Chrisette Michele - "Charades" Music Video

Since her debut, I've been waiting for Chrisette Michele to hit that Urban/Soul pocket. Through 3 albums, she hadn't quite settled into a comfortable commercial space that matches her talent. Now, I admit that I didn't listen to the 3rd album but that sort of reiterates my point. She is incredibly gifted but was marketed to the wrong demographic.

Chrisette Michele is arguably the most capable vocalist working today. You wouldn't really know that though unless you are a big time R&B fan and keep your ear to the street in that specific world. Though she's received tons of accolades, including a 2009 Grammy, it hasn't translated into a major breakout.

"Charades" is the first single, released exclusively over at StuffFlyPeopleLike, from her upcoming mixtape titled 'Audio Visual Presentation: Audrey Hepburn.'

THIS IS IT!

This is the urban radio hit she's needed. "Charades" is so smooth and sexy. Chrisette looks and sounds great, as usual, but it's all wrapped in a 808 laced syncopated dreamscape perfect for today's "Boss Chick." If this is the way the new project is going, I'm expecting her to really expand her brand this go 'round.

Enough of my yapping though. Get into the video below and look out for an in-depth interview from SFPL in the very near future.

Kiah Victoria - "Thinkin Bout You" Music Video (Cover)

image via artist's website

The last two weeks have been overloaded with talk of Frank Ocean. Between his "announcement" and the release of 'Channel Orange' there was more than enough ammo for fanboys/girls and haters alike. During that span, and given the amount of music I search for and listen to daily, I've heard TONS of covers of the ubiquitous "Thinkin Bout You." Let alone that this song released almost a year ago.

Many of the covers are very good. None of them were as good as this. Not Yuna. Not Karina Pasian. Not Braelyn. Not Tori Kelly. Not n'an nudda soul. NONE. Again, many are really good and most of them are over 500k views on YouTube. What Kiah Victoria has done is on another level, however. She has taken ownership of this song. Move over Frank Ocean. You wrote a great song for Kiah.

This is what inspires me to do what I do. I aspire daily to have this level of mastery here on this blog.

 The entire production is other worldly. The restructuring, composition, harmonies, timing ... all impeccable. I'm entirely entranced by this version and instead of heading to bed for the night, I'm looping this song and dreaming of another time and place. It's 1:30 am at the time of this writing and I should be in REM sleep already!

Kiah Victoria's ability to strip this song down and build it up again into this stunning arrangement is nothing short of amazing. She did something very different while maintaining the quiet, melody and simplicity of the original song. Sink your teeth into this and fall in love with Kiah. I know I did....

www.kiahvictoria.com

Kiah on Twitter

Baiyu - 'Hunter'

Primal. That is how I'd sum up this 3rd effort from Chinese born Soul singer Baiyu.

'Hunter' is a large departure from the wildly successful 'Fan Fair.' It's far more ambitious and incredibly bold. On this release, you really experience Baiyu pushing herself and the envelope from the album's open to its almost too brief close. Producer KQuick handles a large chunk of the album's production and he and Baiyu did a phenomenal job of keeping the main theme tied in across the whole project. Listeners truly get the feeling of being barefoot and sexy in the jungle.

'Fan Fair' was Baiyu's "testing the waters" release, 'Hunter' is the "I've arrived" release. The clear concept, stellar production and strong features all contribute to the brilliant flow of the album. I was all in from the opening 8 bars but "Make Believe" featuring American Idol season six contestant Paul Kim was my instant repeat track. While her duet with Boss star Rotimi is doing insane numbers around the web, "Make Believe" is the stronger offering in my book. There's a heft to it and striking melody/harmony component that is unmatched on the project. The rest of the album is a great blend of up and down tempo tracks.

The only gripe I had with the album was with some of the mixes. The sonic balance was off at times. A minor thing on an album good in a major way. Baiyu truly nailed the performances and writing for 'Hunter.' You already know this is Rox Fontaine approved or else you wouldn't be reading this.

Free stream and download link below and a brief recap of her album release party down bottom. Enjoy!

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Baiyu's album release party was held at Custo Barcelona in SOHO. The store was packed from wall to wall with tastemakers from all corners of the entertainment industry and I was fortunate enough to be on the scene taking in the sights and sounds. The event was hosted by Power 105.1 late night hostess Cherry Martinez and DJ Boof of The Wendy Williams Show. Sponsors included Vitamin Water, Ty Ku and Sprayground among a host of others. Check out these select photos from the night....

Baiyu making her entrance.

Par-City and Baiyu

Baiyu blows a kiss to ThisIs50's Jack Thriller.

DJ Boof and Baiyu give a B-Boy stance.

Spag-Lo (c.) and friends.

 Kelly Harper

Cherry Martinez and Baiyu

Glamo

Cocoa Sarai - 'The Black & White'

Cocoa Sarai is a rock star. Bold. Fearless. Not just a recording artist but a true performing artist.

I couldn't quite put my finger on that up until a few weeks ago when Cocoa's manager made that distinction for me. I co-sponsored her album release party with Rocawear and Vibe Vixen and the night was aptly titled "The Cocoa Sarai Experience." You see, to know Cocoa is to experience Cocoa is to fall madly in love with Cocoa.

Her sophomore release 'The Black & White' is her middle finger to naysayers. Now more mature, more experienced and more creative, she has proven with this album that she can do anything she wants to do.

This album is nothing short of incredible! From the in-your-face intro, "The Black & White", to the power ballad "Live" at the album's close, Cocoa Sarai masterfully displays her fantastic songwriting abilities and jaw dropping vocal ability. Her tone and timbre will give you goosebumps.

The first single "Raining in my Room" was only scratching the surface of the depth and bredth of Cocoa's artistry. I won't get into a track by track synopsis of the album but works like"Memories 4 Suckers" and "One Second 2 Love" featuring triple threat Rich Lowe (rapper/singer/producer) will absolutely blow you away. "Live" and "Raining in my Room" tug at your heartstrings. The reworking of SWV's "Anything" featuring Fred the Godson, "Delete You" and "Criminal" cover the radio ready set. I thoroughly expect "Black & Blue" to be the breakout single though.

Cocoa and her production team did a phenomenal job on this project. They really captured the dynamics of Cocoa Sarai's talent and delivered a product that rivals anything in Pop and R&B right now. DEFINITELY spend the money for this album! You won't regret it. I expect this album to clean up at the next Underground Music Awards.

Download "The Black & White"

Tia London - "All That I Dreamed Of" Music Video

More fiyah! More fiyah!

Ok, I admit it. I'm entirely smitten with Tia London. Talent, drive and ambition; dopeness on a stick. Just released is the 3rd video single from her critically acclaimed "Love Junkie" EP titled "All That I Dreamed Of." This is Tia's love song to herself and her journey to/through stardom. Ups, downs, achievements, disappointments, pluses and minuses - Tia is all in.

The video is in black and white but this is quite the vivid dream. Super fly all around. Dig in....

P.S. Is that denim vest ridiculous or what?

Jaiden - "Melody" feat. Yummy Bingham

Y'all betta saaaang! *swipes hand in the air* What a way to come back from yesterday's SOPA blackout!

Jaiden "The Cure" has been the industry's best kept secret for at least the last 5 years. I first heard him back in 2007, I think, performing at Chrisette Michele's album release party for her debut 'I Am.' I was amazed at his range and vocal ability. I actually had a video clip of the two singing Erykah Badu's "On and On" on my cell phone for a looooong time. The performance was just that good.

I followed Jaiden's music through his MySpace page for the next year or so (MySpace was still relevant then), but there wasn't much visible movement from the crooner. I don't blame the guy. Who needs fanfare when you're singing in Quincy Jones' living room? Fast forward a few years and he was out on the F.A.M.E. tour with Chris Brown. He dropped a free album titled 'Shades of Gray: The Cure Suite II' in the 3rd quarter of 2011 and is now kicking off this year with a new video.

Jaiden and Yummy Bingham are the perfect compliment to each other. Both artists are young, incredibly gifted singers with jazzed out sensibilities. "Melody" is my kind of love song. It's bright, playful and makes me want to dance. They absolutely slayed this song! So, now I will spend the next 2 days catching up on Jaiden's music. You should too.

Check the video below and slap this in your MP3 player ASAP!

Shoutout to Tiffany Monique for the link.



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Tia London - "Thinking 'Bout It" Music Video Premiere

Tia London is back with her second video from the critically acclaimed 'Love Junkie' album. Man, does she turn the heat up in this one! Sporting her signature hair style in a new blonde color, she drops smoky eyed and breathy bedroom vocals over another stellar Traxster production. "Thinking 'Bout It" is more than a follow up to "Nothing On You." This video is a one up.

If labels have any doubt whether Tia is ready for the big time or not, this video should dispel any such doubt. It's highly polished, radio ready and SEXY! Tia is proving that she can do anything she wants. Uptempo, downtempo, vocal, verbal ... you name it she's got it.

Breaking right here on RoxFontaine.com is "Thinking 'Bout It." Pay attention. Tia's a pretty big deal.

Malynda Hale - "Borrowed Time"

What a pleasant surprise Malynda Hale is! When I opened the e-mail that contained Malynda's info, I had no idea what a treat I was in for. This So-Cal born singer has a mighty bright future ahead of her. After the first track I heard I thought, "She's dope. Different." After the second song I was talking to her manager. Sooo.... expect to see an interview with Ms. Hale late March.

For instant gratification's sake, check out "Borrowed Time" from her upcoming full-length release 'The Train Ride Home.'  On this mid-tempo Pop tune the singer tells a story of a girl who's feeling like she's only a second best replacement for an ex-girlfriend. It's fantastic songwriting by Lena Leon and Shawn Lopes and a great vocal performance from Malynda.

Check the stream below and definitely keep this artist in your mental Rolodex. We'll get into the detail of who she is in March. Stay tuned....

Correction: "Borrowed Time" is a demo song and will NOT be featured on the album.

Muhsinah - "Stop!" Music Video

Muhsinah is a true gem. Her incredible talents as a musician are propelling her to soaring heights on the independent music scene. Her double EP 'Gone' released to critical acclaim and left fans new and old wanting for more. The DC area songstress answered the call with a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to support production of a new video, 'Gone' deluxe edition double CD pressing as well as a limited 12" vinyl pressing. She sweetened the deal for supporters by offering up her recording equipment; which included a condensor microphone, her iMac, an MPC 500 and a Kalimba. Of course, she crushed her goal and her bonus goal and we will be seeing a beefed up release, lots of swag and a brand new music video soon.

As an instant gratification for supporters she released this video for "Stop!" It's an incredibly ambitious video shot in stop motion format. The photographs used to compose this video number just under 20,000! Whoa. Kudos to Muhsinah and director Jelani Memory for giving us such a beautiful creative gift. Check the video out below and let me know your thoughts in the comments section.

Tiffany Monique - "Anytime" Music Video

Lovely. That's the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Tiffany Monique. She has Southern Belle grace, New York City attitude and world class talent. She's a true diva and a success story on many different levels.

After another tour with Beyonce, Tiffany hopped back to work on her 2nd feature music video. Again directed by Monstar Films. This one is much more polished and personal than "Nemesis" is. I love that it's just Tiffany and her amazing voice. Check it out and, of course, let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Muhsinah - "Gone" Double EP

Every now and again I get to hear something that changes everything. Those close to me know that I'm a HUGE fan of Bjork's work. I consider her to be the greatest artistic talent of our age. The reason I bring that up is because I have never heard anyone that I'd compare to Bjork. I would compare Muhsinah to Bjork. She's still very unique and very different but if you know Bjork's work, then you'll understand how and why I say this.

 image via www.muhsinah.com

So who is Muhsinah? (pronounced Mu-see-nah) If I told you, it would result in the biggest run-on sentence you've ever seen in your life. Let's just simplify and say, "Di gyal do ev'ry ting, ya 'ear." Everything? "Ev'ry bloodclat ting!" This 6 song double EP is entirely written, produced, arranged, performed, recorded and mixed by Muhsinah herself; save some guitar playing on "Down to 1" and "Stop".

If you've never trusted a recommendation of mine before, NOW is the time to start. Download this immediately and everything will change. I promise.

Check out www.muhsinah.com for more information and follow her on twitter: @Muhsinah

Click Here To Download "Gone" 

LiveWire feat. Mike Shorey - "Say Yeah" Video

LiveWire has been heavy on the underground scene for quite some time now and if you don't keep your ear to the pavement the way I do; just know that LiveWire is something like a big deal.

I've had the good fortune of seeing LiveWire perform live more than once and I can assure you that the name LiveWire is well earned. He's a genuine talent with the perfect combination of skill, ambition and business savvy. Don't believe me? Well, believe his Underground Music Award for "Most Exciting Artist of the Year".  His recently released "No Label" mixtape is making a lot of noise on the underground circuit and it's all thanks to Live's own ability to make it happen. From spearheading his company The Formula, Inc. to film to touring the globe to tearing down stages at a club near you, LiveWire is truly Living Inspiration Via Entertainment.

Check this sultry new video featuring singer/songwriter Mike Shorey. Discover more LiveWire here:

www.imareallivewire.com