Readers, fans and general browsers... Realms Word has been on a long break. With 2009 ending and the new decade beginning, it's time to get back on it, most especially as this year is full of musical promise, not to mention some new technological gadgetry that in my opinion, could seriously revolutionise the DJing.
In my heart of hearts I live in hope that we will be seeing some major comebacks, most notably D'Angelo. We know Maxwell will be releasing 'Summers' from his blacksummersnights trilogy but I'm positive that other big things are on the horizon. Anthony David's new tracks have so far instilled a feeling of anxious anticipation and some amazing collabo's have been banded around.. Slakah tha Beatchild who in my opinion has a huge future, has been in the studio with fellow Canadian and long lost vocalist Glenn Lewis.
Some big names in music and on the technology front, Apple are due to release a tablet of some description. For those who dont know, imagine an extra extra large iPhone. The applications of this are of course wide spread. However when related to tthte creation of music and DJing, imagine a virtual turntable application using Apples' patented touch screen technology. This is of course theoretical as no such application exists nor the release of such a device is yet official, but rumours tend to hold great truth an the DJ world is always looking for something new.
I cant wait and am certainly looking forward to seeing where this year leads us.
Realms Word is back, people!
I mentioned a while ago that Toni Braxton is due for a return this year - one of my first ever posts in fact.
Well, seems that true to form, songs are being 'leaked'.
Leaking songs seems to be artists way of providing a viral form of free PR.... let the world have some free music and think it's exclusive. The idea works.
Thanks to our friends at Honey Soul, here are two of the forthcoming songs.
I like them both and they really are vintage Toni.
No doubt she's making this album for the same reasons as the last album - she's broke. As I understand it, Toni makes music for the sole purpose of being able to eat, which is fair enough - although a bit of passion for the art form wouldn't go amiss.
Here you go are the two new tracks and a couple of classic Toni cuts for good measure:
I’m not biased when it comes to the geographical origin of my musicians, nor am I patriotic for my home country, England. That said, let’s take a look into British Soul and why it stays true to Soul roots.
Clearly, soul as a genre does not originate from the UK and is certainly a more niche market for the UK than it is in the States. With smaller audience numbers comes less money, with less money in turn comes less desire for newcomers to make it and so the cycle continues and the filtration system is ongoing. What this has done for the UK soul scene is in fact a blessing, in my opinion. You see, those Brit Soul ‘originators’ from the 90’s era are all still around – not half bad for ‘copycat’ Soul artists. The reality is that yes, influence was taken from USA based music, but where did the USA music take influence from? It certainly didn’t just appear out of nowhere and given the USA’s relatively short history as a country, their music in fact is a blend of various cultures – Europe, Africa and more. So the UK Soul scene is therefore not a copycat and comes with full credibility. Writing this, and thinking about the pre-millennia music, the amount of talent in the UK – a small island – is quite frankly, astounding.
Beverly Knight, who last night launched her latest album, first cut an LP in 1995. Bands such as Soul II Soul and The Brand New Heavies have both recorded some benchmark tracks and solo artists: Seal, Omar, Sade and Mica Paris all continue to make fine music. Other contributors such as the late (GREAT!) Lynden David Hall, Des’Ree, Maxi Priest, Incognito, Tony Momrelle and Young Disciples also get major credit, not to forget Jamiroquai. What makes me most proud is that every artist listed above stuck to their original game plan, making great music and conforming as little as possible to the media hype which so often places strain on musical integrity.
So, what keep the UK’s soul scene pure? Clearly, the 1990’s were dominated by Brit Rock and the emergence of Hip Hop, not forgetting the wave of Boy and Girl Bands. Music was taking a new direction and the Jazz, Funk and Soul derivative genres were given room to breathe, cross pollinate and bloom without ulterior motive. Acid Jazz became prevalent and cool vibes emanated from the quiet corners of the UK’s music scene – those ‘in the know’, knew something. Thankfully, good music always gets its reward and some UK Soul got critical acclaim, filling the pockets of the necessary record companies and subsequently allowing the Brit Soul scene to be credible enough in the music industry for major labels to sign up artists.
Yet today we still see these artists maintain their original essence, for this I personally am thankful and respectful of, not to mention full of admiration for the hard work and perseverance.
Enjoy a selection of UK soul music and other derivatives on my Happy Friday Spotify playlist album... clearly Spotify limits the options, but there are a few gems there... simply open Spotify, and paste this into the search bar: spotify:user:gavvyb:playlist:4zhIG7Z21pZ4j0UzxZ7VXY
When I was five years old, De La Soul started making hits. They’re still touring and still recording. I remember seeing them live and was impressed by their ability to get the crowd going, their understanding of one another and the sheer skill involved when they would rotate the DJ!
As a 20 year anniversary, Mike Boogie & Terry Urban have put together a tribute album.
A more recent track by De La is ‘Baby Phat’ and I’ve always listened, enjoying the beat, the way the rap flows with the stop-start beat and the humorous lyrics. Their music is never too serious, always tuneful and true to their original form. They’ve influenced Hip Hop in a way which few else can claim and it seems they will carry on forever.
Emcee ‘Skillz’ has been enlisted along with one of my ‘ones to watch’ for 2009, ‘Colin Munroe’ to give their own rendition of Baby Phat.
I’m not breaking any news, the good folks at illRoots already leaked this, but I cant get enough of this track. It’s been reworked extremely well and is more cover-version than remix.
Download, listen and enjoy.
Anyone alive and conscious in the 90's will have at minimum heard the music from songstresses 'Brownstone'.
Tracks like 'If you love me' and 'Grapevyne' put them instantly on the map but after some group politics, the trio's shelf life was hit hard, never to fully recover, try as they did.
For the full story, hit up Wikipedia to get a full insight.
Today I've been on a 90's nostalgia frame of mind and with thanks to YouTube who in my opinion doesn't get the thanks that it deserves - lets be honest, how lucky are we to be able to access all this old lost video footage - I've got some nice old-skool (ish) vids for your mind.
Enjoy....
CRAZY vocals from Brownstone..
Ginuwine for your mind
Blaque Ivory - who are apparently recording NOW, ready for a 2009 release!!!!!!
702
SWV
Whitney, Kelly and Faith
Mary J. Blige
I gave up on 'Rap' some years ago for a combination of reasons which all retrospectively seem to point towards my seeming accelerating age.
That said, I still listen to the Rap music from 'my day' and prior whilst attempting to remain open minded to the new stuff, but I cant help but feel like Rap music reached its peak about 5 years ago and the newer stuff is regurgitated carbon copy music. Substance went out of Rap a long time ago and that's fine, most music starts with good intention and develops into something else as demand presents money making opportunity.
Based upon my ears being tuned into alternate stations, it's no surprise that much of the current work bypasses the Dj Realm radar. I stay in touch up to a point.
Today I discovered Slaughterhouse thanks to Talib Kweli's Twitter. I respect Talib and he said Slaughterhouse are dope, so I thought I'll give it a go most especially as he had mentioned other 2009 releases of high quality including Sa-Ra and Maxwell - therefore he and I are on some sort of similar wavelength.
The name Slaughterhouse indicates a not so fluffy musical direction. Fine by me.
Turns out Slaughterhouse is a group formed of Royce Da 5'9'', Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden and Crooked I. All of the above artists have style, experience and undeniable ability in their own rights - whether you like them or not (and I for one never bothered listening to Joe Budden much or Crooked I for that matter. But Joell Ortiz and Royce are both awesome, by anyones standards.
The album hits hard, yes its aggressive but it's full of beats that scream that Slaughterhouse weren't looking for the generic formula and of course the lyrics, whilst 'gansta' are well written and delivered with fury.
Yes, it's full of your 'Ho', 'Bitch', 'N...' and the usual terms associated with Rap music. This isn't Hip Hop, it's Rap and designed to get you hyped...and it works. It's the first Rap album I've enjoyed in a while, for all of the wrong reasons, but it is what it is. I for one was entertained.
Spotify URL (paste this in your Spotify search): spotify:album:3to46oYyRXJq3TPZNr7MVk
Yes, I’ve given Vikter Duplaix enough ‘props’ on this blog.
But given my recent disappointment after a certain new album by another of my most favoured Neo Soul artists, I’ve decided that I wish to keep positive.
After all, I’ve written of my acceptance for artists who are ‘indie soul’ and make the crossover to mainstream – everyone’s got to eat.
More on the above matter to follow, no doubt.
For now, it gives me great pleasure to see that one of my bestest artists has provided a soothing relief to his fans fears by allowing for a FREE download of his newest track which continues to follow his non conformist form of music. Thankfully, Vikter Duplaix couldn’t care less about conforming to mainstream sounds, instead opting to be himself.
I know Vik is recording a new album and the single ‘Electric Love’ makes me think that I won’t be disappointed upon its immanent release. Although, I thought the same thing when I heard a snippet of Eric Roberson’s ‘Borrow You’ a few weeks ago...
‘Yes! A good new album this way comes’ my mind told me.
Alas last week, my ears disagreed, regretting to inform my brain that ‘Music Fan First’ was a massive let down, despite a few decent tracks. I don't blame Eric Roberson, he deserves commercial success. I'm just disappointed as a long term fan.
Eric Roberson review to follow, if I can bring myself to go through the hurt of listening to it once again – having done this a few times over the last week, I’m inclined to give it a miss, along with the October gig of Erro which I had intended on attending.
Sigh... It seems that I've managed to contradict my earlier statement, Eric Roberson clearly upset me enough to discuss him on a post initially intended to inform of another artists newest effort. Apologies. I digress, by nature.
Go to Vikter Duplaix’s website for a free download of his great new single... you won’t be disappointed, this I can assure you.
Click on www.vikterduplaix.com for the free download.... then buy his album when it's out.
Time to make this blog more credible, today we’ve been pretty mainstream orientated and for that I must apologise to those readers who prefer Realms Word when it’s focus is on that which has Soul, heart or an iota of social awareness.
In my defence, my first blog for the day was based on some substance. After all, Nas was and is a very gifted MC and has been a major influence on Hip Hop for a very long time. Remember Illmatic? No? Well then this blog (in general) is most likely not for you. Illmatic, Nas’ first commercially successful LP was and remains a genre benchmark. Admittedly, he’s yet to repeat work of that consistently high level, but that’s normal. My point being, talk of forthcoming, experimental Nas work with Damian Marley is exciting, for me!
To pay just dues to Nas, click play on Jay Electronica’s Nas tribute track... Jay is a gifted man.
It's official, Drake has made the full mainstream crossover. He was always a part of Lil Wayne's crew, so nothing new there...but to have a new track with Kanye West AND Eminem on it.... the dudes career just stepped through the door of a totally new world.
And you know what? I like the track, despite the Vocoder on Drakes voice. Eminem kills it, clearly.. and Kanye looks weak in comparison to the others...
Listen here...
I'm finally back after taking a Blogging break, sorry about that - had things to do!
So to play catch up, I'll be reviewing some new Ultrasone DJ Pro Headphones very soon, letting you know my opinion on the new Erro album and a few other bits... and if I'm not mistaken, Happy Friday last week was, well...not Happy at all... seems I owe you.
News wise, Erro's Music Fans First' album went straight into the RnB Chart top 10 in its first week, credit where it's due, he deserves commercial success after so many years hard work.
Nas and Damian Marley are to release an album together, which I'm looking forward to, watch more here...
Mariah Carey has finished recording a new album, the same can be said for Ludacris.
'Somehow' (yeah, like we're naive enough to think that new recordings of songs actually 'leak' within minutes of being recorded - EVER NOTICE HOW ARTISTS NEVER SUE THEIR PRODUCERS/RECORD COMPANIES ETC FOR LEAKING THEIR LATEST SONG? PERHAPS ITS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FACT THAT THEY DO IT ON PURPOSE, STOP INSULTING OUR INTELLIGENCE. JEEEEEEEEES. It would be a lot more truthful if they said 'here's a demo of one of my new tracks, do you like it?') Monica's new song is ready for the listening... Click here for a snippet
It's OK. Good vocals but a bit annoying and 'too much' They you go Monica, that's what I think, now stop over complicating your music.
Nivea is a type of moisturizing face cream and a name for an RnB singer who shot to short term fame on Mystikal's 'Been So Long'. Well, here's her latest track, sounds a bit Mya, a bit Rihanna (puke) and clearly somewhat meaningful to Nivea lyrically. Judge for yourself here
Speaking of Mya.... I always liked her, she was sweet, playful and had a nice voice.
This comeback from her is just a let down in every aspect, sorry to say so. I can't bring myself to review it.
Hi Folks! After a busy week where the posting is admittedly somewhat lacking, it is once again Happy Friday.
This is however, not the Happy Friday post.
This morning I felt the need for something abstract, upbeat, contemporary and jazzy. Most would say that it’s not an easy task. I beg to differ. The difficulty in such a task is having the artistic creativity to compose and construct such an unforgiving musical concoction.
Step up step up IG Culture. I’ve been a fan for some years now and am more than happy to pronounce my admiration for him – a true master of his trade.
Now press play on this and continue reading...
Trust me when I say that the creation of fusion music is no mean feat. Aside from having to satisfy a variety of audiences who are by nature, sceptical of manipulating their beloved art form, but to stay within the limits of normality so that you do not ostracise all audiences is a whole other kettle of fish.
IG Culture has been doing his thing for a long time now, be it solo, as part of a group, as guest producer for other artists or any other way he sees fit.
He tends to surround himself with the right people which in turn allows his music to remain grounded and maintain its original integrity.
I’d like to hear him live and I plan to as soon as he’s around next.
It doesn’t matter which of his albums you buy first, they’re all good. Take a listen to his broken beat style and judge for yourself. Then perhaps go find some stuff by the New Sector Movement for a slight flip on styles.
If this is too much for you, but you’re intrigued by the genre, perhaps take a look at Mark De Clive-Lowe who makes great music, albeit slightly more user friendly for broken beat first timers.
Andreena Mill is a name that most of us don’t know.
I first came across her when listening to Drake’s version of ‘Closer’ (as mentioned on a previous blog entry).
At 1.26 into the song, Drake says: ‘‘Gimme 20 in the tank on 3, I'm in the Range bumpin Keyshia Cole
Singin off-key like...’’ and then we hear Andreena’s beautiful vocals and then throughout the rest of the track.
Hear for yourself
It was that first vocal hit that got me thinking I should learn a bit more about her.
As you may expect, her affiliation with Drake makes her a Toronto based Canadian and serves as futher proof that Canada’s music scene is not to be ignored.
I will say however, that she’s way more R’n’B than Neo Soul, which is a shame as her vocal ability would take her far, however that’s her prerogative. Vocal talent is vocal talent.
Style wise, perhaps think 702 meets Blaque (Ivory) meets Brandy meets Left Eye.
The following link will take you to her mixtape download, judge for yourself. I’m not saying that I enjoyed her own tracks, but I do think that with the right direction and focus, this girl is talented.
Click Here
I know that this is a somewhat simply post, but I'm too busy to be playing today.
Simply put, whilst working today, I've been listening to a few albums, end to end. This is something that I seldom do, as there are few albums which allow for continual playback without interferences of skipping or leaving out a couple of tracks.
I’m gratefully reminded today of two facts.
The first being the Jill Scott, whilst a talented and consistently good musician, will likely never repeat her 2000 release ‘Who Is Jill Scott?’. IT is flawless, Jazzy, Soulful and full of attitude. Yes she’s done plenty of good work since, but this album was recorded on another planet. Listening to ‘A Long Walk’ for the millionth time since I first laid ears on it (?!) I’m reminded of the sheer amount of work that went into recording the ever changing layers of vocals – every time you listen, you notice a different vocal. Genius, pure and simple.
The second fact was that Hip Hop today should model itself around Kero One’s musical blueprint. Today I pressed play on ‘Windmills of the Soul’ and when that was done, straight onto 2009 release ‘Early Believers’. I don’t tire of his music and there’s simple nothing to dislike.
Granted, there will be people who disagree, but those are the same people who are either listening to Lil Wayne or perhaps Asher Roth, thinking they know and understand what’s actually important the Hip Hop world.
You need to have a flow, you need to have lyrical content, you must move in credible circles, you must think of musical creativity and purity ahead of what will make sub woofers pound... do you follow me?
Kero One is to me, a hope, a glimmer of real light in an otherwise dull musical genre... Hip Hop has been fighting for the full 12 rounds and is in a daze, Kero One should be considered as the smelling salts that wakes the World up and allows Hip Hop to fight another day.
Pressed and released his own first single and continues to release music independently, I’m not doing freebie’s on this post, support good music.
Kero One - Welcome to the Bay (Official Music Video) from plug label on Vimeo.
Too much is never enough... and so with this in mind I give you the second part to the Happy Friday compilation download....
This one has some more up to date stuff, decide for yourself whether you like the direction Hip Hop is taking – Of these artists, do yourself a favour and make sure you check Kero One’s solo work, Wes Felton and Colin Munroe – who I find very intriguing as he’s not an MC...but hangs with them?! He's talented for sure...check out this rehearsal video where he sings and plays the drums at the same time..
Enjoy, Happy Friday
Click here for the link
Well, it’s that time again. Today’s the day where we celebrate having nothing to do for 2 days.
Although I’m technically ‘working’ on Saturday night (if DJing counts as work?), Friday’s are the day where we try not to take life seriously and so with this in mind, I’ve compiled a TWO PART Happy Friday playlist for you.
And as I mentioned last week, this week is Hip Hop and Rap orientated.
The first is a mixture of some older Hip Hop and Rap, some ‘credible’, some not. But who cares about credibility on a Friday really? Some head banging gangster sh@t, some west coast, some east coast and a couple of randoms for good measure. One thing’s for sure, you’ll be nodding your head to most if not the whole thing.
Here’s your artist list for Part One of Today’s Happy Friday, in no particular order:
Dr.Dre (its only fair to include this after my ‘translation’ this week!)
ODB
Jaz-O
Jay-Z
Trick Daddy
Ludacris
A+
Crown City Rockers
Souls of Mischief
Young MC
50 Cent
AZ
The Game
Busta Rhymes
Snoop Dogg
Jurassic 5
Digable Planets
DMX
Jayo Felony
Method Man
Krayzie Bone
Angie Martinez
K-Os
Click here to find the link and... enjoy...part 2 to follow this afternoon
August 25th 2009.... twelve days.
That's how long we have to wait until 'Mr Neo Soul' - Eric Roberson - releases his next, brand new album entitled 'Music Fan First'. It's a project that Eric/Erro has tried to keep his fans involved in, even sending attendees of a show 2 versions of the same song and asking them to vote which one to put on the album.
No matter what you love about Neo/Nu/Soul, Eric's style will have something for you, be it raw vocal ability, the use of live instruments, lyrical content or for those of us lucky enough to have caught his show, his charisma on stage. I've yet to see any other performer put so much effort and energy into a show and whilst I'll admit that on occasion he may over indulge in Live song preludes and interludes and any other 'lude' you can think of, he has the right, because he may well have single handedly carried the genre since D'Angelo went on hiatus.
The first track I ever heard Erro on (and he went by that name - Erro) was with DJ Jazzy Jeff on a track called 'Rock With You', which is in my view, smoother than silk...take a listen for yourself:
If 'Rock With You' is up your street, you should without doubt pick up his back catalogue of music... start with his most recent album - 'Left', follow its story within which will give you an idea of his past years of trials and tribulations. Once you're into 'Left', go deeper, get 'The Appetizer' and 'The Vault'. You wont be sorry.
I was in fact worried that his new album would be a disappointment, however, his blogging has eased my mind.. You can keep up to date with Eric's daily video blogging in the lead up to his album launch where we hear snippets of each track and the reason behind why he wrote them...his official YouTube page can be found by clicking here.
Realms Word wishes Eric every success for his forthcoming album... support good, independent artists, buy it!
Embracing ‘new’ technologies and fads is what our generation are all about. After all, it’s the communication age.
I think it must have been in January 2009 when I started using Spotify although I can’t and won’t become a premium user for a few reasons. The first and main reason is that the library of music which I know to be rapidly increasing, does not extend to the music that I would like to feature. As an example, even Anthony David – soul singer from Georgia – who recently signed to friend India Arie’s ‘Soulbird’ label which is linked with major label Universal Republic, is not on Spotify’s roster. Another reason is that there tends to be a great deal of what appear to be bootleg style albums. Of course, even if the song you want to hear is on the bootleg, it just doesn’t feel right.
Another reason is that if I’m paying – I like to keep the music all to myself, put it on my iPod etc.
That said, what Spotify allows for and I think, does very well – is the sharing of playlists.
I have compiled a collection for you to use freely and it’s full of some good and some not-so-good Rap, R’n’B and Hip Hop – mainly of the commercial variety.
Let’s just say that it’s a user-friendly, easy listening intro to the world of Pop style Rap and R’n’B music.
It’s got no soul, no credibility, but it’ll get your head bopping nicely.
Simply click on the following link whilst your Spotify programme is running and it’ll load up!
Put this link into your web browser address path:
http://open.spotify.com/user/gavvyb/playlist/0r5tTgjWYMDZS524m4GS41
Enjoy!
As loyal subjects of Realms Word, today you've surpassed yourselves and have in fact achieved a record amount of daily hits to this blog since...ever...
And so, as ruler of this Realm, I thought I'd reward you with some nice Michael Jackson remixes that, well, you just cant find in any old place.
I've already said my ode to the King of Pop which you can find via clicking here..
If you're a DJ, you may like a couple of these and if you like to do as I do - play people rare songs and then not specify where you got them so that you have the upper hand - you're in for a treat.
Click the link and download!!!!
I'm signing out for the day but will be back soon...
Michael Jackson, rest in peace.
Dj Rahdu, thanks :)
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I’m willing to bet that none of the following names mean anything to you:
Leeroy Kesiah, Sly the Mic Buddha, Vicelow, Specta, Feniksi, Sir Samuel, KLR, DJ Fun, Alsoprodby, Eddy Kent and DJ Karve?
No?
Well, all of the above are current, ex or deceased members of French group ‘Saian Supa Crew’.
My experience from DJing and simply playing ‘new’ music to people is that music with certain quirks will either get more air time, be more accepted or even end up with greater commercial success. By ‘quirks’ I refer to the use of catchy, classic samples (e.g. Jay-Z’s ‘Can’t Knock The Hustle’ which heavily sampled ‘Fool’s Paradise’), perhaps a beat-box break or intro, perhaps some well written one liner hooks which the crowd can easily remember, a dance more (such as Usher’s ‘U-Turn’ – I know you’ve done it!)...you get the idea.
The Saian Supa Crew are arguably the most popular Hip-Hoppers to have hailed from our European neighbours, France. Yes, MC Solaar comes close and NTM are France’s version of East Coast USA gangster rap, but Saian Supa offer more. Their style is individual and although it’s in French (and dialects of), such is their individuality in delivery, ability to create awesome beats and add their own twist, that anyone can (and does) listen.
Click here
To help you along your Saian Supa Crew introductory journey, the following link will let you have a copy of their rather hard to get hold of ‘Stand Out’ version of 2005 album ‘X-raisons’.
This will be music to the ears of already fans who cannot find this illusive album and for the newcomers, it features: Roots Manuva, Brand Nubian and The Arsonists..
Honestly, very few Hip Hop artists are as creative and diverse...give them a try... some of my favourite tracks are:
‘A Demi Nue’, ‘Hey Yo My Man’, ‘Ils etaint Un Fois’, ‘Maladie’, ‘Soldat 2’ and dig a bit deeper to find classics like ‘Angela’ and ‘Darkness’ from their KLR album
Saian Supa Crew, Angela:
Some cool beatbox stuff to feast your eyes on too...
In the immortal words of an old UK Saturday morning kids TV show... M.I.M.O.... Miss It, Miss Out.
The 'Happy Friday' compilation was downloaded by 50 lucky people, after that cut-off point, I took it down.
Keep your eyes peeled next Friday, as I said, it's a gift. First come, fisrt served...once 50 go...the link is deactivated.....
So, make sure you subscribe to the RealmsWord RSS feed and keep up to date with what's happening and when!
Happy Friday!
Realm