We Plug G.O.O.D Music

WE PLUG 2 YOU: GREEDS & NUTTY P - SAMPLER 4

2010-09-04T02:56:00.000+01:00

Good day folks. How's it going?. You can't possibly be as busy as i am right now, could you? Deadlines on everything while moving apartments. I am shedding pounds like you won't believe it, but i ain't complaining :). Let's skip the small talk then because trust me when i say i'm behind schedule and lets get right to the music.

Here at WE PLUG there are certain artists that we (collectively) are not afraid to say we are partial to. #SueUs. One such artist is the very talented, mesmerizing, Nigerian (#teamNigeria all day people) and handsome spoken word lyricist G.R.E.E.D.S. No stranger to our site because he is an extremely hard worker bringing out 3 samplers prior to this that i am about to share with you. The kid goes hard.

G.R.E.E.D.S & Producer NUTTY P Present Sampler 4, a very different vibe from anything they have done so far. This you can tell was a more fun project and on first listen i wasn't sure how i felt. You see when you are used to someone's pattern you don't immediately know how to react to the unexpected change. I decided I needed the perfect time, the perfect environment to listen to this and 3 songs into it, I was impressed. He changed up his style without losing any of the passion that makes him so good.

I listen to a lot of spoken word artists but not many of them can pull it off over music. Some of the beats on here where for true rappers and others for true R 'n'B artists. Dude went in on over B.O.B's airplane. Like seriously!!!! Dude goes hard. However, when one experiments there is sure to be one or two that might not exactly "gel" you know!! mix right. One such song is Crying Lightening. It just didn't work for me and I might be wrong, it might be the best song on there for you. Let me know guys. What do you think? & Talking about working for me, here are some of the songs that did...

My favorite song on here is Ready. When you listen it won't be hard to see why. Inmymind i'm a rapper, lol so i love beats that have your car bouncing like you see them all over the streets of Detroit, head bumping. And this is the killer for me, he goes "I kid you not, with every fiber that i eat through, acapella or with a beat i remain connected, umbilical, need them not to separate cause i cannot imagine a life without a music pen pad or headphones i swear i'll go crazy". iLove it and the hook is so hype, I've had this song on repeat all day.

<a href="http://greeds.bandcamp.com/track/ready">Ready by Greeds</a>

If you listen to no other song on this sampler, you have gotta listen to AURA. Yes it is that good it needs to be capitalized. Like who does spoken word over such a beat. Pure madness i tell you, lets just say G.R.E.E.D.S is a very bold guy. I really can't say much about this song, you tell me what you think. "My Aura is bright and bold, wicked and bad"

<a href="http://greeds.bandcamp.com/track/aura">Aura by Greeds</a>

And last but not least, the song that gets every emotion in me, I am after all female, and makes me want to be with my man right this minute is URGE. Fellas, you're looking for a song to set that romantic mood and to give your girl a hint of what you have planned in store for her then I urge you (all pun intended) to get this song. Sigh. I would be in love with G.R.E.E.D.S just for this song if I wasn't already in love with another. Spoken word at its best people.

<a href="http://greeds.bandcamp.com/track/urge">Urge by Greeds</a>

That's it people. Download this free sampler right now and enjoy every minute of it. Infact do yourself a favor and download the previous samplers as well. And we will be sure to bring to your attention the next sampler as well, because I trust he will be out with one or two more before the year ends.

Download: GREEDS & Nutty P - Sampler 4

Download: GREEDS & Nutty P - Sampler 2 & 3

And i'm out till next week.

Peace, Love and Good Music

Neefemi

WE PLUG 2 YOU: FREEDOM OR DEATH

2010-08-25T19:53:00.003+01:00

Hi Guys, how have you been? It’s been a minute since I did one of these. Life has a way of overshadowing your good efforts but I promise to be a whole lot better. The boss wants a post every week and this is what he will get. We do have to apologize to those of you sending in your stuff, we will try to get to as many as we can that we LOVE, so please continue to do so. So let’s begin shall we.

I do not have a trained ear for music, sure I could tell you what instrument is being played but in this digital world I could also be wrong. I did not go to any sort of music school; I am neither a producer nor an artist. So why do I do this you might ask? Because I LOVE GOOD MUSIC and though we might have different opinions, I like to believe that I have the ears for good music. That is why I can introduce you to the music crew FREEDOM OR DEATH.

FREEDOM OR DEATH are a duo from Toronto, who released their first self-titled EP in June 2010. Fernandez and Sway who make up this duo had both been in the Canadian music industry for over 10 years and decided to leave the corporate environment of the major labels to pursue as they say it “our” art over “their” business. What resulted is a mix of genres from Electronica, Indie Rock to Folk that I absolutely love.

My favorite song on their self tiled 6 track E.P is called "This Crowded Room". There is something just great about this song. The instrumentals are so nice, they have voices to match the greatness and uniqueness of this beat and it all blends so smoothly. Plus you really have to see this video, its interesting to say the least. Oddly enough there is something romantic about this song so i really wasn't surprised when i saw it.

My next favorite track on here is their male version of Pink's "Sober". First off, I heart Pink and i think she is legendary. What is crazy for me is that for them to have chosen this song, i feel like they must have felt some kind of connection to what Pink was trying to say. The song speaks of insecurity, speaks of want or need for attention and affection and yet shows growth. What is that thing they say about realizations being the first steps to progress.Yes! that is what this song speaks of. But i might be wrong, maybe they just love Pink as much as i do. Lol. What more isn't it awesome to hear guys carry this tune that is so unique to Pink? like who would have thought any guy could hold this tune?

Because its only 6 songs on this EP and i want you to actually download it, ill end this with the last song on the EP "Meter Maid". I think its funny that i chose to review the last 3 songs, but i digress :-). I love this song. "I made myself a liar, threw out what you desire, left just enough for me, enough to make it hard to see, that everyday is just a phase of beating up myself again, walking further from your hands, waiting for my head to land" Those lyrics right there captivate me right from the beginning of this song as i carefully listen to the rest of the song. Its such a beautiful song and i'm all about instrumentals and that guitar piece somewhere in the middle killed it for me. "Its all in my mind." Isn't it always? :-)

I hope you enjoyed the songs guys. Follow them on Twitter and check out their Myspace page for more info on them especially if you live in Canada, maybe you could see them perform live. I bet their performance will be awesome. And don't forget to cop the EP on itunes, links are right below.

Purchase: Freedom or Death EP (UK) | iTunes USA | iTunes Canada | iTunes Japan

And i'm Out till next week.

Peace Love and Good Music

Neefemi

We Plug 2 Y.O.U... Moxie Black - How Did This Happen?

2010-08-21T19:20:00.001+01:00

So a few days ago or to be more precise, on Wednesday August 18th, emerging Portland Rapper-Vocalist + Producer duo Moxie Black released their 11-track Free début album 'How Did This Happen?' but we'll get on to that in a minute. I suppose right now though, you're asking 'Well Who are/is Moxie Black?'.

Moxie Black consists of Super-Producer Brian Dekk Dekker, who you might remember from Luck-One & Dekk's 'Beautiful Music' EP which we raved about right HERE a little over a year ago & Vocalist/Rapper Adam IllaJ Lewis (not to be confused with the younger of the Yancey brothers), who is a next generation emcee, musician, producer and tireless businessman, according to his myspace page. Both from Portland, OR, Individually making significant strides in their separate musical journeys have come together to create this beast, this monster that is Moxie Black! I first heard the duo back in February & this is what I heard...

'Risky Bizness' is the lead single off of their brand new debut album 'How Did This Happen?' & you may have heard it in the past 2/3 weeks over on a number of music blogs (this record sent the internet crazy so much so that it made it unto Complex Magazine's 5 O'Clock Shuffle upon release!). When I first heard it though, I was a little surprised because I associated Dekk with the soulful hip-hop production he laced for Luck-One on tracks like 'Coulda Been Me' & 'When I Forget' from 'Beautiful Music' but I quickly got over it.

I remember before he sent me this record, Dekk asked me "You a fan of electro-pop new wave type hip hop? or are you more a traditionalist?", to which I replied "I'm on everything G as long as it sounds good, would say though that my 1st instinct is still always traditional sounding hip-hop...", which is still so true but there was something about the record. I said at the time that the first stanza reminded me of Theophilus London which as Dekk pointed out is not even a bad thing. I liked the record so much & I even loved the singing parts that much more. IllaJ is a clever, witty & talented dude and these two work together, it's a great mash-up & their album 'How Did This Happen?' is an amazing testament of this...

This album is quite hard to describe or explain. Yes it's Electronica, its New Wave, it's Alternative, it's Experimental but it's also quite more than that. Each song on the LP is different, with a totally different vibe from the previous or next song. I press play on this album & it's an experience every time so I'll just share with you, some of my favorite records from the album & you can check out the rest of it at your own time (which should really & truly be right after you've read this piece!)

This here record titled 'Chosen' is my favourite record off of the album & in all honesty, one of my favourite records for 2010. I'm most definitely certain that the play-count of this record on my blackberry is on some astronomical level! Everybody I've played this song to has fallen in love with it & I'm sure you will too. IllaJ on vocals is amazing on this & Dekk unleashes a massively head-bopping musical backdrop that is just right. It's minimalist in parts, under-stated in others and never overbearing. This record just comes together perfectly!

& there's more where that came from...

What about those drum patterns on this record? Simple yet it gives the song all the life in the world! I hear this record & I just wanna break-out into a mad dance. I love this record so much like! It's titled 'When I Think of You'

All in all, I must say that 'How Did This Happen?' is a beautifully put-together piece of work. It's a little short of 40 minutes which works perfectly because it leaves you wanting some more, well at least it left me wanting some more after I listened to it & I like that! It's not filled with unnecessary fillers or tiresome records and as a whole, it comes out pretty compact, congruent, very thought-out & most importantly it's GOOD Music from Track 1 to the end. Even the three bonus-tracks that conclude the album DO NOT disappoint. I implore you to download the album via the link right below... Even though you might be a 'traditionalist' when it comes to Hip-Hop Music or Music generally, I Still think Moxie Black are worth your time... At least 40 minutes of it!

Download: Moxie Black - How Did This Happen?

Until the Next Time...

We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Session #4

2010-03-07T18:44:00.005Z

I have to start by apologizing as this is two weeks late. It’s not entirely my fault though; bad internet service, poorly managed servers, faulty computer and a very busy week are the reasons for this late post.

I really hope that you have been with us every Monday Night from 8pm – 10pm on the WEPLUGGOODMUSIC Radio show on www.melodyone.com. Just in case you missed Show 4, or weren’t sure who sang what, we have the list for you, right here…………….

Othello, Kel & M.I - Talking the Hardest

Wax & Eom - It's All Love

Curren$Y - Elevator Music

Tiron - For Your Smile

Elzhi Ft. T3 - Save Ya

Big Sean Ft. Keely - Love Story

Dream Mcclean Ft. Daniel Brockington - Closer

Murs & 9th Wonder - Love The Way

Wretch 32 & Scorcher - Do You Think About Me

Chauffeur - Soles Of Fire

Dtmd - What That Mean

Chiddy Bang - Opposite Of Adult

Ty Ft. Sarina Leah & Shaun Escofrey - Emotions

Chromatone - She Tries

Janelle Monae - "Cold War"

Janelle Monae Ft Big Boi - Tight Rope

Tinashe - May Day (So Shifty Remix)

Josephine Silla - Man Of My Fantasy

Szjerdene - Blue Lullaby

Wilson - Miles Away

Marsha Ambrosius - Let Me Go

Alice Smith - Dream

Corinne Bailey Rae - Paris Nights/New York Mornings

Flying Lotus - Tea Leaf Dancers

Full Crate & Mar - Surreal Moments

Dean High Ft. Michele - Love Can Be

G.R.E.E.D.S - No One

You can listen back on the show right after this JUMP

We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Show #4 by We Plug G.O.O.D Music on Mixcloud

BE sure to tune in Next Monday & Every other Monday evenings on MELODY ONE between 8PM & 10PM UK to listen to the We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Show...
Until the Next Time...
Peace, Love & G.O.O.D.M.U.S.I.C

Neefemi

We Plug to Y.O.U... The Stuyvesants.

2010-07-29T17:49:00.040+01:00

Before we go into the music, I surmise this is where I introduce myself. Well, I'm Jo. Or doJo. If the name sounds familiar (although I won't be offended if it doesn't), it's because of this. Ayo asked me to contribute, and I had a great time doing it. Hopefully I can do it again sometime [wink wink, nudge nudge]. A couple of months & BBM conversations later, here I am. My musical tastes range from that good old Jackson 5 to the musical styling & impeccable adlibs Gucci Mane has graced us with (in small doses, of course). I’m enamored with Colbie Callait almost as much as I love Ray Charles, and the musical productions of Nicolay and the whole Foreign Exchange Music imprint will forever leave me breathless. I don’t claim to know more than I do in terms of music, and I will admit that I don’t give everything a chance. But from what I like, and what my last fm page tells me, I’m willing to give almost everything a chance. But enough about me; let’s get to the music.

I love Brooklyn. I’ve always called it my second home. There was a time where I was adamant that I’d live there for the rest of my life. Although that notion has come and gone, one thing that remains is that my love for the city is still there. My favorite time to go is during the summer. There’s so much energy and so much going on, you really can’t sit still. So when this project popped up in my Twitter timeline while I was at work, I took a chance on it and was blown away. What I’m plugging to you is 25 tracks of soulful, crate-digging, utterly amazing production in the form of The Stuyvesants’ “Brooklyn’s Finest.”

No one can describe who they are and what they do better than that person, so I’ll let them handle the formalities:

"The Stuyvesants” is a collaborative effort between music producer Allan Cole (Algorythm), and record collector Darien Victor Birks (Flwrpt). Both reside in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY. The two wanted to work together on a project where they could incorporate several of their talents, related to music and design. They wanted to do this under a moniker that would pay homage to the ’70s. The collaboration allowed them to do four major things, design, beat dig, produce amazing music, and simply have fun.

Through this project, they hoped to not only pay homage to the 70s but also take the listener on a journey through Bed-Stuy in that era. I can truly say that they achieved this goal and then some. I've been playing it non-stop since June 1, and each time I find something new to love.

I have to admit, I’m not into jazz, but there is something to be said about this particular track, "A Liquid Love (A Sophisticated Meeting Place)". I was in a band for 6 years, so of course, the first thing that drew my attention were the horns. They’re soft, but not too soft; they charge but they’re not overbearing.

That song, "There's So Many", is my favorite on the project. The first time I heard it, I was immediately taken to my aunt’s apartment in Brooklyn (in my mind, of course). This song is a perfect example of block party, everything is all-good and everyone is having a great time kind of music. The tambourine gets me all the time and I just start doing a soul clap each and every time. There’s just enough funk and soul and it balances perfectly. Go on ahead and do the bus stop to it – I won’t judge.

"Sunrise in the Stuy” is a whimsical and enchanting song. The loop of the horns and how they come in at what seem to be odd counts is a highlight for me. This song, to me, is the space in-between when a dream ends and when you wake up. I can definitely see myself in bed when this song comes on, and the climax at 1:31-34 is the morning stretch. Or maybe it’s the moment I open my eyes.

More notable songs that I encourage you to check are “W.O.M.A.N., ”a sultry track that encourages a slow dance; “Seldom Seen,” which has a vocal chop and a breakdown fit for a king, and “Green Ave. Anthem” which is just as fanciful as “Sunrise in the Stuy.” “Hustlers” is a gritty, grimy attack that still maintains the soul that is prevalent throughout the entire album. The drums are hard hitting and the chop of the hook is flawless.

The Stuyvesants’ album is, in my opinion, perfect for any occasion.

Their goal was to pay homage to the 70s, and I think they achieved that goal and more. Any listener can tell that Algorythm and Flwprt took their time to perfectly craft this album, and it is prevalent from track 1 to 25. Each song is crafted so that either they are short enough to always make you want more, or long enough that you still want more, thus hitting the repeat button. There is a song for everyone on this project, and a song for any occasion. I recommend anyone to give this a try, because there is no room for disappointment on this project.

Download: The Stuyvesants – Brooklyn’s Finest

Until the Next Time,

Dojo

We Plug 2 Y.O.U... CILLA K - FINE LINE

2010-07-28T17:31:00.000+01:00

There should be a rule sometime in the near future banning lazy writers from owning/managing/editing websites or any form of publication, maybe that will kick me into shape! I've been away for a bit, haven't I? We could go back and forth with the blaming games on this but what would that solve heh? Anyhoo right into the reason I'm here today...

I received an email on the 25TH of June (Yes! A month ago so #dearartists I'm really not ignoring your music, oh except if its really awful then YES I'm ignoring it! Alas I digress) from a French West Indian alternative/indie-soul artist & beat-maker based in New York by the name of Cilla K about her debut album, 'Fine Line' which was released in April and then she also went on to list a few Online Editors that have been so kind as to review her work... In this list included some of my favourite websites such as Above & Beyond Magazine, Soul:UK & This is Real Music and so I thought I'd pay particular attention to this lady and her music.

I have been listening to 'Fine Line' for close to a month now and it is a thoroughly enjoyable body of work. I rarely ever use 'enjoyable' to describe music (even though I think I should more often) but its the Summer and if you're not listening to Music that you are enjoying then there must be a problem. Having said that, I still wanna be able to appreciate the music I'm listening to. Note that appreciating & enjoying music are two different things... I enjoy & appreciate Cilla K's 'Fine Line'.

I'll just show you a couple (or 3) reasons why and if you're a regular listener of our radio show on Melody One, you will have heard these reasons already but yeah let's listen to some music...

"You've got the face of an angel but I know you're an evil child." - Cilla K

Something about this record apart from the title 'Evil Child' grabs you immediately you hear it... Alright, maybe not immediately but I guarantee you once you've hit the chorus, you cannot get that line outta your head and the harmony on this as well gets me. The combination of those light drums patterns & what I think are lead guitar strings gives Cilla K the haunting & captivating musical backdrop she needs to make this record work and she doesn't disappoint on those vocals... I really really like this song, what do you make of it?

Lemme know what you think of this next one as well yeah?

This record 'Black & White' sounds so different from the other songs on the album & I'm not saying that it doesn't quite fit into this album BUT it does have a certain different feel to it that's not on the rest of the album (it may just be me so you can tell me if I'm wrong when you listen to the album) and it's certainly not a bad thing, it's just an observation. It sounds more 'Summery R&B-ish' than 'Alternative Indie-Soul-ish' if that makes any sense. I really like this song & you can hear the beauty in what she's doing with those drum patterns & guitar strings again, this time with the right touch of piano keys... Simple sounds but the effects are amazing to my ears (you need to plug in headphones to hear these guitar strings in all that accentuated glory)

All in all, 'Fine Line' is 15-tracks of GOOD Music without saying too many words! Cilla K's dreamy vocals, the amazing melodies & harmonies and of course the very impressive production on this album make it one that you should definitely check out. From the two records we've already shared with you, to other stand-out tracks such as the very enjoyable 'Lost in You', the hard-thumping Hip-Hop influenced title-track 'Fine Line' and the 'Drive You Home' remix which we're about to listen to, this is so worth your time!!!

"Tell me have you lost your way boy" - Cilla K

'Drive You Home Remix' was my stand-out record from the album when I first listened to it but now I'm undecided as I quite like 'Evil Child' a whole lot but this is still a stand-out record by any measure! Those horns are simply the business & Cilla K's vocal harmonizing shines through on this record

You can stream the whole 'Fine Line' album for free via Cilla K's Myspace Page and so you should! I reckon you'll like it so I've included the purchase link for 'Fine Line' right below for your perusal! It's only $5.99 (around £3.50)

Purchase: Cilla K - Fine Line

Until the Next Time...

We Plug 2 Y.O.U... ONE MIC + JULY 25TH 2010 + The Mid-Summer Edition

2010-07-15T00:05:00.002+01:00

We haven't done one of these in a really long time right? Well I really hope you can come out for this one (well if you're in London ofcourse), it'd be really good to see you + after our little break last month, it'd be kinda nice to know we still got you like that, you know...

"GUESS WHO'S BACK AGAIN? The ONE MIC Series is BACK for its Summer Show of 2010 - ONE MIC... The Mid-Summer Edition... AND in our consistent & continuous bid & effort to keep plugging the best of NEW & EMERGING Performing Artistes, 'We Plug GOOD Music' & the dMp have put together another magical evening of GOOD MUSIC, GOOD Poetry & GOOD Comedy for Y.O.U!" - We Plug G.O.O.D Music

I am really looking forward to this showcase on the 25th, it feels so NEAR!!! Carol Ohemaa, who's doing a spoken word set on the night, asked me last night at Writer's Block in Shoreditch, if I was nervous and usually the answer would be NO because leading up to the last few One Mic events, I'd been really calm and jus like yeah 'whatever's gonna go down is gonna go down!', which is/was a sharp contrast with how I was at the very first 'One Mic' event back in August last year, that was emotional boiiii... Anyway back to the present day, 'One Mic', Next Week Sunday... Am I nervous? Yeah BUT I am also very excited...

WITH the release of their debut single 'Night Time Calling', UK-Based Hip-Hop/Folk Duo, I Am One Project are receiving rave reviews left, right and centre SO we thought it only right for them to come and show you what all the hype is about right on the 'ONE MIC' stage + FRESH off of her packed out E.P Launch Party in Shoreditch, UK Soul Singer Dionne Reid finally graces the 'ONE MIC' stage and with her, she brings that realness & freeness that's been missing on the scene, EXPECT a truly electrifying SET from the very talented Ms. Reid + so much MORE AMAZING Music & Poetry on the night including Jodi Ann Bickley, the amazing Performance Poet from Birmingham, Emerging Zimbabwean born + UK Based Soul/Funk Singer Chantelle Nandi and Acoustic R&B Singer/Song-Writer Craig Storrod to name only a couple, this Mid-Summer 2010 Edition of the 'One Mic' Series promises simply to be as we say 'A MAGICAL EVENING of GOOD MUSIC & GOOD POETRY'!

GET your £5 tickets HERE via Ticketweb and then check out all the DETAILS about One Mic... The Mid-Summer Edition + Some footage or material of some of the artists you can expect to catch down at 'One Mic' come July 25th at Elixir Bar! ALL right after the JUMP...

I AM ONE PROJECT

DIONNE REID

BELLE

<a href="http://belle.bandcamp.com/track/delicious-delicacies">Delicious Delicacies by Belle</a>

K.I PROJECT

JODI ANN BICKLEY

REESE ROBINSON

I'm afraid that is ALL the footage we'll be sharing with you tonight... If you remotely liked anything you've heard from the above footage/material then you should definitely be in attendance next week Sunday (July 25th) as these artists & so much more are literally gonna blow you away... Now for all the details, look below

*******************************************
★THE PERFORMERS ON THE NIGHT ARE...

Music by...

I AM ONE Project
http://www.myspace.com/iamoneproject

Dionne Reid
http://www.myspace.com/dionnereid

Chantelle Nnandi
http://www.myspace.com/chantellenandi

Belle
http://belle.bandcamp.com/

Reese Robinson
http://www.myspace.com/reeserobinsonmusic

K.I Project
http://kensaye.bandcamp.com/album/the-article

FIZZIE
http://www.myspace.com/officialfizzie

Craig Storrod
http://www.myspace.com/craigstorrod

Spoken Word from...

Ola the Poet
http://olathepoet.wordpress.com/

Carol Ohemaa
http://carolohemaapoetry.blogspot.com/

Jodi Ann Bickley
http://www.myspace.com/onenoneblonde

& Accompanied by an ALL-FEMALE 4-piece live band - The SounDelight

★THE DATE

Sunday, JULY 25TH, 2010

★THE VENUE

Elixir Bar
162 Eversholt Street
London.
NW1 1BL
http://www.elixirbar.co.uk

Nearest Tube Stations - Mornington Crescent (5 Minutes)/ Euston (5 Minutes)/ Camden Town (10 Minuutes).

★ENTRY

For LIMITED EARLY-BIRD £5.00 TICKETS, GO TO THE SAFE & SECURE TICKETWEB website with the LINK below...

http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=397091

& For advanced £8.00 tickets, Call any of our HOTLINES...

07595947017

07886825551

07956228622

07931197612

07960340815

Dress Code - Smart Casual & I.Ds may be required.

Arrive early to register your interest in performing in the Open-Mic Session!!!

**ONE MIC simply boasts the premier avenue for new and upcoming performers to take a stage and do what they love in front of a wide range of audiences that may OR may NOT have heard their material BUT will definitely appreciate the ART**

We Plug 2 Y.O.U... ZAYNA DAZE + CLOUDFISTCONCEPTZ - CLOUDY DAZE 2 & 3

2010-06-22T22:46:00.001+01:00

OK I suppose a brief introduction of the artists known as Zayna Daze & CloudFistConceptz is somewhat necessary before I go straight into the music today right? SO who is Zayna Daze? Well I'll let her answer that one herself, I reckon she'll tell it better than I can...

"A vocalist/ Musician/ performance poet/ instrumentalist.... Zayna daze combines innovative vocal techniques with soulful spoken word poetry, often experimenting with a loop station and acoustic instruments in live performances. The concept of Zayna Daze was inspired by the observation and admiration of other performing artists who posses sheer ability to capture and positively stir audiences. This has been my main aspiration as an artist… Im an artist at heart. I believe I'm here for a creative purpose, thats all." - Zayna Daze

I cannot even front, iHeart Zayna Daze!!! The woman sings, she writes, she performs, she does poetry, she makes music... It's ALOT and I love it! Ever since I heard Cloudy Daze Vol. 1, I've been a huge fan of Ms. Daze! Nah actually tell-a-lie, I was already a fan of hers before the Cloudy Daze series began BUT it was Volume 1 that tipped me over the ledge! In the same vein though, I must say that I know absolutely nothing about Zayna's collaborator on the Cloudy Daze Volumes, an artiste known as CloudFistConceptz, other than the fact that he's a highly talented German producer, emcee & spoken word artiste currently residing in East London and the fact that what they, he & Zayna, create together is nothing short of amazing!

Talking about amazing, this 'Cloudy Daze Volume 2 & 3' album, officially released yesterday June 21st 2010 & which you can DOWNLOAD for free HERE, is pretty much amazing BUT you should go ahead, click the download button & listen so you know iSpeak the truth! HOWEVER, as we usually do, we're just gonna share with you some of our favorite records from the 'Cloudy Daze Vol. 2 & 3' album, I feel I been talking too much anyway so let's get started!!!

<a href="http://zaynadaze.bandcamp.com/track/cloudy-no-more">Cloudy no more by ZAYNA DAZE</a>

What you just heard is the first record you hear on this album, it's titled 'Cloudy No More' and asides the fact that this is one of my many favorites on the LP, is the more poignant fact that they chose to begin the album on this level. It's sorta like a statement of intent, a very bold one at that because you've set the listener's expectations all the way up there and ordinarily, the only other place for you to go now, is down BUT 'Cloudy Daze Vol. 2 & 3' doesn't GO down, it finds newer levels of "all the way up there" to reach as the album progresses... Now that's what makes an amazing body of work! The one thing, if I may, that I like the most on this record is the musical backdrop, the bass arrangement on here is just epicness + although you don't get to hear Cloudfistconceptz on a lot of the album, I really liked the few times he does come up & this song is one of them...

"You can't stop us on this Earth..." - CloudFistConceptz

& We're #ontothenextone...

<a href="http://zaynadaze.bandcamp.com/track/people-of-poison">People of poison by ZAYNA DAZE</a>

This one's called 'People of Poison' and part of the reasons I like this one so much is because it's one of the records that stood out for me on the lyrical side of things as I listened to the album & I'll tell you why. The first time I listened to this album, I was so wrapped up with how good the records were musically + how well CloudFistConceptz & Zaynda Daze seemed to be working to create some magic in the studio or wherever magical place they be creating this music + how refreshing Zayna's vocals sounded & I wasn't even paying attention to the lyrics BUT on this one song, it was the lyrics, it was the words that captured me first + the melody on this song stays winning. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this one...

"I Heard a Rumour That They Want Me Dead" - Zayna Daze

... Now unto my personal favorite record on 'Cloudy Daze Vol. 2 & 3'

<a href="http://zaynadaze.bandcamp.com/track/with-you">With you by ZAYNA DAZE</a>

I've probably spent more minutes listening to this here record titled 'With You' than I have spent listening to the album & I've listened to the whole album quite a number of times, that just shows you how much iHeart this record & the reprise also, which you really need to listen to! Guess you'll be downloading the album to do that? You really ought to... Anyway why do iLike this record so much? Asides the fact that I'm a complete & utter sucker for the concept of falling in love fully & completely & that's exactly what this record is talking about? Well there's something about the melodies Zayna Daze + Cloudfist manage to concoct on this record and as with much of this album & I don't wanna use 'amazing' again as I write this piece so I won't BUT this 'something' I'm referring to is pretty damn special.

"& every now and then I have to catch my breathe..." - Zayna Daze

ALL in ALL though, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this album, it's not as short as Volume 1 (thank God) but it's not too long either and the records on Vol. 2 & 3 do NOT tend to go on for unnecessarily long periods of time which I do think is a VERY good thing... I also think that if you appreciate music in itself then you're in for a treat because although it'll be said to be spoken word, it really is much more so even if spoken word is not your thing, there will be something on this album that you can appreciate, there will be quite a few things to be honest... quite a few things!

SO YEAH Just click on the download button below & enjoy the Music really! That is indeed why we ARE here!

Download: Zayna Daze + CloudFistConceptz - Cloudy Daze Vol. 2 & 3

Until the Next Time...

Peace | Love | Good Music

We Plug 2 Y.O.U... K.I Project - The Article

2010-06-07T07:54:00.002+01:00

SO AFTER a brief hiatus, we are back with a flurry of the very best emerging music that we've been blessed to find and come across... Let's get right into it ladies & gentlemen!

I received an email a couple of months ago from a Hip-Hop/Soul group from London by the name of K.I Project of their debut album that is being released today for FREE but we'll get back to that detail later on, I was at first reluctant to download their entire album unto my laptop and then have it turn out to be utter rubbish (no offence but it's happened) but I took a little faith and let me tell you, I was BLOWN away!!!

SO who are K.I Project? K.I Project is the combination of Hip-Hop & Soul Producer Kensaye, born & raised in France, who's now based in London and Innocent, one very impressive Rapper from Watford & together they formed the Kensaye & Innocent Project thus 'K.I Project'... "Simple & Honest" according to Kensaye and he goes on to clarify that "Simplicity and Honest is what they thrive on. The Music has a soulful blend of samples and electronic sounds and the lyrics are honest and heartfelt". 'The Article' is the 13-track debut offering from the duo and like I said earlier... BLOWN AWAY!

Anyway enough of the background info, let's get right into some of the MUSIC, shall we?

<a href="http://kensaye.bandcamp.com/track/riveta-ft-nic-brown">Riveta (Ft. Nic Brown) by Kensaye</a>

YES YES! What you just heard is titled 'Riveta' and on my first spin of the album, this was my favorite record... You know how much I love Soulful Hip-Hop, I cannot help it & Kensaye is a BEAST for this production (SO SOULFUL!!!) and as well as much of the records on the album + something about Innocent on the MIC, it just feels all so natural and I love his flow and then they add the amazing vocals of Nic Brown on this & its an EPIC Hip-Hop Love record! I'm totally feeling it! What do you think though?

We DO have some more music, what say you?

<a href="http://kensaye.bandcamp.com/track/had-to-go">Had To Go by Kensaye</a>

Damn I love the sampling on this record + the thumping production does it for me, I just had to include it on here and Innocent gets his retrospective real-talk on on this one, it's the final track on the album so it's only right (I aint mad at that at all!), it's titled 'Had To Go'. There's something about music like this, it's NOT about trivial OR far-fetched OR bulls**t subject matter like fast cars & popping champagne at the club or glorifying peddling drugs or boasting about your crib with 10 bathrooms (when you're an upcoming artist? Lol Please!), this music is listen-able, well at least to me, because iBelieve Innocent on here, I can relate to him on many levels & I don't even know him... That's what MUSIC should be! Right? Anyway that's only what iThink, lemme know your 2 cents please!

<a href="http://kensaye.bandcamp.com/track/goodness-ft-sharika">Goodness (Ft. Sharika) by Kensaye</a>

What you just heard is titled 'Goodness'... SO apparently, Kensaye told Innocent to calm down on the 'About-a-Girl' tracks (there are quite a number of em on the album and I love every one of em! #sueme!) and so they made this 'Goodness' instead & what we get is Innocent getting his braggadocio rapping on! I can't be mad at that, it's in every rapper's genes plus we're blessed with some amazing vocals from another emerging singer by the name of Sharika Medla.

Now you know I just had to do it, as a final parting shot, we're gonna close out this feature with one of those 'About-a-Girl' tracks or as Innocent called em "track for the hunnies"... We just gotta do it! You'll like this one, truss me...

<a href="http://kensaye.bandcamp.com/track/feel-like-that">Feel Like That by Kensaye</a>

This one's titled 'Feel Like That' and in some ways, it feels like the sequel to 'The Break-Up Track' featuring Sharika, which you'll hear immediately before you hear this one on the album, I kinda feel bad playing you this one without the other BUT take it as further reason to download the album... Do you like this one though?

PLUS Kensaye & Innocent show their versatility on the 8th track on 'The Article' titled 'Not a Bad Man' & it will definitely catch you out when you listen & as Innocent bashfully concedes "You didnt think we'd do 'Grime', did you?". Yup! They go all 'Grime' on us on that one record alongside Blazay & Conrad the Scoundrel and iQuite liked it & if you're on that flex, you'll definitely like it too!!!

Other notable records that you'll wanna check out immediately are 'Travellin' Again' which is the token Posse Cut on this album and it features two of the most promising emerging UK emcees at the moment, Artcha & Cage Lu plus Nic Brown lends his brilliant vocals on the hook for that one... & Cage Lu also lends a verse to another record I quite like, the abstract 'Rap Tales' which features emerging UK-based Songstress Ella Bites, who completely murks this record... like completely murks it! Add the Ella Bites assisted 'Coming on Strong' & 'Fool The Industry' to this list and it's virtually the whole album! 'The Article' is that good!

All in all, 'The Article' is a brilliantly put-together body of work and if you're a music-head then you'll really enjoy this one because above everything, the music on here is really really good and I cannot wait for K.I Project's next release but until then, I will be RINSING the heck outta 'The Article' and I recommend you hit the download button below and help yourself to some amazing music that really shouldn't be free BUT yup it is FREE, you have NO reason NOT to get this!

Download: K.I Project - The Article

Until the Next Time...

WE PLUG G.O.O.D MUSIC RADIO SHOW #7

2010-05-03T03:59:00.001+01:00

The We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Session #7 featured the best music from Worldwide Artists the likes of... TY, Sway, Wiley + Emeli Sande, Ellie Goulding + Chiddy Bang, Bigz Flygerian, Mr. Cheeks, Notorious BIG, Q-Tip, Wale, Steph Jones, Wretch 32, Dwele, Melanie Fiona, Jon B, Floetry and Adele & from Emerging Artists the likes of... Graziella, V.Rich, Sharlena, Add-2, Sterling Simms, Siza Sibeko and Bez + SO MUCH MORE...

Ty Ft. Shaun Escofrey & Sarina Leah - Emotions

Sway - Hard Bodied Freestyle

Wiley Ft. Emeli Sande - Never Be Your Woman (Solo Remix)

Ellie Goulding Ft. Chiddy Bang - Under The Sheets (Chiddy Bang Remix)

Bigz Ft. Professor Green - Grown Man Shit

Notorious Big - Sky Is The Limit

Notorious B.I.G Ft 112 - Miss You

Lost Boyz Ft. Mr. Cheeks - Renee

Q-Tip Ft. D'Angelo - Believe

Wale - Artistic Integrity

Add-2 - Break It Down

Wretch 32 - Don't Lie

Wretch 32 - I Can’T Stop

Graziella - Relay Race

V.Rich - Bachelor

Sharlena - Tried So Hard Remix

Steph Jones - La La Means Love

Evelyn Knight - Love Come Down

Jon B. - Now That I'M With You

Melanie Fiona Ft. The Roots - Somebody Come Get Me (Live Session)

Dwele - Body Rock

Sterling Simms Ft. Jadakiss - All I Need

Floetry - My Apology

Mick Boogie + Adele - Cold Shoulder (Garbs Infinite Remix)

Bez - Zuchidaya

Siza Sibeko - Naive

We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Sessions #7 by We Plug G.O.O.D Music on Mixcloud

BE sure to tune in Next Monday & Every other Monday evenings on MELODY ONE between 8PM & 10PM UK to listen to the We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Show... Until the Next Time...
Peace, Love & G.O.O.D Music
Neefemi
P.s : Please note that until June 7, we will be airing re-runs. Please make sure to join us still. We appreciate you

WE PLUG G.O.O.D MUSIC RADIO SHOW #6

2010-05-03T02:15:00.003+01:00

In the first half of this weeks show Chicago, Illinois' finest & Top Music Connoisseur & Hip-Hop head, Jojo picks out our records in the mix for this week's show... She picks the very best New & Old Music from the likes of Erykah Badu, J*Davey, U-N-I, Pac Div, Ayomari, TiRon, Jackson 5, Mos Def, Eric Roberson, Diamond District, Tanya Morgan, Mayer Hawthorne, A Tribe Called Quest, ZO!, Sy Smith, Georgia Anne Muldrow, 14KT, Quadron from Denmark, Muhsinah & Janelle Monae...

I introduce you to Jojo and this is her 'Songs in the Mix' for We Plug GOOD Music Radio Session #6

1. Window Seat - Erykah Badu [New Amerykah: Part 2 (The Return of the Ankh)

Very very very nice groove. Will be perfect for the summer. album out at the end of the month!

2. Crawl All Over - J*DaVeY [Boudoir Synema: The Great Mistapes]

This song oozes syrupy sexiness! Ow!

3. Pulp Fiction Part 1 (feat. Fashawn) - U-N-I & Ro Blvd [A Love Supreme]

One of the best storytelling jams of last year.

4. Young Black Male - Pac Div [Church League Champions]

Very introspective & REAL song. Needs to be played on the radio for real. Grown Kid Syndrome due sometime this year. Can’t wait.

5. Ms. Right - Ayomari & TiRon

This duo right here? Never disappoint. Pick up Ayomari’s “The PB&J Solution” NOW! And TiRon’s “Mustard” coming in March!

6. If I Don't Love You This Way - Jackson 5 [Dancing Machine]

7. U R the One - Mos Def [Tru3 Magic]

Funny thing – I was listening to the Jackson 5 tune on my iPod & a day later I heard the Mos Def song and flipped! The sampling?! So I just had to include it in this playlist. Genius, especially since in the J5 song, they’re expressing their love, whereas Mos is talking about a break up. Rest in power, MJ!

8. The Hunger (Feat. W. Ellington Felton) - Eric Roberson [Music Fan First]

Everyone’s felt like this at least once in their life, right?

9. I Mean Business - Diamond District [In The Ruff (Clean Version)

One of the best (if not THE best) hip hop albums of last year & my favorite song off of it.

10. Posted - Tanya Morgan [Closed Sessions Vol. 1]

11.Work It Out – Beyoncé [Austin Powers In Goldmember Soundtrack]

*wonders where THIS Beyoncé went*

12. The Ills - Mayer Hawthorne [A Strange Arrangement]

My favorite R&B album of last year. This song got me through some times, lemme tell ya. Dope message.

13. Get A Hold - A Tribe Called Quest [Beats Rhymes & Life]

14. Crazy You feat. Sy Smith - Zo! [...just visiting too]

This free EP > most commercial releases of the past two years.

15. Never In Vain - Georgia Anne Muldrow [Early]

Beautiful song.

16. Black N Gold - 14KT [Nowalataz LP]

There’s something to be said about Detroit. Something in the water? From producer/rapper 14KT, off of his Nowalataz instrumental LP, which is entirely amazing. (This is the only song rapped on, btw. He spits FIYAH lol)

17. Unpatience – Quadron [Quadron]

I don’t even remember how I happened to find this amazing duo from Copenhagen. Probably a blog or something. The album is fresh. I think it’s dropped in Europe already. Jazz/soul/R&B without overdoing it? Perfection.

18. Diving For Hearts - Corinne Bailey Rae [The Sea]

Ms. Bailey Rae came back with this album! My favorite cut no doubt.

19. That Day - Muhsinah [The Oscillations: Square]

produced by Oddisee. such a lovely tune.

20. Smile - Janelle Monáe [Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition)]

In the second half of the show Ossie The Producer Goes In The Mix playing some of his favorite songs...

Listen to the entire show right after this JUMP

We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Session #6 by We Plug G.O.O.D Music on Mixcloud

BE sure to tune in Next Monday & Every other Monday evenings on MELODY ONE between 8PM & 10PM UK to listen to the We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Show... Until the Next Time...

Peace, Love & G.O.O.D Music

Neefemi

P.s : Please note that until June 7, we will be airing re-runs. Please make sure to join us still. We appreciate you

WE Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio SHOW # 2

2010-02-13T03:11:00.012Z

So I want to start by wishing you all a great weekend, in the spirit of valentine's day and all.

The WE Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio SHOW Session 2 aired this week on MELODY ONE & and I hope you all did not miss it. Just incase you did or missed any of the artists name or the title of a song we've got the Tracklist and Download links for that show right after the JUMP.

#1 Obenewa - Letter To My Heart

#2 Cynthia Erivo - Maybe

#3 Melanie Fiona- It Kills Me

#4 Belle- Delicious Delicacies

#5 Andryea Triana- Lost Where I Belong

#6 Femi - Never Felt A Love

#7 Larri Gardett- Take Your Time

#8 Dwele - I'M Cheating

#9 Iman Williams - Ordinary Love

#10 Symun- Hey Baby

#11 Sonya 'La-La' Irabor - No One Like You

#12 Bez- Stop Pretending

#13 Mystrogen- Aquarius

#14 Dream Mclean- Be My Friend

#15 Skepta- Reflecting

#16 Big Sean - Say You Will

#17 Elzhi Ft. Royce Da 5'9 - Motown 25

#18 Blu & Exile Ft. Aloe Blacc & Joseph- Show Me The Good Life

#19 J. Cole - Losing My Balance

#20 Kel Ft. M.I & Oc - Love

#21 Falz- Be With You

#22 Bigz Ft. Talay Riley & Cilla - Wind Beneath My Wings

#23 Theophilus London – Humdrum Town

You can listen back on the show right after this JUMP if you missed it.

We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Session #2 by We Plug G.O.O.D Music on Mixcloud

Check US out this Monday Night, 8 - 10 PM and Every Monday Nights

thereafter at the same time on Melody One for some amazing music from

the Very BEST New, Upcoming & Underground Artists from all around

the World.

#sidenote

The ONE MIC series is BACK for the first show of 2010 - ONE MIC...

Music from the Heart. AND in our consistent & continuous bid & effort to

keep plugging the best of NEW & EMERGING Performing Artistes,

'We Plug GOOD Music' & the dMp have put together another magical

evening of GOOD MUSIC, GOOD Poetry & GOOD Comedy for Y.O.U!

THE VENUE: Elixir Bar 162 Eversholt Street London. NW1 1BL

http://www.elixirbar.co.uk

ENTRY: http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=369742

For More Information please visit our facebook site here

You don’t want to miss this if you are in London and surrounding areas,

this a great chance to see live some of the artists we feature regularly

here on our site

Until the Next Time...

Peace, Love & G.O.O.D.M.U.S.I.C

Neefemi

WE PLUG G.O.O.D MUSIC RADIO Session #5

2010-04-30T16:06:00.013+01:00

We played in this week's We Plug GOOD Music Radio Session, a VERY ecclectic MIX & Selection of New, Emerging, Underground & Established Artists from Full Crate & Mar, Marsha Ambrosius, Vikter Duplaix, Mark De Clive-Lowe to Drake, J.Dilla, BUG, Chiddy Bang, Iron Lyon, Luck-One & Dekk, Donny Goines to Theophilus London, Obenewa, Larri Gardett, Ossie, Floetry, Bugz in the Attic + LOADS MORE

Full Crate & Mar Ft. Eric Robertson - She Was Fly

Bug - 20 Winks

Drake - Brand New

J.Dilla - Don't Cry

Marsha Ambrosious - She Don't Matter

Marsha Ambrosious - Storm

Obenewa - Green Eyes

Larri Gardett - Clothes Off

Vikter Duplaix - Looking For Love

Vikter Duplaix - Sensuality

Mark De Clive-Lowe Ft. Abdul Shyllon - Tide's Arising

Mark De Clive Lowe Ft. Bembe Segue - Heaven

Iron Lyon - Freeway

Chiddy Bang Ft. Eldee & Black Thought - Slow Down

Luck-One & Dekk Ft. Nafisaria - When I Forget

London Zoo - Peace Of Mind

Donny Goines Ft. Tanya Morgan & Jeremy Carr - Grateful

Theophilus London - The Blues

Doxx - Smile Sarah

Slickmouth - Why Do You Love Me

Ossie Plays 4 Record From His Up-Coming Ossie Baba E.P

Sayline & Ossie - Know

Vick Lavander Ft. Rj Green - Do For Love (Bopstar Miami Mix)

Bug In The Attic - Consequences

Floetry - My Apology

You can listen back on the show right after this JUMP

We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Session #5 by We Plug G.O.O.D Music on Mixcloud

BE sure to tune in Next Monday & Every other Monday evenings on MELODY ONE between 8PM & 10PM UK to listen to the We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Show...

Until the Next Time...

Peace, Love & G.O.O.D.M.U.S.I.C
Neefemi

WE Plug 2 Y.O.U... JOONIE

2010-04-16T17:37:00.004+01:00

What it do beautiful people? It’s been a minute and I apologize but I’m a 100 % sure you will forgive me after listening to the artist I am about to introduce you.

I’m a true R ‘n’ B head, from the likes of Teddy Pendergrass, Lionel Richie, Baby face, Maxwell and Joe, to name a few and I have often said that we have no true male R ‘n’ B artist in the business lately. Well I was wrong. Calvin “Joonie” Gary, Jr. better known by his stage name JOONIE proves to me that we still have some out there.

American singer, songwriter, arranger and musician Joonie, may not be so new to some of you. He recently toured with American Idol Elliot Yamin (I absolutely love him) and has paid his dues working behind the scenes writing, arranging, producing or playing instrumentals for other artists including, Ruben Studdard, Nappy Roots, Angie Stone and Mos Def (unreleased). Every song on his upcoming album, he produced himself. Anybody say TALENTED?

There is something so smooth about his voice. But before I go on talking, let me let you listen to him yourself….

Sunshine

Did you feel it? I bet you did. No female listening to this wasn’t easily transported into the arms of the man they love. Right? I love his voice, it’s so smooth, and it seems so heartfelt, so real. This is the kind of song for that special somebody, not just anybody. You get me? Sunshine is also featured in the BET Movie “I DO, I DID”

Not convinced yet? Listen to this then

Could you be?

This is my favorite track. I don’t know why? I guess I can relate to the question. Waiting on that one to ask me if I could be his, you know. Sigh. Again I love his voice, sounds so soulful. Who does he remind you of? Somewhere between Anthony Hamilton, Neyo, Ruben Studdard is Joonie, without really sounding like any one of them. In this day and age, it brings joy to my heart to hear such a unique voice.

So Fly

He is showing some versatility on this song. It’s a great song, you want to move to. Am I crazy to think you could hear this in a lounge? It has to be a really “cool” lounge. Like he himself says, “Each of my songs is like my child. I like to take time with each one, nurture it and guide it into maturity until it is ready to be shared. My goal is to create music that actually touches your soul, puts a smile on your face and makes you feel loved.”

Joonie's debut album “Acoustic Love” is out for release on the 27th of April. Color me excited, I am expecting a lot and I’m sure I would not be disappointed. The album is said to expresses his feelings about love and relationships and is explored from a very rare point of view in current popular music; one where romance exists and women are valued and appreciated.

We have deemed this G.O.O.D & REAL MUSIC. What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts on this one guys. Personally cannot wait for his album on the 27th, make sure to cop yours as well.

Download Sunshine, Could You Be and two other tracks HERE

Until Next Time ...
Peace, Love & G.O.O.D Music!!!
Neefemi

We Plug 2 Y.O.U... KELLEE MAIZE

2010-04-10T21:46:00.017+01:00

OK NOW before we get into this, I wanna ask you to put to one side any and all of the preconceived notions that you might have about what Music is OR should be OR should sound like OR who OR what should be making music OR whatever notions else that you might have about music... Because you are seriously about to be thrown by this... I know I was!!!

So what do we have here then? It's Kellee Maize from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and her songs, according to her, are about "Yoga, Meditation, Being In the Now, Astrology, Tarot & Spirituality, Zeitgeist & The Venus Project", although after listening to her latest album, the 21-Track 'Aligned Archetype', you'll FIND that her songs are about so MUCH more... Talking about albums, 'Aligned Archetype' which was released earlier on this year, is her second full-length album, after her 2007 debut album 'Age of Feminine' so she's really NOT a newbie in the game.... YOU know what? Let's just get right into the Music yeah?

YUP! That was Kellee Maize on a track titled 'Pulse' & she is, in her own words, a 'White, Blonde, Rapper'... Now you really don't need to lie about this BUT when you saw that picture up top, did you in your wildest imaginations envision hearing what you just heard? Nah you can be honest lol... iLove it! It's just very different from what I'm typically used to... The production on this & as with the overriding musical vibe on this album is quite Baltimore/East-Coast/D.C Club-Scene Sounding... It's Hip-Hop, It's Dub-Step, Its Reggae, Its Dance, Its House... which in itself is quite impressive that the album is still largely about Kellee's lyrics which do NOT get drowned by the varied musical backdrop... It's a HUGE feat in my eyes! While we're on her lyrics, let's check her out on this next record.

What you just heard was 'Third Eye' and one of my favourite records on the 'Aligned Archetype', it's laced with that hippie, intellectual, retrospective lyrical showing that I'm a sucker for, this record is BIG! For some reason, she reminds me of Kid Cudi (a Kid Cudi that I can actually listen to) mixed with Missy Elliot (circa her 'Miss E... So Addictive'/'Under Construction' days) & that's only when she's rapping... Now on bits that she sings, she does her thing & she does her thing WELL!

Are you still doing a double-take at the picture of Kellee as you listen to the music thinking it can't be the same person? Can I just say something because there is something that should be said about this woman's flow... I like the way she switches up & down between that rapid-fire flow, her easy laid-back persona & the melodic spitting style she throws in from time to time. Kelle Maize is DOPE! We're definitely putting our #goodmusic stamp all over this one... We're gonna share one more record from the album with you, lemme know your thoughts on this one yeah? I'm actually finding it extremely hard picking just one more song for you, I am SO for choice here... OK check this one out, it's called 'Godette'. #SNM

You can download her 'Aligned Archetype' album for free right after the jump & so you should, it's a little over an hour of quality music that's brightened up my weekend even further & with over 150000 downloads already of this album in what, 3 months? I suppose it's safe to say that we're SO VERY late on this one!

Download: Kellee Maize - Aligned Archetype

Until the Next Time...

We Plug 2 Y.O.U... Midian

2010-03-24T22:09:00.003Z

On the rare occasion, since I started this website about a year ago, have I been sent music by a new/emerging artist & been so BLOWN away that I have to write about it... I literally CANNOT function when this happens, the only thing on my mind is how and if NOT immediately, I can get this music to you! So you can imagine how the last 3 days have been (lol)... I received this email on Sunday from an EMERGING female R&B/Soul Singer from the DC/VA area in the States by the name of Midian & I was almost gonna do that procrastinating thing (as you do) and skip this email until later BUT alas I peeped the content of the email & can I just say... BEST THING I'VE DONE ALL WEEK!

SO anyway allow me to introduce you to Virginia based Midian Mathers... As she so boldly stated in her press-kit, Midian SOUNDS like Midian & I'm quite hard-pressed to disagree with her. You know how much I like comparisons even though I say I don't? Well I couldn't find one clear comparison to Midian, maybe I'm just not trying hard enough... Maybe I'm enjoying the Music too much & talking about Music, that is why we are here ofcourse, let's hear something from her...

That which you just heard is titled 'Heart Beat', produced by Emerging Philly-based + Grammy Award-Winning Production duo, Don Cheegro & Dirty Harry (Sound familiar? Well think Usher, Ciara, Ludacris, Chris Brown, Beanie Sigel)... This record is all kindsa GOODNESS to my ears, I just CANNOT get enough of it, the bassline that kicks off the musical arrangement is just to die for + the minimalist production is just right as Ms. Mathers rides (I say RIDE because it's almost like she's rapping on this in certain parts lol) on this with so much ease + what can I say about her vocals? You can hear em for yourself... The Woman can SING iBeg...

You still in doubt? Let's hear some more Midian!

'In Your Eyes' is what you just heard... I'm feeling the soulful vibe on this one! A Very heart-felt & emotional record from Midian & I'm still very impressed by her vocal delivery plus the almost background keys & guitar are a perfect blend for this solemn record giving it that amazing acoustic sound + the way the drums subtly kick in on the final part of the record signals perfectly the uplifting of the record... iLove it! Absolutely love it!

Both songs that you've heard will be part of Midian's mixtape that due out in April, I cannot wait to hear more of this woman to be perfectly honest... She's begun work on her debut album as well and taking into account the calibre of producers she's been working OR has worked with, the likes of Chiba Antoine (Amy Winehouse, Amel Larrieux...), David Sanguinetti, James Poyser (Al Green, Talib Kweli, Musiq Soulchild, D'Angelo...) & Carvin Haggins (Jazmine Sullivan, Jill Scott, Justin Timberlake, Ledisi...), I expect nothing short of an amazingly put-together debut album... You can even tell by my writing that I'm overly excited to hear more of Midian Mathers in the coming months!

Until then however, we do have some more of this woman to share with you & I hope you enjoy her music as much as I clearly do...

"Whatever will be, will be. I hope you can see Tomorrow with Me.." - Midian

Another very good song from the VA native, Midian who, would you believe it, is also a Model and an Actress with minor roles in First Kid, Shadow Conspiracy & Dawson's Creek... & we're kinda wishing she definitely sticks with the music because there is definitely something there... something really good... something pretty much amazing (oh that's my new phrase by the way)... As she lists her musical influences to be Etta James, Ray Charles, Mary J. Blige, and Stevie Wonder, we can straight-away see where that soulful sound of hers comes from & as she includes the likes of Lauryn Hill, the Fugees, TuPac, Biggie, Jay-Z & Kanye West to her list of musical influences, you can recall the songs you just heard & specifically pick out the little hip-hop rhetoric she embeds in her music... It's just quality music all round & I definitely CO-SIGN Midian!

We Plug G.O.O.D Music Certified 100%

Until the Next Time...

We Plug 2 Y.O.U...Notoriety

2010-03-03T21:09:00.010Z

It’s not every day you get G.O.O.D Music delivered to your doorstep, well in this case our email. This was the case when we first heard about the group we are about to introduce to you. The birth place of Hip – Hop Is America definitely, Bronx NY to be precise not so much Boston, and this group is out to put their city on the map.

Vydle Sines, Incredible Chuck, JustRite and The Technician (Producer) make up Hip – Hop group NOTORIETY from Boston, Ma and we present to you their first E.P The Toast. Twelve solid songs, great production and instrumentals, and they go hard on the lyrics. Boston, Stand UP & Represent!!!!

Let’s get right to it, why don’t we?

“I’m in like with her” is what you just heard. I totally love the way this song starts, there’s something very jazzy about it don’t you think? I love the use of instruments on this song and I’ve been trying to figure out what each instrument is. Did you also notice something about the first rapper? He has a lisp doesn’t he? I think that is JustRite (real name Brandon) and I absolutely love how unique his voice comes off on this track. What do you think? “Music is my number one girl, and the gift that I give her is words”. At first I thought this song was to a girl, but it sounds like it’s an ode to music. That speaks of great word play, I think. This is my favorite song on here, as you can tell.

What you just finished listening to is “What I Do”. Again I’m a sucker for a good beat; it makes me want to listen closely to the lyrics, to see if they made good use of it. This song to me is the best lyrically from all three rappers and you can hear their confidence and their fight to show what it is they do on this track. Incredible Chuck (real name Charleson) said it best “the goal is radios overflow with hip-hop soul”. Will there ever be an album that does not address haters? I like this song though, what do you think about it?

That last one was called “Rashmatics”. True hip-hop heads will like this one; I love the word play on this one especially by the first rapper Vydle Sinez (real name Vital). They all went hard on this track. It’s easy especially as a female to love rap, if you can recognize the metaphors (is that the right term?), cleverly used puns and tight punch lines.

Kudos to their producer, The Technician (real name Jonathan), he did a real good job on this EP. I like The Toast and this is just a prequel to their mixtape coming soon titled J.A.M…Just A Mixtape… You see what I was saying about clever use of words? Download the EP, right here. Be sure to check them out on their blog http://notorietymusic.blogspot.com, follow them on twitter @ http://twitter.com/notorietymusic and join them on myspace at http://www.myspace.com/influencenotoriety

I look forward to what the crew from Boston, will be bringing forth. We call them G.O.O.D, do you agree? Please let us know what you think on this one, did we, well in this case, did I get it right?

Until the Next Time...
Peace, Love & GOOD Music!!!

Neefemi

We Plug 2 Y.O.U... Belle

2010-02-21T11:03:00.005Z

OK I have been very very naughty because I've been sitting on top of this feature NOW for about 4/5 weeks and I do apologise (and then you say, 'Save it! You always Apologise! You Never Mean It!') and I do mean it this time... Music this good should never be sat on OR slept on SO please don't sleep on this one...

I wanna introduce you to Ms. Belle Moore-Benham or better simply known as Belle, UK-Based (Originally from the mighty HUDDERSFIELD) Soul & Jazz Singer/Song-Writer with just the right hints of Trip-Hop... This passionate artist & consumate performer in Belle has seen her grace World-renowned venues & gigs in the UK such as The Jazz Cafe, Proud Galleries, The Royal Court Theatre Bar & The Walthamstow Festival to mention but a few. From the jump, Her music captivates you and you seriously do NOT wanna switch her off... Something about this woman's voice just oozes So Much Soul...

WHat you just heard was 'Crazy Little Thing' and I am so in love with this song!

OK I'll actually stop talking NOW & let you hear something from Belle! Production on this is courtesy Requiem and does Belle ride this well or not? I know all my #neo-soul heads are bopping to this one & my #trip-hop heads are feeling the vibes too... Trip-Hop does come to mind as the musical arrangements kick in BUT it does have that 'neo-soul' vibe to it, doesn't it? That is all her doing, trust me! She takes the music wherever she wants with it & does it brilliantly... Something about her voice on this record though... it's soothing, it's sensual... it's Quality!

SO we're gonna jump right in to another record from this Requiem & Belle collaboration after the jump, let's see what you think?

That one's titled 'To & Fro', how are we liking this one? There ain't nothing better than some downtempo music to chill-out to on a fine Sunday afternoon though! Actually this record works on any day of the week in my opinion... Listen to what Requiem is doing on the background though... that futuristic/alien electronica sound that starts off the arrangement? Yes that one!!! How does he do that? It's f**king beautiful! & what about this Belle woman though? She just sounds SO effortless... SO minimal & it just comes out beautifully! It's #goodmusic

We've got one more record for ya... Check it!

That was 'Delicious Delicacies' as produced by DJ 2Tall... This is my favorite record from the 3 records we've featured today... I dunno why but I see a rapper on this production, it just sounds so 'Hip-Hop' to me BUT I hear Belle completely own this record & I cannot wait to hear the E.P when it comes out... I cannot get enough of this record though, when I first received it, I couldn't stop playing it. There's something about Belle's voice, it's easy on the ear BUT it also holds your attention, it's beautiful... it just is! That #beautifulmusic is Belle!!!

Ofcourse I'd love to hear your take on this amazing woman and the records you've just heard so please leave a comment for us & for her too...

Until the Next Time...

Peace, Love & GOOD Music!!!

We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Session #3

2010-02-19T00:36:00.009Z

The week is about to end and boy am I glad, definitely looking forward to the weekend. If you are like me though, you listened to the 3^rd WE PLUG G.O.O.D MUSIC Radio session on MELODY ONE so your week started off just right. As promised each and every week we will have the artist and songs featured on each show, here’s this week’s…….

Carlie Bravo – Best Party Ever

Black Milk ft Pharaahe Monch, Sean Price & DJ Premier – The Matrix

Wretch 32 ft Tinie Tempah, Scorcher, Bashy, Chipmunk & Sway - Be Cool

Wax & Eom Ft D Pryde - Air Timpani

B.O.B ft Asher Roth & Charles Hamilton - Change Gonna Come

Bigz – Random Freestyle

Aks – Superhero

Murs – 3:16

Add-2 ft Slot-A – The realest shit I ever wrote

Giggs & Dubz – Pain is the E

Johnson & Johnson – Long Time Gone

Wale ft Marsha Ambrosius – Diary (Acoustic Version)

Chockz – Can’t ever lose this

Uche – Is your love exclusive

May7ven – Do you Wanna

Shiikane – Excuse Me Mr.

L - My Ex

Little Dragon ft 1-0.A.K. –Blinking Pigs (God made me Funky Remix)

Obenewa – Do the Do

Jaheim – Tight Jeans

Raheem Devaughn – Is it Possible

Oddisee ft Muhsinah – That Day

Rahel – Hope

Lami – Find

Holly Rubenstein – Rose Tinted Speactacles

Zayna Daze – Heart for sale

You can listen back on the show right after this JUMP if you missed it...

We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Session #3 by We Plug G.O.O.D Music on Mixcloud

& BE sure to tune in Next Monday & Every other Monday evenings on MELODY ONE between 8PM & 10PM UK to listen to the We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Show...
Until the Next Time...
Peace, Love & G.O.O.D.M.U.S.I.C

Neefemi

We Plug 2 Y.O.U... G.R.E.E.D.S - Inked (The Valentine's Edition)

2010-02-14T03:52:00.011Z

I absolutely love what we do here at WE PLUG, and I will tell you why. It’s that opportunity to bring you the best artists from all around the globe. It is no different in the case of the awesomeness that is G.R.E.E.D.S abbreviation for Generating Rhythms to Engage the Enlightened Soul. Poet, Writer, MC, Storyteller and Spoken Word Artist, he is a leader among the pack, unique in every way. Listening to him and I’m transformed to a good place, like he is telling my story and me, not him went through the experience he speaks of. He speaks of love and I fall in love, it’s truly an amazing gift he has.

In the spirit of Valentine’s, he brought out a sampler for the lovers, his 3^rd actually produced by Nutty P, and I truly do not misuse the word brilliant when I say this is brilliant. You will love this and well if you don’t, I really do not know what to say, but I bet you will love this so much you will send a song or two to a loved one. I would if I had one….Like he said in “Soul Sister” this is his best piece of work. Let me stop chatting though and you can be a judge for yourself, right after the JUMP

Soul Sister

There is something about the groove of this beat, and then he starts to speak. Do you see it? Do you see yourself wrapped in your lover’s arms hearing these words spoken to you; I know my ladies are going crazy listening to this. This is my favorite definitely.

No One

Wait what? He is Nigerian. Yes he is. Real Name is Yomi Sode. Loved how he used probably one of the best songs by the popular Duo P Square. And when he says “I Love You, I Love You, I Love You” swear down I am sure he is talking to me.

Love is

Like he said “Love each other”, that’s the message and such a great message. Tell someone you love them won’t you? I love this song.

I’m absolutely sure we have some new converts now, not only to G.R.E.E.D.S but to the spoken word and I’m reminded that what I do is a privilege. You can download this sampler right HERE. For links to his other 2 samplers and to buy his first album “Volume is Silence” check out his website www.iamgreeds.com. Please go there now and support him, also follow him on twitter @iamgreeds and his producer as well @mynameisnuttyp.

So tell me, what do you think? Am I crazy or is this the best thing ever and a great Valentine's day gift? Your feedback is needed to make this official definitely, so please leave one…

Until the Next Time...

Peace, Love & G.O.O.D.M.U.S.I.C

Neefemi

We Plug 2 Y.O.U... Holly Rubenstein

2010-02-07T16:43:00.005Z

Happy New Year Ladies & Gentlemen, I do apologise that we had to wait until February for our first feature of 2010. We will FIX UP, LOOK SHARP as from now on so expect some great features and music from the very best NEW & Emerging Artistes... We'll also be introducing two new contributing writers into the WPGM website so look out for them BUT unto the REAL reason we're all HERE...

Only by a stroke of luck did I bump into this amazing Singer/Song-Writer sometime last year on Facebook & I must say that I have been hooked ever since. Her name is Holly Rubenstein and this Surrey native + LSE student (Social Anthropology) describes her sound as a fusion of Pop, Soul and R&B and after one look at her biography, I should say that it is such a travesty that this lady with countless bundles of talent has remained under our radar until now...

Finalist at the UK Song-Writing Competition for two years in a row... From performing at the Barbican and Royal Festival Hall from an early age of 15 to now gracing prestigious live music venues such as Ronnie Scotts, Cafe De Paris & The Bedford, this 21-year old Starlet might be unto something when she calls herself one of 2010's most exciting additions to the Music scene. The Guardian and Paul Gambaccini of Radio 2 seem to agree...

Let's JUST dive right into the Music, shall we?

What you just heard was 'Rose Tinted Spectacles' and if this isn't just a beautifully crafted song then I dunno what is! The first thing that grabs me about this song is the subtle musical arrangement, courtesy of Grammy-Award winning producer Mark Eldridge aka Kipper (Think Sting, Gary Numan, Clay Aitken, Mary J. Blige!) and how well it gels with Ms. Rubenstein's sultry and somewhat soothing voice. You can immediately tell that Holly's voice has been well-honed over the years, you can hear the precision in almost every note/pitch & the amazing thing is it doesn't take away from the purity of her voice. I quite like this song.

What do you make of it though?

Some more Holly Rubenstein after the jump? Yeah why the hell Not!!!

This record is titled 'I Know You Know'... Very different vibe from the first record we heard from Ms. Rubenstein but I think I prefer this one if I'm being honest. The production on this doesn't take the backseat as much or even at all compared to 'Rose Tinted Spectacle' and it's got that Pop/Dance vibe to it that I just die for when it works & it works very well on this record + is it me or does this record have just a pinch of some Jazz/Funk in it? Just a tiny bit? What else can I say about this lady's voice? I mean, you can hear it for yourself... Why don't you tell me what you hear? This is the voice that renowned NYC Radio Plugger, Paul Brown described as 'even more soulful than Adele or Duffy'... I hate comparisons personally BUT I believe that Holly Rubenstein can easily hold her own with the likes of Adele & Duffy, her voice is definitely edgier and I Like Edgy!

OK So I think it'd be safe to say that Holly Rubenstein + Mark Eldridge = A WIN! OR what do you make of their partnership? I think it works and you could ask how I can tell from just two records but I think 'two records' is more than enough to tell if there's that needed chemistry between an artist and producer. On this occasion, the chemistry is bursting at the seams.

However this is just my opinion and you know we need your opinion as well to make anything official around here... So let's hear it, what are your thoughts on Ms. Holly Rubenstein?

Until the Next Time...

Peace, Love & G.O.O.D.M.U.S.I.C

#sidenote - Check US out this Monday Night, 8 - 10 PM and Every Monday Nights thereafter at the same time on Melody One for some amazing music from the Very BEST New, Upcoming & Underground Artists from all around the World... Click HERE to catch last week's show!

Enjoy x

We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Sessions #1

2010-02-03T22:00:00.001Z

SO The We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio SHOW Aired this week on MELODY ONE & as we promised, we've got the Tracklist and Download links for that show right after the JUMP...

#1 - Wale - Say Something Freestyle

#2 - Donny Goines - Closer (Breakfast Club)

#3 - Beazy - Successful Freestyle (The Affidavit Volume 1)

#4 - S.A.S Ft. Haze - Flight School (Euro Gang Volume 2... And Then There Was Us)

#5 - D.N.A Ft. Francesca Belamonte - Never Wanna Leave You

#6 - Bashy Ft. Sirach Charles - Living My Dream (Catch Me If You Can)

#7 - Chockz Ft. Beckz Winter - Beautiful (More Than A Rapper Volume 1)

#8 - Siris Ft. Viollet - Didn't Wanna Let Go (The Promo Volume 3)

#9 - Luck-One & Dekk Ft. Randa Smith - Coulda Been Me (Beautiful Music)

#10 - M.I - Lonely (Illegal Music)

#11 - The Foreign Exchange - Be Alright Remix (Connected)

#12 - Drake Ft. Andreena Mills - Closer (Comeback Season)

#13 - Daley - Rainy Day

#14 - Eric Lau Ft. Sarina Leah - Time Will Tell (New Territories)

#15 - ZO! Ft. Phonte - My Flame (Just Visiting Too)

#16 - Oddisee Ft. Nikki Jean - Tell The Truth (Odd Autumn)

#17 - Ms. Elizabeth - Only You

#18 - Ohdichi - Standing Still

#19 - Christiana - I'm Too Nice - Acoustic Version

#20 - Grace Obika - I'll Be All

#21 - Shanaz Dorsett - Battle Scars

#22 - Obenewa - I Wish (Therapy)

You can listen back on the show right after this JUMP if you missed it...

We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Session #1 by We Plug G.O.O.D Music on Mixcloud

& BE sure to tune in Next Monday & Every other Monday evenings on MELODY ONE between 8PM & 10PM to listen to the We Plug G.O.O.D Music Radio Show...

Until the Next Time...

Peace, Love & G.O.O.D.M.U.S.I.C

We Plug 2 Y.O.U... Tosyn Bucknor The CON.Tra.Diction

2009-12-25T19:00:00.001Z

OK I honestly DO NOT know where to start with this feature... I've been staring at my Laptop Screen for a couple hours tryna put pen to paper or in this case, fingers to keyboard on this feature BUT alas... Seldom have I worked with or come across a new/upcoming artiste that is quite as enigmatic, ambigious and press-shy as The Con.tra.diction, an 'alternative' Singer/Song-Writer from Lagos, Nigeria...

The BIO information on her Reverbnation reads 'First a writer, but also likes to perform her own material' while her Facebook page simply muses 'Con.Tra.Diction is the MUSIC PERSONA of Tosyn Bucknor' & I hear you ask 'SO well, who is Tosyn Bucknor?'... That's just the thing though, there are more than a million answers to this here question that we'd still be here answering it come Next Year's Christmas! There's Tosyn the Radio Personality... Tosyn the Blogger... Tosyn the Philanthropist... Tosyn the Columnist (trust me, its ALOT) & we'd still be nowhere near to knowing who the Con.tra.diction was???

She says she calls herself a CON.tra.diction because she is an 'old soul living in a young woman's body, a lady and a tramp. deep and playful, melancholy and chirpy, here, there, everywhere!' but her 'Con.tra.diction' name holds so true in that a figure so in the public eye (or seemingly so) can try and be somewhat inconspicuous at the same time... In a world where the line between artistes and their music is so thin at best & very blurred at its worst, the Con.tra.diction has so far succeeded in keeping it strictly about the music SO we'll oblige and keep it exactly that way...

That record titled 'First' was one of the first records I heard of Con.tra.diction back in the Winter of 07/08 and I have been a big fan of hers since then. This song is so simple & beautiful... The keys and strings that largely make up the backdrop for this record, coupled with the slight hints of violin strings at times, give the lyrics to the song some added life (don't sleep on the lyrics! You actually can't lol!) & help to showcase the Con.tra.diction's vocals quite perfectly, the instrumentals are never over-bearing and they burst unto the centre-stage in small doses at the best of times... I REALLY LIKE THIS SONG! Kinda reminds me of Fiona Apple/Tori Amos a little bit... What do you think of it though?

What about this one?

What you just heard is 'Dreams', the NEW single from Tosyn Bucknor the Con.tra.diction & on this one, she fully unleashes the ROCK CHIC from within... The Alanis Morisette influence shines through so much on this record that it could easily be a reference track for Ms. Morisette & it's really GOOD & damn catchy as well. What about the production on this though? The Electric Guitar & Drums infused musical arrangements are courtesy of another Nigerian Singer/Song-Writer (& also Producer) by the name of Coldflames... DUDE GOES HARD!

I am really impressed by what I just heard... This is the kinda stuff you get when artistes let their hair down and just BE creative! There's no overriding or ulterior motive or notion of chart sales or commercial acclaim with this record.. It just is what it is! It's what happened when the Con.tra.diction & Nigerian Uber-Producer Kraftwork got together in the studio... They sample the 70's record 'Love and Affection' from one of the best Soul Musicians to come out of Nigeria, Segun Bucknor and His Revolution, to create what I can only describe as a GREAT listening pleasure.

SO I have to ask, what do you make of what you've just heard. I quite like the Con.tra.diction. Very very different from what I hear outta the Nigerian Music scene, that's for sure & she definitely gets a WePlugGOODMusic CO-SIGN because I love off her records... Can't wait for more records from her #in2010!

& Just so you know it isn't all fun & games & for a taste of what she's got in the bag for us #in2010... check out this exclusive record that's set to be released next year HERE! It speaks many things to me, this one...

Until the Next Time Beautiful People...

Merry Christmas x

WPGM Recommends... Mystrogen - F.D.T EP

2009-12-13T18:10:00.008Z

OK for those who don't know, Mystrogen a.k.a MysDiggi has been in the UK Hip-Hop game for a loong minute now... 11 years to be exact! A Veteran in every right... He's collaborated with several other Vets, the likes of SkinnyMan (1999's 'The Word's Out'), Rodney P (2003's 'You Know Who You Are') & Black Twang (2002's 'Half n Half')... He put Daniel Merriweather on a track years before the kid blew up (2006's 'Come Fly')... He hosted the now infamous UK Hip-Hop showcase & club nights, Kung-Fu in Camden, London... He is quite frankly one of the very few reminders that real Hip-Hop ain't dead in the UK... & All these, without having yet released a full-length album (not taing into account 2006's 'Diggi Down Unda')

Enough of the history lessons then... Fast Forward to December 14th, 2009 & the big homie Mystro is back with this 10-track E.P aptly titled F**K D TAXMAN (F.D.T) with all the pun intended (ask me later to break it down)...

The EP leads with the single, 'Live and U Learn' produced by Earth Hip-Hop, the video to which you can check out HERE but I'm leading with my favorite record off of the EP... Check it after the jump!

This one's titled 'Aquarius' and its produced by Super T & Mystro goes into superb social commentary mode as he discusses diverse issues from religion to medicine to 9/11, in the midst of an eerily good musical backdrop of mesmerizing chimes & obscure keys as provided by Super T... What is present on this record as with on the other records on this EP is Mystro's ever-present wittiness, the intelligent & hard-hitting lyrics, his mature and succinct flow!

& with that said, let's check out another of my favorite records from the F.D.T EP...

On this 3 odd minutes of what is a straight Hip-Hop Head's dream, DJ Thor on the production comes up with a monster of a beat... The Drums, those daunting keys, the spazmatic horn arrangements??? They all come together to create what I envision is an Emcee's dreams come true in a way that only a few DJ/Producers can manage & by how Mystro spaces out all over this backdrop, I doubt I'm wrong... The song is called 'Thorish' by the way!

I've listened to the F.D.T EP a good few times since I got it and it sounds better after each listen, Earth Hip-Hop comes up with an opus of a hip-hop production on 'Maintain' which sees Mystro shouting-out & bigging-up the rest of the very few UK Hip-Hop artistes, producers & DJs that refuse to sell out & who still churn out quality hip-hop that remain unadulterated & NOT what the A&R says will push numbers... & on 'Banishment', Mystro is on amazing 'sending' form & that hook is mad catchy as f**k! A few listens and you'll be screaming 'RUN HIM OUT THE HOUSE' to any little thing (truss me)... All the records on this EP are pure Hip-Hop records and you'd expect nothing less from MysDiggi. Quite simply this one's for all the Hip-Hop heads out there, if you like good Hip-hop, you'll appreciate this EP.

Alright Beautiful people, that is all I can share with you from the F.D.T EP unfortunately BUT what I will say is this... Mystrogen's F.D.T ep is out on Itunes, Amazon and all other major Music retailers on Don't BizzNizz so go out (stay IN) and get your copy, you will NOT be dissappointed & you can QUOTE me on that one!

Until the Next One...

We Plug 2 Y.O.U... Chromatone - The Ripple Effect EP

2009-11-25T11:15:00.000Z

OK so a few good people at Fortello London put me on to this London-based Pop/Rock (they say Funk/R&B however) band only a few weeks ago & I must say that I was (still am) impressed with what I heard. I was invited to one of their live performances only the other day & it was very different to what I had expected (I mean it was a 'Rock' set but with B-Boy dancing & R&B musicianship & quite an Organic feel! Don't ask, you'd have to have been there to understand lol!)... Anyway it was different but VERY GOOD different & I was priviledged to leave their showcase with a copy of their debut E.P which I am about to share with you... It's titled 'The Ripple Effect EP' & the name of the band? Chromatone... Before I go into it, let me introduce the band right quick!

Philipp Cerny - Vocals/Lead
Emmanuel Adeniran - Bass
Kieran Dwain Guy - Drums
Jesse Byrd - Keys

Chromatone, ladies & gentlemen!!! I've always wanted to do that lol!

That was the first song off of the 4-track EP, titled 'One Half' and the first thing that occurs to me as the vocals drop into the song (that i failed to notice in their live show) was that they sound quite like Maroon 5, OR what do you reckon? Now that's not a bad comparison at all BUT the other thing that strikes me on this opener is the sheer musical spectical that it is, from start to finish... However it's Philip Cerny on lead-guitar (who is also on Vocals) shocking out at the beginning of the record... & at the middle & at the end (what showmanship heh? I love it though!) & Kieran Dwain Guy on Drums who's gliding beautifully between the easy breezy verses & high octane hooks on this record effortessly, that steal the show for almost all of the song. All in all, it's a great way to kick-off the EP in my opinion... I enjoyed it!

Now unto my favorite record on the EP, 'She Tries' and the one thing I like the most about this song is its lyrical content... Especially on that 1st & 2nd verse! It's nothing out of this world BUT I find it quite witty & funny & so true of certain male idiosyncrasies & insecurities... You know what strikes me (there's alot of 'striking' on this EP, isn't there lol?) on this track? It's how the band have intentionally let the music take the back seat to the vocals and the lyrics which have a starring role on this record as against the previous record, 'One Half' or on the other records on the EP... It may be just me but it works perfectly because they let the song tell its story quite eloquently, one of regret, one of subtle disdain & Philipp on vocals is NOT a vocal powerhouse let's be honest but his sultry, easy-breezy & organic voice (a tenor if I had to say?) brings out the R&B flavour in Chromatone's otherwise Pop/Rock infused records. A quick look at their musical influences - Michael Jackson, Herbie Hancock (I know!), Jamiroquai, Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder and you can tell where that R&B flavor stems from.

What are your thoughts so far?

For the third track of The Ripple Effect EP, Chromatone give us 'Funky Dory' which is heavily-laden with a beautiful mash-up of sounds from Jesse Byrd's Keyboards & Emmanuel Adeniran's Bass-guitar with Kieran on the drums again serving as the final piece to the puzzle on the musical arrangement on this record... Philipp Cerny is allowed free 'roamage' as lead-guitar on pivotal points in the song to rather mixed results... On some listens, I enjoy Mr. Cerny's guitar-play but on other listens, I don't. What do you think? This would be my least favorite record on the EP...

As the curtain call to this stellar 15 odd minutes that is Chromatone's debut EP, we have 'Say What They May' which kicks off with a nice lil neat interplay between both Lead & Bass, before both Vocals & Drums have their own little moment together on the 1st & 2nd verses of the song... I like how Chromatone don't try to be overly complicated on this record, 'Say What They May' is NOT trying too hard, it's a thoroughly enjoyable record if you don't try & analyse it too much so we're NOT, we're just gonna enjoy it...

All in all, I like this E.P. Would I have liked to hear more Bass-guitar generally on this E.P? YES (I'm in my The Beatles' 'Revolver'/U2's 'Achtung Baby'/Red Hot Chilli Peppers' 'By the Way' phase lol)... but this is for all purposes & intents, a lead-guitar EP & the guitar solos are actually really enjoyable... The lyrics to that last record say 'Do what I want, say what they may!' and on the whole, you kinda get a sense that that's exactly what Chromatone have done... They've just come together, experimented with different arrangements & created music that they enjoy... that is in turn enjoyable & that is NOT engineered in some lab somewhere... They sound like a band that's in control of & quite comfortable with their music, without any puppet masters dictating their musical journey & we hope it stays that way for their next project... The Ripple Effect EP is WE PLUG GOOD MUSIC certified!!!

BUT you are the real taste-makers here so what do you reckon?

The E.P is up on ITUNES for less than $4 (thats about £2) so please show these guys some love and purchase their EP... Support GOOD Music!!! Also if you want a physical copy of the EP (PS the musical backdrop sounds quite amazing when played on a solid sound system!), you can get it for £4 (including postage & packaging), contact Philipp Cerny @ philipp_24@hotmail.com or leave them a message on thier Myspace page...

Until the Next Time...

Peace, Love & GOOD Music