Zo! & Phonte – Return Of The Mack f. Tigallo the Tay God (Free Download)
If you are a fan of Phonte’s music, then you are sure to know about the project he did with Zo!: Zo! & Tiggalo Love the 80’s. I guess his recent collaboration with Lil’ B has brought out the Tay God in the NC legend. This joint is smooth and hilarious, all at the same time. If you are smart, this is a must have for your collection. Make sure you download it here for FREE…
Foreign Exchange – Authenticity (Video)
Shoutouts to NC alt-Soul group Foreign Exchange, for the release of one of the best conceptual videos I have seen all year. FE has been on a tear since their Grammy nomination last year, and this video further cements their place in the upper echelon of today’s R&B acts. If you missed their private show in Durham last night, then make sure you check out the video & purchase Authenticity on iTunes…
Phonte – Unreleased Joints
The other night, Phonte went wild & released a whole bunch of unheard music. Some of it was pure hilarity(RZA is the World/I Wanna Do It), but others are gems that were meant to be heard(Paper Lines/Unreleased Bleek).
I had never heard of G.I.M.M.E before, which was basically Little Brother before Little Brother. Tay threw a couple of those joints up there. Also included is a song that he and Mr. Porter submitted for a major artist’s album a few years back. Wanna find out who it was, click right here to hear these jams for FREE…
While we are on the subject of Phonte, it’s been a heavily stated fact that he 9th have set their differences aside and are now collaborating on some new music. If I am not mistaken their is a song in the works with Drake and J. Cole. I think that sounds dope, and would be a great look for Tay. I will keep you posted. In the meantime, check out this new video….
Focus – The Avant Garde Project: Special Edition (Free Download)
Shoutouts to super-producer Focus, on the re-release of his acclaimed project, Avant Garde. Among others, it features NC’s most heralded hip hop son, Phonte. Here is some more info about it:
On Jan 31, 2011 renowned Pop, R&B and Hip-Hop producer will make his first foray into the entertainment industry as an artist with the re-release of his debut solo LP The Avant Garde Project via his own independent imprint, aFam Entertainment. The re-release, which features all original production and vocals by Focus… is bound to not only take many by surprise, but also challenge the norms of today’s contemporary music.
Born Bernard Edwards, Jr., Focus… stands out among his peers as one of Hip-Hop and R&B’s few complete musicians. As a songwriter and producer, his portfolio includes songs by 112, Beyonce, Busta Rhymes, Christina Aguilera, Dr. Dre, Marsha Ambrosius, Mary Mary, ‘NSync, Pink, and Slaughterhouse. His latest creation, The Avant Garde Project not only harkens the evolution of today’s popular music, but it also represents the full scope of Focus…’ talent, artistry and passion for music.
The seeds for The Avant Garde Project were born long ago, during Focus…’ days as a budding producer in Los Angeles. During that period of his career, he would often take breaks from his work to experiment with sounds and styles that varied widely from the music he was becoming known for. In 2009, while revisiting the results of those experiments, Focus… decided to release this project as a complete departure from what most would expect.
The result is a collection of songs that evoke a level of emotional connection that has become rare in today’s popular music. And that connection is by no means accidental. Focus…’ songwriting success comes from his ability to tap into his own experiences to marry lyrics to the emotions of the tracks he creates. Having crafted The Avant Garde Project , Focus… is able to deliver each note with a sincerity that draws the listener in, allowing you to live the pain of unselfish love on “Recession,” featuring Phonte (of the groups Little Brother and Foreign Exchange); the frustration of an unnecessary argument on “At All;” or the desperation to break from love gone wrong on “Br@keFr3e!” Focus…’ creative arrangements, instrumental intricacies and sonic experimentation allows the music itself to stand strongly alongside the artistry, with neither outshining the other.
Take Another Look: Madwreck Remixes Picture This
Shoutout to Madwreck from coming through with this dope ass Remix project. It features a ton of NC emcees including Supastition(Kam Moye), Phonte, K-Hill, Chaundon, Sean Boog, Kaze and Median. Ontop of that, it’s a star studded project, and stands tall next to it’s predecessor. Here is some more info:
Take Another Look , dropping December 12th, is the brainchild of producer, MC & occasional DJ, Madwreck. After being tapped to contribute a remix for Beat*Society’s most recent release, he inquired about the acapellas for the entire album. After months of work , the end result was a cohesive new musical backdrop that makes the listener forget there was even an original version.
It’s insanely inexpensive and well worth the download. So pick it up here…
Foreign Exchange – Maybe She’ll Dream of Me (Video)
I can’t lie, after hearing Connected, the expectations for Leave It All Behind were astronomical. Then it came out… Instead of using the same equation of soulful hip hop beats with top notch lyricism and song writing, it was alternative soul music over vivid musical landscapes. Needless to say, I didn’t grasp it like others did. But the one thing that LIAB did do for me was to set me up for their new offering, Authenticity. Shoutout to Phonte & Nicolay for coming together on another excellent piece of artistry…
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