Jun 2009 20

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Maxwell covers the June edition of Billboard magazine ahead of his BLACKsummers’night album release in July. The magazine features an in-depth interview with the man himself, who speaks opening on his “7 year itch”, new album, touring and other things. Heres a few excerpts:

On the 7 year break:

“Up to that point I’d been on the road and didn’t have a chance to really live. But I write about reallife experiences, so it just felt like I had to sit back and let these experiences happen and inspire me all over again.” “People ask, ‘Why so long?’ and I say, ‘It’s easier to take something that’s of the moment, but so much harder to say something
that will resonate today, tomorrow and for all times.’ I want my music to last forever. I never want my music to be dated,” he says of the single. “ ‘Pretty Wings’ falls into that. I met this girl who I still respect very much, and although it didn’t work out, I got lots of inspiration from it. This track speaks of my time with her.”

On the comeback:

“I’m not going to bullshit you—I was scared. You never know how people will feel. And if only 10 people would’ve been interested, I would’ve been disappointed, but I wouldn’t have been surprised,” he says of touring last year. “It was such a validation and proved to me that my work in the past was worth something. I can’t tell you how validating it is for me to be able to say that I was gone for seven years but I was never gone in people’s minds and hearts.”

On BLACKsummers’night:

“‘BLACK’ is darker. It has a bluesier side and features more despondent records. It speaks plenty to love lost.” BlackSUMMER’Snight, the second installment of the trilogy to be released in 2010, has more of a gospel feel. It’s lighter. It’s gospel music for the common person that wouldn’t naturally get involved with that type of music. Hopefully they’ll get down with it now,” he says. And, finally, “Blacksummer’sNIGHT,” the third set with an anticipated 2011 release, is “straight-up slow jam records.”

Definitely need to pick up a copy. BLACKsummers’night is released July 6th 2009.

Download: Maxwell – “Pretty Wings” // “Bad Habits”

Peace, Love & Maxwell

Speeakz

Shouts to st8nyc

Jun 2009 20

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Hmmm, a new Rihanna track leaked yesterday and now, a new Chris Brown drops? Can’t imagine that’s a coincidence. Anyways, C-(not-so)Breezy jumps on the auto-tune band wagon and speaks to all them (looks at picture) groupies…

Chris Brown – “Smash”

Yea, I think it pretty much sucks. I really can’t stand that euro-pop beat he’s been adopting as of late. I don’t get why R&B artists need to go down that route? I thought that ‘sound’ was only reserved for those desperate to make it in Europe or for those really cheesy European pop bands circa the 90′s? Eh. I dunno, either way I’m not feelin’ this. It doesn’t sound like the full mastered version, so we’ll see how/if this one develops

Peace, Love & Chris Brown

Speeakz

Jun 2009 20

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Click cover to download

It’s fiiiiinally here ya’ll! Wale literally just liberated his brand new mixtape with 9th Wonder. Back to the Feature, is presented by LRG and boasts 22 tracks and features Talib Kweli, K’NAAN, Jean Grae, Black Thought, Lady GaGa & Daniel Merriweather to name a few. I’m about to hit play myself, so I’ll reserve my judgement for now, but boi, we’ve been waiting long enough – this better be dope! Download and enjoy!

Peace, Love, Wale & 9th Wonder

Speeakz

P.s jnrsobs asks a very good question, which I totally forgot to address before now. As many of you know we were meant to interview Wale a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, at the very, very, very last minute the interview got cancelled. It was pretty sh*tty, but these things do happen and we understand why – he’s a busy dude. We’re hoping to reschedule and get it hooked up again real soon! Thanks for being so patient!

Tracklist after the jump!

Jun 2009 20

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I say, London – stand up! This is the kinda sh*t this city is made of. Goldielocks & Mark Pritchard come together to produce something insanely dope. Like, you know the kind of dope that hurts your brain a little? Yea, wait till you hear this beat…

Goldielocks – “Fu*kin About”

*Ahem* Told you so. Beyond, just…Beyond!

Peace, Love & Goldielocks

Speeakz

Shouts to Andrew

Jun 2009 20

I really hate posting YouTube songs, but this track is actually too dope to ignore. Chico Debarge, ya’ll remember him right? Yea, I know you do – especially you ol’ skool R&B/Soul heads. Anyways, the man is back and back in a big way…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0qSHJdYiq4]

Oh snap!? Now that’s how you come back people! This dudes voice is insane, but we already knew this. What I didn’t know is that he still had ‘it’. Like, damn? This is some real, smooth, classic sounding Chico DeBarge. Lord knows I still bump Long Time No See on a regular. Very eager for a new album, for sures!

Need an mp3 of this asap.

Peace, Love & Chico Debarge

Speeakz

Jun 2009 20

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Damn, it’s been a minute since we’ve heard anything new from Rih-Rih eh? Well, here goes a brand new joint – dunno if this is gonna be released or if it’ll end up on the new album…

Rihanna – “Te Amo”

The thing is, if like Rihanna, you don’t got the best voice going, you better come correct with your song choices and I gotta give credit where credit is due. Her A&R team Rihanna has pretty consistently chosen songs that appeal to the masses and radio, but also songs that suit her (limited) vocal abilities. This is another example of that fact. Not the best tune in the world and actually, quite a sh*t hook – but the beat and melody work. I’m kinda feelin’ it.

What do YOU think?

Peace, Love & Rihanna

Speeakz

Jun 2009 19

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The remix is now available to download. Foxx, Drake, West & The-Dream pon one track…

Jamie Foxx Feat Drake, Kanye West & The-Dream – “Digital Girl”

Enjoy fam!

Peace, Love & Digital Girl

Speeakz

Jun 2009 19

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Here goes the CDQ version Nas’ & Swizz Beats’ collabo track “Be Worried”…

Nas – “Be Worried” (Prod Swizz Beats)

What say you? Like? Dislike? Speeeeak on it!

Peace, Love & Nas

Speeakz

Jun 2009 19

B-Real (Cypress Hill) + Damian Jr Gong Marley = “Fire”…

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I believe the correct term for this track would be: toooooooooooone!!!! Lol! I’ve BEEN lovin’ this track for a hot minute now, glad the video dropped. These kinda tunes just scream “summer”. Now we just gotta pray ours shows up!

Download: B-Real Featuring Damian Jr Gong Marley – “Fire”

Peace, Love & Fiyah!

Speeakz

Shouts to Put Me On It

Jun 2009 19

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Last Wednesday’s Writers Block put a right ol’ smile on my face.

The summer breeze was the perfect accompaniment to an evening of spoken word, acoustic music and the general creative splendor Writers Block provides. Writers Block has quickly become a staple night in London Town; the seemingly endless amounts of people who, as if by magic, cram into Juno Bar in Shoreditch is all the proof you need of it’s impact.

It’s quite easy to judge an event that celebrates artistic expression in the way Writers Block does. Many spoken word events are often regarded as pretentious and over the top. I can’t lie, I’m generally the guy who thinks that. However, what the Writers Block team have managed to create is something that has all together eliminated that element, and in it’s place produced an evening of great talent, cool vibes and good, good times!

With an impressive 10 act line up*, Wednesday’s event saw a multitude of spoken word artists, singers, rappers, movie makers, as well as 7 piece live Hip Hop band called the The Illersapiens (pictured above/my personal favourite) take to the tiny stage. No two acts were the same, but each delivered something fresh. All impressed.

…I think Wednesday’s event was their best one yet.

Don’t know if it was weather, or that the line up was just in sync, but whatever it was – it was truly a beautiful evening. Can’t lie though, the venue, albeit charming needs some serious air-con instalments. Raaaah! Heat on the stage is one thing, but man, that place gets hot!

But anyways, shouts to all the cool folk I met/chilled with, especially the ones I’ve been chatting to on Twitter for a minute now (lol). and to all those who performed – ya’ll rocked it. But most importantly, I gotta extend tons of love to the Writers Block organisers Felicia & Daniel for yet another gorgeous evening. Not forgetting their incredible hostess Miss TraceyD. Cannot wait for the next one!

Make sure you hit their website for info on the next event (*& entire line up info) and be sure to follow them on Twitter.

Peace, Love & Writers Block

Speeakz

Photography by Mark Ballot


Check some more pictures after the jump!

Jun 2009 19

BackToFeature

Haven’t posted much today because I’ve been fighting with my iPhone and that stupid (but amazing) 3.0 update. Not that that’s sorted, lets get down to bizness. Here goes the final version of Wale’s track “Why” featuring Mike Posner, Big Sean & Ken Starr taken off his Back to the Future project with 9th Wonder (who takes care of production, of course)…

Wale Feat Mike Posner, Big Sean & Ken Starr – “Why?”

Can never tire of Wale or 9th, so no ‘wonder’ I’m feelin’ this one. I know you be liking it too!

Peace, Love & Wale

Speeakz

Jun 2009 18

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It’s Buff1, so you know what it be…

Buff1 – “The Shift” (Prod 14KT)

While you’re enjoying it, lemme know your thoughts!

Peace, Love & Buff1

Speeakz

Jun 2009 18

clipse1

Unfortunately this track is tagged. More unfortuante is that I can’t actually listen to it right now. Produced by the Neptunes, check the Clipse and Keri Hilson do their thing…

Clipse Feat Kerli Hilson – “Eyes On Me”

Lemme know what YOU think…!

Peace, Love & Clipse

Speeakz

Jun 2009 18

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This Saturday (20th June) is gonna be exciting. First, we’re gonna hit Cargo for Summer Bubblers where Rox & the homie Melo-X will be performing (check the trail above) and then we’re gonna bounce to Brainfeeder, to check out a whole host of dope people do their thing including FlyLo, Dorian Concept, Gaslamp Killer and many, many more! We went last year and it was insane, to say the least! This year, I’m sure, will no exception!

Oh, also download the Summber Bubblers podcast – you know, to get you in the mood!

See you thurr!

Peace, Love & Summer Bubblers

Speeakz

Jun 2009 18

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It’s stupid coz I hated most of Bey’s I Am…Sasha Fierce album, but erm, ever since I saw her live at the 02, I’ve found a new love for the songs lol. Especially “Broken Hearted Girl”, which she sang to perfection. Interesting. But yea, the video looks like it’s gonna be cool!

Peace, Love & Beyonce

Speeakz

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