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

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"

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

More Videos

Battle of the Soul Beasts: JL Versus RL

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

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

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?

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

"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!


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!

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

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

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...

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

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!!!

More Videos

Who else? Let's see, Alicia Keys just released her empowering video Superwoman, that's my ish too. I blast this album and this song especially when I'm feeling down and out. Beware!!! Because if you are as sensitive and emotional as I have been lately and can relate to the struggles that are covered in this video you might want to grab a box of Kleenex because I was ballin during this video with my fist raised in the air talking about, "I am Superwoman!"



Oh yeah, my favorite Dream Girl Jennifer Hudson just released her video "Spotlight" and I absolutely love it to pieces. J.Hudson is definitely setting the bar for female artists who stay true to themselves and exemplifies what it means to feel good in your own SKIN. She is someone that every little girl, grown woman, and infant should look up to because she is FABULOUS!!! And this video features a little eye candy Mr.FINE himself one the actors from one of Tyler Perry's Medea plays and Mmm is all I have to say.

Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight


It's too many artists to name, but as always keep it locked on Most Slept On Artists and I will try my best to bring consistent brand new flava to ya ear.

Shoutoutz to the flyest mommy's to be Krissy & Maddie! I love you ladies and my GC and Niece or Nephew!!! Muah!!!
Congrats to Shake Your Beauty Blogger Tia Williams, she is expecting too... Woo Hoo!!! And to all the beautiful brown mommy's to be out there!!! xoxo

Celebrating Black Music Month!!!

[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?

"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!!!

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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!!!

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

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

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!