Over the past several years, PJ Morton has established himself as creative savant in the music industry. With several credits to his name (singer, songwriter, musician, producer, author and now founder of his own record label), the award-winning talent never fails to impress us with his ever-evolving artistry. And as purveyors of all things Bounce-Worthy, please trust us when we say his latest project Bounce & Soul, Volume 1 is no exception.
Featuring six reworks of past releases, the mixtape serves as a hometown tribute and homecoming celebration for the New Orleans native who recently moved back to The Big Easy. Realizing how much he missed the "bounce" music he grew up on, he decided to experiment by combining his soulful pop and the New Orleans sound. We were definitely intrigued when he leaked his update of the Lil Wayne-feature "Lover." And after gifting us with our own exclusive listen of "New Orleans Girl" (featuring Trombone Shorty), we couldn't wait to get our hands on the full project.
If you haven't already figured it out, this project is NOLA-inspired through and through. With the exception of music icon Stevie Wonder (because, Stevie!!), every voice you hear is a product of the southern city. In addition to Weezy and Trombone Shorty, rappers Juvenile, 5th Ward Weebie and Dee-1 lend their unique talents to Bounce & Soul. The mixtape also features a series of interludes/interviews with homegrown staples like iconic radio personality Wild Wayne, rapper/Young Money president Mack Maine, rapper/producer Mannie Fresh and DJ Raj Smoove.
Stream Bounce & Soul, Volume 1 in its entirety, then head to iTunes to purchase a copy to add to your mixtape collection. Lucky Crescent City Bouncers can pick up a free physical copy at select PJ's Coffee locations. In addition to celebrating the New Orleans sound, PJ is also giving back to the community. His Morton Records label (which recently signed sister-group Jcksn Ave) aims to develop local talent and he recently partnered with The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation to conduct a songwriting workshop for local youth. Keep up with his latest venture and side projects via Twitter and Instagram.