It is always a nice surprise when Freddie Joachim drops a new release. He teases you with some singles and some vines on his Facebook and then unexpectedly drops a full EP. Leaves is the new release, while his signature jazzy HipHop style is still present, I think he expanding his sound with different instruments and drum arrangements. I think he is master at layering his tracks, each time you listen to a track you hear a different layered sound. Again, Freddie Joachim comes correct, highly recommended!
The heads are always referring the golden era of hip hop, and how those were the days when music was made with substance. The dj, the producer, the emcee were on point bringing their best with the essence of making great music. I agree with the heads that the essence of making great music has been lost to making money, but not everyone in the music industry is trying to make stacks, there are artists who still strive for great music. Dj Nu-Mark of Jurassic 5 and Slimkid3 of Pharcyde have just dropped a nameless album on the Delicious Vinyl imprint and they are aiming for great music. Slimkid3’s smooth flow and delivery fits perfectly over Nu-Mark’s golden era production. This album transports me to the mid nineties, great beats and rhymes, highly recommended!
Sometimes sleeping on albums isn’t a bad thing, after the hype disappears from everybody else, you get to enjoy the music without any influences. You get to listen to the album with a clean slate and make your own unbiased judgements. In this post, I don’t want to be that hype, I don’t want influence your listening experience. All I am going to say is that I slept big time on Rachel Foxx! Let me know what you think!
Stan Forebee is back, he just dropped his new EP Reflections. He continues where he left off on his previous release Jazz Sessions by still masterfully creating these jazzy landscapes over subtle hiphop beats. In the new EP, he definitely has expanded his sound to include more of a relaxed ambient style. This new style really fits the title of the EP, you just play this EP and you are automatically in this deep thought. Cop this EP and sit back and relax. Highly recommended!
As of late, I have just been listening to old soul, there is just something about it that just gets you going. I don’t know whether it is the lyrics, the singers, or the just sound or maybe it is the combination of the three, but it has just this passion and emotion that I feel is missing with new music. Modern music hasn’t forgotten this golden period, many artists cover these classics trying to give it a revamp sound while staying true to the originals. Check out the talented Gregory Porter’s version of You Send Me, while it has more of a jazzier sound than the original, he gives it justice. You can feel that old sound come through, I think Sam Cooke would approve. Check out the video below!
I have been patiently waiting for the prince of soul Ben l’Oncle Soul to drop his new album, it has been over 3 years since he released his self titled debut album in 2010. Well the time has come! The new album A Coup De Rêves is set to be released this week and he continues where he left off from his first album and brings that soul heat. The new album is backed by the talented soul funk band The Monophonics, and while it has more of a laid back feel, Ben L’Oncle Soul ‘s voice is still on point. I personally think his voice fits better with a more bluesy soul sound. Check out the song Simply Beautiful featuring Keziah Jones, it is cover of the classic Al Green song, but together they make it their own while still keeping that classic Al Green sound. Don’t Sleep on this album.
The talented UK singer Liam Bailey just dropped his full length debut album Definitely Now this week. While he has released quite a few singles that ranged from rock, soul, to reggae, it has solidified his versatility. In this new album, Liam Bailey finds his distinct sound with bluesy rock, he is able to show his vocal range over the darker and rougher sound. Definitely Now is one of the best albums I have heard this year. Don’t Sleep!
Bilal Oliver drops the new single Sirens 2 and gets the help of the talented producers Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad on the production. The ghostly production provided by the duo fits perfectly with Bilal’s soulful voice, the emotion from his delivery fits well with the eeriness of the sound. If you haven’t heard of Bilal, go get the knowledge! He is probably one of the most well respected neo-soul singers out there. The guy is super talented. I hope this new single is a sign that he is ready to release a new album.Check out the new single below
I have to be honest, I had no idea who Jordan Rakei was before today. I missed out big time! Jordan Rakei is an Australian soul singer/producer who is bringing back that Neo-Soul. His vocals are so reminiscent of D’Angelo that you have to make the comparison. I think Jordan Rakei’s smooth yet layered production fits perfectly with his soulful vocals. In the single Street Light of new EP Groove Curse, the vocals are the highlight, the single also features the talented Gwenn Bunn. The EP should drop very soon, don’t sleep!
When I first heard Malia’s voice, I was just astonished at how smooth it is. It is so infectious leaving you wanting to hear more and more.Malia’s voice flows perfectly over her acoustic production. The comparisons between Malia and India Irie will be made, but Malia is trying to create her own distinct sound. The California native just dropped her self titled EP. The four track EP seems too short, but if this is just her first release, I can’t wait for the next one. Check her out below.
ModulatorSoul 