Soul and Rock: Rashaan Patterson, Van Hunt and Black Queen Speaks

Blogging about music should be a full time job. But, since I already have a full time job, that pays a lot more than blogging about music (which pays me not a thing) I have to make this part time effort due, so this post is FULL... enough of the prologue, let's get it started..

First up Rashaan Patterson. He has a new song he's released on his Facebook page that features Lalah Hathaway called 6 am. We want talk of my love of the morning, I'll just skip all that and give you linkage so you can listen for yourself!



Van Hunt also sent out another drop from his upcoming September 27 release of What Were you Hoping For, He's gonna be in Houston on September 30, and I have my ticket!!! But in case you're in the Houston area, get your ticket here He'll be performing with Empress Hotel , whom I don't know much about, but I'm enjoying what I'm hearing about them. Check out Van's Free Download Offer of Eyes Like Pearls

Lastly, Black Queen Speaks just dropped their new EP, El Grinder I LOVED their first EP Domino and I'm loving the new one as well. I really encourage you to give these soulful, funky, rocking guys a listen if you love rock music like I do.


There is still more I want to share, so keep stopping by The Soul Shack! Happy listening!

The Virgo Videos: Nakia Henry and Joe Lee McCoy

So this here morning, I wake up to videos (or as Joe Lee says, ViJoes) for two great songs by two very talented singer/songwriters! First up, Nakia Henry, who's Love Letter (He Wants Me to Win) I went gaga over nearly a year ago. Nakia's songs are resonate with an introspective soul such as I, and she does not disappoint with Transition The song on the video is a remixed version of the original, simpler tune found here. I honestly prefer the more robust sound of the remix, as the heavy piano intro on the original was a little much for me. The lyrics pulls it all together though, and I must say, I stand with Nakia.. I choose to live, check it out. Last but not least, Mississippi Soul Man, Joe Lee McCoy continues the introspection train, with a funky R&B rhythm with I'm Ready. Joe Lee's debut project Natural ran through Houston with fire on it's tail. Now, Joe Lee has a slicker look, but he hasn't traded on the lyricism for which I love his music. If you haven't heard any of the beautiful songs from Natural I urge you to not delay in checking it out here Hope you enjoyed it!

Happy Birthday to Muhsinah - Here's Free Music for You

What do you have planned for your next birthday? You'd have to work pretty hard to top what Muhsinah is doing for hers. The beautiful soul singer is sharing her gift with us for her birthday by giving a way a free double EP entitled "Gone". In exchange, she only wants your email address to continue to share her musical vision with you. I think it is a fair trade. Ever sense she told me how he tells her all his secrets and thinks nobody knows, I've felt that Muhsinah (along with fellow souled out co-hort Georgia Anne Muldrow) has one of the most unique voices on the musical landscape right now. So go ahead and get your gift, and share it with someone else would ya?! Great... I knew I could count on you!

Muhsinah com

Goodies from Zo!, Eric Roberson and Jesse Boykins III

Hello Music Addicts... in case you missed it. Some goodies were dropped over the last few weeks that I was quick to snap up and I wanted to make sure you had.

First up.. Zo! has wowed us again with Just Visiting.. Three. The Just Visiting... series is a collection of creative covers musically arranged by Zo! and featuring some talented voices including +FE's Phonte, Sy Smith, Darien Brockington and more. I have both of the previous projects as well as my stand out favorite, Zo! and Tigallo Love the 80's which isn't called Just Visiting, but it is along the same lines (re-imagined covers, it's worth it just for Take on Me!)... at any rate, this go round Jeanne Jolly, Eric Roberson and Anthony David join the fun. Check it out for yourself!

Just Visiting... Three


Secondly, Eric Roberson shared some new music via the @ErroFam twitter page. It's not a complete project, but it does feature Chubb Rock, which is always a good thing, yes... YES!

Summertime (So Hot) Eric Roberson feat Chubb Rock

Last... but definitely not least is my "hot honey" favorite, Jesse Boykins III who is sharing his golden tones via "The Way of the Wayfarer". It follows the previous released single from the project I posted earlier. You can pick up this goody goody gum drop for yourself just below.

The Way of the Wayfarer on JBII Website

So go forth, listen, enjoy, but most of all SHARE!!! Beautiful music deserves to be enjoyed and these beautiful artists should be celebrate.. especially when their labors of love are available for free for us all.

Peace and Music!

Selah

What Van Hunt had done for you lately...

A couple of months ago, my curious music greedy heart pondered aloud (or rather in writing) where on earth was Van Hunt... and I found out recently, he's making music! How awesome! His new project, What were you hoping for? is scheduled to arrive September 27, 2011. It looks like Van Hunt has gone the independent route on this project, so I want to be sure to show this true artisan lots of love and support for this project. To tide you over, Van Hunt has released the first single June for public consumption via his website Van Hunt dot com and he's offering the download for free.

Please don't forget Use in Case of Emergency is still available, 11 talent showcasing songs for 5.99. I'm loving the subtle introspective sound of June, I had it on repeat for a while just to really bond with the vibe, but as an avid fan I don't trust my objectivity so I strongly encourage you to check it out for yourself.

Here's some more links to keep you all Van Hunt educated.

Van Hunt on Bandcamp

Van Hunt on Twitter

Van Hunt on Facebook

No need to mark your calendar for the release as I will be sure to remind you!

Pieces!

Selah

Photo courtesy of http://www.VanHunt.com, all rights to original publisher, no copyright infringement intended

Jessie Boykins III

Under an unruly wavy black cloud, Jessie Boykins III issues forth into the earth soul seducing tones. Something about his voice takes you on his journey and invites you to be apart of whatever lyrical scene he is painting. Whether he is re-igniting a previous song such as his take of Andre 3000's prototype, or weaving his own unique tale in his own projects the Chicago native has yet to disappoint. Although we know there is nothing new under the sun, it is always refreshing when an artist is presenting their interpretation of what music is in an unapologetic and artistic way. Something about the longing that is infused in his every note moves me. I don't remember exactly how I came to know this brothers voice (Though I don't remember the how or the when, I know the that his guest on Don't Make Me a Fool on The Foreign Exchange's last project cemented my devotion), but it stays with me. If you don't already know, I'm sharing his voice with you. Hope you enjoy what you hear, and keep this brother on your soul sparked radar.




Some links to get ya started:

New Single from Upcoming EP via Okayplayer.com w/ Free Download

Jessie Boykins III Home Page

Follow JBIII on Twitter

Brang That Back - Embrya - Maxwell

I still remember the day I bought it. Maxwell's beautiful cocoa brown face submerged in water imitating a fetus in utero amongst swaths of color. Coming off the edges of the super sexy, neoclassic soul debut where we hung with him in his hang suite and then an otherworldly MTV unplugged that had everyone practicing their very best falsetto, Embrya continued Maxwell's reign in my heart as the quintessential soul crooner. (What is a sophomore slump again?) I know there are millions of people in love with Maxwell, but this here is my little fantasy, so give me some room. When that bass line hit, then the percussion (I could almost see the hands hitting congos), then strings... I was ready to go wherever Sir Maxwell of the Sultry Sounds was willing to take me. Today, I'm going back to gestation. I don't want to just relive one song, I want to go through the whole project and submerge till I become the sun! Here's a couple to get it started...