New Music: JoJo- Agápē

Finally! Although the Agápē isn't set to come out until Thursday of this week, but JoJo has blessed us with the stream of her new project. JoJo has truly grown into an artist and the growth has def paid off. The tape opens with a track that explains and explores how she feels about her musical journey. This tape is def worth the listen. Stream Below:

Spins of the Week

I have been listening to some great music lately! Check out some of the select tracks below! Enjoy!

Elijah Blake: Bijoux 22 Ep Stream

Newcomer, Elijah Blake, drops his ep "Bijoux 22" and I must say its dope. The ep features production from my FAVE, No I.D. You may remember him from the feature on Rick Ross's Presidential track. Elijah is already an established songwriter; he may have wrote for your fave lol. Check out his ep below!

Luke James: Whispers in The Dark Stream

Luke James finally drops some more music to hold us over until  his first album is set to drop. 

Whispers In The dark is R&B to the core! Luke James is def making his mark on music!

Check out the Stream below:

Covers.... Singles.... and More

Raheem DeVaughn covers Chris Brown's Don't Judge me



Tamar Braxton releases her first single: Love and War
I have to say she bodied this track both lyrically and vocally! Listen below


Siergio: Looking For Love
Newcomer to the underground R&B scene and I have to say his sound and approach to R&B is really promising. Take a listen to this Atlanta native's single below.

Get In Tune...

Two of my faves lyrically, Emeli Sandé and Jhene Aiko, both dropped new singles accompanied with videos. Both videos and songs are lyrically tough and take you on an emotional journey.

Emeli Sandé- Clown: "It's about how I felt when I was trying to get signed, I was going for all these meetings and people were looking at me like 'What do we do with you'? It's about not allowing yourself to be judged by others or to be taken for an idiot. I feel the video reflects that" Emeli Sande 2012.





Jhene Aiko- Mirrors: i wrote a song to sing to myself ... on days like these ... when i look in the mirror and it disagrees .... #Mirrors

Dancing in MY hallway

As this year comes to a close, I had a moment to truly reflect on what I have learned this year. Before, I dive into that let me start by saying I am a planner. I like to know whats coming next to a certain degree and when my plan is altered I tend to completely lose focus and doubt sets in. Well this year ALL my “plans” were completely turned upside down and flipped over. I could go into details on different tales of unfortunate events that I experienced, but that’s not the moral of this lesson.

What I was able to take away from this year and the hand I was given was the importance of dancing in my hallway. Sounds crazy... right? By dancing in my hallway, I am referring to giving thanks and enjoying my hallway full of doors that were set up for me to walk through when I’m READY for it. I wasn’t ready this year. I still had my foot stuck in doors that should have BEEN closed. 

The hardest part of this lesson to digest was that when the time has expired on some doors; whether it be career, personal, financial, or even location related, the doors that were prepared for you to walk in easily won’t always be there. I was trying to FORCE doors that were expired and set to close to stay open. Little did I know they were gonna shut whether I liked it or not. 

I was put in a position where I had to be thankful for my hallway... I had to mature and rise to the occasion for what was in stored in my new doors of opportunity. This chapter of my life I’m calling the hallway.... The next chapter will be knocking down doors... I’m ready for that chapter. 

Soundtrack of the week....

As a music lover sometimes I have certain songs on repeat during different phases of the week. This week I decided to make a setlist of some of the songs that are in my iTunes rotation. This setlist is mix of R&B(mostly) and Rap! Check it out below! 

From Summer to Winter

The biggest pet peeve is having a bunch of cute summer clothes that seem unwearable in winter, but with a few tricks and modifications you can pull it off. Check the pics below:

Add stockings & a blazer(not pictured here)

 
Take this Summer Dress add stockings and an oversized sweater!

Finally, take any shorts pair with a sweater, blazer, or cardigan and add stockings!

JoJo- Andre.... New Single... Stream Here

 JoJo is back again with another single from her upcoming mixtape, Agápē. The track titled, Andre, was written by her and produced by Mr. Frank. In the song, she compares her lover to the incomparable André 3000. The songwriting skills that JoJo displays on this track shows her growth as an artist. Check it out below.

Kevin Morosky Start A War.....

Due to a wonderful interview on Dazed with Kevin Morosky about his recent exhibit, Start A War, I fell in love with him! His photography is real and honest. The Start A War exhibit makes you want to learn more about the stories behind the pictures and the fact that is all digital via iTunes ibook & his website http://www.startawarmorosky.com/.

The concept for Start A War came from a song by the same name. He opens the exhibit on his site with this to say, "When you break up with someone you have forgotten what and who you were before them [and] you merge to a point were everything that came before is almost a myth."

The storyline behind the exhibit is explained on the site as, "pictures depict a girl who loves her love. It's not perfect but she stays because those lines between who she was, who she is and who she wanted to be, the lines of doing better or settling are all merged. She is past the point of good and bad. It's all grey, but grey were always one of her favourite colours."

My personal faves:


And from a previous exhibit:

Stream: T.I. Feat. André 3000 Sorry + extras

As T.I. gears up to release Trouble Man on December 18th, the track Sorry was released via Atlantic Records Soundcloud and iTunes. And I have to say this single does NOT disappoint. Of course André 3000 does his thing and shines, but T.I. gives that grit that was missing from No Mercy.

What really standout on this track is how personal André 3000 gets on his verse. He raps, "I used to be a way better writer and a rapper"

He proceeds to say, "I don’t even like rapping fast/But that’s how the word come to me talk to me/ sideways nigga that’s your ass/

And this the type of shit that’ll make you call your rap partner
And say I’m sorry im awkward, my fault for fuckin’ up the tours/ I hated all the attention so I ran from it/ Fuck it if we did, but I hope we ain’t lose no fans from it

I am glad that T.I. took his time with this album what I have been hearing has been sounding great!



Bonus: Big Boi Feat. T.I. "In the A"

Finally!!!! Solange True EP

Everyone knows I am a HUGE Solange Knowles fan and her ep True has just been released via iTunes. Although it is only 7 tracks; its a great 7 tracks. I love the whole ep! Solange did just what she needed to do with this ep: remind us that she is still here and leave us wanting more! Check out the stream below via Spotify then support her music!

Lovers in the Parking Lot

As Solange preps for her ep release of True, she has dropped another single; Lovers in the Parking Lot. Sticking true to her eclectic old school style, Lovers in the Parking Lot does not disappoint.
Solange sings,  
Left your heart behind when I played us instead I’m up and done
See I’m just living on the back away from anyone
And maybe you love me but I just left and wanted to run
Back and forth behind and down when you were in and I was out
We chasing lovers in the front part of the parking lot
And baby I lost you but I was not to have you by far

Check out the new single below and be sure to cop her new ep True on 11/27 via iTunes.

Soundtrack of your life...

I know I post a lot of music; both current and old and I don't think I have ever explained how important it is to me and why I am so passionate about it.

I grew up in a household where it was gospel music and oldies.... that's it. Then my cousin and uncle came to live with us when I was about 7/8 and I was introduced to Brandy, R. Kelly, Crucial Conflict, Bone Thugs, Tupac, Biggie, Monica, and etc. I was like a kid in a a candy store. Like I couldn't believe people talked about other stuff that than just spirituality. Through my big cousin I discovered the radio and how to record songs on tapes; from that moment I was on.

I was the kid that would sit in my room and listen to music ALL day. I wasn't a fan of going outside lol. I would go outside enough just to show my face. My friends always knew I was inside listening to music and reading books. Music to me was an escape.

In middle school, I didn't know how to deal with emotions, so I would always make playlist and mix cds with titles like "for lonely nights", "I just wanna dance"and etc. I had a song for everything.

My passion for music ALWAYS outweighed the trends of what was mainstream and whatnot. I will never forget my dad walked in my room when I was in high school and I was studying and blasting my simple plan, all american reject, and plain white tees playlist and his face was priceless. He said, "Kendra, listens to some weird stuff". All I could do was laugh.

Music has always been the soundtrack of my life.
I can remember some of the most important times of my life in conjunction with different songs.
Me and music have an intimate relationship that I don't think is still adequately explained, but I hope you enjoy my blog! 

Ne-Yo R.E.D.

Ne-Yo's R.E.D. album is his fifth studio album and I have to say my first couple of listens did not make me excited about the album. But, I don't think I was listening with open ears, so today I really listened and honestly Ne-Yo has something for everyone on this album. He does sexy with Lazy Love and Stress Reliever and still manages to do the pop and r&b tracks. This is truly a well rounded album. Check it out below and then buy if you love it.

From The Roots Up......

On this musical quest of musical bliss, I stumbled upon Delilah. Her voice took me by surprise. She is from North London and she SINGS!! She is labeled as alternative on iTunes, but she has an R&B depth to her voice. Her styling and arrangements on her tracks remind me of The Weekend, but a much more advanced and polished version. Needless to say check out her debut album Atlantic Records below and decide for yourself.

Standout Tracks: Inside My Love, 21, Go, and Breathe

 FROM THE ROOTS UP - The Debut Album by Delilah Official 

Dawn Richards......

Let me start by saying I am a big Dawn Richard Fan. As she is prepping for a 1/15/2013 release for her album Golden Heart, I wanted to invite readers to experience some of her singles, new and old. Although most may know her from Danity Kane or Dirty Money, but the epicness of her voice and sound is better experienced when she is singing alone.

86' 

Pretty Wicked Things 

Hidden Gems.....

In the midst of mainstream some really special and talents artist slip through the cracks and don't get the notice that they are due... This is an ode to some really special hidden gems in music:

Rebecca Ferguson: 


Lady (Nicole Wray and Terri Walker): 

Ari Lennox: 

Nefertitti Avani: 

Alone Together.....

Daley Feat. Marsha Ambrosius.... epicness embodied in  a track titled Alone Together.... 
This song will have you all wrapped in your feelings with lyrics like:
 You’re the desert sand I’ll be your water
And you’re the perfect plan I never thought of
I don’t wanna do this on my own
And you shouldn’t have to be alone
I would rather be alone together
Be alone together.Catch out the video below

Daley....Those That Wait....

I originally heard of Daley from oomf @Callmedollar (follow him; he is hilarious lol) and I have to say I fell in love once I hit play on Those That Wait mixtape. The greatness that lies in his pipes is simply breath taking.... Daley is a British singer and songwriter from Manchester, signed to Universal Republic Records. The single track is Alone Together Feat. Marsha Ambrosius and it is greatness! Stream the ep below then fall in love! 

Mixtape: Daley - GetRightMusic

           

Jessie Ware.....

In my quest to hear great to find good music, I stumbled upon Jessie Ware. She has an amazing album available on iTunes & Amazon. Stream the album below then BUY lol.
    Jessie Ware - Devotion by Universal Music Backstage

Just music...... Dawn Richard.... RaVaughn....

No long dialog... just music to listen to......

R&B: 

Cocaine..... 80's.... that is....

I am not a blogger that likes to keep up with the lastest gossip.... Instead, I blog about what inspires me or my ears....

The Pursuit EP

Express OG

My ears were inspired this weekend by a group called Cocaine 80's. Cocaine 80's is not a new group at all and we have all heard some of their works. Famed and well respected producer No I.D. is the master  mind behind the project and the group. In addition to No I.D. the group consists of famed songwriter James Fauntleroy, Common, Steve Wyreman, Rob Kineiski, and Kevin Randolph.

Side note: I have been a fan of James Fauntleroy since he pinned No Air (Chris Brown & Jordin Sparks) and Lottery (Chris Brown).

To date there are a total of three projects by the group all for free: Ghost Lady & The Pursuit Download Express OG

Ghost Lady

Check out the stream of The Pursuit after the Jump!

ReStyle.... Redesign... livin....

 Currently, I am loving this redesigned image that Chrisette is rocking with. I think it works for her and I am here for it. Although, I hope its not copied.... Everyone can NOT pull this off but I'm here for it! I'm anticipating her mixtape that is set to drop December 9th....

I think I need to do something drastic to my hair soon! lol

See.... RED...

On Tuesday the topic of conversation amongst my friends and I was the heavy promotion that Taylor Swift and her marketing team have done. I know marketing and heavy promotion is always done for high profile artist, but the creativity that Taylor and her team have displayed in marketing her new album Red, is simply ingenious.

"The first step was to look at where we wanted the record to go. A worldwide release, really-we made that a priority," Swift says of the album's initial marketing strategy (Billboard). Taylor linked up with Walgreens, an album and pizza promotion with Papa John's, her own line of shoes with Keds, a music-college contest with VH1and textbook rental service Chegg, an exclusive deal with Target, American Greetings and Sony. 

The Papa John deal was the promotion that made me research Taylor's plan. You could order any large one topping pizze for $22 and get RED delivery to your doorstep. Also, you could add RED to any order for only $13 or, save 40%  off any regular menu-price pizza. When I read that all I had to say is WOW! Swift just made it easy, convenient, and a win-win for her fans to get her album. She always opened the door for non fans to get her album as well. 

Not only are the endorsements that are directly tied to RED ingenious, but the ones that are indirectly tied to the album are ingenious as well. She has a new fragrance for Elizabeth Arden, Enchanted. Enchanted follows up her successful fragrance Wonderstruck. In case you didn't know, Wonderstruck was the No. 2 women's scent launched during the holiday season of 2011.

All this promotion and smart marketing even got me to buy the album and its a damn good album! I have kept in rotation since I have gotten it! Swift's first week seems extremely promising can't wait til those numbers come out...

My only question is.... whether or not the urban market is taking notes

Runaway......

I heard this mashup on lozzamusic.com and fell in love! It was ingenius to mashup Jhene Aiko- 2 seconds, The Weekend- Rolling Stone, and Frank Ocean- Acura Integurl. It still sounds a little busy, but it makes you think what dopeness could be created if they all did work together.
The mix was courtesy of Jaybeatz
Listen Below:

Brandy.... Two Eleven.... Must Have

To, begin I am a BIG Brandy fan.... Vocally she is just amazing and tends to deliver well!
I was excited to learn she was dropping an album, but I was also skeptical. I was hoping that she wouldn't try to force out a sound that wasn't believable to keep up with the times.... AND when it dropped and I listened to the album in its entirety She DIDN'T. She managed to be current without forcing it. She also shows a more grown and vulnerable side of her as well! Good Job Bran!

For Doubters: Stream the album below & then when u fall in love buy it here: itunes
My most played tracks: Scared of Beautiful, Do You Know What You Have, Without You, What You Need

Find more music like this on MizikTube | Haitian Music Tube |

Live Music...... I live for it....

I Love Jhene Aiko and I am sooooooo anticipating her debut album! She recently preformed a live set at SOB in New York and she KILLED it! She also showed off a new track called "What a Life"


Check out the rest of the set after the jump!







In Case you don't have her mixtape Sailing Soul: Click Here

Product haul..... Make up.... My love...

 I LOVE make up.... I must confess..... I can't resist a good palette! With that being said, I was on living social and they had a deal for $12 for $25 to spend on Costal Scents. I had never used their make up before, but after doing much research it seem promising so I ordered two palettes for $25!

 
I used the double stack and the nude from the orignal tonight & LOVED it!!

The colors were bright and vibrate and I didn't need to pack it on! It is very true to color!