Very short clip of Leela James discussing her musical influences; Like her, I really love soul singers who possess that powerful, raw voice – Leela definitely has one of those voices, guess that’s why I dig her so much, eh? James’ new album My Soul drops May 25th, can’t wait.
This is her network television debut? My goodness. Definitely one for the archives. Janelle Monae remains in her own lane. The thing that many people overlook (including myself) is the strength of her voice. Jumping around the stage the way she does, performing with such energy and still maintaining great vocals. James Brown would be proud.
…And of course Diddy had to make an appearance. It’s business at the end of the day.
Bonus: PinBoard Exclusive: Janelle Monae Interview (Video)
I don’t post news about gigs outside of the UK/London, but this is Prince. And actually this has less to do about the gig at Werchter Park and more to do with the incredible artwork promoting it. Are you seeing this? Prince, 40 years later is still proving he’s able to remain relevant, artistic and interesting. As I’m sure you’ve heard me say here many-a-times before, I’ll post up just about anything relating to this dude. Legend.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
If I’m not wrong, this track has been on the nets for a minute now, but I’ve only just got round to hearing it, so thought I’d post it up for those not in the know. ‘Touch Me If You Could’ is a previously unreleased track from Mr Timberlake – it actually sounds like some type of demo – it’s got that 1990′s R&B/Pop sound to it. It sounds like something JT would have put out back in his boy band days. It’s hella catchy, the guy can write a good hook – can’t be denied. This is definitely not ‘Cry Me a River’ / ‘My Love’ standard.
…We need a new album from this dude. For reals.
Download: Justin Timberlake – ‘Touch If You Could’
WHAT DO YOU THINK THINK?
J.Cole discusses his new single & album, Drake, a possibly collaboration between the two and more. Head over to VIBE.com to read the full story.
Alicia Keys was on the Jools Holland show last night, the singer performed two songs (‘No One’ & ‘Empire State of Mind’) and sat down with Holland for a quick interview. Don’t get why she didn’t perform ‘Unthinkable’? That’s her new single, no? Peep the interview up top and the performances after the jump…
Peep a sneak peak of Rihanna’s upcoming video for her new single ‘Rockstar 101′ taken off her album Rated R.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
The Brooklynati crew work their magic over some of The Roots ‘sandwiches’ (small sets performed as the band enter and leave commercial breaks on the Late Night with Jimmy Fallaon show). A nice listen…
Oh yea, and look out for our interview with Tanya Morgan in the coming weeks.
I posted up a snippet of this track (along with two others) last week and now the full track has surfaced. It’s not CDQ, but it’s good quality. As for the track itself, ergh, I really want to like it just because I think Christina is super talented and has been in the game for a minute. But truth be told, this really isn’t hot. It sounds like she’s trying too hard to sound different. The hook is decent, the best part of the song infact, but the actual beat is not. It really reminds me of Santogold, just no where near as good.
…I do think it’s a little unfair that folks are coming down so hard on Xtina over GaGa comparisons. I don’t see why people feel the need to choose one or the other. Having said that, the competition right now for female pop singers is pretty fierce, so I do think Christina needed to come (way) harder than she has so far. It just seems like she’s a little confused as to which direction, musically, she wants to go. I would have been happy with something that sounded like a 2010 version of Stripped.
Download: Christina Aguilera – ‘Bionic’
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
The BET Awards 2010 nominees were just announced; Up for 5 nods, Jay-Z is this years most nominated artist, his wife came in a close joint second earning 4 nominations along with Alicia Keys, Melanie Fiona and Trey Songz. Most shocking, for me at least, is the fact that Justin Beiber has been nominated in the New Artist category? Confused. Check the full list of nominees after the jump.
What do you think about the nominations this year?
The 10th Annual BET Awards will be hosted by Queen Latifah and will feature live performances from Drake, Diddy, Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz and more. The show airs live from L.A on Sunday, June 27th. Those outside the U.S can come to PinBoard night of the awards for live streaming and up-to-the-minute posts.
3 years ago A-Trak released a mixtape entitled Dirty South Dance, which featured blends and remixes from the man himself. He’s just dropped the follow up, appropriately titled Dirty South Dance 2 - I just hit play, it sounds pretty crazy so far. Not sure it’s going to be everyones cup of tea, but check it out and see – download (for free) below too.
Shouts to OS
Posting continues below
Whilst in London, Janelle Monáe sat down with PinBoard to discuss a variety of topics, including the recording process behind The ArchAndroid and the influences she incorporated into it, the future of the human race and her energetic stage performances. Monáe also talks to us about her (now iconic) tuxedo and what it means to her, her thoughts and feelings towards Erykah Badu and what her support has meant, and also discusses how she’s dealing with being hailed as a musical messiah. The interview also features live footage shot by us at her Cargo gig last November-perhaps one of the most unforgettable nights.
The ArchAndroid is released today in the U.S and is out in the UK July 12th.
Bonus: Win a print painting of Janelle Monae by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, along with a whole bunch of other goodies, including a mobile phone, headphones, CD’s, limited edition DVD & more! Go HERE now to enter!
Have to give a massive shout out to Shan for quite possibly one of the best video interviews we’ve had featured on PinBoard. It’s a new day. Love to Sheri and Dershe too! And of course a huge thank you to Miss Monae!
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Theophilus London sits down with chronyx.be for an interview while in Brussels, he talks about his new mixtape, remixing some of his favourite artists and what he’s currently listening to. After the jump you can peep him performing “Humdrum Town”.
‘Ancient People’ is an iTunes bonus track taken from Nas & Damian Marley’s new album Distant Relatives – out worldwide now. This, like all the other tracks you’ll find on there, is heavy. After the jump you can peep some footage of the two performing at their album launch in New York city.
Download: Nas & Damian Marley – ‘Distant Relatives’
Shouts to 2DBZ
Nas & Damian Marley chop it up with the 106 & Park crew and speak on their new collaborative album.
Distant Relatives is most certainly up there as one of the best albums of 2010 so far. It’s going to be a difficult one to beat. The label sent me us an advance copy last week and I can honestly say, I haven’t stopped listening to it. It’s out now, I highly recommend you cop it.
