Archive » November 2008

I Was There, Video SoulBounce

When Ledisi Showed Up and Showed Out

Last Friday night my sugar pie honey bunch took me out on the town to see jazz pianist Anthony Walker in concert. It was an intimate affair at Maryland's Blair Mansion dinner theatre with various guest vocalists joining Walker to...

Butta  |  11/26/2008 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (12)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Leona Lewis Emotes in the Woods in 'Run' Video

I started off on Team Leona Lewis, but I'm seriously looking for a trade. It's not that she doesn't have a great voice because she is a technically stunning singer, but I've become increasingly bored. I had that feeling when...

Butta  |  11/26/2008 at 2:50 PM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink

We Hear

Obama Inauguration To Be A Star-Studded (Pop) Event?

Remember last week when we asked who should perform at Barack Obama's inauguration and we (along with our commenters) kicked around names like Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Seal and Alicia Keys? Ha! The jokes on us if recent rumors are...

nOvaMatic  |  11/26/2008 at 1:25 PM  |  Comments (18)  |  Permalink

Kicks & Giggles

Is This New McDonald's Ad Tired? Or Whimsical?

Grown Man R&B lives! Oh wait, this isn't a new Avant video? It's a Black man singing about McNuggets? Ugh. It's the '80s all over again, only this time "Calvin" isn't visiting Burger King on his lunch break. Man, this...

nOvaMatic  |  11/26/2008 at 12:35 PM  |  Comments (21)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: This Love Is Unbreakable

Jill Scott is pregnant with her first child and her fiancee's fourth by as many baby mamas. Congrats! I think. [BV]J. Holiday has new album due in February 2009. Yay. [SR]Thank goodness our invitations to the 2008 Dirty Awards...

Butta  |  11/26/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

The Interwebs, Video SoulBounce

NPR Shows The Foreign Exchange's 'House Of Cards' Some Love

Congratulations are in order for The Foreign Exchange whose "House of Cards" was chosen as NPR's Song of the Day today. "House of Cards" is but one of an album's worth of fine, noteworthy songs from the ridiculously good Leave...

Butta  |  11/25/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Ne-Yo Argues, Appears in the Afterlife in 'Mad' Video

Not one to rest on his laurels and coming off of a stellar performance at Sunday's American Music Awards, Ne-Yo's new video for his next single "Mad" has just hit the net and he has another winner on his hands....

Butta  |  11/25/2008 at 4:45 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

First Spin

Common Is 'Punch Drunk' In Love

Now that we're all heavy with anticipation for Common's new dance record (sort of), Universal Mind Control, let's get our bump on, shall we? "Punch Drunk Love" features The Neptunes on production with Com's ever faithful wingman Kanye West providing...

ill Mami  |  11/25/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

'R U Listenin' Because Illa J Is 'Here'

We previously mentioned that Illa J was picking up the torch left behind by his late brother J Dilla with the new release Yancey Boys. The album is now available and hot on its heels are not one but two...

Butta  |  11/25/2008 at 3:20 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Will Idle Warship's New Video Make You 'Moan' or Groan?

When we last checked with Idle Warship, the duo--Talib Kweli and Res--were busy railing against Hillary Clinton who was nipping at Barack Obama's heels to become the Democratic nominee for president. It goes without saying that alot has changed since...

Butta  |  11/25/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Which of These Tracks Passes The SoulBounce Sniff Test?

Here's a roundup of some new and noteworthy tracks that we either missed or didn't really warrant a single post (sorry, Jamie). First up is the superb "MVP" by Ludacris produced by DJ Premier. I'm thinking Luda should do more...

nOvaMatic  |  11/25/2008 at 12:20 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Theophilus London & Jesse Boykins III Are Not Feeling This 'Cold Pillow'

But we are. Theophilus London has been steadily gaining a following as he churns out tunes like Lupe Fiasco's more nerdily dressed doppleganger. You know how there are just way too many rappers claiming that Coldplay and Radiohead are their...

ill Mami  |  11/25/2008 at 11:15 AM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Kinda Like Shaft

Aretha Franklin exiles chitterlings from her Thanksgiving menu, and cleans collards with Cheer. [NPR]Black Milk, House Shoes and Elzhi discuss Tronic, Dilla and Detroit. [CK]People are linking Lenny Kravitz with Ashley Dupre. [EUR]Read your SB HNIC go hard on...

nOvaMatic  |  11/25/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Mixtape Roundup

SoulBounce Blended & Beat Vol. 2

Are you ready for some Thanksgiving Family Funkery? Or maybe something to get you through the next two hellish workdays? We've unveiled another mix for our loyal family of readers, and not a moment too soon (the last joint went...

nOvaMatic  |  11/24/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

I Was There, Listicle

10 Things I'm Thankful For (After Attending the Final Show of Maxwell's Tour)

Let's just start here: There's no way on God's green Earth that I could ever come close to this stellar review of the Maxwell experience. So I won't even try. However, with that said, since I was in attendance at...

Harlem  |  11/24/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (14)  |  Permalink

First Spin

India.Arie & Musiq Soulchild Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With 'Chocolate High'

India.Arie is prepping for the 2009 release of her next musical opus Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics and lucky for us that the rumored first single has found its way on the net. India teams up with long-time...

Butta  |  11/24/2008 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (20)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise

First Ever MTV Africa Awards is the Most Relevant Thing MTV's Done Lately

It's interesting that as MTV continues its unrelenting march toward obsolescence it's subsidiary, MTV Base Africa, hosts the first ever MTV Africa Awards, which is arguably the most relevant thing the global network has done in some time. While it's...

Ro  |  11/24/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Relax in Paradise

MC Breed (1972-2008)

Rapper MC Breed Dies [VIBE]MC Breed [MySpace][Wiki]...

Butta  |  11/24/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: You're The Highest of The High

  Why yes, you can mix cellos and turntables and have it sound...umm...interesting. [NYT]The FCC sure knows how to hold a grudge against Janet Jackson. [LAT]Beneath the Auto-Tuning of Kanye West's voice, you can hear Esthero on his new...

ill Mami  |  11/24/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Reviews

Why I Cannot Properly Review Black Milk's 'Tronic'

Tronic is so bloody fantastic it's frustrating. When you've spent most of the last couple of years trying to convince people how dope Black Milk is and they respond with this hard-headed refusal to give dude a chance, it makes you...

nOvaMatic  |  11/21/2008 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (19)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Slim Got Some 'Good Lovin'

This week we got a two-fer from Slim with his new album Love's Crazy dropping on Tuesday and the video for the second single hitting the net yesterday. "Good Lovin" is a solid albeit formulaic R&B song and finds Slim...

Butta  |  11/21/2008 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Newish Videos From Jazzanova, Little Dragon & Gnarls Barkley

This week we're gonna shine the spotlight on some relatively new videos that may you may have missed because they flew under the radar, but they're all worth a serious look. First up is Jazzanova with the video for the...

Butta  |  11/21/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

The Interwebs

Common Is Now One Of Us

A blogger that is. That's right party people, Common has joined the legion of millions in the wild and wacky world of blogging. He's the latest of a growing number of hip hop and soul artists to get down with...

Butta  |  11/21/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Act Like You Know And Stop Acting Like It's Mental

It's all speculation at this point, but what if Soulja Boy stole his infamous dance? Crank dat schadenfreude. [AHH] Speaking of potential schadenfreude: Will Sasha Fierce be outsold by Taylor Swift? [SR]And on the subject of album sales: Guns...

Ro  |  11/21/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Kicks & Giggles, SoulTube

John Legend is The Latest Victim of Yuletide Nutmeg Psychosis

Ahh...the holiday season. Can't you feel that crispness in the air? Unless you're in Southern California and looking for shade, that is. John Legend is set to guest on the upcoming A Colbert Christmas special, all decked out as a...

ill Mami  |  11/20/2008 at 5:20 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

I Was There

Live On the Scene From S.O.B.'s

As any regular visitor to SoulBounce has noticed, the good people at S.O.B.'s in conjunction with SB have been lacing our NYC Bouncers with free tickets to select shows for the past few months. It's the least we can...

Butta  |  11/20/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Solange Loves Her Some 'T.O.N.Y.'

It seems as though the throwback '60s Motown era has not only infiltrated some of today's music but the look of the music as well. Deciding to shoot the video in black and white is not really avant garde, nor...

ill Mami  |  11/20/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (12)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

This is What You Do When Q-Tip is In Town

Q-Tip's clip for "Renaissance Rap" is a treat on many levels. Very rarely does an artist do a video for a "hidden" track (it follows "Move" on the same track). Most times, videos released from the same album tend to...

nOvaMatic  |  11/20/2008 at 12:02 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Industry & Culture

What? Billboard Isn't That Accurate? Get Out.

Though many people still listen to terrestrial radio, maybe even prefer to do so, it's clear that internet radio and social networking sites with music components have been on the rise for years now. Keeping this in mind, it's always...

Ro  |  11/20/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Strictly Underground Funk

Michael Jackson claims he's "too sick" to fly to London to defend himself against a lawsuit. Insert your own translation here. [BBC]Diddy will be appearing as a prosecutor over two episodes of CSI early next year. Wow. [MTV]Complex magazine...

Harlem  |  11/20/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Crowd Participation

Who Do You Think Should Perform at Obama's Inauguration?

Over at E! Online one they polled a random smattering of celebrities and notables about who they think should perform at Barack Obama's inauguration. Many of the interviewees mentioned non-singers like Ellen Degeneres and internationals like Leona Lewis and, of...

Ro  |  11/19/2008 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (47)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Avant Wants To 'Break Ya Back.' Really.

To be fair, Avant's new video for "Break Ya Back" has as part of its title "In A Good Way." As though this parenthetical phrase would somehow make this concept better. Truth be told, a lover telling you how the...

ill Mami  |  11/19/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Robin Thicke's New Video Is 'The Sweetest'

It sure did take long enough for a video to Robin Thicke's "The Sweetest Love," the second single from his latest album, to be made, but after watching this I'm sure people won't complain. Well, at least the fellas won't...

Butta  |  11/19/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Crowd Participation

What Slow Jams Make Your Baby-Making Playlist?

We recently consulted the fam for its ideal "Get Busy" music selections, and it resulted in one of the most epic email threads known to man. (I forgot to use the "BCC" Fail.) This isn't really a surprise; people jump...

nOvaMatic  |  11/19/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (45)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Terry Dexter Is 'Free'

A few weeks ago we gave you all a heads up that Terry Dexter returned to the scene with a new album entitled Listen, and here's the first video from the project for the cut "I'm Free." It's great to...

Butta  |  11/19/2008 at 11:30 AM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Releases, Video SoulBounce

Femi Kuti Readies New Release 'Day By Day'

Afrobeat has certainly come a long way into making it into mainstream consciousness. After the death of his father Fela Kuti, whose life has been explored beautifully and to rave reviews in the musical Fela!, Afrobeat as a genre seemed...

ill Mami  |  11/19/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Redbone Booties

Think you got some remixing skills? Jazzanova wants to see what you're working with. [MM]Keyshia Cole, please come get your mama. Seriously. [C+D]Who knew that Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart are homies? [HP]The tables have turned on Prince--now he's...

Butta  |  11/19/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

First Spin, Releases

The Revelations & Tré Williams Keep Hustlin'

We just put you up on The Revelations feat. Tré Williams as our latest Bounce-Worthy artists last week. And with good reason. Did you hear that Tré Williams sing...er, I mean, saaaang? Boyfriend is a beast on the microphone....

Butta  |  11/18/2008 at 4:30 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

The Roots 'Love' The Kids & Their Family

Recently, I have spent countless hours seemingly held hostage by children's programming. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my kid, but once you're on your third hour of Go Diego Go!, you might find yourself going a little batty....

ill Mami  |  11/18/2008 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

First Spin, Releases

Teisha Marie Is Positively Divine On 'K.O.N.'

We love it when our Bounce-Worthy artists keep making music and strides. The latest artist to make it do what it do is Teisha Marie, who was one of our first BW features last year. At that time she had...

Butta  |  11/18/2008 at 2:30 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Reggae Riddims, Video SoulBounce

Heavy D Misses His 'Long Distance Girlfriend'

Last time we checked, Heavy D was doing some acting, slimmed down a bit by boxing in the gym, and was going just by "D." Looks like the more things change, they stay the same, at least when it comes...

ill Mami  |  11/18/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Listicle

November's 10 Soulful People, Places & Things

Yes, clearly the month of November is almost over, but we're not psychics! If this feature takes off (as in, you love it) I'll try to get around to doing them mid-month, every month. Consider it a rundown (in no...

nOvaMatic  |  11/18/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Contests & Giveaways, Events

NYC Bouncers: Enter Our 24-Hour Sol Village Concert Ticket Giveaway!

I hope you're up for a quickie, NYC Bouncers! Now, now, get your minds out of the gutter--not that kinda quickie--but a quick giveaway to win tickets to the November Sol Village showcase tomorrow night at S.O.B.'s. Our main...

Butta  |  11/18/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Events

Voulez-Vous to See Labelle on Tour?

The recently reunited sixties and seventies soul super-group Labelle has announced some upcoming dates for the "Back To Now" tour, the group's first since 1977. This is far too long a time for them to have been absent from the...

Ro  |  11/18/2008 at 11:30 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

We Hear

CON-TRO-VER-SY!

OK! So, that Prince thing. Yup, we read all about it, and it's a hot, rancid mess. We aren't sure how to process this, mainly because, when you involve religion things get a little hairy. And, personally, I'd hate to...

nOvaMatic  |  11/18/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Anticipating Like A Bottle Of Heinz

Beyoncé is the new gay icon, in case you haven't been around for the past five years or so. [VIBE]You want your Barack Obama commemorative plates? Well we got 'em right here. [GAWK]Common selling his album on Zune for...

nOvaMatic  |  11/18/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Take A Bite Of Peter Hadar's 'Watermelon'

As my section of the country is experiencing a chilly chill on this fine Fall day, I can't help but daydream about when I'll next be able to break out the short sleeves and sandals as I knit yet...

Butta  |  11/17/2008 at 5:30 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Deborah Cox's 'Beautiful' New Video

Deborah Cox's new album The Promise dropped last week, and it's another superb slice of soul from the Canadian chanteuse. After digging the song "Beautiful U R," it's great to see that she filmed a video for the single. The...

Butta  |  11/17/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

First Spin

An Example of How To Use Auto-Tune Correctly

The Hip Hop blog community is besieged daily with unofficial remixes, 99% of them being completely unlistenable and irrelevant. A couple of weeks back, I spotted a "Love Lockdown" remix featuring R. Kelly on vocals that I quickly deleted lest...

ill Mami  |  11/17/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (13)  |  Permalink

First Spin, Free Music

SA-RA, Bilal & Georgia Anne Muldrow Breathe New Life Into Badu's 'Master Teacher'

We haven't heard a whole lot from Erykah Badu for quite a while, and there's a good reason for that: she's finished her world tour in support of New Amerykah Part One and she's expecting a child next year. Now...

ill Mami  |  11/17/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Releases

Your SoulBounce Guide To New & Upcoming Releases!

Look at you. Just frothing at the mouth for that new Beyoncé, ain'tcha? Well your wait is over, Crazy, because her album, along with a bunch of other stuff, is about to be released--officially! Welcome to another Release Guide. As...

nOvaMatic  |  11/17/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (15)  |  Permalink

Listicle

6 Reasons Why The Roots' Extended Break From Touring Isn't Such A Bad Thing

We were all there when the news broke over the weekend. ?uestlove revealed that he and The Roots crew would cease touring because they were recently hired as Late Night's new house band as the show transitions from Conan O'Brien to Jimmy...

nOvaMatic  |  11/17/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Oh La, Oh La, Ay

Much to our chagrin, Keyshia Cole's The Way It Is received stellar ratings with its current season's premiere episode. [BV]Don Cornelius is in a bigger heap of trouble compared to before. [VIBE]In case you still care, Touré offers his...

ill Mami  |  11/17/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Reviews

Q-Tip Doesn't Usher In A 'Renaissance,' But It's Still Worthwhile

Q-Tip's The Renaissiance, if you're a reader of this website, is likely something you already own or something that you're looking to acquire. Consisting of tracks that can imbue a lounge-type atmosphere, this album seeks to slow things down long...

ill Mami  |  11/14/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Video: Black Milk 'Give The Drummer Sum'

Listening to Black Milk's "Give the Drummer Sum" from his newly-released Tronic, it's hard not to imagine a video replete with kaleidoscopic colors, a funky big band and the requisite honeys. With that in mind, there really isn't much to say...

nOvaMatic  |  11/14/2008 at 3:30 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Jennifer Hudson's Resilience is Admirable

In light of the horrendous, unimaginably tragic deaths of her mother, brother, and nephew, it would be completely understandable if Jennifer Hudson took an indefinite hiatus from everything. So, the fact that she will be appearing in the holiday ad...

Ro  |  11/14/2008 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Bounce-Worthy

Bounce-Worthy: The Revelations feat. Tré Williams

If you're anything like us here at SoulBounce and wince each time a so-called soul singer surfaces with all the depth of a paper plate, you'll be happy to know that a new, true soul singer has emerged in the...

Harlem  |  11/14/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Your Regularly-Scheduled Controversial Auto-Tune Post Now Features Q-Tip!

Look, we can gripe and moan about the use of Auto-Tune and the Vocoder until we're blue in the face but, although they are closely related, there are marked differences between the two. Mainly, Auto-Tune is intended for pitch-correction and...

nOvaMatic  |  11/14/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Listicle

5 Ways That Janet Jackson Can Get 'Control' Again

Le sigh. Janet Jackson is having the worst year imaginable. From having boyfriend Jermaine Dupri throwing up on her lap after drinking Jay-Z's specialty booze to having to live down an older brother who constantly invents reunion tours out of...

AudioDiva  |  11/14/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (26)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Which of These Tracks Passes The SoulBounce Sniff Test?

So there were a couple of things we missed this week. Consider this a quick roundup of a few choice tracks we encountered during our daily internet haunts that we didn't get around to posting. First up is Chester French,...

nOvaMatic  |  11/14/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (12)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Tonight Is Gonna Be Scandalous

Will 2009 be the year of Outkast? With three albums in the works it very well could be. [PM]Keyshia Cole channels her inner pinup girl on her new CD cover. [TRU]Beyoncé is one cold...Sasha. She didn't even so much...

Ro  |  11/14/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Battle of the Beats

The Total Vs. Brandy Double-Header!

Hey, any excuse to talk about these two acts, right? Luckily for Brandy, she has an eagerly-awaited album right around the corner. Total, not so much, but our memories of them are precious. In today's Battle of the Beats, we...

nOvaMatic  |  11/13/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (12)  |  Permalink

Letter From the Editor

We've Earned the Right to 'Hate'

Oh boo-hoo, look at the big mean website making fun of Kanye West and T-Pain! You know what? I took a little vacation from this site and just sat back and watched the discourse unfold. It was pretty funny! You'd...

nOvaMatic  |  11/13/2008 at 4:21 PM  |  Comments (15)  |  Permalink

First Spin, Soul Cynic

Dear R&B, Stop Making Songs About Liquor

If you're anything like me, you love to "get your drank on." You love poppin' bottles wit' models up in da club. And why shouldn't you? You're grown! But you know what's really tired? Songs that not only constantly reference...

nOvaMatic  |  11/13/2008 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Media Watch, We Hear

Does This Mean They'll Do A Song Together?

You know what? I think I may actually go out and buy the December issue of Sister 2 Sister, because my girl Faith Evans is on the cover and she's talking about Lil' Kim. Only this time, she has nothing...

nOvaMatic  |  11/13/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

SoulTube

This Thanksgiving Weekend, PBS Stands for Philly-Based Soul

Clearly, it's all about Philly Soul these days. Fresh on the heels of this premiere, PBS announced that during this Thanksgiving weekend, their stations will be rocking out with Philly's finest as part of a special, appropriately named Love Train:...

Harlem  |  11/13/2008 at 12:10 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Seal's Been 'Loving You Too Long'

Fortunately for Seal his cover of Otis Redding's "I've Been Loving You Too Long" does the fantastic original a fair amount of justice. It's simple, straightforward and not embellished with too many contemporary accents but still fresh enough that it's...

Ro  |  11/13/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Love Come Quick, Love Come In A Hurry

India.Arie is finally set to release Testimony: Vol. 2, Love and Politics, just in time for Valentine's Day Week 2009. [SR]Bill Cosby scoffs at the idea that Barack Obama won the White House due to the supposed "Huxtable Effect." [SH]With...

Harlem  |  11/13/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

'Terror' & 'Riot' Become Hezekiah & Pharoahe Monch

We know you're still walking on sunshine and rainbows, consumed with the impending change that will take place as soon as President Obama is sworn into office in January, but let's not forget about the evil and ills that got...

ill Mami  |  11/12/2008 at 3:30 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Sh*t or Shinola?

Biting Is Kanye's Schtick

Some years ago, when Kanye West's ego was still in its zygote stage and he was Louis Vuitton-backpacking through  Northern America, Talib Kweli had made mention that Kanye's massive confidence was his schtick. After now witnessing him claim ideas that...

ill Mami  |  11/12/2008 at 1:30 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Kanye Puts His Cousin Tony Williams On, He Pays It Forward With Video Contest

The name Tony Williams may not be immediately recognizable, but if you own any Kanye West albums then you've surely heard his voice. Williams has contributed his vocals to numerous cuts from his cousin's first three discs, and now it's...

Butta  |  11/12/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise, The Interwebs

Anthony Hamilton Blogs His 'Playin' It Cool' Tour

The upswing in singers and musicians writing blogs has its positives and its negatives (example of both: Kanye's blog). While they can be wonderful insights into the thoughts and lives of their authors, they are also often not updated regularly...

Ro  |  11/12/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Love Will Conquer If U Just Believe

Naturi Naughton channels her inner skank on the cover of KING. Oh wait, that's just her looking like Lil Kim, who she plays in Notorious. [SONYC] Janet says that Def Jam wanted her to sound like Sade, which caused her...

Butta  |  11/12/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

SoulTube

VH1 Soul's 'Soul Cities' Goes Deep

We've no doubt seen countless episodes of television dedicated to the artists that we all know and love for their soul. Which is great, and satisfying. Tonight, however, the script gets flipped a bit as television instead focuses its cameras...

Harlem  |  11/11/2008 at 4:45 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Case Features Black Beauty In 'Lovely' Video

Remember Case? Of course you do. Who can forget his hits such as "Touch Me, Tease Me" and "Faded Pictures" at the turn of the century. Although he wasn't the greatest singer, he had his niche in the R&B game...

Butta  |  11/11/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

Bounce-Worthy

Bounce-Worthy: Jessica Tonder

There is just something about the weather turning colder than makes me yearn for darker, more introspective melodies, especially when sung by an emotional yet unaffected-sounding chanteuse. For the record, my Bjork phase is about to be in full swing...

ill Mami  |  11/11/2008 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

First Spin

J*DaVeY Tempts Us With Sweet, Sticky 'Dirty Peaches'

I have to admit that I have been boring of J*DaVeY a bit as of late. While I certainly love Miss Jack Davey's voice and her look has been jacked by celebrities as of late, there is just an inescapable...

ill Mami  |  11/11/2008 at 1:50 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

SoulTube

BET's 'Family' Shows Lack True Value

We are all painfully aware that the American Black family comes in many different shapes, sizes and circumstances. Throughout the years, television has given us many images of "the way it is" in our communities, from Good Times to The...

Harlem  |  11/11/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Raheem DeVaughn + T-Pain = EPIC FAIL

I'm really starting to wonder about Raheem DeVaughn. First, he didn't know the lyrics to Prince's "Adore" at a concert SB staff attended earlier this year, then he allowed R. Kelly to molest his music, shortly thereafter he made a...

Butta  |  11/11/2008 at 11:30 AM  |  Comments (44)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Maybe We Can Stay In Touch

According to the new issue of VIBE, Plies is the future of rap. Needless to say, rap is going to hell in a hand basket with gasoline drawers on. [VIBE]Thank goodness hip hop is still alive and thriving. Q-Tip...

Butta  |  11/11/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

With Obama's Election, 'It's A New Day' For Will.I.Am

If you're anything like me, then you're more than likely still on a high after last week's historic election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America. Obamania shows no signs of slowing down as...

Butta  |  11/10/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Sh*t or Shinola?

Soulja Boy Learns The True Meaning of Satire

Exactly one week after the news broke that Soulja Boy wished he could thank slavemasters for being able to bring us from Africa to enable us to acquire "ice and tattoos," comes the inevitable apology. The "ringtone rapper" is now...

ill Mami  |  11/10/2008 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Alicia Keys Needs a 'Saviour'

Almost a year after the release of her third CD, As I Am, Alicia Keys will be re-releasing the disc with three bonus cuts and a combo DVD today. But before you get your credit cards ready to ch-ching...

Butta  |  11/10/2008 at 1:45 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Can Barack and Michelle's Relationship Trigger a Love Renaissance for R&B?

There is an inordinate amount of projecting going on when it comes to President-elect Barack Obama's influence on music and arts in general. It seems as though he's expected to single-handedly usher in the rebirth of traditionally black music, starting...

Ro  |  11/10/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

First Spin

'Slow Down' With Jimmy Cozier

Jimmy Cozier is certainly a name we haven't heard for awhile. After his duet with Alicia Keys and his hit "She's All I Got" got us all out on the dance floor stepping to its midtempo groove seven years ago,...

ill Mami  |  11/10/2008 at 11:30 AM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Relax in Paradise

Miriam Makeba (1932-2008)

South African Musical Legend Miriam Makeba Dies [AP]Miriam Makeba [Wiki]...

Harlem  |  11/10/2008 at 11:15 AM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Dig If U Will The Picture

  Caught up in the election jubilation, Beyoncé has offered to sing at the inauguration. Please no melismatic meanderings on a maniacal melody, Bey. [HHDX]And in her attempt to be the queen of all media, Bey has also expressed interest...

ill Mami  |  11/10/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Industry & Culture, Soul Cynic

Stand Up! We're Not the Only Ones Disgusted with the Lack of Women in Hip-Hop

More and more, there is a rising sense of indignation about the lack of women in hip-hop that we at SoulBounce have been voicing for a while now. Over at Jezebel there is a post that raises the question "Doesn't...

Ro  |  11/07/2008 at 6:30 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

First Spin, House of Soul

'Just Come By' With Les Nubians

Our favorite Frenglish Nubian queens, Les Nubians, are back after laying quite low for some time with a fresh new house track, "Just Come By (Viens Près De Moi)," remixed by Greg Gauthier. Originally produced by Eric Pierre, all I can...

ill Mami  |  11/07/2008 at 4:05 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Enter Kanye's Ice Cream Dream World In 'Heartless'

Behold! The first video in the series that will likely be part one of all the videos made for "Heartless," Kanye West's new Auto-Tune resplendent single from the soon-to-be-released 808's & Heartbreak. What's obvious by watching this video is that...

ill Mami  |  11/07/2008 at 2:55 PM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink

Sh*t or Shinola?, The Interwebs

Obama Not Pro-Hip Hop? We Beg To Differ.

Yesterday on XXL's blog, an item was posted entitled "Barack Obama Still Gots No Love For Hip-Hop?" In it, blogger Ron Mexico makes the case that Obama served some of Hip Hop's elite the ultimate dis by not allowing them a...

ill Mami  |  11/07/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (23)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Newish Videos From The Grouch, Ohmega Watts & Consequence

While these videos were conceived and made before Tuesday's historic election victory, there certainly is alot of creativity in the air these days. Keeping up the pace of creativity are the following videos from all Hip Hop artists that you...

ill Mami  |  11/07/2008 at 11:30 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Relax in Paradise

Byron Lee (1935-2008)

The legend passes on - Soca community mourns Byron Lee's death [JG]Byron Lee [Official][Wiki]...

Butta  |  11/07/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Don't Give Up The Fight

Busta Rhymes and Ron Browz have a new single called "Pop Champagne" that celebrates this historical moment. [MTV]Not all that inspired by President-elect Obama's speech: Lupe Fiasco. What did it for him? Jesse Jackson's tears. [2DB]The Bernie Mac and...

Ro  |  11/07/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Events

Q-Tip Headlines 2K Sports Bounce Tour

It's hard to find any news that even remotely compares to the fantastic, historical news we've been basking in since Tuesday, but this is pretty good. Not in the same stratosphere, but it's nice. On the tails of releasing The...

Ro  |  11/06/2008 at 3:50 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Common Takes A Break From Dancing For Some 'Changes'

While in the midst of touring in support of his upcoming album, Universal Mind Control, Common comes with "Changes," an uplifting ditty from the new album on the warm and fuzzy tip. Will this likely end up in your...

ill Mami  |  11/06/2008 at 12:45 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise

New Entertainment Awards Show to Air on Diverse, Good Music Dumping Ground BETJ

A few years ago, BET Jazz became BETJ and incorporated more alternative soul, R&B and hip-hop music into its Jazz-centric programming as regular BET became less tolerant of quality in general. We all know about the shenanigan-gasm that was the...

Ro  |  11/06/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: It's Time To Come Together

So now the question is, now that he's won, is it alright for President-elect Barack Hussein Obama (feels good to type that) to let his A-List friends come party at the Inauguration? [MTV]Well, we know for sure that Bey-Bey...

Harlem  |  11/06/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Jadakiss & Ne-Yo are Side By Side in New Video

When watching this new video for "Right by My Side" from Jadakiss and Ne-Yo I couldn't help but think to myself "where have I seen this before?" Seconds later I realized that I've seen variations of the mystery meat female...

Butta  |  11/05/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

Relax in Paradise

Jheryl Busby (1949-2008)

Veteran Label Exec Jheryl Bus by Dies [BB]Jheryl Busby [MySpace][Wiki]...

Butta  |  11/05/2008 at 10:30 AM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Been A Long Time Coming

Akon promised to leave this country if Barack Obama had lost. Drats! [GUK]Speaking of people we wish were has-beens, Lil John voted yesterday in case you were curious. [YT]Hopefully, your voting experience was not characterized by a line this...

ill Mami  |  11/05/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Pause For A Cause

President-Elect Barack Hussein Obama: Yes He Did!

President-Elect Barack Hussein Obama The 44th President of the United States of America...

Butta  |  11/05/2008 at 12:00 AM  |  Comments (19)  |  Permalink

First Spin, Free Music

Q-Tip, Not Eric B., For President

Like I shall be soon, many of you are likely on line waiting to participate in this year's historic election. So while you're waiting in line with your charged cell phone and chatting up your fellow citizen in line, make...

ill Mami  |  11/04/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Come & Join Peter Hadar On His Planet

The last time we heard from Peter Hadar, he had just released his first single "Painted" from his album Well Dressed For The Art Show...or so we thought. While it was previously reported that this album would be dropping in...

ill Mami  |  11/04/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Media Watch

What Album Would You Pen A Tome About?

Audiophiles and serious writers, you have been warned. From now until midnight December 31st, publishing house Continuum will be accepting proposals from anyone who has an interest in writing a book about an album that has touched you in the...

ill Mami  |  11/04/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (11)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Can You Feel It Coming?

Mobb Deep's Prodigy is still b*tching about Jay-Z. Wait 'til you see his handwriting! [URB]Here are a few things to keep in mind when you vote today! [CSWS]Raphael Saadiq has made his choice. [SV]Fantasia sang at the funeral for Jennifer...

nOvaMatic  |  11/04/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

First Spin, Pause For A Cause

SoulBounce For Obama

It's no secret that SoulBounce is on Team Barack Obama. We've posted extensive updates about the wellspring of creativity that his candidacy has inspired amongst soul and hip hop artists. There's been more Obamaterial than we've been able to...

Butta  |  11/03/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Welcome to Pharoahe Monch's 'Terrordome'

When I saw that Pharoahe Monch had just released a video for "Welcome to the Terrordome" from his last album Desire, I was a little perplexed since the album is far from new, having dropped in June 2007. But after...

Butta  |  11/03/2008 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

First Spin, Video SoulBounce

Last Call For 'Change' Everybody!

Tomorrow is finally the day that many of us have been waiting for. Election day will, for those of us who like to Barack our bodies, mean the realization of a dream that did not always seem likely within our...

ill Mami  |  11/03/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

SoulTube

Ne-Yo Flirts With News Reporting. Literally.

Admit it. Just like the rest of us, you've been caught up in the current season of Saturday Night Live with its politically-charged skits and dead-on impersonations. And with most television markets pitting the venerable variety show against the "other"...

Harlem  |  11/03/2008 at 2:40 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Q-Tip Shows His Love For 'New York'

I find anthems about New York City excessively entertaining. Having grown up in Harlem, there will always exist in me a feeling that New York is the center of the universe given its ability to have mostly everything anyone could...

ill Mami  |  11/03/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Election Swan-Song Question: What Will the Next President Do for the Arts?

This is an excellent question, one that has been given approximately zero attention amid all of the election talk. It is an important one, heavily impacted by the current economic crisis and one that comes on the tails of one...

Ro  |  11/03/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Maxwell Converses With LA Times, Feels Rejuvenated

Two months ago, November meant two things to me: voting in this year's election and going to see Maxwell when he arrived in Los Angeles. Alas, Maxwell has come and gone due to my desire to want to keep a...

ill Mami  |  11/03/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (12)  |  Permalink

Relax in Paradise

Shakir Stewart (1974-2008)

Shakir Stewart: Def Jam Exec Dead Of Suicide [BV]...

Butta  |  11/03/2008 at 10:30 AM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Fight The Powers That Be

David Banner waxes intelligent about the Presidential election. [VIBE]Kelly Rowland insists on still releasing albums. We'll keep ignoring them. [RNBMB]Newlywed Ruben Studdard met his wife in Wal-Mart between the Pringles and Nilla Wafers. [RG101]Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew...

Butta  |  11/03/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

We Hear

112's Q Responds To Mike's Allegations

Since we helped spread the word of 112's Mike alleging the group split because of theft, it is only fair that we post Q. Parker's response. Recently a report surfaced that 112 had indeed broken up (news to us) and...

nOvaMatic  |  11/01/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink