We Plug to You... AKS - The Bus Stop EP

Emerging South London emcee AKS is no stranger to us at We Plug Good Music, having previously performed at one of our 'One Mic' live music showcases and featured on our critically acclaimed 2010 Prelude to the Future compilation mixtape but he's yet to grace the illustrious pages of the We Plug Good Music review website until now that is, because with the music that this young lyricist is creating these days, it's hard not to plug AKS to you. We would not be doing our jobs properly and if we're about anything, we are about doing our jobs properly!

AKS first came on our radars when we saw him perform with his Midas Touch collective two years ago and firmly when we got to hear debut mixtape - 2009's A Miracle in the Making - which saw the newcomer add his unique rap verses to a wide variety of popular songs from Lily Allen's "The Fear" to Hudson Mohawke's "Overnight" to 88 Keys' "Stay Up" and us certainly paying him ample attention at this point. With the release of his latest opus however - the 8-track debut EP The Bus Stop - AKS does much more than fulfil the promise he showed on his previous outing, he succeeds in putting together a timeless body of work that is seamless, cohesive and well crafted but also very personal, intimate and compelling - highlighting his song-writing dexterities, well honed delivery, amazing ear for production and refreshingly mature and relatable subject matter. 

As we usually do in here and because we always have the good music to back us up, you don't just have to take my word for it SO without further ado, let's delve into the music, shall we?

"If I'm nothing more than ordinary then I'm nothing less than necessary"

What you just heard is my favourite song right now from The Bus Stop EP. The song is titled "Truth be Told (I, I, I)" and it features the beautiful vocals of emerging UK soul singer Kadija Kamara with production from P.Y of Our Music. The rich bass guitar and keyboard-driven musical arrangement laced with percussion drums and lush vocal harmonies from Ms. Kamara provides AKS with the ample canvass to paint the perfect picture of his struggle for artistic integrity and staying true to doing what he loves above anything else. It doesn't get more real or relatable to me than this song right here.

This next song you're about to hear is titled "House Called Home" and everybody born and/or living in diaspora should especially be able to relate to this. The Chemo-produced second single from The Bus Stop EP sees the British-born Nigerian rapper eloquently put into a song, his feeling of displacement and seclusion stemming from being removed from what seems to be or rather is his natural and rightful "home". Beginning poignantly with a vocal sample of Enoch Powell's infamous Rivers of Blood speech and closing with a warm dual-request for AKS to return "home", "House Called Home" is backed by a bass-heavy keyboard line, complimentary guitar strings and minimalistic kick drum patterns. Listen below.



Now unto the title track from AKS's The Bus Stop EP aptly titled "The Bus Stop" which was made popular when AKS took to popular online music platform The Cordless Show to perform this record last year. Markedly different from the live performance version, this Nutty P-produced keyboard-driven studio version flanked by bold drum kicks and complimentary hand claps is a honest and sombre but yet auspicious (which especially pours over into the following record titled "Worth Waiting For") start to the The Bus Stop EP which sees AKS reflect over the pessimism and uncertainties surrounding pursuing his music career and sets the entire EP off the right way as we find out whether or not he will take that bus... Listen below.

 

"Sometimes I Feel Like I Should Have Never Picked The Pen Up..."

As a final foray into our review of AKS's debut EP, allow me to share with you one more song from this 8-track - "The Bus (Outro)" is the final track of the EP and a perfect conclusion to this compelling 30-minute musical journey AKS takes us on and it is over this stripped down version of Nutty P's production from the above track ("The Bus Stop") you just heard that we finally find out whether AKS takes the bus or not. Why don't I just let you listen to it?

Truth be told, we could have easily picked the other four songs from the EP and used those for this review and the outcome would still be nothing short of a glorious review because the other songs that make up The Bus Stop EP are certainly not lacking in any regard.

The Self Taught Beats-produced "Worth Waiting For" is an mid-to-up tempo soulful Hip-Hop number backed by a superb combination of live instrumentation brought together beautifully by glorious bass licks and a lush underlying violin arrangement while "The Monologue" is a straight 3-minute lyrical assault from the London-based emcee packed with punchline after punchline after punchline and some seriously sick wordplay and in addition, the rock-infused "Soul is Sold" as well as the lustful "Blame It On Her" are as good as any of the preceding songs you've just heard and certainly not just on this EP to make up the numbers. You'd be hard pressed to find a skippable song on The Bus Stop EP.

What I am saying essentially if I haven't already made myself clear is this - The Bus Stop EP is one EP you reallneed to get plugged into. You really do not want to miss out on such amazing music. It is certainly already one of my EP's of the year. Get your copy below.

Purchase: AKS - The Bus Stop EP (iTunes) // Amazon

Keep Tabs on AKS: Website // Facebook // Twitter

Until the Next Time...

We Plug To You... Yuna - Decorate (EP)

I am proud to announce to you that pluggable GOOD music does not only exist or emanate from Europe and America as the case may seem sometimes, but can and does exist in places and regions we might find the least likely, however ignorant of us to do so. This artist I'm about to introduce you to has indeed come out of Malaysia. Surprised? Yes! Excellent music with deep lyrics born out of real emotion from a sweet and innocent place is what flows from the creative and fertile musical mind of the lady called YUNA.

Yuna Zarai is a 24 year old Muslim soulful songstress whose voice actually reminds me of the likes of Corinne Bailey Rae, Norah Jones and Adele. Underneath the seemingly shy facade and underneath the clothed layers, lies a deep soul expressing herself from a remote and emotional place. A place of need, a place of positivity, a place that brings the best out of a situation even if it is meant to be of hurt and despair. It is a place of submission to fate, believing in the best and Yuna expresses herself from here so refreshingly and beautifully.

Western Pop culture has definitely infiltrated into generation X and Y (or the Millennials as some would call it) in supposedly "third world" countries therefore it is not much of a surprise but still interesting to see a Muslim Asian female sing in a style of music supposedly Western in sound. Recently signed to the FADER label (the label arm of taste-maker blog FADER) alternative Pop singer/songwriter Yuna sings about love and falling in and out of love. She is skillful on her guitar and simple in her vocal delivery. In 2008, Yuna released her self-titled EP in Malaysia and since then, has started to garner some public attention which has now culminated in her first US release - the 5-track 'Decorate' EP.

Her EP's lead song 'Decorate' was released in Malaysia in 2010 and serves as the title track for her US release which was recently launched on March 15, 2011 with the promise of a full album later in the year. On the single 'Decorate', Yuna beautifully speaks of separation and heart break and the feelings that come with it, a love's fire gone out but with the coals still kindling. Many can relate to this... That love/lover you don't want to let go of with hopes that it/they will come back and Yuna helps you to express those feelings better in simple words and the simple chord arrangements in this song.

Listen to 'Decorate':

"I decorate my house with things you like, just in case you show up"

You can't help but wonder if she sings from personal experience. This next song, 'Someone Out of Town' is so close to home. It's that "love at first sight", ooey-gooey strong chemistry you feel with a total stranger or someone you unassumingly pass by at the station or something, 'Someone Out Of Town' maybe? Her vocals are so haunting and real on this one that you feel like you're actually having this experience with her by just simply listening to the song. It incites warm internal gushy feelings you want to hold on to forever... This one has a smooth and almost jazzy feel to it with her harmonies forming largely as the musical backdrop for the entire song.

Enjoy 'Someone out of town':

"I'm in love with someone out of town.....Who is this stranger, I should be scared, could be danger?..."

"In high definition, I'm dreaming of you..." WOW! Yuna gets an A+ for her songwriting on this love song 'Coffee', as with her songwriting dexterity on the entire EP! Gosh, this song pulls at my heart strings so deeply. This song will make you want to fall in love over and over and over again with that special someone. I'd love to sway close to someone special in the coziness of a romantic evening listening to 'Coffee'. Her vocals here are especially well textured, with the melody, lyrics, the piano arrangements, interlude and classical feel all adding to the depth of it. Good music lovers will savor the solitude on this one...

'Coffee':

Last but not least is the song that caught the ears and heart of Fader Label's co-founder Rob Stone and allegedly led to him signing Yuna to the FADER label. As the story goes, he got stuck on the first line of 'Deeper Conversation' - "Is your favorite color blue?" - and still remembers vividly to this day, hearing Yuna's voice sing those lyrics (maybe his favorite color is blue). However, blue doesn't have to be your favorite color or mine to fall absolutely in love with this song. The song is a quest to that lover to open up and be real with you...

Here goes 'Deeper Conversation':

"I've let my guards down for you.... and in time you will too... tell me all your hopes and dreams... take me to a deeper conversation..."

Yuna is definitely a 'jack in the box' of alternative Pop/Soul and certainly a 2011 act to watch out for. Hopefully, the American exposure will help plug her music globally. It is relate-able music at its purest. It's deep, meaningful and most importantly it sounds and feels like the most honest thing you've ever heard. Now who said good things and in this case good music does not come out of unexpected regions. Bye-Bye to stereotypes, Hello Yuna. Give us more of your musical deeper conversations, the world is waiting.

Purchase: Yuna - Decorate (EP) // Decorate EP (Amazon)

Keep Tabs on Yuna: Facebook // Twitter // Myspace

Until the Next Time...

Tosinger  

We Plug to You... J.Nolan - Loose Files (The Mixtape)

Hello GOOD people, hope we all had a memorable weekend? Mine was filled with mixed emotions (from the football especially) but what better time to seek comfort from good music than the present right? Let me not bore you with my "tales by the moonlight"... Now unto our feature presentation...

Jamar Nolan is an upcoming Hip-Hop artist from New Haven, Connecticut, but currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia who goes by the stage name - J. Nolan. Although he'd be categorized as a "new comer", J.Nolan sounds and feels like he is certainly not new to the game. The first time I heard J. Nolan was almost reminiscent of the first time I had heard Nas and the more I listen to the Atlanta-based emcee, the more he reminds me of a young Talib with the continuous delivery of intelligent subject matter and a cool swag that keeps it interesting and never boring (think Lupe Fiasco). Comparing him to all this Hip-Hop minds might seem quite premature and almost like I'm hallucinating a bit but trust me, the kid is legit but enough from me, let J.Nolan tell it...

"I got into Hip-Hop music at a very young age. My introduction to it was through my parents watching MTV in the early 90s and I remember seeing Wreckx n Effect’s “Rumpshaker” video, Kriss Kross, and MC Hammer. Rapping-wise, my older brother got me to write my first rhyme when I was about 8 years old" - J.Nolan

The 'Loose Files' is J.Nolan's latest project featuring 14 original songs for your listening pleasure and the mixtape serves as a warm up to his highly anticipated album titled 'Chaos Theory' which we will be on the look out for certainly.

At this juncture, I'm tempted to insert a health warning that reads: WARNING - health hazard, material contains explosive Hip-Hop... Light minds please keep off. I shall slow my roll with the writing and allow J.Nolan introduce himself via the first track on his mixtape titled "Reintroduction" as produced by oriJanus. The clear head bopping beat laced with bold drum patterns reminds us of why 90's Hip-Hop music is so missed these days and sees J.Nolan spit that conscious rap focusing on a wide spectrum of subjects ranging from his biography, family, music, record labels, friends, fans, and life... all in less than four minutes. I should really have used this song as this feature's first paragraph, this song describes his kind of music with a single line, catch it if you can ("we use the convo to remove the blind folds cleaning up a cloudy soul"). He starts the song on a very sober note straight from the heart with the following monologue: "... I have done a lot of music over the years and i'm only 22yrs and I done put out 100 of songs, for what? a couple of pats on the back..." Please listen to the full joint below.

  

"thanks for the introduction/is an induction of influx/ big bucks commits the corruption/and the youth live and stuck with only injustice/as i drew a picture perfect my pen is entrusted/i'm giving them substance that they request/my quest is on a mission for success/nothing less."

The second track I decided to share from this mixtape is right after "Reintroduction" on the mixtape and I love the way  J.Nolan switches from the sober state of mind on the preceding song to bursting into a venomous rapper spitting fire on this track titled "Excellent" which is also produced by oriJanus and clearly reflects Nolan's state of mind on this joint as mirrored on the hook which says, "I'm excellent... I feel excellent" and once again he starts the track with some catchy witty word play like, "back in the flesh like the flesh on your back". He goes further on in the song to describe himself as a "gentle man speaking genuine facts with eloquence" and I wish I could find a '"like" or "cosign" button  right now for this song. This is that much needed feel good and motivational song that I want to relate to. Life is bound to throw challenges at us and granted, only the strong survives but this here song gets you in that "winning" mode to face those challenges... Click play and feel "excellent". 

  

"Even when I lose, I'm still ahead of my contenders / January to December / I'm relishing my splendor / Making the fans stand up like the hair(heir) of a throne"

So what song from the 'Loose Files' mixtape (book of knowledge) should be my final selection to PLUG to you? *thinking* Oh yes! The track "How It Feels" might just let you know how I really feel right now... I had to take a long pause before writing this because this song evokes so much emotion and puts you in a reflective mood. The very soulful keyboard-driven production is courtesty of Tuelv and what an excellent musical backdrop it is. This song gives me that weird nostalgic feeling mixed with a feeling of 'dejavu' almost like I know and feel what his next line will be - the song screams believe. J.Nolan kick starts the track with his characteristic intelligent wordplay which has become quite the trademark - "focus your ears and your eyes to the lyrics." - I obeyed immediately and listened, please do so as well below.

  

"Why are you on twitter talking about who got the fresher phone? Better refresh your dome, this is a war zone. Firefox learn to explore, then they resort to chrome..."

The 'Loose Files' features J.Nolan at the top of his game with intelligent word play, witty lines, metaphors, level-headed social commentary, food for thought, stylistic and thematic consistency, and fantastic production. I particularly like the fact that he had twelve producers on this mixtape as he has clearly proved he can kick knowldege on the mic, stay versatile by working with a wide variety of producers and still remain relevant and make relevant music. If you are a fan of Hip-Hop then you will like this project. In his own words below...

"I think the current state of Hip-Hop is in a strange place. It’s a lot of people rapping, but not enough making actual music, in my opinion. And I feel as though a lot of people are ignoring the reality of what’s going on in ‘the streets’ and focusing on their image more than ever. I just want to make some dope music for the people and give them some messages they can hold onto". – J. Nolan

What more can I say? This is rated GOODD music, five mics plus two loud speakers... I leave you with one word - DOWNLOAD (below).

Download : J.Nolan - Loose Files (Mixtape)

Keep tabs on J.Nolan: Twitter // Facebook //  Myspace

This is the part in the movie where the credits start rolling... G.O.O.D bye and be G.O.O.D
  

KingKC* 

We Plug to You... Naeto C - Super C Season

Ladies and Gentlemen, I had so much ear candy over the weekend and I have decided to purge it all out in todays article. Last week I was blessed with the opportunity to listen to this album and I am uber-ecstatic that I can "share my blessings" (hint hint) with you guys. This week's feature is on critically acclaimed Nigerian rapper Naeto C... Some of you may already know who he is but for those who have no idea let me give you a little bit of info on him.

Naeto C (real name: Naetochukwu Chikwe) is a Nigerian rapper, Afrobeat artist & record producer. Naeto grew up in a household heavily influenced by music which saw his penchant for music grow very fast and articulate into other creative art forms, most specifically poetry. This in turn took him to various talent showcases and earned him numerous accolades as a young poet - he states that his main inspiration is Jay-Z.

This next song you are about to listen to and also the first song on his latest 17-track album is titled "Super C Season" and this song is the perfect intro to the album of the same name. On this song, he doesn't really say much but just brags about his wealth and the fact that he's got no competition and I truly believe he's earned those bragging rights. This is really just a typical rap song, nothing serious but nevertheless it has got some witty lines you should look out for. Every rapper has a song like this on their album and this is one of my favourites.

 "You wanna know my P? Well here's an invite to find out"

 

This next Song "Ride with Me" features Britain's very own Sway and Jamaica's Lukie D, the record is mixture of Hip-Hop and R&B with Lukie D taking the hook with Sway and Naeto C taking turns on the verses.. This is one of them laid-back records with a chilled beat that you can just bob your head to or a song you can listen to while driving and thinking of that person/people that you know will ride it out with you. Naeto Talks about how he needs true love and how he needs a girl thats not all about the money but a girl that would "ride with him" till the end but just like a real rapper, still manages to talk about his swaggg...  

"I don't brag on the first night...I let the pounds show on the first night"..

 

The next song is titled "Share My Blessings". A refreshing addition to this track is Nigerian soul singer Asa who gives an amazing and emotional vocal performance. The brilliant use of 808s on the song also bring it to life but Asa's voice just leaves me speechless and I just can't imagine this song without Asa on it. Her vocals give the song the perfect balance it needs. This is one of the best songs on this album and one of the best collaborations in Nigerian music so far. "Share My Blessings" was produced by TY Mix and it sees Naeto C take you on an epiphany of losing a friend, the importance of family and friends and extending your blessings to your loved ones.

                     "Keep your loved ones close cos they don't live twice"

 

Naeto C should be commended for making an album that people in his position rarely make which is an album that conveys his personal feelings through his music. Artists of his status would rather hide behind the mask that is their celebrity, leaving us - the listeners - with music that lacks thought and honesty. Honesty, which can be found on Naeto C's SUPER C SEASON. Buy this album, listen and love it because this is some quality G.O.O.D music!

Purchase: Naeto C - Super C Season (iTunes) // (Amazon)

Until the Next Time...

It's Max 

We Plug To You... Frank Ocean - Nostalgia, Ultra

Just the other day, Ayo sent me a link to listen to the artist you’re about to read on - Frank Ocean - and I’ll say mine was a case of judging an artist before listening. From his name, album art and music genre coming up on iTunes as bluegrass, I wasn’t sure what to expect but once I got to listening - Nostalgia, Ultra quickly became my album of the week. 

Frank Ocean is a songwriter who has penned tracks for the likes of Justin Bieber, Brandy and John Legend under the name Christopher “Lonny” Breaux. The 23-year old New Orleans born vocalist is also one part of the 11 man Cali based Hip-Hop collective, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA). While the group has put out 4 mixtapes and a few independent projects, this is the first solo effort from singer Frank Ocean. Not one to be put in a distinctive category, the album samples quite a number of tracks from different genres such as indie, alternative rock and R&B and with that, I plug to you his debut album Nostalgia, Ultra.

This first track you're about to hear - 'There Will Be Tears' samples the song of the same name originally performed by Mr Hudson in 2010. For the first 57 seconds, Frank Ocean uses Hudson’s version with a few adlibs before stripping off the eighties sounding synths and adding heavy sounding drums and claps instead. Although this version is a little different, it still holds a lot of sentiment as the original. We hear Frank croon over lyrics such as “you can’t miss what you ain’t had, well I can” emotionally speaking of his non-existent relationship with his father.

There Will Be Tears:

The next track, 'Songs For Women' is a laid back R&B track laced with lush drum patterns, synths and refreshing lyricism from Ocean as he sings “and every time somebody asks me, if I sing songs to get at women I say yeah”. This is definitely a track musicians can relate to and frankly if you are making songs like this, I agree to using music to your advantage in getting at women but I'll let this one speak for itself.

Songs For Women:

I wasn’t sure if I should feature this next track, 'Nature Feels' on here as I have gotten a lot of mixed reviews regarding it. But, Frank’s version should certainly not go unheard. It samples MGMT’s Electric Feel and although credit can’t go to Frank Ocean for the instrumentals, it is a smart choice to add this to his LP. On the first listen, it took my mind to sort of a hippie style gathering, but Frank’s style (and flow) of singing embellishes the sounds perfectly giving it a more R&B feel. A strange sounding intro but ingenious at the same time can only either fuel an interest to hear more or skip the track but I would advice that you do the former. This was definitely the first play back worthy track of the album for me. The lyrics are a bit cheeky, but you’ll warm up to them eventually.

Nature Feels:

Other really good tracks on what is a pretty impressive album and exciting body of work are Love Crimes, which makes for an easy listening and sounds like what could be a Ryan Leslie production. Two-thirds of the way into the song, I liked the fact that something different was done to the instrumental; the beats per minutes (BPM) were slowed down (excuse my DJ talk) to give a more dramatic feel to Ocean's lyrics and his usage of Nicole Kidman's infamous monologue from Stanley Kubrick's 1999 film - Eyes Wide Shut. Strawberry Swing is the first track on the album and it kicks off the album rather nicely as it samples Coldplay’s song of the same title. One thing I admire about Frank Ocean is while keeping the originality of most of the samples he uses, he is still able to re-invent the songs as his own. Novocane and Swim Good are also potential favorites off of this LP as they are not your average sounding R&B tracks and Novacane especially sees Frank Ocean in superb songwriting and lyrical form.

Novacane:

Versatility is important from an artist and this album shows a great deal of that from Frank Ocean. He kind of reminds me of Kid Cudi even though they sound nothing alike and for me as a first time listener, I am very impressed with his musical effort and dexterity. There’s no doubt Frank Ocean is now on my radar and I advise that he should be on yours too. Download the LP and revamp your week with some G.O.O.D. music.

Download: Frank Ocean – Nostalgia, Ultra

Keep Tabs on Frank Ocean: Twitter // Tumblr

Till the Next Time…

TemiY

We Plug To You... Kendrick Lamar - O(verly) D(edicated)

We plug to you – Kendrick Lamar. The emcee formerly known as K.Dot, is a 23-year old West Coast rapper hailing from Compton, California. Making music that's greatly reflective of the lifestyle he's been exposed to growing up in the ruthless city of Compton, Kendrick released his first mixtape at 16 creating a buzz for himself and recognition from what is now his current label TopDawg Entertainment. In a span of five years, he has released four mixtapes - the last being the critically acclaimed O(verly) D(edicated) which Roc Nation signee, J. Cole recently said was one of the best mixtapes of 2010. Lamar was also recently featured in XXL Magazine's 2011 Freshman class and is well on the way to making a name for himself so it's only right we get you plugged in from now...

The first track I’ll be sharing with you off of Overly Dedicated (OD) is the first I heard from Kendrick and my favorite. The TaeBeast-produced 'Growing Apart (To Get Closer)' starts off with a few drum kicks and snares. The initial minimalistic sound definitely does not come off as your typical rap-sounding track. Jhene Aiko’s vocals slowly transitions in on the song, smoothly complementing the instrumentals. Kendrick effortlessly flows with a personal tone and you can almost hear the pain in his lyrics.

“the place I used to call home is just a bed to me… I tried to make it right but my pen ran out of ink”

'Heaven & Hell' featuring Alori Joh in two words is simply dope. Unlike the previous track featured, Kendrick almost spits the first verse in one breath on this Tommy Black-produced Old School/R&B sounding instrumental. It might take a couple of listens (it took me two downloads and research thinking it was an incomplete track) but just incase you missed it; the first verse lists everything bad you would normally associate with hell. The second verse about ‘heaven’ fades out slowly into the instrumental; artistically relating the message no one really knows what heaven is really like. A lot of thought had to be put into that and the only word for it is genius!

Some stand-out songs on O(verly) D(edicated) include the Soundwave-produced track, 'Barbed Wire' featuring Ash Riser where we once again hear Kendrick spit what seems like effortless truth. The up-tempo beat with a hint of futuristic sounds lacing over nicely arranged drums and synths, is one of the best songs on the mixtape. The track 'Average Joe' holds that classic California sound the mixtape desperately needs. One gets a better feel of who Kendrick is in 16 bars as he aptly starts off the track with “who is K dot”. To tell us he is just an average guy, Kendrick raps over a 90’s west coast hip-hop instrumental or as they call it - G-funk with a classic bass groove.

The last track I’ll share from O(verly) D(edicated) which is also the last song on the mixtape is 'Ignorance is Bliss'. Producer Willie B creates a befitting canvas for Kendrick to tell his story. The flow and wordplay on this is very well carefully crafted with Kendrick’s lyrics relating to scenarios of ignorance he has faced in life. The heavy beat and chorus work perfectly together to make for yet another dope listening.

“gimme 2 weeks and I’m good ill make an album that’ll put a smile on Malcolm"

It would be interesting to see the reception to this conscious rapper as he tries to break into the mainstream market, but I can confidently say we will be hearing a whole lot more from Kendrick Lamar this year. While a few of the tracks on the mixtape may take a few listens to grow on you and become a favorite, it is an all round enjoyable release. Word is he is currently working on his debut album tentatively titled 'Good Kid in a Mad City' to be released later this year but until then, you can download the mixtape right below.

Download: Kendrick Lamar – O(verly) D(edicated)

Keep Tabs on Kendrick Lamar - Twitter || Facebook


TemiY