We Plug To You... IBIYEMI - Love Always Wins

The first time I heard this soulful songbird, I went "Wow! What a deep and husky voice!", she reminded me a lot of Tracy Chapman's vocal essence and texture. I actually just recently posted one of her songs titled "Can You Love Me?"on my Facebook profile - her first release as a solo recording artiste - little did I know she had actually already been in the studio and cooked up some great tunes by way of her debut release and I would be reviewing some of them here for your listening pleasure...

In light of this, with positive soul and 'feel good' vibes, we gladly plug to you... IBIYEMI. Born on May 22, 1981 in California, USA, Ibiyemi started off as a backing vocalist in 2003 for various artistes before a major performance of the Nigerian National anthem at the 228th USA Independence ceremony kicked off her solo career. With her debut album 'Love Always Wins', Ibiyemi set out to blow us all away and we think she's done exactly that on this 12-track record, tracks of which we will be plugging to you in this feature.

Her debut single - 2009's "Don't Leave Me" was met with relative success and garnered her a nomination for Best Female Vocal Performance at the 2010 Hip-Hop World Awards as well as a nomination form Best R&B Song at the 2010 Sound City Music Awards among a host of other award nominations. Said to be influenced by Mary J Blige, Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder and (rightly so) Tracy Chapman, Ibiyemi's sound can be described as rich, soulful and of a musical genre I will call Contemporary Afro Neo-Soul with Afrocentric vocalisms akin to Brenda Fassie and vocal energy similar to Angelique Kidjo.

What is so special about Ibiyemi's album 'Love Always Wins'? Trust me, Soul is a music genre I am personally inclined to so my take on this is extremely honestly judged. I am taken by the diverse feel and uniqueness of the songs on this project, the originality in the music composition and arrangement, the perfect fusion of afro-rythms and Soul. The four tracks from 'Love Always Wins' that are featured below represent the diversity I speak of. These four tracks especially caught my musical attention only for me to find out that they were actually produced by the same individual. WPGM decided to take it a step further and caught up with this producer... Nigeria's best kept secret, multi-talented producer, singer and songwriter - FLO. FLO had this to say about Ibiyemi's album.

"There are several singers in the Nigerian music industry with hit~banging tracks but not all of them get to strike that cord and rhythm in your head and in your heart. Ibiyemi has a unique style of delivery to her music..sincerity. You can feel that honesty in these tracks. One edge her tracks have is the ability to draw the listener in on her storyline. Whilst we were working on 'Ore' for example, I already had enough to work with by just listening to the experience she shared with me concerning her childhood friend, you could feel that innocent and pure affection even within her mode of delivery. When Ibiyemi decides to speak about love, she speaks from her heart and not her head" - FLO

We begin our plug with the Ibiyemi's brand new single "It Would Be" which was released yesterday (May 22) as a free download to mark the singer's birthday... A duet with another rising Nigerian Soul "lover boy" crooner by the name of Dipo, "It Would Be" is a powerful boy/girl love "tease" song. The chorus starts off with the phrase "Ta ba fera?" which in Yoruba means "If we love each other/fall in love with each other/marry each other" with Ibiyemi and Dipo expressing it to us nicely that "it would be so nice"... "It Would Be" will get you falling in love again. Dipo makes matters more intricate by adding that soulful R&B'ish zing to this duet. The song is believable, the groove matches the theme. It's an easy listening song with percussion and bass guitar-led R&B production laden with soulful vocals, intercepted with a nice piano solo that gives a suspensive closure to the song's story.

'It Would Be':

"Ta ba fera, baby it would be so nice, so nice.... I wanna go where your wind blows, discover places only you know"

This next song is in Yoruba and is called "Ore" which means "Friend" - it celebrates and appreciates the essence of a true and real friendship. It talks about love, kindness and a reminder and gratitude of the bond and interdependence of kindred relationships. This is an excellent song gift to that friend you appreciate. Even though the understanding of the lyrics of this track may be limited to Yoruba speakers, everyone can still enjoy the flow and feel of the music. "Ore" has an mid-tempo Afro-pop sound backed by gorgeous keyboard chords, very danceable with hip rhythms and drum patterns. Ibiyemi does excellent justice vocally throughout the song, without overdoing her natural deep tone range.

'Ore':

"Ore ma se gbabgbe mi lojokojo nibikibi, ma se gbagbe mi (Friend, don't forget me anyday, anywhere, don't forget me)

Is this next song the potential contender to rival another incredible song of the same title by one Jill Scott on your iPods? Possibly... The difference is Ibiyemi's "He Loves Me" is Gospel/Inspirational in content, it's an expression of God's unconditional love and it's more upbeat than Jill Scott's "He Loves Me". The intro and the backdrop of the track features a slightly electro-pop infused sound while the chorus is easy and sing-along and Ibiyemi maintains her natural depth of real Soul on this as well. "He Loves Me" is a song that makes you comfortable in spirit and in soul with Ibiyemi's assuring tone and the uplifting message about the Creator's love for you keeping you at ease in this track.

'He Loves Me':

Last but not least is the playful, pop, party-feel song rightfully named "Play". It has that 80's disco vibe to it, and FLO's signature rock sound backed by lush bass guitars and musical undertones pops out Ibiyemi's vocals excellently to incite some finger-snapping, toe-tapping moves from any listener. This track is upbeat, full of energy, perfect for the dance floor and I would submit this song for a radio mix anyday. You can't listen to this and not get moving, come on and let's boogie down till the break of dawn with Ibiyemi's "Play" below....

'Play':

"Mi o ronu mo ( I am not downcast anymore), I just wanna dance to the break of dawn, DeeJay play that song"

This is one album you absolutely should own. If you want a break away from the norm, the usual and mundane music then Love Always Wins is the music for you. This is that album you would not only want to listen to but one you'd love to share with others. It's what I would refer to as a 2-in-1 album - for solace and for social interaction; for an audience of one or two as the case may be (per love and soulful communications) or for a party to groove and move to. It ticks all the boxes

Ibiyemi gets two thumbs up for the diverse collection of songs on this album. The sky is limitless for the young singer as she makes her way to making a musical mark globally amongst the current crop of afro-originated Soul singers of our generation. Her voice is not only great, it's not common plus her vibe is appealing, her message is sweet, her sound is market-worthy - it just works. Love Always Wins - the album - is definitely highly recommended. Stamped, signed and delivered... What more is there to say?

Purchase: Ibiyemi - Love Always Wins (iTunes)


BONUS: Free Download: Ibiyemi + Dipo - It Would Be

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

Tosinger

We Plug To You... Freedom or Death - EGO

Freedom or Death - made up of duo Steve Fernandez and Sway Clarke - is an alternative rock band out of Toronto, Canada. Sway, the singer/songwriter and Fernandez, the pianist/DJ both met while working at a record label a few years ago and burst unto our radar when they released their critically acclaimed self-titled debut EP last year. Fast-forward about ten months on and the duo return with the follow-up project to and what they call a progression from Freedom or Death - an 8-track sophomore EP titled Ego which was recently released on April 26. The EP is self-released on their own label Liars & Thieves with distribution via the good folks at Arts & Crafts and every track on Ego is written, produced and mixed by the duo who assumed full creative control on the EP over the 5 months it was recorded. 

On why the record is called Ego, the bands response is “Cause we all have one and have to deal with our and other people's egos every day”. A couple more quick facts about the band; they performed this year at the Canadian Music Week and also played 3 showcases at this year's SXSW (South by South West) music showcase which has previously birthed the careers of other notable artists such as John Mayer and James Blunt. Even bigger achievements - songs off of the EP are scheduled to run in ABC’s series Rookie Blue this Summer. Now unto the music…

'Inside' which in theory is the first song of the EP draws you in immediately, starting off with an electronic guitar riff. On the verses, you hear a light drum sample while on the chorus an Eighties themed electronic sound is vivid. There’s no doubt that this was carefully constructed to make for a strong opening track. While vibing to the song you almost forget its message is that of one trying to find one's way home to where they belong. I must say it is quite a catchy track that you may find yourself singing along to even on the first listen. For almost a minute on the track (from the 2:40 minute mark), a combination of instrumentals - from drum kicks to lush electronic guitar riffs - are merged together to further showcase the great musical production coming out of this track while the song ends with the band holding a falsetto note that was apparent throughout the track. Listen below: 

"Inside":

The next song I plug to you is coincidentally also the second track on the EP and arguably one of the best. On 'The Crowded Room', very noticeable are the synthesizers that start off the track accompanied by strong captivating leading vocals from the duo. The build-up of instrumentals on this track is nothing short of genius posing a sound that comes similar to what some have termed "earth music". Accompanying the synthesizers are little shakers and a hint of cymbal sounds, followed by a strong drum kick loop sample that backs the harmonious vocals of the group at around the second minute mark. There is also a hidden bonus acoustic version of this song at the end of the album and I urge you to listen to it as well.

"This Crowded Room":

The third song I'm sharing with you was chosen at random (Yes, the EP is that good). The track titled 'Virginia Woolf' starts off with delicate shakers mixed with guitar strings backing the band's lead vocals. Just as before, it slowly builds up to include a drum, bass and eventually claps to make up the instrumental part of the song. This track's orchestrated sound has one of the most enjoyable instrumentals of the album for me. The track also includes dialogue excerpts from the 1966 movie "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf". Harmonizing, a strong asset of the band is very apparent and very well executed on this track as well.

"Virginia Woolf":

Freedom or Death remind me a lot of the other stand-out alternative bands within the same or similar genre such as OneRepublic and The Fray but this is far from us offering up some easy comparisons because Freedom or Death are certainly different from these bands. I can confidently say Freedom or Death's music can and should very well be ranked and judged along with the veterans and chart-toppers on the scene. The production quality on the Ego EP is flawless while the vocal delivery and musical cohesiveness is one for the books. After listening to Ego, I’m definitely downloading their previous EP as well just because I can’t get enough of their music. Download the EP and listen for yourself and just incase you’re in the Toronto area, do not forget to catch the duo on tour all through the Summer (check their website below for tour dates).

Purchase Freedom or Death - Ego EP (Amazon) // Ego EP (iTunes)

Keep Tabs on Freedom or Death - Website // Twitter // Facebook

TemiY

We Plug To You... Iyadede - The Demo

Sipping on a vanilla latte one beautiful morning just after downloading The Demo by an artist by the name of Iyadede; at first I was taken aback by the rather long track listing - 29 tracks - but somehow I summoned the courage to press play.

The girl who fell to earth, that girl from Africa or simply put Iyadede is a singer/songwriter whose life’s journey has transitioned itself into her music. Born Sabrina Iyadede, she was raised in Kigali, Rwanda but due to the genocide that escalated in the country in 1994, she relocated to Belgium then France and now is a resident of Brooklyn, New York. Music has always been a part of her even before birth as while pregnant with Iyadede, her mother worked as a DJ at a Rwandan radio station - a time that has left an imprint on Iyadede’s eclectic sound. In her own words, “the perfect pitch when you are a multicultural inter-continental animal like myself is a schizophrenic exercise”.

Call it Afri-Pop, Afro-Punk, Soul or Electronica, either way Iyadede’s music knows no boundaries... The Demo isn’t Iyadede’s first project either; she released an album Talking to God - her first - in May 2010 but alas, we digress somewhat. Without further ado, let us delve into the world of this aspiring singer/songwriter with melodies that embrace her roots from the motherland - by way of The Demo.

The first song I plug to you from the LP is "Not The Same". This track has a throwback appeal to it and in Iyadede’s words, "talks about love". On this record, she states that the time lapse in a relationship changes things and could potentially create a rift. The imaginary distance could also mean someone else is in the mix or they just aren’t the same people they were when they met. After looking up Iyadede on numerous music blogs, I can immediately see her playful personality translated into the lyrics on this song. The Eighties sounding synths accompanied by a bass groove used on the track is also perfect fit to introducing her sound.

"Not The Same":

If you had your music player on shuffle, this next track "Burnstone and Fire" could easily be mistaken for one sung by a certain Janelle Monáe. Iyadede’s eclectic creativity resounds on this socially conscious song; one she points out is about politics. She speaks metaphorically about occasions of being oppressed that you wonder if she's speaking from experience growing up in Rwanda. Regardless, she shows a great level of vocal skill on this up-tempo song backed by drum kick arrangements which sees the NY-based singer switch up her lyrical delivery.

"Burnstone and Fire":

The final track "Lets Stay Together (2011)" samples the classic Al Green song of the same title and I can confidently say Iyadede does the song justice. Apart from a few lyrics that are lifted off the original, Iyadede’s take is a breath of fresh air to the already acclaimed hit. The instrumentals fuse sultry jazz with R&B and makes for a classic Soul sound. I would love to hear her perform this live as I can imagine such melodic structures and arrangements would sound even ten times better live. The inclusion of a spoken word interlude was greatly written and executed too, adding to the beauty of Iyadede's remake.

"Lets Stay Together (2011)":

Many other standout tracks exist on this LP that deciding which three to share with you was quite tasking. At this point, I should let you in on a little secret - the album has only 14 full songs plus an additional bonus track. The other 14 listed "tracks" are just short interludes to each song so do not be put off. What drew me to one particular standout track - "Pretend You Are A Square" - however was the instrumental arranged and produced by Iyadede herself. On the first listen, I noticed something sounded too familiar then it occurred to me that it samples loops from Apple’s Garage Band application. Makes sense as this application is usually the starting point for most starter and/or emerging producers and this song is Iyadede’s first attempt at producing so kudos to her. Besides that, I find the song title quite interesting and unusual and Iyadede’s definition of it entails not being afraid to be whoever you want to be.

"Mfura Yange" is a track sung in Iyadede’s native language Kinyarwanda, which talks about her sister and eloquently brings out the Afro-pop side of the whole demo. I like the softly used instrumentals backing her vocals on the song and even without an understanding of the lyrics; there is a sense of a heartfelt delivery from Iyadede.

I was very happy to review her album as her eclectic sound is one I had been missing in my collection for a while. Sure enough I’ll definitely be looking to see if she’s got any tours coming up around my way. If you’re in the mood for some refreshing, laid-back meaningful music, I suggest you pick this one up and you certainly won't be disappointed.

Keep tabs on Iyadede: Twitter // Website

Download: The Demo

TemiY 

We Plug To You... BLINK - The World Is Small

Hello world I have been gone for a minute but I'm back with a real jump off for you this time! Oh by the way, did I forget to ask you how your extended Easter holidays were? OK so how were you Easter holidays? Anyways enough of the chit chat, please walk closely with me on this one

When this particular album was sent to me, on first sight the thought in my head was and I quote, "wow Festac 77" but on a closer look at the album cover art, I could not help but admire the concept behind the design (shout out to Lloyd Cooper) - a really art inspired creation. Now my thoughts start to race as I hear murmerings of myself directed at no one in particular saying, "i hope this lives up to the expectation". I clicked play and can I just say that the rest is history.

21 year-old Blink - real name Nelson Agose - was born in Abia State (Eastern Nigeria) and raised in Lagos State until his teenage years. At age 16, he moved to America to pursue a degree in Economics, which in August 2010, he obtained from the University of Illinois Urbana champaign. The World Is Small is his debut album and this album tells a story of a traveling boy, interacting with the circumstances and situations he finds himself in life and how he uses those experiences to grow into a man. The experiences which are common to most people in the same circumstance include music, culture, race, religion, education, sex, and nationality but what makes Blink unique is his ability to fuse all of these into this interesting masterpiece, making good music for the ear.

The album kicks of with 'Dreams of A Winner' which serves as an apt beginning to the story on The World Is Small. On this record, Blink proclaims that he's ready for "blast off" as he speaks to his listener about his continued journey to achieving his dreams while remaining grateful for his present blessings as he seats somewhere "on coach" where he conjures up these "international dreams"… 'Dreams of A Winner' is a really chilled-out record which speaks volume about personal motivation and did I mention that the hook on this track is hella infectious plus the mellow drum-kicks infused production by Baron Boys is just straight fire. Listen below...

"Dreams of A Winner":

"I'm still dreaming like a winner/ but living like a sinner/ but my blessings are more so thank God for forgiveness"

The album moves further into a more conscious space with the song titled 'Pay Attention' and pay attention is exactly what you need to do on this drum and horns-led track produced once again by Baron Boys. On this one, Blink referring to himself as an "artist and thinker" goes in on everyone and everything from selling out in his music to fake rappers to ignorant listeners to the Church to Science to the media and even down to lack of electricity in his home country, Nigeria all in little over three and a half minutes. Check it out below but please make sure you 'Pay Attention'.

"Pay Attention":

"The truth is a blunt u got to take a hit/nowadays u make dollars u aint gatta to make no sense/so should i bring change or make sense?"

The 16-track album also features loads of exceptionally good Hip-Hop tracks such as the thumping and bass heavy "The Countdown", the incredibly catchy and infectious banger "Super" which sees Blink and The Baron Boys on 100% top form plus the braggadocious "Everywhere I Go", "Road to Riches" which features G.o.d jewels and the solemn, hard-hitting and very profound "Blanket of Dreams" which is backed by heavy keyboard arrangements and vocal from SLV. The song sheds an in-depth light on the problems and troubles facing his home country Nigeria and asks the poignant question of where the nation is going after 50 years of independence - a worthy listen by all accounts.

However, the final track I've decided to share (only because I've simply fallen in love with the tune) is the smooth and soulful key board-driven 'Jet To Lagos' backed by lush drum kicks and features Nigerian rapper Lynxx and singer Teeklef (can I hear you say "utunu") and in Blink's own words, 

"Even though I have experienced four winters in America, I'm still not used to the Illinois cold or the Chicago wind… Since the first time I came to America, I spent every Christmas break from school back in Lagos Nigeria. This song describes what my experience on the way back home is typically like and what life on the good side is like back home… Jet to Lagos"

I could relate to this song in every aspect of it as this reminds me so much of home and any one in diaspora will get this "catch a plane back home" feeling once you hear this record, especially if you are African... Still missing home? OK click play below and "Jet to Lagos"...

"Jet to Lagos":

The World is Small makes for a very good listen especially for a debut album and at a point where a lot of so-called "hip-hop" albums are laced with meaningless party songs, true Hip-Hop heads and aficionados will love this album as it addresses relevant individual, community and world issues while still keeping that braggadocio as Blink tells a good story that fuses culture, politics, sex, education and religion into one very G.O.O.D record. The young emcee sums up the album nicely in his own choice words and we will close out this piece with them:

"I am not a conscious rapper, I am a semi informed citizen of this world. It helps to THINK and ASK before you BELIEVE anything. Just a simple way to keep TABs on real life - The World is Small." - Blink

Purchase: Blink - The World Is Small (iTunes) // Bandcamp

Keeps Tabs on BLINK: Website // Twitter // Facebook

Until the Next Time... 


I am KingKC* and I love G.O.O.D Music 

We Plug To You... FOUR KORNERZ

As an artist, if you have talent and you've got the "swag" to go with it then that's a double whammy, right? Now quadruple that and you've got four times your attention's worth in these featured artists. Over the course of time, "boy groups" from the Commodores to Boyz II Men have always had the ability to have effect of sorts on their listeners and while it would be premature to draw comparisons with those legendary groups and this here featured act, allow me to bring to you an evolution of the "boy group" in this new generation. They go by the name: FOUR KORNERZ - four biological brothers coming together to make good, inspirational music.

The London based-quartet is led by eldest brother Charles Deji Juba (lead vocals) and made up of TJ (keys/vocals), Vidal (drums), Daniel (Electro-vocals). A multi-award winning band already, Four Kornerz are set to release their new single "Superstar" next month (May 2). The single will serve as the band’s first officially release since their 2007 debut album 'Soulectric' and by all accounts, it sounds to be well worth the four year wait for some new music from the group.

Four Kornerz definitely had the ladies in mind when they wrote their new song - the bass heavy uptempo and catchy "Superstar" - which proclaims that they (females) are superstars and encourages all the females out there to believe in themselves and reach for the top. Coming from a set of cool dudes like Four Kornerz, I bet that their female listeners will certainly believe their message. Listen below:

"Superstar":

"...Love is gonna take you around the world, gonna give you more than diamonds & pearls, you gotta believe...Baby, you're a superstar...."

The lead vocalist, Deji delivers his trademark soulful vocals while the rest of the guys do their thing with the music giving it a "doowop" swing, making you move to the music as the message sinks in. Deji says of the song:

"the song was inspired by a lot of things. A large part of the story behind this song is based on the unrealistic body-type expectations mounted (on) us in today’s popular culture. The lyrics are more specific to women as I think the pressures on them are more extreme from things like size zero, cellulite and botox. However, both men and women can embrace the universal message in the song; Celebrating how awesome and wonderful you are".

"Superstar" is produced by Scsi who is part of the Four Kornerz production team and draws influences from the Soul artists of the Motown era as well as more modern chart toppers like Bruno Mars and Jamiroquai.

Preceding this new record, Four Kornerz independently released their debut album 'Soulectric' (2007) which featured gospel and inspirational songs as "Clap Clap" and "Gonna Make It". "Clap Clap" is a very danceable song with more upbeat instrumentation led by lush keyboard chords, drum kicks and soulful harmonies. Deji impressively goes jazzy with his scatting skills. The Neo-Soul elements of this song's musical ornamentation and accompaniment are very evident. The lyrics tell you to dance, so does the music.

"Clap Clap":

"Anybody wanna praise Him with me, Clap Clap your hands, you must move your feet to this"

On the other hand, the Control S-Club Mix of "Gonna Make It" has a distinctively uptempo Electro-Funk/Boogie vibe to it and with it being a club mix, that's quite understandable. The message of this song is very clear and quite compelling despite the record being a club dance track. "Gonna Make It" addresses and challenges the perception of self and how image does not determine one's success, that you're "gonna make it" no matter what others think or say about you. The lyrics were stylishly rushed but distinct and well delivered.

"Gonna Make It":

"...I'm gonna make it somehow, Just watch me now, can't hold me down..."

Adeptly inspirational in content, Four Kornerz uniquely create their music with an appealing electro-digital edge to it as you will have clearly heard on the songs above and FourKornerz are definitely topping my list of favorite Gospel artistes coming out of the UK. I am particularly drawn to their eclectic musical creativity and sound. It's Gospel yet fun, it's playful yet deep.The personality and message of their songs show through effectively and fits in perfectly with a mainstream mix. Four Kornerz music is boundary-less - you can play their music on the radio, at a party, in church or in your car. You enjoy it all round - it is spiritually effective, physically active and soulfully uplifting. Get their upcoming album to understand what I mean. I guarantee no regrets whatsoever!

Furthermore, Four Kornerz as a band are equally as sublime in their recordings as they are performing live! The band will feature new songs and a sneak-peek into some brand new material from their forthcoming project at their London concert taking place next Wednesday 27 April, 2011 along with supporting acts - emerging songstress Dionne Reid and popular Gospel artist Guvna B. On the night, fans will also have the opportunity to download a free exclusive Four Kornerz track.

“We are taking a different approach towards the Four Kornerz brand. It’s not just music but a whole creative process which will see us enter into other fields like a digital graphic novel which will accompany the Superstar release. More on that little venture soon.” - Deji (Four Kornerz)

Four Kornerz Live in Concert takes place on Wednesday (27 April) at 229 The Venue, 229 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN with the show kicking off at 7pm. Tickets are £10 (+ booking fee) in advance and more on the door. For more information and to book your tickets, visit: www.fourkornerz.com

Tosinger

We Plug To You... Jhené Aiko - Sailing Souls

Hey G.O.O.D folks, I hope there’s some space on your iPods because this is one artist I guarantee you’ll be listening to all week. I first came across Jhené Aiko when I wrote the piece on Kendrick Lamar a little while back and when her single popped up on one of my daily blog lists, I just had to get her mixtape. 

Jhené Aiko Efru Chilombo simply known as Jhené Aiko is a 23-year-old American R&B singer-songwriter born to a multicultural family - her mother is Japanese, Spanish and Afro-Dominican while her father is African American, Jewish and Native American. Jhené, like quite a lot of other artists, was introduced to music at a very young age and had the privilege of meeting music producer and artist manager Chris Stokes when she was only five. In later years, she finally got to sing for him and got signed to Epic Records; at around the same time as R&B boy group B2K (Omarion, Raz B et al).

Jhené - who at the age of fifteen had relative chart success with her first single "No L.O.V.E" reaching number 5 on the US R&B Billboard charts - has had a few of her songs featured on soundtracks to hit movies such as Barbershop, You Got Served, and The Master of Disguise and also featured on quite a number of records and releases with her then label mates B2K. After walking away from her contract with Epic Records and taking time out of the music "industry" to complete her education and becoming a mother, Jhené Aiko is now focused on trying to save the world with her music. I plug to you her debut mixtape Sailing Soul[s] which was recently released on her birthday - March 16, 2011. 

The first track I'll be sharing with you from Sailing Soul[s] is 'Stranger', one of the strongest songs on the mixtape and definitely a good way for you to sail on your musical journey into Jhené Aiko’s world. It features light vocals from Jhene as she painstakingly stays in the same vocal range throughout the song, laced over minimal keyboard arrangements, drum patterns and backing harmonies. In simple terms the lyrics convey the message; all men are the same as her relationships all tend to be comparable. The song is nicely arranged and written and the listening ear would be longing to hear more after this one...

“you said you were different but you’re the same stranger”

"Stranger":

This next track 'July' features Drake and is quite an old record which was done a couple of years ago but still sounds just as fresh as if it was recently recorded - remember when this song leaked around the time before Drake released his debut album and we all thought it was from his album. Noticeable though is Jhené who seems more like the featured artist on this one. She sings mostly on the chorus and parts of the hook while providing lush adlibs with rapper Drake handling all 3 verses with his [virtually] never failing wit. The song houses clever lyrics from Jhené relating the relationship in weather-like terms. Their fights in the "Summer" highlight that it isn’t their season leading them to breakup in the "Fall". The title of the song is also pretty apt as listening does lead you to imagine a perfect summer day in July.

“they always say the hottest love has the coldest end”

"July":

Remember hearing the phrase, "Women are from Venus, Men are from Mars" when you were younger? Without having to think that far back though, we’ve also heard songs of similar titles from Jay-Z and Usher in more recent times - which brings me to this next track from Jhené Aiko - the drums-infused 'Space Jam'. The song literally expresses a situation where she and her significant other are from two different worlds. It highlights the issue of communication in relationships but then goes on in the end to attest that you can actually come together to [form your own world] meet on common grounds. Just like the other tracks on Sailing Soul[s], this is another impressive one from Aiko and would probably be right up there on your most played tracks on the mixtape.

“we come from two different worlds, but there’s only one us”

"Space Jam":

A case of saved the best for last - well you be the judge of that but the last track I'll be plugging to you from Jhené Aiko's Sailing Souls is the guitar-led 'Higher' backed by glorious keyboard and drum arrangements. I mentioned Jhené's wordplay and lyrical dexterity earlier but this song is unquestionably a better implementation and showcase of it. On this song, Jhené refers to herself as the catalyst into getting a guy "high". The mellowness and light delivery exudes innocence on ironically what could be the sexiest song on the album. A very well thought out song even to the tiniest details as you hear hints of someone starting up a light in the background. It infers quite a lot of innuendos I doubt Jhené even realizes herself but the track is smoking and the pun is very much intended.

“love is the drug that gets me high”

"Higher":

Some of the major likes on this mixtape are the fact that the backing instrumentals used on Sailing Soul[s] are never too heavy as to overpower Jhené smooth and sultry vocals - vocals of which provide some of the highlights on this mixtape plus the much welcomed presence of beautiful and meaningful lyrics from the 23 year-old - something R&B music tends to be lacking lately plus the mixtape does a great deal in showcasing a wide range of her talents - from her songwriting skills to her ear for music down to those captivating vocals. Jhené is definitely an artist that knows what her sound is - what I refer to as “New Cali R&B” [think Miguel]. I like it and I hope you do too. As Ebert and Roeper would say – two thumbs up!

Keep tabs on Jhené Aiko: Twitter // Facebook // Website

Download the Sailing Souls mixtape – Sailing Soul(s)

Temi Y. 

We Plug To You... Franklyn - Just Being Frank

Hello people! Apologies for my inability to bring to you more quality music on a regular basis. Its my bad, honestly. But dont worry, I'm back and its all G.O.O.D MUSIC... Anyway, today I'll be plugging to you a certain Gospel Grime/Hip-Hop artist by the name of Franklyn. His mixtape came out in December last year but it just got to me a week ago and to be honest I have been bumping it on replay ever since...

Franklyn is a burgeoning rapper from Hackney, East London (can I hear a #TeamUK?) who's been making various appearances in the UK Gospel urban music scene for about two years now. With appearances on projects by several veterans on the scene such as Victizzle, Guvna B and Cadet, you can tell that Franklyn has been about and this recent solo project from the rapper was bound to be quality.

Anyways, lets cut right to the chase... The tracks you are about to hear are an extract of Franklyn's mixtape aptly titled 'Just being Frank'. Right off the jump, I should say that one thing I particularly like about this project is it's production... The production on the mixtape from beginning to end is just epic and what's even better is that Franklyn doesn't let the quality of the beat overshadow his lyrical dexterity all over this mixtape....

Okay, the first track you're about to listen to is called "These MC's" and as the name suggests, it is  a straight shot directed at other emcees and "fake" rappers making up false stories all in the name of spitting a hot verse but it also comes from a different angle in which Franklyn attests to his lyrical ability as well as his relationship with God. The track also features Brewer, who I must say, is a very talented young man. The production on this tune is actually very sick courtesy of Confectionery, it sounds Grimey with that fusion of Drum and Bass.

"These MCs":

This next track is called "Internal Bleeding" and it features the lovely Lola Godheld (who I must say is an amazing live performer). You see, when I review gospel artists, I do not just want to make it to be about how they are so into God because I feel as much as that is important, they (Gospel artists) have to be able to bring that top drawer quality of music regardless. With that said, this track from Franklyn is an amazing song! The message relates to everyone because we all have those moments when we think the world is against us and we think God is punishing us for things... Lola Godheld handles vocal duties on the chorus rather perfectly... Jheez!

"Internal Bleeding":

I actually feel like I should review every song on this mixtape because they're all definitely worth mentioning but because we gotta leave some songs for you to check out for yourself, the final song I'll be plugging to you from this mixtape is titled "Hear My Cry". On this one, Franklyn completely asks God the questions we all ask most times and having done that, he switches roles and answers the questions in a way full of wisdom that you would completely doubt his age if you knew it... The track features and is produced by Victizzle who I must say is some kinda Gospel "Timbaland" the way he works both the instrumentation and auto-tune on this song in such a perfectly blended style, check it out below.

"Hear My Cry":

The talent that Franklyn has got is undeniable and especially evident when you listen to the mixtape in its entirety which you most certainly should do. It will sound all the more better when you realise that this emcee is only 16... I am excitedly anticipating what Franklyn grows up to be and if he continues like this, I just know that I'm gonna be plugging him again to you soon. In the meantime though...

Keep in touch with Franklyn via Twitter // Facebook

You can also download the mixtape HERE

Thank you all for reading and listening, I'll be back soon....

Until then, have a lovely time...

Fhanthom