Nirav
MF Doom
Also known as King Geedorah, Viktor Vaughn, Zen Love X, and Metal Fingers - MF Doom has been truly grinding (working hard) in the hip hop circuit. Not only has he published multiple albums in single years, he’s been non stop touring around the nation. With all that work and strong reputation, it’s weird to see him go unsigned.
Subject | 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.
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.
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.
Mixtape About Nothing | Wale
You might have first heard Wale’s name on the new Roots album Rising Down. He was on the track Rising Up with Chrisette Michele which has a music video on MTV. Well he recently dropped a mixtape entitled A Mixtape About Nothing (2008) which takes themes presented on the comedy show Seinfeld and does his own spin on what that topic represents to him.
Ready For Love, Ready For You | Vudoo Soul
Our first soul artist to grace the cover of Obnoxious Listeners is a smart, passionate, and multi-talented artist by the name of Vudoo Soul. His voice will knock you off your seat whether you hear a song of his through your speakers or at a live performance. And on top of his gifted voice, his lyrics do a good job of not being your typical love song or R&B hook.
Self Titled | Avial
“Politically-aware and ideologically driven” was how Rave, a top Indian music magazines described Malayali rock band Avial in its October 2006 issue. Without really having a clue of what they are saying, I actually fell in love with their musical skills and talents. Glad to know that if I did understand the lyrics, I would like the whole package!
Dual Consciousness | Dahlak Brathwaite
Dahlak is one obnoxious artist. He’s an emcee, a poet, an actor, and I think he has a little comedian inside him too. Though his claim to fame to date has been his unique style of def poetry, Dahlak’s first exploration of his musical talent can be vividly seen in his debut album Dual Consciousness (2007). And I think it’s a awesome.
Fantastic, Vol. 2 | Slum Village
A true classic. Production by J Dilla, incredibly smart lyrics and smooth flow by the emcees, and collaborations with some of the best artists in the game at the time like Common, D’Angelo, Jazzy Jeff, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, and Busta Rhymes. This is an album you pop in the sound system or ipod and simply zone out. Removal of stress + mind thoughts guaranteed!
