THROWBACK VIDEO - PHYLLIS HYMAN - LIVING ALL ALONE (1986)

Phyllis Hyman was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 6, 1949. On June 30, 1995, 16 years ago today . . . the very beautiful Phyllis Hyman committed suicide. She died by overdosing on pentobarbital and secobarbital in her NYC apartment just hours before she was scheduled to perform a the Apollo Theater. Her suicide note read in part: "I'm tired of singing. I'm tired of living. Those of you that I love, know who you are. May God bless you." She was 45 years old.

She was a singer, songwriter and actress. Hyman was 6ft. tall and very beautiful! She sang with Pharoah Sanders and the Fatback Band while working on her first solo album, Phyllis Hyman. It was released in 1977 on the Buddha Records label. Arista bought Buddha and she transferred to that label. "Somewhere In My Lifetime" was her first album for Arista in 1978. The title track was produced by Barry Manilow. In the late 1970s she married her manager, Larry Alexander but both the personal and professional associations ended in divorce. Her follow-up album, "You Know How To Love Me" mad the R&B Top 20 and did very well on the club and dance charts. Her husband turned her on to cocaine, which led to a life-long dependency. Their relationship was tumultuous. She signed with Philadelphia Int'l in 1985 and was with them till her death in 1995. Some of her hits were: You Know How to Love Me, Under Your Spell, Somewhere In My Lifetime, Can't We Fall In Love Again, Tonight You and Me, The Answer Is You, Betcha By Golly Wow, I Don't Want To Lose You, Old Friend, Meet Me On the Moon and Gonna Make Changes.

Hyman's last album, "I Refuse To Be Lonely" was a journey into her personal life. R.I.P. Phyllis Hyman! ♫

HundredProof.net: Ledisi - Pieces Of Me (Official Video)

I'll put it like this.... It's like Ledisi came out of nowhere and took us by storm with her entrance and she's still here, and guess what? My perception says she's here to stay. I'm so happy she's already on her third album "Pieces Of Me".  I can appreciate the song/video. Big ups to Ledisi and her forward moving progress that she continually makes and for uplifting R&B music.-HundredProof.net

Wesley G - I've Never Been The Cool Guy....The Movie

New Video from Wesley G I've Never Been The Cool Guy.

THROWBACK VIDEO: NEO SOUL ARTIST - ADRIANA EVANS "LOVE IS ALL AROUND" ♫

Do you remember Adriana Evans (real name Adriana Madera) from the late 90s? She was NEO SOUL back then and she is NEO SOUL today! She was born in San Francisco, CA and was one of the first Neo Soul artists. From a young age she was immersed in music. Her mother, Mary Stallings, sang with jazz artists like Count Basie and her godfather is jazz saxophonist, Pharoah Sanders. She met rapper Dred Scott and they began working together. She appeared on his "Check the Vibe" in 1993. Her debut CD, "Adriana Evans" was a blend of jazz and soul. It was one of the best CDs in the late 90s. Her style reminds me of Sade, Angela Bofill and a lil' bit of Roberta Flack all up in the mix. Her music grabs you and you want to tell everyone you know about her. Every track on the CD could've been released and been number one hits. My favorite tracks are: Love Is All Around, Seein' Is Believing, Say You Won't, and I'll Be There. Paul Stewart, CEO of PMP Records played a major role in helping Adriana sign on with Capitol Records in the 90s. If you've never heard of her . . . check out her CDs: Adriana Evans, Nomadic, El Camino and her latest CD, Walking With The Night.

Indie Artist Feature WIll Vill

 Verbal Warfare by barriojamz

From the newest of the new jacks to the most seasoned of the vets, every rapper has something to say about how the game has changed. Will Vill has plenty to say himself, but unlike so many others, he’s not here to complain about how so-and-so dropped the ball or how the Freshman class isn’t real enough. Sure, the New York native wants to make some changes to the landscape, but instead of complaining and hoping for things to change on their own, Will chooses to stick to a simple principle—earn respect through hard work and dedication.

Even at the early stages of his career, Will had the kind of success that would make most rappers get lazy. Fed up with the escalation in police brutality he witnessed in New York City, Will crafted the powerful “Devil in a Blue Dress.” His politically charged lyrics gained the attention of some of the game’s best-known scholars and paved the way for performances with Mos Def, Dead Prez and The Roots. With tracks like “Devil in a Blue Dress” and “Same Year, Different Number,” Will’s voice broke through the usual boundaries of Hip-Hop and earned him recognition in Esquire and The New York Times.

Will’s debut, The Arrival, took things a step further as he used the sixteen tracks to show his diversity. He told dramatic tales on “Dreams of Getting Murdered” and recited poetry on “Wishes,” all the while reminding the competition of his dominance with “Keep it Gritty.” Will represents proudly both for The Dominican Republic and Washington Heights, bringing not only his experience and perspective to each track but the spirit of every man, woman and child from those places that created him.

Never content to sit back and relax, The Foul Priest (as he’s known in the streets) continued to work at his craft. He’s now ready to come back even harder in 2010 starting with his new single, “Cop Shot”. Backed by Barrio Jamz Recordings in the office and legendary producers Sly & Robbie in the booth, Will Vill is in the strongest position he’s ever been and he’s ready to take advantage. The singles “Word Warrior” and “Red Eye” are on deck to usher in the new album “Mangattan” and help him burn through 2010 and beyond.

A lot of emcees talk about going for “the crown” but it’s usually pretty hard to tell what makes them think they deserve it. Will Vill knows he’s not there yet, but he knows how he’s going to get there and better yet, he has the integrity to respect Hip-Hop the way he wants Hip-Hop to respect him. Line by line, track by track and album by album, Will continues to cement his position and display the kind of work ethic that’s become too rare these days. Plain and simple, Will Vill is serious—give him your attention or he will take it.

Will Vill on Facebook

"Ashes" Will Vill Prod. Lord Finesse

UPTOWN SWAG feat. Fred the Godson by barriojamz

Throwback Video - The Jackson 5 singing 'I Want You Back"

This is a LIVE performance of Motown Records "Jackson 5" performing during their "Goin Back To Indiana" TV special on ABC in September 1971. The TV special featured comedians Bill Cosby and Tommy Smothers, singers Diana Ross and Bobby Darin, football players Rosey Grier and Ben Davidson, and basketball stars Bill Russell, Elgin Baylor, and Elvin Hayes. The album went on to sell 2.6 million copies worldwide. The album also featured their songs "Maybe Tomorrow" and "Goin' Back to Indiana."

Dear Friends: An Evening with Foreign Exchange is available now on iTunes

. This past February at SoundPure Studios in Durham, NC, The Foreign Exchange gave a private acoustic show for 40 randomly-selected friends and supporters. The evening, captured on both audio and video, is the basis of their latest release, "Dear Friends: An Evening With The Foreign Exchange."

Serving as a companion piece to their latest release "Authenticity" and as a glimpse into their acclaimed live show, "Dear Friends" is a double-disc CD/DVD digipak that features the full acoustic concert performed by the band's current touring lineup of Zo!, Sy Smith, and singer/songwriter Jeanne Jolly. In addition to the live concert recordings, the release also features two new studio tracks; "Steal Away" featuring Jeanne Jolly and "All The Kisses" featuring Amber & Paris Strother of rising indie soul trio KING. -Official site

                                        You can preview the product and purchase here on iTunes

Review on Beats, Rhymes and Life" The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest

Written By Natasha L. Guy

Beats Rhymes and Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest
This all started with an email that I received from USC (University of
Southern California) Cinema announcing the prescreening of this movie
about two weeks ago. I reserved a spot, but hadn’t made up my mind to
really go. A mere 30 minutes before the show started, I changed my
mind (again) and hopped up to battle the BET award show parking. Yes,
the BET awards were happening just two blocks from the on-campus
theater. I found a great free parking spot and it wasn’t too hot. I
was on my way to getting excited about the movie.
I was shocked when I stepped into the theater. The audience spanned
the entirety of the racial and age spectrums. I personally sat next to
a 30-something white guy and his chick. I made a mental note to notice
his reactions throughout the movie (his head bobbed quite
frequently…on beat). In front of me was a black family: grandmother,
son and grandson. I was impressed to say the least. The theater was
super packed with people and a spirit of excitement. It was definitely
contagious and I was already glad I had made the journey alone. Just
before the movie played, an announcement was made that a few of the
producers would be there for a Q&A afterwards and we were all
encouraged to stay. A few wonderings if director Michael Rapaport
wafted my way and the announcer just smiled and dimmed the lights.
I expected a few things from the movie: music, accolades from comrades
in the business, and a few group interviews. I surprisingly got so
much more! There was kind of a story line that followed the
chronological happenings, personal and professional, of the group. It
wasn’t just behind the scenes, it was their actual lives. It didn’t
idolize the group members like I thought it would. I saw tempers,
tears and tantrums. I got opinions from record execs, spouses, and
industrial colleagues. Had I been better acquainted with the history
of the group, I would have known better than to expect group
interviews. The music snippets were great, but left me wanting to hear
more of the tracks. The music itself seemed to play the background to
the workings (or non-workings) of the group. I’m not sure how I feel
about this though. I kept being drawn into the turmoil of the group
and wanting to know if Phife and Q-Tip were going to live happily ever
after or not. I was less concerned about the group still being on the
books for another album under their 1989 contract with Jive Records.
As far as being an enjoyable movie, Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels
of a Tribe Called Quest hit the mark. As far as a great soundtrack, it
still definitely makes the grade. When it comes to telling the truth,
the whole truth and nothing but the truth…I’m not so sure. I’m no
expert, but I felt like it was missing some pieces. The movie did make
me think though. It made me think about family, money, and
celebrities. No matter what, family will always be family; money
doesn’t last always; and celebrities are just regular people with
famous jobs.

Natasha L. Guy
Editor and Proofreader
Poet and Author
Human
http://www.twitter.com/NLGuy81

Flying Without Wingz- Blast Off Free Download

Flying Without Wingz if always hittin' us with something fly. "Blast Off" is no exception! Guaranteed to get your movin' make sure you cop this free download now. Then hit the fan page on Facebook.

Brown Bag AllStars - The Agenda (Marco Polo Remix) [Official Video]

Check out the Brown Bad AllStars on this track produced by Marco Polo.

Kae Sun - On The Lookout

Diggin' this video from Kae Sun from "On The Lookout" off of his debut album "Lion On A Leash"

ECHO's "3,2,1" Free download

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New track from L.A.'s ECHO "3,2,1"...

Recorded for the mixtape: "GANGSTER'S DON'T WEAR CARDIGANS" which debuted June 17 and is available here:

 http://www.datpiff.com/Firing-Squad-Media-and-TE-Promotions-Gangsters-Dont-Wear-Cardigans-mixtape.241983.html

Also get your copy of Repetion of Sound here at his Bandcamp!


http://www.echoisthename.bandcamp.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/echoisthename

Sunshine Anderson - Say Something (Official Video)

This is the Sunshine Anderson's video for "Say Something" off her new album "The Sun Shines Again". I have been a fan of Sunshine for years and I like the song. Not thrilled with her look in the video, not very flattering. Sometimes less is more. She is a naturally beautiful woman. What do you think?

Click here If you missed the first single for the album Lie To Kick It 

Jesse Boykins III - Back Home (Snippet) "WayOfAWayfarer"

Snippet of Back Home off the Way Of A Wayfarer Ep coming 6.28.11 from Jessie Boykins III. I can't wait. This man's music is such a breath of fresh air!

Freedom's Ink Remembers Michael Jackson!!

Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.

Five of Jackson's solo albums - "Off the Wall," "Thriller," "Bad," "Dangerous" and "HIStory," all with Epic Records - are among the top-sellers of all time and “Thriller” holds the distinction as the largest selling album worldwide in the history of the recording industry with more than 70 million units sold. Additionally, singles released from the Thriller album sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, another all time record.

During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the epic "Thriller." Jackson's sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists. For more on Michael Jackson Click here

'Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest' Trailer

Anyone else been waiting for this like me? A Tribe Called Quest made music that was the soundtrack to my life. It doesn't get any better.

The trailer for the documentary 'Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest' directed by Michael Rappaport. It opens in New York and Los Angeles July 8th.

OFFICIAL TYLER THE CREATOR-YONKERS SPOOF (SQUIRTERS)

Check out the newest spoof from Comedien Terry Jones

Tshombe Sekou's "Thoughts of Sekou" album review by Vonice Berry.

June 23, 2011

Thoughts of Sekou (Artist Review)

Written by Vonice Berry
(Thoughts of Sekou) 

For some five years or so, Tshombe Sekou has been injecting potent “verse” of himself here, there and worldwide it seems. Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, he spent a good part of his childhood in Israel and now resides in Japan. His works possess elements, which disrupt the ambiguities between messenger and listener, thus unifying the two as entities who provide the foundation for what we know as art or (in this case) Poetry.
“It is truly the listener who defines and creates the imagery for what is known as poetry…” -Tshombe Sekou 

Tshombe administers these words into the arteries of the listener, as we get into the introductory track of his latest 

For the rest of this review click here.

Jean Grae releases new mixtape "Cookies or Comas" Free Download

Blacksmith Music emcee Jean Grae has hooked up with DJBooth.net and mixtape heavyweight DJ Drama to bring fans her latest street album, Cookies or Comas.

A “Gangsta Grillz Special Edition,” the project features 11 fresh cuts from the NYC native. Included are previously-featured leaks “Casebasket” and “R.I.P.”

Joining Grae on the guest tip throughout Cookies or Comas are Styles P., Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monch. Production comes courtesy of Boogie Blind, Ski Beatz and many more.

Digging the mixtape? Then be sure to cop Grae’s latest studio album, Cake or Death, when it hits stores this fall.-DjBooth.net

DOWNLOAD NOW AT DJBOOTH.NET

SolStar releases new EP "A universal DEMOnstration"!

As mainstays in Atlanta's underground music movement, Solstar is quickly moving their way into international acclaim. With the upbeat sensual vocals of Zayani Rose playing funk guitar, Bryant Sample's soulful violin compositions, Makasula El Asaru's tribal percussion beats, and Manu Merkaba's gentle bass riffs, SolStar has created a sound like none other; infusing jazz, hip-hop, rock, and classical genres into a new uncharted category. Performing together for the past year, the band continues to blow audiences away with their dynamic live performances and highly praised smash hit songs 'Cupid' and 'MillionAir'.-SolStar.com

Members

• Zayani Rose -vocals/lead guitar
• Manu Merkaba - bass
• Makasala El Asaru - percussion
• Bryant Samples - violin

www.solstarmusic.com

Facebook Page

Will 'Da Real One' Bell - (Bury Your Own) a Tribute by Marc Marcel

On May 29th, at 1 O'Clock in the morning, Willie Lee Bell Jr., better known as, Will 'Da Reall One,' one the the Worlds Most Recognized Spoken Word Artist, was gunned down right outside the Miami venue he owned and ran for countless of other wordsmith to perform. On June 4th, just after his funeral, fellow Spoken Word Artist,Marc Marcel, Li Fe Malcolm, Salaam Shaheed, Keith Rodgers, HuggyBear Da Poet, Khalil Saadiq and Rebecca Butterfly Vaughn, stayed behind at the burial to relieve the groundskeepers of their duties, and bury their fellow Wordsmith. This is the Burial of one of the Greatest Spoken Word Artist of His Generation.

SpokenVizions Summer Edition on sale now!! Get your copy now!

Welcome to the Summer 2011 issue of SpokenVizions Magazine. It features the amazing and very talented poet Kelly Tsai, the spectacular Red Summer, Grammy winner Tarrey Torae, the essence of erotica Isis Sun, Copasetic Soul, and Spokken Musiq and many more.

Get your copy now at www.SpokenVizions.com

Jill Scott "Light Of The Sun" available now on iTunes

Jill Scott's new album Light Of The Sun is available now on iTunes. I love it. Been nodding my head to it and singing along with it and forgot to Blog It!!! LOL Hey it happens!

You can listen to the whole album before you purchase it here on NPR. 

I included this pic just cuz I love it!!!

Thank H.E.R. Now, the New Free Download Mixtape from Rapsody is here.

Rapsody's new mixtape has now been released to the masses who were eagerly anticipating another project from the of the best female mc's in the game. 

North Carolina emcee and Jamla Records recording artist Rapsody has hooked up with DJBooth.net to bring fans her sophomore solo release, the Thank H.E.R. Now street album.
The follow-up to late-2010’s Return of the B-Girl, the project finds the Kooley High member offering listeners insight into her story and her intimate experiences over the course of 20 brand new tracks. Included are Booth-approved leaks “Black Diamonds,” “Top Five,” “Out Tha Trunk,” “Extra Extra,” “Blankin’ Out” and “Lemme Think.”
Joining Rapsody on the guest tip throughout the project are Phonte, Mac Miller, Jean Grae, MURS, Raekwon, Estelle, Big K.R.I.T., and Marsha Ambrosius. In addition to mentor 9th Wonder, beats come courtesy of The Soul Council, Vitamin D, Nottz and more! -From DJBooth.net

Click here to go to DJBooth.net for the download!

Leave your comments!

SpeakTuMePoetry Presents: KMarie

Amber Ojeda's "Float Away" Interactive Remix!! Yes, Interactive! Check it out!

This is why Freedom's INK loves Amber Ojeda. She is one of the realest and most creative women in music. Check out her new track Float Away with which you can remix yourself on her website from a list of some of the hottest mc's. Yes you heard it, an interactive remix!!



Check out this version feat Philasifer.




 Amber Ojeda - " Float Away" Remix Feat. PHILASIFER & Dez Hope by PHILASIFER 




Also the Dez Hope Version...

 'Float Away' Feat Dez Hope by amberojeda

Then go to www.AmberOjeda.com and click toward the bottom for the Float Away Remix and pick your Mc's! Download every version if you like!! Enjoy!

Taalam Acey on Art & Soul Television show

Taalam Acey featured on Art and Soul TV.

SULI BREAKS-MUMMY LOVES ME

Spoken Word Artist Suli Breaks, latest video "MUMMY LOVES ME".

Rapsody Ft. Raekwon "Black Diamonds" Free Download

 Rapsody's  latest mixtape,Thank H.E.R. Now, is set to hit our mixtape page for streaming and free download next Tuesday, June 21.

In the meantime check out this track Black Diamonds ft. Raekwon, click the link below to go do DjBooth.net

                                                   Listen and Download Now at DJBooth.net

MARSHA AMBROSIUS “DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL” Free Download

Marsha Ambrosius releases a brief one minute acapella in honor of Father's Day for free download.

Click here for GoWhereHipHop.com            

Happy Father's Day!!! Luther Vandross-Dance With My Father Again

Happy Father's Day!!!! Will Smith - Just The Two Of Us

New hot track! Jerico feat. Monica Monet "Imma Star'!

Winston Warrior's "Bad 4 U" Official Video

"Bad 4 U" the lead single from Winston Warrior's critically acclaimed debut album "Lifeology 101", which is in the TOP 40 Urban A/C National radio play, is now available on AMAZON (http://amzn.to/jWUwlY), iTUNES (http://bit.ly/lifeology101) and CD BABY.COM (http://bit.ly/m9gcSO). 

Hassaan Mackey "Soul For Sale" Free download

This Friday Mello Music Group continues its free music series, offering Rochester, New York MC  Hassaan Mackey's "Soul For Sale" album for free download all week!

First released in 2007, when Hassaan Mackey was selected as one of the Rawkus 50 in the label's project to digitally market the next 50 important hip hop artists.
Soul for Sale saw light alongside albums by such luminaries as Finale, Bekay,Dynas, and Grand Agent.
Soul for Sale served to further widen Hassaan's audience with its soulful, low-key production and meticulously penned verses.  Hassaan & Mello Music Group have decided to give the album away for a week in anticipation of Hassaan's upcoming release with fast rising star Apollo Brown (Daily Bread is due out July 26th on MMG).  In the meantime, get to know Hassaan Mackey.

“If it’s for you, you’ll know. Music is a voice. It’s the last voice we have. My music is me.”

Hassaan Mackey "Soul For Sale"

Rye Rye - Never Will Be Mine ft. Robyn

Baltimores Rye Rye and Sweden's Robyn team up for "Never will be Mine"

Soultre performs "I Choose Me" LIVE

Soultre, the radio host from WAZU, recites her poem "I Choose Me" @ Whisper & Shout @ the Contemporary Art Center in Peoria, IL on 5/5/11.

Andreena Mill "Key To Your Heart" free download

Caught this new song by Andreena Mill via Tamia's FB fanpage. Great song! Listen and download here.

Kirk Franklin - I Smile

Absolutely love this song!!! Newer music from Kirk Franklin.

2 Seconds To Being Committed Mathematics VS Peter Hadar

1.Leave Ur Clothes04:01

2.Can't Stop05:07

3.Nothing Sweeter05:29

4.Glow04:08

5.Loud & Soft02:35

6.Thunder (Remix)04:58

7.What Lovers Do05:07

8.Fire05:04

9.Drift04:43

This album is a selection of songs from the early works completed from 2003 to 2007 by singer/songwriter Peter Hadar & longtime producer Mike Genatos' drum n bass duo with James Ronaghan.

UZOY Performs Keep In Touch @ Cellar Bar

Performing Keep In Touch from The [DEF]inition on May 28th. Houston, TX

Seven Li- Good Together

Seviin Li's single "Good Together" is simply an undeniable radio hit! It is a song for everyone who is in or has been in a relationship that has gone through times where others or circumstances try to break them up, it is the perfect message to encourage couples to stay together!! Seviin Li's performance on this song is heart felt and amazing and the world needs to hear this young, up and coming artist!! This singer, songwriter, and actress has toured nationwide with lead roles in off-broadway shows and has recorded with grammy winning artists such as Murphy Lee. She has received astounding reviews from outside markets like Black Girl Shining Blog Site based out of Atlanta, GA. Seviin Li is a hard worker and her own boss, and because she is standing on her own to put herself on the music industry map she needs your help to be heard. Seviin Li says she strives to be the be the best "her" she can be and continues to gives her all by commanding the stage with her music, soulful vocals, thought provoking lyrics and powerful performances which will continue to set her apart from the rest.

New free download from J. Cole "Work Out"

Check out the new free download from J. Cole "Work Out"

Van Hunt releases new single "June" free download.

Via Huffington Post- Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter-producer Van Hunt makes his return this week with the online premiere of "June," his first new music in more than three years. "June" heralds the release of Hunt's new album, what were you hoping for? The album arrives in stores and at all digital retailers on September 27th.

"'June' was written to mirror a person's complicated moodiness," Hunt says. "Some people are called pessimists because of their persistent dourness, but I think they are optimists. Sorely disappointed optimists. The song is my attempt to make one, in particular, smile."

Hunt and his band plan to hit the road in the weeks surrounding the album's release, marking his first national tour since 2008. Hunt has attracted critical praise touring as headliner as well as alongside such acts as Kanye West, The Roots, Coldplay, Mary J. Blige, and Dave Matthews Band. - Click here to go to Huffington Post.