New Music: Happy- Pharrell Williams + Miguel set to release ‘Art Dealer Chic’ Vol. 4, 5 and 6…

 

Pharrell spreads some sunshine with “Happy,” one of the three original songs he contributed to the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack. The Neptunes hitmaker, who once again produced the soundtrack to the animated film with composer Heitor Pereira, lifts spirits and won’t let anything bring him down. “Clap along if you know what happiness is to you,” he sings over the buoyant beat. Pharrell has also recorded a collaboration with CeeLo Green called “Scream” for the sequel to the 2010 film. The soundtrack hits stores June 18, while the movie arrives July 3. Check out the groovy tune below. via rap-up.com

 

Miguel will roll out the second volume of his “Art Dealer Chic” 3-EP series in July.

While on the Billboard Music Awards blue carpet on Sunday (May 19), the singer told Billboard that he plans to release the first of three EPs in July, the second in August and the third in September. The three-EP series will be free and available for download online, as like the first “Art Dealer Chic” volume was.

“It’ll be under ‘Art Dealer Chic.’ It’ll be the next three installments… It’ll be [on] July, August and September,” he said Different from the first “Art Dealer Chic” volume, the second one will come with attire. “I’m pairing it along with some items I’ve designed myself,” he continued.

He also shared details on how Mariah Carey’s single, “#Beautiful,” which he penned and duets on, came to be: “The song wasn’t fully formed before we worked. The skeleton of the song, a couple of major components — the hook and the first verse — were already there. I couldn’t finish the song. I think that’s why it’s almost serendipitous that she chose the song and chose to keep me on it cause it worked perfectly. I have to give it to her, she has a tremendous amount of vision.” via billboard.com

 

New Music: Beautiful- Mariah Carey fea. Miguel + The 20/20 Experience Tour Info/Album Sequel

Mariah Carey makes sweet music with Miguel on “#Beautiful,” the first single off her upcoming album. The pop diva and “Adorn” singer duet on the breezy guitar-driven number, perfect for the summer months ahead. The subtle song was written and produced by Mariah and Miguel. A video, directed by Joseph Kahn, is set to premiere Wednesday on “American Idol.” Mariah will also kick off the “Good Morning America” Concert Series on May 24 in CentralPark. The follow-up to 2009’s Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel is expected to arrive in late June/early July featuringproduction from Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, Big Jim Wright, Hit-Boy, The-Dream, Mike WiLL Made It, and Rodney Jerkins. Check out the summer-time single below.  via rap-up.com     Justin Timberlake plans to spend a lot of time on the road this year. Following his co-headlining trek with Jay-Z, the pop superstar will launch a worldwide solo tour starting this fall.He has announced dates for “The 20/20 Experience World Tour,” an international tour that will run through 2014 that will visit dozens of countries throughout North America, Europe, South America, and Australia. Tickets go on sale in select markets beginning May 13 at 10 a.m. local time. Timberlake’s new fan club, The Tennessee Kids, will have access to a pre-sale starting on May 7 at 10 a.m. local time. He also announced that a second part to his platinum albumThe 20/20 Experience will arrive on September 30 featuring 10 new songs. “The 20/20 Experience World Tour” Dates Oct. 31 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre Nov. 13 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena Nov. 15 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena Nov. 16 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena Nov. 18 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum Nov. 19 – St. Louis, MO – Scottrade Center Nov. 21 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center Nov. 29 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena Dec. 2 – Phoenix, AZ – US Airways Center Dec. 4 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center Dec. 5 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center Dec. 11 – Indianapolis, IN – Bankers Life Fieldhouse Dec. 12 – Cleveland, OH – Quicken Loans Arena Dec. 14 – Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center Dec. 15 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center Dec. 17 – Atlanta, GA – Philips Arena Dec. 19 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center 2014 Jan. 13 – Edmonton, AB – Rexall Place Jan. 17 – Seattle, WA – Key Arena Jan. 22 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center Feb. 7 – Fargo, ND – Fargodome Feb. 9 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center Feb. 10 – Omaha, NE – CenturyLink Center *All dates and venues subject to change. Additional dates to be announced.

Music Video: Candles In The Sun- Miguel

With a Grammy under his belt, Miguel debuts the video for “Candles in the Sun,” a cut off his sophomore album “Kaleidoscope Dream” . The R&B crooner gets serious, tackling social, political, and religious themes in the bold black-and-white visuals. He makes references to Hurricane Sandy, the Sandy Hook elementary tragedy, and the war on drugs through the powerful imagery.

“It’s so easy to ignore what’s right in front of us sometimes,” said Miguel. “I wanted to create a song and visual that addressed my everyday concerns of life as I know it in the world that we live in.”

See the world through Miguel’s eyes. via- rap-up.com

 

New Music: Slow It Down- The Dream fea. Fabolous + Power Trip- J.Cole fea. Miguel

 

The-Dream keeps it rocking on “Slow It Down,” the firstsingle off his upcoming fourth album Fourplay, due May 7. Mr. Terius Nash settles into a groove on the midtempo record, which features his Def Jam labelmate Fabolous. “I know they ain’t gon’ play this on top 40 radio, but the white girls still gon’ ride it like a rodeo,” sings the hitmaker, who is working on Beyoncé and Kanye West’s new albums. Does the Radio Killa have a smash on his hands? Weigh in below. via. Rap-up.com

 

After giving his fans five new songs as part of his Truly Yours collection, J. Cole continues spreading the love onValentine’s Day.

The Roc Nation star drops “Power Trip,” the official firstsingle off his sophomore album Born Sinner. The self-produced track finds him reuniting with the Grammy-winning Miguel, who he collaborated with on 2010’s “All I Want Is You.”

“I’ve always wanted to use my voice to shift culture, even if just a millimeter. This song is one of my strongest to date and I look forward to hearing fans reactions,” said Cole.

Born Sinner has also spawned the buzz single “Miss America.”The project was originally due January 28, but is awaiting anew release date. Check out the song below. via- Rap-up.com

 

My Top 10 Albums of 2012 (Part 2)

2012 has been one of my favorite years for music. We had a few vets in the game show us they still got what it takes and also a few shockers. From Nas to Solange to Kevin Micheal here are my Top 10 albums of 2012 (Part 2)

I will say my top 5 were hard for me, all 5 to me were very solid pieces of work.  Here we go……

 

5. LISA- Kevin Micheal(January 2012) This was probably my biggest surprise this year. This album, is on a whole different level…mixing a little old school with a little new….with elements of R&B, Pop and House. In my opinion he is sort of a modern day Prince esp. with his old school sound, very 80’s. Its very rare when you can find an artist who can pull off that sound, Mr. Micheal most definitely did it…EFFORTLESSLY!!!!!

 

4. Kaleidoscope Dream- Miguel (September 2o12) Miguel has always been dope in my book and this album proved my point. A previous post of mine (Slept On Artist) explains it all. He is one of those artist that people didn’t think would make it but….he did. After being ripped off at the Grammy’s earlier this year(not receiving any nominations) Miguel went in the studio and crafted a series of 3 EP’s Art Dealer Chic Vol.1-3 and released one of the BIGGEST songs of 2012, Adorn. That song was released earlier this year and still gets more spins on radio than most new shit. After hearing that single and the EP I knew that this album would be dope. Miguel is another artist who proved this year that R&B isn’t dead and the way things are going its here to stay!

 

 

3. TRUE- Solange (November 2012)  I have said it once and I will continue to say it….Solange is MUSICALLY better than her sister, PERIOD!!! People look at her as the little sis and pay no attention to her music. This 7 track “EP” starts off wit her current single “Losing You” and it sets the tone for the remainder. Solange keeps it cool on every track, nothing over the top…just cool and I think that’s what makes her unique. This ‘EP’ is in a league of its own lyrically and sonically, sit back relax and take the ride…..

 

2. Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City- Kendrick Lamar(October 2012) Anyone who knows me knows how I feel about the state of Rap/Hip-Hop music, well this year we seen some greats but none like Kendrick. This kid blew my mind when I gave this album a full run down. From start to finish he has you at the edge of your seat with his unique story telling. This album is a reflection of who he is and what he stands for with content about his upbringing in Compton to his modern state of mind. It actually sounds like a mini movie, its very narrative. It is hands down the BEST RAP ALBUM this year and I dare anyone to say otherwise. Hats off 2 u, K-Dot!!

 

1. Channel Orange- Frank Ocean(July 2012) This should be no surprise to no one, Channel Orange was my summer soundtrack. When I first heard this album I said it was a classic and named it album of the year before I heard anything else. Frank has been on every “Best Of…” list I have seen and when they speak of albums he lands in the Top 5. Someone said when it was released it was this generations ‘Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill’ and I had my doubts but when I listened I agreed, it’d fucking perfect man. Ocean is nominated for 6 Grammy’s in February  including “Best New Artist” “Song Of The Year” and “Album Of The Year”. Im really excited to see how it turns out, he deserves them all. Big ups 2 Frank for having an awesome year. Listen to Channel Orange if you haven’t already, it will change your life.

Music II: Slept On ARTists (revisited)

 

 

 

 

 

I wrote this note on May 25 of this year naming these 3 artist as “Slept On” Well 6 months later 2 of them have released albums and 1 a EP. All have released 3 of the biggest songs of this year! Go back and read the note again, I told you so….. #ThankMeLater 🙂

 

 

Back in 2010 i wrote a note on music, i said i would soon follow up and here we go a year and a half later LOL(its hard for me to write, aint got it like i used 2)

 

This is PART II and its about slept on artists. Anyone who knows me knows i listen to damn near anything GOOD! Alot of the artists we have out today dont do it for me, esp in rap…….im just not feeling it no more.Then you have the artists who come out and no one really pays them attention or give them the credit they deserve. Well dammit im about to speak on 3 AMAZING artists in my book. 2 of which are fairly new and one lives in her sister’s shadow…..

 

 

Miguel

Miguel came onto the scene in 2010 with his debut album “All I Want Is You” AWESOME album, its one of those u can play from start to finish easy. He brought a different vibe to music, something fresh…and still didnt get the credit he deserved! The debut single off the album was “All I Want Is You” with J.Cole and was to me one of the biggest songs of that year. He also followed up with another banger “Sure Thing” which was another hit. Miguel then went on to release 2 more singles from that album, I just knew he was gonna be big! Grammy time comes around and he gets NOT 1 nomination, WHY??

In Feb this year Miguel released his 1st EP titled “Art Dealer Chic Vol. 1” (HEAT) He has shown once again that no matter what he’s going to stay true to his craft and be original. Vol. 2 & 3 Followed in March and April to complete the 9 track EP! This guy is a true ARTist, i highly recommend his debut album and the EP’s, u will not be disappointed!

 

 

Frank Ocean

 Im gon say this, if you dont have or havent heard “Nostalgia,Ultra” then you losing. This “mixtape” is by far one of the best “albums” ive heard in my life (yes you read it right) Lyrically dope, production on point and its very DARK(see my 1st note on music) SHEER PERFECTION!! The album starts with Ocean playing what appears to be a cassette tape and ends the same way. The album is very “Nostalgic” and very easy to relate to. He samples Radiohead, Coldplay, MGMT, Mr. Hudson and The Eagles on this record and flipped the fuck out of the songs. He also has interludes through out the album named after video games. Nostalgia is a book, an awesome one at that. Frank Ocean has also written for some of your favorite artist including Beyonce. On her current effort “4” Ocean wrote the track “I Miss You”….as simple as this song is its still one of the best on the album 2 me. The song is short and leaves you wanting more. I can hear this track all day and it wouldn’t get on my nerves. Ocean also appears on the track “She” by Tyler,The Creator on which he opens up on the track raping. Again another track that i cant get enough of. Download “Nostalgia,Ultra” and also be on the look out for Ocean’s debut album later this year(hopefully).

 

 

Solange Knowles

In my opinion, she is “musically” better than her sister….her 2nd album “Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams” is one of my favorite albums of all time, modern with a twist of 60’/70’s Jazz & Blues. Very soulful and refreshing. I think her biggest problem is people see her as Beyonces sister and not an artist. No her voice isnt as good as her sisters but her music is. Lyrically she is better as well. Of course most of you arent going to agree because B is this huge star and her sis is in the background. That means shit…..trust! Im not bashing B, im just keeping it real. Get this album and LISTEN people, download some of her free material as well. She is one of those artist who stay true to what they believe in and puts heart into what they do. Stay tuned for her next effort…i cant wait!

 

Now of course their are plenty more “slept on” artists out there, these 3 are just a few of my favorites. A few of the artist that people dont recognize are the ones that are making the best music! I have been listening to alot 90’s R&B/Rap strong now for the past couple weeks and the things they sang/rapped about came from the heart, you can feel it. It wasnt all about designer labels, how much money you got, the car you drive or how much dope you pushing. I personally dont give a fuck about that shit, its silly. Its cool maybe on a track here and there but a whole album about shit like that is unnecessary. Focus on the real and not the fake. Dont worry about album sales, stay true to your self and it will pay off. Help bring these 3 and some of your favorites to the front and leave the bullshit behind!

 

I would like your feedback people, let me know if you would like more posts like this from me, I appreciate it

 

Loso!

Frank Ocean, Jay-Z & Kanye West Lead Grammy Nominations

 

Frank Ocean has had a tremendous year and 2013 is looking even better. The Odd Future singer-songwriter leads the pack with six nominations at the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

In addition to Ocean, Jay-Z and Kanye West also scored six nods, it was announced on Wednesday night.

The “Thinkin Bout You” singer picks up nominations in the coveted categories of Record of the Year, Best New Artist, and Album of the Year for his critically-acclaimed debut ‘Channel Orange’.

He reacted to the news by simply tweeting, “wow,” while his mother added, “Six Grammy nominations tonight! I’m still shaking. What can I say y’all? So proud of my baby!!!”

Miguel earns five, while Nas lands four nominations.

The awards will be handed out during the live ceremony on Sunday, February 10, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Frank Ocean is most definitely my favorite of 2012 and deserves all that’s coming to him. I said that ‘Orange’ was a classic from the moment I heard it. He has had an awesome year, lets hope it continues into the new year.

Did your favorite artist score a nomination? See the list of nominees below.

 

Album of the Year
El Camino – The Black Keys
Some Nights – fun.
Babel – Mumford & Sons
Channel Orange – Frank Ocean
Blunderbuss – Jack White

Record of the Year
“Lonely Boy” – The Black Keys
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”- Kelly Clarkson
“We Are Young” – fun. featuring Janelle Monáe
“Somebody That I Used to Know” – Gotye featuring Kimbra
“Thinkin Bout You” – Frank Ocean
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” – Taylor Swift

Song of the Year
“The A Team” – Ed Sheeran
“Adorn” – Miguel
“Call Me Maybe” – Carly Rae Jepsen
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” – Kelly Clarkson
“We Are Young” – fun. featuring Janelle Monáe

Best New Artist
Hunter Hayes
Frank Ocean
Alabama Shakes
The Lumineers
fun.

Best R&B Performance
“Thank You” – Estelle
“Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.)” – Robert Glasper Experiment featuring Ledisi
“I Want You” – Luke James
“Adorn” – Miguel
“Climax” – Usher

Best Traditional R&B Performance
“Lately” – Anita Baker
“Love On Top” – Beyoncé
“Wrong Side Of A Love Song” – Melanie Fiona
“Real Good Hands” – Gregory Porter
“If Only You Knew” – SWV

Best R&B Song
“Adorn” – Miguel
“Beautiful Surprise” – Tamia
“Heart Attack” – Trey Songz
“Pray For Me” – Anthony Hamilton
“Refill” – Elle Varner

Best Urban Contemporary Album
Fortune – Chris Brown
Kaleidoscope Dream – Miguel
Channel Orange – Frank Ocean

Best R&B Album
Black Radio – Robert Glasper Experiment
Back To Love – Anthony Hamilton
Write Me Back – R. Kelly
Beautiful Surprise – Tamia
Open Invitation – Tyrese

Best Rap Performance
“HYFR (Hell Ya F***ing Right)” – Drake featuring Lil Wayne
“N****s In Paris” – Jay-Z & Kanye West
“Daughters” – Nas
“Mercy” – Kanye West featuring Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz
“I Do” – Young Jeezy featuring Jay-Z & André 3000

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
“Wild Ones” – Flo Rida Featuring Sia
“No Church In The Wild” – Jay-Z & Kanye West featuring Frank Ocean & The-Dream
“Tonight (Best You Ever Had)” – John Legend featuring Ludacris
“Cherry Wine” – Nas featuring Amy Winehouse
“Talk That Talk” – Rihanna featuring Jay-Z

Best Rap Song
“Daughters” – Nas
“Lotus Flower Bomb” – Wale featuring Miguel
“Mercy” – Kanye West featuring Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz
“The Motto” – Drake featuring Lil Wayne
“N****s In Paris” – Jay-Z & Kanye West
“Young, Wild & Free” – Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa featuring Bruno Mars

Best Rap Album
Take Care – Drake
Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Pt. 1 – Lupe Fiasco
Life Is Good – Nas
Undun – The Roots
God Forgives, I Don’t – Rick Ross
Based On A T.R.U. Story – 2 Chainz

Best Pop Solo Performance
“Set Fire To The Rain [Live]” – Adele
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” – Kelly Clarkson
“Call Me Maybe” – Carly Rae Jepsen
“Wide Awake” – Katy Perry
“Where Have You Been” – Rihanna

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
“Shake It Out” – Florence + the Machine
“We Are Young” – fun. featuring Janelle Monáe
“Somebody That I Used To Know” – Gotye featuring Kimbra
“Sexy And I Know It” – LMFAO
“Payphone” – Maroon 5 & Wiz Khalifa

Best Pop Vocal Album
Stronger – Kelly Clarkson
Ceremonials – Florence + the Machine
Some Nights – fun.
Overexposed – Maroon 5
The Truth About Love – Pink

Best Dance Recording
“Levels” – Avicii
“Let’s Go” – Calvin Harris featuring Ne-Yo
“Bangarang” – Skrillex featuring Sirah
“Don’t You Worry Child” – Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin
“I Can’t Live Without You” – Al Walser

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical
Dan Auerbach
Jeff Bhasker
Diplo
Markus Dravs
Salaam Remi

Best Short Form Music Video
“Houdini” – Foster The People
“No Church In The Wild” – Jay-Z & Kanye West featuring Frank Ocean & The-Dream
“Bad Girls” – M.I.A.
“We Found Love” – Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris
“Run Boy Run” – Woodkid

For a full list of nominees, click here.

 

Album Review: Kaleidoscope Dream- Miguel

 

 

Miguel has done it once again. His follow up from his 2010 debut “All I Want Is You” is KALEIDOSCOPE DREAM and is without a doubt one of 2012’s hottest albums. He mos def is making sure that he helps bring back true R&B music. He set the tone for this album earlier this year by releasing a 9 song ‘EP'(3 songs each month for 3 months) titled ‘Art Dealer Chic’. The 1st single “Adorn’ showcased a different side of Miguel that we didn’t see the first time around. The track was later re-released as an extended version and ended up being his first single for his new effort. “Adorn” showcases Miguel’s secret weapon which is modesty. It’s simple, a piece sunshine, and its makes you feel awesome, dope track! That piece of modesty is all over KALEIDOSCOPE DREAM, on “Pussy Is Mine” he demands his lady tell him that her shit is his, he wants to own it. On “How Many Drinks” Miguel ask how many will it take for her to leave with him and he wants her to be honest, he wants to waste no time at all.

“Do You” is my 2nd favorite on the album. He uses some tricky word play on this track asking “do you like drugs?”  implying that once she does him she will become addicted. He also says that he wants to be addicted to her as well. The track is one of the most addictive on the album and most definitely makes you FEEL what he’s saying. My favorite track though is “Candles In The Sun” which was originally released on ‘Art Dealer Chic Vol.3’ as a more uptempo track. This is probably the deepest track on the album, at the beginning he sings “Is there a god? Is he watching? Is she watching? Seems to me he may questioning some things, whats our purpose….I’m not going in to deep on this track because I think everyone has there on opinion. It makes you think though. 

This album is definitely Grammy worthy, hell atleast he should be nominated because we all know he was robbed his first time around. KALEIDOSCOPE DREAM sounds effortless, so natural, so easy but GREAT at the same time. Maybe this time around he will get the credit that he deserves.

Video: Do You- Miguel

 

 

Not only did Miguel release his sophomore effort “Kaleidoscope Dream” today but he also debuted a video for his 2nd single(and my favorite so far on the album) “Do You” Check out the video below and be on the look for my review of his album!!!

 

New Music: Where’s The Fun In Forever- Miguel fea. Alicia Keys

 

 

Miguel has released a new song from his upcoming project “Kaleidoscope Dream” which is released next Tuesday. The track “Where’s The Fun In Forever” features Alcia Keys on the chorus and was originally written for her. The soulful track is very chill and laid back, im diggin it! Listen below…..