Filed under: Download, Music, Music News, Must Listen, Must Read, One To Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Big Dada, Hip Hop, London, One To Watch, South London, Speech Debelle, UK
Rare. Needed. & Missed. Just a few words that are often used when speaking on the subject of female rappers. It’s a sad truth and for whatever reason, Hip Hop, the mainstream and/or the press have consistently shown a lack of support for these talented females. The reasons behind why this has happened (and continues to happen) is an all together different discussion, which I shall not get into right now. But with the exception of a few (Jean Grae (who is easily one of my all time favourite emcees, period), Amanda Diva etc) the days of Queen Latifah, Lil’ Kim, the Cookie Crew (brap! brap!) Left Eye & Lauryn Hill ruling the airwaves are seemingly dead.
Enter Speech Debelle…
Big Dada’s latest recruit has already generated quite a buzz for herself and with her debut album Speech Therapy about to drop, I’m hoping she’s also set to blow. Rhyming behind folk-like beats and melodies, Debelle, a product of South-London, digs deep. Real deep. Her pleasantly warm voice can easily mask the complex topics she tackles, but on careful review, you’ll hear what this lady is all about and what she has been through. But where many rappers tend to depress or bore with stories of their ‘hard knock life’ – Speech celebrates her trials and tribulations and acknowledges that without them – she wouldn’t be who she is. Songs like “Daddy’s Little Girl” open wounds many artists fear to dress with words on wax, where as “Searching”, her first single (downloadable below) asks the simple question: “when life hits you with issues, what you gonna do?”.
Download: Speech Debelle – “Searching”
It’s obvious on hearing Speech Therapy, that Speech Debelle serving up something very different and new to Hip Hop. The contrast between lyric & music is almost discombulating, yet works and actually pleasantly surprises. Her talents are executed brilliantly throughout this 13 track LP and most excitingly, I can see her developing and only getting better and better with time. Speech Debelle has produced a very credible, very topical and very good album. An album I believe will appeal to all those open minded, contemporary loving, Hip Hop heads. London stand up.
…The return of the female rapper.
Peace, Love & One to Watch: Speech Debelle
Speeakz
NB: You can preview Speech Debelle’s debut album Speech Therapy by clicking here.
Filed under: Download, Music, Must Listen, One To Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: A Work In Progress, AB, Black Milk, Daru, Detroit, Hip Hop, Slum Village, Soul, Soul-Hop
Click cover to download
(Free download available until 30th April)
Proving I haven’t been up to scratch with my blog trawling in the last fortnight, would have surely posted this sooner with urgency had I known…
One bugged out when he heard this LP last night. Magnificent, thumping, bumping, burning, euphoric Soul-Hop.
“This new Midwest sound is a combination of live instrumentation and the refreshingly vibrant, eclectic soulful vocals of Ab placed over the music of beat maker/drummer, Daru.”
Been waiting on AB (one of my favourite new Soul vocalists) and Daru (one of my favourite recent Hip-Hop producers) to drop this little atom bomb.
In my humble opinion (which real heads should always listen to) it’s amongst the tightest full-lengths of the year so far. Most loved joint is ‘Gossip’, that actually killed me when the moody bass dropped in my earphones: like an update of some old Wu sh*t ridden by the offspring of Bilal/D’Angelo. Headphones on!
Best of all, the artists have offered you their work for complimentary indulgence which I suggest you partake in immediately (limited period only). It also features support from Black Milk and Slum Village. Detroit demolitionists all round
You can also purchase AB & Daru’s A Work In Progress via iTunes now < Especially you late comers!
Peace, Love & A Work Realised.
Fantastic**t.
Filed under: Music, Music News, Must Listen, One To Watch, Reviews, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Burial, Cooly G, DJ, Dub-Step, EP, Exclusive, Hyerdub, Ikonika, Kode 9, Label, Love Dub, Narst, One To Watch
Cooly G is the latest signing to the unstoppable force that is Kode 9’s Hyperdub label. Home to Burial, Samiyam and Kode 9 himself, Cooly G is the second lady of the beat and bass generation to join label, who alongside the wonder that is Ikonika are proving that it’s not only boys can make serious beats to blow out your speakers. And we mean SERIOUS.
Taking on the role of singer, producer and DJ, Cooly describes her sound as “deep dark sexy house/broken minimal tech and tribal” and her forthcoming EP shows off the two equally amazing sides to her sound. On the A-side you have “Narst” an epic six minute doomsday-esque track with dark basslines, soca beats and ‘chest tearing subass’, while the B-side is “Love Dub”, a mix of loose percussion, soft basslines and excellent example of her vocals.
Now we couldn’t introduce a new artist without giving you sample of their sound, so as standard here at PinBoard we have an EXCLUSIVE stream of the truly epic tune that is “Narst” below. We’ve been knocking heads to this beat for more than a mintue and suggest you turn those speakers up. Don’t say we never give you nothing…
Cooly G – “Narst”
…EPIC!
Cooly’s EP is due for release mid-May on Hyperdub but in the meantime, go check out further goodies from the lady herself on her myspace.
Zayns
Filed under: Dumb [Funny] Stuff, Jokes, Music News, One To Watch, Random | Tags: Bad Boy, Day26, Drama, Fighting, Making The Band, News, Q, R&B
Honestly, if you asked me “why you keep posting those Day26 clips?” – I wouldn’t actually have an answer other than: that sh*t is funny! LMAO! Like, really, who actually gives a f*ck about this band anymore? Or…Ever did? Having said that, it’s funny to watch a bunch of grown ass men acting like a bunch of stupid ass kids…
A few things:
- Daaaaaaaaaaaayum! Those Danity Kane chicks sho’ do look different without makeup LMAO! Sorry. That’s bad mind, but really though?
- LOL @ that dude callin’ Q “Aubrey” – funny stuff!
- Why isn’t Q in some kinda of straitjacket?
- Why doesn’t everyone just stop trying to prevent a fight and just box it out?
- LOVE the “building” analogy
- When do you think Day26 will be dropped?
Peace, Love & Day26
Speeakz
Filed under: Download, Mixtapes, Music, Music News, Must Listen, Must Read, One To Watch, Reviews, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Download, EP, GFC, GFCNY, It's My Heart Cookie, Jade, Mickey Factz, New, New Artist, One To Watch, R&B, Soul
I first heard Jade when she featured on a track called “Naturally” by fellow GFC member Mickey Factz. Now, with the release of this new EP, I have been reintroduced to her and her art.
Armed with a voice way beyond her years, Jade, a Puerto Rican singer-songwriter from Brooklyn, has cleverly and creatively brought together elements of jazz, folk, R&B, pop and most definitively soul on her new EP It’s My Heart, Cookie.
No stranger to the music industry, after studying at the prestigious La Guardia High School for Performing Arts, she was quickly signed to Pharrell Williams’ ‘Star Trak’. However, the deal didn’t work out the way she had hoped, which instead left her feeling like a “benchwarmer”. So, like any true artist, Jade understood what had to be done and left, embarking on a new chapter in her life and career.
Playing gigs around New York City at legendary venues such as BB Kings, SOB’s and the Knitting Factory (to name a few), Jade began to make a name for herself. Opening for the likes of Lupe Fiasco and Slick Rick didn’t hurt her mission either.
That mission has now come full circle with the release of her new project. Calling on the talents of Precize (GFCNY), Inglish (The Cool Kids), J.Carmelli and Theophilus London, It’s My Heart, Cookie boasts 8 unyielding tracks which not only display her wonderful vocals, but also her heart.
Each track, quite easily mistaken as an extract from her diary, reveals moods, emotions, fears, thoughts, passions and vulnerabilities. Most strikingly though, especially on first listen, is the mix-mash of influences you hear. While every song, musically, offers something very different from the last, it is the brilliance of Jade’s voice that remains constant. It’s My Heart, Cookie doesn’t let up. Not one track calls for a fast-forward, in fact quite the contrary.
Jade is most certainly One to Watch and this EP couldn’t come more highly recommended. It’s a beautiful piece of work and I for one am excited about the future of this beautiful artist.
Download It’s My Heart, Cookie now.
Peace, Love & One to Watch: Jade
Speeakz
Shouts to Evan for sending over
Filed under: Download, Music, Music News, Must Listen, Must Read, Must Watch, One To Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Daru & Rene, Download, Hip Hop, ILuvYou, Ones To Watch, Soul, Video
Download: Daru & Rene – “ILuvU”
The video above was sent to me early last week (shouts to Steve), but I haven’t had much time to post it up. Then the homie Fantasticunt (who just dropped two brand new, must have, mixtapes over at Your Mums) reminded me bout it. Neither of us had the mp3 but the lovely (and resourceful) Shenangagainworked her magic and provided us with it. Noooice, right?
Anyways, Daru & Rene, a brother/sister Soul-Hop group, create music that not only feels good, but also bends the rules a lil’ too. Daru, the producer and Rene the singer bounce of each other like only a brother and sister could. Real soul, real Hip Hop, “ILuvU” is the perfect example of what they do best. This infectious and highly addictive track will have you hitting the repeat button over and over. Well, it did with me anyways. This tune is so, so, so dope! Tell me, do I lie??
Their brand new Luv EP is on it’s way, but in the meanwhile, I say: these two are most certainly ones to watch.
Peace, Love & Daru & Rene
Speeakz
Filed under: Download, Music, Must Listen, Must Watch, One To Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Documentary, Download, Hip Hop, New Track, The Diamond District, Who I Be
The lovely Amelia aka Superwoman (putmeonit.com) shot over this new joint by The Diamond District. Above is a cool mini-documentarty on the group, which consists of band members Oddisee, XO & YU. And below is a track called “Who I Be” which is the first track off their “mid-90’s Boom Bap themed album” entitled In the Ruff, which will be available online, as a free download, come April 14th (you’ll find it right hurr, don’t worry!). Anyways, watch the docu and download this…
The Diamond District – “Who I Be”
These cats are real cool! I’m feelin’ their whole vibe right now. And tell me this track doesn’t bump!?! That’s a dirrrrty beat right there – they kill it. This is one of those “lemme just listen to that one mo’ time” kinda joints. I trust you’ll agree. Have I ever lied to you before? Make sure you show The Diamond District some love via their site and as I said, watch out for April 14th for that album In the Ruff.
Peace, Love & The Diamond District
Speeakz
Filed under: Download, Mixtapes, Music, Music News, Must Listen, One To Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: A Miracle In the Making, AKS, Hip Hop, Lily Allen, London, Mixtape, The Fear, UK
It’s time for the UK to stand up.
Like most London MC’s, AKS developed his skills on pirate radio (those were the days!), it was clear back then that this guy knew how to spit and more importantly write. Inspired by his UK peers AKS realized that his music, different from the 2pac’s and Nas’ of this world, could be emotional, political and inspiring too.
Since then, AKS has continued to perfect his art, performing along side UK heavy hitters Sway, Bashy, Chipmunk and Ghetts. Aside from his stage presence, it’s evident on hearing A Miracle in the Making that AKS has a powerful voice, a ill flow and something real to say. His lyrics weave an interesting tale of reality and fantasy, and his play on words make you listen and take note. This is not ‘background’ music people, this is “sh*t, what did he just say?” music.
Jumping on tracks from Nas, Lily Allen, Lil’ Wayne, Mavado and 88-Keys, AKS proves, with this mixtape, that he has something to offer, but understands that for a British rapper, the road isn’t an easy one. But for him, that’s OK: “to be able to grind like Tony Hawks…You need the rail to grind on…And if the rail ain’t there you’re gonna fail” – Safe to say he’s found his rail and he’s grinding pon it!
AKS Feat Lily Allen – “The Fear”
A Miracle in the Making isn’t about bling, making it big or about getting-that-paper, it’s about common experiences, it’s about life and it’s about the environment we all live in, making AKS not only relatable but also credible. ”Yeah you’ve gotta get dough, but you’re also a person. I just want to show that person. For me, it’s not a case of what sounds good, but more about what sounds right.”
Personally for me, what stands out about AKS and A Miracle in the Making is that he has found (a munch needed) balance between ‘being real’ and ‘being boring’. SO many Channel U rappers are ’spitting’ words of realism and injustice that quite frankly, is a tad depressing. AKS avoids this by surrounding his reality with clever lyricism, a positive attitude and an ability to make what he’s saying relate to your life. Moreover from this, his choice of samples is yet another indicator that he isn’t a one trick pony, but that he understands musicality and is confident enough to take on any tune, any beat or any sample. (Only a brave man takes on a Lily Allen track!).
For these reasons and a million more, I highly recommend AKS and his A Miracle in the Making mixtape.
A Miracle in the Making is available now from AKS’ myspace page - go grab that and show some love.
Peace, Love & AKS
Speeakz
P.s To all our US readers, friends and fellow bloggers – make sure you cop, share and promote this!
Filed under: Music, Must Watch, One To Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: AKS, Hip Hop, Lilly Allen, The Fear, UK
The only time you’ll see Lilly Allen on PinBoard is when she does something stupid (like this), or when something like this happens. South East London based AKS jumps on Allen’s “The Fear” and turns it into something I can fu*k with…
Aiight, so now has a new found respect for this track haha! (Ok, I can’t lie, the the original ain’t actually that bad but…) AKS kills it! Definitely feelin’ this version and what he adds to it. And until AKS attacks her entire album, I still refuse to check for it. In anycase, he will be dropping a mixtape soon and course, you can find that right here when it does.
Peace, Love & AKS
Speeakz
Shouts to Marsha for the education!
Filed under: Download, Music, Must Listen, One To Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Download, Give It To Me Right, It Kills Me, KanYe West, Melanie Fiona, New Track, R&B
I DO love a good dose of R&B! Melanie Fiona is amazing, her voice is crazy. Those of you who saw KanYe West live in London last year would have been lucky enough to see this lady perform live. I’ve been aware of her for a while (shouts to Naz for putting me onto her!) and now she’s signed to Universal, she’s destined to blow up. “It Kills Me” just surfaced, but another joint “Give It To Me Right” dropped last year – both of which you can download right now…
Bonus: Melanie Fiona – “Give It To Me Right”
Her voice is dope, right? I’m really feelin’ both these tracks! ”It Kills Me” has been on loop since I got my hands on it last night. It reminds me of the ol’ skool R&B I used to love – Lord knows the sh*t that’s been dropping over the past few years (with the exception of a few) has been lackluster at best. But this, this is cool – keep your eyes on Melanie Fiona.
Peace, Love & Melanie Fiona
Speeakz
Filed under: Download, Mixtapes, Music, Must Listen, One To Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Download, EP, Free, Hip Hop, Jazz, Jazzamentals EP, Rooftops EP, Skipless
Instrumentals/beat tapes have been the focus of many conversations between my good, good homie* and me recently. See, I’m very fussy when it comes to beat tapes and instrumentals, especially when they’re Jazz focused. I have this very strange relationship with Jazz music and if it’s too obscure or too out there – I tend to stay away from it. But when something like this lands in my lap, I dive right into it…
I don’t know much about Skipless, other than that he’s from Finland and that he makes really dope beats! I guess sometimes, that’s all you need to know about a person init? Anyways, he’s just released this second EP called Rooftops and I must say, it’s freakin’ great! I’m feelin’ this so much right now. It’s jazzy, soulful and it’s Hip Hop too. It gets right to the point, from the very first track - this EP is an homage to the Golden Era.
Click cover to download
Through finding this Rooftops and migrating to his myspace page, I also discovered Skipless’ first project Jazzamentals, which I downloaded also (you can’t not love and appreciate free music!). Jazzamentals is…well, it’s what it says it is – it’s more Jazz-fused. It’s colourful but chilled. A whole bunch of snare led, minor-chords, fused with some really beautiful beats. But don’t worry, if you’re like me and you don’t like the “let’s drink strong coffee and talk about the relative nature of the universe and how it depicts the very meaning of life” type Jazz, then you too will love this haha! I’m sure I’ve just offended a bunch of people, please ignore me. My uncle is a Jazz musician, I know it’s all good!
Click cover to download
I highly recommend you download both these EP’s. They’re both super dope and yo, they’re both FREE! Make sure you show some love to Skipless too and let him know who sent you!
Peace, Love & Skipless
Speeakz
*I see you Ma
Filed under: Music, Must Listen, Must Watch, One To Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: 80's, In For the Kill, La Roux, Pop, Video, YoYo
I’ve been hearing the name La Roux errrywhere recently. She’s got the industry and press buzzing. Some crazy hype around this band (not solo artist apparently) in ol’ London Town, this has also been fueled by her ‘residency’ at YoYo [Notting Hill Arts Club].
I’m pretty sure I’ve these guys live before but cannot place it for the love of God. But in anycase, I thought it only right I check em’ out and see what they’re all about. “In For the Kill” is their second single…
I can’t even lie, I’m a sucker for a good synth band lol! That 80’s vibe gets me everytime haha! I’m feelin’ this track! I quite like the video too. And I can totally understand why the music biz/press is all over La Roux at the moment – they’re like the perfect band for any label. Sad but true, they are marketing gold – think Lady GaGa.
…But yea I’m kinda diggin’ this and might just be persuaded to check them at YoYo at some point.
After the jump you can catch La Roux’s debut single “Quicksand”
Peace, Love & La Roux
Speeakz
Filed under: Features, Music, Must Listen, Must Read, Must Watch, One To Watch, Reviews, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Doomtree, Hip Hop, Never Better, P.O.S, Review, Rhymesayers
I’ve been listening to Never Better, the latest offering from Minneapolis native (and Doomtree member) P.O.S for a solid week now. During which I’ve been trying to figure out how best to review this incredibly complexe album without coming acorss a gushing fool (warning: that’s gonna happen). The only thing I really, really knew was that I loved this album.
It’s been a minute (two years actually) since P.O.S released his critically acclaimed Audition album and hey, if you’re gonna hold off delivering a follow up album you might as well do it with a bang, huh? Never Better does just that. It bangs. Hard. I mean this in the literal sense. The drums thoughout this album are just beyond! ‘Incredible’ doesn’t seem to cut it. Use the albums first single “Drumroll” as a demonstration of what to expect…
P.O.S – “Drumroll”
Never Better isn’t for the lighthearted. This album is hard. It’s straight up Punk Rock Hip Hop. Now, I know that might scare some people, but I urge you to trust in P.O.S. Trust that he knows what he’s doing and trust that as an mcee – he’s flawless. His flow, his melodies, his lyrical ability and his aptitude to switch sh*t up in a second will make any nay-sayer fix up. The influences on this album are far reaching. From his early days as a member in various Rock/Punk groups, to his progression into classic Hip Hop, P.O.S manages to bring these often mutually exclusive genres together onto one album with such excellence it kinda hurts your head a little.
Never Better isn’t an experiment. It isn’t self-indulgent nor is it a pretentious effort to stand out in an over saturated market; Instead it’s an authentic body which possesses substance and integrity from beginning to end. From politics, to his personal life experiences to funny witty one-liners, P.O.S covers all areas. 15 tracks deep Never Better never bores. In fact, I’ve found myself (on more than on occasion) going back/rewinding a track to hear that beat, that drum lick or that line.
Making over half the beats on the album himself, Never Better (especially on first listen) gives you the biggest mind-f*ck-audio-overload. It’s instant sound clash, loud and abrasive nature hits you like a ton of bricks, but you quickly get over that and realise that this is something rather brilliant.
As I said at the top of this review, this isn’t for the fainthearted. But if you give it a go, I’m confident that the majority of (real) Hip Hop heads will love this album as much as I do. My only recommendation for those who cop it is: TURN. IT. UP! Wait till you hear those damn drums!
P.O.S has delivered my favourite album of 09 and yea, we’re only in February but I guarantee you this will be in our “Best of 09″ list come December. Watch.
P.O.S – Never Better is out now!
Peace, Love & P.O.S
Speeakz
Filed under: Features, Interviews, Music, Must Read, One To Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Change, Daniel Merriweather, Exclusive, Hip Hop, Interview, Love & War, Mark Ronson, R&B, Stop Me, The Dap Kings, Wale
As this 26 year old frequent flyer (Melbourne to NYC to London and rotate) readies his Mark Ronson produced debut album, ‘Love & War’ on April 23rd and his debut single “Change” feat Wale today [February 2nd] PinBoard attempts to find out weather Sir Merriweather is a lover or fighter…
PinBoard: So how was your PA at YoYo last night? [interview conducted day after the gig]
Daniel: Sick crowd, it was packed. I’ve just put this 9 piece band together that I absolutely love and we managed to fit everyone together onto that stage except for percussionist Gareth who had to stand in front of the DJ booth. I did ‘Change’, ‘Stop Me’, ‘Cigarettes’, ‘Impossible’, ‘Could You’, it was fun man.
PinBoard: I’ve read that you started playing violin at 4 years old…?
Daniel: I learnt by ear, I got pretty good and by 13 I was playing Vivaldi concertos by memorising them. That was an interesting way to start music because it’s such a tough, technical instrument to play so I guess anything from there is a bit easier. But I couldn’t read music so I couldn’t really pursue the violin, so singing became my love around 10 or 11. I used to love singing ‘Guilty Pleasure’ by Boyz II Men [laughs], huge favourite and CoolieHighHarmony is still an amazing album.
PinBoard: When did you start writing songs?
Daniel: Everything sort of came together when I had a guitar in front of me and I was writing chords, putting melodies and lyrics together and realising that power to be able to create which is what I really value, it keeps me going.
PinBoard: Which artists were you listening to back then?
Daniel:I listened to everything as a kid, it’s probably the same for you, as the MTV generation we’ve had all types of music at our fingertips. For me it was like lisentening to everyone from Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding and Donnie Hathaway to Jeff Buckley and Radiohead to D’Angelo and A Tribe Called Quest.
PinBoard: Then who do you listen to you amongst your contemporaries?
Daniel: I love my Hip-Hop; I listen to Jay-Z all day. I also love MGMT and Hercules and The Love Affair, there’s a lot of good music out there . To be honest though, when I was making my album, I tended to block out things and not listen to a lot of contemporary music for two reasons: firstly I find learning from the greats of the past valuable, and secondly it can sometimes be confusing listening to current sounds when I want to be in the zone, put my head in the sand and write from a pure place.
PinBoard: When did you start writing for your debut album, ‘Love & War’?
Daniel: Within the last 6 months. But I had been working on stuff before that, I mean I’ve probably got near enough 350 songs sitting on a hard drive somewhere, from demos to anything that I started recording from when I was 18.
PinBoard: Having been recording for so long, has it been a struggle to gain recognition as an artist?
Daniel: I’m the kind of person, I don’t really make plans and I’m sort of disorganized. I was just so fortunate to get a record deal when I was 19 years old to this great independent record label in Melbourne. Though my focus wasn’t on getting recognition, it was on making the kind of music I love.
Filed under: Download, Features, Mixtapes, Music, Music News, Must Listen, Must Read, Must Watch, One To Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Ayah, Download, Elzhi, Hip Hop, Mixtape, One To Watch, Problem Woman, R&B, Soul, The Leak
Hailing from Toronto, Ayah is a soul singer I was introduced to when Elzhi’s “The Leak” dropped on which she featured. After a quick google search, I discovered this amazing artist and her incredible (FREE) mixtape Problem Woman.
Ayah (Arabic word for sign or miracle) is a self taught singer/songwriter/composer who calls on her many influences to create her own musical style. Born in the Hip Hop generation, Ayah’s unique take on music fuses together Soul, Funk, R&B and Hip Hop which is perfectly demonstrated throughout Problem Woman.
Straight up, I cannot tell you how much I have rinsed this mixtape! Simply put, it’s dope! And with every listen I seem to love it more and more. It’s so, so fresh. Her melodies are ridiculous and her ability as songwriter and a vocalist will, I’m sure, blow your mind (as it has mine!).
Ayah Feat Tona - “Pusha Man”
Over the course of the 22 track mixtape, you really get a sense of who Ayah is. I’m not a big fan of interludes, but the ‘AyahLudes’ (snippets of an interview) are pretty cool. During these sound bites, she shares her opinions, influences and speaks about her Middle Eastern background and more; Which I think adds a real personal touch to the whole project.
As I listen to Problem Woman (as I am right now), I can’t help but think of Marsha Ambroious and even Jill Scott. Don’t get me wrong, Ayah most certainly has her own style, but I know anyone who likes those artists (as I do) will love, love, love this lady.
So I think I’ve gushed enough. I can’t say anymore on how much I love Problem Woman and how much respect I have for Ayah as an artist. I will be checkin’ this lady for a long time to come and I cannot wait for her full album to drop.
Make sure you download Ayah’s Problem Woman mixtape via her Myspace and of course, show her some crazy love while you’re over there!
Peace, Love & Ayah - one to watch.
Speeakz
Filed under: Music, Music News, Must Listen, Must Watch, One To Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Stay Runaway, The Bullitts, Video
The Bullitts comprise of a British songwriter and an American producer. Together, they bring something original and fresh to the table. “Stay Runaway” is a great example of what they’re about, the video for which is pretty damn cool…
I was told about these guys by a few peeps (including SmokeYYY), but my homie Shaun really made me pay attention. So yea, I hopped along to their myspace and checked em’ out. I can’t lie, it took me a couple listens to really get into this track. The video is dope and the beat is crazy, but I wasn’t (and still am not) too fond of the Kate Bush stylee vocals. But it’s definitely grown on me a lot.
But in any case, I think The Bullitts are pretty cool. They’re delivering something new, which I’m always game for, so I’m anxious to see what they do next/see how they develop – definitely ones to watch.
Peace, Love & The Bullitts
Speeakz
Filed under: Features, Mixtapes, Music, Must Listen, Must Read, One To Watch, Reviews, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Beat Tape, Björk, Dert, Dert Is Full of Love, Hip Hop, Producer, Talk Strange: A Beat Teape Inspired By Bjork
Click cover to download
Dert, a Los Angeles based Hip Hop producer and beat maker, has just released his latest beat tape entitled Talk Strange: A Beat Tape Inspired by Björk.
As the title suggests Dert was inspired by legendary Icelandic artist/visionary Björk. Such inspiration led him in creating this artist-themed beat tape, taking 17 of her dopest tracks and turning them into something truly unique.
The samples and beats on this tape will trip you out. He’s an amazing producer and one that clearly knows his sh*t. It’s easy to grab a bunch of tunes from a dope artist and re-work them, but he’s done this intelligently and as a real music lover. He’s clearly a fan of Björk.
Video: “Dert is Full of Love”
Talk Strange is my first introduction into Dert and after a trip to his Myspace I realised I’ve been asleep for a minute too long. He’s released a bunch of other beat tapes, which I obviously need to cop and be educated on asap. But when I fell upon Talk Strange [during a 4am Internet crawl] I was really intrigued to hear it not only because it was inspired by one of my favourite artists but also (and superficially) because the art work was so freakin dope! Dert is also a graphic designer. Once I downloaded it and got round to listening to it, I pretty much flipped out and desperately wanted to share it.
If you’re a Björk fan, you’ll love this. If you’re not, I still think you’ll really dig it. It’s just so dope. Download and give it a listen, I gaurentee it’ll blow your mind like it did mine.
Peace, Love & Dert
Speeakz
Filed under: Download, Music, Music News, Must Listen, One To Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Album, Camp Lo, Download, EP, Freebase 808, Hip Hop, Overdose, Suede, The Apple Juice Kid
FreeBass 808 just dropped this lil’ exclusive into my box. FreeBass 808 consists of Suede (from Camp Lo) and up-and-coming producer The Apple Juice Kid.
FreeBass 808 – “Moon Children”
I’m definitely feeling this jam. That beat is craaaaazy! Suede definitely works it out on the mic. FreeBass 808’s album Overdose will drop in February, but you can stream a compilation of their older music on their website. An EP will drop this month however.
Peace, Love & FreeBass
Speeakz
Filed under: Features, Music, Must Listen, Must Read, One To Watch, Reviews, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: EP, Iman Williams, One To Watch, Soul, The Long Journey Back to Reality
It’s been a while since we featured a new artist. An artist that we feel is doing something special and something we feel you need to be aware of.
This time, it’s all about Iman Williams.
Download: Iman Williams – The Long Journey Back to Reality Pt.1 EP
This singer, songwriter, pianist and all round music lover was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama and posses all the soul which seems inherently native to her birth place. With influences ranging from Madonna, Lauryn Hill, Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, Dilla, The Pharcyde, Erykah Badu and Grace Jones (inspired by in large by her fathers mammoth funk record collection!) William’s musicality seemed as natural as it was effortless. Using these strong influences, Iman was able to find love in soul music and structure a “fresh, inviting and intimate” sound.
“The energy that I dispense from my music is coming directly from my soul. It’s my lyrics, my harmony that I put in my music that makes it soul music.”
The Long Journey Back to Reality Pt.1 albeit a little rough around the edges, displays her lyrical ability and musicality brilliantly. The important thing when debuting an EP is that the listener understands who you are as a musician and what you’re are about as an artist, this is something that is very clear while listening to The Long Journey Back to Reality Pt.1.
In the current ”do it yourself/bedroom studio” age, it’s hard to engage or grab attention, but Iman Williams does this by not just delivering solid, well structured songs, but by flexing her unique vocals. Her voice is soft and powerful but is also refined and delicate. It’s has a beautiful tone with a real clarity to it. It’s a voice you won’t forget quickly.
Like all new and emerging artists, Iman Williams has room to grow and develop, but as an introduction into her mind, heart and soul The Long Journey Back to Reality Pt.1works.
Her full LP Planetarium is set for a March release date…We’ll be waiting!
It’s hard to come across good soul music these days and so it’s important we support it when we do. Make sure you download her EP now and go show Iman Williams some love (and tell her who sent you!) via her myspace page.
Peace, Love & Iman Williams
Speeakz
P.s It’s also very easy to underestimate the work that goes into putting together an EP – time, money, blood, sweat and tears (especially when giving it away for free!). Appreciate (good) free music peeps!
Filed under: Download, Music, Music News, Must Listen, Must Read, Must Watch, One To Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Download, Electronic, Hip Hop, Mayday, New Track, The Future is Now, Track, Video
Bonus: Mayday – “Onto Something”
Dope right? Both tracks! How could you not like that? “The Future is Now” video is awesome too! I ain’t even gonna get onto my obsession with Transformers (dork, yup!).
Mayday is a two man band consisting of Plex (producer/keyboaredist) and MC Bernbiz. In 2006 they released their self titled debut which caught the attention of media giants New York times, ABC World News Tonight, NBC 6 Evening News and Inside Edition. Their blend of electric sounds and classic Hip Hop beats resonated with a lot of people, including me. If you haven’t heard of these guys before, you definitely have to check them out. Find their debut album and become a follower. They’ve been out for a few years, but I reckon these guys fall into the Ones to Watch category.
Peace, Love & Mayday
Speeakz
