Teena Marie

My exposure to Teena Marie came towards the end of her music career. I'm not sure which free internet radio provider actually recommended Lady T, but I heard "I'm Still In Love" (while deeply in love) and like all the songs I’m impressed with, I played it continuously. The more I heard the song, the more I wanted to understand who Teena Marie was as an artist. I found such songs as “Portuguese Love” and “I Need Your Lovin’” and realized this woman could BLOW (pause).

I always wanted to see her live but wasn’t proactive in finding shows in my areas or finding someone to accompany me.

Fresh Outlook: Attend more live shows

RIP to a woman who opened my eyes to 80’s/90’s R&B music.

Teena Marie: I'm Still In Love


Teena Marie: Portuguese Love


Teena Marie - I Need Your Lovin'

De La Soul - Rock Co. Kane Flow

I was recently asked to name the best live performance I have seen to date. The performance that sticks in my mind like rice is De La Soul peformaning Rock Co. Kane Flow live at the Trocadero in Philly. Shit just below my mind. Here are a group of 40 year old men giving literally everything they got before dipping out and introducing Mos Def. Take a peek at the second link (check the 2:20 mark) to see what I mean. The vibe of crowd, energy of De La, and the teaser performance left me wanting more.

Original


Trocadero Theater-Philly 2/18/2010

Lonnie Liston Smith vs. Jay-Z vs. Mary J. Blige

Before


One of my favorite albums of all time.

After



After

Myrna Summers vs. Bilal Oliver vs. Jay Electronica

The progression of a strong, beautiful song through different genres....

Myrna Summers: Give Me Something To Hold On To



Bilal Oliver: Something To Hold On



Jay Electronica: Something To Hold On To

Idris Muhammad

edited 12/2

After completing the post below, I came across the PERFECT "Hump Day" song, easily making this my favorite Idris Muhammad song. I hope you play this repeatably like I did. Oh Idris...you're sooo dirty.

Idris Muhammad: Tasty Cakes

"Smack my lips to your swinging hips
Goodness sakes, shake those tasty cakes."

"Getting chills from your expert skils
Goodness sakes, shake those tasty cakes."

------------------------------------------------------------------
In an effort to become a connoisseur of all things hip hop, I'm attempting to sharpen my knowledge on the history or hip-hop, soul, funk, jazz, etc.

Lesson #1: Idris Muhammad

Dude was named Leo Morris until he decided to convert and practice Islam. He's a jazz drummer who has accompanied Roberta Flack as well as put out 13 of his own albums from 1970-1988. The kicker? He's recorded over 130 records so far!! Here's a taste of what he's had to offer:


Idris Muhammad: Loran's Dance



Idris Muhammad: Piece Of Mind



Idris Muhammad:Theme for New York City

Donald Byrd vs. Erykah Badu

My record player is incredible. It's my "new" favorite gadget. I use the word "new" loosely because it was handed down to me with decals and graffiti beautifully decorating the exterior.

Tonight's vinyl of choice....Donald Byrd

Before


Which the reminded me of Ms. Erykah Badu

After

Proile: Black Thought & Questlove; Pete Rock

Recently stumbled across these interviews by Dee Vazquez. I love the format of the interviews: relaxed atmosphere, consistent format, and unique questions. This would definitely be a dream of mine.

Black Thought & Questlove

PROFILE: The Roots from dee vazquez on Vimeo.

Pete Rock

PROFILE: Pete Rock from dee vazquez on Vimeo.

Modest Mouse vs. Lupe Fiasco

Before...




After...

Percy Sledge - Warm and Tender Love

Between being hot and bothered watching Mad Men and the creeping Winter Blue's, I've been on an emotional roller coaster ride. Listening to Percy Sledge on repeat probably doesn't help either. An old sound but a new find. Enjoy!

Menahan Street Band vs. Jay-Z

Before...



After...



Fun Fact: Dap-Kings = Menahan Street Band

Norman Connors vs. Mos Def

Before



After



I've never heard of Norman Connors but I'm a fan. I love the original, and the sample is what makes Brown Sugar even better.

2 Step - L V Johnson - I Don't Really Care

Current obsession.



New to me...

BlackRock & Black Milk

I salivate listening to both of these.

Lauryn Hill – Repercussions

Lauryn Hill - Repercussions by uristocrat

<3 you Ms. Hill

Summertime, The Mixtape

Friday Funday work mixtape,

Thank you for getting me through the last couple hours.

<3

Feelin' Good - Nina Simone

Sums up how I'm feeling....

Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by you know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good

John Legend & The Roots

Even though Summer is my favorite season, I can't help but ask, "Is it Fall yet?" September 21st can't come soon enough. John Legend & The Roots will be releasing a much anticipated callabo album titled Wake Up.

The album, "will feature soulful music from the 60’s and 70’s all with an underlying theme of awareness, engagement and consciousness— effectively telling listeners to Wake Up!"

EXACTLY WHAT I LOVE! Below is a preview of what to expect...

Hard Times

Michael Jackson: August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

DJ Premier + Michael Jackson....
RIP MJ

Michael Jackson Tribute Mix by Dj Premier Blog Radio on Mixcloud

Adrian Younge and the Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra - Shot Me In the Heart

This past weekend a friend of mine invited me to a show that changed my life. Ok...I'm exaggerating its impact a little bit. But I took away a lot from the show.

1) I need to attend more live shows, especially with bands who have thorough talent amongst all of its members.

2) The electric sitar guitar is my new favorite instrument. The sounds produced from that piece of wood and wire are so unique.

3) There are so many talented artists. It's a shame that they can't become "mainstream" and get the acknowledgement they truly deserve.

4) The song below is literally my favorite song right now. I replay it over and over again, never tiring from it. I may need to learn how to automatically loop this song so it literally never ends -- perfect song to fall asleep to.

5) I'm uncertain what "genre" this song or group falls under but the 50's/60's vibe always has a special place in my heart.

6) I learned that my friend has sampled this song and I'm dying to hear it. HOPEFULLY, I'm granted permission to post it!!

"...I'm jonesing for you baby
and I need a fixin..."

I hope you enjoy and love it as much as I do! Check out their entire album here!

Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly - Happy Feeling

USA advances in the World Cup! Happy Feelings are in the air!

Happy feelin's in the air
Touchin' people everywhere
Plenty love and everything
Listen to the people sing

The Roots - How I Got Over

There are millions and millions of songs in this world. Some songs you put on your iPod to hear once in awhile. Some songs you add to specific playlist determined by the energy, the message, the mood, etc. There are songs that play on the radio that you wish were never created. But once in awhile, you come across a song that removes you from the "NOW." This is that song for me....



I can't even put into words what this song does to me. I hear this song and it makes my heart skip a beat while creating a vortex of emotions. For me specifically, the video paired with the lyrics are a slap in the face to really focus on my true dream. I've had 1 true dream in the past couple years that I still have not attempted to conquer. Faced with financial challenges, doubt in my ability to be triumphant, and my scatterbrained mentality, I have continued to make excuses as to why I can't pursue my dreams. But no more. Like The Roots said, "I'm tired of being sick and tired."

This song is easily one of my favorites that I will be listening to as I finally pursue my dream.

In terms of the The Roots, I'm so happy they have continued to be a dependable group. I have never heard a song by them that I have questioned. I will be buying "How I Got Over" later today and will put up my first album review shortly.

P.S. This is probably one of the best video's I've seen in awhile. Everything from the way the kid in the wheelchair travels in parallel to Black Thought to the 3-legged dog is genius and elicits an emotional connection to the song.

i love. love. love. this song.

Dom Kennedy - It Was Beautiful

I heard about Dom Kennedy a couple months ago via blip.fm. I have this negative notion about reading someone's name and automatically assuming the song is going to be straight garbage. However, I gave the song a chance, and it's been on repeat at work, on my ipod, and on itunes. The lyrics crack me up but the instrumentals are my favorite. I'm sure they have been sampled from somewhere but I haven't figured that out yet. Until I do, take a listen...




{you can download the entire mixtape here}

Slum Village

I was inspired to post some tracks today after a long hiatus. Recently, I've been listening to a bunch of different songs and artists but haven't really felt inspired, gravitated towards, or obsessive with their tracks. All of sudden, today, BAM. A new single comes out and it has rocked my world.

Faster
Producer: Young RJ



Since listening to that track, I've also been re-playing another classic. Seriously, this song is hard to listen to at night!

Closer
Producer: T3 & Young RJ




NOTE: Young RJ seems to be a pretty dope producer...he also produced the next song I'm going to be posting.

Will Smith

">


I usually think inspiration should come from within, but seeing another's route in achieving success can give you the added push you need.

Conquer the world my friend, for it is your playground.

Chosen Few - Raw Beauty

ever hear a song and fall in love at first beat....?

help me:
-- where can i get the instrumental of this?
-- any parts a sample of another song?

Something You Got

Lately, I have been obsessing over RJD2. His beats are so dope and the samples used are divinely soulful. I recently found out his song "Work" from Deadringer, uses a sample from Alvin Robinson. I don't know much about Alvin Robinson but I am intrigued to hear more from him.

BEFORE

Alvin Robinson - Something You Got



AFTER

RJD2 - Work

RJD2 - Here's What's Left

BEFORE



AFTER



Recently came across this song on blip.fm and couldn't stop playing replay. It's a laid back track with some soul/jazz and it's the perfect track to just chill and ponder about life. I haven't yet heard much else from RJD2, but I am definitely planning on looking into my fellow Philadelphian's (ok he wasn't born there but he apparently lives there now)resume.

**After doing some research, I found out RJD2 sampled a track from The Intruders "Memories Are Here To Stay." Enjoy the before & after.**

Here's a link

"I Can't Breathe" x Miami Vice

"I Can't Breathe" x Miami Vice from eLan on Vimeo.

This is the soundtrack of my life....

KJ – Repeat (Slakah the Beatchild Remix)

The Beat Is DOPE!

Secrets

I saw this video months ago on a blog or twitter (not sure where) and never saved the link. For months I looked for the link again and kept facing roadblocks eventually making me give up.

Now that the link is in my possession, I will never lose it again. This video is one of my favorites of all time. It represents so much: humanity, honesty, self-worth, respect for one-self, purity, accountability...the words are endless.

BlakRoc - Why Can't I Forget Him (ft. Nicole Wray)

If you haven't heard of BlakRoc yet, you must on some Jaycee Lee Dugard type situation in which case I will not judge you. Blakroc is a rap/rock collaboration album between a rock band called "The Black Keys" and several hip hop and R&B artists: Mos Def, Jim Jones, Nicole Wray, amongst other notable hip hop stars.

The album was released November 2009. Below is my favorite song off the whole album. Song is on repeat!

Teddy P - RIP

In dedication to Teddy Pendergrass, below are the top 3 songs that made me fall in love with soul music. RIP Teddy Bear.


1)
When Somebody Loves You Back




2) Believe In Love




3) Close the Door



Bonus:

Because if you're going to "Close the Door" you mind as well "Turn off the Lights"

Let's Groove

before



after

http://blip.fm/~j0rtn

Clever Concept for an Interview

To view interview, click here

Da Bush Babees - We Run Things (It's Like Dat)

I stumbled upon this song while hearing another song by this group called "Gravity." I couldn't find a video link for that song but wanted to remember this group because I've never heard of them before. You can hear the song "Gravity" on Blip.fm

Snoop Dogg ft. Latoiya Williams - I Believe In You

Do you believe in me?

XX of Hip Hop

THE REVIVAL from EMERGENCE Media on Vimeo.

"my rhymes didn't say i'm a female emcee"