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BC Kingdom & Mila J – Press Start
BC Kingdom recently released a surprise collaborative EP with Mila J, called Press Start. Over the weeks, this easily became one of my favorite EPs of the summer. You might know BC Kingdom from their association with Solange’s label, Saint Heron. I came to this project through following Mila J’s music for a while, from her girl groups and solo ventures. I feel their styles mesh perfectly. Hopefully more collaborations are ahead for these three in the future. For the moment, we have this well crafted treasure. I especially like the samples used on Play and that it’s a spin-off of a fifteen-year-old Spice Girls/Darkchild song, “Holler”. I like Ninja…
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INDIELUV – INDIELVVE & RNBODB (+Download)
Since SMMJRZ made my Sunday a few weeks ago, thatstreal has revealed two additional parts to the series of new and ever so smooth Indieluv music, INDIELVVE & RNBODB. I enjoy transitions of songs like CALL and INDUSTRYLUV. Other random favorites of mine are and PAINTINGS (featured on my Beautiful Things Worth Saving Mix back in February), luvindie, and wannabeurs. I streamed and linked downloads of each project below, as well as links where you can catch up on some of this artist’s wonderful archive. You are welcome and enjoy! DOWNLOAD INDIELVVE HERE DOWNLOAD RNBODB HERE thatstreal.com soundcloud.com/ndeluv2012 INDIELVVE RNBODB
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Janine And The Mixtape – XXEP
I still enjoy Janine And The Mixtape’s debut EP, Dark Minds, but it is XXEP which is amongst my most played, as of late. This EP delivers more of her mellow soulfulness while also giving a taste of higher energy. Something about the Timbaland/Missy-like beat of When I’m Broken paired with her effortless belts gave me chills that I did not expect during my first listen. The way her voice easily switches from angelic and sultry to a Christina Aguilera-level of power is special. Other songs I enjoy are This Moment and the DMX-borrowing Lose My Mind. Enjoy listening to the stream below and follow the links for more. janineandthemixtape.com…
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J Warner – Est. 1990
While we all wait for signs of the new Frank Ocean album, you might want to attune to the powerful, refreshing voice and perspective presented through Nathaniel Warner. His latest release, Est. 1990 has been revisited by yours truly for a few weeks now. Although there is not much information on his stage name, J Warner, the beauty of this project makes it apparent that he is immediate one you want to hear more from. My favorite jams streamed below are Skin / What If (Interlude), Being A Friend, CHILL CHASE, and I Thought. I hope you enjoy this like I do!
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falls – touch without cold EP
Touch Without Cold is the beautiful new project released by falls. The UK-based producer gives us this gentle helping of ambient beats, with a few enchanting vocalists added light to ever other track. Whether you’ve just survived a draining day or simply want to spread a calm mood across your surroundings, I promise that this project makes it easy to transition into a tranquil state. My favorites are water confluence, inverse sky, and arcade rise. You can hear more from falls through the links below, as well as download this entire project via his bandcamp. Enjoy! twitter.com/fallsboii fallsboii.bandcamp.com
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Mirage Addict
Mally Mal is a producer who provided most of the stunning instrumentals for Majay’s Room 202. He is apart of the group of authentic artists who refer to themselves as the Jux Tribe. I knew I would enjoy Mirage Addict from the moment it came my way because I was previously so awed by the production of the last project. This one reveals an even broader style of production, composed of over twenty new sounds that reflect the effort of him and Joe Q, along with the poetic flow of Isaac Wayne and the others featured throughout this gem. A few of my favorite songs are Meditation, Free Soul, Hold…
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Beautiful Things Worth Saving Mix (+Download)
For the past couple of cloudy days, I pretended that I am the sun in the lives of those close to me, because it brings such joy to induce joy. The weather on the west coast has not been reflective of the warm, uplifting reputation it has, but we always have many ways to keep warm. Rain is wonderful for getting people to slow down, relax, and reflect. My new mix Beautiful Things Worth Saving debuted on Staying Underground this Friday, making it easy for me to shine some light into yours. Originally, Mistah Rapsey and I intended to collaborate, but we instead decided to leave this one as it…
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OSHUN – Asase Yaa (+Download)
Half-way through this project, I noted that the aura of Asase Yaa reminds of the ever relevant The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. While sonically, Oshun is within their own fresh realm, I feel that this project speaks directly to the present youth culture in a way that the aforementioned did, at its time of creation. It also reflects the ongoing change of consciousness and awareness of culture (specifically bblack) in America. Oshun delves beautifully deeper into the complexities of Afro culture, religion, and African identity in America. This thoughtful project also explores emotions from the feminine perspective, as well as promoting self-discovery, healing, unity, and growth of spirit. Of course,…
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INDIELUV -SMRJMZ (+Download)
This morning, I caught a lovely Sunday morning vibe and followed it to my favorite ndeluv music. And then I wondered, as I do every time I listen to this particular artist, if he would be releasing something soon. I suppose that it’s natural for me to recall how he’s previously shared many gems at close intervals, such as Love Songs and Homade Bongs, #hoodmusic, playazworld, #8911, LUVYEAR, two other volumes of Summer Jamz, and #RIPRnB. His self-produced sounds are always pure, feel good, and fresh while also nodding to classic 90’s r&b and hip hop songs, here and there. With this influx of new generation artists in the spotlight,…
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Know yOUR power. Use yOUR voice.
Unity is the core of this think piece I wrote in August of last year, inspired by responses to the Mike Brown murder. That post is a vague break-down of my view of life on this planet and how it is all connected. I believe that our natural flow has gone off course, for whatever reason. At that time, I wondered why anyone felt the need to justify an armed, fully adult man trained and paid to protect civilians murdering a teenaged male in the middle of the street, with multiple bullets. I wonder why even a trained police dog’s rights for justice are acknowledged, but not a young black…
