THE NEXT

CUBIC ZIRCONIA + TIOMBE LOCKHART + HOES + NIGHT

2010-09-25T09:19:00.000-04:00

SEXY + MATERNAL + NATURE + WHOA

BLU = YOU'RE MY BOY BLU

2010-09-25T09:16:00.003-04:00

LA + SPITTER + STYLE

BILAL + BOB MARLEY = IS THIS LOVE

2010-09-25T08:59:00.002-04:00

CLASSIC + SOULFUL + AMAZING

Bilal and musical director Miguel Atwood-Ferguson put together some dope renditions of some of their favourite songs in California last month so look out for reditions of Soft Cells‘ “Tainted Love” & even Portishead‘s “Strangers” which will be coming soon.

FULL SCREEN

MIGUEL ATWOOD-FERGUSON + FLYING LOTUS & DILLA = DRIPS/TAKE NOTICE

2010-09-25T08:46:00.003-04:00

GENIUS + ORCHESTRAL + DRAMATIC

MARC RONSON = GLASS MOUNTAIN TRUST + D'ANGELO

2010-09-25T08:34:00.000-04:00

FUNKY + ALTERNATIVE + UPTEMPO

Marc Ronson ft. D'Angelo: "Glass Mountain Trust"

KANYE WEST = SO APPALLED + JAYZ + PUSHA T + CHY DA + RZA + SWIZZ

2010-09-25T08:23:00.001-04:00

DRAMATIC + DOWNTEMPO + DIVERSE

Kanye West: "So Appalled" ft. Swizz, Jay-Z, Pusha T, Chy Da, RZA

THE DRUMS = THE DRUMS

2010-09-21T00:56:00.004-04:00

SURF + SYNTHPOP + NEW WAVE

"The Drums" have been pegged as one of 2010's most tipped acts in the media. They featured at #5 in BBC Sound Poll 2010 and were #1 in Shazam. MSN, Pitchfork, MTV, The Observer, The Sunday Times Culture, Sunday Express, The Daily Mirror, The Sun, Heat and Q. Feaatures the singles 'Forever And Ever, Amen' and 'Best Friend'. Island.

Displaying a clear love of new wave and synth-pop, The Drums bounce along with a giddy energy that plays off its melancholic lyrical content. Upon 1st listen "The Drums" are a fun and refreshing listen. A definite must have for your new music playlist... N'joy

The Drums: "Let's Go Surfing"

The Drums: "I Felt Stupid"

The Drums: "Best Friend (Olympic Mix)"

QUADRON + BABY BE MINE

2010-09-21T00:28:00.003-04:00

SEXY + MJ + BRILLIANT

Producer Robin Hannibal and singer Coco have put together a gorgeous cover of Michael Jackson's "Baby Be Mine," a personal favorite if I may say so. The otherwise celebratory track is slowed down considerably and turned into a moving, soothing piece that is complemented here with an intimate video of Coco and her friends in Copenhagen, Denmark. You also get brief behind-the-scenes shots of MJ from the late '70s or early '80s. Brilliant cover song! - Prefix

Quadron: Baby Be Mine

THE SUZAN + HOME

2010-09-21T00:20:00.002-04:00

PUNK + JAPAN + YOUNG FOLKS

If the idea of an all-girl Japanese garage-punk band doesn’t pique your interest, just give "Home" a spin. The Suzan‘s new album was produced by Bjorn of Peter, Bjorn & John and comes out soon on Fool’s Gold Records.

I also dropped The Suzan's Promotional Video " You Know Nothing" Song from Album "SUZAN GALAXY". Directed By Chuya Sudo.shot @ Shimokitazawa Daisy Bar. N'Joy

The Suzan: "Home"

SOLSTICE + WEALTH = LORD

2010-09-19T13:17:00.008-04:00

MOODY + ETHEREAL + DOPE

Staying true to his promise by dropping a new song every Friday, Kanye West delivered a new single titled "Lord, Lord, Lord" featuring Raekwon, Mos Def, Charlie Wilson and Swiss Beatz. Swizz however, was unanimously edited out by the people, his swag was lacking. Also posted are two additional songs. The 1st is "Find Ya Wealth" by Nas from the QB's Finest album and the ORIGINAL to both by Brian Bennett titled "Solstice". N'Joy

Kanye West: "Lord, Lord, Lord" ft. Mos Def, Raekwon and Charlie Wilson (Gap Band)

Nas: "Find Ya Wealth"

Brian Bennett: "Solstice"

THE WISDOM OF WILL

2010-09-11T11:27:00.000-04:00

INTROSPECTIVE + INSPIRING + ENLIGHTENING

WILL+ + THE ROC = WILLOW

2010-09-09T21:24:00.014-04:00

POP + SMASH = CASH

Fashion faux pas, celebrity bloodlines and pop superstar soundalikes aside, I truly believe Willow Smith has a huge future ahead of her. The new single "Whip Your Hair" (visual Milli Vanilli meets Beyonce) is completely nonsensical but catchy! Expect teens around the world to eat this up, dubbing Willow as THE NEXT young icon to emulate and follow. Willow Smith sounds amazingly seasoned and the production is top-notch. She REALLY sounds THAT good! Miley Cyrus better get her sex-tape game on because she finally has a problem ahead of her and surely Rhianna is somewhere stabbing a pillow in a territorial rage because Willow is fit enough at the tender age of 9 years old to win BIG.

ALLHIPHOP.COM: Jay-Z has confirmed that he has signed Will Smith's daughter Willow to a new deal on his label, Roc Nation.

The rapper/mogul appeared on Ryan Seacrest's show this morning and confirmed rumors that he snatched up Willow, whose song "Whip My Hair" has generated an instant buzz.

"We at Roc Nation are excited to work with Willow," Jay-Z told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "She has an energy and enthusiasm about her music that is truly infectious. It's rare to find an artist with such innate talent and creativity at such a young age. Willow is about to embark on an incredible journey and we look forward to joining her as she grows in all aspects of her career."

Willow, 9, already has a career, having landed roles in I Am Legend and in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.

"After meeting with several record companies, it was clear that Jay-Z, Ty Ty, Jay Brown and the Roc Nation staff was the unquestionable choice," Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "Their passion for Willow combined with their boundless vision and artistic integrity made Roc Nation the perfect home for our little girl."

According to Jay-Z, Willow's advanced beyond her years and has a vision for her career in the music industry, despite only being nine. He noted that superstars like Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder started their careers off young.

“I heard the record first before I knew that it was recorded by a nine year old and I was like man that record's a smash,” Jay-Z told Ryan Seacrest. “I believe in superstars. I believe on big records on superstars and I think she has both."

Willow Smith: Whip My Hair

LABEL + LOVE + COMPILATIONS

2010-09-09T20:53:00.005-04:00

ECLECTIC + DYNAMIC + WONDERFUL

Label Love is an eclectic yet unified bundle of unique sounds compiled simply for the love of sharing them with the universe - each track plucked and presented by label heads from Bastard Jazz, ESL, Fania, Now Again, Plug Research, Tru Thoughts and Ubiquity. Each label evokes it’s own signature swagger giving this collection a diversified and interesting flow of genres. Label Love consists of nostalgic classics, fresh unreleased gems and other dope selections with the goal of expanding minds to new styles, vibrations and colors. Feel free to blog, play, tweet, blast, post, etc … please share the love.

CLICK HERE FOR: THE LOVE

released 22 June 2010
www.bastardjazz.com
www.eslmusic.com
www.fania.com
www.nowagainrecords.com
www.plugresearch.com
www.tru-thoughts.co.uk
www.ubiquityrecords.com

EMILY KING + GEORGIA = AMAZING

2010-09-09T13:15:00.002-04:00

ANGELIC + HEARTFELT + MELLOW

Emily King is a friend and artist who I have the great fortune to have worked with. She is also an amazing singer/songwriter who is at her best with minimal instrumentation. Her voice is soothing, unforced and easy to listen. Last night Emily sent out a sampler of new music that was a pleasant departure from the r&b heavy music mostly found on her debut album "East Side Story". "Radio", "Georgia" and "Down" are the titles of each song. "Georgia" is the breakout track of the 3. As Emily croons "Come back Georgia, come back/I just need another chance/Chance to make it better"you easily fall in love with the strum of each guitar lick harmoniously paired with what sounds like either a slack/slide-guitar or string arrangement filling in the gaps without over powering her voice. It's a refreshing precursor to hopefully a truely breakout album. Check out the clip and please send your thoughts. N'Joy

CLICK HERE FOR: THE LOVE

CULLUM + RHIANNA + MUSIC

2010-09-04T02:22:00.000-04:00

MELLOW + DANCE + DOPE

I think this one went under the black people radar because it came out over a year ago and the clip has over 3 million views. WTF...urban/crossover radio sucks balls. I'm a music head and it's just getting on MY radar. Anyhow, Jamie Cullum, known for his dooope re-interpretation of Pharrell's classic debut single "Frontin" is back this time flipping Rhianna's mega hit "Please Don't Stop The Music" with a mellow nu-jazz vibe. Get yourself familiar.

KANYE + DEVIL + NEW DRESS

2010-09-04T01:33:00.004-04:00

EPIC + SOULFUL + HIP-HOP

WHOOOOOOOAAA! NO WORDS....

Kanye West: Devil In A New Dress

ROBERT + LOVE + SOUL

2010-09-03T14:47:00.010-04:00

MARVIN + COOKE + REDDING

R.Kelly's latest release "When A Woman Loves" places him in a setting where most GREAT performers are most comfortable, on a stage behind a microphone. Clearly channeling soul greats such as Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding, R. Kelly refreshingly croons about love in a manner rarely heard from him. This side is careful, sensitive, heartfelt...a 360 degree departure from "the VIP", "Patron shots" and "chicks in the living room" he often loves to sing about. “When A Woman Loves” could have been a hit 40 or even 50 years ago, easily. Kelly sings deep from his soul with an electrifying passion. His vocal range is fully exercised and notably impressive. He is a gifted songwriter/singer who is talented enough to stand alongside the icons of any generation. With a career marred in sex scandal, random beefs and tasteless music, I am now hopeful the upcoming album "Love Letter" and current single is a peek into an amazing future. I have a great respect for R.Kelly's work. I hope he continues to consistently create music that is worthy of his immense talent.

RONSON + SPANK ROCK + BIKES

2010-09-03T12:06:00.003-04:00

CATCHY + FUN + MINDLESS

The NEXT presents the official music video for "The Bike Song" by Mark Ronson & The Business Intl Ft. Kyle Falconer & Spank Rock. The "Bike Song" was shot in a South London Park, directed by Warren Fu best known for his Strokes + Julian Casablancas videos. Check the features from new wavers Spank Rock "rocking" the 60's conk and Kyle Falconer manning a neat orange emsemble. Although we have heard better songs from Ronson "The Bike Song" is nothing short of fun, how can it not be...Ronson looking like Billy Idol is classic. The new album titled "Record Collection" will be available on September 27th. N'Joy

TREY + DRAKE = USUAL

2010-09-02T22:49:00.011-04:00

SEX + R&B + EPIC

Drizzy and Trey Songz collabo once again for an end of summer heater. The past few leaks makes me feel like Trey's new album may once again be dope. Decide for yourself. N'Joy

Trey Songz: The Usual ft. Drake

BIG SEAN + KANYE WEST + GOOD = FAMOUS

2010-08-31T13:06:00.004-04:00

DRAKE + CUDI + KANYE

The Santa Monica/Detroit newcomer, Big Sean just released a third mixtape hosted by Don Cannon called Finally Famous Vol.3 B.I.G. Features include Bun B, Chip Tha Ripper, Curren$y, Tyga, Drake, Mike Posner, Suai, Chuck Inglish, Asher Roth, Dom Kennedy, & Boldy James. I like Big Sean, but once again i'm not the Stan I want to be for something new and "NEXT". This is where I fall back and let you decide. When you know please let me know. N'Joy

CLICK HERE FOR: THE LOVE

KANYE + RAEKWON + BIEIBER

2010-08-30T20:09:00.006-04:00

90'S + R&B + HIP-HOP

Here is the way I think this collaboration was conceived.

Kanye: Damn I need help getting my Twitter game up to par. Who's hot? Random white guy...FAIL. Diddy....I like what's left of my soul. Hmmmm....Justin Beiber!

KW to JB: Justin! I have the offer of a lifetime...be my ONLY Twitter friend!
JB to KW: Uhhhhh...hell yeah!
KW to JB: We need to do a song together!!!
JB to KW: Uhhh....FUCK YEAH!
KW to KW: Aaight....Beibers in, we need someone to make this shit gangster. Justin Beiber and Kanye West sounds real emo. Who could top this off...Ross...his big ass has more chest hair than me....ummm 50...he's just angry....Raekwon? Yeah, a Wutang ninja could do it BIG.
Rae to Rae: I need to get my sexy game up...this underground hardbody shit got my fingernails looking nasty.
KW to Rae: Rae I need you on this song with me and Justin Beiber.
Rae: (drops the phone and cries with tears of happiness)
Rae to Ghost: Ninja we gonna be riiich!

Kanye West: Runaway Love ft. Raekwon & Justin Beiber

KANYE + HOV + ROSS + MINAJ = MONSTER

2010-08-28T11:31:00.014-04:00

ENERGETIC + LYRICAL + DARK

I can't call this one. It's definitely not wack....just not that exciting to me. Decide for yourself and please leave a comment, i'm curious to know your thoughts.

Kanye West: Monster ft. Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Nikki Minaj & Bon Ivers

AALIYAH + 4 PAGE LETTERS = LOVE

2010-08-28T11:08:00.008-04:00

SEXY + ALLURING + BEAUTIFUL

(A letter written to Aaliyah)
Dear Dana,

I’ve never lost a parent, a friend, or a lover but I will never forget this day for the rest of my life. I remember getting the news that you had passed and it connected with my heart like a clean shot from Muhammad Ali. I was crushed. Not only was I one of your biggest fans but I was truly in love with you. I loved the way you carried yourself, the way you dressed, the confidence with which you addressed passion and relationships in your music. I said to myself that even if we never met, I wanted a woman in my life just like you. I am pained that we will never get to connect now that music ended up being my career path. But you should know, we all listen to you everyday and we remain inspired and moved by all that you’ve given the world. I hope I make the right life choices so I can end up in heaven where I know you rest your head. I’ll continue to make music in your honor until the day we finally meet. Dinner’s on me!

Love you always and forever,

Drake

Aaliyah: 4 Page Letter

Aaliyah: One In A Million (Darkchild Remix)

Aaliyah: I Dont Wanna Be

Aaliyah: Let Me Know (R.Kelly Remix)

Aaliyah: One In A Million ft. Jay-Z (Remix)

CINNAMON CHASERS + LOVE = LUV DELUXE

2010-08-25T16:52:00.001-04:00

MONEY + DRUGS + KARMA

Cinnamon Chasers is the solo project of Russ Davies, nephew and son of Ray Davies and Dave Davies respectively, two founding members of the Kinks. The london-based producer creates "a perfect blend of crisp electronics, pop based song structure and melodies with an 'indie' feel". The video shown for the single "Luv Deluxe" is shown through 3 realties all driven by one single action to creating a wonderful mix of danger and intimacy. Visually it's fast paced and beautifully shot. It's Kanye West's "Flashing Lights meets Prodigy's "Smack My Bitch Up". "Luv Deluxe", won this years award at SXSW for Best Video. Press play and it will explain itself why the jury voted for it, besides being the video for a really blissfull track. The Cinnamon Chasers EP Sunset Drive was released on the 13th of April. The EP contains five tracks of Nu-Disco, New-wave and a lil’ touch of Italo. So please do have a listen, and if you like it then you most probably want to buy the whole album. I hope you n'joy.

i

SXSW 2010 WINNER! Best Music Video
Saatchi & Saatchi's New Director's Showcase 2010

Album: A Million Miles From Home
Director: Saman Keshavarz (samankeshavarz.blogspot.com)
Producer: Francis Pollara
Associate Producer: Nate Eggert
Cinematographer: Justin Gurnari
Editor: Nate Tam
Actress: Darcy Ripley (pasmaldarcy.blogspot.com)
© Modus Records / Koch Entertainment 2009cinnamonchasers.com

**Shot entirely on the Canon 5D Mark II w/ a custom face mounted rig -- Canon Lenses used: 14mm (f2.8) & 24mm (f1.4)**

BIG L + D.E.A = EBONICS

2010-08-25T14:15:00.011-04:00

ORIGINAL + SLANG + CREATIVE
Yesterday the DEA announced that it was looking to hire "translators" of the "Ebonics Language" to help investigators decipher the results of “telephonic monitoring of court ordered nonconsensual intercepts, consensual listening devices, and other media. Ebonics is listed among 114 languages for which prospective contractors must be able to provide linguists. The 114 languages are divided between “common languages” and “exotic languages.” Ebonics is listed as a “common language” spoken solely in the United States. Upon hearing this a few things came to mind:

1- I never knew "Ebonics was respected enough as a "language" to even need a "translator". This is a big deal! When the government with all of it's power is confused enough to make a public call for help there is something to be said for that.

2 - It says a lot good and bad, for black people's ability to make lemonade out of lemons. Good because it's a real "coded" dialect that changes regionally, created "for us and by us". Bad because it's usually derived from ignorance and improper use of the English language. I would be happy if EVERY Ebonics speaking person had the ability to contextually use both Ebonics and the English language. Ebonics becomes negative when it's used in normal situations i.e; at work, public speaking, television interviews, etc.

3 - Where is Big L when you need him. His classic single "Ebonics" was paramount for illustrating exactly what "Ebonics" even meant. His definitions for "street slang" were illustrated so simple it could make any scholar feel like an idiot for not understanding them on his own.

4- The "Ying Yang Twins" should retire from rap and get down with the DEA. The buffoonery must stop...help your country be a better place.

5- The "Jive" talking black dudes from the 70's classic "Airplane" should be employed as well.

CEE-LO + HEARTBREAK = FUCK YOU

2010-08-21T17:03:00.005-04:00

HILARIOUS + BRILLIANT + SOULFUL

Cee-Lo Green the big bellied, high pitched, front man of Atlanta's Goodie Mob and the alt-soul group Gnarles Barkley is back with a monster of a record titled "Fuck You". "Fuck You" marries a great 60's soul vibe with blatantly offensive lyrics directed at seemingly Cee-Lo's recently lost love. What's brilliant is it's simplicity and general theme that practically anyone can relate to. Much like Cuibic Zirconia's "Fuck Work", "Fuck You" rides the sentiments of a time where we no longer hold back from saying what we feel when we are pissed off. I love it! Click the link below the video for an mp3 of "Fuck You" along with Cee-Lo's mixtape Stray Bullets. If you dig his overall vibe you will love the songs featured in the download. N'joy and Fuck You! :-)

CLICK HERE FOR: THE FUCK YOU LOVE

GZA + TEN = WUTANG REVEALED

2010-08-20T13:04:00.000-04:00

RAW + CANDID + REVEALING

The GZA gets behind the camera as he directs Wu-Tang Revealed, a comprehensive documentary into the lives of the Wu-Tang Clan. Apparently this has been 10 years in the making. No word how or when this will be distributed. Definitely a “must see” for any Wu-Tang fan.

ELECTRO + WAR = CHANGE

2010-08-20T12:20:00.002-04:00

ENERGETIC + INTENSE + YOUTHFUL

Peep the official trailer from the forthcoming documentary "The Electro Wars" from the up and coming film maker Stephen Alex Vasquez. Exploring the past, present, and future of EDM The Electro Wars features in-depth interviews with the EDM scene's most influential stars such as A-Trak, Steve Aoki, Crookers, Dave-1, Spank Rock, Ninja Sonik, Moby, Justice, Armand Van Helden, Dj Premier, Dj Qbert, N.A.S.A, Boys Noize and many more.So, peep the trailer for a sneak peek of the highly anticipated film, "The Electro Wars."

The Electro Wars Final Trailer

KANYE + GOOD MUSIC = G.O.O.D MUSIC

2010-08-17T05:03:00.010-04:00

DIVERSE + PROLIFIC + FUN

Kanye West dropped a new mixtape featuring his roster of G.O.O.D Music affiliates including, Consequence, John Legend, Big Sean, Pusha T and more. The mixtape is a collaborative effort with someone named Perajok alongside Kanye as a co-host. So the natural question would be...."who the hell is Perajok"? Well she’s Russian, an influential blogger, one of the most loyal Kanye Stans, MTV Russia VJ and she’s been voted the 2009 MAXIM Magazine Hottest Russian Woman. Kanye took note by paying homage to his fan by letting her live with him on the new mix. Kinda fresh! Aside from 3-4 songs, the G.O.O.D Ass Mix is a compliation of previously released music that most bloggers will be familiar with. It's a cool listen nonetheless. N'Joy

CLICK HERE FOR THE G.O.O.D LOVE

RONSON + GHOSTFACE + LONDON

2010-08-16T15:50:00.017-04:00

BRITISH + ECLECTIC + WUTANG

DJ and lifestyle icon Mark Ronson is fresh off a tour to celebrate the release of his Gucci-Ronson sneakers available at pop-up locations across the world. His next venture is one he’s quite comfortable with–producing bangin’ records. His new album entitled Record Collection is due out on September 27th in the UK and October 5th in the US. The first single single, Bang Bang Bangfeatured Q-Tip and MNDR, and it preserved the future retro sound Ronson has made famous. His next single, Lose it (In the End) features another legend in hip-hop–Ghostface Killah. Starting with a true vintage sound and lyrics floating in heavy reverb, Ghotface spits a few verses in a formula reminiscent of his presence on Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m no Good,” which was also produced by Ronson. Check the new track after the jump. via: OnSmash

Marc Ronson - Lose It In the End ft. Ghostface Killah

SWEDEN + PHARRELL + HOUSE MUSIC

2010-08-16T14:53:00.002-04:00

ENERGETIC + GLOBAL + EUPHORIC

"We just kept seeing each other at festivals," Williams said. "We were doing a show and they did this beat that they played in their set, and I was like, 'Man! That beat is crazy!' Finally, he was like, 'Look, just one of these days, can you drop by the studio and just do something?' I played a couple of chords and sang, 'I wanna know your name.' It was really quick and really simple. So those guys just chopped it up and just used it as they did. They are really talented guys." - Pharrell Williams on Swedish House Mafia (MTV.com)

The Swedish House Mafia is a group of three house DJs and producers: Axwell,Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso. Eric Prydz is a former member of the group. The Swedish House Mafia released their first official single "One" under the name Swedish House Mafia on Beatport on May 26 2010.

Swedish House Mafia - One (Your Name) [feat. Pharrell]

KARMA = LIFE + LOVE

2010-08-13T23:24:00.004-04:00

LIFE + GOD + TRUTH

THEME: This is a documentary about the philosophy of karma. I am into eastern philosophy which I find to have a lot of truth in it. I wanted to make a film that conveys the idea that we are all basically the same. And I also wanted to make an informative film about what karma really is in case people are interested.

FORM: I wanted to experiment with fusing the documentary genre with the music video genre. I also wanted to make a film that in form reflected indian society in all its colour, chaos and diversity. Indian traditional ideas and beliefs, indian classical music remixed and edited trough western eyes to hopefully suit a western audience.

Erling Hoveid: director, producer, music, photography, co-editor
Geir O. Ramsvik: photography, editor, visual effects
Kristian E. Sjølie: graphic design
Jan Magnus Nymo: sound design, surround and stereo mix

This is Karma from Erling Hoveid on Vimeo.

MOLOKO + FELA = DANCE

2010-08-12T23:03:00.005-04:00

DOPE + DANCE + DAMN

Moloko is a now defunct, Anglo-Irish electronic/pop duo consisting of Róisín Murphy from Wicklow, Ireland and Mark Brydon, from Sunderland, England.

Roisin Murphy, born in Arklow, Ireland, had no prior professional experience as a singer when Moloko was formed. Brydon, on the other hand, already had an extensive curriculum vitae within the dance music community as a remixer and member of pop/house acts House Arrest and Cloud 9. They met at a party in Sheffield, England, when Murphy approached Brydon using the chat-up line, "Do you like my tight sweater? See how it fits my body!" This line would later become the title of their debut album, recorded while the pair were dating.

The first two albums Do You Like My Tight Sweater? and I Am Not a Doctor gained notice in the underground dance scene. The band broke into the mainstream when "Sing It Back", an album track from I Am Not A Doctor, was remixed by house music producer Boris Dlugosch. The track was a massive hit in Ibiza, and this remixed version broke into the top-five in both the Irish Singles Charts, and the UK singles chart in 1999, and also, helped by a psychedelic video featuring Murphy in a very short metallic "flapper" dress and cap. "Sing It Back" has featured on over 100 music compilations.

WORDS + WOMEN + LOVE

2010-08-12T20:45:00.007-04:00

BLACK + BEAUTIFUL + PERFECTION

Joshua Bennett is currently a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, double majoring in English and Africana Studies with minors in Spanish and History. He is a 3-time national poetry slam champion (BNV 2007, CUPSI 2007 and 2009), the youngest poet ever to hit finals stage at the Individual World Poetry Slam, and has recited his original work at events such as the Sundance Film Festival, The NAACP Image Awards, and, most recently, President Obama's evening of poetry and music at the White House. When he is not performing or writing, Joshua enjoys reading contemporary African American fiction (Percival Everett and Colson Whitehead are his favorite authors of the moment), blogging (entirely too much), and falling in love with all the wrong women (he attributes this to his affinity for musicians and hipsters). Joshua plans on pursuing a PhD after graduating from Penn next year, and hopes that he will be able to incorporate his craft into his academic work for years to come. He hails from Yonkers, NY. Shout out to Brooklyn. Thanks to Karen Richburg for the clip.

MOS DEF + JAPAN = FRESH

2010-08-12T00:53:00.002-04:00

BROOKLYN + RENAISSANCE + HIP-HOP

Mos Def takes us on an all access seven-day tour of Japan while he performs his latest album "The Ecstatic" to packed venues in Tokyo and Osaka. During that week, he hits up the Harajuku fashion district, whoops it up at a sumo wrestling match, and gets a personal tour of the Tokyo Giants stadium from his friend and baseball phenom Mark Kroon. Then, he brilliantly ties it all together by divulging the history of great thinkers known as "ecstatics," showing that he is clearly one of the most insightful people in hip-hop.

JOHN HENRIK CLARK + A GREAT AND MIGHTY WALK

2010-08-11T23:31:00.001-04:00

SCHOLAR + HISTORICAL + INTELLECTUAL

Long before educators like Cornell West were being featured in films (Matrix) and heard on rap albums (Lupe Fiasco's "Food & Liquor), there were great historians who championed African history throughout the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. They contextualized our historical greatness in a way that many of us did not and still are not aware of. Great black scholars like Cheikh Anta Diop, Dr. Ben, Dr. Ivan Van Sertima, J.A Rogers and John Henriek Clark are invaluable to our culture. Before the internet many of their lectures could only be purchased through street vendors throughout the inner cities. Fortunately we can now find many in a basic Google search. Of these great men, John Henrik Clark was my favorite. His capacity to retain and recall information always amazed me. Especially because he became legally blind during the latter years of his life. He was a walking library for African history.

The lecture I have attached is titled "The Great and Mighty Walk". Please make some time to not only watch but share. All of this secret society chatter in music has me on a grind to help broaden our perspectives. KNOWING and LEARNING will help us contextualize the information we are receiving. I hope you enjoy the clip.

This video chronicles the life and times of the noted African-American historian, scholar and Pan-African activist John Henrik Clarke (1915-1998). Both a biography of Clarke himself and an overview of 5,000 years of African history, the film offers a provocative look at the past through the eyes of a leading proponent of an Afrocentric view of history. From ancient Egypt and Africa’s other great empires, Clarke moves through Mediterranean borrowings, the Atlantic slave trade, European colonization, the development of the Pan-African movement, and present-day African-American history.

Clarke devoted himself to placing people of African ancestry 'on the map of human geography'." He was quoted saying that "History is not everything, but it is a starting point. History is a clock that people use to tell their political and cultural time of day. It is a compass they use to find themselves on the map of human geography. It tells them where they are, but more importantly, what they must be."

USHER + BONITA = FIRE

2010-08-11T13:04:00.003-04:00

90'S HIP-HOP + CLASSIC R&B + SUMMER FUN

Nothing like a hot summer mashup. This one pairs Tribe Called Quest's classic "Bonita Applebaum" and Usher's "There Goes My Baby", creating straight fire. Not a lot to say about this one other than be sure to add it in your collection from the link below. Shouts to 2dopeboyz for this one. N'Joy

Usher - There Goes My Baby b/w Bonita Applebaum

LAURYN + MOTIVES + THOUGHTS

2010-08-10T14:38:00.001-04:00

PROVOCATIVE + CONNECTED + SPIRITUAL

I was in the house during this taping of Def Comedy Jam. I recall Lauryn hitting the stage with a very serious tone, sternly asking everyone to "be quiet" or she would not begin. Automatically you could hear several "WTF's" being whispered. We all thought and expected to hear an amazingly beautiful poem, lush with words that danced out of Ms.Hill's soul. We expected the Lauryn we all grew to love. What we got was someone with very serious intention, who wanted to speak with an extremely important message. She read as follows:

Motives And Thoughts

Rotating bodies, confusion of sound
Negative imagery, holding us down

Social delusion, clearly constructed

Human condition, morals corrupted

Trapped in reaction, lawlessness war

Dissatisfaction from bowels to core

Devil’s technology, strategy for

Human mythologies, urban folklore

Sick of psychology, counterfeit cure

Wicked theology, robbing the poor...

I was pissed after her performance because I wanted to be entertained. Instead I was educated and had no idea. Her message just hit me 8 years later. Check for the rest after the clip....

ESPERANZA SPALDING + CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

2010-08-10T03:18:00.001-04:00

PROGRESSIVE + SPIRITED + JAZZ

At age 25, Esperanza has a musical wisdom that belies her years and this is evident from her latest solo offering, ‘Chamber Music Society’, which will be released on August 17, 2010. Heavy with classical and chamber influences, interspersed with world music jazz and folk, the album finds Spalding backed by drummer Terri Lyne Carrington and pianist Leo Genovese. The project has been inspired by the classical training of her younger years and has enabled her to create a modern chamber music group that combines the spontaneity and intrigue of improvisation with sweet and angular string trio arrangements. Spalding’s voice provides an angelic counterbalance to her rich bass and the album is further blessed by guest vocalist Milton Nascimento.

ANDRE 3000 + MATRIMONY = I DO

2010-08-09T15:06:00.004-04:00

ECLECTIC + CLASSIC + TIMELESS

Andre 3000 born Andre Benjamin just dropped a new tune titled "I Do". It feels like a Kanye West production circa 2002-2006. My crate digging skills lead me to believe Lenny White's "Cause I Do Love You" also best recognized in Twista's 2004 smash "Overnight Celebrity" is the source to the "I Do" sample.

3k is additionally rapping again. Based on his lack of frequency for dropping new jewels on us, his rapping has become a much apprectiated talent you quickly recall that he can do exceptionally well. "I Do" is a refreshing taste of music from an immensely talented artist. It's cross generational, simple and heartfelt. Rarely if ever does he disappoint and although it's barely 2 minutes it's a dooooope listen! "Feel Good Music" at it's best and a great addition to a hot summer. I look forward to the solo album!!! Ya Dig!

Andre 3000 - I Do (CDQ)

Outkast - Lookin For Ya ft. Sleepy Brown

CUBIC ZIRCONIA + TIOMBE LOCKHART = FRESH

2010-08-06T21:46:00.001-04:00

REFRESHING + FUN + SEXY

Hitting me this summer is the brilliant work of Cubic Zirconia, who truly epitomize avante garde. The quartet consists of front woman,Tiombe Lockhart, known largely for her work with Platinum Pied Pipers, Nick Hook (from Drop the Lime), Todd Weinstock (former member of Glassjaw) and Daud Sturdivant. Their EP was released on June 22 through Brooklyn-based independent label The Savant Guard featuring productions by Lord Warddd, Rene Goulet, and Proper Villains & Jubilee. With the economy slowly opening, the sentiment of the nation could well be, “Fuck Work.” Knock yourselves out on Cubic Zirconia. It’s hot.

Cubic Zirconia Mixtape Vol. 1

BILAL + NOTTZ + SHAFIQ + 88 KEYS = DOPE

2010-08-06T20:50:00.004-04:00

UNIQUE + DOPE + UNPREDICTABLE

I watched Bilal in Central Park, summer of 2000 as he performed a guest set alongside Common. "Soul Sister" was still fresh in the air, the ladies lost it. We ALL did for that matter. It was a great day. He had arrived. People have their paths in life, some easy..some hard. Bilal seemed to take the hard way for a bit. Appearing unfocused and messy during several performances he developed a reputation for being hit and miss. He's the guy you want to win, hope will win.

This past Wednesday I watched the Robert Glasper Trio rock Lincoln Center. Features from the legendary Q-Tip and Bilal completed the night. Dude was on point, focused and sounded as amazing as we expected. To all of our pleasure and with grand expectation He WON!

In 2001, Bilal released his debut album 1st Born Second, which featured contributions from theSoulquarians as well as high profile producers such as Dr. Dre. The album, while critically lauded, failed to achieve any significant mainstream success, and received limited promotion (although the single "Soul Sista" became fairly popular on late night alternative radio). Despite this, Bilal managed to gain a sizable following and high attendance at his live shows, as well as much acclaim and respect from his peers, many whom noted his range and ability to sing in a freeform style, and his classically trained falsetto.

In the following years Bilal continued to appear on projects by other artists both high profile and avant garde, while recording and developing his follow-up set to be released on Interscope Records and featuring contributions primarily from producers Dr. Dre and J Dilla (as heard by Dilla himself). These plans proved to be changeable and the final result, Love For Sale, was an album that appeared to be built around Bilal's own musicianship, with many of the tracks produced and written by the artist himself except "Something to hold onto" was produced by grammy award producer Nottz. However, near the album's completion, Interscope delayed the release date, then shelved the album indefinitely, hinting that it saw little commercial potential in it since it had already leaked online in its entirety. Online, many fans and music critics expressed their sadness that what they viewed as a carefully crafted album would be kept from a proper release. Bilal continues to tour and he signed to Plug Research in 2009. Slated to be released September 14th 2010 is the upcoming release "Airtight's Revenge".

Bilal - Free (Prod. by Nottz) from the forthcoming album Airtight's Revenge

ALICE RUSSELL = LOVE

2010-08-06T19:57:00.001-04:00

BRITISH + SOUL + GOSPEL

Alice Russell is a British soul singer I have been digging with for about 4 years. Her label marketer Robert Luis and I had a few phone conversations about Alice going mainstream. Never quite panned out. Interestingly, Amy Winehouse hit the scene shortly after. Who knows, with the right song Alice could be next!

Alice Russell was born in 1975, the daughter of an organist, and grew up in Framlingham in Suffolk. At the age of nine, following in her father and sisters' musical footsteps, Alice began taking lessons on Cello, and sang in choirs, before studying art and music in Brighton from 1994.

Alice began making a name for herself in the early 2000s, contributing to recordings by Bah Samba, Quantic, TM Juke, Kushti and Nostalgia 77.

Her work with Bah Samba (who released on Estereo Recordings) see's Alice fusing Latin sounds with tinges of house, uplifting jazz and funk, whereas her material with the band Kushti reveals a more laidback, hip hop and soul inspired sound. Her debut album, Under The Munka Moon was released on the Tru Thoughts label in 2004, which was an amalgamation of various singles, remixes and collaborations.

Then came My Favourite Letters (Tru Thoughts) in 2005, her debut studio album created by Alice with co-writer, producer, guitarist and musical soul mate Alex Cowan (a.k.a. TM Juke). The album received prestigious press accolades. Her third release, Under the Munka Moon II (Tru Thoughts) in 2006 compiled her most recent collaborations, remixes, and cover versions including her popular interpretation of The White Stripes' Seven Nation Army.

Alice and TM Juke have been touring together since 2006 with their hand-picked band of musicians, performing to audiences in the U.K, Europe, Australia, the U.S. and in other countries. Alice has also supported Lonnie Liston Smith, Femi Kuti, De La Soul and appeared on the bill with Amy Winehouse for the British showcase at the Midem Music Conference in Cannes 2007.

MARCO BRAMBILLA X THE RENAISSANCE = KANYE WEST - POWER

2010-08-02T15:29:00.002-04:00

CREATIVE + SYMBOLIC + POWERFUL

Summer of 2010 goes to Drake, Rick Ross, Usher and Nikki Minaj. On the horizon is Kanye West. Kanye always pushes the creative boundaries. Although it's not his intention he distracts us from records like OMG" and the mindless summer anthem "BMF". His current single "Power" is not hit. It may not ever be. However, Kanye always finds a way to grab our attention. The symbolism and religious overtones in "Power" are a bit heavy, they are deliberate and layered with metaphors. It alludes to his fall from grace behind the Carrie Underwood debacle, his moms passing and his immensely overblown ego. "Power" is a testimony to all things he is and is not. A complete contradiction to the the Waka Flaka's and Soulja Boy's. His music and imagery is allegorical and deliberate. It is without a doubt that he is a creative genius. He is a student of the arts who pays close attention to his heart and the pictures he paint. As listeners we can choose to entertained my the music, the message or both.

Generally speaking, I want to hear a great album that's not cooning, selling coke nor eluding to secret societies. These times ahead will be monumental. Music will continue to be a powerful voice. Artists like Kanye intellectualize their voice with a purpose. It's up to you to decide if you TRULY want to hear what is being said. Pay close attention to what "Power" is saying and meaning. It's definitely more than just any music or movement we have seen in quite some time.

Here's a few words from Director Marco Brambilla about the meaning of "Power"

So what exactly is the piece?
Well, it’s a video portrait of Kanye. It starts with a very tight shot introducing him that’s kind of a reinvention of a neoclassical painting. It pulls back from the shot, without any cuts, and we reveal the video canvas, populated by all these characters who are depicted in various stages of undress and decadence. The iconography comes from Roman iconography, Renaissance iconography, and it connects to the sexuality of the music as well. As we reveal the setting for it, there’s a feeling of a moment of transition for him. A fall from grace, if you will. It visualizes power, and him as the icon as power, and then at the end of the piece it challenges the power that I set up at the beginning. It’s an elliptical piece of storytelling.

How did you guys end up using that kind of imagery?
He (Kanye) approached me via my gallery and he wanted to do something that wasn’t a music video. He wanted a video work that would accompany the music. I said, “That’s great, because I don’t do music videos.” I wanted to give it an epic feeling. The song feels very personal, but the orchestration and the production of the track is epic and I wanted to give it something hypersensational and exaggerated.

About "Civilization"
Civilization, a video mural created for the new Standard hotel in New York City, depicts a journey from hell to heaven interpreted through modern film language using computer-enhanced found footage. This epic video mural contains over 300 individual channels of looped video blended into a multi-layered seamless tableau of interconnecting images that illustrate a contemporary, satirical take on the concepts of Heaven and Hell.

Power

Civilization by Marco Brambilla from

KEITH HARING + LINE DRAWING

2010-08-02T14:21:00.002-04:00

ICONIC + PRIMITIVE + LEGENDARY

Keith Haring (May 4, 1958 – February 16, 1990) was an artist and social activist whose work responded to the New York City street culture of the 1980s.

Haring achieved his first public attention with chalk drawings in the subways of New York. The exhibitions were filmed by the photographer Tseng Kwong Chi. Around this time, "The Radiant baby" became his symbol. His bold lines, vivid colors, and active figures carry strong messages of life and unity. Starting in 1980, he organized exhibitions in Club 57. He participated in the Times Square Exhibition and drew, for the first time, animals and human faces. In 1981 he sketched his first chalk drawings on black paper and painted plastic, metal andfound objects.

Haring contributed to the New York New Wave display in 1981, and had his first exclusive exhibition in the Tony Shafrazi Gallery. That same year, Haring took part in Documenta 7 inKassel, Germany. By 1982, he established friendships with fellow emerging artists Futura 2000,Kenny Scharf, Madonna and Jean-Michel Basquiat. He took part in the Whitney Biennial in 1983, as well as in the São Paulo Biennial. He got to know Andy Warhol, who was the theme of several of Haring's pieces including "Andy Mouse." His friendship with Warhol would prove to be a decisive element in his eventual success, particularly after their deaths.
Drawing the Line (1989)

keith haring

BASQUIAT - THE RADIANT CHILD (FILM/TRAILER)

2010-08-02T14:16:00.001-04:00

BRILLIANT + SAVANT + HIP-HOP

Mr. JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT: And so you're asking somebody, you know, how does your horn - asking Miles, how does your horn sound? You know - I don't think he could really tell you, you know, why he played, you know, why he plays this at this point in the music or, you know, just - you're sort of on automatic, you know, most of the time.

Basquiat Documentary Pt.1

Basquiat Documentary Part 2 (CLICK HERE)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSULmj5NSS0&feature=related

Basquiat Documentary Part 3 (CLICK HERE)

RESPECT THE ARCHITECT = TINKER HATFIELD

2010-08-02T14:14:00.001-04:00

STYLE + INNOVATION + VISIONARY

Unless you are a sneaker fiend Tinker Hatfield's name may not ring a bell. But to the "heads" he is truly respected as the architect for many of NIKE's illest kicks, including the Air Jordan III through Air Jordan XV, the twentieth anniversary Air Jordan XX, the final numbered Air Jordan, the XXIII, the 2010 (XXV) and other athletic sneakers including the world's first "cross training" shoes, the Nike Air Trainer.
Tinker Hatfield speaks on how the Air Max was conceived

Tinker Hatfield speaks on the Air Jordan 2010