SOULBOUNCE.COMtag:soulbounce.com,2007-08-12:/soul//12009-11-07T00:18:29ZAdult R&B :: Alternative Soul :: Old School :: Deep House :: Progressive Hip-HopMovable Type Pro 4.25Bilal Stays Reaching Higher 'Levels'tag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53602009-11-07T21:00:00Z2009-11-07T00:18:29ZWe told you all about Bilal's upcoming album to be released next year and his promise of an Electro-Jazz sound. Now we have the proof in the form of an song he performed at this year's CMJ Music Marathon that...ill Mamihttp://www.soulbounce.com/soul/ill_mami/
Bilal's upcoming album to be released next year and his promise of an Electro-Jazz sound. Now we have the proof in the form of an song he performed at this year's CMJ Music Marathon that occurred in New York City last month. "Levels" features Bilal as many of us are used to seeing him: in deep concentration and deeply consumed with the music. To boot, the video has been beautifully shot by Mochilla with Bilal backlit while performing on stage. It all just looks very funky, experimental, and mysterious. In other words, something you definitely need to see. ]]>
If You 'Don't Love' Mary 'This Way,' Who Will?tag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53562009-11-07T19:00:00Z2009-11-07T19:11:59ZThe first week into the Month of Mary, you all have been hopefully dazzled with sounds from Mary J. Blige's classic My Life. But as any fan of Mary knows, there are a plethora of bonus cuts that somehow find...ill Mamihttp://www.soulbounce.com/soul/ill_mami/
Mary J. Blige's classic My Life. But as any fan of Mary knows, there are a plethora of bonus cuts that somehow find their way to you which were never intended for distribution on her final recorded releases. That being said, feast your ears on this bonus track from Love & Life, a cover of the Jackson 5's "If I Don't Love You This Way." I am highly particular about who I choose to endorse when it comes to a cover of any one of Michael Jackson's songs. Mary does not disappoint with this track and manages to channel a restrained desperation that at once sounds as though she is in control of her emotions yet on the brink of completely losing it. In other words, classic MJB. You'll see once you press play. ]]>
Men's Group Wants Rihanna To 'Woman-Up' Regarding Violent Incidenttag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53582009-11-07T17:00:00Z2009-11-07T18:38:00ZIt seems as though some people are now voicing their opinion on the Chris Brown-Rihanna domestic violence incident that occurred earlier this year, nine months after the fact. This is definitely due to the fact that Rihanna's new album is...ill Mamihttp://www.soulbounce.com/soul/ill_mami/
Chris Brown-Rihanna domestic violence incident that occurred earlier this year, nine months after the fact. This is definitely due to the fact that Rihanna's new album is set to be released soon, and her explanation of the events of the incident in an interview with Diane Sawyer last night. Nevertheless, the National Coalition For Men (NCFM) issued a statement yesterday imploring Rihanna to "woman-up" and "be forthcoming about her own violence and to address the problem honestly."]]>
Yes, Rihanna did admit to becoming physically violent during the argument with Chris Brown.
Chris Brown beat Rihanna severely, including such tactics as smashing her head against the passenger side window and biting her repeatedly.
Physical violence in a relationship is wrong. Period. I am not going to unwaver from that stance. But I am also not going to entertain anyone's notion that "we weren't there so who knows what she said or did to make him go off." According to Jozen, author of Until I Get Married:
One hundred percent of the time I or another man lays his hands on a woman, a woman is hurt physically or emotionally, and sometimes both.
One hundred percent of the time I or another man lays his hands on a woman, the man ends up the bigger idiot.
I think that pretty much says what needs to be said, from my point-of-view on this matter. Yes, domestic violence against men exists. But the overwhelming majority of the time, most men are physically stronger than women to the point of inflicting severe physical, not to mention, emotional damage to the person they have assaulted. Refresh your memory on Rihanna and Chris rekindling their romance post-assault to remember what emotional damage looks like.
Back to the NCFM's claims, the danger in publicly wanting to assign blame to the unequivocal victim in this situation is to deflect blame from the assailant. You ever wonder why some egregious crimes don't make the news? Sometimes it is because by bringing attention to the assailant, the rights and respect of the victims become compromised.
I hope that Rihanna can one day admit that her hitting Chris Brown was wrong. But that has to be on her own terms and not by a group of men who were not there. Her physical wounds may be healed and she may have resumed the top spot on all the gossip and fashion blogs. To put a young woman on blast such as the NCFM has done, however, is in many ways tantamount to reliving the initial assault. In essence, leave her be. Let her grow up. Let her leave the spotlight a bit. Then maybe when she emerges as a woman, she'll be willing to say something deeper about it.
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Quiet Bounce: I'm Almost Gonetag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53292009-11-07T01:00:00Z2009-11-07T01:42:50ZThis may not seem like the song you want to hear as the workweek ends and your weekend begins, but those are the breaks. Plus, how upset can you really be with a song that features two vocal powerhouses? Though...ill Mamihttp://www.soulbounce.com/soul/ill_mami/
My Life from overseas, many of us are familiar with this track. It did rock many a Quiet Storm broadcast back when it was discovered 15 years ago. Like the rest of My Life, this song was full of pleading, regret, and pleasebabybabybabypleases. Lalah Hathaway's voice sounds as smooth as always, and who knew that Mary would be able to provide the perfect ad libs to bring the desperation home? Certainly not I, at least when I first caught wind that this song even existed. Take a trip down memory lane and reminisce over it. Mary would want it that way. ]]>
Bounce-Worthy: Andy Allotag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53152009-11-06T21:00:00Z2009-11-06T22:07:22ZWhen I hear a song for the first time and can't wait for it to end just so that I can listen to it again, that's when I know that I've happened upon a hit. That is precisely how I...Buttahttp://www.soulbounce.com/soul/butta/
Andy Allo. The song is one of many from the Cameroon, West Africa-born and raised, Sacramento, Cali-based Allo whose highly-enjoyable debut album, UnFresh, has won the heated battle for my attention and ears. The singer-songwriter calls her music "Alter.Hip.Soul," and after listening to the independently-released UnFresh that's an apropos description. Andy mixes urban alternative, hip hop and soul sounds together to create her own lane on this wide highway that is music. She sounds like Corinne Bailey Rae's cool younger sister. The majority of her songs are about the ebb and flow of relationships and she approaches her music with a maturity that belies her 20 years. Andy Allo has been here before, but thankfully we get to enjoy her music in this lifetime. If you can take your eyes off of the gorgeous part-time model long enough to press play on "Hooked" and the album's title track below, I promise you won't be disappointed.
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Why We'll Never Get 'Over' The Rootstag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53522009-11-06T20:00:02Z2009-11-06T13:00:33ZClearly, we love The Roots here at SBHQ. And really, what's not to love? The band is legendary, they've worked with everyone (did you know that ?uestlove is producing John Legend's next album? You would if you were on Twitter),...Harlemhttp://www.soulbounce.com/soul/harlem/
?uestlove is producing John Legend's next album? You would if you were on Twitter), with incredible results. Months ago, we gave you their first single, "How I Got Over," from the upcoming album of the same name. Then the video came out, and we covered that, too. Now, some behind the scenes footage showed up online, with ?uest and Black Thought teaming with producers BBGun, Dice Raw, actor Mel and a "tricked out" wheelchair (Craigslist, anyone? Heh). We're bringing this to you for two reasons: I can't get enough of Philly's own Black Thought rocking the Yankee fitted cap (this tweet about the group's World Series bet with Jay-Z is priceless!), or the fact that he was signing autographs...in PENCIL! Now, that's hip hop. Or, you know, mechanical drawing. Either way, love these guys. Check the video below.]]>
Mary Speaks On Why Life Is 'Precious'tag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53532009-11-06T19:00:05Z2009-11-06T12:59:55ZToday, the much buzzed-about film Precious debuts in select theaters across the country. The story, of course, is the story of 16 year-old Claireece 'Precious' Jones, whose life was downright hopeless, and, over time, transformed into not only hopeful, but...Harlemhttp://www.soulbounce.com/soul/harlem/
Precious debuts in select theaters across the country. The story, of course, is the story of 16 year-old Claireece 'Precious' Jones, whose life was downright hopeless, and, over time, transformed into not only hopeful, but triumphant. The film, directed by Lee Daniels, is hard hitting, honest and sometimes hard to watch. Daniels called upon Mary J. Blige to record the lead single for the soundtrack (entitled "Destiny"), and after seeing the film, Blige quickly jumped on board. In an interview with Billboard.com's Bill Werde, Blige speaks in depth about why she got involved, and how the character Precious' early life mirrored her own. Her explaining how she had to dig back and figure out the "why" makes the clip great, in my opinion, and gave me even more respect for Mary. Take a look below. A riveting three minutes, to be sure. ]]>
'Sexy Soul' Trifecta With Eric Benet, Mint Condition And Ledisitag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53542009-11-06T18:00:00Z2009-11-06T17:47:45ZThe rain hammered the pavement outside Houston's Verizon Theatre, but it didn't stop hundreds of concertgoers from experiencing the Sexy Soul Tour featuring Ledisi, Mint Condition and Eric Benet. The lobby was filled with two-piece velour leisure suits, color-coordinated gator...Favehttp://fave.fm
featuring Ledisi, Mint Condition and Eric Benet. The lobby was filled with two-piece velour leisure suits, color-coordinated gator shoes, curve hugging lace outfits and painted-on jeans. You could smell the hint of body sprays and throwback cologne (e.g., Lagerfield, Grey Flannel) permeating the air. With daiquiris and margaritas in hand, we came to have a good time listening to new favorites and trusted veterans. It was interesting to witness these music aficionados step out in their Sunday best to be a part of this soulful congregation.
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With a full band (e.g., keyboards, guitars, horns) and voluptuous backup singers at her disposal, she went into songs on her new album, Turn Me Loose. Each selection was prefaced with stories that connected our lives, encouraged our spirits and touched our hearts. In the midst of Ledisi's performance, she danced, cracked jokes, panted, moaned, swooned and bellowed musical prowess through a smile beaming up to the balcony. While Ledisi was full of vitality, the crowd was a little too cute and quiet for her taste. "Y'all don't want no show," she blurted into the microphone before walking off the stage.
The crowd stood to their feet and began reciprocating the love Ledisi had been showing the past half hour. Our cheers lured her back onstage with a girlish grin and rejuvenation. She continued to minister to us with truth and gave her all despite battling a cold (which you would have never known had she not told us). Her closing testimony was an inspiring summary on the power of resilience:
"It wasn't long ago when I was out (in the audience) where you are, and now I'm up here. Whatever you want, it can happen for you."
After her set, Ledisi went into the lobby to sign autographs, CDs and T-shirts in addition to taking pictures with every adorning fan with a camera phone. This is not a manufactured artist with scripted lines and plastered grins. Ledisi is your homegirl that will tell it like it is and be there for you in spirit and song, even after her physical presence has moved on.
After a brief intermission, Mint Condition maintained the momentum with "Nothing Left to Say" and other tunes found on their latest LP, E-Life. Stokley Williams bounced around the stage in jeans and Chuck Taylor sneakers with the energy of a pre-schooler high on Jolly Ranchers and Fun Dip. This had no effect on his high tenor vocals nor his effect on the ladies as he crooned his way into their hearts. What kind of man would he be if he didn't serenade his loyal fanbase?
Their set was solid, but missing the one selection everyone came to hear. As they thanked everyone and exited the stage, darkness draped over screams for "Pretty Brown Eyes." Within minutes, the invisible stage lit up on cue with the melodic hits signifying the start of the classic R&B single that made them great. Stokley and them didn't disappoint and concluded their performance on a high note (no pun intended). Afterwards, Mint Condition also went into the lobby to mingle during the second intermission.
We ordered more drinks and awaited Eric Benet's entrance. A few of his fan club members, aka TrueEBs, fluttered around the lobby like happy schoolgirls swooning over the star quarterback. He didn't make them wait long as "Love Don't Love Me" began playing and Eric was onstage doing his thing. Armed with only a three-piece ensemble of keys, bass and drums, he leaned heavily on pre-recorded background vocals and an extensive library of hits like "Femininity" and "Chocolate Legs." I will never deny his consistency, but Eric's headlining contribution to the Sexy Soul Tour was light in comparison to his tour mates. My appreciation for his performance lies in his strong singing sans band and showmanship.
This is why I love soul music, it lingers in our minds and heightens our sense of identity and emotions. It's more than hearing a few songs, it's a connection between the performer and the audience. While I believe that experience can be achieved in any genre of music, there's something extraordinary about the soul connection. That added umph is found in the core of Ledisi. You can relish in that 'special something' whenever Mint Condition plays. The unique sexiness of Eric Benet's delivery speaks to the soul that dances within all of us. Overall, the performances were dynamic and we ventured into the damp night air full of musical satisfaction.]]>
'My Life' At 15: 'You Gotta Believe'tag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53392009-11-06T17:00:00Z2009-11-06T16:40:17ZFavehttp://fave.fm
My Life was: (1) an open love letter from Mary J. Blige to K-Ci Hailey; and (2) a cornucopia of '90s R&B drenched in soul instrumentals from the '60s and '70s. Unlike the majority of the album, "You Gotta Believe" wasn't anchored in a sample. The Herb Middleton-produced ballad followed the New Jack Swing playbook with its kick drum, rimshot and syncopated triangle poured over soft piano chords and subtle bass line. Mary's vocal plea of assurance was filled with gruff desperation despite the velvety accompaniment.
The contrasting tonality captured the dysfunction that often surrounds torrid relationships and fragile self-esteem. Mary's language of love sounds tainted and perfect simultaneously as she petitions for justified angst disguised as companionship. We tend to love those who hurt us the most and find reasons to keep them. Mary was no different. She sung the feelings we were too ashamed to admit. She brought in New Jack crooner, Big Bub, to build her case in the first bridge. K-Ci claimed he heard her "loud and clear," yet Mary commissioned Faith Evans' sultry harmonies in the second bridge to seal the deal. The trio was convincingly pure and, quite frankly, more than what the Jodeci frontman deserved. But she loved him and we understood. We believed you, Mary. ]]>
Reminder: Janelle Monáe Can Sing. Well.tag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53502009-11-06T16:00:00Z2009-11-06T07:42:54ZThough getting new material from Janelle Monáe is wholly satisfying when it happens, it isn't happening very often. Fortunately, Cindy Mayweather stays on her performance hustle. In this great video, Monáe sings her beautiful rendition of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile." There...Rohttp://www.soulbounce.com/soul/ro/
Janelle Monáe is wholly satisfying when it happens, it isn't happening very often. Fortunately, Cindy Mayweather stays on her performance hustle. In this great video, Monáe sings her beautiful rendition of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile." There isn't anything particularly noteworthy about the black and white video--it just shows her standing on an elevated platform singing--if you discount how mesmerizing she is to hear and to watch. And that's the point. Strip away the futuristic regalia and you're still left with a fresh, dynamic singer. It's easy to get caught up in her theatrics and persona and forget that she is a gifted vocalist, and this video serves as a wonderful reminder of her abilities. [H/T: SC]]]>
Morning Soul: It's Do Or Dietag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53492009-11-06T15:00:00Z2009-11-06T17:52:23Z Chris Brown's managers are pushing up his release and tour dates. [PPL] Delusions of Grandeur Exhibit #39104: Trey Songz's new single "I Invented Sex." [TBB]NPR is on the Mayer Hawthorne train Vespa. [NPR]Um, why is there going to be...Rohttp://www.soulbounce.com/soul/ro/
Chris Brown's managers are pushing up his release and tour dates. [PPL]
Delusions of Grandeur Exhibit #39104: Trey Songz's new single "I Invented Sex." [TBB]
Um, why is there going to be a live telecast of a seance with Michael Jackson's spirit? [MTV]
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Quiet Bounce: I'll Always Come Back To Youtag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53452009-11-06T01:00:00Z2009-11-06T20:02:39ZFull disclosure: "Voyage To Atlantis" is my favorite Isley Brothers song. Ever. There's so much win in this track from their 1977 release Go For Your Guns. It's the wail of Ernie's guitar, punctuating the song like musical exclamation points....Buttahttp://www.soulbounce.com/soul/butta/
Isley Brothers song. Ever. There's so much win in this track from their 1977 release Go For Your Guns. It's the wail of Ernie's guitar, punctuating the song like musical exclamation points. It's Ronald's soaring vocals, controlled yet powerful. It's the lyrics about a mythical underwater paradise and the love that has to be set free if it's to return. It's a simple song that is so complex. It's my go-to Isley Brothers track when it's time to set the mood. Yup, it's the one I always come back to. ]]>
Black Dynamite Gets Orchestral In 'The Midnight Hour'tag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53472009-11-05T19:00:00Z2009-11-05T17:10:30ZWhether I'm getting older and just unable to stay up past midnight is not the point. The point ultimately is that I missed a performance by the Black Dynamite Orchestra the last time they performed here in LA. Luckily, I...ill Mamihttp://www.soulbounce.com/soul/ill_mami/
Black Dynamite Orchestra the last time they performed here in LA. Luckily, I can relive a bit of what I missed by playing the video for "The Midnight Hour" below. Remember when I told all of you to go out and cop the score? And remember when I told all of you to go out and see the movie? This is your second warning. Go. And. See. It. You will not be sorry. ]]>
Raekwon & Blakroc Implore You To Stay Off The Flowers. We Don't Buy It.tag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53482009-11-05T18:00:00Z2009-11-05T17:04:42ZBlakroc, for those unfamiliar, is the Hip Hop-Rock project consisting of The Black Keys and various artists, namely the ever-fuzzy Jim Jones. Their latest track available for public consumption pits Raekwon as the grumpy old man daring you young whippersnappers...ill Mamihttp://www.soulbounce.com/soul/ill_mami/Blakroc, for those unfamiliar, is the Hip Hop-Rock project consisting of The Black Keys and various artists, namely the ever-fuzzy Jim Jones. Their latest track available for public consumption pits Raekwon as the grumpy old man daring you young whippersnappers to just try and step onto his porch. Before you begin to believe the angry act, allow us to direct your attention to the graphic above. To many of you, that is the first time you have ever seen The Chef smiling. Joining along with the Crest-perfect smile is our own EIC, Butta. Raekwon may want you to "Stay Off The Fuckin' Flowers," but don't believe it. Looks like that sensitive thug is great at hugs. ]]>
'My Life' At 15: 'My Life'tag:soulbounce.com,2009:/soul//1.53382009-11-05T17:00:00Z2009-11-05T17:15:06Z"Life can be only what you make it / When you're feeling down, you should never fake it" So begins the haunting title track from the My Life album, arguably one of the most beloved songs Mary J. Blige has...hunyhttp://www.soulbounce.com/soul/huny/
"Life can be only what you make it / When you're feeling down, you should never fake it"
So begins the haunting title track from the My Life album, arguably one of the most beloved songs Mary J. Blige has ever recorded. Like most of the songs on the album, it was produced by Puffy and Chucky Thompson and also included background vocals from a then unknown Faith Evans. Considering the relatively chipper jazz song it samples--"Everybody Loves the Sunshine" by jazz great Roy Ayers--"My Life" is heavy with woeful introspection and almost serves as an anthem of sorts for anybody, any woman in particular, who has ever felt beaten by life's sometimes cruel hand, by heartbreak, by longing. It's an ode to spiritual strength through sadness, as well, with lines like "You won't really need no one else except for the man above because he will give you love" and "I know it is hard, but we will get far. And if you don't believe in me, just believe in 'he'." It's instruction.
It's no secret Mary's young life was tumultuous--an abusive relationship with K-Ci, drug and alcohol addiction, clinical depression--so when she assures "I know that things will turn out fine" you get the feeling she's trying to convince herself as much as anyone listening. Mary's career was quite transparently built on her struggle, pain, and personal demons, and "My Life" represents the epitome of her weary resilience. To this day I can't listen to it without tears pooling in my eyes. And not just because her distinctively raw wail aches with emotion and melancholy. I, like many others, just simply relate. The first time I heard "My Life" I was a freshman at Howard University suffering the dissolution of my own first love and my own anxiety over the circumstances of my young life thus far. I felt like "My Life" was both for me and about me. That's always been what made Mary J. Blige special above all else--her relatedness. Her homegirlishness. Shero to the downtrodden. And even now, older than Mary was herself when she first recorded it, this song still feels like a letter from a big sister.
