::SOUND CHECK:: 7 Days of Funk- Dam Funk and Snoopzilla

7 Days of Funk- Dam Funk and Snoopzilla
Album Review and photos by Nocturnal Charm

The first show I ever shot took place at a rock venue here Baltimore called The Ottobar.  The featured act that night was a relatively unknown cat named Dam-Funk from Southern California whose main passion and goal in the music industry was to introduce a whole new generation to LA born, 80's, jheri-curl funk.  As an unabashed lover of all boogie music, I was introduced to this cat on a mix from one of the music blogs I frequent.  Steve Arrington's perfect vocals had just sung the last note of Slave's seminal classic, "Just A Touch of Love", as a nasty ass 808 drop put my head on instant nod mode.  This would be the beginning of Dam-Funk's ode to staying true to yourself and your hood, "HoodPass Intact".  From that moment on, I was instantly a fan of Dam, his music and his vision.  Over the years, he's become a true ambassador and torchbearer for Funk, collaborating with a who's who of today's hipster acts, ranging from Meyer Hawthorne to Hudson Mohawke.

 His latest effort is with living legend himself, Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion aka SnoopZilla.  When I first got word this project was in the works I worried a bit, as I feared that Snoops' massive presence would overshadow Dams' sound... I was wrong.    The contributions of SnoopZilla and Dam Funk on 7 Days of Funk are not only equal, but more importantly, complimentary as Snoops vocals serve as the lead instrument in Dams' synth-phonic symphony.

It's clear from the first track of the 8-song offering that Funks' goal was to escort the listener in a time warp; back to a time when the Jheri Curl was the hairstyle of choice, Ray-Gun was president and acts like Zapp and Slave dominated urban radio.  With his cohort Snoopzilla (apparently taking a brief reprieve from his Snoop Lion person), he succeeds mightily in crafting tracks to bump and ride out to simultaneously.  The Bootsy Collins assisted, "Hit the Pavement" starts off the the album with Snoop in his element. Boasting over a classic gfunk-era beat, this track stands out as the most reminiscent of the SN-double-OP that we were first introduced to some 20 years ago.  Where NHTPs' purpose was to pull the listener in, the rest of the album serves as a blend of true electro funk and laid back harmony and rhymes.

"Let It Go" finds SnoopZilla crooning and rhyming over Dams' smooth cover of the Patrice Rushen dance floor classic.  More smooth funkiness is offered on "I'll Be There For You".  As Snoop showed on his 2012 surprise hit, "Sexual Seduction", he's a master of the subtle and appropriate use of the vocorder.   In addition to the 80's nostalgia, there's also some "back in the day" love shown to the Dogg Pound (Kurupt and Daz) as they take us thirty something's back to (high)s chool on "Ride" and "Systamatic". Though Snoop shines lyrically on the album, at no point do you forget that this is Dam's baby.  His mastery and command of his sound which used to come across as mimicry and fan boyish, now is clearly his own.  He's even resurrected Steve Arrington from the ashes and features him on the albums' standout track, "1question?".  Arrington's whiny but soulful vocals excel as he asks object of his desire, 'do you love me?' over more of  Funks' SoCal stank.

7 Days excels where most collab albums fail.  Instead of highlighting the individual talents of the artists, it melds the two participants and gives the listener a aural experience that's both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.  Two all old heads and and old school music lovers, dont fret; The funk is indeed alive and well

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::SOUND CHECK:: Teresa Jenee | Electric Yellow

::SOUND CHECK:: Teresa Jenee | Electric Yellow
Review by Nocturnal Charm

It’s rare that an LP grabs me the way Teresa Jenee's debut album, Electric Yellow has.  And to think I stumbled across the download while peeping one of my favorite lyricists’ Black Spades’ Twitter page.  He was shouting out a fellow St. Louis natives’ debut album of which he had a hand in producing and wanted the masses to check out what in my opinion is the best debut album since Jill
Scotts’ Who is...

I realize that’s a strong statement but I firmly stick by it; The young lady just has IT.  She’s like some sort of amalgamation of what all modern day artists R+B SHOULD be in the eyes of soul music snob (of which most of my colleagues happen to be).  Vocally she’s reminds me of Janelle Monet as her voice slithers through valleys before soaring to peaks that I’ve yet to hear even as skilled a singer as Monet reach.  The songwriting is easily some of the best I’ve heard in recent memory. Here you’ll find NO cliches’, NO typical subject matter, and no lines placed simply for the sake of rhyming. The lyrics throughout this album read like a collection of personal diary entries backed by lush aural landscapes that range from electro-soul to stripped down piano ballads.

Among this collection of great tunes are a few that stand out especially in my mind.  The gorgeous, “Ode to October” is an appreciation of all the sights, and sounds of nature in the fall season.  This is a perfect example of the complex and layered songwriting that fills the album; as its not only
details the crisp air and crackly, brown leaves but speaks of the romantic feeling that accompany such surroundings. "Cleopatra Love & War" finds Jenee channeling her inner Prince as she employs her rendition of his trademark falsetto over a sparse synth-dominated track and informs her lover that she wants to play the role of submissive and have them to take charge.  The shining star of the album is clearly  the title track. "Electric Yellow". It’s no wonder this is the projects’ title because it represents the incredible artwork on the cover. The song is full of color, life, vibrance. Its clearly Jenee at her best as her voice soars over aggressive,  eletrolicious-soulful production by the singer herself that makes you either wanna shake your ass or drive VERYYYYYY fast.

At a hefty total of 15 tracks, including one beautiful rendition of Des’ree’s classic “Kissing You", this effort is more than solid, its great. Instead of a project that has a few hot tracks meant to entertain til the next “joint” drops, she’s managed to make an album that has the potential to become timeless, much like (the aforementioned) Who is Jill Scott and The Miseducation...  Take a bow Teresa Jenee; you are indeed…next.

Down load Electric Yellow HERE and follow Teresa Jenee at @TERESAJENEE

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::SOUND CHECK:: Kilo Kish | Homeschool [FREE DOWNLOAD]

::SOUND CHECK:: Kilo Kish | Homeschool [FREE DOWNLOAD]

Review by Nocturnal Charm

Close your eyes and think back to the days of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air..
Now remember Hilary Banks.. That beautiful, arrogant, self assured,
ditzy-sounding (but not minded) valley girl who captured many a young
mans’ heart with her menial musings, painful heartache and overall
addictive demeanor.  Now before we end this meditation let me bring u
up to date.. Lets imagine that just to piss Uncle Phil off, she met a
guy named Tyler and started running with him and his band of misfits..
Let’s call the misfits, Odd Future and let’s say she started rhyming
out of a sense of belonging til’ it ultimately became a practice in
skill.. Now open ur eyes and DL the new free LP
 Homeschool from Kilo Kish,
yet another raw talent that’s emerged from the Odd Future stable
of young stars.

I think I’m in a minority of 30-somethings that really dig the
offerings that Odd Future have churned out in their short time in the
public eye. A lot of folks my age are turned off by the sometimes
immature subject matter and arrogance that the squad gleefully
embraces.  But if u listen to the albums... take it in context and
appreciate the musicianship, you’ll realize that these kids are
adopting that new age urban synth sound that the Neptunes birthed in
the early 2000’s and taking it beyond the simple bleeps and blops of
“Drop it like its hot” by adding layers of complexity that challenge
ur mind AND makes ur head nod… hard. With solid offerings from Tyler
the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, Hodgy, Domo, Jet Age of Tomorrow and
most recently, The Internet(my fav out of the bunch, whose album Kish
was heavily featured on), OF has proven to be one of the stronger hip
hop crews in recent memory.

This all brings me to present Kish Robinson aka Kilo Kish,
self-described student, designer and recording artist. To say I’m
impressed by this effort would really do the work an injustice.  On
production entirely handled by Matt Martians and Hal Williams (of OF
fame) our new age Hillary Banks carves a niche for herself not only
amongst her Odd Future brethren but the industry as a whole.  The
album is filled with tales of heartache, defiance and youthful
playfulness that’s intermingled with quirky intros and banter from
Matt and Hal making for an entertaining listen throughout the LP with
very few hiccups.  On “Sick” she gives us her “slow flow” while riding
a sparse but knocking beat that features a sick (pun intended) chorus
and as Jay-Z has been known to say, “has that bang”.  Tracks that show
Kishs’ vulnerability are tracks like “You’re Right”, an introspective
tale of a lover who doesn’t love her quite as hard as she loves him.
If gotten in the right hands and lengthened, “You’re Right” certainly
seems like a song that’s radio-ready. It has a very subdued Nikki
Minaj-ish feel to it.   “Julienne” is an ode to women who suspect
their partner is creeping and become junior detectives getting to the
bottom of the situation. This subject is  hardly groundbreaking but IS
made entertaining by hilarious back and forth dialogue between Kish
and  the cheater between verses.  The star of the album though is
“Indigo’s July”.  This track starts as a laid back riding jam for a
cool spring night, then transforms mid-song to a dope ass summer
anthem that I’m praying she does justice and lengthens to a 4 minute
track. Overall, this is a dope debut album from young Kish and while
there’s certainly room for a lil polishing (as there is for much of
OF), the raw talent is undeniable.  Though the main consensus on OF is
that their 15 minutes is about up, KK shows that they are indeed more
than a gimmick and are certainly here to stay.

Listen & Load for FREE HERE

Want a taste before the L&L? Look below



Follow Kilo Kish @kilokish http://kilokish.com/

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::RECAP:: A Subculture Emerges with Eric Roberson & Others

Photos by Edith Williams

The adventures of Gypsy and Soulistic Diva aka Sistahofsoul, ah---what a way to start the week off right! ERRO or better known to most as Eric Roberson with Black Alley and Levi Stephens put on a SHOW at U Street Music Hall---you hear me? Subculture was a show that gave me food for my soul and I'm sure there were others at the venue that probably felt the same way. Opening Act, Levi Stephens brought a some acoustic funk to the event. At first listen, his music reminds me of Hootie and the Blowfish or Tracy Chapman.




Stephens leads in with "Sorry for the Pain I Caused You" and transitions into Aaron Neville's "Keep on Using Me". Stephens acoustic skills are mezmorizing and let's not even go into how he ripped it with his rendition of Al Green's "Love and Happiness" and transitioned into Musiq Soulchild's "Miss You". Performance was crazy and ended in a rock out session with the band. If you're looking for something a little out of the norm, check out Levi Stephens album "This Way".

*Gypsy Note this is my type of music! Levi and band provided an array of songs and their energy was pure and authentic. Baltimore should be on the look out.


Still captivated by the performance of Stephens and that rock out session, I try to mellow out and calm my excitement for the Eric Roberson performance. Just when I thought I had calmed down a bit, Black Alley takes the stage and takes it to another level. B.A. opens with "Runaway Boy", "Raise the Bar", "Push Play" with a transition into Jay-Z and Usher's "Hot Tottie" and then they take it up a notch further with "Tight Rope" by Janelle Monae. Band R.O.C.K.E.D it! I love how Black Alley always mixes in that DC GoGo Flavor to get the crowd hype. In saying that, it just wouldn't be right if they didn't end it with their rendition of Wale's "Pretty Girls".




Now at this point, I'm so hype I can't focus and I'm trying hard to remain calm given the fact that I am in arms length of the stage. I don't want to have security escort me out for getting too live and grooving way too hard, although, the guy on my left probably rocked a little harder than I. (Gypsy pointed that out several times during the show) So---I'm now ampted to the 20th power and the anticipation is killing me but Eric is still not ready to hit the stage.

*Gypsy note...yo dude was about to get whip lash he was movin so hard. The is the second time seeing Black Alley and I liked them the first time, this time...love! They rocked it...HARD*


Iyanna hits the stage and performs a rendition of "Sweet Love" by Anita Baker to ease the crowd and get us ready for ERRO Her performance was great might I add and too bad we couldn't get a little more vocals from her.

WHAT I HAVE BEEN WAITING ALLLLLL NIGHT FOR!!!

ERRO hits the stage opening with "Newness". LOVE LOVE LOVE this song---- For those of you who don't know it, song discusses being caught up with a new love interest and unaware of the REAL on that individual. I'm sure you all have been there.
Eric then leads into "Can I borrow You (Walk Away)" where he asks a woman to groove with him and pretend as though she's his for the night even though she's with someone else. Love the the instrumentals on this cut. Skip a few songs and he goes to "Dealing" which normally features Lala Hathaway but in the absence of Ms. Hathaway, Eric calls up an audience member to perform her verse. The young woman did a pretty good job with Eric encouraging her through the verse.



Eric leads in with uuhh hummm GRAMMY NOMINATED "Still" and finishes off with "She" a love ballad. Song is touching and makes you melt. I would give you all the FULL blown list of songs performed during the concert, however, I want you to feel slightly jealous you weren't there. (Wink) Overall---this was a show you really SHOULDNT have missed. The vibe from the audience was sick and the bands were off the hook. I know for a fact one of the drummers broke his sticks so the show was LIKE THAT!

*Gypsy Note: Attention readers...Eric Roberson Shows NEVER Get Old...we hope to see you at the next one!*

Well---signing off and again, next time Eric Roberson is in town, you might want to make sure you get that ticket!

Gypsy Soul cant wait to see what Zody Quan & Alley House Ent have in store for 2011 with the Subculture Series!

Until later---you know where to hit me @Sistahofsoul

Soulistic Diva

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:HEADPHONE JUNKIE: Grillade-'Dream of you (Emotionally yours)'

Grillade: Dream of you (Emotionally yours)

Grillade - "Dream of You (Emotionally Yours)" .

I spotted this over at okayplayer.com the other day and just had to share. At first I thought, very reminiscent of the Brand New Heavies...because since them, I have been so thirsty for a group to fill their shoes, but they have more of a bluesey, grassroots feel. Into this--I am!

"Borrowing their name from the traditional Creole dish made of meat braised in a rich sauce with vegetables, Grillade too is hearty and filling."

..and thats how on point I was before even reading their Bio. Check it them out at http://www.goodgrillade.com/

Take a listen to some more music from Grillade:

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::RECAP: The Sound Check Series with The Floacist

If you didn't get a change to come out to Clutch Restaurant and Lounge, you missed an absolute treat! Check out the pix below....

Sistah of Soul with my CD

The day before Gypsy Soul and Soulcial Grind PR had a media meet and greet with The Floacist. At the end of the interview, I had a chance to speak with one on one after the interviews. My random question to her was: "Why did you do the chop?" Her response was "It was weighing me down, now that I'm free of my hair, positive energy can flow, things just flow now."

Speaking of flowing.....The Floacist provides flows with positivity throughout her album The Floacist Presents Floetic Soul, in songs such as "Breathe", "Getting up can be full of hesitation, it takes determination to forfeit the distractions these attractions are the target of your soul, asking you to stay when you know you have to go.....hear the truth....... just breathe." In the song "Breathe" she talks about moving forward in life and not allowing the stresses of the world to get you down but pushing forward to meet your goals and letting the small things go so you can grow as an individual. POWERFUL!

Her current single with Musiq Soulchild "Forever" is slow groove showing a deeper look in to love, having your mate's back through everything. "Whatever you want baby you know you got it...." I'm sure those are the words everyone wants to hear from their S.O. (significant other) every now and again.

The Floacist also features other artists such as Raheem DeVaughn on "Keep it Going", and Lalah Hathaway on "Come Over" -the ultimate baby making jam!

If you don't have this album---Let's just say, you need to head out to get it ASAP! This would be the perfect album to cuddle up next to the boo and chillax while its cold out. :)

If you want to check out The Floacist live....she will be at Edens Lounge on November 16th for Organic Soul.

For more info on The Floacist visit www.thefloacist.com

Well, thats all for now---you know where to reach me and I'll be in touch...

www.twitter.com/Sistahofsoul

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::HEADPHONE JUNKIE-EXCLUSIVE:: GOT GREEN 2

A few months ago Gypsy Soul caught up with hip hop soul star Greenspan. Wanna know what he’s been up to? Check it out below!

Greenspan
Releases Highly Anticipated Mixtape
Got Green 2

Taking His Career to the Next Level, Gaining Respect from DJBooth.net & AllHipHop.com

The hip hop artist Greenspan is certainly a stand out individual, only he's equipped with a mic & a pen. Baltimore based hip hop artist Greenspan, Federal Reserve Music Group, IllVibes-DMV & DJBooth.net are proud to present, also in association with Water-N-Oxygen and Herkules World Promotions, Got Green 2. With the project being released via DJBooth.net; one of the top music sites, Greenspan has continued to prove to the hip hop world why he is here. Got Green 2 is Greenspan's 3rd studio release, and is the most personal. It's mixed by DJ Soundwave and features production by Mark Henry, Live Beats, DJ Booman, Mizfitz and features the vocals of K. Holloway & Karron Johnson.

When listening to Got Green 2, you will definitely be taken on an experience. From the highly energized "Keep Up" track with 368 Music Group's Phil Ade (which was featured on AllHipHop.com, along with his lead single "Calling Me"), to the Baltimore Club track "Colours" to "Skytanic", which is a track way beyond it's time, very futuristic, walking on the moon type of groove. You will definitely learn more about who Greenspan is and what kind of work you can expect from him. Greenspan states "Got Green 2 is my best project to date. I feel that each song shows a particular level of sophistication and progression from where I've come to where I am going, you can experience my growth."

This project is available exclusively on DJBooth.net and can be downloaded by clicking this link: http://www.djbooth.net/index/mixtapes/entry/greenspan-got-green-2/.

For more information on Greenspan, please visit www.greenspanmusic.com and please follow him @Greenspan410 and get to know him a little but better through his tweeting.

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::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: The Roots: How I Got Over

Everyone’s favorite jam band is back with their latest effort: How I got over.

This group is the epitome of what it means to WORK! Currently serving as Jimmy Fallon's House Band for their proverbial ‘9-5’, they’ve also completed their 9th (studio) album, are currently producing John Legend's upcoming album, still providing their all inclusive audience with quality music since the early 90's, all while maintaining their thrown as kings of the Indie/ Hip-Hop concert circuit- is precisely...how they got over.

It’s no secret that a lot of The Roots' followers disapproved when the band took the job at Late Night with Jimmy, thereby forcing them to ease the ego's of backpackers everywhere, and making sure everyone understood that they were simply taking advantage of an opportunity. Because, even though most music snobs have every album or song The Roots have even whispered about, they are surprisingly still considered an underground hip hop group. Suffice to say their recent exposure is well earned.

Black Thought @ The Roots Holiday Jam Dec '09

I admire and respect The Legendary Roots not only because I personally ascribe my musical awakening to their art, or because of their unparalleled work ethic, but I am in awe of their ability to draw inspiration from an assortment of genres. They refuse to be pigeonholed as just a hip-hop group. Their live show is typically comprised of their experimentation with rock, Jazz, electronic, soul, blues, and hip-hop. They can take ANY song, classic or one hit wonder, and literally transform it into the funkiest jam you've ever heard. Over the years they have showcased their attraction to all brands of music on various albums. I initially took note of those influences on Phrenology, which has heavy elements of rock, particularly on the song 'The Seed 2.0.'

With each tour and each album, the group consistently progressed and expanded their reach by collaborating with artists like Dave Matthews, and Patrick Stump- lead singer from Fall Out Boy, on their last effort "Rising Down". Needless to say I was not surprised while listening to How I got over. The album features some of the most revolutionary acts in the market, while maintaining the sound that has afforded them longevity in this industry. The opening track -"A piece of light" is a haunting harmony accompanied by Angel Deradoorian, Haley Dekle, and Amber Coffman of The Dirty Projectors.

At first listen, the obviously less than cheerful tone can be overwhelming, but it soon becomes apparent that HIGO is holding up a mirror to the audience, introducing a certain degree of personal awareness in relation to our respective environment. On "Walk Alone" Rapper Truck North states: "Trapped, no shield, no sword/The unbeaten path got my soul so sore/Allured by the lust/Something money can't cure/The Devil want me as is/ but God he want more..” This is one of the many tracks on the album that lays the foundation for the message being conveyed by ?uestlove, Black Thought, and the rest of the ensemble.

The album goes on to illustrate somewhat of a spiritual struggle. "Dear God 2.0 ft. Monsters of Folk’"exemplifies Black Thought’s prayer for change, understanding and wisdom. “Well, I’m in the world of entertainment/ and Trying to keep a singing man sane for the paying fans/If I don’t make it through the night/ slight change of plans/ Harp strings, angel wings, and praying hands..”

?uestlove @ The Roots Holiday Jam

One of the stand out songs on the album is "The Day" ft. Blu, Patty Crash, and Gypsy Soul Favorite Phonte of The foreign Exchange. The song takes on an inspirational approach, and is furnishing one simple message: If you want a new beginning, you can always create one.

With each song you begin to understand that getting over anything in life is simply about faith and determination. In many ways HIGO is the album that fans have been waiting for.

It’s the autobiography of The Roots Crew and how they struggled to maintain in this industry, in life and essentially with themselves.

Are you digging the new album? Leave your comments and let us know what your favorite tracks are!

-First Love

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::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: TAMIKA love JONES...the EP

The long awaited sophomore project of DC's Soul Songbird -

Ms. Tamika Love Jones

is finally here.

The seven track EP combines brilliant writing and soulful sounds to create a classic sound that extends beyond the DMV into the hearts and minds of true music lovers everywhere.

Here is some inside info into the EP:

1. Dumb Love- This track has a video forthcoming and is about a young woman who finds herself in the midst of what some may consider foolish or premature. Others may consider the situation opening a door before closing and locking another. But what happens when you do find love at first sight?

LYRICS SNIPPET "Hope this dumb love, dont end up makin me a fool....I want you and nobody else right now, if I could control myself Id just walk right out...with my inner sense intact, no, my body needs more than that...I want at least a kiss from you if its the last thing I do."

2. Damn, Damn, DAMN- The anthem of DMV's unrequited relationships. Sometimes things just don't work out the way they should. Love doesn't just wait.

LYRICS SNIPPET "Damn, Damn, Damn, It wasn't even me you was lookin at?... Took a leap through the crowd to the door, but before I could get on, in my face it closed.,...don't expect a fairy tale my life aint a show."

3. All It Was (ft. Rayshun Lamarr)- Once you followed them right down love's path, sometimes you find it was just a moment, and thats it. You couldnt reproduce it if you wanted to.

LYRICS SNIPPET: "Forgive me, but I mispoke, when I said FOREVER. When I said forever I was so sure but Im young. Never thought I ever saw this one comin, but now what. What about the rest of forever, if a moment was it was?"

4. Make It Mine- A mantra for daily inspiration in this world of confusion.

LYRICS SNIPPET: " Morning's here and so am I....I get up and Im feeling fine, its just sad all my folks can be around...Still I look to the sky, never the world bring down my high.:"

5. My Sunshine- You never know how your love affects someone's heart. This heartfelt ballad lets a loving someone know that its not you, I've been scarred. And if you can get through this with me...you got me. MUSIC IS TRUTH

LYRICS SNIPPET:" I turn you away sometimes but you open up the most. I feel like Im smothering whenever I get too close. Its not that I don't want you near, cause to me you are so dear. I just can't get used to love, cause losing it is what I fear."

6. Let It Ring- This song lets us in to what it feels like when you are home alone on a Friday with the most beautiful person in the world. If things get intense, and the phone rings.....LET IT!!

LYRICS SNIPPET: "I'll take mine off, Turn the lights off, candles on, this is what I've been waiting for. I don't ever wanna stop don't wanna quit. Feels way too good to let it end. I hear the phone but I think Im gonna let it ring....

7. Really Wanna- This song hints to the reggae love affair Tamika has with the genre. It profoundly tells exactly what a woman never wants to say to man... WHY play so hard to get?

LYRICS SNIPPET: "Really wanna touch you, really wanna kiss you...but I can't give in to just tryna be your friend...."

AS you can see, the EP is filled with melodies and lyrics that go beyond the soul genre and spill into any style of true artistic storytelling. Each song lets you into the life of Ms. Jones and brings you to a closer understanding of her music and possibly your life. EVERYONE can relate and will be singing the praises to this EP soon. I just don't want you to miss it.

FIND TAMIKA love JONES HERE

http://www.tamikalovejones.com

http://mrbriggsmanagement.ning.com

http://mrbriggsmanagement.com/tamika-jones-live.html

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::HEADPHONE JUNKIES-EXCLUSIVE LEAK:: Slum Village...Faster

From the pioneers of Authentic Hip Hop from the SOUL
Slum Village
presents
"FASTER"





their latest single off of their long awaited project
Villa Manifesto...The LP
being released on July 27th courtesy of

Ne'Astra Music Group/ E1 Rec

Gypsy Soul is EXCITED about this album and will be doing a listening party soon...keep your ear to the streets for details!

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::HEADPHONE JUNKIE-EXCLUSIVE LEAK: Anthony David... Let Me In...

The Acoustic Soul Trailblazer and Grammy Nominee
Anthony David
is BACK with a hot new track called
"LET ME IN"





From his new album dropping fall 2010 COURTESY OF

ROLLING MOJO/ PURPOSE MUSIC GROUP called

As Above, So Below

For more info on Anthony David check out www.rollingmojo.com
Photos by Daria Johnson

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::HEADPHONE JUNKIE-EXCLUSIVE & ROLL TAPE:: DWELE...W.ORLD Wide Revolution

Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist and McDonald’s pitchman Dwele is prepping for the release of his long awaited 4^th studio album, Dwele has lured a who’s who of both hip hop and R&B s for
W.ants. W.orld. W.omen. (W.W.W.)
of which will be released on RT Music Group / E1 Music on
June 29^th, 2010

The album features David Banner, Raheem Devaughn, Slum Village and Monica Blair, with production by Mike City (Usher, Brandy, Babyface, Rihanna), Nottz (Busta Rhymes, Scarface, Notorious B.I.G., Kanye West), G1 (Dwele’s hit “I’m Cheatin’”) and of course, Dwele himself.

Check out his new track "I Wish"

Check out this thought provoking promo commercial for the album:

Publish Post

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::SOUND CHECK:: Introducing Ms. Purple St. James

If you missed CONNECTED with Yahzarah, then you missed out on something special. CONNECTED is an event that celebrates the current and past music of the featured artist with a dj, a guest artist to perform covers and an in depth look at the featured album through the eyes of the artist themselves...a very unique experience that gives an opportunity for the artist to interact with the fans in a new way. This time around, we had the honor of hosting Yahzarah aka Purple St. James!

Many of us are familiar with her through her brilliant work with the Grammy Nominated collective, The Foreign Exchange, but this evening was ALL about Yahzarah.

The night began with Indie artist Deborah Bond, who warmed up the audience with a few of her favorite tracks by Yahzarah, namely "Blackstar" which was an obvious crowd favorite. Deborah also performed "Where I Is" and " Same Page". She sang as Yahzarah looked on with admiration. Yahzarah later said that its was humbling to hear the renditions of her songs from her fellow DC sister in music. Deborah’s voice and sound is truly unique and I look forward to hearing more from her in the future!

Yahzarah took the stage and was simply electric. She blessed us with a live performance of a few select tracks off the album: "Cry Over You ft. Phonte Coleman", "Have A Heart", and one of my personal favorites, "Starship". The audience enjoyed the intimate setting, while listening to Yahzarah share the stories behind the music.

Now that we are coming down from all the excitement of Yahzarah's album release, we can give you the facts: The Ballad of Purple St. James is the story of the real Yahzarah, the story she's been waiting to tell three albums later. It is avant- garde, yet down to earth.

Strike Up The Band

The album kicks off with "Strike up the Band", which subtly opens you up into her world, echoing as if you were sitting front row and center at her live performance, with the all-inclusive 8 piece band. Unexpectedly, on the breakout single "Why Dontcha Call Me No More" Yahzarah channels her inner rock star. Her delivery on this particular song is edgy, full of attitude, and easily rivals the likes of Pat Benatar, and other indie rock chicas! This one has been on heavy rotation since the release.

Why Dontcha Call Me No More


Change Your Mind

Throughout the album, Yahzarah has the uncanny ability to make you feel like you are having coffee with a close friend, swapping stories of love lost, and new beginnings. Though the WHOLE album is rawkin some of the Gypsy Soul crew favorites include "All Of My Days" featuring Darien Brockington (we love DBrock!), "Change Your Mind" and "Starship". Despite having several solo albums, and her success with The Foreign Exchange, she describes The Ballad as a true rebirth. If you are expecting the Yahzarah we know and loved on Hear Me, then think again. The Ballad of Purple St. James goes deep, and has already landed the #58 spot on Billboards new artist chart! Buy yours HERE

Cheers to you Ms. St James, this is your moment!

CONNECTED picture by Gypsy Soul Official Photog Edith Williams of Diamond Digital Portraits

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::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: Who is Lydia Caesar?

Lydia Caesar's new album
Electric Love Garden in July

Find out who this fly chick is below!

Who is Lydia Caesar? from Lydia Caesar on Vimeo.

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