Ayah

Passing Me By - Ayah feat Skyzoo

Feelin It (Feat. Nickelus F) - Ayah

Need I say more. If you are interested in showing Ayah some love and purchasing a copy of her mix-tape, which I know you are more than interested after hearing those tracks just hit up her site, http://www.ayahmusic.com/.

Most Slept on Video of 2008
Solange,T.O.N.Y.

If any artist has proved their point more in 2008 it would definitely be Solange. This woman has earned my respect as an artist and shut everyone and their momma's up if they dare to mention or compare her to you know who, which is understandable. I can tell Solange busted her behind last year to create her own spotlight and she avoided the shadows that the media tends to place her in. Her album "Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams" which was released September 12, 2008, received rave reviews last year, had the industry talking, but still didn't have the streets talking. I accidently stumbled across the album at my internship in September and decided to give it a listen expecting to hear nothing of substance, but when I pressed play I was immediately drawn in and surprised at what this Sol-Angel had to say. This album is filled with subliminal messages, metaphors about her life, and a sneak peak of what to expect of her from now on... One song that caught my attention was the first song on the album, T.O.N.Y., which had an interesting video to follow. The video T.O.N.Y. definitely put the song in perspective for me because I thought Tony was an actual dude who turned out to be toxic and distracted her from loving herself or falling in love with someone else. I don't know, but you can always interpret art through your eyes. I think we haven't seen the best of Solange yet and that's why her video T.O.N.Y. is the Most Slept on Video of 2008.

I'm curious, what's your interpretation of T.O.N.Y.?

Most Slept on Song of the year
Raphael Saadiq
The way I see it 9-16-08
"Oh Girl" featuring Jay-Z

My friend Shandha and I went to a private taping of a Raphael Saadiq show at the Harvard Club in Boston and boy were we tipsy, I mean we were wooed away by Mr. Saadiq and his performance. The band was crazy, his back up singers were ridiculous especially the sistah. I loved his album, "The way I see it" because it has that old skool Motown sound, which I love. I'm definitely feeling the original "Oh girl" track, but you know I love my boy Hov, which is just a stamp of approval on why this is the Most Slept on song of 2008.

Oh Girl - Raphael Saadiq featuring Jay-Z

Well, that's all "08" wrote for Most Slept on Artists. Happy New Year!!! Still bringing Brand New Flava To Ya Ear, Eyes, and Heart in 2009...

UK chicks who rocked the industry in "08"

2008-12-15T00:22:00.005-05:00

Estelle, Leona Lewis, and M.I.A., are all women from diverse backgrounds and styles of music, but they have one thing in common. These chicas all derived from the UK and tore up the American music scene this year. Yes, this dynamic trio killed U.S. music charts this year and stole the hearts and seduced music listeners not only with their great looks, but unique styles and sounds.

Take me on a trip, I like to go some day!!! Estelle

Estelle released her debut album, "Shine" this past February under John Legend's label Home Shool. She is nominated for song of the year for "american boy" at the upcoming Grammy's which will be airing soon. Her latest video "Come Over" featuring Sean Paul is hott! This joint brings me back to basement house parties in the hood and slow dances that would make your mama bring out the belt if she peeped you grinding to this song. If you haven't copped Estelle's album you should do yourself a favor and check it out cuz its really, really good and features Wyclef, JL, The Louis Vuitton Don, and Cee-Lo. Unfortunately, Sean Paul is not featured on the original track on her album, but maybe a deluxe release will be coming soon... Oh yeah, please check out Sean Paul's dance moves in this video, he kills me with his little whine. Don't hurt him Estelle!

No one on the corner has Swagga like her! M.I.A.
Yes, this is the lady behind T.I.'s "Swagga like us" track, which would not be blazing radio airways or the entire music scene right now without the sampled hook from Miss. M.I.A.'s Paper Plane track.

Not only am I feeling her unique style, Sri Lanka looks, and crazy sound that makes you say, "what the hell did she just say?", but the woman has talent oozing out of her system. M.I.A. is a producer, song writer, visual artist, and clothing designer.

M.I.A. Rockin her hott shiny dress!

"Paper Planes"

Leona Lewis

Some may think Leona Lewis is nothing, but a carbon copy of Mariah Carey- Oops, my bad Mariah Cannon. Even with her recycled style and sound she still killed the industry this year by winning the 2008 Billboard Best New Artist Award, so give the sistah props where they are due and not to mention she is repping for biracial women all across the world. Not only did she sell millions of records, my girl had two of the hottest singles out in 08 including, "Bleeding Love" and "Better in time", which is definitely a song that helped me and probably a zillion other folks across the globe get over past relationships. I'm not sure if she wrote the song, but she delivers it in such a way that convinced me that I will be aight without that JERK.

Check out my Love him, but let him stay Gone with his Trifling self song "Better in time"! I'm sure that's what Leona meant to say.

Artist Site

Battle of the Soul Beasts: JL Versus RL

2008-12-08T21:17:00.009-05:00

John Legend Versus Ryan Leslie

In 2004, I fell completely in love with the sultry sound of John Legend's voice. After seeing him in concert several times in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Boston I was more than sure that he would be the Stevie Wonder of my day. Okay, I might be pushing it, but the brotha comes closer than most post Stevie. It is inevitable that my boy JL is overflowing with talent. Its so hard to keep your eyes off the redbone brotha, with the little curly fro, tight leather jacket, and piano.

It really saddens me to admit to having a musical affair, which lead me to fall in love with Ryan Leslie. All it took was me watching him finesse the "I get money" track on YouTube and he stole both ears with my huge dangling gold earrings on.

Now, do you see why I had to cheat on JL?
I never thought another man outside of the hip-hop world had the ability to steal my attention and become so infatuated with his sound. I think Mr. Leslie is giving John Legend a run for his artistry, but thank God there is room for more than one hip-hop/soul artist.

Check out his new video "How it was supposed to be"! I love this track!!!

Ryan Leslie's album has been pushed back several times and I know you are probably addicted to him already, but you have to wait until his February 10, 2009 debut album release.

[Sidebar] Has anyone peeped John Legend's fine brother/back up singer Vaughn Anthony?

Isn't he just yummy? Back off, that's my man!

I AM... Sasha Fierce Review

2008-11-20T15:13:00.003-05:00

The Queen B has returned like she never left with continued fierceness on her 3rd album I Am... Sasha Fierce. Beyonce has proven that she can give her listeners what they want, don't want, the unexpected, and more. I Am... Sasha Fierce force feeds its listeners with fresh unfamiliar sounds of folk, soul, and pop music packaged into a double album.

Beyonce always seems to release an album right on time for the ladies to demand nothing, but the utmost respect and treatment from the fellas and send an urgent wake up call to those who need to step their relationship game up a couple of notches.

On her leading single Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) Beyonce blazes the track in her lyrics announcing that going with the flow will not keep your woman around, "Cuz if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it, If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it! Don't be mad once you see that he want it!" On this album she delivers more than enough empowering female anthems like she did on B-Day for the Divas around the world on tracks Diva which is inevitably the female version of Lil Wayne's Milli, Video Phone, where she confidently spits, "Boy you cute and you ballin/ You like it when i shake it/ Shawty on a mission what yo name is?/ What?/ You want me naked?/ If you liking this position you can tape it on ya video phone." The risky lyrics are unlikely to hear from Beyonce, but Miss Sasha is unapologetic about her sassiness.

Beyonce's debut album Dangerously In Love was all about her new found love and discovery of her subtle inner diva, on B-Day she snatched her golden mic and revealed Sasha to the world, and now Sasha is front and center shattering everyone's musical expectations. On I Am... Sasha Fierce Beyonce collaborates with producers and writers Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Stargate, C. "Tricky" Stewart & Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Rodney "DarkChild" Jerkins, Sean "The Pen" Garrett, Jim Jonsin, Rico Love, little sister Solange, and Ryan Tedder.

Songs on Beyonce's I Am... disk reveals a more personal side of the 27-year old newly wed and now she's singing about having found love instead of being in tumultuous relationships with shady dudes where she had to send them to the left. Don't get it twisted because she takes you back to that fierce woman that will check a dude in a minute on songs If I Were A Boy and Broken Hearted Girl. Songs that do the album justice include Hello, Disappear and Ego where Beyonce sings, "He talks like this cuz he can back it up/ He got a big ego/Such a huge ego/ I love his big ego/ It's too much/ He walks like this/ Cuz he can back it up". Is this song about her hubby, Jay-Z? Well, Beyonce leaves that up to her listeners to decide in their analyzation of tracks such as Hello, Halo and Sweet Dreams. The album is very versatile, but could have done without tracks Ave Maria, Satellites, and even Radio.

I Am... Sasha Fierce definitely meets the expectations of her last album and shows that Beyonce-Sasha is unstoppable.

New Track from Jay

2008-11-07T21:55:00.002-05:00

I know this is really bootleg, but when it comes to my fav MC Hovah its a state of emergency. Check out his new track "History"! Do ya love it or hate?

History - Jay-Z

Oh Yes We Did!!! OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA!

2008-11-05T08:57:00.007-05:00

"This is your victory," says President Obama. Can you say the first black president in the U. S. of A.?

Last night my "Howard University" girlfriends and I were on the phone in awe. We screamed at the top of our lungs, cried like Jesse Jackson, and laughed at all of the disbelievers who didn't think the youth, American people in the hood, and conservative Americans wouldn't go out and vote for Obama. They did!

I am so proud to be who I am and where I am from now because I can look up and see a reflection of a better possibility for me, my ancestors, and my friends and family in the White House. Finally. I always wanted to change the world and I always wondered how would I do it and influence and change everyone in America. Now I know all I have to do is keep working hard and walk through the door Obama has opened for me. I take this Presidential election personally because throughout his entire campaign I always felt like he was speaking to me. He speaks to everyone who has lost hope and felt like they would never amount to anything or those who had to wear their race, class, or religion on their sleeve. So, defensive because their backgrounds and positions were never taken serious.

It has been a long, long, long road to the White House, but we believed that Yes We Can and today we can say Yes We Did!
Lick a Shot for Obama - Jay-Z

If you would ask me today who do I think is the most slept on artist? I would say, "Barack Obama". So, in honor of Obama and The World I dedicate this song to us. Let's lick a shot for Barack Obama!

Today Is The Day!

2008-11-04T10:52:00.002-05:00

Right now, I am so over joyed, emotional, ecstatic, proud, and honored to have just voted for Barack Obama for president. Yes, yes, yes!!! Yes We Can!!! It feels so damn good to know that what my ancestors have died for, fought for, and probably never believed would be possible is now possible. Its happening right now!

I just want to raise my fist and scream, "Black Power!" but its not only black power, now its "People Power" because so many barriers are being broken with this election. We are seeing people from all races, classes, cultures, religions, and sexes come together because they are tired of this government. Tired of being oppressed, lied to, discriminated against because of their race, class, or beliefs. American citizens are tired!

Black people are tired of being followed through department stores. Black people are tired of their opinions being devalued because the color of their skin. The youth are tired of their power being questioned because of their age and assumed level of wisdom. Women are tired of being viewed as objects and too emotional. Ladies, get your kleenex ready because tonight or tomorrow we are sure going to have something to cry about!

Yes we can make a difference and our Black, Latino, Indian and Asians children can and will become president. Its a reality and thanks to Obama will be a fact.

Hilary Clinton and Palin have made it possible for women to not only be seen, but heard. Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood for everyone.

Thugs, hustlers, and their mamas and baby mamas are standing in long lines for hours to exercise their right to vote and to show America that blacks are not complacent and ignorant. We know what's going on! Like, my boy Marvin Gaye sung back in the day.

Speaking of musicians, this moment reminds me of Mos Def's song "Umi Says".

In this song he sings,

Tomorrow may never come
For you and me
Life is not promised
Tomorrow may never appear
You better hold this very moment very close to you (right now)
Very close to you (right now)
So close to you, So- close to you (your moment in history is right now!)
Don't be afraid, to let it shine.

"Umi Says" speaks to the people and what we are experiencing right now. Check out this video featuring Mos "If I were president". He is a trip!

I love him with his fine self!!!

People if you haven't voted yet you have until this evening, so please, please, please, Go Out and Barack, I mean Vote. This message is sponsored by Nakia Hill.

People Power!!!

BET Hip-Hop Awards Gets a C for Effort

2008-10-21T21:58:00.002-04:00

Usually I'm not the bitter type, but I was just hoping, praying, and wishing for a monumental performance to just jump out at me while I watched the 2008 BET Hip-Hop Awards. I mean did these artists rehearse? Who wrote the script on the prompter?
These are all of the questions that I had while watching this program, which had CEO Debra Lee bopping her head to lukewarm performances. I love hip-hop and everything that it stands for, but come on BET you could of had a little bit more substance for the little boys and girls that stayed up past their bedtime to watch their favorite artists jump around the stage decked out in their platinum chains, blinged out graphic T's, and hyped entourage accompanying them on stage.

Since the scheduled host Katt Williams supposedly walked out of rehearsal because of a verbal altercation with one of BE T's production staff members. BET had to get the next best funny man to host the BET Hip-Hop Awards and who else could give the crowd more laughs than Mr. Circus Man T-Pain. What a joke! Watching T-Pain wasn't as painful as I thought it would be with the show ending with none other than Bow Wow and Souljah Boy. I felt kind of bad for them because they were still performing while the credits were rolling pushing their little performance to the side.

Some highlights on the show included The Misses of Hip-Hop MC LYTE, Salt & Pepa, Lady of Rage rocked rough and stuff in her afro puffs, and Yo-Yo showed the crowd that she still had it by rhyming and shaking her booty for the fellas, .

What I appreciated most about the show was how they shed light on hip-hop artists contributing their time and dollars to their communities including Lil Wayne, T.I. who is the co-founder of King Foundation in Atlanta, and of course Russell Simmons who was honored on tonight's show. I was also feeling the freestyle segment with my boy Jadakiss, Juelz Santana who was looking finer than usual maybe it was the black and white screen effect, and Fabulous who if you asked me killed his freestyle. Loved it!

Tonight was the first time I saw the previews for the Biggie movie Notorious, which almost brought tears to my eyes because I love me some B.I.G.. This movie will premiere January 19, 2009, so put the date in your calendar and make sure you check out the little snippet linked below.

LL Cool J was looking scrumptious as usual presenting an honorary award to Russell Simmon's whom I always respected as one of hip-hop's biggest moguls. Although LL is pushing 50 years old he still looks better than most men in their mid-20's, but I'm sure a little doe re mi, strict diet, and personal trainer help contribute to that body. Common and Pharrell performed their latest single "Universal Mind Control" which was one of the highlights in addition to T.I.'s performance.

T.I., Ludacris, and Rakim tore the stage up and kept the crowd amped, which most performers failed to accomplish.

This Week in Music

2008-10-02T00:07:00.003-04:00

Well, as cyberspace probably already knows my girl Janet Jackson was rushed to the hospital during rehearsals. She canceled a couple of shows due to her ailment. Preggers? Who knows, but thats what I suspect. I don't want to start any rumors, but can't you just imagine a little JD running around ATL talking bout Who's bad?! I can. I just pray that Ms. Jackson recovers and hits the stage to sing Feedback, Feedback oh!

This week "I love New York" star Punk's Wifey Jennifer Hudson released her debut album, which I haven't heard entirely yet, but I can almost suspect it to be nothing less than fire.

Mr. Swagger himself T.I.P. released his most anticipated album, "Paper Trail" which includes his hit single "whateva you like" and "Live your life" featuring Rihanna. I absolutely love that song! Live my life!!! That's da jamn! T.I. just makes house arrest seem so appealing if it means being tucked away with him... Oh, Tiny you lucky doll you. Who can you run to? Fineness, meaning your baby daddy.

Alicia Keys & Jack White premiered a song and video together "Another way to die" for the upcoming Bond movie "Quantum of Solace." This video just exemplifies the extremes that Alicia Keys can go through without people looking at her like she has a head like Medusa. This collaboration is out of the box! And i'm hating to love it!

What else is new? Although Jazmine Sullivan's album is almost a couple of weeks old, i'm Absoulutely Loving It! In addition to the sistah singing like my gurl L.Boogie, she is truly a wonderful writer. I feel like she has written the soundtrack of my current life. She sings about love, abuse, and chasing after your career. Who can't relate to that? I'm seriously in love with the following tracks, "Lions, Tigers, and Bears", "Dream Big" "Live a lie", "Fear" and hell every dang song on the album. My gurl is singing the truth!!! "I'm not scared of Lions and Tigers, and Bears, but i'm scared of loving you. Just cuz I love you and you love me, that doesn't mean that we're meant to be." Love, love, love it! Go cop Jazmine Sullivan's "Fearless" album! Do yourself a favor and don't bootleg or imeem the tracks, it just won't do this album Justice. She is currently on tour with Maxwell and his fine self, so catch them both at a city near you...

Long time gone...

2008-10-01T23:34:00.002-04:00

It's been over two months since i've written a single blog entry. Why? Well, a sistah has been going through so much in her personal life, which hasn't allowed me a second, minute, or an hour to blog.

First of all, I was assaulted by a complete stranger on Aug 23, 2008 while I was watching the caribbean parade in my hometown Boston. I was knocked out unconscious with a brick straight in the face causing serious damages to my face, which later healed by the grace of God. I don't even want to go into the gory details of how I looked, felt, how the past couple of months have been for me, trying to keep my head above water, managing the expenses of medical bills and credit card bills, and moving on with my life... It has been one of the most draining and tragic experiences and I would have to write a novel, which should be coming out soon about how I survived and beat the obstacles that were and are stacked up against me. My only answer is, GOD. You can't get through anything without him on your side guiding you, putting good friends in your corner, and sweet whispers and roars of encouragement. Thank You Jesus! Besides God, Friends, and Family (when they're not stressing me out) music has definitely helped me in my healing process.

What albums & Songs helped to lift my spirits and get through my tragic experience?

Ayah's "Problem Woman"

&

Alicia Keys "Songs in a minor"

MJB "The Breakthrough"

Ryan Leslie "Addiction"

Enough of the sappy soundtrack and lets get back to the Most Slept on Artists and news updates...

New Music Videos

2008-07-22T00:54:00.004-04:00

Excuses, excuses. I can't believe I let over a month go by without blogging and bringing the absolute brand new Flava To Ya Ear. I can go on and on about my busy schedule writing, interviewing, working, being a good friend, and trying to squeeze in enough me time so I don't drive myself insane. You feel me? It's tough, but my number one priority right now is launching my writing career...

So, back to the music news... There has been so many artists that have been releasing albums, videos, and new singles this summer. Last Tuesday Nas released his anticipated album which features his new single 'Hero' featuring the lovely Keri Hilson. And speaking of Ms.Hilson who if you don't know sung the hook on Timbaland's 'The way I are' single. She is expected to release her debut album "In a perfect world" this September. Keri has this crazy hot joint out entitled 'energy' which everyone and especially ladies will be able to relate to because she sings about the draining situation called "Love" and its the love that is not reciprocated/one sided that we all try to avoid, but still seem to fall into... Keep your eyes and ears open because I predict her album will be hott!!!

Then we have J Records recording artist Jazmine Sullivan with her single 'need u bad', which is starting to get heavy rotation on the radio and that's my JAM! "Baby I need you bad!!!" Love This Song!!!

Celebrating Black Music Month!!!

2008-06-13T14:34:00.005-04:00

[Please Forgive Me! How dare I not post a blog for more than a week, but time is against me and I've been interviewing artists like crazy...]

Now back to our regularly scheduled blog.

Happy Black Music Month! Yes, that does exist and don't feel bad I was unaware myself and I'm a black! Shame on us!!! Well Its better late than never, the motto of my life...

Black Music month was designated by former President of the United States Jimmy Carter in 1979 and in 2008 President Bush is proclaiming it like he created it.

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2008 as Black Music Month. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history of black music and to enjoy the great contributions of African-American singers, musicians, and composers." GWB

Check out the actual proclamation straight from the White House and soon to be Black House. Go Obama!
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/05/20080531-2.html

I think it is crucial than a mutha to recognize African people and all of our accomplishments and contributions to western civilization and that we are our defining aesthetics through our own lens. Well, some of us. I think music from all races, cultures, and backgrounds is beautiful and I respect and appreciate a good Kompa, Bachata, Reggaeton, song as well as the next Haitian or Dominican. I also take pride in my music, black music and it could never be duplicated as well as we do. Sorry Joss Stone, Robin Thicke, Amy, and Teena Marie... Ouch!!! I love y'all, but as I stated before black music can never be duplicated... Its in the blood. Now, I believe you can have soul no matter what color you are, but its different when the music is delivered from a black mouth to a black ear... Well, I don't want to go on a tangent and I hope I didn't offend anyone and feel free to agree or disagree cuz its all love...

During this ever blazing hot month of June blast "Black" music while driving in your cars or while your listening to your i-pod while your riding on your bike because of the high prices of gas or riding on public transportation [that would be me]. You can take it back to Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Celia Cruz [come on my gurl is of African Descent], The Supremes, New Edition, Ce Ce Penniston, Jade, EnVogue, Luther Vandross, Alicia Keys, Tupac, Common, or whatever your ears desire...

Keep it locked right here for Most Slept on Artists interviews, music reviews, videos, blogging, and more...

Who is Charles Hamilton?

2008-06-02T00:57:00.002-04:00

"If my life were to be a movie, it would be the Antoine Fisher story all over again, but with a killer soundtrack and without a military background," says Hamilton.

So, who is this dude who compares his life to the oh so draining flick Antoine Fisher? Well, his name is none other than the lionized hip-hop star Charles Hamilton who will have dudes and not the metro sexual ones wearing pink like Camron once did... Speaking of Camron, which leads to Harlem where Hamilton grew up and attended the Frederick Douglass Academy... Oh Harlem, home of the black arts movement, the famous Apollo Theatre and my girl Alicia Keys!!! As you can see this city just bleeds black talent out of its rugged and historical grounds, but this is not a historical index about Harlem world, but about this brotha "Charles Hamilton" who can spit lyrics like he is suffering from ADHD...

Now, he just got signed to Interscope Records. Oops!!! Was I suppose to disclose that??? Well, anywho Charles Hamilton, [remember the name and color Pink] went from living on the streets of NYC and sleeping in the studio at his high school to recording music in hit making studios in LA where he is recording his debut album, "The Pink Lavalamp," which has been completed for a min, but you know how record execs get trying to get the hottest producers on dusty tracks to make radio friendly music, but if you ask me I think he already has radio friendly hits up the ying-yang on his mix-tape and you should never try to commercialize REAL HIP-HOP. Don't get me started on that subject, TBC... Call me bias if you want, but I love when artists write and make music when they're at their hungriest state because thats when they pour their heart and soul into the project and don't get caught in the steak, lobster, Patron, and the groupies... Starving artists like Charles Hamilton need the support and your ear to listen to the brand new flava that they have to offer... So, check out this video of the ADHD rapper and keep it locked on Most Slept on Artists for the Charles Hamilton Interview Coming sooner than a blink...

Watch Charle's freestyle for over 5mins straight off the dome! His first ever live radio interview in LA on Power 106/Skee...

Introducing Charles Hamilton!!!

">

Oh yeah, he's a a writer too! So, hit up his blog at http://charleshamilton.blogspot.com/

Oh stop, thank me later!

Introducing Ayah!!!

2008-05-22T11:48:00.006-04:00

I know i'm new to the blog game, but ever since like Yesturday I started the buzz about my site i've been receiving random press releases from new music artists. Some good and some very wack, but that's besides the point because I stumbled across an artist who doesn't fall underneath the wack category by the name of Ayah.

This woman is T-A-L-E-N-T-E-D!!! Her music is seriously hott!!! Ayah has that old school hip-hop meets new soul/spokenword/R&B sound going on and literally wrapped into one. Isn't she gorgeous!!!

Ayah who is Canadian and of Middle Eastern descent is releasing her debut mix-tape "Problem Woman" which is set to be release on May 28. Once you hear her music you'll probably be running to the store next Wednesday searching for her album, so before you do you should park yourself right at home in front of the computer monitor because I doubt the physical copy will be available in the United States unless you have a neo-soul bootlegger in your hood. If your interested in getting your hands on a copy of Ayah's mix-tape I will definitely keep ya posted.

Check out her MySpace page www.myspace.com/ayahmusic and keep it locked on Most Slept on Artists for the Ayah feature interview coming soon...

Check out her new single Reminisce!!!

May's Most Slept On Artist: Ju-Taun

2008-05-18T23:01:00.003-04:00

Usually when MySpace users receive band requests from unsigned artists whose lack of true talent makes the fact that they are unsigned inevitable they immediately deny the requests without even checking out the artists music, with Ju-Taun it is another story. When you log onto their official MySpace page your ears are immediately drawn into the sounds of their hit singles "Go Slow" and "Yes", which puts you into a sudden trance. The South Jersey natives Samoeun Cheng, Peter (NVS) Garcia, Jake and James (J-Nyce) Evans make up the rhythm and blues group Ju-Taun who strives to bring r&b's roots back to the music scene.

"We started out as we just wanted to sing together and it turned into artists trying to express music the way that they really, really feel it coming out of them. And its something that we truly live everyday and we're just trying to let people hear what we experience," says Ju-Taun.

Ju-Taun's hard work and determination exemplifies what it truly means to step out on faith and be on your grind 24/7 in order to make your dreams a reality. They went from performing on stages at local community colleges to huge arenas performing live with major acts 112, Ashanti, Jagged Edge, Mary Mary, Tyrese, and Jaheim. Ju-Taun pronounced zha-twan, also experienced the grassroots level of the music industry by writing, producing, and recording their own music and selling their cd's illegally on the streets of New York City. Selling their music illegally lead to the group getting arrested not once, but about three times. A few arrests didn't stop these artists from chasing their dreams of not becoming superstars, but making timeless music that they truly feel.

As their musical journey continued Ju-Taun shopped around for a record deal at major labels including Universal, Motown, and Virgin Records only to get the doors slammed in their faces, which resulted in the birth of their own independent company "Climax Entertainment".

"We're sticking to our guns and not backing down from what we really want. A lot of labels want to change you," says Ju-Taun.

Their debut album "Love Changes Things" is still a masterpiece in the making and is expected to be released this year.

"The thing is we're constantly working on music all the time, so its like the album is something that had to create itself. There are songs that we had that didn't make the album because it started to form itself. when we get together and get creative its something that you can't force. Its something that you can't say, "all right sit down in this room and make the album". It is a very involved and long process and we do all of our own writing and production, so we're heavily involved into all our music. So, the album just came together on its own, its something that we can't really formulate it just comes together," says Ju-Taun.

Ju-Taun is currently touring and their MySpace status currently reads, "Ju-Taun is ready to show the world!!!". Well, the world should keep their eyes and ears open for the sultry sounds of Ju-Taun because they are definitely going to be major contributors to not only the world of r&b, but music... And, that is why they're this month's most slept on artists. For more information on Ju-Taun check out their MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/jutaun.

March's Most Slept on Artist: Alice Smith

2008-03-20T00:02:00.000-04:00

Move over Amy Winehouse because there is a new sistah in town who can pipe and I don't mean that literally, but the woman can Sang. She delivers that same soulful sound and she produces quality music when she is sober... This 29-year-old Washington, D.C. native and Fordham University graduate exudes what true musical artistry is all about. Its safe to say that she is a soul artists, but listeners who want to challenge themselves and not minimize her work as just soul music can say that you can't put Alice Smith in a box because her style is absolutely indescribable.

Her debut album "For Lovers, Dreamers & Me" released on BBE Records, is filled with heart wrenching lyrics that will make you playback songs like her hit single "Dream" just to hear her piercing, but soft voice sing, "I need to be everything you see in your dreams/It seems to me you’ll never find another lover good as I/ To give you all that you need/And I’ll be there to love you each and every night and all through the day, day, day, day."

In Alice Smith's bio found on her website http://www.alicesmith.com/ she insisted that she doesn't consider her music within the soul genre.

"I don't think of it as a soul record," she insists. "When I was in school, I really thought about soul a lot. I was listening a lot to Björk and to the Commodores. I really wanted to know how they felt. And especially with Björk, the music there told me wow, that's really her soul, there. I thought about her a lot, about the sound of her music… Well, it wasn't exactly about the sound, and it wasn't about what other people call 'finding your bounds', or whatever. I thought of her soul; her music made me contemplate her soul. It made me think of Björk, and how she felt. You know what I mean? What she felt like inside. It was never about the genre. So I just came never to think of the idea of soul as being about a category."

For those of you who don't have a clue who Björk is, here is a small musical history lesson. Björk is an Icelandic singer, song writer, and producer who like Alice Smith music could not be identified or placed in one specific genre. Björk is definetely known for her soft voice and electronic sounds, but her musical interest and sound could be compared to jazz, pop, alternative rock, and house all at once. I'm not going to front I have never heard of this woman or her music before hearing about Alice Smith, but hey you learn something new everyday.

Now, if hear tracks from Alice Smith's album like "Know that I" and "Fake is the new real" you can equate her sound to country, with a dab of soul, sprinkled with reggae rhythms. So, as you can see like Björk this songstress music cannot be characterized into one genre because it serves her work no justice. It is inevitable that Alice Smith is a unique and talented artist and that is why she is chosen to be featured in the launching of this month's Most Slept on Artists. For more info about Alice Smith please check her out on http://www.alicesmith.com/ or hit up her MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/alicesmith. Alice Smith is indeed bringing that brand new flava to ya hear!