http://soulbounce.com/soul/ Adult R&B :: Alternative Soul :: Old School :: Deep House :: Progressive Hip-Hop en Copyright 2009 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification 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. ]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/bilal_stays_reaching_higher_levels.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/bilal_stays_reaching_higher_levels.php Video SoulBounce bilal mochilla Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 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. ]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/if_you_dont_love_mary_this_way_who_will.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/if_you_dont_love_mary_this_way_who_will.php Diggin' in the Crates Month of Mary audio jackson five mary j. blige michael jacskon Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0500 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."]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/mens_group_wants_rihanna_to_woman_up_regarding_violent_incident.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/mens_group_wants_rihanna_to_woman_up_regarding_violent_incident.php Sh*t or Shinola? chris brown diane sawyer national coalition for men ncfm rihanna Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500 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. ]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/quiet_bounce_im_almost_gone.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/quiet_bounce_im_almost_gone.php Quiet Bounce audio lalah hathaway mary j. blige Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 -0500 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.
]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/bounce-worthy_andy_allo.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/bounce-worthy_andy_allo.php Bounce-Worthy andy allo audio corinne bailey rae flave Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 ?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.]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/why_well_never_get_over_the_roots.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/why_well_never_get_over_the_roots.php Video SoulBounce ?uestlove bbgun black thought dice raw Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:00:02 -0500 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. ]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/mary_speaks_on_why_life_is_precious.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/mary_speaks_on_why_life_is_precious.php A Soulful Noise Month of Mary lee daniels. precious mary j. blige Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:05 -0500 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.

]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/sexy_soul_trifecta_with_eric_benet_mint_condition_and_ledisi.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/sexy_soul_trifecta_with_eric_benet_mint_condition_and_ledisi.php I Was There Reviews eric benet houston ledisi live mint condition performance sexy soul tour soul verizon theatre Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500 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. ]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/my_life_at_15_you_gotta_believe.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/my_life_at_15_you_gotta_believe.php Month of Mary audio big bub faith evans herb middleton k-ci hailey mary j. blige my life Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500 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]]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/reminder_janelle_monae_can_sing_well.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/reminder_janelle_monae_can_sing_well.php Video SoulBounce charlie chaplin cindy mayweather janelle monae video Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:00:00 -0500

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 a live telecast of a seance with Michael Jackson's spirit? [MTV]

]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/morning_soul_its_do_or_die.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/morning_soul_its_do_or_die.php Morning Soul chris brown mayer hawthorne michael jackson trey songz Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:00 -0500 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.
]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/quiet_bounce_ill_always_come_back_to_you.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/quiet_bounce_ill_always_come_back_to_you.php Quiet Bounce audio ernie isley ronald isley the isley brothers Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:00:00 -0500 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. ]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/black_dynamite_gets_orchestral_in_the_midnight_hour.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/black_dynamite_gets_orchestral_in_the_midnight_hour.php Video SoulBounce black dynamite Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0500 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. ]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/raekwon_blakroc_implore_you_to_stay_off_the_flowers_we_dont_buy_it.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/raekwon_blakroc_implore_you_to_stay_off_the_flowers_we_dont_buy_it.php First Spin audio blakroc butta raekwon Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500 "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.

]]> http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/my_life_at_15_my_life.php http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/11/my_life_at_15_my_life.php Month of Mary audio chucky thompson diddy faith evans mary j. blige puffy roy ayers Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500