SELAH'S SOUL SHACK

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

2011-09-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

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 hereHope you enjoyed it!

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

2011-07-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-06-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

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...

Me and Iron and Wine

2011-01-21T17:51:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time I was watching a really good movie that I really loved about a young person who was learning to get in touch with his own feelings because he had been numb for a long time. This movie resonated with me as I was leaving my own emo phase, so I liked the emo movie. That emo movie is the utterly fantastic Garden State... in the midst of that movie my heart was pierced by a lovely minimalist song whispered across a subtle guitar.. A lovely song called Such Great Heights I had to get this song, I loved it... so from that snippet I had to get the soundtrack! (Which also introduced me to Colin Hay, Zero 7, The Shins and Thievery Corporation)

I learned the original was by a group called The Postal Service, which is a really cool more upbeat version, but the subtle whispered Iron and Wine version had already stolen my senses, so I had little left to give to the originator. From this, I was taken down the winding road of Iron and Wine, and I haven't turned back yet. Enter 2011 and there is a new project to salivate over. Team Coco (Conan O'Brien) has provided a preview of this new project... so I've posted it below. As with all my suggestions... you really, don't have to take my word for it! Check it out.

And since I mentioned this as well

More information on Iron and Wine

Down the Rabbit Hole with Angela McCluskey

2011-01-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday as I removed dust bunnies from under my bed and washed an impressive amount of clothes, I listened to Pandora. I was listening to my Snow Patrol/Little Dragon station when I heard a Telepopmusik song that sent me barreling down the rabbit hole. That's what I call things when one thing sparks me to the point where my internet aided searches can span hours. The song, "Brighton Beach" and it's entire supporting cast (the entire project called Angel Milk) was quickly purchased. I noticed that some tracks featured this voice that made me think of Billie (Holiday that is) so I looked up this lovely singer and found Angela McCluskey.

I wish I could wax poetic about all the wonderful thing's she's done in her career, but I can't so I'll give you her biography and let you read for yourself. Here's the song that started it all... I hope it leads you down the rabbit hole as well.

And I love this one as well... Glad I got the whole project

Where on Earth is Van Hunt?

2011-01-08T20:34:00.000-08:00

I went a "innanet" searching... I wanted to know what Mr. Bits and Pieces was up to.. where is my favorite modern song writer. His website offered no gems of enlightenment... No new project coming soon. I have Use in Case of Emergency. Maybe he knew he was gonna go A.W.O.L. before that release. It's an emergency, Where are you Van? I'm looking for you! Holla back.. Somebody call him and say, I SAID.. brang his multi-instrumental, soulful songwriting behind back to the musical landscape and get to painting! Cause you know, I got clout and thangs (Pimp in my own rhyme, copyright, MJG!)

Something to tide you over, from the as yet unreleased The Popular Machine

Brang That Back - Dwele ~ The Truth

2011-01-07T07:30:00.001-08:00

I remember when I first met Dwele (not in real life, but musically, follow me). So smooth, I got a kick out of him... So yea, let's Brang That Back!

Marsha Ambrosius - Far Away Video

2011-01-05T06:27:00.001-08:00

World Star Hip Hop launched the world premiere of Ms. Ambrosius first single on her upcoming project... enjoy the vocals and visuals

Suzanna Choffel - Pack Light

2010-12-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

I love this song... great video!

Brang That Back: Special Kind of Fool - Basic Black

2010-12-03T21:12:00.001-08:00

Wow! I remember this CD, this was the ONLY good song on the project (forgive me BB fans) This song here though is certified CLASSIC! So who cares about the rest of the project, so gone head and enjoy, and sing... LOUD!

Maybe She'll Dream of Me Official Video - The Foreign Exchange

2010-11-16T14:21:00.001-08:00

I LOVE Foreign Exchange... but then you knew that already right? Enjoy!

The Foreign Exchange - Maybe She'll Dream Of Me (Official Music Video directed by Matt Koza) from The Foreign Exchange on Vimeo.

Fitz and Tantrums - Northern California Soul...

2010-11-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

I love musicologists... Being in a family of music lovers always means the opportunity to be exposed to something brand new on the music scene is exponential. There is absolutely no WAY to be in the know on everything, but via word of mouth and social networking, you can be exposed to something new. NPR did a lovely little write up on this North California born music band check it out Here

And while you're at it, go ahead and check out the video below. I like what I've heard so far.. enjoy!

Brang That Back! : New Edition - Can You Stand The Rain

2010-11-10T07:42:00.001-08:00

I'm in a New Edition mood today, this here is post Bobby w/ Johnny... always wondered how Ralph felt about all that...

Brang That Back: Michael Cooper - Dinner for Two

2010-11-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to take you on down memory lane... Enjoy!

Getting Ready for "THE WEAKEND"

2010-10-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

It's that time ladies and gentleman... I've given a precursor for this grande event, but the time is here, This Friday, October 29, 2010 kicks off the WEAKEND, where my favorite Huestonians will release their much anticipated (an not in an over exaggerated, innocuous kind of way, but for real, really anticipated) follow up to THE DISTRICT entitled, THE WEAKEND... check 'em out y'all.. and be ready to cop the release on Friday...

Brang That Back: Kindred the Family Soul - Rhythm of Life

2010-10-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

This song is infinitely beautiful... This Husband-Wife Duo continue to make soul music, but I thought we'd take a walk down memory lane.. Enjoy Lovelies!

Cee Lo - Old Fashioned

2010-10-19T03:32:00.001-07:00

In preparation for the November 7th release of his new project "The Ladykiller" Camp (Cee) Lo, *HA* has released another single call Old Fashioned... The download is available Here at Ear Milk so go ahead and give it a whirl.

I've got my download finger ready for November 7th... I vote for Cee-Lo!

Nakia Henry: He Wants Me to Win

2010-10-12T06:39:00.000-07:00

I can't describe how much I love this song... the lyrics are inspired, and that Badu sample is some kind of wonderful... but in the words of the ever fantastic LeVar Burton, You Don't Have to Take My Word For It!

Nakia Henry - Love Letter (He Wants Me to Win)

Ms. Ambrosius

2010-10-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

She's sharing, so I'm sharing

Ms. Marsha Ambrosius on her Sound Cloud page. You do remember Floetry I know... check it out

Brang That Back: Cold Sweat - Faze

2010-09-23T07:07:00.000-07:00

This song takes me to middle school in such a specific way.... My homie Shundea and I (whom by the way is still my homie!) We went to different schools, matter of fact, we've never gone to the same school until college. But we still rode the same school bus because we went to magnet schools that shared buses. And what did we do on said bus, why we sang.. and sang... and sang... so travel on back with me!

FE Official Weekend

2010-09-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

I promise this blog is not here just to celebrate The Foreign Exchange... as I am liable to become obsessive about anything at any moment, I shall spout my everlasting and undying love for many artists in the times to come.. However, by a stroke of genius (or luck!) I will be seeing one of my favorite collectives not once, but TWICE in the great state of Texas... I've been harassing the people at FE for a Houston show for some time.. (via twitter mostly, shout out to Zo! for his patience) When I got a heads up on a Dallas show, I didn't hesitate, the day it was posted, I purchased, reserved a hotel, put aside the gas money, it's done, Dallas is only 3 hours or so from Houston, how's about a road trip eh? Shortly thereafter though, maybe a week or so, a Houston show was scheduled... Conundrum! I mean, I have wanted to see them at home, and a lot of my friends, the artisans, groovologist and musicologist I frequently run into at these type of events (off the beaten path, turn off the radio types) so I would love to see one of my favorite bands at home... so, what did I do... I bought tickets for the Houston show as well.. .and that my friends brings you to, FE Official Weekend! so.. I should've made a mix! I haven't, but I'll hook up one on my MP3 player (not an Ipod, I am too frugal for the Ipod) for the road trip, but maybe I'll feel nice enough and share... either way.. I'll let you know how Dallas and Houston was... Ciao!

Cee Lo Green and His Bag of Tricks

2010-09-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

Cee-Lo is a wonderful amalgamation of artistic talents... He's an emcee of stand out proportions, a sanger (he doesn't sing my dears, he sangs!) and he's a chameleon. I've always respected what he does, and he has managed to turn his irreverence into a world wide smash with his latest single of his upcoming project, F**k You!.. ha! But before he became a global icon of heartbreak and retribution, he released a wonderful mix tape this past summer called Stray Bullets... now if you don't have it, you're in luck, cause a quick search on the net will bring you all kinds of links... but since I'm real nice, and have a lot of soul... I've found one for your courtesy of 2 Dope Boyz, one of the premier Hip Hop Blogs of our time... so get your download on, and read around while you're there... I believe in multi-tasking!

Stray Bullets Mixtape - Cee Lo Green Courtesy of 2 Dope Boyz

Radio Galaxy - Out of Control

2010-09-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

Since I am a certified Peace Uv Mine Enthusiast... Here's the latest offering from Radio Galaxy... can't wait for the complete project.

Also check out The Shop

Close To You... Ron Isley & Lauryn Hill

2010-09-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

I can never hear this song without thinking about Karen Carpenter... I think Ronald Isley aka Mr. Big and Lauryn Hill have done a great job with it...

Check it!

Brang That Back: Straight From My Heart - UNV

2010-09-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

I have a humongous soft spot for 90's R&B and 90's Hip Hop... it is during this time, I had the resources and wherewithal to determine my own musical destiny.. So today's Brang That Back Moment is brought to you by

Straight From My Heart - UNV (United Negro Voices)

Hope you enjoy!

H.I.S.D. has us all anticipating... The Weakend

2010-09-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

October 29 will be quite an auspicious day for Hip Hop in Hueston... An old acronym, with a new meaning H.I.S.D. (otherwise known as Hueston Independent Spit District) will be releasing their eagerly awaited second project titled The Weakend. I sincerely love these guys for the work they put into their projects and the artistry displayed by four diverse emcees... But again, You don't have to take my word for it, get your taste of the two singles from the latest project Lando and Rockin, Space Up! as well as the Summer So Good EP from '09 and their first project, The District... Here and let me know what you think.

I believe you won't be disappointed..

Two fingers!

Producing and Creating

2010-09-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Sammus... she's growing, creating and embarking... She is also a producer, in case I didn't make that plain. There is a modernity to her music, with still the refreshing tinge of a genuine music lovers. Some "music" makers seek only to be trendy and current, but I honestly believe this sister seeks to make real music, but I leave that to your judgment, I admit to the very real possibility that I am biased.. either way, sound check it for your self Fly Nerd EP Tell me what you think!

Pieces!

The Foreign Exchange... Speaking on "Authenticity"

2010-09-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't know... I am a huge fan of the Foreign Exchange... the duo (Nicolay and Phonte) as well as the collective energies thereof, (Zo! Yahzarah, Darien Brockington) so here's what I think is the first single off of the highly anticipated follow up to the Grammy Nominated Leave it All Behind, Authenticity

So here's a link to the new single on Potholes in My Blog, Maybe She'll Dream of Me It's got a free download, so don't dawdle.. get on it!

While you're at it... be sure to peep:

Sun Storm by Zo!
Ballad of Purple St. James by Yahzarah
City Lights Vol 2: Shibuya by Nicolay

Music lovers stand up!

Andre 3000 - I do..

2010-08-30T17:34:00.001-07:00

Found this on the Nah Right blog, just sharing cause, that's what the shack is for Andre 3000 - I DO There is also a 30 sec snippet of the Jeezy Version, but let's just say I'm partial to 3000 and leave it at that!

Why the Soul Shack...

2010-04-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE music.. and I love to share... and I love to promote what I love to hear... so I've created this space. I'd love to tell you I have all the latest and greatest.. but whatever I find, I'm sending it your way,

I'm not only an artist, I am also a patron!

Blessings,

Selah!