Last night I was invited to attend the Q Music Club held at the Hard Rock Cafe on Park Lane, to catch Mr Hudson & The Noisettes live.

I’m a big fan of the Noisettes and so I was pretty excited about seeing them live for the first time. I’ve seen Mr Hudson a few times previous to last night and while not his biggest fan, I remain open minded about his new material and really do love his new single “Supernova”…So was looking forward to hearing that live.

Anyways, Mr Hudson was up first – performing only 5 tracks including the aforementioned song and new single “Supernova” which sounded even better live! He also sang “There Will Be Tears”, another song that’s growing on me, as well as “Too Late, Too Late” from his debut album with the Library. It was a nice, albeit short, set.

After a short interlude and a few too many canepes (mini burgers, chicken sticks & chocolate brownies? Yes please!) and a couple (on the house) drinks, it was time for the Noisettes. As mentioned previously, I hadn’t before last night, seen this band do their thing live – not even on TV, so I had no expectations, but was curious to see how they got down on stage. And boy oh boy, was I in for a shock!

…The stunningly beautiful lead singer Shingai was spellbinding to watch. Her energetic stage antics and powerful (and I mean powerful) vocals brought the songs I love off their album alive, adding a whole new dimension to them in the process. I knew she had a dope voice, but I never knew she got down like that. Jumping in and out the crowd, on top of bar fixtures [see picture below] and back onto the stage again – I was out of breath just watching her! Strumming her bass, while rocking out with her band, Shangei oozed star quality. She most certainly has “it”, whatever “it” is. I was perfectly blown away – to say the least.

I have some footage of both acts on stage, and will try my best to get that up by the end of this week (if not sooner), so bear with me on that. In the meantime, make sure you check both Mr Hudson’s new stuff and the Noisette’s new album (out now)!

Peace, Love, Q Music Club, Mr Hudson & the Noisettes

Speeakz

Shouts to Natalie

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.835991&w=425&h=350&fv=]

…Boi. “Closer to finding out [who leaked the pictures]“. Yuh OK. Someone needs to call a meeting at the record label lol! Whatev’s init, just run with it. It’s probably the only (and last) time everyone, around the world, will be speaking about Cassie – so yea, just run with it lol.

Peace, Love & Cassie

Speeakz

P.s I know, I’m being a little harsh. Truth is, I can only imagine how hurtful it is when these kinds of things happen. But they do happen and the best thing you (they) can do is just hold their head up and move on. …And stop speaking about them!

I don’t post these ‘celeb’ sightings much, as you know, but erm 1) this is about Patti Labelle and 2) Prince is these pictures!  If a picture speaks a thousand words – I don’t know what that image of Mariah and Prince is saying LMAO! Absolutely genius! Anyways, Mariah, Prince and a whole host of others honors the legendary Patti Labelle at the Apollo Theatre’s 75th Anniversary Gala in NYC.

…Also, at the same event MC confirmed her new single will hit radio next Tuesday and will be called “Obsessed”. She recently tweeted about the song saying “seriously, this is one of my favourite songs ever. I love the whole album. I’m completly immersed in it. I can’t wait for you to hear it”. I must say, I’m causly excited. She better come hard – she ain’t got an unlimited amount of chances now.

Peace, Love, Patti, Mariah & Prince

Speeakz

P.s Reports are suggesting that Prince is in agonising pain due to the fact that he is in need of not one, but two hip replacements (hence the cane). However due to his religion (Jehovah Witnesses’ are not allowed to have blood transfusions), he has opted not to have surgery – taking pain killers constantly to ease the strain. Erm, I respect religion and all, but Prince – we need you on your feet sir! Fix up! Hopefully he gets better soon, he’s only just turnt 51.

Aaaaaaaaaaaah!!! Brand new Maxwell. I know, I know – you’re very, very welcome! I actually had the pleasure of hearing this track a few months back at Maxwell’s album playback, but sure am happy it’s leaks haha…

Maxwell – “Bad Habits”

…THAT’S what I’m talkin’ about! Damn! I told you, the album is full of classic sounding Maxwell. It’s truly superb! Cannot wait to get hold of a real copy! BLACKsummers’night drops July 7th!

Peace, Love & Maxwell

Speeakz

New CurT@!n$ featuring Tyrese…

CurT@!n$ Feat Tyrese – “Tomorrow”

Fresh off the wave of the controversial video for Black Folks, CurT@!n$ releases Tomorrow the 2nd single off the upcoming mixtape The Great Adventures of Dope Boy C: Dope For President, featuring singer/actor Tyrese. This record is a dedication to America’s disenfranchised citizens. The Great Adventures of Dope Boy C: Dope For President drops June 23rd!

This is so ill. Loving this track, a lot! CurT@!n$ is consistently bringing out dope sh*t.

Peace, Love & CurT@!n$

Speeakz

Shouts to 2DZ

To be honest, it’s not much a review, because all I can say about Beyonce is that is, without any questions or debate, the best female R&B/Pop artist out there. Simple. Don’t come to me with your Rihanna’s, Ciara’s (whom coincidental I was sitting next to at the gig!), Keri Hilson’s etc – they don’t come close. Don’t get me wrong, I think they’re all cool in their own right, but next to Bey, they all pale in comparison. This may upset a few, but in my opinion it’s not up for discussion.

Her voice is as breathtaking as her beauty – flawless in fact. Not one note out of tune, not one ad-lib miscalculated, every song sang to pure perfection. I did warn you, not much a review here. Her choreography, while not the most complex I’ve seen was effective nonetheless. I enjoyed the show aspect of the concert too – I thought it flowed really well and played the ‘Sasha Fierce’ thing off quite well (a theme I’ve never really been too found of). Ms Knowles performed all the tracks we wanted to hear including “Crazy In Love”, “Upgrade You”, “Me, Myself & I”, “If I Were a Boy”, “Diva” and of course “Halo”. Not to mention a dope medley of Destiny’s Child biggest tunes! During “Baby Boy” she flew up and over the crowd and landed on the mini-stage right.next.to.my.seat – my girl was singing while dangling upside down – c’mon!

…I literally took some 200 odd pictures. I went ‘flicking’ crazy.

So yea, I was a stupidly huge fan before I saw her live and now – I have probably earned my ‘stan’ stripes. All jokes aside though, I do not think there is a better female pop/R&B artist out there at the moment (or has been in a very, very long time). While many will hate and most will have their opinions the facts don’t lie. Her voice is faultless, her moves are cool and her concepts (videos etc) are contemporary and graceful. I have no doubts in my mind that in 25 years, people will look at Beyonce and hold her in much the same regard we now hold Tina Turner.

Peace, Love & Beyonce

Speeakz

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6C0VuooDBA&feature=player_embedded]

…Video of the day. 100%.

Peace, Love & Dizzee Rascal

Speeakz

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.835668&w=425&h=350&fv=fhidelogo%3D0%26content%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fapi.ning.com%2Ffiles%2FoYFAXKaS2XlX5YkO7GPy94y4vHecYRAdFbQ0eTUFJBwypySNNCYlpJo8a7hkv5cpV2MdjsZglNhkKJj7jkBATKmTMznkIDfZ%2Ftmp41969.flv%26nhidelogo%3D0%26poster%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fi41.tinypic.com%2Fs6iz2r.jpg%26logoalpha%3D0.5%26iconcolor%3D0xFF0000%26glowcolor%3D0xFF0000%26showlogo%3Dfalse%26external%3Dtrue]

Peace, Love & Amerie

Speeakz

Click cover to download

This is an EP by Canadian singer/songwriter/vocalist Graph Nobel, produced entirely by Malik Worthy. You may know Graph from her work with Idle Warship (along with Talib Kweli and Res), or her songwriting credits alongside The Neptunes, N.E.R.D., Esthero and more. She is currently working with Pharrell on new projects and preparing to tour Europe with Idle Warship. This EP is comprised of five great songs that touch on love, loss, hope, and living life. Just great music. Enjoy!

Peace, Love & Graph Nobel

Speeakz

Shouts to Tunji

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/5071500]

Peace, Love & Crack a Bottle

Speeakz

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJTGeCGs0fc&feature=player_embedded]

Peace, Love & Eminem

*Please note, the next few posts won’t have much commentary. Kinda under it today.

OH, the irony.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAi4jWVfjuE]

But really, doesn’t T-Pain feel like a bit of a di*k performing this track? I mean, I’m British, I GET irony, but this is verging of…Beggin, no? Maybe I missed it. Dunno. All I do know is, more I listen to this track, the most I love it.

Download: Jay-Z – “D.O.A (Death of Auto-Tune)”

Peace, Love & D.O.A

Speeakz

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW64geHa1f0&feature=player_embedded]

She. Looks. AMAZING! Wow! Whitney looks like…Whitney again! Cannot wait for the new single, new album and all that jazz.

Peace, Love & Whitney Houston

Speeakz

Shouts to TGJ

I’ve been seeing this video on various blogs and have been meaning to check it out and post it, but for whatever reason am only getting to do so now. I featured Ayah a while back as a part of our “One to Watch” feature, remember that? Well, she’s got a new album out now 4:15 and here she is acoustically performing a couple tracks off it…

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/4957362]

Her voice is stunning. I love it. If you haven’t, make sure you download her mixtape and cop that new album for Heavens sake!

Peace, Love & Ayah

Speeakz

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.835238&w=425&h=350&fv=videoId%3D25536603001%26playerId%3D1126070790%26viewerSecureGatewayURL%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fconsole.brightcove.com%2Fservices%2Famfgateway%26servicesURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fservices.brightcove.com%2Fservices%26cdnURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fadmin.brightcove.com%26domain%3Dembed%26autoStart%3Dfalse%26]

…Only a short interview, but Pharrell offers up some interesting words on the new Usher album entitled Monster.

Peace, Love & Pharrell

Speeakz