BeatLife

Fusion w/ Samantha James Live & Black Spade

beats — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:04:00 +0000

This should be a hot event and its all for a good cause, so party with a purpose y'all!

Nu-Soul Magazine and NextAid are joining forces to bring you FUSION on Saturday April 12 at Skinny's Lounge in North Hollywood. This will be a landmark night of future soul and hip-hop featuring LIVE performances from acclaimed Om Records artists Samantha James & Black Spade. All proceeds will go to NextAid to support their mission in assisting children orphaned by AIDS in Africa!

Performances by Om Records newest stars:
SAMANTHA JAMES LIVE
Songwriter/performer Samantha James has spent the past three years honing her estimable skills as a modern-day singer/songwriter within the dance/electronic/soul genre. Her sultry style, vocal cadences, and international rhythms are largely influenced by such artists as Sade, Basia, Amel Larrieux, Bebel Gilberto and Morcheeba.

On her debut album ‘Rise’ for San Francisco based indie label Om Records, Samantha teamed up with producer and co-writer Sebastian Arocha Morton-AKA ROCAsound (Sting, Vikter Duplaix, Fischerspooner, Fila Brazilia and Rick James for the classic finale’ of the hit film Little Miss Sunshine.)

www.myspace.com/sammyjmusic
Read the Samatha James Interview at Nu-Soul

BLACK SPADE
Black Spade’s music is a melting pot of sounds hailing from St. Louis by way of New York, Detroit, LA, and everywhere that hip-hop has carved a distinctive and influential sound for itself. Writing and producing all his music along with MC’ng, Spade’s one man team approach is full of burbling synths, and off-kilter drums while his voice slides smoothly over choruses coated in multi-tracked vocals and skipping roughshod drums.

Spade’s cadence flutters up and down like Pharoahe Monch, but stays introspective like Common. Before you know it, he’ll switch to singing and suddenly his songs become less like hip hop experimentation and more like fully fleshed sketches. At his core, Black Spade is a producer who makes music because he loves to. His sounds are grounded in the past while still sounding futuristic, and most importantly come from the heart.
www.myspace.com/blackspade
Read the Black Spade Interview at Nu-Soul

DJs for the night:

Glenn Red
www.myspace.com/glenn_red
Jayvon
www.myspace.com/jayvon
Destroyer
www.myspace.com/djdestroyer

About NEXTAID
NextAid is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization committed to developing and implementing innovative sustainable solutions to the challenges facing African children. NextAid's mission is to promote community-driven environmentally, economically and socially empowering responses to the AIDS orphan pandemic. NextAid collaborates with individuals, businesses and nonprofits to produce culturally rich awareness-raising projects and music events involving technology, the arts, public education, and volunteer opportunities. From mega-events like the Miami Music Conference and WIRED Magazine’s “NextFest” in Los Angeles to small club and music-related activities, NextAid channels the positive energy on the dance floor across the globe to Africa, thus providing opportunities for concerned individuals to make a tangible difference in the lives of African children in need.
www.nextaid.org

About Nu-Soul Magazine
Launched in October 2006, Nu-Soul bridges the gap between the world of R&B/soul and the underground vibes of electronica, the common factor being a grounding in funk, soul and urban lifestyle. This is a place where the sounds of neo-soul, drum and bass, deep house and breakbeat are a part of the same family. Through fascinating articles, engaging interviews, and the latest reviews, Nu-Soul hopes to open minds to the incredible array of soul influenced music available today.
www.nu-soulmag.com

FUSION: A NextAid Benefit
$15 minimum donation
All Proceeds will be donated to NextAid

This is a 21+ event.

Cost: 15.00

Official Site: http://www.nu-soulmag.com

Love Note To Little Dragon

beats — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:29:00 +0000

My Dearest Little Dragon
I by no means fall easily but since the warm opening notes of "Twice" first caressed my ears, I was quickly smitten. Infatuation rapidly blossomed into something all the more captivating as I explored all that your Myspace had to offer. "Test", "Constant Surprises" and other delights revealed to me your innate rhythm, thoughtful lyricism and sweet melodies. I delight in considering whether I love your electronic nuances more than your organic expression, or whether it's your unexpected soulfulness that proved the key to my heart. It matters not, for you are best appreciated in your simple yet original totality.

I then became voracious. I had to have more, to truly own you. Emusic allowed the fruits of your brilliance to flow into my possession. Yet 12 tracks of your genius leaves me insatiable still. Although your music consumes me and I embrace you without restraint - at home, in the car, at the gym - I still long for more. Your Swedish soul is deeper than anything I have encountered of late - refreshing and invigorating. Oh Little Dragon how I love thee...all others fail miserably in comparison. Thank you for shining your light into my world. I can only attempt to repay you by helping you do the same for others.

twice

Constant Surprises

Test video

Kissey Asplund Video

beats — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:07:00 +0000

Kissey Asplund is on some progressive 'ish...her album "Plethora" is due out March 24th on BBE. Here's the official blurb:

"Plethora is the debut album from Swedish soul sensation Kissey Asplund, and is a genre-defying journey through jazz, hip-hop, electronic soul, all with a fresh future twist. Kissey takes us through a range of day to day stories of love lost and found, friendships betrayed, relationships on the rocks and even astral travelling. The album was entirely produced by Paris based hip-hop collective Papa Jazz Crew, and is a unique combination of future electronic soul beats and sweet jazz vocals. The album features the dope singles With You, Caos and Fuss'n'fight."

Check out the video for "Fuss n Fight":

Strictly Social - March 26th

beats — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:33:00 +0000

Soul Union and Nu-Soul Magazine present another evening of Eclectic Soul Fusion!

STRICTLY SOCIAL
Wednesday March 26, 2008

Featuring performances from

Mike The Poet
www.myspace.com/mikethepoet

Taniq
www.myspace.com/taniq

and Guest DJ Seven57
www.myspace.com/emayday

Show begins at 10:30

Join us for a special pre-show listening session of Lina’s new album "Morning Star" available on Moodstar Recordings with plenty of giveaways!
www.myspace.com/linamusic

The night will also feature the fresh artwork of Ritzy Periwinkle!
ritzyperiwinkle.com

FREE B4 10:30pm with RSVP to info@nu-soulmag.com
$5 without

@ Skinny’s
4923 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
www.skinnyslounge.com
www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial
www.nu-soulmag.com

Amplive's Radiohead Remix Album

beats — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:21:00 +0000

Producer Amplive, of Zion I, looks like he's having a go a the DangerMouse route to fame - completely remix a wellknown album, make it available for free, get smacked down by the powers that be, but leverage the situation and resulting publicity for the better. In this case, he's actually come to an amicable arrangement with Radiohead's "people" so this free remix album is pretty kosher as it turns out. In any case it's a good showcase for his talents, taking himself out of his typical hip-hop setting and going to town on Radiohead's In Rainbows album. The result is Rainydayz Remixes featuring Too $hort, MC Zumbi of Zion I, Chali2na of Jurassic 5, Codany Holiday, and Del The Funky Homosapien. And its very good. So grab it below.

Track list:
01 Rainydayz
02 Video Tapez (Ft. Del The Funky Homosapien)
03 Nudez (Ft. Too $hort & MC Zumbi of Zion I)
04 Weird Fishez
05 All I Need
06 15 Stepz (Ft. Codany Holiday)
07 Reckonerz (Ft. Chali2NA)
08 Faustz

DOWNLOAD

Remix The Politik Contest

beats — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 23:43:00 +0000

Here's a great opportunity for all you would-be producers out there. A chance to remix The Politik album and artwork, and have your work included on the official Remix album. The official blurb and linkage follows:
"Bembe Segue and Mark de Clive-Lowe welcome you to The Politik Remix Album + Artwork Competition. We had a lot of fun making this album in London and Vancouver and now it's your chance to have a go at flipping it. We've uploaded remix parts for the entire album plus the original raw artwork.. share this link and info with everyone who might be interested!

This competition is open to anyone and everyone who'd like to have a go at remixing one (or more) songs from The Politik's debut album. The winning remixes will be compiled into the official remix album The Politik Remixed to be released on both physical and digital formats. The second part of the competition is an artwork remix competition for the cover art of the official release. Download the original artwork by Joshua Mays and have a go at reworking it in the spirit of the Remix."

All entries must be received by April 14, 2008.
For more information, download links for all the files and the submission info click:
http://remixthepolitik.blogspot.com/

myspace.com/thepolitik
thepolitik.imeem.com
coopr8.net

Jon Phenom's Hay Fam Show

beats — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:38:00 +0000

Designer/stylist Jon Phenom recently launched his Hay Fam venture which is a web show, spotlighting cultural movers n' shakers in the underground scene, focusing on fashion and music.
The first few episodes are up at HayFamShow.com
Here's my fave so far with Rickey Kim of Evil Monito. Other installments include Josh Madden and Raymond Roker.

Download the Strictly Social DJ mix Vol 1

beats — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:50:00 +0000

now available for free download (for a limited time) is DJ Destroyer's Strictly Social Mix Volume 1, chock-filled with progressive soul and soulful hip-hop gems:

GRAB IT HERE

Tracklisting:

1.CONTEMPLATING- COLOSSUS FEAT. FLASH

2.LOVE THIRST-JEAN GRAE & 9TH WONDER

3.TOUCH ME WIT UR HANDZ-DJ JAZZY JEFF FEAT. CHINA BLAC

4.TIGHT EYES FEAT. OH NO AND THE LUV BUGS- NICOLAY & KAY

5.I CHOOSE YOU-JON BIBBS

6.LET IT BANG-9TH WONDER

7.RIGHTNESS-JILLSCOTT

8.SEX GOD FEAT.PHONTE-BRAND NEW HEAVIES

9.LET THE DOLLAR CIRCULATE-J DILLA AKA JAY DEE

10.DOLLAR-STEVE SPACEK

11.BEEN IN LOVE-ERIC ROBERSON

12.TRUE FRIENDS-BLACK SPADE

13.LIFE AND MUSIC-ROGIERS

14.CUZ I'M JAZZY-GURU FEAT.SLUM VILLAGE

15.RECKONERZ FEAT. CHARLI2NA-AMPLIVE

16.FLY...SHINE-YOLANDA JOHNSON

17.SCARED-AMP FIDDLER

18.CAN YOU RELATE-SOULSTICE

19.THE LIGHTS-NICOLAY & KAY

20.TRON-WAJEED

21.ENERGY-RAHEEM DEVAUGN FEAT. BIG BOI

22.TASTE-RICK JAMES

23.LUV' YA-UNKLE JAM

24.BECAUSE OF YOU-MICHELLE AMADOR

25.CHECK YOUR COAT-O'NEAL McKNIGHT

26.EVERYTHING-JIMI JAMES

27.VIDEO TAPEZ FEAT DEL THE FUNKY HOMOSAPIEN-AMPLIVE

28.SPECIAL(ORIGINAL)-9TH WONDER

29.SO GONE-BLACK MILK

30.ANYTHING-WAJEED

31.STEP YA GAME UP(REMIX)-LITTLE BROTHER & HI TEK

32.THE HEALER/HIP HOP-ERYKAH BADU

http://www.myspace.com/djdestroyer

http://www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial

Rozzi Daime @ Strictly Social & Temple Bar

beats — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:44:00 +0000

Catch Rozzi Daime + Sa-Ra live tonight at Los Angeles' Temple Bar.

Rozzi Daime, Sa-Ra + special guests
Temple Bar
March 5th
www.myspace.com/rozzidaime

Read the event review from Rozzi's performance at Strictly Social, Feb 27th at Nu-SoulMag

Sa-Ra's Rozzi Daime + Jesse Saunders + Erykah Badu - Feb 27th Strictly Social

beats — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:28:00 +0000

Nu-Soul Magazine and Soul Union once again bring you a night of eclectic soul fusion with Strictly Social.
On Wednesday February 27 prepare for the most eclectic lineup yet!
FEATURING APPEARANCES BY:

House legend JESSE SAUNDERS will be performing a special DJ set in support of his new book House Music: The Real Story
www.myspace.com/jessesaunders
Purchase the book at Amazon

ROZZI DAIME
Featured artist on Sa-Ra Creative Partners' Hollywood Recordings
www.myspace.com/rozzidaime

We will also be celebrating the release of the highly anticipated release of Erykah Badu's New Amerykah with a special listening party at 9pm and lots of cool goodies for the early birds
Setting the vibe will be the amazing photography of Gregory Prescott
www.myspace.com/prescottphotography
Resident DJs Milky Wayne & Destroyer will be providing the musical cocktails

Admission is free with RSVP to info@nu-soulmag.com b4 10:30pm and just $5 after so get there early!

Strictly Social
Wednesday February 27
@ Skinny's Lounge
4923 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Plenty of FREE parking!
Free with RSVP b4 10:30
$5 after
9pm-2am
www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial
www.nu-soulmag.com

Win A Copy of Scion cd 19 - Daptone Records Remixed

beats — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 02:05:00 +0000

Scion has partnered with indie funk and soul label Daptone Records to launch Scion CD Sampler Vol. 19 - Daptone Records Remixed, a double CD-set compilation including nine exclusive remixes of various artists, along with the nine original recordings.

In keeping with the spirit of supporting independent music initiatives that underpin the Scion A/V label, all proceeds from this release will go directly back to the artists on the Daptone Records label. Scion has enlisted the help of today's hottest DJs and remixers to produce the unique sounds on Scion CD 19 including Mark Ronson, Kenny Dope, Mad Professor, Afrodisiac Soundsystem, Ticklah, Hank Shocklee, DJ Spinna and Bull Jun (remix features vocal by Large Professor). Listeners can expect to hear exclusive remixes of original Daptone artists such as The Budos Band, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Daktaris and The Sugarman Three & Co.

CLICK HERE to enter the contest to win a copy!

Remixers:
Mark Ronson
Kenny Dope
Mad Professor
Cool Calm Pete
Afrodisiac Soundsystem
Ticklah
Hank Shocklee
DJ Spinna
Bull Jun (remix features vocal by Large Professor)

Original Artists:
The Budos Band
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
The Daktaris
The Sugarman Three & Co.

www.scion.com/sav
www.daptonerecords.com

CLICK HERE to enter the contest to win a copy!

Free Download from Concrete Project album

beats — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:48:00 +0000

Grab yourself a free MP3 from newly launched Mahasa Music's Concrete Project release, compiled by DCee. The track is the futuristic "Atomic Light N’ Sound", produced by Rustie and featuring the vocals of Kissey Asplund. Download here

Res + Talib Kweli = Idle Warship

beats — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:41:00 +0000

Res, one of the most talented artists to be continually overlooked by the label system, and Talib Kweli have formed a group - Idle Warship. Personally I'd like to see Res collabo with someone a little....edgier, maybe, than Talib but maybe this will help get her some well-deserved shine until those Pharrell tracks she's supposedly working on actually drop. You can check out several tracks on their MySpace. The one being most talked about is Industry Diary which recounts their industry drama over Alicia Keys' "Diary". Eskay has the download link over here,
and like him, I have to credit InverseHipHop for bringing it to my attention.

My Favorite EP - open source music

beats — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:38:00 +0000

Indie-hop artist Domer has embarked on an innovative 'open source' music project. He made 5 acappellas available for download and invited producers to create their own tracks around them. The results are now available for download. All the various versions can be downloaded for free, and you can create your own version of the EP. Our selections are below, but head over to:
www.reverbnation.com/MyFavoriteEp
to create your own.

You can also download a special "My Favorite Mixtape" here.

Samantha James Live At Hotel Cafe

beats — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:24:00 +0000

Om Records' artist Samantha James played a live show at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood last night - Feb 4th 2008. Check the show review HERE, courtesy of MobileUnderground.

If you missed this one, she's performing again in LA at King King on Feb 22nd. Check her Myspace for details.

And if you've been sleeping on Samantha James and need to get up to speed - grab yourself this podcast via Om Records where she talks about her excellent debut album Rise and plays select tracks from it. Also head over to Nu-Soul Mag for this feature interview with James.

Free Conya Doss Download

beats — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 22:58:00 +0000

This comes via SoulTracks.com's Choice Track feature
The wonderful Conya Doss has a new album (her 4th) coming out and has kindly made a preview track available for free. Right click HERE to download "Let's Do Something Tonight". To be honest, it's not my favorite track she's ever done, but it's still Conya, so its definitely worth a listen.

Strictly Social Event Review and Pics

beats — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 01:49:00 +0000

Wednesday's Strictly Social was the best yet! Much fun was had by all.
The listening party for Heavy's album "Jazz Money" set the tone for the evening, then DJ Moonbaby dropped a soulful set to warm up the crowd. And let's not forget the dope photography of Kawai (Air Philosophy) that provided the visual ambiance.

By the time Amber Ojeda and her band took to the stage, Skinny's was packed and attentive to her soulful, jazzy set.
Then Jimi James took things to the next level with her futuristic sound and unique stage show (while rockin' a fresh pair of London Underground boots) 2 background singers, 2 MCs and a thrift store backdrop and theme added to Jimi's own electric stage presence. Don't sleep on Jimi James, she's a star in the making.....you heard it here first ;)

Check Norman's blog for a more eloquent description of the night and plenty of pics!!
Next month's event is set to be a hot one too. Stay tuned for details....

Amber Ojeda puts it down all soulful n' jazzy like.....

Its Jimi James' world, we're just vibin in it

LifeNotes Music

beats — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:42:00 +0000

So I just discovered these cats and they are dope indeed. One of the central creative figures appears to be Erik Rico a producer/writer/singer with an extensive list of credits including production and co-writes for Ladybug Mecca, Mystic, Dave Ghetto, Planet Asia and more. His latest release is his solo album "Journey Back To Me" which is a soulful affair with futuristic broken beats, hip-hop, jazz and all kinds of other good stuff.
To sample, go visit:
www.myspace.com/lifenotesmusic
www.myspace.com/erikricomusic

You can also grab a dope podcast from Joel Matthew. Tracklist below:
Squarepusher - "Bubble Life" - Warp 2006
Flying Lotus - "Tea Leaf Dancers" - Warp 2007
Bob James - "Nautilus" - KOCH Records 1974
Justis - "Jazz Music" (instrumental) - Do Right! Music 2007
Kutiman - "No Groove Where I Come From" - Melting Pot Music 2007
Cornelius - "Fit Song" - Everloving 2007
Great Weekend - "How Do You Feel" - mp3 2005
Little Dragon - "Constant Surprises" - Peacefrog 2007
Seventy Three - "Flashback" - Rush Hour Records 2007
Joash - "Salome" - Compost Records 2007
Outlines - "I'm in Love" - Sonar Kollektiv 2007
Donald Byrd - "Think Twice" - Blue Notes Records 1974
Linkwood Family - "Piece of Mind" - Firecracker Records 2007
Evaldo Montenovo - "Chile Con Carne" - Compost Records 1999
Ben Westbeech - "So Good Today (Dap Kings)" - Record Kicks 2007
Barakas - "Kes" - Tru Thoughts 2007
Erik Rico - "Forever" - LifeNotes Music 2007
Hird - "I Love You My Hope" (do right remix) - DNM 2006
4hero - "Look Inside" - Raw Canvas Records 2007

Enjoy!

Free Download from DJ Nerstylist

beats — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 09:03:00 +0000

Another free DJ mix download, this time from DJ Nerstylist, via DJ Come of Age.
The mix is called "Quiet Time". Tracklist below. Download HERE

dj nerstylist - quiet time
(a smooth blend of downtempo, neo-soul, & jazzed up hip-hop)

1. jazz liberatorz - dark keys
2. dwele feat. teena marie - timeless
3. dj spinna - surely
4. lizz fields - i gotta go
5. james mason - funny girl (extended edit)
6. dj spinna - starz
7. dj mitsu feat. dwele - right here
8. dj mitsu feat. dwele - right here (seoul city refix)
9. lina - come to mama
10. the roots feat. jill scott - complexity
11. the platinum pied pipers feat. tiombe lockhart - i got you
12. patrice rushen - remind me
13. zhane - crush
14. venus malone - ain't home tonight
15. jill scott - whatever
16. jazzanova - soon (p smoovah mix)
17. vanessa freeman - shades
18. rahsaan patterson - get here
19. allison crockett - when i think of you
20. maxwell - the urban theme
21. the brand new heavies - never stop (extended version)
22. peven everett - one more time
23. common - go!
24. larry gold feat. nanda - feel so good
25. eric roberson - please don't leave me
26. masters at work - i can't get no sleep (the down low instrumental)
27. jazz liberatorz - loop prisoner
28. niamaj - the vibe
29. dj jazzy jeff feat. shawn stockman - how i do
30. headnodic - persistence
31. d'angelo - me & those dreamy eyes (jaydee remix)
32. soulive feat. talib kweli - bridge to 'bama (hi-tek remix)
33. adriana evans - remember the love (battle of the beats remix)
34. a tribe called quest - mind power
35. hezekiah feat. eleon - my life
36. groove theory - tell me (spark plug mix)
37. dj spinna - shazzam

www.myspace.com/djnerstylist

New DJ Rahdu Mix - Download Here

beats — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:56:00 +0000

30 minutes of soulful vibes from DJ Rahdu. Check the details below.
Download HERE

1. Vicki Anderson; Bobby Byrd - You're welcome, Stop On By - Mother Popcorn - Vivid Sound
2. 9th Wonder instrumetal - CD-R
3. DJ Babu - Dee On - Beat Tape, Vol. 1 - Nature Sounds
4. Erykah Badu - The Healer - Nu Amerykah - Universal/Motown
5. Pete Rock; Leela James - No Tears - Soul Survivor 2 - Rapster
6. G&D - Time - Message Uni versa - Look
7. Coultrain - Lilac Tree - The Adventures of Seymour Liberty - Ju Ju Dust
8. Byron the Aquarius - Turn Back Time - CD-R
9. Sa-Ra; Rozzi Daime - So Special - The Hollywood Recordings - Babygrande
10 DJ Spinna - Starz - Compositions - Female Fun
11. Busta Rhymes - Woo-Hah! Got you All In Check! - the Coming - Elektra/WEA
12. Quantic Soul Orchestra - Raw Ingredients - Stampede - Tru Thoughts
13. The Bamboos; Tyra Hammond - Head In the Clouds - Rawville - Tru Thoughts
14. El Michels Affair - Detroit Think Twice - Sounding Out The City - PID
15. Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - How Long Do I Have to Wait For You (Ticklah Remix) - Daptone Records Remixed - Daptone Records

This mix began as a blend of instrumentals. After I'd selected the 9th Wonder instrumental reworking of Vicki Anderson's Stop on By and Babu's refixing of Dionne Warwick's You're Gonna Need Me, I decided to go another route. Both of the originals have powerful female vocals which immediately put me in the mind of Northen Soul. Leela James and Georgia Anne Muldrow (1/2 of G&D) are current artists that I could easily see handling the reigns after Sharon Jones releases them. Strong drums, pianos and horns throughout and spacy at times, this mix is a 30 minute treat for the discerning listener. Enjoy!

J Davey's Manifesto To The Music Industry

beats — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:53:00 +0000

J Davey just posted this open letter to the music industry on their blog. I was directed to it by the always informed Ant Valadez. Makes for some interesting reading from one of the most hyped acts to still not have released their major label debut.....
------------------

"lights out !" : an open letter to the record industry & the idiots who work for the fascist regime .
read this out loud !

this is intended for all of you lowly puppets who sit in your big offices in big buildings that will soon be out of business & thus, forced to hold vacant memories of an industry that once was . this is for all of the big wigs in suits & ties who sit at the head of the conference room table with creative opinions as empty as the "music" they force down the throats of the now bored & uninspired creative consumers . this is for all the idle assistants who only work hard enough to get their names on the grammy party lists, or whose only existence remains obsolete if he/she can't get into the hot new band's hollywood show debut . this is for the borderline retarded a&r guy who should in fact abandon his dreams of changing the failing record industry to become a highly paid talent scout at a modeling agency . this is definitely for all the marketing low lives who fail to avidly push great talent because the world's fave reality slut randomly decided one day while botoxing her armpits that she wants to be a rockstar .

yes .
this open letter is for all of you .
come feast your eyes upon the truth behind your insolence for 5 minutes , if you even have your job for that much longer.

your blatant lack of respect & worship for the oldest & dearest artform has brought a once thriving & artistic industry to a grinding halt . your willingness to believe that the world wide web has killed the consumers' thirst for new & exciting talent is wildly ignorant & safe . you would like to feed into this stupidity because you are too lazy to stand behind substance ; you'd rather take the low & easy road than take the time to nurture true talent . you'd rather tirelessly feed us the same carbon copied , lip synching , sex dripping , faux punk "i got my entire outfit from hot topic" rocker , buffoonishly ghetto "are they even speaking english?" hip hop , "same old same" sound from song to song type image & force us to believe that this is all the world's artists have to offer . you'd rather watch your company stocks & yearly record sales severely plummet than take strong initiative to fix the current problem . you'd rather see hundreds of employees laid off & out of work during the holidays because you're too afraid to stand up for something new & different . you're content with creating a 1-hit wonder society , where any idiot with anything shockingly catchy can enjoy a sorry 15 minutes of fame & a future segment on vh1's "biggest 1-hit wonders of 08" extravaganza .

where is the new generation of legends ?

beyonce & alicia keys are old shoe ins . r kelly , sure , but his personal dramas easily overshadow his genius . radiohead & outkast comes to mind , & then i draw a big blank .

the latest thrill in music has been an over abundance of great dancers with mediocre voices , albums , singles , concert ticket sales , etc . thank god the internet allows every joe blow in the universe a free forum to overexpose every little thing , especially mediocre celebrities . thank god for online music forums , such as myspace . artists are able to directly connect with the people & expose themselves & their art to everyone everywhere at the click of a button . myspace proves that music can no longer fit into a box . long gone are the days of urban vs pop vs alternative radio . gwen stefani had hit songs for years on the pop & alt charts , but she records a song written by pharrell & she's instantly on top of the urban charts as well . this new r&b dance pop music crosses over to white kids & that kelly clarkson "since you've been gone" song was smeared across the lips of many a young black girl last year . m i a is all over the indie alternative stations , & lets not even get started on gnarls barkeley .

all signs point to the obvious : true music consumers right now are a ) young , & b) smart . young kids are able to point & click their way to every new trend . they arguably have short attention spans & they want to be in on what's cool & personable to them . when madonna emerged in the '80s you had tons of girls around the world imitating her every move & style down to the mole . kurt cobain turned grunge commercial when he was exposed to millions of kids who felt like society's outsiders looking in . hip-hop has been a huge influence on mainstream culture since the early '80s because of it's relativity . kids have not changed . young people are not mindless robots who like what you tell them to like with no opinions . the youth are always looking to be enthralled .

they want to be entertained . they want to feel as though they are a part of something that will be written about , studied , & revered 20 years later . they , like all of us old & young alike , want to be inspired . when i was a kid i saw prince prance around on stage & dazzle people with his art & i felt inspired to do the same thing . why are you music industry idiots attempting to tell us that we don't want to be touched ? why are you trying to rob us of new musical experiences ? will there ever be another motown 25 / michael jackson moonwalk experience ? will we never again hear a single like queen's "bohemian rhapsody" on the radio because the hook isn't catchy enough ? will we never see another band like the talking heads & joy division or parliament ? will there never be another artist to rival frank zappa ? will we be forced to hear different versions of the same dumb song on every single radio station every 5 minutes simply because the record label had enough money to pay off the station manager ? are we still supposed to care about mtv when there are hardly any videos in rotation ? do i even need to mention b e t or v h 1 ? are any of the classic record industry outlets working these days ? as of late it seems that artists are independently breaking ground with their own efforts . songs are being licensed for national commercials from artists' myspace pages & personal websites . ellen degeneres has been known to book musical guests from videos seen on youtube , & as i aforementioned , gnarls barkeley not only created a new genre , but they also won grammy awards for an album that was recorded in home studios & released through an indie label .

why should artists even seek major label deals ? they are completely outdated & obsolete . artists are sold the dream that talent can secure superstardom , but it becomes evident that labels only sign bands nowdays because of the band's existing fanbase & record sales , or because they dig the artist's look & want to cash in . they don't want to develop the art . they don't want the artist to express his/herself entirely . they just want the artist to comply with what will get the company a big monetary return . they sign you for millions , pimp you for pennies , then drop you a year later when the music they made you record & release is no longer relevant . you're left on the streets unsigned & irrelevant & ready to infect the world with the music you've always wanted to make , but no one will take a chance on you due to your previous material . meanwhile , the label has already put white out over your signature on the slave deal & replaced it with a younger version of you . cold game , ain't it ?

the age old model is failing . as an industry based on faithful consumers you have lost your connection with the people who matter most : the PEOPLE . you have yet to show them that you are with the changing times & able to adapt to something new . you are proving that you are too afraid to promote good music . you would rather let the monotonous drone of what is today's music remain unbalanced by substance . you would rather watch more legendary artists abandon you for direct deals with itunes & touring companies . you would rather allow the internet to defeat what should be your life's work . maybe you should excuse yourself from the next a&r meeting to go take a look in the bathroom mirror . stand there & ask yourself why you took this job , & when you realize it's simply because you wanted to be cool & "in the mix" then return to the conference room , take that gun out of your pocket , & shoot yourself in the head in front of your coworkers so that you are made an example of . if you can in fact leave that conference room & look in the bathroom mirror with pride & hunger to break the monotony then head back into that conference room , jump on top of the table & read this manifesto .

this is a challenge .
we're calling your bluff .
record labels are nothing but banks that give artists hi price loans in exchange for artistic control . put your money where your cocks are . go out on a limb & support real music for a change . find the line where the internet & the real world meet & infect more people with something magical . start building more legends . it's almost too late . interscope is dead . def jam is next . motown who ? mca what ? warner , you're not too far behind . the war sirens are ringing & you're content with playing deaf & dumb .
we're calling your bluff !
we're here to reprogram how you & the rest of the world listen to music .
we can do this together , or you can stick to your own devices & peril in the process .
we are the people . we are the future . we are the present .
who are you ?

*******************************************************************

copy this , paste this , & repost it wherever you see fit . email it to those who you believe can benefit from somethin like this . this is from the heart in jerry maguire "who's comin with me?" fashion . lets open our eyes , our ears , & our hearts . lets stop standin for the bullshit & start demandin these idiots to take charge & make change . substance has the right to be heard . support real shit & start takin it to the streets !

c'mon people .
it's 2008 . diddy killed music in 94 . it's time for some better shit .

pass it on . . .

4Hero - "Morning Child' Digital EP

beats — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:55:00 +0000

Milan Records have just released a digital, iTunes-only remix EP of 4Hero's Morning Child. There are 8 mixes, including a Daddy G Remix, Landau Orchestra Remix, L.A.O.S D&B Mix, and Danya Vodovoz Midnight House Mix.
They have also been nice enough to offer a free download of the radio edit

Tracklisting
1. Morning Child (radio edit)
2. Morning Child – DADDY G (MASSIVE ATTACK) remix
3. Morning Child – THE LANDAU ORCHESTRA remix
4. Morning Child – L..A.O.S. D&B remix
5. Morning Child – Midnight House Mix by DANYA VODOVOZ
6. Morning Child – Original instrumental
7. Morning Child – Daddy G instrumental
8. Morning Child – The Landau Orchestra instrumental

Cop the EP here:

Check out the video:

Strictly Social - Jan 30th

beats — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:22:00 +0000

Nu-Soul Magazine and Soul Union return with the first edition of Strictly Social in 2008.

On Wednesday January 30, 2008 come experience LA's top night for eclectic soul fusion featuring a diverse lineup of up and coming soul pioneers, DJs and visual artists.

This edition will feature LIVE PERFORMANCES by:

JIMI JAMES
myspace.com/rahrahgirl

and

AMBER OJEDA
myspace.com/amberojeda

PLUS a special DJ set from LA's own DJ Moonbaby (myspace.com/djmoonbabysplanet)

Come early for a special listening event for future soul act HEAVy's new album JAZZMONEY$$ available now on BBE Records
myspace.com/whoisheavy

The night will also feature the photography of Air Philosophy's Kawai Matthews on display.
AirPhilosophy.com

Resident DJs Milky Wayne & Destroyer will be bringing the hottest nu-soul grooves for you to dance to.

Admission is $5 or Free with RSVP to info@nu-soulmag.com or at Going.com/ssjanuary

Strictly Social
Wednesday January 30
@ Skinny's
4923 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
$5 admission
FREE with RSVP:
info@nu-soulmag.com
9pm-2am
21+
myspace.com/lastrictlysocial

Free Yolanda Johnson Download

beats — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 02:32:00 +0000

Free download of Yolanda Johnson's excellent "Intervention", featuring T3 of Slum Village and produced by S1 of the Strange Fruit Project.
Grab it HERE
This track is taken from the Soulsicle Compilation: www.metamusicrecordings.com.
Cop Yolanda's album Violet Flower HERE

Free Samantha James/ The Southerner Mix

beats — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 02:21:00 +0000

Get this while it lasts - a free DJ mix from Om Records' Samantha James, and the Southerner.
http://www.mediafire.com/?dmnhekxym39
Don't forget to pick up her excellent debut album "Rise" available HERE.

Samantha James Myspace