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Back when I had never been kissed and dreamt of a world where a fairy prince--who looked oddly like Jermaine Jackson--clothed in white would come and rescue me from the pathetic doldrums known as sixth grade, I always thought that this would be the song to accompany that most noble deed. Alas, this never happened, but no matter. Freddie Jackson's "Have You Ever Loved Somebody" is still one of my Quiet Storm favorites because there's just no escaping that voice. Granted, I was too young to understand why my mother kept saying that the match between Freddie and Michael Michele in the video was improbable. I didn't care. I just knew that at one point there would be someone special enough who would be able to rescue me from pathos and sing this song to me. And you know what? It actually happened. Relive or rewrite your own fantastical storyline set to Freddie's crooning once you press play.

Freddie Jackson: "Have You Ever Loved Somebody"

As another third Wednesday rapidly approaches, NYC Bouncers know what time it is: Sol Village time! That's right, it's about to go down this Wednesday, November 18th at our favorite NYC haunt, S.O.B.'s, for another indie star-studded evening of musical magic hosted by our main man Eric Roberson. We haven't given away Sol Village tix in a few months, so we're making up for lost time and affording four lucky NYC Bouncers the chance to see Joya Bravo, Divine Brown, Collette, Tufli, Kimberly Nicole and Teresa Jenee grace the stage. Sol Village is still the best deal in town, with a $10 cover ($12 day of) to see all this talent. Tickets may be obtained via TicketWeb or at the S.O.B.'s box office, but if you feel like rolling the dice, hit the bounce for details on how to enter.

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Though I never lived in the outer boroughs of New York City, I was very familiar with "dollar vans" as they are still affectionately called. Since not everyone can live within reasonable walking distance to a subway station, it only makes sense that this mode of transportation exists. You may or may not be familiar with Dollar Van Demos, which provides under-appreciated artists their time to shine while being whisked around in said van with other likely unsuspecting passengers. It certainly seems that Joya Bravo took at least one passenger by surprise as she let loose her take on "A Milli" whose infectious beat was just about remixed by everyone who had a mic last year. Don't start yawning yet, since Joya's version includes a violin solo. Yes, in the van. She describes her sound as "eclecticism." I just describe it as intriguing. Take a peek below. 

I don't pretend to understand K-Os anymore than I can pretend to understand all of the inside jokes on De La Soul's 3 Feet High And Rising. I just know that whatever it is that he does, I invariably find myself right along with him, whether he wants to be a cowboy on the lam or a spaceman as he is in this video. "I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman" features Saukrates and Nelly Furtado and boasts director Lil X at the helm for this far out video. My suggestion: watch it, love it, then cop Yes!, k-os' latest album, dropping November 23rd.  

I wish you'd change your ways soon enough/ So we can be together/
You just don't understand good love/ But now all we have is memories...

Finally, we've reached the point where Mary is just about ready to let go. I mean, she has no choice. She's finally getting the fact that her man is gone and not coming back. After all the begging and pleading that apparently fell on deaf ears, she's preparing herself to move on. In time. But not before one last round of "I love you's," one last attempt to set the record straight, to recall the good memories. Which is natural. I mean, understanding that the relationship is past the point of no return is one thing. Actually letting go for your own good is something totally different. But it's happening. Finally. And we love it. The ode to getting over it is backed beautifully by Chucky Thompson, who sampled skillfully from Isaac Hayes' classic track "Ike's Mood." It serves as a perfect backdrop for this overdue Dear John letter. One that will undoubtedly signal a new beginning for our downtrodden diva. Help her get on with her life. Help her to create better spring memories to love.

Mary J. Blige: "I Love You"

Melanie Fiona would like to introduce you to her Lucy. After the alluring first ten seconds of the video for "Bang Bang" you may or may not care that she's talking about a gun. Maybe. She doesn't care, though. This video is a slick sass-fest that has the feel of a heist flick without the chase. In a good way. "Bang Bang" has energy to spare, and Fiona is fun to watch as she messes with the her bandmates in a line up, clicks through images of herself on an old-school projector, uses a shirtless guy as a back rest and various other scenarios in which she's a certifiable bad-ass.

• Goodie Mob and The Roots performed on Jimmy Fallon last week. It was extra funky. [OKP]
• It may be too early for bedroom eyes, Phonte, but it's all good. [FYBM]
• We're late on this K-Swiss ad that features the ever-smooth Jose James. [YT]
• In case anyone cares: Soulja Boy is collaborating with Kanye West, Rihanna, and Jamie Foxx. Wake us up when it's over. [MI]

Izzi Dunn is making a lot of positive noise from across the pond these days. Her latest single, "Tits and Ass," is provocative and enlightening, but her video gives a more vivid picture (no pun intended). While I appreciate the sexy silhouettes and dance moves, I can't ignore how Izzi breaks it down on the lyrical tip. See for yourself after the bounce.

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Although this song is more in the style of a classic duet, "Take Me" is all about Teedra Moses. The way she punches and lilts her voice during the chorus, her measured loftiness in areas where she could blow Raphael Saadiq totally out of contention, she's wonderful. Listening to her on this track makes it hard to fathom how people have so thoroughly slept on Complex Simplicity. Schmaltzy orchestral strings instantly cut by dominating sitar strumming only to return much later in the song, Saadiq's warm and subdued presence that softens the rhythmic clarity with which she sings, these are but a few of the songs strengths. Add to that a refreshing, honest lyrics about rekindling romance sans melodrama and you have one of the most relatable and most beautiful love songs of the decade.

Teedra Moses feat. Raphael Saadiq: Take Me

Despite the untimely death of Slum Village member Baatin recently, the show must go on. In this case, this beat from "Dope Man" goes on to the beat of the Jungle Brothers' "I'm Gonna Do Ya." Their spin is particularly refreshing. But then when have they ever really disappointed? That being said, enjoy this track from their album Villa Manifesto which drops December 8th and try to not bounce to this ad nauseum today. I dare you.  

Slum Village: "Dope-Man"