Archive » January 2009

This page contains 115 entries posted in January 2009

Media Watch

Keylolo's VIBE Cover is Icy-Hot!

It is only right that the "new" era of Keyshia Cole would inspire, on some level, a VIBE cover to ether all recent VIBE covers. It has always been our silent campaign for more Black music and entertainment mags to...

nOvaMatic | 01/30/2009 at 6:30 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

K'Naan's A 'Dreamer,' Likes Line Drawings

"It's okay to have fun," K'Naan reminds us in the new video for the single "Dreamer" on his forthcoming album. Not only is the message of the song a positive one--that even in the most dire struggles it's alright to...

Ro | 01/30/2009 at 6:15 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Rap Snacks, Soul On Film

Run-DMC Movie In the Works

The recent news of the Juice Crew film getting the plug pulled was a bit of a blow, but this news that the Run-DMC story will be made into a feature film may satisfy those hungry for more classic...

Butta | 01/30/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

First Spin

Rogiérs' 'Hollywood Story' Gets Remixed for the House Heads

I fell for Rogiérs' music last spring when we featured him as a Bounce-Worthy artist, and one of the tracks that I found myself playing again and again from his debut disc, Life & Music: All Of It, was...

Butta | 01/30/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

New Videos From Mavado, Lykee Li, Nina B. & Bangladesh

This week's new video roundup features an eclectic bunch. First up is the latest Jamaican dancehall king, Mavado, with a pretty formulaic video filled with lots of skin and brown liquor for his song "I'm So Special." Too bad there's...

Butta | 01/30/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Crowd Participation

Chrisette Michele Has An 'Epiphany' & So Do We

Chrisette Michele has steadily and surely been staking her claim as the talented songstress that she is in the R&B game. Able to bring style and class to any song she graces, she has helped to elevate Hip Hop...

ill Mami | 01/30/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (23) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Is That Yo Chick?

Apparently there are some people upset about the Danity Kane split. And they're all fans. [MTV]Sasha Fierce is still topping the Billboard Hot Hip Hop/R&B Song chart after nearly twelve weeks. [SR]Monica showed up at an album release party...

Ro | 01/30/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Soul Cynic, Soul On Film

Wesley Snipes As James Brown? In What Alternate Universe?

Earlier this week news spread that Wesley Snipes had been cast to play James Brown in an upcoming biopic by Spike Lee. The diminutive director bought the rights to the Godfather of Soul's story in 2007 and cast Snipes...

Butta | 01/29/2009 at 7:00 PM | Comments (12) | Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Jennifer Hudson Still Busily Setting The Stage For Major Comeback

Jennifer Hudson is about to embark on a multimedia blitz of a comeback that is both greatly anticipated and wholly audacious. In addition to scheduled performances at the Super Bowl and the Grammy Awards, and her NAACP Image award nominations,...

Ro | 01/29/2009 at 3:30 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

SoulTube

Be a Part of India.Arie's VH1 Soul Special

With less than two weeks away from the release of India.Arie's new album, Testimony: Vol. 2 Love & Politics, promotion for the project is kicking into high gear. We're still waiting for a new video for one or both...

Butta | 01/29/2009 at 3:30 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Jazmine Sullivan's Not Afraid of Tigers, At Least

Jazmine Sullivan's "Lions, Tigers & Bears" made the Top 10 Lists of three SoulBounce editors, because it really is a dope, cinematic song. We had no idea she'd go so literal with the execution of the video, however. Yellow Brick...

nOvaMatic | 01/29/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (15) | Permalink

Soul On Film

What Tyanna Wallace Thinks of 'Notorious'

Christopher Wallace's eldest has managed to stay off our radar for the majority of all things Biggie-related. In fact, the only Tyanna Touchstone for me is the answering machine intro to "One More Chance". Well little Tyanna is all grown...

nOvaMatic | 01/29/2009 at 1:25 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

First Spin

Could It Be That Ryan Leslie Is 'Just Right'?

For some inexplicable reason, Ryan Leslie's name keeps falling from the mouths of people in my inner circle. In the past two weeks I have heard praises of his production ability from this young man who graduated from Harvard University at...

ill Mami | 01/29/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Every Freek 'N Night

Salt-n-Pepa, among others, weave their expertise into Chris Rock's newest feature, the documentary Good Hair. [TDB]Monie Love sits down with D-Nice and spills on Big Daddy Kane and more in the latest edition of True Hip Hop Stories. [HS]Attention, Ne-Yo...

Harlem | 01/29/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Jadakiss Has a Few Words for Biggie

Have you ever heard a song but not started liking it until you saw the video? If so, then you'll understand how I felt about Jadakiss' "Letter to B.I.G." Upon first hearing the track, it was just OK to...

Butta | 01/28/2009 at 7:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Destiny's Stepchild, Kelly Rowland, Finally Gets A Clue

While Beyoncé was busy serenading the first couple and Michelle Williams was busy defending herself against haters on YouTube, Kelly Rowland was secretly plotting her exit from the clutches of manager Mathew Knowles like a runaway slave breaking free from massa...

Butta | 01/28/2009 at 6:30 PM | Comments (15) | Permalink

The Interwebs

All The Things That Happened Since The Last Gordon Gartrell Radio

Barack Obama defeated John McCain in the 2008 Election.SoulBounce officially started podcasting.I grew an afro and had it lopped off by an overzealous barber that doesn't understand the definition of "half".Umm, CHRISTMAS!!!2008 ended.Barack Obama became POTUS.Phonte might've said something untoward...

nOvaMatic | 01/28/2009 at 4:30 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

First Spin

Nicolay Let's Us Really Know What 'Pops Said' to Panacea

Our favorite producer of 2008 is proving, yet again, that he can do no wrong. This remix to Panacea's already solid "Pops Said" takes what sounds like a Bruce Hornby's "The Way It Is" undercurrent and foregrounds it without overshadowing...

Ro | 01/28/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

John Forte Celebrates His 'Homecoming' with Talib Kweli

After reading John Forte's very personal account of his first day out of prison on The Daily Beast, I was filled with a melancholy mix of sadness and hope. I felt sadness for the fact that this otherwise intelligent young...

Butta | 01/28/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Contests & Giveaways, Soul On Film

SoulBouncers: Win 'The Secret Life of Bees' On DVD!

After a successful theatrical run last year, The Secret Life of Bees is coming to DVD on February 3rd and SoulBounce is giving away three copies to our lucky readers. Why is a music blog giving away a non-music-related feature...

Butta | 01/28/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (11) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

'Viva La Vida,' Solange!

Say what you will about the woman, Solange has been doing her thing since the release of her sophomore album last summer. Among the more surprisingly interesting and entertaining of her appearances is this new cover she did of Coldplay's...

Ro | 01/28/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (12) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Want A Freak in the Morning

Kanye West is the toast of Paris Fashion Week. *shrug* [CL]Anti-fur vandals defaced Aretha Franklin's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. [C+D]Are you ready for Bill O'RLY vs. Young Jeezy [XXL]Macy Gray clears the air about wanting to...

Butta | 01/28/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Raphael Saadiq Runs a '100 Yard Dash'

The video for Raphael Saadiq's "100 Yard Dash" has premiered, and it falls right in line with the vintage vibe of The Way I See It. In the black and white clip punctuated with splases of color, Saadiq chases after...

Butta | 01/27/2009 at 3:45 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

Soul Cynic

How Does It Feel (To Exercise Extreme Patience)?

It's still taking us a while to process this bit of info about D'Angelo's forthcoming James River, mainly the part about it being "forthcoming." I mean, c'mon, part of D'Angelo's mystique as an artist is his unfaltering ability to not...

nOvaMatic | 01/27/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (20) | Permalink

Contests & Giveaways, Events

NYC Bouncers: Win Tickets to See Bilal This Week!

With temperatures hovering at or near freezing in New York City, S.O.B.'s is bringing more heat to soul music lovers with another hot like fire concert. Up this week is Bilal who will be burning up the stage at...

Butta | 01/27/2009 at 12:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Soul On Film

Move Over, Roger Ebert! Make Way for Phonte's 'Movie In a Minute'

While many of you were sleeping last night, Phonte announced his latest creation on Twitter, "Movie In a Minute," which is yet another production from his beautiful mind. In one-minute videos that he posts to YouTube, Tay Gravy reviews the...

Butta | 01/27/2009 at 11:30 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Soul On Film

Babygirl Biopic Is 'Hot Like Fire' According To Film's Director

After a long while of being speculated about, the Aaliyah biopic is now actually being made. For real. The point made over at Pop Tracks about this having a lot to do with the success of Notorious so far is...

Ro | 01/27/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (7) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Wanna Lick You Up and Down

Flavor Flav, the Pride of Hip Hop, is creating an anthology intended to scare us. [AHH]Get to know Jadyn Maria. [AW]God bless whoever brought the Sister 2 Sister website into modern times. [BW2]Ron Mexico has a word or two...

nOvaMatic | 01/27/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Soul On Stage

No One's Gonna Save You From The Beast About To Strike: 'Thriller' Headed To Broadway

Arguably the most known, copied, and influential music video of all time, Michael Jackson's masterwork "Thriller," has found new life as a fully fledged musical. It was announced that the Nederlander Organization has acquired the rights to produce a musical...

Ro | 01/26/2009 at 7:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Praise & Worship, Video SoulBounce

Mary Mary Get Animated For 'Worship'

We finally get to see the video for "I Worship," the second single from Mary Mary's 2008 release The Sound. In the clip, Erica and Tina get digitally animated while praising the Lord through song. After the scorcher that...

Butta | 01/26/2009 at 2:30 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

First Spin

Phonte & Friends Pay 'Homage' To DJ Premier

Floating through my stream of consciousness this weekend was my wondering of what DJ Premier has been up to. While I'm sure he's somewhere rocking a party or piecing together a dope beat for an artist somewhere, Primo is a...

ill Mami | 01/26/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Queen Latifah To Author Inspirational Book

Queen Latifah continues to prove herself to be one of the most successful multifaceted entrepreneurs in the game. She stays on her grind. And now she'll be working with Grand Central Publishing to pen what appears to be something of...

Ro | 01/26/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: She's A Very Kinky Girl

Andre 3000 is named one of America's best new designers by GQ. [UD]And now, a history of the Black mullet a/k/a the thing inhabiting the top of Kanye West's head. [CMPLX]Lil Wayne's next single from his upcoming Rock album is something...

ill Mami | 01/26/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink

First Spin

'Gettin Up' With Anthony David

Here's a funky little ditty from our home skillet Anthony David who has taken Q-Tip's "Gettin Up" and flipped it like a flapjack. Anthony sing-raps over the original song's beat urging us all to get up, get out and...

Butta | 01/23/2009 at 7:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

New Videos From Mint Condition, Dwele, J. Holiday & Ryan Leslie

It's been a minute since I've done a new video roundup, so I'm bringing the beat back in grand fashion with four new videos from for distinct male voices on today's soul music scene. First up we have Stokely Williams...

Butta | 01/23/2009 at 6:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

First Spin, Free Music

'All Mine' From Peter Hadar Can Be All Yours

If you missed the loveliness that was Peter Hadar's last album, Well Dressed For the Art Show, then feel free to slap yourself and be sure not to get caught sleeping when his new EP She's 4 Months drops...

Butta | 01/23/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

'Get It Together' With Maya Azucena

After this week's events (we got a Black president, yo!!), we're still riding on a love high here at SBHQ, and we have artists such as Maya Azucena providing the soundtrack. We first featured her inspirational song "Get It Together"...

Butta | 01/23/2009 at 1:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

First Spin

It's Not New, But We'll 'Vibrate On' With Erykah Any Day

Since Erykah Badu's performance of "Vibrate On" on Girlfriends last year, rumors were swirling that the song was to be included on a soundtrack from the show. Thankfully, a year and some change later, the speculation has become a reality...

ill Mami | 01/23/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (16) | Permalink

Sh*t or Shinola?, Soul On Stage

Obama: The Musical

Among all of the other shameless campaigns to capitalize on all the sentiment surrounding the election of President Barack Obama, count this among either the most egregious or the most intriguing. Obama On My Mind, a musical written by acclaimed...

Ro | 01/23/2009 at 11:00 AM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: The Closest Thing to Perfect

Just days after President Obama announces that financially things are going to get worse before they get better, Kanye West unveils the decadent sneakers he designed for Louis Vuitton. [CL]Ms. Dynamite is making a comeback? [ID]"She thought it was...

Ro | 01/23/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (9) | Permalink

First Spin

Shawn Hewitt May Be Canadian But He's 'Not That Different After All'

Since learning of Canadian artist Shawn Hewitt last Fall and his latest album, Spare Hearts, with band The National Strike, I have been helplessly in love with his own brand of soulful Rock music. Listening to "We May Not Be That Different...

ill Mami | 01/22/2009 at 4:05 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

It's Official: Keyshia's Change is 'Complete'

So, if you weren't convinced before that change has come to America, taking a glimpse at the new video from the usually sorrowful songstress Keyshia Cole should truly sway you for good. It's true. When she talked about her new...

Harlem | 01/22/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Jesse Boykins III Wants to See You In Your 'Pantyhose'

A few months ago when I featured Jesse Boykins III as a Bounce-Worthy artist, his song "Pantyhose" got great feedback around these parts. So its only fitting to post the brand new video for the track, which is equally as...

Butta | 01/22/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

'Everybody Knows,' John Legend

With high production value, scenes of unknown pretty people doing a variety of things, and John Legend's exposed décolletage, the video for "Everybody Knows" is nice to watch. As Legend walks about city streets, dark interiors, and other locales he...

Ro | 01/22/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

First Spin

Jay Electronica Has a TKO With 'Hagler'

It is official. I take back everything I may have said about Jay Electronica not being consistent in the past. "Hagler," as in legendary boxer "Marvelous Marvin," features Che Grand and is exactly what was needed after creating that stunner...

ill Mami | 01/22/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Gimme A Beat!

Did Phonte go after Kanye's 808s? 'Bout time someone in Hip Hop said something. [HHDX]The "S" is for "super"! JJ Fad is returning with a new album and tour! [AHH]Kendu wants to put an end to Keyshia doing "Mary". [EUR]Boondocks...

nOvaMatic | 01/22/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Jazzy Ways, Relax in Paradise

David 'Fathead' Newman (1933-2009)

David "Fathead" Newman [Official][Wiki] Jazz musician David 'Fathead' Newman dies in NY [ND]...

Butta | 01/21/2009 at 10:30 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

First Spin

Shawn Chrystopher Is 'Not Really Here' But Sam Sparro Is

Those of you who peeped my Top 10 Picks of 2008 know that I stan a bit hard for some Sam Sparro. While I will give love to whoever produced this track for the synth-laden groove (the high-hat was a...

ill Mami | 01/21/2009 at 3:35 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Industry & Culture

How Can the Music Industry Save Its Ass?

We understand, painfully, that the music industry is first and foremost a business. Art typically comes dead last in the traditional label structure. BBC News recently published a report entitled "Music Industry Scrambles for Cash," which basically points out that...

nOvaMatic | 01/21/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Sh*t or Shinola?

Who Addressed the Negative Feedback Better? Michelle or Syleena?

The Internets are a treacherous place, y'all, and no one knows that better than our entertainers. Recently, a video surfaced of Michelle Williams addressing someone that said she looked "a hot mess." While we were quite entertained by Michelle's spunk,...

nOvaMatic | 01/21/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

You Wish You Had A Love Like Our President and First Lady

Even with the daunting task of nine more official balls to attend, and after the historic events of earlier in the day President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama's love is strong. It's real. It's beautiful. Their first dance...

Ro | 01/21/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (10) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Rock the Night Away

Despite other Soul artists who didn't appreciate Hip Hop artists sampling their songs, Curtis Mayfield was a fan of Public Enemy and Ice T. [HHIR]From the "Nobody Asked You" Files: Will Smith is "open" to playing President Obama on...

ill Mami | 01/21/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

The Evening Commute With Q-Tip and Amanda Diva

"Manwomanboogie," the fourth video from Q-Tip's The Renaissance, opens with our hero Kamaal aboard a progressively trippier train ride testifying to his unenthusiastic fellow commuters about the dynamics between man and woman. A sassy, kittenish Amanda Diva adds her jazzy...

huny | 01/16/2009 at 6:30 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Battle of the Beats

Battle of the Beats Quadruple Header: Bad Boy vs. So So Def

We've been waiting to do this one for a long time. Today's Battle of the Beats presents you with two powerhouses that to this day inspire fierce debate. During most of the '90's Diddy's Bad Boy outfit and Jermaine Durpi's...

nOvaMatic | 01/16/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (12) | Permalink

First Spin

Biggie's Remixes Get Bigger & Better With Some Help From Talib Kweli

First of all, props have to go to DJ Graffiti, the producer of DJ Graffiti Presents: Astronote - Bigger & Better (The Notorious Remixes), hosted by Talib Kweli, for summing up my skepticism at yet another Notorious B.I.G. remix project....

ill Mami | 01/16/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Help Eric Roberson Name His NEW Album!!!

Please excuse all the exclamation marks in the title of this post, but to say that I'm excited to get official news that Eric Roberson's new album is coming this year is a serious understatement. Erro recorded the following video...

Butta | 01/16/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

First Spin

This 'Decision' By Busta Rhymes Isn't Hard To Make

We've become a bit more used to seeing Busta Rhymes attempt to reclaim his dragon-growling glory days by collaborating with some of contemporary R&B and Hip Hop's (unfortunate) shot callers, whether it be T-Pain or Lil Wayne. Awhile back, we...

ill Mami | 01/16/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Wanna Be in the New Dwele Video? Then Learn This Song

This week Dwele announced on his MySpace blog that he was in the process of shooting the video for "A Few Reasons" and wants fans to get in on the act:I'm shootin a video for A Few Reasons ... Myself!...

nOvaMatic | 01/16/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Slicker Than Your Average

"Bigger Than The World," an unreleased Justin Timberlake track, leaked online to little fanfare and sparked (obvious) Robin Thicke comparisons. [MTV] Amanda Diva addresses the misogynist creep commenters who acted the rapist/fool by staying more classy and dignified than they...

Ro | 01/16/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

'Jerk It' Quoth Thunderheist

Late last year, I briefly mentioned a group known as Thunderheist, a duo hailing from The Great White North who managed to infuse some class into a booty shake song, if such a thing were possible. Interestingly enough, this duo's...

ill Mami | 01/15/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink

First Spin

Darien 'Can't Hide' This Good Music

It goes without saying that 2008 was a good year for Darien. His standout selections from Reel People's Seven Ways To Wonder had people from D.C. to Dubai taking notice of his vocal and songwriting talent. And 2009 is...

Butta | 01/15/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Q-Tip is Such a Tease

I'm not a big fan of video teasers that hit the net five minutes before the video comes out, but in Q-Tip's case I'll make an exception. His new video will be for the track "Manwomanboogie" is coming tomorrow, but...

Butta | 01/15/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Contests & Giveaways, Events

NYC Bouncers: Win Tickets to See Gil Scott-Heron This Weekend!

Do SoulBounce and S.O.B.'s love NYC or what? Our THIRD giveaway for the week is for tickets to see Gil Scott-Heron this Sunday night in the heart of New York City. To sweeten the pot, we're giving away a pair...

Butta | 01/15/2009 at 12:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Crowd Participation, Soul Cynic

Is R&B Indefensible At This Point?

Only a week ago we somewhat agreed with Bobby Valentino that R&B is dead. The points previously made still stand: many R&B artists have ventured away from the genre in hopes of gaining revenue in more lucrative genres. More and...

Ro | 01/15/2009 at 11:15 AM | Comments (17) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Who Would Ever Think That You Would Spread Like Mustard?

I'm not sure what's more interesting: the fact that Nas and Kelis are expecting their first child, or that I was expecting mature comments on UsMagazine.com's web site. [US]Unfortuately, the movie The Vapors, which would've told the story of the...

Harlem | 01/15/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

A 'Four Letter Word' From Raheem DeVaughn

I have a few four letter words for Raheem DeVaughn about his new video for the track "Four Letter Word" from last year's Love Behind the Melody: Love. This. Jont. If you've been following SoulBounce of late, then you know...

Butta | 01/14/2009 at 4:30 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Jennifer Hudson To Appear At Super Bowl

Of all the events at which to reemerge, The Super Bowl might be the most spectacular. It was recently announced that Jennifer Hudson will be performing at American football's biggest night by E! News, and an NFL spokesperson confirmed that...

Ro | 01/14/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

First Spin

Mos Def Is Better Off Staying 'Quiet' With This New Track

I hold the artists I call my favorites to a higher standard. Pardon me, but once an artist has done something deemed to be worthy of ad nauseum-repeating on my iPod, I expect much more from them. See Sense, Common...

ill Mami | 01/14/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

A Soulful Noise

A B.I.G. Deal? It's Beginning To Look Like It

Are you excited yet? Are you pumped up? It's t-minus two days and counting until the official big screen release of the Fox Searchlight film Notorious. We'll be the first to admit that this project was met with great, great...

Harlem | 01/14/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Mixtape Roundup

A Mix, Because We Love Amerie Rogers

It slipped our minds, too. This week, Amerie turned 29. Whatever reasons Amerie doesn't "hit" with some folks are inconsequential at this point, and please spare us the Beyoncé comparisons. Cats were comparing her to Mary J. during the course of...

nOvaMatic | 01/14/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (40) | Permalink

Soul On Film

Rappers' Desire To Be 'Scarface' Realized With 'City of God's Son'

Cinematically, 2009 looks as though it is off to a great start. Not only do we have Black Dynamite to look forward to with its humorous take on the gangster side of life, but now we have a more somber...

ill Mami | 01/14/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Sh*t or Shinola?

Don't Blame JD For How 'Discipline' Turned Out

You know what they say--what don't come out in the wash will damn sure come out in the rinse! Now that Jermaine Dupri no longer holds an executive position at Def Jam (better for both parties, IMO), the Discipline Wars...

nOvaMatic | 01/14/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Heartthrob Never

Today's math lesson: Keith Sweat + Dru Hill x a reality "special" named Platinum House = a hot mess/a train wreck. [C+D]The Hidden Beach Change Is Now CD/DVD music and video collection will also include a disc of Barack...

Butta | 01/14/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Bounce-Worthy

Bounce-Worthy: Suai

I've been seeing the name Suai on various blogs for the past few months, and I'll admit to not paying much attention and clicking past it every time. But surely the Brown Sugar blog, Clutch and Giant magazine couldn't...

Butta | 01/13/2009 at 6:00 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Christina Milian Flaunts Bikini Wax in the Desert in New Video

Christina Milian is back with a new video. I know, I know, don't all yawn at once. Sike! I actually sorta kinda like Ms. Milian and this clip is for her "comeback" record, "Us Against the World," which marks the...

Butta | 01/13/2009 at 4:50 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Happy Belated Birthday, Motown!

So yesterday marked the 50th Anniversary of the record label that changed it all: Motown Records. This milestone passed by silently around these parts, but it is no less important and worthy of a year long celebration. There should be...

Ro | 01/13/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

First Spin

Hey Beyoncé, Amanda 'Diva is a Hustla' Too

One of my favorite femcees Amanda Diva has flipped Beyoncé's "Diva" in a move that was a match made in Hip Hop Heaven. I mean seriously, whether you love or hate Bey's song, Amanda Diva's name fits into it...

Butta | 01/13/2009 at 2:45 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Rewind, SoulTube

'The Electric Company' To Get Shock Of Hip Hop Energy

Twenty-eight years after its premiere on PBS as part of the Childrens' Television Workshop, the beloved The Electric Company will be receiving a makeover of sorts. In an effort to remain contemporary, TEC will have elements of Hip Hop infused...

ill Mami | 01/13/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Contests & Giveaways, Events

NYC Bouncers: Win Tickets to Attend Sol Village Tomorrow Night!

Ay yo, NYC Bouncers, here's another giveaway from our good friends at S.O.B.'s. Three pairs of tickets are up for grabs for tomorrow night's Sol Village showcase for whoever wants to spend a soulful evening with Eric Roberson and friends. ...

Butta | 01/13/2009 at 12:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

First Spin

These Remixes Remind Us Why We Love Old-School MiJac

Probably one of the fringe benefits of maintaining a Black music blog is invoking the Jacksons whenever the opportunity arises, since no other group of performers has personified Black Pop the same way since. With that in mind, here are...

nOvaMatic | 01/13/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (7) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Throw Your Hands In the Air If You're A True Player

Faith Evans continues making Lil' Kim look silly. [HHDX]Charli Baltimore wants some of that "look silly" action. (It's kinda tacky to fight over someone that is deceased, right?) [VIBE]Jay-Z has discovered a clever way to compare Beyoncé to Michael...

nOvaMatic | 01/13/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Free Music

An Abundantly Good Mixtape From the Platinum Pied Pipers

In preparation for next week's arrival of their second album, Abundance, the Platinum Pied Pipers aka PPP just dropped the Abundance Mixtape. As if we needed anymore reason to fiend for some new music from PPP, this collection provides...

Butta | 01/12/2009 at 6:45 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

First Spin

Melinda Doolittle's 'Coming Back To You' With A New Single

After some talk in recent months of American Idol alumna Melinda Doolittle's debut album set to be released sometime early this year, it's now official. With this new year came a fresh new website and the eponymous first single from...

Ro | 01/12/2009 at 5:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Contests & Giveaways, Events

NYC Bouncers: Win Tickets to See J. Holiday This Week!

SoulBounce and S.O.B.'s are back at it for the '09 with a slew of fresh giveaways coming your way in the next few weeks. First up is a chance to see J. Holiday this Thursday when he brings his...

Butta | 01/12/2009 at 3:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

First Spin

Blu Shows His Jazzy Side With 'Vanity'

If there has been one consistent rapper out of all the ones out there who stay on their grind, I have to nominate Los Angeles' Blu to accept that honor. With "Vanity (DeathOfAStar) Part One," Blu lays some solid...

ill Mami | 01/12/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

First Spin

This Beyoncé Remix is 'Siik'

It doesn't take a genius to know that when it comes to Beyoncé Knowles, other sites got the girl covered many times over. But there are times when something so irresistible crosses our desk that we have to take a...

nOvaMatic | 01/12/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (23) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: It Was All A Dream

Is that a piano fashioned from a classic car's hard-top? If you're Prince, then, yes, it is. [LAT]Wondering what's been up with the originator of "The Pee-Wee Herman" song, Joeski Love? Of course you have. [VIMEO]Speaking of classic Hip...

ill Mami | 01/12/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Events

The SoulBounce Guide to Soulful (and Affordable) Inauguration Events

The day that everyone has been waiting for is fast approaching: January 20, 2009. That is the day that President-elect Barack Obama will be inaugurated as President of the United States of America. Ever since his being elected on November...

Butta | 01/09/2009 at 6:00 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Mixtape Roundup

SoulBounce Blended & Beat Vol. 3

Happy 2009, bouncers and bouncettes! Today we present to you another installment of our "Blended & Beat" music podcast, but this time things are slightly different. We went light on the Disco and House, not that it was a point...

nOvaMatic | 01/09/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (11) | Permalink

First Spin

Good News & New Goodness From Anthony David

Congratulations to our play cousin Anthony David who has just been nominated for two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding New Artist and Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration for "Words," his duet with India.Arie. This is just the latest accolade...

Butta | 01/09/2009 at 2:15 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

First Spin, Free Music

Please 'Believe' That Ayah Has Big Things In Store

One of my favorite Bounce-Worthy artists from last year was Canadian soul singer Ayah. Her Problem Woman mixtape stayed in heavy rotation around my way, and I've been anxiously awaiting some new hotness from north of the border. Thankfully...

Butta | 01/09/2009 at 1:30 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

The Thievery Corporation Takes Chuck Brown For a Ride In New Video

Last year DC's own Thievery Corporation linked up with go-go legend Chuck Brown for the song "Numbers Game" from their CD Radio Retaliation. The track was awash in '70s nostalgia and that carries over somewhat into the video with the...

Butta | 01/09/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Soul Cynic, Soul Fashioned

Is Fashion In Music Dead?

Writing for SoulBounce affords me the opportunity to sample many Soul and Hip Hop blogs on a daily basis. For those who know me personally, they know that both music and fashion share top billing as passions of mine. Perusing...

ill Mami | 01/09/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Another Will.I.Am Video From 2007's 'Songs About Girls'? Seriously?

I swear Will.I.Am must have pictures and/or videos of the head honchos over there at Interscope with donkeys and/or transvestite midgets because he has somehow managed to get another video made from is 2007 release Songs About Girls. I have...

Butta | 01/09/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Let's Have A Block Party

"I'm good at restraining myself from violent acts," says Kanye West in the February Issue of VIBE. No word on his random acts of Auto-Tune. [CL]Jermaine Dupri and Island Def Jam? Dunzo. [VB]Also over? R. Kelly and wife of...

Ro | 01/09/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Battle of the Beats

Who Did This Beat Better? Jesse Boykins III or Coultrain?

Being on hiatus for the holidays afforded me many opportunities to divulge in the plethora of music that my poor iPod has been housing for several months. While Coultrain's album, The Adventures of Seymour Liberty, was one that I...

ill Mami | 01/08/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (17) | Permalink

Soul Cynic

Is A Posthumous Left Eye Album Necessary?

As an unabashed TLC super-fan I have to answer that question with a resounding no. Arguably the most multi-talented, and decidedly the most unpredictable, member of the group, Left Eye was taken before any of us were prepared to see...

Ro | 01/08/2009 at 2:30 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Crowd Participation

Our Top 5 Guilty Pleasures of 2008

Now that we've done rundowns of all our favorite SoulBouncey releases of 2008, we can "humanize" ourselves with a shocking disclosure: Last year, we also listened to The-Dream, T-Pain, Beyoncé, and a few more cats that otherwise wouldn't meet our...

Soul Bounce | 01/08/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (15) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Sim City Cautions About A 'Femme Fatale'

Please don't be fooled into thinking that Wale is the only rapper of note coming outta the DMV. There are a number of hungry MC's waiting for their turn to shine in the shadow of the Nation's Capitol. One such...

Butta | 01/08/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Soul Cynic

Bobby Valentino is Right

This item was simply too hot to be relegated to Morning Soul. Bobby Valentino thinks R&B is dead. Not as in completely gone, since we have evidence of artists like Mary J. Blige, Jazmine Sullivan, Jill Scott and a few...

nOvaMatic | 01/08/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (14) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Let Me Clear My Throat

Common, appearing in the forthcoming Terminator: Salvation, gets his very own action figure. [TE]Now, at the low, low price of $129, you too can make your own album featuring Auto-Tune. [HHDX]The tracklisting for Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes' posthumous album,...

Harlem | 01/08/2009 at 10:00 AM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Welcome to Kindred the Family Soul's 'House Of Love'

Although their song "House of Love" debuted last September, Kindred the Family Soul just recently released a video for the debut single from their current release The Arrival. Shot last month in Los Angeles and directed by up-and-coming director...

Butta | 01/07/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Eric Roberson Does The National Anthem Justice

This past November Eric Roberson had the honor of singing the National Anthem at the Knicks vs. Cavaliers game at Madison Square Garden. Before LeBron and company spanked the home team, Erro took his spot on center court for this...

Butta | 01/07/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Lock It, Lock It

Ever wonder who was originally supposed to sing Toni's "Love Shoulda Brought You Home" or Whitney's "How Will I Know"? [CC]Macy Gray is blogging on AllHipHop. Macy Gray is blogging on AllHipHop? [AHHA]Get to know Robert Glasper and his...

Butta | 01/07/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Video For Wayna's 'My Love' is Bruising, Poignant

What makes "My Love" so moving is the deceptively sweet cadence with which the song moves along juxtaposed against the agonizing and conflicted situation Wayna sings about. How better to convey the ambivalence and pain and posturing tangled up in...

Ro | 01/06/2009 at 5:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Get Into The Noisettes & Their 'Wild Young Hearts'

I will admit that Afro-Punk is a genre of music I have overwhelmingly slept on. It has all the elements of music that a grrrl like myself would enjoy (Rock, Black folks who can sing, interesting outfits, and wanting to...

ill Mami | 01/06/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Soul On Film

'Black Dynamite' Depicts SoulBounce Header Graphic in Shocking Live-Motion!

You know what kind of movies we love here at SoulBounce? The ones where the hero throws a punch but you don't hear it land until ten seconds later. We hope this is the case with Black Dynamite, a spoof...

nOvaMatic | 01/06/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (12) | Permalink

Interviews

Behind the Groove with Maiysha

One of our favorite finds in 2008 was Bounce-Worthy songstress Maiysha. Not only did she take us by surprise with her arresting beauty and bonafide talent, but she also caught the ears of many others including the Grammy Award...

Butta | 01/06/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

A Soulful Noise

3 Albums in One Year? Prince Might Be the One to Pull It Off

As you've no doubt heard already, our favorite former freak turned strident JW, The Artist Formally Known As Sane Prince is threatening promising to release three full albums in 2009. There's even a fresh new website heralding this phenomenon. After...

nOvaMatic | 01/06/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink