Adele 21 (Album Review)

Before I write an album review I try and give it a few spins before I form an opinion, especially when I'm dealing with one of my favorites like Adele. Let me just say this, although I only heard live versions of some of the songs before the album came out I knew it was going to be great. I feel like Adele has the right recipe for success. Not only is Adele lyrically and vocally talented but she's got the attitude and soul to back it up. I purchased the double CD with the live versions of "Take it All," "Don't You Remember" and "Someone Like You." Although the studio versions of these songs are amazing there is something about Adele performing a song live that make me feel like I'm actually there watching her perform. Adele has spoken about how 21 was inspired by one ex who broke her heart, I love that she turned her pain into pure art! (If only we all could do that). The first time I heard "Don't You Remember" it literally brought tears to my eyes. I honestly do not know how she gets through that song without crying every time. It is so beautiful but sad at the same time. My other favs on the album include the uptempo "He Wont Go", the clever "Rumor Has It" and "Turning Tables." Not only is this album is on my MUST HAVE list for 2011 but it was just announced that Adele's 21 is #1 on UK and the US Billboard Top 200.

Adele "He Wont Go"
"

Adele "Rumour Has It"

ARTIST TO KNOW: KING

Shout to Soulbounce.com for turning me on to a new and refreshing group called KING today. This group totally made my day. Twins Paris and Amber along with LA native Anita collectively makeup this very talented all girl group. Unlike many other girl groups KING writes and produces all of their own music. They have a very soulful sound and beautiful harmonies consisting of vocals from Anita and Amber singing over production by Paris. King is described on their site as " a soulful, organic trio of young women here to bring a fresh creativity to music and change the world through their art."-[www.weareking.com] And I say YESSSS to that! Their first "self funded" album titled "The Story" is set to be available on March 1, 2011. The songs below, "The Story," "Supernatural" and "Hey" are a MUST LISTEN! This group is just what my music collection was missing and I'm sure you will love their music just as much I already do!

If you don't do anything else today, listen to their music and thank me later! :-)




The Story by weareKINGworldwide



Hey by weareKINGworldwide

Supernatural by weareKINGworldwide





Check out their offical website to learn more:http://www.weareking.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weareKING?v=app_178091127385

Twitter: http://twitter.com/wearekingmusic

Emily King "Ever After"

One of my absolute favorites, Emily King recently updated her youtube account with a snippet of her new song "Ever After." I love what I've heard so far, hoping this means her new album is coming out soon...

Check it out...

NEW VIDEO: The Foreign Exchange "Authenticity"

If you aren't familiar with The Foreign Exchange here is a bit of info for you. The R&B/electronica/hip hop duo consisting of artist Phonte (Formally of popular rap group Little Brother) and producer Nicolay from the Netherlands have released three albums together the first two, "Connected" and "Leave it behind" in 2004 and 2008. The Grammy nominated group released a new album in October titled "Authenticity," check out the video for the song of the same name below...




Info via:www.wikipedia.com

NEW VIDEO: Kanye West ft. Rihanna and Kid Cudi "All of the Lights"

Check out the new video from Kanye West "All of the Lights." The video which also features Rihanna and Kid Cudi was directed by Hype Williams.

Adele's "Natural Women" performance for VH1 Unplugged

Adele |Adele Lyrics |Adele Unplugged |Unplugged

So now I know who they left out of the Aretha Franklin tribute! Adele! Out of all the great singers out there I know it must have been hard for them to select just 5 singers. I think I understand what they were trying to do by choosing someone from each genre of music but for some reason these women together made the performance less than thrilling for me. All talented in their own right, just maybe not the right mix. I would say 3 out of the 5 were good but wont say who...I'll leave that up to your imaginations. Well Adele apparently recorded a VH1 unplugged concert and in doing so covered the Aretha Franklin classic "Natural Women." I bet the Academy of Arts and Sciences heard this and thought, OH, that's who we forgot! *Shakes head* If you've ever watched an MTV or VH1 unplugged you know that an album of the performance will follow the show! Which is super exciting, especially since the artist usually performs a few songs that can't be found on their albums. The full performance will air on March 4, 2011 on VH1.

Sara Bareilles (A Very Late Review of Kaleidoscope Heart)

Going through the archives of my post from last year I noticed that I never posted a review on my favorite album from last year, Sara Bareilles "Kaledioscope Heart." Better late than never right? :-/ You should remember Bareilles from her break out hit "Love Song" from 2007's "Little Voice." That album did everything for me. I was playing it for anyone who would listen because EVERY song was amazing. From 2007 to 2010 I was playing Little voice non stop and also watching every new youtube video I could find of her live performances. What is crazy about her is that I think that her live performances are even better then the songs performed on the album at times. When I first heard "King of Anything" which was released early last year, I was so excited because the song reminded me of something off of Little Voice. When I finally got the opportunity to listen to the new album when it was released last September it was on repeat the whole month. It was almost like a part two to "Little Voice." Although I could hear her growth and the songs were different she didn't sway from her style and sound. She is a great writer telling stories of love and heartbreak with her lyrics. I would say the best examples of her strength in writing would be "Say Your Sorry" and "Machine Gun." If you are into "Blue Eyed Soul" or soul-pop music period you will LOVE Sara Bareilles. Kaleidoscope Heart was my favorite album of 2010 and comes highly recommend, check out a few of the songs below:









Check out her site for more info:

http://www.sarabmusic.com/us/home

ARTIST TO KNOW: Esperanza Spalding

Well weren't we all shocked when Mrs. Esperanza Spalding won Best New Artist at the 201l Grammy's last weekend? Some were mostly shocked because they had never heard of her before her win. I just remember the president of the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences mentioning before the show that "many careers will be changed forever after the awards show." That stuck out to me because there were several acts nominated that had won before or were already considered winners due to popularity. I had a feeling some new faces would be taking Grammy's home that night. I was very excited to see the underdog win in this case because although she may have not been as popular she is definitely talented. As we know sometimes popularity can over shadow talent and some talented artist are forgotten.(Not to take anything away from JB and Drake, they both are very talented as well and both had huge success last year).

Esperanza Spalding hit my radar when she performed a tribute to Prince along with Janelle Monae last year. I also heard that she was one of Prince's favorite artist which is why she was chose to do the tribute. I knew if Prince loved her she must be a brilliant artist, after all he does love my favorite Janelle Monae'. After her tribute performance, I checked out her albums and was immediately distracted by the fact that it was Jazz and figured she'd grow on me eventually. I must be honest I'm still growing to love Jazz music as a whole. I know, I know its so wrong. The only artist I can confidently say that I truly love listening to is Miles Davis. Which isn't a bad start right? This week I checked out a few songs by Esperanza Spalding which I really enjoyed. She is honestly very talented and I appreciate her artistry. Her voice is so eloquent it is truly a beautiful instrument. She plays the upright bass, bass guitar, violin, oboe, and clarinet and is acutally considered a neo-soul/jazz artist. I'm hearing that Q-tip will produce her next album so I'm definitely interested in hearing that. Meanwhile, I will invest in her first album "Juno" and I encourage some of my hip hop/soul heads to check her out as well...After all Jazz is a close relative to Soul/blues and Hip Hop.

Here are few of my favorite songs so far:

Esperanza Spalding - "Little Fly" from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

See her performing Stevie Wonders "Overjoyed" at the White House




Check out these albums:

Stevie Wonder "Joy Inside My Tears," "Ordinary Pain" and "Summer Soft"

If you haven't picked up on it, I'm really into Stevie Wonder's music, but who isn't right? Well this week, although it's only Wedensday I've been playing the "Songs In the Key of life Album" like I dont have any other music on my ipod. Not to get side tracked but when you listen to this album it's almost like no other music matters. This album is just truly a classic. Even though I'm not in a place where I can say what my favorite Stevie Wonder song is or even what my top 5 are, I can definately say that this album probably has to be one of my favorites by him. I cringe at the thought of picking a favorite because his catalog of music is just.... well, no words can describe it. Here are just a FEW reason's why Stevie is one of the greatest of all time:

Am I the only person who can sit back and listen to Stevie's music all day???

Jazmine Sullivan "Excuse Me"

I finally gave Jazmine Sullivan's album another try after first listening to it when it came out last year. I'll admit that I was a bit hard on her album due to her first one only having a few solid tracks. Don't get me wrong I really love Jazmine Sullivan's voice, I guess after she released "I Need You" and "Bust Your Windows" I expected for the rest of her album to be more than exceptional. I usually feel like if I'm not really all that into someones first album no way is their second going to be any better. Usually it's the other way around, great 1st album and it's almost like some artist can't make a follow up on the same level or better. Well boy am I eating my words. "Love Me Back" is a really solid project. I was pleasantly surprised. I liked it so much that I went over to itunes and purchased a copy. My favorite song by far is the soulful ballad "Excuse Me." I think that Jazmine's voice is best served over a soulful track. This is a really good album and I give it my stamp of approval which means everyone should go a purchase it as well. If you're into new artist singing over soulful beats that take you back to the old Motown days you will enjoy this album.

"Ain't no competition when your in it, let you know that you're the best"

JoJo "Boy Without A Heart"

I'm a huge fan of JoJo's and knew that she came out with a new mixtape late last year and for some reason never downloaded the album. It's crazy, I don't know what I was thinking. So randomly today I come across the song "Boy Without A Heart" and of course I've never heard it before. I could tell by the depth of her vocals that this was a newer track. So after a little investigating I found out that the song came from her "Can't Take That Away From Me" mixtape. Let me just say JoJo sounds so good on this song! Her voice has always been beautiful but has definitely matured and come a long way. I love everything about this song especially the lyrics. Its really disheartening to hear that she is still having trouble with her record label but glad to hear that she has somehow managed to produce quality music while she gets it all figured out. I'm pulling for her, she is so talented.

Download the free mixtape on her bandcamp site: http://rap-up.bandcamp.com/

NEW MUSIC: J. Holiday "Float Away" and "Whats Your Name"

I came across some new music from J. Holiday which I really like. Apparently he's coming out with a new mixtape called "M.I.A. The Lost Tapes" which is supposed to hit the Internet in the next few weeks although there is limited information on the project. The mixtape will include unreleased material along with a few new tracks. Check them out below:

NEW MUSIC: Justin Bieber ft. Chris Brown "Up"

A few months back I posted on Justin Bieber when I found out just how much I like his voice. Although most of his music is directed towards his age group, every once in a while I find a song that I really like. Bieber just released his new album "Never Say Never, The Remixes." I came across a track from the album called "UP" which features Chris Brown. I'm not surprised that these two collaborated together it makes sense because they sound great together. I would think a song with these two would definitely be a hit. Chris Brown has eluded to the fact that JB will also be on his upcoming album F.A.M.E which will hopefully be a R&B track for those of us who love to hear a good R&B colab. Check out the song below and I also added the video from JB on the Chelsea Lately show from last night. He's a little flirt, "Just Call Me Doctor Bieber" LOL

NEW VIDEO:Cee-lo Green: "Bodies"

Check out Cee-lo's new video for the track "Bodies." The video which is based on a murder mystery stars Kerry Washington, Janelle Monae and Karl Lagerfeld. The video was directed by Mikael Colombu and at the end of the video you hear and see a snapshot of Janelle Monae singing the song "Locked Inside" hopefully that was a preview of her new video. I hope he is directing it, this Cee-lo video is dope!

NEW VIDEO: J. Cole ft. Drake "In The Mornin"

J.Cole released his video for the fan favorite song, "In The Mornin" featuring Drake the last minute of Valentine's Day last night. Check it out below:

Happy Valentines Day!

I think Whitney Houston can sum up my Valentine's day best...


"I remember the way that we touched, I wish I didn't like it so much!"

2011 Grammy Awards

I was so excited to see one of my favorite artist, Janelle Monae Perform at the Grammy's. She's come such a long way from when I saw her perform years ago at UCLA! The show was pretty good, I loved the mix up of artist. Loved to see so many talented arist at one event. Below are few of my favorite performances from the Grammy's!



Janelle Monae', B.O.B and Bruno Mars "Nothin on You"



Janelle Monae'-Cold War


Usher, Justin Bieber,Jaden Smith "Never Say Never" and OMG



21121321554
Uploaded by yardie4lifever2. - See video of the biggest web video personalities.

New Video: Teedra Moses "R U 4 Real"

As promised my girl Teedra Moses released her first video off her upcoming album "The Young Lioness" today. You might remember the song "R U 4 Real" from her Royal Patience Mixtape. Teedra looks great and I love the updated version of the song.

NEW VIDEO: Raphael Saadiq "Good Man"

Raphael Saadiq's new video for his latest single "Good Man" brings up a topic that I'm sure some men can relate to. The video stars America's Next Top Model contestant Yaya DaCosta and The Wire’s Chad Coleman. Saadiq recently explained the video and song in an interview with Spinner.com, “‘Good Man’ tells the story I’ve seen many times in my own life,” “Everything around that man can be bad, his occupation, lifestyle, friends, but underneath all of it, he is a good man.”


Check out the video:

NEW VIDEO: Erykah Badu "Gone Baby, Don't Be Long"

Why do I feel like everybody got together and decided to release a video today? I'm all for it as long as the videos do the song some justice. Staying true to form E. Badu released another creative video but this time for the song "Gone Baby, Don't Be Long." The song is off Badu's latest album "New Amerykah II: Return of the Ankh.

Erykah Badu - Gone Baby, Don't be Long from beeple on Vimeo.

NEW VIDEO: Wale "The Break Up Song"

Wale just released the new video for "The Break Up Song" from his 2010 mixtape "More About nothing." The video happens to be inspired by one of my favorite movies from last year, "500 Days of Summer." I see that Wale or someone in his camp has exceptional taste in movies. I consider 500 days of Summer to be an indie chick flick so I'm surprised that this movie would even be on his radar. Well of course Wale puts a hip hop spin to the story which was a smart move. This video will certainly gain respect from his female fans that have seen the movie. I know it worked on me, but hey I'm a sucka for love...lol. Check out the video below...I also added the trailer for 500 days..for those who are into a good chick flick. If you haven't seen the movie head over to HBO and watch it immediately! (They've been playing it non stop for the last month, don't even ask why I know that...)

NEW VIDEO:Damien Marley and Nas "Patience"

Yet another video surfaces today this time from Damien Marley and Nas. My favorite song from the "Distant Relatives" album is followed up with an amazing video. I don't want to ruin it by trying to describe the video in words so I will let the visual speak for itself...

DISTANT RELATIVES "Patience" from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Teedra Moses " I Adore U"

If you follow Teedra Moses on twitter you know that she released a new song titled "I Adore U" yesterday. What I love about Teedra Moses is that she always stays true to her style. Hearing a new song by her is always so refreshing in comparison to what some of the R&B artist are releasing today. (Or the lack of what's being released). Although this isn't a single off her much anticipated follow up to "Complex Simplicity" her fans should be glad to know that she will be releasing a new video for R U 4 Real from the "Royal Patience" mixtape. The new video will premiere on Feb. 14Th (V-Day). I'm excited to see the new video, it was one of my favorites off the mixtape. Hopefully we will have a new album from Teedra sooner than later...

Whitney Houston "Someone For Me"

If you didn't know by now, Whitney Houston is my favorite singer of all time. (I'm sure I've mentioned it before). Well I can listen to her music anytime of the day and it puts me in a good mood. I'll be posting random songs by her every now and then but here's one that has been on repeat today from her first album ...

Chris Brown: "Up To You" (Snippet)

I'm a huge fan of Chris brown's voice. I think he has potential to be an even greater vocalist at some point in career. I'm especially a fan of Chris Brown's more R&B tracks such as "Deuces" and "No BS." Of course I'm in full support of his new project "F.A.M.E." which is set to be released on March 22. However I was concerned that he may be going down the road of electronic/techno music which has taken over some of our favorite R&B/Pop stars music collection. When I heard the new song "Up To You" I was convinced otherwise. I like the teaser he released for the song its a great way to generate more buzz around the song/album. Im interested to see what this album is all about...Check out the video below.

F.A.M.E. Snippet..."Up To You" from Mechanical Dummy on Vimeo.

NEW MUSIC: Dawn Richard "Broken Record" and "Vibrate"

Fresh off the release of her Dirty Money project "Last Train To Paris" Dawn is working on the release of her new mixtape, "Prelude to A Tell Tale Heart." (I love the title btw)...I've been a fan of Dawn since her days in Danity Kane but mostly once I heard that she wrote the song "Sucker for Love." On Making the Band, MTV took us behind the scenes of the making of the song and when I heard the vocal arrangement and the range of Dawns voice I became a fan. Her voice kind of reminds me of Brandy's in some ways. The song "Broken Record" really shows us just where her voice can go. I feel that her voice has grown so much and has really blossomed. After I heard about her mixtape I went over to visit her blog (www.dawnrichardblog.com) and I also came across a few videos of her in the studio. The song "These Tears" immediately stuck out to me. I am so impressed by her writing ability and voice. The mixtape, which will be available on her blog February 7th seems like it will be a good start for her solo career. Hopefully it will also restore my faith in R&B music..





Sample of "These Tears"

DAWN CAM (IN THE LAB) from Dawn Richard Blog on Vimeo.

And just because I LOVE this song here is "Sucka For Love"

Lauryn Hill Performs in NYC

Lauryn Hill performed at Highline Ballroom on February 1, 2011 in New York City. This looks like so much fun...I have to see her perform this year!

NEXT UP: TheCoolisMac

As you know Atlanta has produced some of the greatest artist in the music industry today such as Outkast, Ludacris, Usher, B.O.B, Monica, T.I, Cee-Lo and Keri Hilson. So in my constant search to find new and fresh talent I came across Atlanta native "TheCoolisMac." At the age of 21, this laid back MC has generated an underground buzz. Working with his close friend and very talented producer "Tori “TDK” Dundas the two have collaborated on over 100 songs. TheCoolisMac has generated a following through promoting these songs by way of social networking and performing at shows in Atlanta. Of course as you know, in my opinion advertising through social networking is the best way to get yourself recognized these days. He went on to release his first mixtape (another smart move) in early 2010 titled "I AM A Mac" along with a video for his song "Manifest Destiny." He is currently gearing up to release his 2nd mixtape “TheCoolisMac’s Classic Freestyle’s." Where he will rap over hip hop instrumentals such as Da Brat's "Funkdafied and Outkast's "Elevators." His new mixtape is described as "a collection of songs that he grew up listening to."

It appears that TheCoolisMac is taking all the right steps to be the next new face of the A and he also has a little thing called TALENT to back him up...


Check him out and support Good Talent!!!

TheCoolisMac - Funkdafied Freestyle from ROYAL SUITE MEDIA on Vimeo.

Check out his site: www.thecoolismac.com or http://reverbnation.com/thecoolismac to download/listen to his latest mixtape

NEW ARTIST: Mara Hruby "From Her Eyes"

While waiting for Adele's album to be released in the states I came across an up and coming artist by the name of Mara Hruby. The first song that I listened to was her cover of Bob Marley's "Is This Love." This was right around the time that I heard Corinne Bailey Rae's cover of the same song. Although I loved her version it was hard for me to listen to both for some reason. Well, after a few listens I am in complete awe of her voice. Mara Hruby hails from the bay area (Oakland to be exact). Her first album "From Her Eyes" is a collection of covers from not only Marley but Van Hunt, D'Angelo and Andre 3000 to name of a few. I guess you can say she picked the best of the best to cover which is always a risk but if you have talent like hers it can work to your benefit.

When asked in an interview how she describes her sound, she responded “My sound/style comes from what I have experienced in life. I feel my sound is organic, distinct, melodic, eclectic, and filled with sensitivity. To say the least, I’d call my music a melodic melting pot.”

Check out her video for "Is This Love" and I guarantee you will fall in love with her voice. I can see her working with the some of the greats that inspired her first album.











Click on the link for her website to learn more about Mara and download her album in full:
http://marahruby.bandcamp.com/

Cee-Lo Green "Bodies" Video Teaser

Here is the teaser for the new Cee-lo video for "Bodies." The video will feature Kerry Washington, Janelle Monae and Karl Lagerfeld.

I am on the edge of my seat, I know this is going to be a good video!!

Lupe Fiasco ft. Skylar Grey "Words I Never Said"

Lupe Fiasco released the 2nd single from his much anticipated new album "Lasers." The Alex da Kid produced song features Skylar Grey who has an amazing voice. The lyrics to this song are definitely thought provoking...I may have to run it back one more time.

Check it out:

\

Rihanna S&M Video

This is probably the first Rihanna video that actually caught my attention. All of the hype surrounding this video made me click the play button on youtube (especially this late at night). Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Melina Matsoukas who also directed one of my favorite Beyonce' videos, (Why Dont You Love Me) was the vision behind this video. I loved that Perez Hilton makes a cameo and the part that he plays. Without giving away too much, it appears that Rihanna is turning the table on her "haters." I love the fashion and the creativity that this video brings...Rihanna is showing so much personality in this video and she looks great, that hair color has completely grown on me.

Check it out: