EventsSubject | Dwele
If you’ve heard of Dwele, its most probably in reference to when he sang the hooks for Kanye West’s song Flashing Lights on Graduation (2007). That was Dwele’s official break, though he had a few singles that made it into the radio waves and DJ booths far before. My introduction to this obnoxious soul artist was in 2003 when I was in college and heard Find A Way playing at a D.C. lounge. That introduced me to a neosoul, laid back, and conscious artist who produced a solid soul album entitled Subject (2003).
Video Interview | Dahlak Brathwaite
2 HBO Def Poetry Jam appearances, 2 Time SF Bay Poetry Slam champion, a National Poetry Slam championship, and a sold out album are all accomplishments of Dahlak before he turned 22. We found out how he got there and what he’s doing now.
Led Zeppelin back in the studio
Led Zeppelin back in the studio
Colors | Between the Buried and Me
To give you an idea of my initial reaction to this album, during my first listen, 1) I laughed out loud a couple times, 2) I said “wow” a few times (either out loud or in my head), and 3) I had already started writing this review before the album had even ended.
Amel Larrieux
You might have heard her name when she was lead singer and musician apart of Groove Theory, the group that brought you songs like Tell Me and Keep Tryin’. She’s also a Grammy nominated artist for her work with Stanley Clarke and Glenn Lewis. Regardless of her credentials, she’s an Obnoxious artist who’s got all the makings for the best soul and jazz singer of our generation.
Selling Insincerity | Abigail’s Ghost
Have you ever heard a short clip of a song from a new band a knew immediately you were going to buy the album and love every second of it? Isn’t that a great feeling? See for me, that’s as good as it gets. It’s my crack and iTunes is my dealer. Honestly, shit this good can’t be legal. If you like Porcupine Tree, Riverside, Dream Theater… buy this album and see how quickly Abigail’s Ghost floats to the top of your progressive rock recommendation list.
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik | Outkast
Being their debut album, Outkast showed the world what they were about and how they could flow. Though totally produced in their basement studio, this album sounds amazing and reflects the life work of both these emcees. For those of you who don’t see it outright, you pronounce this album as Southern Playalistic Cadillac Music.
Flies the Fields | Shipping News
Occasionally I come across a band with a sound I can’t quite put my fingers on. Shipping News has some elements of indie-rock and some sort of mellow grunge. But neither genre does them justice. This band is all about tension and a simple sound to get across a theme.
Power In Numbers | Jurassic 5
Jurassic 5 was an LA ensemble consisting of two DJ’s: Nu-Mark and Cut Chemist, and rappers Chali 2na, Akil, Zaakir, and Mark 7even. And like any ensemble, each track on this album reflects the divergent interests of whichever producer is leading. What makes them a group is their ability to tie it all together into a solid, furious, and consistent lyrical flow.
Danger Invites Rescue
It’s no secret, I’ve clearly got a fetish for progressive/post-rock/metal or whatever us kids are calling it these days. Isis, Pelican, Del Rey, and Russian Circles are among my favorites… but these guys are all pretty well known at this point (some more than others obviously). I’ve recently found another band among this genre that brings a fresh look.
