Vanessa Elisha - "Blur"

I'm amazed at how music permeates the soul. It spreads from place to place and culture to culture taking on different shapes and sounds. I've listened to a lot of music in my lifetime and there is so much more to hear and explore. It's always a great feeling when something sneaks up on me from a place I didn't expect.

This is the case with "Blur" from Australian singer/songwriter Vanessa Elisha. Yes, AUSTRALIA! Listen, I know that everything is everywhere for the most part but still... The R&B game is like this in Aussie land?

Vanessa reminds me of Tynisha Keli who made her biggest splash in Japan singing songs seemingly tailor made for the US. I hope she makes the transition to stateside appeal. This girl is pretty damn dope and "Blur" is very current material. The production is spot on too. This is an instant download and burn to CD!

Stream/rip and video teaser below...

Reggiimental - "Like You" Music Video

image via artist's facebook page

This nice little gem was dropped on me yesterday. A special delivery all the way from the UK. Reggiimental is totally new to me but I'm digging the Euro spin on the classic Boom Bap sound.

"Like You" is a love like letter to a lady that the artist has his eyes and heart set on. Very smooth and soulful production by Wizard and straight and honest lyricism from Reggiimental. Definitely appreciating Rusty Jay for putting me on to this one.

Check the video below and free download and stream below that.

Tiffany Monique - "Anytime"

Since the release of her 'Nemesis' EP, Tiffany Monique fans have been itching for more material. While we haven't been so lucky as to get a full new project, we have been blessed with a new song titled "Anytime". I personally have heard a snippet of this song before. It's great to hear the finished product finally! It's so comforting to hear true soul singing like this. The Kwiz Ryan produced track is just buttery and Tiffany lays an incredible vocal on top as she always does. Her range and creativity is simply stunning.

If this is your first time hearing about Tiffany, then you definitely need to check out my exclusive interview with her at her private studio. She's a phenomenal talent and an inspiration in many ways. 

Fev - "One Way" feat. Red Inf

 

I've been waiting for Propaganda to release since I retired Flight 115 from my car. That was months ago but Fev has kept me at the edge of my seat with audio and/or video releases here and there. This new track just hit the web featuring Queens MC Red Inf. I'm hoping this is an official leak from Propaganda.

Far too many NY based artists are afraid to sound like NY these days. This song gives me the same feeling that I had when Nas released "Nasty". I just want to put on some all black Timberland boots and a ski mask and go intimidate somebody.

Check it out. Play it loud!

Skotch Davis - "Skotchtastic" Audio

Skotch Davis has a new project in the bag and though a release date has not yet been set, it's dropping, "relatively soon" quoth the promo e-mail from Shameless Management. "Skotchtastic" is the first single from the project, titled 'On My Grizzly: Skotch Tape 2', with production from M. Will the Shogun.  This is my first time hearing Skotch and I have to say that it's damn enjoyable. The production was a surprise to me as well.  I do know M. Will's work and this is not his usual sound. Good to hear him stretching himself.

Check out the audio and let me know what you think in the comments.

  Skotch Davis - "Skotchtastic" (prod by M.Will the Shogun) by RoxFontaine

LiveWire - "Winning"

"I said uhhh..." Hot damn! #datboygood

LiveWire is one of my favorite indie MCs right now. You won't find many unsigned artists as polished as LiveWire is. He's about as complete as you can get; good ear for music, lyrical content, lyrical skill and original delivery.

I've been listening to this song for several days and today it's finally been made available outside of his web community www.imareallivewire.com.

Click to listen and have your eardrums beat up...

Click Here to Download

Afrikan Boy - "What Took You So Long" Mixtape

I'm a big fan of M.I.A. and almost anything she touches. I discovered Afrikan Boy listening to her KALA album. I remember first listening to "Hussel" and hearing Afrikan Boy's verse and thinking, "Damn, he might work." His style is quirky and definitely not easy to adjust to, but he makes good music.

After years of features here and there, he's finally dropped a full project. Take a trip to the UK by way of Nigeria and see how it works out for you. Certainly works for me! Free download and stream below.

WHAT TOOK YOU SOO LONG? ( MIXTAPE ) by AFRIKANBOY

David Rush - "Raid" Freestyle

New release from XBMG's poster boy David Rush.

  DAVID RUSH: THE RAID (freestyle) by DAVIDRUSHMUZIK

Lira is Coming To America

"She's your queeeeeeen toooohooooo beeeeeee...."

South African superstar Lira has hooked up with OkayPlayer and is bringing her soulful sound to the United States. She'll be on a brief tour this month from the 24th - 29th. To mark the occasion, OkayPlayer released this live recording of "Rise Again" for free download. The singer will be releasing a self-titled EP on the 26th, which is also the same day that she will be performing at S.O.B.'s in New York. I will definitely be in the building for this show as this woman's music is awesome. Click the link above to download and enjoy!

Gist the Essence - "Summer Madness 2" Mixtape

Click Here to Download

NOAH - "Love Hate" Video + Wonderful Struggle Mixtape

Click Here to Download

I just got wind of this artist from California named NOAH (No One After Him) via twitter.  It only took 2 songs and I'm hooked! I downloaded the mixtape immediately and I'm amazed at how focused this artist is. I damn near fell out of my chair when I heard "Fly Away". This track is just crazy! It samples 4 Non Blondes' "What's Up?" and is a great example of how great his musical taste is.

This is Hip-Hop on a higher level and I feel very fortunate to have had this fall in my lap the way it did.

Check out the video for "Love Hate" below. Great video concept and art direction. You definitely want to keep this guy on your radar. This is something special....

DJ Commish & DJ Prince - "New Jack Swing Vol. 1"

 

Listening to the songs on this mixtape make me wish I had a pair of Slick overalls (One strap hanging off, of course!) and a pair of "Jodeci Boots". I'd throw them on and do the Running Man in the middle of my living room like it's 1990.

Being an 80's baby, this music takes me back! Like, "Bamboo earrings; at least two pair." and Z. Cavaricci jeans. This was a time when fellas were getting NO play if they couldn't dance. Playing the wall was never an option. When you listen to this music you'll understand why! The fusion of R&B vocals over Hip-Hop breaks, Pop synths and keys, etc. gets into your bones. 

DJ Commish and DJ Prince loaded this compilation up with classics. From Troop to Al B. Sure! to SWV to Bobby Brown.....New Jack Swing vol. 1 covers this incredible era of music in a big way. All the 25+ readers out there, you NEED this download! If you're younger than 25 and you don't know much about New Jack Swing, you NEED this download! You can't talk about the "Golden Era" of Hip-Hop and not include New Jack Swing in the conversation. Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Morris Day, Teddy Riley, Babyface and a handful of others truly set the tone of Black life in the late 80's and early 90's.

Click the link below to download and warp yourself to 1990. High Top Fade, Jehri Curl and patent leather shoes not included.

Click Here to Download

Hippie Sabotage Vol. 2

Click Here to Download

The duo of So Crates and Sour Beats known as Hippie Sabotage just released their second instrumental compilation. When I tell you these fellas put on for California, I mean like police helicopter spot light in Compton put on. They will capture you with their sound. I was pulled in on Vol. 1 and have been chomping at the bit for Vol. 2 and here it is finally!

If you're an MC or just a fan of instrumental music and looking for some a new sound to rock out to, these guys have just served you 21 tracks of gold. Click the link above to download and PLAY IT LOUD!

Tristate Inventory - "Tristate of Mind Suite"

I've been following Tristate for a while and the build up to this piece has been phenomenal. Finally, he's released the FIRST original classical Hip-Hop piece ever!

The press release reads:

"The featured artwork is from the avant-garde critically acclaimed Irish painter, Chloe Early. 'Tristate Of Mind' is an organic musical canvas with life as the muse. The most culturally relevant composition to date, spanning centuries of symphonic influences.  A new archetype of sound and format, 'Tristate of Mind' raises the future standards of the modern music consumer and composer."

Daaaamn! Click the link above and feast your ears on THIS.

Choklate Sunday - "Overdose" ft. Drake

Remember chasing down the ice cream truck as a kid? As soon as you heard the first note of the Mister Softee tune (depending on your region), it was a mad dash to find a dollar and catch the truck before it left your block. As you ripped and ran the neighborhood, your parents were cleaning house, making Sunday dinner and listening to soul records.

In the spirit of those more simple times, I bring you Choklate Sundays. A series dedicated to Seattle singer/songwriter Choklate. Her style is as sweet and soothing as those childhood ice cream treats. For the first installment, I have "Overdose" on deck. This track is cooler than a Klondike Bar. Press play and let the groove move you.

Beyond This Point - "Mama Said"

I'm always pleasantly surprised by BTP releases. With "Mama Said" the band takes listeners into the vein of Gorillaz, Tricky and even Terence Trent D'Arby with this soupy sound set. Lead singer Switch's lyrics move perfectly over the drum and bass as the eerie Kill Bill-ish whistle pulls everything into focus.

Beyond This Point is a band that continually stretches it's boundaries. This track is unlike anything I've heard from them before but at the same time it's exactly where I'd expect them to be. Evolving. The coda on this song is absolutely phenomenal and really showcases how the band composes complete thoughts and not just 4 to 8 bar loops and simple melodies. It's really fine work that any true music fan will appreciate.

"Mama Said" is the first of what is reported to be a series of weekly releases on the band's new blog Insanity's A Gift. While there have been countless weekly releases from major and indie artists, this set I will be looking forward to more than any other!

Let's. Get. Loud! 'Cause Mama said so.

MamaSaid! by BEYONDTHISPOINT

David Rush - "Welcome to Rushia 3: No Backup Plan"

Добро пожаловать в Россию! That's "Welcome to Rushia!" for the rest of us. Well, welcome to Russia actually, but you know what I mean.  The 3rd installment in the series hit the web today courtesy of XBMG. Subtitled "No Backup Plan", David makes it clear that his music is his livelihood and that there is no other option. 


His determination and dedication are apparent in the work. The disc is full to the brim with quality material. David's sound is generally characterized by synth heavy tracks with catchy melodies over classic 808 drums. The album is truly cohesive and that fact is largely supported by producer Pointblank who provides 6 of the 15 tracks. The rest are handled by a handful of other producers.


The result is a highly enjoyable collection of music. If you jump back and read my first post on David Rush, you'll see why his story is so captivating and why his music is so inspired. Click below to download and слушать музыку. Figure that one out on your own.

Click Here to Download

GhostWridah - "American Alien"

 

Y'all know I keep my ear to the streets right? I got something FRESH for y'all today!

The homie Ceez just dropped this on my head and my disc is already burning. I suggest you grab a blank and get ready 'cause this mixtape is tough!

Miami based MC GhostWridah recently released this follow-up to 2010's "In Love With My Future" and I can assure you that it's 11 tracks of highly enjoyable music. Download link below, but I have something even better for you....

Tomorrow night, May 5th, there will be a listening party at Nightingale Lounge. NO COVER so come through and put some new music in your life. RoxFontaine.com will be in the building.

AMERICAN ALIEN LISTENING PARTY

May 5th 2011 (Doors Open At 10pm)

213 Second Avenue 

(NW Corner of 13th St. & 2nd Ave.)

NYC

Click here to download

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

Fonzworth Bentley - C.O.L.O.U.R.S.

It's about damn time!

Click here to download