Artist Spotlight - Carlitta Durand

Ms. Durand is no newcomer to the music industry, but she is far from a household name. Fans of Little Brother (Sirens, After the Party) and Zo! (Nights Over Egypt) are very aware of the vocal stylings of Carlitta. I had to step back and take notice when I heard "Nights Over Egypt" because the vocals were so smooth and because it is my favorite track off ...Just Visiting Too. Her mixtape has gotten great reviews and I know she is poised for a big break in the near future. She has a variety of styles and won't be pigeon-holed easily. Check out "A New Life" and you will hear a hint of Ella Fitzgerald on a hip-hop/big band beat. Then on a track like "Zoom" there is a futuristic, high-intensity vibe going on. This may be her best attempt at a party track. But, most of the songs I've heard have been more sultry than anything. I think she does a great job of knowing how much vocal force to give each song. If it calls for her to hold back a little, she does that really well. Also, her voice sounds slightly different from song to song which is really good so the music doesn't become predictable. North Carolina is sooooooooooo slept on when it comes to the music scene. I'm hoping that all the work that Little Brother, Carlitta Durand, and others continue to do will bring that area the much needed props they deserve.

My Personal Carlitta Durand soundtrack:

You Got Me Pt. 1
Zoom
This Time Around - RoddyRod feat. Carlitta Durand and Phonte (video below)
Nights Over Egypt - Zo! feat. Carlitta Durand
What If?

http://www.myspace.com/missdurand

RoddyRod feat Carlitta Durand and Phonte - "This Time Around" from Humble Monarch on Vimeo.

Artist Spotlight - The New Royales

You may not know the group by name, but you definitely know the music. The New Royales is a collective fronted by music producer DJ Khalil. Khalil has produced some of my favorite beats 0f 2009 including "The One" by Slaughterhouse and "Kinda Like a Big Deal" by The Clipse and Kanye West. The group also consists of instrumentalist Chin Injeti, writer Erik Alcock, and singer Liz Rodrigues. They do a great job of fusing different types of music and sounds to create a sound all their own. "Kinda Like a Big Deal" has so much going on it takes a few listens just to catch all the different drops and nuances. This collective is part of a larger feeling out there that genres of music are nothing but labels. Sometimes you cannot classify a sound, a beat, or a vocal. Sometimes music is just music. I'm listening to the song they did with Bishop Lamont entitled "City Lights" and it's bananas!! He's rapping as hard and as gully as you can go. The beat is very hip hop as well. But, when the hook comes on it goes straight rock and could easily be something you would hear on a Daughtry or a Hinder album. "Hit N' Run" is another song they have where you can't really label. Is it rock? Is it pop? I don't know but it's addicting either way. Liz Rodrigues has one of the most chameleon-like voices I've heard in a while. It's reminiscent of some Electronica or Techno music on "Everywhere", but on "The One" it's soooooo rock n' roll! The music that they are putting out now furthers my argument that there is so much good music out there. They have yet to drop an album, but I know it can't be too far away. Dr. Dre has already given them a co-sign so things have to be on the horizon for the group. Check them on MySpace to witness the music first hand!!

My Personal New Royales Soundtrack:

The One - Slaughterhouse (produced by DJ Khalil - video below)
City Lights featuring Bishop Lamont
Kinda Like a Big Deal (produced by DJ Khalil - video below)
Everywhere featuring Self-Scientific
New World Order (video below)

http://www.myspace.com/thenewroyales

Clipse feat Kanye West - Kinda Like A Big Deal from Malice of the Clipse on Vimeo.

Artist Spotlight - Wale

DMV's own Wale (pronounced Wall-A) is now a bonafide rockstar! Actually he's like a rapstar, but you get the idea. Since the release of his third mixtape, 100 Miles and Running, over two years ago he has continuously blessed us with great music. Whether it is the Go-Go inspired "Breakdown", the thoughtful "The Kramer", or the lyrical re-thinking of The Roots instrumental "Work" Wale has always kept it entertaining. Now signed to Mark Ronson's Allido Records and managed by Jay-Z's ROC Nation one can only assume that his career is just now really blossoming. Now I used to question how sick he was on the mic. When I heard 100 Miles and Running I liked it, but mainly because of the beats and because I could tell he was having fun making the music. I wasn't ready to give the kid too many props. Then I heard The Mixtape About Nothing and I could tell that Wale had stepped up his lyrical game. Not to mention all the Seinfeld clips, references, and the totally F'n cool Julia Louis-Dreyfus appearance. That mixtape was one of the best thought out pieces of work I'd heard in a while. Fast forward to earlier this year when I heard that Wale was coming out with a new mixtape with tons of features from other rap artists. I was really anticipating that joint because the idea sounded cool. So after MONTHS of waiting Wale finally dropped Back to the Feature on June 19th featuring artists such as Talib Kweli, J.Cole, Curren$y, Joell Ortiz, Peedi Peedi, Bun B, Big Sean, and Jean Grae. I was very impressed by this effort because all the guests brought something to the table. This wasn't him saying that "I know a lot of people and I'm gonna show off my connects!" It was more of a "Let's get a lot of talented people together and make some dope music!" Wale's debut album, Attention: Deficit should be released on September 22nd of this year. It features his current single "Chillin" featuring Lady Gaga and production by Cool & Dre, Mark Ronson, and Sean C & LV. I'm hoping for some Go-Go inspired tracks because he is really the only dude I know that can flow over a Go-Go beat and still make it sound cool. He has free downloads to all three of his mixtapes via MySpace so check the kid out if you haven't already.

My Personal Wale Soundtrack:

Bonafide
Chillin' featuring Lady Gaga (video below)
The Artistic Integrity
W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E. (video below)
Hot Shyt featuring Peedi Peedi, Young Chris, Black Thought, and Tu Phace

http://www.myspace.com/wale
http://www.walemusic.com/

Artist Spotlight - Electrik Red

Prince had Apollonia 6 and Vanity 6. Rick James had the Mary Jane Girls. The-Dream is now trying to enter the girl-group arena with Electrik Red. Granted, they were a fully-functioning group with songs & videos prior to signing with Def Jam, but their they have blown up since hooking up with The-Dream. Formed in 2005, the group consists of Kyndra "Binkie" Reevey and Lesley Lewis from New York as well as Naomi Allen and Sarah Rosete from Toronto. They were all back-up dancers that came together to form a "singing" group. They signed with Def Jam in 2008 and The-Dream took them under his wing and executive produced their first album along with Tricky Stewart. I'm a big fan of The-Dream so I took a chance and copped How To Be a Lady: Volume 1 and it took me by surprise. We can debate for hours the notion of if you have to be able to sing in order to be an R&B artist. I'm not sure if these ladies can sing, but they can entertain, kinda like The-Dream. The first single was "Drink in My Cup" and I like how the verses were done and it sounded kinda fresh. I still wasn't convinced until I heard the "So Good" remix with Lil' Wayne. After I heard that track I knew the production was going to be tight. After playing the album those songs aren't even my favorite cuts. "Devotion" is a really nice mid-tempo track that showcases some singing ability from the group. The song "Bed Rest" could easily be played on urban radio, but unfortunately I don't think it will be released as a single. The group decided to release "Friend Lover" instead and shot a pretty cool video for it. Even though I like the album, some of the tracks I can't stand because they are either too vulgar for an R&B track or because the beat throws me off. Steer clear of "W.F.Y.", "Kill Bill", and "P is for Power." The album has only sold about 10,000 copies so I'm not sure they will get to release a sophomore disc, but I'm hopeful. I think with a little growth they can be relevant in the industry. They are definitely challenging the status quo of what it means to be a lady. Do ya thing ladies.

My Personal Electrik Red Soundtrack:

Devotion
Go Shawty
Bed Rest
So Good (Remix) feat. Lil' Wayne (video below)
Friend Lover

http://www.electrikred.com/
http://www.myspace.com/electrikred
http://www.electrikredmusic.com/

Artist Spotlight - Black Kids

Okay so they aren't ALL black, but it's still the name of the group. And because of them Pop music never sounded so good. Black Kids, consisting of brother/sister duo Reggie and Ali Youngblood, Dawn Watley, Kevin Snow, and Owen Holmes, hail from Jacksonville, Florida. They mix Pop, R&B, and Rock to make a very cool sound that you can't help but admire. When I purchased Lykke Li's Youth Novels album they did a remix of "I'm Good, I'm Gone" that I really liked so that kinda peeked my interest. Soooooo, obviously I was late on "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You" which is their most popular song. That song is a good time waiting to happen. I love how the girl chants the chorus at the end. I don't plan on being late to the party when they release their next banger!! And that banger just may be "Look at Me (When I Rock Wichoo)" because it's a great summer song. I'm not completely sold on Reggie's lead vocal ability. I mean, he has a very distinctive voice and you know it's him when you hear his voice, but it may grow tiresome after awhile. But, I think the coolest thing about Black Kids is how ill their videos are. They obviously don't have a big budget, but they know how to make great videos. I call it creativity in abundance. The group is pretty popular in the UK with all of their singles charting pretty high. They haven't had too much success in The States yet, but that should change soon. A telling sign is the critical they've had thus far over here. Their debut album, Partie Traumatic, was very well-received. SPIN Magazine, The New York Post, and NME all gave it a mention on their top album lists of 2008. Look out for more from the Columbia Records backed Black Kids!

My Personal Black Kids Soundtrack:

Look at Me (When I Rock Wichoo)
I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You
I'm Making Eyes at You
Hurricane Jane
Power in the Blood

http://www.blackkidsmusic.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Kids

http://www.myspace.com/blackkidsrock

Black Kids 'Look at me' from Rollo Wenlock on Vimeo.

The more things change...

The "let the Lox go" campaign took place roughly 10 years ago.  The lox ditched Bad Boy and their shiny suits for the dirty denim of Ruff Ryders and some mediocre success.  Since that time Kiss, Styles, and Sheek have all released solo LP's, and their label D Block continues to struggle to get off the ground.  So of course now that it's time to release the next Lox group LP, the group has decided to sign with... P. Diddy.  Without getting into too many specifics, the Lox could have a couple million extra if they would have just stayed at Bad Boy and completed their contract instead of threatening to "drop a refrigerator" on litttle ol' Puff Daddy if they couldn't break their deal.  Anyways, here's the link.  http://www.sohh.com/2009/06/sheek_louch_confirms_lox.html

Artist Spotlight - The Cool Kids

I really shouldn't be doing this. The purpose of the Artist Spotlight section is to showcase unsigned or underground artists. These guys have already released an album that was available at most retailers. But, the thing is people are still sleeping on them so I'll go ahead and act like they aren't ripping up shows all over the country or having their infectious beats pounding in cars and trucks like a rebirth of Beats by the Pound. The Cool Kids' debut EP, The Bake Sale, was released in June of 2008 and was a breath of fresh air for a lot of hip hop fans. It wasn't because they have superior lyrical ability (not even close), but more because of the style of their music. They have thumping beats and a party feel to their songs that is reminiscent of the late 80's. So it's no coincidence that one of their singles was entitled "'88" in reference to, arguably, the best year in hip-hop history. The two members, Mikey Rocks and Chuck Inglish, met on MySpace when Mikey heard one of Chuck's beats. Ever since then they have been a group and have been putting in work. Their music has been featured in numerous video games including NBA 2K9 and NBA Live '08. They have also been endorsed by Mountain Dew for the song "Delivery Man." It looks like The Cool Kids will be here to stay. I have seen some of their concert footage on Vimeo and they really know how to put on a show. I also heard they ripped the show they did here in Cincinnati last year..........which I missed.........DAMN! Their most recent mixtape, Gone Fishing, is still available for download at http://www.coolxkids.com/. Look for the full length album, When Fish Ride Bicycles, to be released in December of this year.

My Personal Cool Kids Soundtrack:

The Bake Sale (EP)
The Delivery Man (video below)
Pennies
The Delivery Man (9th Wonder Remix)
Oscar

Artist Spotlight - Slaughterhouse

"I ain't lyin', sir,
You ain't gotta watch Tim Duncan jump to see a flyin' Spur.
Bentley boy, no it's not "H to the Izzo,"
But I push Buddens like Jay shoulda did Joe.
People's choice, the voice of my time,
with Royce Da 5'9", we boys and night shine.
I let Joell poison my mind,
Grab a silencer and kill y'all noise with my 9!" - Crooked I

For all I care you can call this group Tahiry's Boyfriend and his Homies or TBAHH for short. It doesn't really matter. The fact remains that they may not be household names, but they are a supergroup. Internet cats know how they get down. Wale knows how much love Nahright shows these cats and for good reason. Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, Joe Budden, and Royce 5'9 formed Slaughterhouse in 2008 and have ripped clubs, radio shows, and tracks with a passion ever since. JoeBuddenTV showed early videos of these guys meeting up and discussing the possibility of forming a group. Even with Joe and Royce not being the best of friends, they put their differences aside and combined their talents. The first song they did was called "Slaughterhouse" and it was featured on Joe's Halfway House mixtape. I've been trying to tell anyone that will listen that you can't listen to their songs and honestly tell me that you can name a rapper that consistently goes harder. These cats do not take verses off!! The group should be having an album coming soon as well as many more freestyles and songs.

My Personal Slaughterhouse Soundtrack:

Onslaught
Wack MC's
Slaughterhouse feat. Nino Bless
Move On (video below)
Fight Klub

Slaughterhouse -"Move On" Directed By John Colombo from john colombo on Vimeo.

Artist Spotlight - Sterling Simms

It's hard enough being an artist on a normal record label. But, being a male R&B artist on Def Jam must be extremely difficult for the kid Sterling Simms. He's basically fourth in line behind Ne-Yo, The-Dream, and Bobby Valentino. So it's not really your fault if you have no idea who the dude is. But, it is your fault if you don't go and try to get his album after sampling some of his music below! I remember when he first came out with the song "Jumpoff" featuring Sean P. of the Youngbloodz. I wasn't too impressed with the song at first but it grew on me. But, then every time I heard a new song from him, the Philadelphia native was knocking out doubles, triples, and a couple of home runs, for real. I thought for sure when he appeared on Jay-Z's diss record "Dig a Hole" it would only be a matter of time before his album dropped. Wrong! Jay dropped Kingdom Come, which featured "Dig a Hole", on November 20, 2006. But Sterling's album, Yours, Mine, and the Truth, didn't see the light of day until December 23, 2008. Talk about paying dues! I think with the right amount of time and promotion his first album could have been something special, but it seemed rushed. He has mass talent and takes chances. My favorite Sterling joint, "Nasty Girl", sounds like something The-Dream would do. But, it is not rip-off by any means. That song didn't make the album which I still don't understand. Hopefully he will get a second project released to showcase his skills. He does stay on his grind promoting so I think the chances are pretty good.

My Personal Sterling Simms Soundtrack:

Nasty Girl (Remix below)
Stuck in Traffic feat. Cassidy (Below)
Jumpoff feat. Sean P
Stuck on Stupid
All I Need feat. The-Dream/Jadakiss

http://www.myspace.com/sterlingsimms
http://www.defjam.com/site/artist_home.php?artist_id=635

Stuck In Traffic (Feat. Cassidy) - Sterling Simms

Nasty Girl Remix (Produced by Oddz.N.Endz) - Sterling Simms

Sterling Simms Interview from Mikey McFly on Vimeo.

Artist Spotlight - Chester French

DJ Clinton Sparks says that these guys are what you get when you cross Outkast and The Beatles. I don't know if I'd go that far, but Chester French is pretty damn good. Apparently there was a bidding war between a few music moguls for the chance to sign the group and Pharrell was the highest bidder. Smart move by them. The group consists of Harvard graduates Maxwell Drummey and D.A. Wallach. They have definitely paid their dues and are now being rewarded for all the hard work. They just released a mixtape entitled Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance which is really dope. Features on the mixtape include Talib Kweli, Bun B, Solange, Wale, Pusha T, Jadakiss, N.O.R.E, my mama, your aunt Ruth, and everybody else! Classifying their music is really hard, which I consider a good thing. They don't rap, but they make music that rappers seem to gravitate towards. Their first underground single "Jimmy Choos" was an Internet hit and was sampled by another underground star, Mickey Factz. Chester French will be releasing their debut album this Tuesday April 21st, entitled Love the Future. From what I've heard it should be really hot. Make sure you check them out and if you like what you hear, please show them love on iTunes or in your local music retailer.

My Personal Chester French Soundtrack:

She Loves Everybody (Video Below)
Jimmy Choos
Campus Kingpin
I'm So Tall feat. Talib Kweli, Bun B, and Mickey Factz (Playing on our MySpace Page http://www.myspace.com/thechopup)
What a World - Common feat. Chester French

http://www.myspace.com/chesterfrench
http://www.chesterfrench.com/
http://www.facebook.com/chesterfrench


http://vimeo.com/2866743 from Nick Crescendo on Vimeo.

J. Cole... "The Come Up"

In July of 2001, artist Petey Pablo demanded "North Carolina to C'mon and Raise up!". Who would have guessed almost eight years later it would with the emergence of J. Cole, Jay-Z's first artist signed to his new "ROC Nation" label. With little advertisement and no studio produced singles J. Cole has already placed himself at the top of the list to help revive hip hop and place a permanent foot print into this dormant industry. He has quickly become one of hip hops most talked about new artist. From him producing his own music to his insightful lyrics or his million dollar deal (Which I hear was a stupid crazy amount), this artist is definitely headed in the right direction to becoming a new legend in the game, And with your boy Mr. H to the Izzo backing him, there's no way he can lose. Keep Your ears close to the street for "The Come Up", the first mix tape to be released from J. Cole, hosted by Dj. OnPoint. A couple of notable tracks from the mix tape are "School Daze,” "Grown Simba,” and "Losing My Balance" which I posted the live version from the studio. Check it out, he is one artist that should not be slept on.

Artist Spotlight - Melanie Fiona

OK, here's the thing. My rule used to be that I had to hear (and like) at least five songs from an artist before I did a spotlight on them. But, I didn't want to wait for Melanie Fiona to drop three more songs when I could just give her a shout out now and hopefully add the new music as it comes in. How ill is she? She opened some shows for Kanye West in Europe without even having an album released. How ill is she? She signed a deal with Roc Nation (headed by Jay-Z) to be her management. How ill is she? Just listen to her version of "Ready For Love" below for a taste. The Toronto, Canada native of Guyanese descent is ready to make a big splash in the R&B world. She enlisted Busta Rhymes and Raekwon for the remix of her single "Give It To Me Right." And anytime an R&B singer has Raekwon on their song, they get props from me. She shows incredible voice control and range on the heartfelt "It Kills Me" which I hope she will shoot a video for soon. A lot of R&B singers come and go without leaving their mark. I hope Melanie Fiona will keep churning out great music because I think she has something different to offer the game. "Give It To Me Right" is currently available on iTunes (Hint Hint).

My Personal Melanie Fiona Soundtrack:


It Kills Me
Give It To Me Right
Give It To Me Right (Remix) feat. Busta Rhymes and Raekwon

http://melaniefiona.com/
http://myspace.com/melaniefiona

BOTH VIDEOS COURTESY OF MELANIEFIONATV:

Artist Spotlight - Steph Jones

Why do hip hop labels continuously sign R&B acts just to have them sit in 'record label hell'???? I mean if you really think you can do something in the R&B genre go right ahead, but don't waste your money and the artists' time by having them sit. Steph Jones is a former Ford model and talented singer from Texas who was previously signed to Ludacris' Disturbing Tha Peace label. His only major exposure from that label was on the song "Celebrity Chick" featuring Luda, Chingy, and Small World. I really liked that song and thought that Steph would have big things in his future, but it hasn't panned out that way. He hasn't released an album yet, but he has been releasing music. I still have some of his earlier songs in heavy rotation. "Mr. Ordinary" is simple, yet fun, joint about doing regular things throughout your day. This song really emphasizes that Steph is not going to be your average R&B crooner. On the very impressive "La La Means Love" Steph goes all in and delivers a song that would have been a radio favorite. I have no idea why this song wasn't released as a single. The melody of this song is very smooth and the lyrics are great. I especially love the bridge and the "1 time, 2 times c'mon" at the end. Recently, Steph released a new song called "Shooting Star" which is very funky and futuristic. He does the auto-tone thing and even though I'm not a fan of EVERYBODY doing it, it does fit in with the beat of this song. "Shooting Star" is a great song to dance to and I've been playing it heavy for the past two weeks. I'm not sure if you can really compare Steph Jones to any singers before him, but I think that can be a good thing. Maxwell and D'Angelo have been mentioned, but I think his sound is completely different than those two gentleman. There is definitely a place in the game for someone with his talent. I hope he can find a label that will allow him to write and record the songs he wants because it would be a shame if he just fades away.


My Personal Steph Jones Soundtrack:


La La Means Love
Mr. Ordinary
Get Me Started (video below)
Shooting Star
You Are My Sunshine

http://www.myspace.com/stephjones2

Artist Spotlight - Asher Roth

"If Jason Bourne was to record and join forces with Zack Morris, they'd form my performance."


Yes, he's a rapper. Yes, he's white. Yes, he's from the suburbs. Yes, he kinda sounds like that other white rapper. Okay, now that we got that out the way let's get to know Mr. Roth. Born in Morrisville, Pennsylvania Asher Roth started rapping in high school and has since worked his way to an underground star. I've been listening to Asher for about a year and he has never really blown me away with his lyrical ability. There are a lot of rappers out there who can rap circles around this guy. But, what he lacks in straight lyrics, he makes up for in comedy, style, and enthusiasm. His first mixtape, The GreenHouse Effect Vol. 1, was a collaboration with Don Cannon and DJ Drama from the famed Gangsta Grillz series. There were moments on that mixtape when I found myself thinking "This guy ain't half bad and I wanna hear him spit over some beats designed for his flow." And I give anybody props that can come up with some of the stuff he does. Over the Shawty Lo "Dey Know" beat, he doesn't 'big up his haters', but instead asks "Excuse me waiter.......where are my capers? For real, I don't wanna be a pain in the ass, but I ordered capers on this salad." And he has an entire song dedicated on which female cartoon character he wants to have sex with the most. I'm not making this stuff up! His current single, "I Love College", is one of my favorite songs at the moment . These are the types of songs that Asher shines on. He is currently signed to Steve Rifkind's SRC label and they will be releasing his debut album, Asleep in the Bread Aisle on April 21st. There is definitely a segment of hip-hop fans that Asher Roth will relate to. He will also bring in a lot of new fans to the genre. As long as the label doesn't try to turn him into a pop star, all should be well for the kid.

My Personal Asher Roth Soundtrack:

The Lounge
Roth Boys
CANNON!!!!!
I Love College (video below)
Cartoon Chick

http://www.asherrothmusic.com/
http://www.thedailykush.com/


Asher Roth - I love college from lefebvre simon on Vimeo.

Artist Spotlight - Charles Hamilton

Charles Hamilton may have a common name, but he is anything but a 'common' rapper. He has an unusual fascination with Sonic the Hedgehog and routinely has Sonic-influenced album covers and verses. But, don't let his admiration for the Sega character throw you off....he can spit! The Cleveland-born, Harlem-raised artist takes his craft very seriously. His first single, "Brooklyn Girls" details why the opposite sex of that specific borough is better than the others. That single was off his first mixtape Outside Looking which came out in June of '08. Since then, Mr. Hamilton has dropped over 15 more mixtapes. That is not a typo. Over 15 mixtapes in less than 8 months. That my friends, is The Hamiltonization Process. From the mixtapes that I've downloaded the music has stayed pretty consistent too. My favorite album from The Hamiltonization Process is The L Word. On that album, DJ Skee chops up some classic R&B songs, some rock tunes and some pop cuts that Charles praises the female gender over. Also, B posted a back and forth battle with Charles and Serius Jones a few weeks back so you should check that out to hear him spit off the dome.

My Personal Charles Hamilton Soundtrack (All Mixtapes):

The L Word

Well Isn't This Awkward

Outside Looking

Sonic the Hamilton

Death of the Mixtape Rapper

http://www.myspace.com/hamiltonsmusic

http://www.iamnotcharleshamilton.com/

Charles Hamilton - Brooklyn Girl from Kidd Izzo on Vimeo

Artist Spotlight - Lykke Li

I first heard of Lykke Li a few months ago when Drake used her single "Little Bit" to showcase his vocal range. Her voice instantly caught my attention and I had to hear more from her. I then discovered her debut album Youth Novels and have been a huge fan ever since. The Swedish singer has lived all over the world including stints in Nepal and New York, where she completed her album. Her music has been described as Pop, Rock, and Electro. I'm not sure if any of those genres actually fit, but maybe that is for the better. Youth Novels has a little bit, pun intended, of everything you can think of. Just listen to the music!! "Dance Dance Dance" is minimalistic and has a polka feel to it. And the way she pronounces dance is kinda addicting. She gets funky on the cut "Let it Fall" which sounds to be hip-hop influenced. I can't tell if she doesn't mind crying or if she really, really enjoys crying. This song is just about crying and crying some more! On a softer note, she does great things with the song "Tonight". Her voice will never be mistaken for Mariah or Mary J., but there is something very sincere in the way she sings. And this hook gets stuck in your head on first listen. You won't be able to get it out either. It just stays there. Luckily for us, her album has charted on the Billboard Heatseekers chart so she is gaining exposure in The States. She is currently finishing up a North American tour so if she happens to be in your city please check her out.

My Personal Lykke Li Soundtrack:

Little Bit (Remix) featuring Drake and Mickey Factz
Tonight
Breaking It Up
Dance Dance Dance
I'm Good, I'm Gone (Video Below)

http://www.lykkeli.com
http://www.myspace.com/lykkeli



Lykke Li - I'm Good, I'm Gone from Lykke Li on Vimeo.

Artist Spotlight - Pacific Division

U-N-I isn't the only "Left Coast" group being slept on these days. We could really have a Blog section called "Slept On West Coast Artist of the Week" at the rate this is going. Funny thing is I've been a Pac Div fan before I even heard of U-N-I. They've been doing their thing for a while. Group members Mibbs, Like, and BeYoung definitely have something special they are bringing to the game. No bling talk, gun talk, or dope talk on these records. Instead, they deliver rhymes that the average Joe can relate to. "All I Want" is an ode to the American Dream, but from the perspective of trying to get it the 'right' way. One of their most popular songs, "Taste", is also my favorite from the group. The song lets everybody know that if you aren't hip to Pac Div.......you're missing out! The group tends to use comedy in a lot of their verses. On the hilarious "Ack Like U Chillin" they give you advice on how to get out of situations that may get a little sticky. Stealing money from your job? Get caught cheating? No worries. Just ACK LIKE U CHILLIN'! After listening to a few songs from Pacific Division you'll see why they have been co-signed by Pharrell, Questlove, and Snoop.

My Personal Pacific Division Soundtrack:

Gorgeous
Taste
All I Want
Women Problems (Video Below)
Ack Like U Chillin'


http://www.pacdiv.com/
http://www.myspace.com/pacificdivision

Ryan Leslie "How it was supposed to be"

Ryan Leslie is a very talented singer/songwriter/producer.  His claim to fame thus far is discovering Cassie(now signed to Bad Boy).  Anyone who can give a suspect singer like Cassie a smash hit with "Me and You" has to be the truth.  His album drops Feb. 10th, and from what I have heard is well worth the purchase.  Check out the new single "How it was supposed to be".
How It Was Supposed To Be (Military Version) from Ryan Leslie on Vimeo.

Artist Spotlight - Aaradhna

New Zealand is not known as a Mecca for soul singers, but I think they may be on to something. Aaradhna can flat out sing. She doesn't have a powerful voice a la Aretha Franklin, but she has just as good of pipes as any female singer on the Billboard 200. More surprising than her voice, may be the beats on her 2006 debut album, I Love You. Released on the now defunct Dawn Raid Entertainment label, I Love You has something for every mood. Shake is a funky dance groove that will get you out your chair. I'm Never has a sultry vibe and Down Time is a catchy song that could fit in on any urban radio station. But, the gem on the album is Secret Lover. I don't know what language she is singing the hook in, but it doesn't matter. The song is hot. In 2008 she released her second album, Sweet Soul Music, on which she does covers of some Motown classics. And she does them well! She may be my favorite female R&B singer at the moment. She has a few new joints on her MySpace page. Written in Your Eyes and Miss Lovely both sound really nice!! TGFiT......Thank God For iTunes!

My Aaradhna Soundtrack:

Secret Lover

I Love You Too

Down Time

I'm Never

I Want You Back (Jackson 5 cover)

http://www.myspace.com/aaradhna

Artist Spotlight - U-N-I

The West Coast hasn't had a lot of new artists hit the mainstream in a while. Most of the new cats (Glasses Malone, Bishop Lamont, etc.) haven't crossed over just yet. I'm hoping that U-N-I will reverse that trend. The group consists of members Thurzday and Y-O and they released their debut album Fried Chicken & Watermelon in 2007. Most of the music I've heard from them has been really good. They use a lot of smooth beats that sound great on the highway and they can both spit. I was pleasantly surprised to hear a New Edition sample on the aptly titled, Cool It Now. They are currently working on their next album, A Love Supreme, which should showcase the talent of the group.


My U-N-I Soundtrack
Soul Hop
Cool It Now
Monster
Cali Soul
Beautiful Day (Remix)

http://www.myspace.com/unimuzik