WE love G.O.O.D Music! & not just that mainstream music either! We love... anything really & from anyone too! If it sounds GOOD, we'll plug it (plug = spread the word lol)! We aim to bring 2 U G.O.O.D music that radio doesn’t play... that U won't hear anywhere!
April has been an eventful month for New and Emerging Music this year and that is putting it mildly - our long list of songs to choose our favourites from seemed never ending. While its crazy to even think that a good four weeks have come and gone since the last time we shared our Best New Music with you, those four weeks have come accompanied with some pretty amazing music thankfully. The month of April - week FOURTEEN (02/04/12 - 08/04/12) all the way through to week SEVENTEEN (23/04/12) - (29/04/12) of 2012 - has been blessed with at least one gem of a record in Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, Indie, Pop, R&B and everything in between. Here are our favourite picks as always...
Adenikè Adenaike. A deliberate play on syntax? Maybe not. A stage name? Definitely not! That is actually her real name. ADENIKÈ means royalty in Yoruba (Nigeria) and rightly so. She has branded herself with the royal color - purple, her nickname is ‘Purple’ and from the press photo above, so is her hair and her brand but what about her music? I would have to concur that her music is just as awesome as the color purple... We plug to you, emerging R&B singer Adenikè.
Canadian Singer/Songwriter Sara London has been on my ‘to-listen’ list for a while now, since a download link to her debut EP Breaking Hearts landed on my radar last month. I finally got to listen to the emotional project this weekend and the impressive vocalist automatically gets a plug from me as a result of her stellar debut.
OK so Pineapple Now - Laters is actually a candy! When I first heard the intro to this record, I thought BJ was just reciting some really cool Spoken Word with some deeper meaning but he’s actually just talking about candy people! Apparently it was his favourite candy as a kid and in previous interviews, he has stated that this pre-album is just a taste of everything BJ - he refers to it as "World Soul R&B". I refer to it as a perfect mix of all things Soul and GOOD.
Hey folks! Apologies for the hiatus, but I’m back with an artist that you just have to hear about. I like to consider myself knowledgeable about music but it looks like somehow this Singer-Songwriter missed my radar last year.
She recently made it on to our Best New & Emerging Music list and with no further ado I present to you, Singer/Songwriter Stacy Barthe. Like most songwriters who transition into performing artists, Stacy’s first EP Sincerely Yours came about by her wondering what would happen if she answered the calling she felt within to create a personal work of art and to perform her own songs. Following that successful EP from 2011, came the birth of her most recent work In The Inbetween which was released in February 2012. Below is an excerpt on Stacy from her official website.
Los Angeles native Elle Shellise Varner was born - February 12, 1989 - into a musical household with both her parents being notable songwriters and publishers. It then comes as no surprise that at the tender age of six, Elle began her musical journey - playing various musical instruments from the flute to the piano and then the guitar. In 2008, she graduate from New York University’s renowned Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music and by October 2009, Elle had signed with RCA Records alongside securing a publishing agreement with Sony Music. All perks of a musical household or is there something about Elle Varner?
Hey guys! Happy New Year! And yes I know its well into 2012 but this is my first post of the year hence the pleasantries! Anyway getting right into it, the artist that I will be plugging to you is none other than the very talented and peculiar looking Allen Stone. I personally feel like this is an awesome feature to start the New Year with and before I get into Mr Stone’s background, I’m going to set the mood with this very awesome song! It’s a fun, upbeat and simple simple number released back in 2010 and while this wasn’t the first song I heard from Allen Stone, its now one of my favorites and just one of those ones that get your feet tapping, I also think its smartly written… But alas, all this rhetoric will sound like gibberish to you till you hit the play button and enjoy, here’s "Another Break Up Song"...
Welcome - once again - to 2012 and welcome to a brand new weekly feature right here on We Plug GOOD Music. In pretty much the same vein as our Best New & Emerging Music of 2011 list, this weekly feature will aim to showcase and highlight only the very best new and emerging music to have graced our ears each and every week in 2012. The criteria is pretty simple for who and what gets considered - as long as an artist is yet to release a full length major album release, they'll be considered for this feature so without further adieu...
I know nothing about music. That’s the conclusion I came to after I listened to Bridget Kelly for the first time today. I mean, how do I call myself a music connoisseur of high caliber and not ever have heard of Bridget Kelly. I’m just saying that if you would like to revoke my card right now, I would be totally OK with that. However, better late than never right? Exactly, right and just in case you are like me and you had never heard of Bridget Kelly- in all likelihood, you probably have but maybe not the music - until you came through here, let me introduce you to the sultry 23-year old singer, who quite frankly is probably one of the freshest voices I have heard in the R&B scene, all year long!
The best ones are unsigned… This is my professional and one might add very opinionated position. I have been doing this for about two years now, receiving music daily from people across the globe and this is just what I have found. The music industry as we have it now will be so much better, if we could get a lot of our unsigned artists signed and on the radio. Maybe then radio stations will not have to repeat the same songs every hour on the hour
But I digress... If there is one sect that is particularly lacking in the industry right now, it’s the R&B sector - more precisely the female R&B sector. They seem to have died with the start of the new decade, giving way to only Pop artists and left it all - R&B music I mean - to their male counterparts. In this artist I plug to you today, there is definitely cause to be hopeful, we have a revival on our hands people, “R&B’s back” – said in my best Rick Ross imitation.
Let me just start by telling you that this is a full on HYPE post. The difference however in this case is that this is a deserving kind of HYPE. I will not ever hype something that was not totally worth it - DJ Klem's Afrofunkydiscosoul is totally worth it - and the interesting part is, wait for it, wait for it…. It is totally FREE!!! Music this good should not be free, there should be a law against this BUT thankfully, I don't write the rules books.
This - Afrofunkydiscosoul - is the second release from award-winning Nigerian producer and Red Bull Music Academy alumni, DJ Klem (real name Clement Kponu) - his first record being the critically acclaimed Six8Ten EP from last year - and it features some of the best and most promising artists to come out of Nigeria this year. DJ Klem's Afrofunkydiscosoul draws together established acts such as Wizkid, Sound Sultan, Sauce Kid, Mo Cheddah, Zara and Kel and combines them with emerging artists like Iye, Teeklef, Funbi, Efa and Myst to make this album the best album, hands down, out of Nigeria so far in 2011.
Hi guys, how are you doing? It's been a minute it feels like. If you are like me, you are still on a valentine's day high. Ok, just showing off a little, but what I mean is that I'm still very much on a love high and this next artist keeps this feeling going for me every time I listen to his songs.
Maryland-bred singer/songwriter Aaron Camper is not entirely new to the game, having lent his talents as a writer to artists like TYE Tribett & G.A, Marvin Sapp, The Clark Sisters, Stevie Wonder, Eric Roberson, J.Cole and going on tour with Jill Scott as part of her acclaimed All-Male background vocalists known as 'The Pipes'. His transitioning to a solo artist is therefore very natural and well timed if you ask me. The music scene seems to me to be lacking in the R&B scene, the days of Joe, Tyrese, Ginuwine, Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass are so long gone, so long gone and i miss it so. But then Aaron Camper comes along and I'm glad for the future of R&B.
The 'Welcome To My World' mixtape is Camper's first offering to the world, a fusion of R&B and a little bit of Hip-Hop and Pop music featuring well known artists like Kanye West, Swiss Beatz, Brandy and Eric Roberson. He has a fresh, melodic, very soothing voice that I love. The production on this mixtape was very on point and Adam Blackstone who has worked with the "who is who" of the music industry deserves a very special mention for his work as executive producer on this. But let me let you listen and form your own opinions, right?
"Just close your eyes. Don't worry about the morning, cos i'll be here to tell you that love you."
What you just heard is my favorite song on off this mixtape and it's called 'Hold You Close'. I have listened to this song everyday for more than a month now. The way the songs starts off with the play of the instruments - the guitar, the piano and the drums - is so beautiful and even without Aaron's voice on it, I would listen over again. Aaron's voice on it though is very well suited, a perfect blending, very silky smooth thus making it the perfect love making song if you ask me. Soft, gentle, caressing in all the right places on my cocoa butter skin.
What you just heard is 'Second Thought' featuring Brandy. This was originally sung by Brandy but I think this is definitely a better version. Brandy is undoubtedly one of the best female vocalists that this generation has to offer, even though she still lacks in her due respect, but that will be for another post. What I love is that Aaron holds his own by her side, showing just how vocally talented he is. Dare I say that he actually sounds vocally stronger than Brandy on this song and I don't think there are a lot of male vocalists that can say that.
"Should have did me right before, now I don't need you no more"
I love this next song 'How does It Feel', again straight off the bat as the instrumentals begin to play. If you can't already tell, I love instrumentals more than actual songs most days. More importantly, I love when an artist can mesh so well with the vision of the producer and not waste a beat or productionand Camper does just that on the drums and keyboard-infused 'How Does It Feel' by taking ample advantage to show us the range of his vocals.
"I see what you doing and i just fall back. When i'm cool with it now, you don't like that. How does it feel to be cruel? How does it feel that i agree with you"
I was really torn on what the last song on this feature should be. I think Camper's cover of Boyz II Men's classic 'Water Runs Dry' deserves a special mention because although I believe the original is still better, Aaron's take on it is fresh and 'now' and for the younger kids who may have never heard of Boyz II Men, it would definitely be a hit. Decided to end it on a more upbeat note however with an original song of his titled 'Take Off - the party track every mixtape needs.
So there you have it guys, it's a late plug so maybe some of you have heard about Aaron Camper, but for those of you who haven't, I encourage you to hit the download button below. Its free G.O.O.D music and you will not be disappointed. I have a chance to see him next month and I am really excited to hear him perform all these songs, especially with a live band. Enjoy and let me know what you think.
Hello GOOD people, yours truly is currently listening to Tyler Woods' (not the golf player) 'Stayed Away Too Long', as I type this! OMG, did I just reveal the first track of the EP in my first sentence? Not to worry you can listen too in a few minutes.When I got 'The Mahogany Experiment' on my desk, my gut said to me (and I quote), "you aint gonna like this" and considering the fact that I prefer Hip-Hop to any other genre of music, you can't blame the poor gut now can you? How wrong... I repeat HOW WRONG was I? I didn't just like 'The Mahogany Experiment', iLOVED IT!
Tyler Woods (real name no gimmicks) is an R&B singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and is already turing into a household name thanks to his songwriting skills, good looks and a voice that can melt a heart faster than butter on a hot sunny day. On this EP, Woods joins forces with the veteran uber-talented producer behind some of the soulful sounds of the likes of Little Brother, MURS, Pete Rock and Erykah Badu, who also doubles as the owner of the record label that Tyler is signed to, Jamla Records... By the way, I call Tyler by his first name because I feel a connection with him after listening to this EP as you will too, you might even think you attended the same college or something but alas I digress... The producer I was referring to is none other than the incomparable 9th wonder but you already knew that. Did I forget to mention that Tyler Woods is from North Carolina - the home of 9th Wonder and some of the most burgeoning artists such as J. Cole, Yahzarah, Darien Brockington and amongst others!There must be something in the water right? Well, without any further 'ado', lets PLUG the music!
Tyler starts 'The Mahogany Experiment' on a remorseful note as he reminisces on the EP's first song titled 'Stayed Away Too Long'. On the song, he apologises after neglecting his woman which is obviously a good subject matter as all the fellas can relate to this. 9th wonder comes clean with a monotonous backdrop that allows Tyler to adequately convey his apology, confessions and much needed request to be taken back in such heartwarming fashion that before you even get to the last hook, you're all smiles as his melodious voice penetrates your heart with so much ease. He does this effortlessly, no auto-tuning, just GOOD Music... Did I hear you say hype? Ok why don't you just listen below...
As we move further into the EP, Tyler steps up the tempo as 9th wonder comes through with an infectiously head-bopping Hip-Hop instrumentation, and if you only knew who he calls upon to 'put the knife in' on this next track? None other than Styles P (one third of veteran Hip-Hop group, the LOX) and he comes in to do what only "The Ghost" can do - lay a couple crispy clean rap verses on this truly Hip-Hop influenced track which still manages to remain R&B enough for Tyler to do his thing. 'Only Knew' sees Tyler lament about how he misses a lover with Styles P making the song more interesting as his opening verse gives the listener food for thought.
"but she is gone with the wind/or gone with her friends/ but i'm like damn!! /i hope she aint gone with a MAN"?!
Tyler also gives a teary but heartfelt rendition about the reasons why he misses her and how he wishes she "only knew" and I seriously can relate to Tyler on this song, especially the line; "kisses for no reasons". I particularly like the way these two artists share the verses on this track so before you make the same mistake and start screaming "had I known" or is it "if you only knew", listen and learn from Mr. Woods and Styles P below.
The final track I'd like to plug from this EP to your ears is titled 'I Wanna Love You (The Jodeci Tribute) and permit me to borrow the popular radio station slogan - "more music, less talk" as I describe this song right here because this is a prime example of the perfect use of that slogan. This is without any doubt in my mind, the best baby making song so far this year and if Tyler Woods was here two decades ago, he would fit perfectly into the legendary American R&B group, Jodeci. Did I just say that? Yes I said it... So get that special someone and kindly dim the lights - you know what i mean *wink*
'The Mahogany Experiment' is a very very good EP and what makes the release perfect is the timing - February, the month of love. The EP is better than a lot of R&B albums out there and my only major problem was in deciding the three songs I wanted to share out of the 14-track EP! The stellar guest appearances include Heather Victoria, Big Remo, Styles P and wait for it ....still waiting?! Talib Kweli (Track 8 - Ms. Diva is a must listen) as Tyler Woods makes an outstanding effort to appeal to all... Whatever genre of music you are in to, be it Rap, Hip-Hop or R&B, 'The Mahogany Experiment' is a classic example of all this genres coming together to make sweet love! Oops, sorry I meant sweet music... DOWNLOAD!! and play, judge plus jury... but dont forget to thank me later.
Keep Tabs on the R&B sensation, Tyler woods via his Website
Until the Next Time... Be G.O.O.D
King KC*
#PS If you download this EP and you dont like it, just send me your postcode and I will send you a dozen fresh roses for wasting your time although I doubt that I'll have to!
Feliz Navidad everyone..... Merry Christmas in English that is... This is the Season to be Merry and Joyful and in that spirit, I wanted to share with you as my last post for the year 2010 an artist I just found out about and who has put a smile on my face in the past couple weeks. I listen to him everyday and I mean literally everyday, since I was introduced to him. This is a first on WE PLUG GOOD MUSIC so I hope you really enjoy it.
I reside in the U.S and not the U.K so forgive me for not ever hearing about Daniel De Bourg prior to this. He was a contestant on the popular show The X Factor in 2007 and I feel like I ought to go back and watch that season to see why he was not a contender to win the show. The English Singer/Songwriter and former dancer/model who had apparently previously released an album here in the States in 2002, just last month released THE DDB Mixtape Volume 1 - The Prelude.
The Prelude is a compilation of DDB's most popular covers, re-writes and a few exclusive original tracks. I am not usually interested in covers of songs, they just tend to not sound great to me. If you are gonna do it, you gotta do it atleast equal to OR better than the original and that's exactly what Daniel does on his covers, from Drake's 'Shut it Down' to Bruno Mars 'The Way You Are' to Prince's 'If I was Your Girlfriend'. But I'm running my mouth at this point, let me let you listen and form your own opinions, yea?
That was Daniel's cover of Drake's 'Fall for Your Type'. The way he sings this song gives me chills, I don't know why. His voice transcends to my inner soul, I hear him clearly, like he was singing to me alone in a room. I have heard Drake sing this song and Jamie Foxx as well, and they do nothing for me as Daniel does on this song. But if you are not convinced at this point, I have more to share with you.
What you just heard is Daniel's cover of Labrinth's 'Let the Sun Shine'. At this point I am convinced that this is a black guy singing by the way. I mean, do you hear the soul that emits from his voice? I like how he slows down the beat as well, it feels like this is the way the song should have been sung in the first place. He totally makes Labrinth, who sings the original, look irrelevant as a musician with this.
One more cover shall we?
What you just heard was an all-vocal cover of Cee-Lo Green's "Fuck You". Cee-Lo did a great job on this song and obviously deserves all the accolades he gets for this. I Love DDB on this song though, it instantly makes me smile. Have you noticed the range in his voice? It makes him so unique that he can make his voice suit the style of the song. It's a tricky line, because that makes him also unrecognizable, but for me its such a plus. Have you also noticed that you cannot tell for even a second that he is British? Let's end with an original song then or two :)
This one is an original track by Daniel featuring Belle titled 'Made 4 Me'. This is my second favorite song off this mixtape. The vocal arrangement is so old school R&B. Do you hear it? Like how songs were back in the 90's with a male and female artist bouncing off each other. Neither of them overshadows each other and Belle's voice is awesome. I totally love this song, I reckon it will be played on my wedding day.
"If you judge me on my sound alone, it would be your loss"
And for the last but not the least, what you just listened to is an exclusive that you would only get if and WHEN you download this mixtape. Aptly titled 'Mutha Fucker', I love this song because I like how he can make fun of himself. He says what I allude to earlier in this post a couple times and I thought you ought to hear him say it for himself.
This was a great way to end the year, and this mixtape is definitely one of my favorites to have reviewed this year. Daniel is what you would call a natural artist, you don't learn what he's got in school, it comes from the heart. Hoping 2011 is a great year for him in the music industry. This is my opinion though, please leave your feedback and let me know what you think.
What it do beautiful people? It’s been a minute and I apologize but I’m a 100 % sure you will forgive me after listening to the artist I am about to introduce you.
I’m a true R ‘n’ B head, from the likes of Teddy Pendergrass, Lionel Richie, Baby face, Maxwell and Joe, to name a few and I have often said that we have no true male R ‘n’ B artist in the business lately. Well I was wrong. Calvin “Joonie” Gary, Jr. better known by his stage name JOONIE proves to me that we still have some out there.
American singer, songwriter, arranger and musician Joonie, may not be so new to some of you. He recently toured with American Idol Elliot Yamin (I absolutely love him) and has paid his dues working behind the scenes writing, arranging, producing or playing instrumentals for other artists including, Ruben Studdard, Nappy Roots, Angie Stone and Mos Def (unreleased). Every song on his upcoming album, he produced himself. Anybody say TALENTED?
There is something so smooth about his voice. But before I go on talking, let me let you listen to him yourself….
Sunshine
Did you feel it? I bet you did. No female listening to this wasn’t easily transported into the arms of the man they love. Right? I love his voice, it’s so smooth, and it seems so heartfelt, so real. This is the kind of song for that special somebody, not just anybody. You get me? Sunshine is also featured in the BET Movie “I DO, I DID”
Not convinced yet? Listen to this then
Could you be?
This is my favorite track. I don’t know why? I guess I can relate to the question. Waiting on that one to ask me if I could be his, you know. Sigh. Again I love his voice, sounds so soulful. Who does he remind you of? Somewhere between Anthony Hamilton, Neyo, Ruben Studdard is Joonie, without really sounding like any one of them. In this day and age, it brings joy to my heart to hear such a unique voice.
He is showing some versatility on this song. It’s a great song, you want to move to. Am I crazy to think you could hear this in a lounge? It has to be a really “cool” lounge. Like he himself says, “Each of my songs is like my child. I like to take time with each one, nurture it and guide it into maturity until it is ready to be shared. My goal is to create music that actually touches your soul, puts a smile on your face and makes you feel loved.”
Joonie's debut album “Acoustic Love” is out for release on the 27th of April. Color me excited, I am expecting a lot and I’m sure I would not be disappointed. The album is said to expresses his feelings about love and relationships and is explored from a very rare point of view in current popular music; one where romance exists and women are valued and appreciated.
We have deemed this G.O.O.D & REAL MUSIC. What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts on this one guys. Personally cannot wait for his album on the 27th, make sure to cop yours as well.
Download Sunshine, Could You Be and two other tracks HERE
Until Next Time ... Peace, Love & G.O.O.D Music!!! Neefemi
I prefer Hip-Hop to any other genre of music, you can't blame the poor gut now can you? How wrong... I repeat HOW WRONG was I? I didn't just like 'The Mahogany Experiment', iLOVED IT!
