Top 5 Indie Albums of 2012

5. Triple Threat - 'C.L.U.T.C.H.'

There is much to be said about Triple Threat and her abilities but the most simple way to put it is; she's a visionary. After the intro, it's all onslaught. She's taken raw and gritty and polished it over very well. Only a small hiccup or two for my tastes. There is a ton of content in this album and I still discover new things every time I listen to it. 'C.L.U.T.C.H.' is really dope material. Know about it.



4. AC - 'Courtesy of a Nightmare'

This project is amazing! It popped up on me out of seemingly nowhere so it was worked out somewhere in the universe for me to find this. Please allow me to point you to a specific point on the album to display how brilliant this work is: "I Killed the Future President" - Press play and prepare to be amazed.

'Courtesty of a Nightmare' is very high level artistic work and AC is the writer's writer. If you're a fan of Hip-Hop, especially lyricism, this album is a must own.



3. Kokayi - 'Pro Deo et Patria

This is easily the most abstract of the bunch but an incredible experience none the less. Kokayi went above and beyond everything I knew of his music with 'Pro Deo et Patria' and shattered every expectation I had. His ability has earned him a Grammy nomination in the past and I'm hoping that this album earns him another nomination at minimum. Let's cross our fingers for a win! Kokayi is in a class by himself and deserves the industry's attention. He's ridiculous both as a producer and as a songwriter.



2. Cocoa Sarai - 'The Black & White'

My favorite R&B single of 2012 is featured on my number 2 album of 2012. There are so many moments on this album that it is still parked in slot 1 of my car's CD changer. I know pretty much every lyric to every song because I pretty much listen to it every single day. Yeah, I'm a fan.

'The Black & White' is a masterpiece. If you didn't tell someone that this is an entirely independent project, nobody would know that it's not a big budget major label effort. It is that good. Cocoa Sarai is a once in a lifetime talent and I'm looking forward to seeing what 2013 brings.

(No stream of this project. Sorry. Preview and download via iTunes.)

1. Madison - 'Vanilla Sky'

'Vanilla Sky' is a 16 track ode to dreamers - a wildly creative and daring project loaded with some great story telling. What I love most about this album is the emotional setting that Madison delivers. It's young, arrogant, contemplative, lustful, angry... but all wrapped up in desire. Desire to be great.

The writing and production are married perfectly. Each track takes you to the next and back again with no disjointedness whatsoever. The sprinkling of clips from the film Vanilla Sky and it's inspiration Abre Los Ojos tie everything together with additional focus. It's just all around the most enjoyable listening I did last year from an independent artist.

Click to Stream/Download

Kokayi - 'Pro Deo et Patria'

When Kokayi released 'Robots & Dinosaurs' in 2010, I was blown away by the singular nature of everything he was doing lyrically and musically. The blend of sounds, rhythms and storytelling were unlike anything I had heard before. 2 years later, he's back with 'Pro Deo et Patria' and everything that R&D was has been re imagined and amplified in magnificent order.

One of the most standout elements of Kokayi's work is his production. For this album, he shows up, out and off with the depth of his work and scope of the project. This is album is far more "electric" than the last in terms of sonics and completely abandons all regard for normalcy. Not the faux House-Dance Mix-Dubstep stuff taking over urban radio. That's not what it is at all. It's more genre redefining than anything; in the way that Janelle Monae's 'Archandroid' was. He's completely set his own rules and lane.

I'm amazed at the level of artistry Kokayi delivers. From the first 8 bars of the album to the last he displays pure genius ability. When I heard the instrumentation choices on the opening to the album, "Birdus Ghetti", my jaw hit the floor. This dude is fearless! "ZaZa Hey" and "Punchdrunk" are not of this universe and everything in between is perfectly complimentary. You will be blown away by 'Pro Deo et Patria.' I can promise you this.

Get into the free stream below but PLEASE BUY THIS ALBUM because not buying it is ... well ... ridiculous.  

Kokayi - 'Pacific Coast Highway' Instrumental Album

Grammy award nominated singer/songwriter/producer Kokayi released one of my absolute favorite albums of 2010. Though it was late in the year, it trumped everything I heard prior in both depth and scope. A truly incredible independent release that Hip-Hop heads need to hear.

I've had the pleasure of sitting in on a couple of Kokayi's Ustream sessions where he goes through his ridiculous catalog of music. When I tell you this guy has beats on deck, I mean he has more tracks than you can imagine.

Today, Kokayi gives us 'Pacific Coast Highway'. This 19 track instrumental album is yet another testament to his musical genius. It's yet another two middle fingers in the air to self imposed limitations, stereotypes and the status quo.

You can stream the album for free right here or purchase it by clicking the link.

"This is the soundtrack to the journey from San Diego to Washington State (Seattle to be specific). I’ve driven across these United States 6 times mostly in minivans and station wagons. Seen the Canyon up close and the Cheyenne frontier days at day break. The PCH has always been a different thingy, a rite of passage for gigging musicians. The sea at your side, the rolling hills, a falling rock. So buckle up for safety, watch for careening deer and don’t forget to get gas or electricity..however you ride.” – KOKAYI



source: QN5.com

2011 QN5 Megashow Mega Giveaway!

RoxFontaine.com is going to hook one of you up with some sick QN5 swag! Whether you're a long standing Baby Blue Schooler or just discovering the audible goodness of QN5 music, you are in the for the show of a lifetime. The entire QN5 roster is coming out to perform and YOU can be there courtesy of QN5 and RoxFontaine.com!

The Megashow is called such for a reason and this year the megashow should be called the Ultramegashow. Fans new and old will be treated to a near complete history of QN5 music. That's 11 years of music specially selected and put together for your enjoyment at one of NYC's finest venues. I'm most definitely going to be there and I wanted to bring some more Hip-Hop fans into the fold.

Here's what you'll win:


1. 2 Tickets to the QN5 Megashow

2. Mr. SOS - "HILTSWALTB" CD 

3. Kokayi - "Robots & Dinosaurs" CD 

4. Pack FM - "I F*CKING HATE RAPPERS" CD


and....


5. A QN5 T-Shirt in your size

Here's HOW to win:


- Leave a message in the comments. 

That's it!

Apparently twitter follows are worth more than gold, so in the interest of getting this out to the most people possible I've simplified the rules.

The winner will be selected at random and notified on Monday August 15th, 2011.


(Failure to adhere to these SIMPLE contest rules will result in a disqualification. Should you be disqualified for any reason, another winner will be randomly selected. You are responsible for your own travel to and from the venue.)

Kokayi - "Summery" feat. Substantial and Tamara Wellons

Still riding high on the critical acclaim of "Robots & Dinosaurs", Kokayi drops this track for the trip into Summer. The song features label mate Substantial and vocalist Tamara Wellons.  This DC combo works wonderfully and is for sure going into my iPod.

Kokayi's signature cadence is laid over a poppy marching snare and staccato horns.  I'm actually going to give this song to one of my friends who teaches Spin classes. It just makes you want to go. Click below to listen and download.

Click Here to Download

Kokayi - "Rox Tar" Video

As you can imagine, I have an affinity for this songs title. I love the song more and I love the album, 'Robots and Dinosaurs', even more. This is the first video release from the amazing independent powerhouse QN5 release.

Kokayi Website
Kokayi on Twitter


Kokayi - "RoxTar" (Feat. The Rock-afire Explosion) [Music Video] from QN5 Music on Vimeo.