Theophilus London's latest release "Vibes" is a cornucopia of sounds. Executive Produced by Kanye West with Art Direction by the legend that is Karl Largerfield there was no way London would not be inspired to deliver a work of art that stands alone. Although London is known for constantly bringing a sound and a "Vibe" (pun intended) that hasn't been heard before, he still provides the elements that help you to identify a Theophilus London song such as a soulful melody blended with a Caribbean influenced syncopated beat married to abstract lyrics. This is an album I believe you should put into your feel good play list because that's exactly what this album will do to you. Throw it on, light up a "j" (where permissible) or a "cigar", poor the drink of your choice (Grand Marnier for me thanks), invite over some company to share the vibes with and just cool out. "VIBES" is available on iTunes
I've always said that if Hip Hop music were to ever literally disappear from the face of the earth and we had one rap song to put in a time capsule to be discovered 100 years from now to use as an example of what rap music is it would be a beat by DJ Premier. You can pick any song you want: Unbelievable, Just to Get a Rep, Dwyck, Come Clean, etc. He is the master of the Boom Bap. So when he got together with Royce Da 5'9" aka Nickel I knew the Hip Hop Gods loved me. One of the best MC's in the game paired up with one of the Greatest Hip Hop Producers EVER is sure to be an instant masterpiece. Certainly these two did not let me down. From Track 1 to Track 9 (Microphone pt.2 which the 1st one was one of my favorite tracks off of the Slaughterhouse debut Album) you get pure, unadulterated, unapologetic Hip-Hop music. What makes this project extra special is that Premo only used music and samples composed by the legendary Adrian Younge. Younge is today's definition of soul music. So with the MC from the D paired up with Hip-Hop's premier (there I go with the puns again) producer out of Texas influenced by the Soul of Adrian Younge, what you have is Hip-Hop on 'roids. Phryme is Available on iTunes PHRYME
J. Cole's sophomore release "2014 Forest Hills Drive" basically puts up the proverbial middle finger to the "sophomore jinx". Cole is undoubtedly a student of the game or at least what the game used to be. His music reminds us of a time when it was a sin to sound like someone else. It doesn't hurt that he is a one-stop shop, serving as his own in house producer, his sound on this album is just as refreshing as his first album. Providing the listener with vivid imagery, learned from his rap hero NAS, as well has taking full control of the journey he wants to take you on makes Cole a force in the hip hop world and the music industry as a whole. J. Cole carries himself like a veteran and with soulful samples and car cruising with nowhere to go beats "2014 Forest Hills Drive" is a MUST have if you are a fan of Hip Hop Music. 2014 Forest Hills Drive is Available on iTunes J. Cole - 2014 Forest Hills Drive
Mark Ronson is an artists artist. His music has always spoken to the soul of the human experience. Sonically influenced by the Motown Sound and the genius' it produced such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Rick James...this album shows his ultra Funk Side as evident in the first single "Uptown Funk". At first listen you would think you were listening to Morris Day & The Time but in fact it's Ronson and Bruno Mars that are taking control of your audible senses. Uptown Special features guest appearances from Stevie Wonder, Kevin Parker & Mystikal. This album is for those moments when you are home alone or with friends, in the kitchen partaking in fine spirits while you prepare a meal and feel like dancing your ass off all at the same time. Kudos to you Mark Ronson. You did it again. Uptown Funk is available on iTunes Mark Ronson - Uptown Special
My man D'angelo is back with some powerful soul music. He stepped back onto the scene like he "wished somebody would" be occupying his thrown as the leader of the soul. His latest release "Black Messiah" is aptly titled for so many reasons: 1) The man who was the face and pioneer of the Neo-Soul Sound was finally back (like most Messiah's do. I mean really what's a Messiah that doesn't come back?) 2) With a such a spiritual title like Messiah there is no doubt that the music would speak to your spirit (even though most of the album I don't know what D'angelo is saying) But then again many of the greats spoke their own language, like James Brown and Michael Jackson. Yet in still like his predecessors, the music itself communicates clearly to your soul. If I can be "blunt" (yup you guest it...intended pun) this music right here is made for a "j" and smooth glass of something dark. This album is a mood setter. Black Messiah is available on iTunes D'angelo & The Vanguard: Black Messiah
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