Review: Common’s “Black America Again”
Seems as if sparking conversations about the current societal issues regarding black culture has become a recurring theme in music right now...
Seems as if sparking conversations about the current societal issues regarding black culture has become a recurring theme in music right now. Post Solange’s album, A Seat At The Table, Common arrives on the music scene with his new album Black America Again. The album is a musical collective that embodies the well-known sentiment that Common is a “conscious rapper.” The album can be described as prolific due to the range of thought provoking lyrics and distinctive production that brings the message of the album to life.
The title track, “Black America Again”, dives straight into the current plight that African Americans are faced with every day in America. Yet, the basic message conveyed in the song is equality for all. It is evident that the subject matter of the album is intended to conjure emotional discontent in the listener, but in a constructive way to ignite the revitalization of the culture. However, the album grants the listener a chance to channel their inner lover with songs like “Love Star” featuring the talented former Floetry songstress Marsha Ambrosius and “Unfamiliar” with Paris Jones better known as PJ gracing the hook with her undeniable voice. Both songs provide a vibrant feel that coerces you to sing along and groove.
Common continues to display his eclectic range throughout the album with “Red Wine” featuring Syd from The Internet and Elena. The song soothes your ears as if it softly whispers to be hopeful and to take it easy. Rest assured, the lyrical content in no way falls short on the album. In fact, “Pyramids” gives off an ode to hip-hop feel with a reminiscent chorus that incites the memory of Old Daddy Bastard. Providing an euphonious break throughout the album are the strategically placed interludes. This is perhaps one of Common’s best albums and the musical direction of the album is quite refreshing. Black America Again will capture your attention from start to finish and our hope is that this review encouraged you to give it a listen.
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Purchase "Black America Again" by Common
Review: Solange's "A Seat At The Table"
Solange Knowles has effortlessly captured our ears with her thought provoking new album. "A Seat At The Table" was released...
Solange Knowles has effortlessly captured our ears with her thought provoking new album. "A Seat At The Table" was released this past Friday and Solange took the internet by storm. The album’s graceful vocal harmonizing and melodic sound is reminiscent of her previous EP True. Solange’s use of candid language, yet engraved with a poetic touch, on profound topics such as the current social issues plaguing the black community invites you to understand her firm stance with the culture.
“Rise” is a gracious introduction of what is to come on the album. Reminding us to allow ourselves to be broken, so that we can rebuild and rise. True to her artistry, she sings with her signature softness on “Weary” that convinces us that we are just as human as a king, so therefore we all deserve to belong. “Borderline (An Ode to Self Care)” featuring the iconic Q- Tip sends you on an intended groove and is a cool break from the subtle heaviness of the album.
Deciphering the legend behind the distinctive New Orleans accent imparting wisdom and history on the album was not a task because it was none other than Master P. We are also privileged to learn insight about Solange’s lineage from her parents. The well thought out album from start to finish relays the message of cultural integrity, appreciating where you come from and how it shapes who you are, self-confidence and self-love. We are glad Solange does not have any plans on compromising her artistry because we need her refreshing sound mixed with her fearless expressions. This could possibly be one of the best albums of the year!
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Purchase "A Seat At The Table" by Solange on iTunes
NAO Brings A Captivating Musical Experience With Her Debut Album "For All We Know"
Have you ever listened to music that embodies an array of musical aesthetics that leave you in a peculiar enchantment?...
Have you ever listened to music that embodies an array of musical aesthetics that leave you in a peculiar enchantment? UK artist NAO brings rich vocals to masterfully crafted beats that effortlessly mix the genres of neo-soul, funk and electronic that takes you on a musical trip.
NAO hails from East London where she got her start by singing in an all girl group, The Boxettes, until she went solo in 2014. Her first EP, "So Good", introduced her eclectic style of music to the U.S. The EP showcased her ability to beautifully arrange her voice and seamlessly provided an updated feel of 90s RnB. "So Good" received positive reviews and it was clear that NAO had staying power. The single 'Adore You' from the EP warrants the feel of the talented 90s girl group 702 due to NAO’s use of intricate adlibs and reminiscent words over a librating beat.
On July 29th NAO dropped her debut album, "For All We Know". The album captures your attention right from the start with the intro 'Like Velvet'. The album gives off a euphoric feel with melodies that unconsciously makes you sway, especially the song 'Blue Wine'. Without a doubt, NAO is inventing her own musical lane and our only hope is that she continues to share her imaginative artistry with the world. An artist like NAO is truly a blue moon in a music industry that is filled with redundant sounds and artists. For that reason alone we want to help foster a greater collective interest in NAO. Check out her debut album below and purchase it on iTunes here.
Connect with NAO: Website Twitter Facebook Soundcloud
DeShayla Cisero is a communication specialist and writer who strives to be a fresh and effervescent voice. She is an advocate for all things authentic, creative and out of this world dope. Twitter: @DCisero Facebook: DeShayla Cisero
Who is PJ Morton?
The soulful and multi-talented PJ Morton is a Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter and record producer who hails from New Orleans...
The soulful and multitalented PJ Morton is a Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter and record producer who hails from New Orleans. His extensive background includes being signed to Young Money Entertainment in 2011 and he was also the keyboardist/background vocalist for the well-known band Maroon 5. He released his debut album in 2013 titled "New Orleans", which was critically and highly acclaimed. The breakout single from the album was 'Only One' featuring the iconic Stevie Wonder.
However, Morton remains extremely underrated and should be granted more awareness for the uncanny sound that he brings to the music industry. His sound is a harmonious mixture of soul, bounce, gospel and funk. Not only is his music captivating, but also he can be classified as one of the greats when it comes to live performances. Some say he is reminiscent of a young Stevie Wonder due to his ability to perform some of the same vocal acrobats as the icon.
PJ Morton has recently released the EP "Sticking To My Guns" in June 2016. The EP includes five tracks that bring a refreshing perspective on the inevitable shifts in love and life. One of the most noteworthy tracks on the EP is 'Say So', which has a striking resemblance to the melodies on Stevie Wonder’s album "Talking Book".
Morton deserves a thorough listening to and you will find that his music resonates with you on a soulful level. We encourage you to check out his latest EP with full listening intent. Additionally, give his former works "Following My First Mind" and "Soul & Bounce Vol. 1", a listen and spread the word about PJ Morton because he deserves more recognition.
DeShayla Cisero is a communication specialist and writer who strives to be a fresh and effervescent voice. She is an advocate for all things authentic, creative and out of this world dope. Twitter: @DCisero Facebook: DeShayla Cisero
Emily King is the personification of what it means to “Stick to Your Guns”
With her latest album "The Switch", Emily King takes us on a relatable journey that engulfs you with an array of emotions...
Emily King started out as a mainstream artist with her first record deal with J Records in 2004. To her advantage, the label dropped her after 3 years due to not understanding her artistry and musical direction. We are extremely lucky that happened because since then she has showcased her distinctive artistry and talent through the avenue of independent recording.
With her latest album "The Switch", King takes us on a relatable journey that engulfs you with an array of emotions. From songs that introduce us to her definition of a good friend to others that explain how distance from a lover can be good for the heart. If you are not familiar with King then start by listening to her debut album, "East Side Story", to better equip your listening ears with the growing sound her music has currently transpired to. Some of the most notable songs on the album that you should especially listen to include the title track 'The Switch', 'Distance' and 'Out of The Clouds'. Nonetheless, the entire album is worthy of being played the entire way through with no skips.
Stream/Download "The Switch (Deluxe Edition)" by Emily King
DeShayla Cisero is a communication specialist and writer who strives to be a fresh and effervescent voice. She is an advocate for all things authentic, creative and out of this world dope. Twitter: @DCisero Facebook: DeShayla Cisero