Interview: Oklahoma-City Based RnB Artist Novi Tide

Next up for an exclusive Q&A with DCWS is Oklahoma's very own Novi Tide. We connected with this talented RnB artist for this interview after we posted his new video "How Do You Feel" and we touch on a few topics related to the music scene in OK, his creative process and much more.

After reading this piece, be sure to follow Novi Tide on his social media streams and stream/download "How Do You Feel" on iTunes below.

Tell us about how your name "Novi Tide" came about. What does the moniker mean?

The name "Novi Tide" came about in the rebranding of my artistry from a marketing perspective, I have belief in my writing abilities and my over all sound while bringing a different style and flavor so I consider myself to be 'The New Wave" of authentic music so the Novi like novice or beginning and Tide like the waves.

How have the ups and downs of your childhood in the foster home system and situations in street life molded you as an artist?

Experience, it has molded who I am the things that I have been through have been life lessons and allows me to be able see the world in many perspectives. my Journey has taught me to care and have genuine interest in other people and be non judgmental. Life has made me a student actively learning and enhancing who I am and the relationships I can build and spread that love to others!

I was in a situation back in 2009 looking at 8 to 16 years but was able to beat what was put against me. It made me start thinking in a legal form of life something I've seen but had yet to experience meanwhile I got friends and family doing time for a few years to the 20's and 30's and also my best friend and cousin getting life and my troubles prohibits me to visit. So its a lot of emotion into my writing.

Because of your experiences in life, why is it important for you to be a positive influence to your listeners? 

I feel its important to be a positive influence, because some people are lost and don't even know it... I've been there before. I write to have the listener think about moments in their life to reflect upon, to see if they learned anything from that moment or learn from decisions made. I think as people we are getting away from loving ourselves as if we need others to do it for us. a lyric I wrote on a upcoming song says, "If you can't love yourself how you gonna love somebody else". I want to be able to relate with stories of my perspectives to keep listeners attention.

Congrats on your new visual for "How Do You Feel"; it's very DOPE. Who directed the video and how did you guys come up with the treatment?

Dope. Thank You. Love. Terrell Mayes a.k.a Director T. Mayes of Different View Media shot and edited my video . Yea, bro hard with the visuals. Stupid behind that camera. Lol when I hit up T. Mayes about the video he said "you want light treatment?' I said "yea if you got lights bring em" then he told me it the story or plot of the video. Initially I didn't have a clue I just knew I wanted my video to have a different look from anything I've seen. I asked a few people at my job to be in the video but I was unsure who would show. Shout out to the cast, they did a great job acting! I got a chance to be a director on set, coming up with the concept on spot with a story line that correlates with the song.

Can we expect to hear "How Do You Feel" on an upcoming EP or album soon?

Right now I have a few singles I'm running with to do campaigns for each one, I have a lot written and also recorded, but I'm really focusing on building my fan base, my social medias presence and sales as a independent artist. So I'll just tune in for whats to come.

Tell us about your creative process. How do you avoid writer's block and what do you look for in production?

When I feel I've got writers block, then that's all I have for the beat at that moment, I simply change the beat. Most of the time the beat writes the song for me. The feel, the energy, the melodies and how hard the beat bang. That gives me an idea of what setting I'm in as a listener then a concept flows off the setting. Ill start singing gibberish while humming a melody like a instrument I would like on the beat then put words to the melody I created. God has gifted me, I'm very thankful.

Describe the music scene where you are based in Oklahoma. Are locals supportive of the music originating in the city?

I'll say this, I'm my hometown which is Ardmore, Ok where people actually know me I get the support and its all love. I now live in Oklahoma City, and there is support and stuff going on to build artist but most people here are clicked up with people they grew up with or have known for a long time not necessarily because the music or the ability to make money from it... I see most people are mostly thinking about right now money and have no site on the bigger picture far as linking together putting ideas together choosing what is a good representation off all those involved, creating a campaign and putting money behind the project everyone believe's in. Oklahoma has great artist, dope producers and a overall a sound that needs to be heard.

OKC is supportive online, but what I think it is; is people on the Oklahoma hip-hop and RnB scene hasn't seen anyone sign to a major label or do it independently on a major platform level except "Nitro" but that was years ago, so people really just don't know how to support yet. I've done shows in different places like Dallas, Miami and its like they show support because they are wanting to be apart of the next person to blow. Oklahoma is a bit different, but sleep no longer Oklahoma on the rise though!

Stream/Download "How Do You Feel" on iTunes. 

Connect with Novi Tide: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Hannah Williams & The Affirmations Drop The Visual For "Late Nights & Heartbreak", The Sample Behind Jay-Z's 4:44 Song

Originally from Britain, Hannah William's main goal is to change the shape of popular music for the better. Her BandCamp page describes her as Soul's Funkiest New Diva who was immersed in soulful music from the day she was born. Over the past 4 years, she has demonstrated a raw, edgy and authentic vocal prowess to the world of music, and these days she’s backed by an outstanding crew of the finest musicians the UK has to offer: "The Affirmations".  

Hannah has been in the spotlight recently due to her song "Late Nights & Heartbreak", which is the stunning single that inspired Jay-Z to write "4:44"; a heart-wrenching and brutally honest response to Beyonce's Lemonade. "4:44" is the 5th track and main single on Mr. Carter's brand new album 4:44.  According to an interview Hannah did with Mass Appeal, Jay-Z's producer No-I.D. found "Late Nights & Heartbreak" and showed it to the rapper knowing it was the exact inspiration he had been needing, and Jay-Z instantly fell in love. William's explains how Jay-Z gave her a call and asked her to come record a few vocals and wanted to know if it would be okay to use her track as the main sample behind "4:44", to which she (obviously) agreed. Hannah managed to keep the whole ordeal a secret until 4:44 dropped on June 30, but is now proudly speaking out.

The music video for "Late Nights & Heartbreak" is a modest and simple production in which Hannah can be seen mouthing the words in various locations, while mostly focusing on a distraught blonde woman. The overall ambiance is ominous and dark, occasionally sporting black and white shots throughout. Hannah sings of being unfaithful to her lover and wanting so badly to treat them better, but knowing she never will. Her vocals are insanely powerful and the lyrics to the track are enough to make your heart hurt. We can see and hear her anguish in this video, and it's no wonder it spoke to Jay-Z so intensely that he decided to create an entire project around it. 

With the British soul sensation's recent success and insane talents, the world can expect to hear many more great things coming from Hannah Williams and the Affirmations. In the meantime, check out her newest music video "Late Nights & Heartbreaks" below.

Connect with Hannah & The Affirmations: Website | Bandcamp | Twitter | Facebook

Get To Know The Lone Wolf: Zacari's Soundcloud Singles

The self-proclaimed ‘lone wolf’ raised in Bakersfield, CA, now resides in Los Angeles. The unofficial new secret weapon from Top Dawg Entertainment. The singer/songwriter/saxophonist young blood has definitely shown his worth by creeping in on quite a few guest vocals on TDE alumni Isaiah Rashad and Ab-Soul. But still, Zacari’s claim to notoriety only rose intensively last April when Hip-Hop powerhouse, Kendrick Lamar, dropped his anticipated fourth studio album, “DAMN.” which had a vibrantly lush slowburner called “Love" featuring Zacari. The Kendrick track is currently nearly 10 million shy of hitting the billion hit mark on Spotify alone. So now as the after effect, a gigantic rush of attention became bestowed on the singer. Now with a debut studio album currently at works as of this posting, currently titled “New Moon”, let's look at some of his other works:

Cuffin’ Season pt.1

“It’s all cool/you undo/your hairdo/when it’s just me and it’s just you”
Zacari is an impactful force on Soundcloud. This progressive time signature and jazzy track has an intense saxophone by Zacari himself, and having over a solid 200k hits.

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2 O’Clock in the Moanin’

“Lock the door and dim the lights/cause it’s two o’clock in the morning/tell me what you like and we can do it/see with your hands and not your eyes”
The Organ/Synth Chill-Hop track bleeds loose and saturated soul with a colorfully mean electric guitar thanks to the help of producers Josh J. and DrewsThatDude, the chorus shows the first true flame of the singer-songwriter's deserving new limelight.

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I Should Be Dreaming

The heavily live instrumentation track, “I Should Be Dreaming” is a deep cut shred of shine from Zacari’s pure musicianship, blowing the reed off as a vibing saxophonist in the song’s smooth jazz/hip-hop hybrid tone. 

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Foggy Windows

The booming bassline in “Foggy Windows” is his biggest solo effort to date, sitting nicely ons soundcloud with 600k hits, and don't worry, if you use Apple music or spotify, dont freight, the bouncing track are available there as well. 

Watch out for this artist in the not so far future. The self-proclaimed ‘lone wolf’ raised in Bakersfield, CA, now resides in Los Angeles. Since then, became the unofficial new secret weapon from Top Dawg Entertainment. With commercially success for hits under their belt with Kendrick Lamar and R&B indie-hitter SZA, Zacari is in very good hands and I can’t hardly wait to hear more music on a longer playing setting full-length release. 

Interview: Sydney, Australia Based RnB Singer And Producer Zde

Zde is an RnB singer-songwriter and producer hailing from Sydney, Australia who recently released the visual for his latest single "Beauty". We connected with Zde to find out how he got his start in music, his influences, whether "Beauty" is autobiographical, and much more. 

After reading our exclusive Q&A with Zde, be sure to follow him on social media and share the "Beauty" video with a few people who love DOPE music. 

Australia isn't really known as a hotbed for RnB, or urban music in general. How did you get your start in music and were there any Australian RnB/Soul or Hip-Hop artists who influenced you?

You're right yes, I got my start from my parents. My father is a musician and comes from a famous musical family in Indonesia, and my mother used to play a lot of R&B music around the house. Since then, I used to follow the Urban (African-American) music scene by keeping up to date with magazines like 'Word Up' that used to be imported. I used to listen to R&B programs on community radio and scour outlets for R&B music by any means necessary! I was majorly influenced by US artists. Of course there is local talent whom you would hang out with, (shout out to Kween G) that would influence you too.

Tell us about your new single/visual "Beauty". How did that song come about? Is it about someone in particular?

“Beauty” came about by this girl I dated a few years ago, she left an impact on me because she was beautiful and circumstances just wouldn’t let it happen. The track itself, well it's actually a remix. The original is slower in BPM (and it is on soundcloud), so technically this version (the video one) is the remix. I had an epiphany after some time out and had to restructure it to give it a more natural/soulful vibe.

Speaking of "Beauty", will this single be included on an upcoming project?

That's a good question. I have some songs that could be put together for an EP/Album, so it would definitely be included. However, I still have no title yet as I am working on songs.

If you had to describe your music to a stranger in three words, which words would you select?

Soulful, laid-back and R&B.

What do you enjoy most about producing music for other artists?

I enjoy the fact that I can collaborate. Soundscaping for another artist. Just trying to bring the best out of someone is what does it for me on a track, making the overall production sound good.

Tell us about your "Shake The World" project. Will you be releasing another EP of music using your production solely?

I had to release something at the time of release for “Shake The World”. As a producer, I don’t have any plans for another production EP release at this stage. Looks like it's mostly solo at this point, however I still am working with and am open to working with other artists.

Connect with Zde: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bandcamp | Soundcloud  

SZA - CTRL (Album Review)

Having such a naturally elegant voice,  the alt-r&b protege darling SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, bursts with personality. 

The 26 year old doesn't start the album with a traditional r&b template, but with dreamy minimalist instrumentation made up of a light guitar running solo while SZA delivers dominate vibes with her subdued yet powerful vocals confessing how relationships sometimes rot by pain, passion, and equal backstabbing on the majestic intro track, "Supermodel".

After that comes the cool bass of “Love Galore", that shakes the record and gives it a pulse inside its trap beat as SZA continues to breathe out a soothing chorus' “Love... 'long as we got." Even if the verses fall flat with the transfixed production, the surprisingly fitting guest spot from Travis Scott regrettably still doesn't add enough to the table lyrically, among other more stand-out tracks. But not everything is completely modern, SZA dips her toes in old school west coast style g-funk with fellow Top Dawg artist, Kendrick Lamar as well on the provocative, “Doves In The Wind”.     

The fourteen track major label debut balances out evenly with the carefree freewill of young life with tracks mentioned, "Love Galore" and "Doves in the wind" which comes alongside rappers who are included to play devil's advocate for SZA's inner struggle with liberation, blind denial, and search for unconditional affection that revolves in her subconscious psychological door, best example being the ending end of the record, with the most experimentally involved track, “Pretty Little Birds”. The track’s otherworldly and spacious instrumentation includes an added bonus by Isaiah Rashad.  

Aching for more pop encrusted sound, the middle section of CTRL contains the hit-making quality that SZA most definitely deserves creating, with tracks like “Drew Barrymore” with its purely lucid trance, the Jersey singer unravels the core of the bold self-discovery of the album, as well as the lavished dance-pop sugary track, “Prom”, SZA may not have the most amplified voice, but her clever songwriting thrives to leave a concrete impression on the listener with undoubtedly layered melodies.

All though there are some forgettable cuts on CTRL, the overall presentation and irreversible solid songwriting, melodically and artistically, impresses wholeheartedly.  Given listeners a much needed exploration to the style of music with its content-filled and mature introspective of modern R&B.

DOPE HIGHLIGHTS: Supermodel, Love Galore, Doves In The Wind, Drew Barrymore, Prom, Pretty Little Birds, 20 Something

B+

Interview: Mawule Discusses His New Video "Anything" And Why He Uses Music For Empowerment

Mawule is a Denver based RnB artist, originally from Accra, Ghana, who just released a very heartfelt new visual entitled "Anything", which celebrates black parenthood and fatherhood. We connected with Mawule to find out what motivated him to write "Anything", how his move from Ghana to Denver impacted his growth as an artist, and much more.

After reading our exclusive Q&A with Mawule, be sure to follow him on social media, check out his website and stay tuned for more DOPE music by this talented and driven artist. 

Tell us about the new visual for "Anything". What motivated you to write this song? 

Anything is about genuine love. My upbringing in a low income household with parents working multiple jobs to provide for my siblings and I inspired the song. With that in mind, I worked with my director Mia Ginae to portray this genuine love with the storyline of a single black father working hard and struggling to provide for his daughter. The goal was to shed a positive light on the black male image: spending time with their children, significant others and loved ones. In the end, we produced a video that celebrates black parenthood and fatherhood. 

Describe your move from Accra, Ghana to Denver at ten years of age and how that transition has molded you as an artist. 

My transition from Accra, Ghana to Denver was one of hardship. I struggled to assimilate to American culture and found myself getting picked on for being different, especially since my african accent was noticeable. Music was my escape, music was my coping mechanism, and music was my healing. I started writing music at this age, learning to communicate and express my emotions on paper. This was truly the start of my artistry. 

What are your thoughts about the music scene in Denver, specifically for urban music?

There are so many talented musicians in Denver that the world do not know about. Since I started my music career it's been amazing seeing some music peers and other local musicians gain small recognition here and there for their talent. I think Denver should be a city to keep eyes on because the artists in this city are ready to represent and put Denver on the map. 

Though you are an artist, you are also college educated with an undergraduate and Master's degree. Why is education important to you?

Education is important to me because it opened my mind to aspire beyond my limitations. The more I learned the more confidence I gain in believing in myself and what I wanted to do. When I hit road blocks, I had a foundation to rely on to pick myself back up to keep on moving. Education showed me the way, it shows me many paths I didn't know existed. It's the reason why I still have two full time jobs: working in the music industry and working in higher education at the University of Denver. I feel blessed because I get to live out my two passions every single day. 

What do you enjoy most about being an artist and what made you choose to use your music as a means to empower the listener and community at large?

I enjoy getting the opportunity to create space for important messages and overall using my gift as a means to create awareness for social issues relevant to our time. My life experiences motivated me to use my music as a means to empower listener. I want people to know that they are not alone no matter what they might be going through. Music is a form of therapy for a lot of people so what better way to take responsibility with that knowledge and put positive vibe and messages out in the world. 

If you had to describe your music in three words, which ones would you select?

Powerful, thought provoking, and smooth

Connect with Mawule: Website   Facebook   Twitter   Soundcloud

Aminé and Kehlani's New Song With Give You The Heebiejeebies

Aminé and Kehlani have collaborated on “Heebiejeebies” and there’s something addictive about it. From the piano keys the songs opens with, to the intertwining of their bars and vocals, the track is enticing. They use their skills to tell a story of relationship like no other, one that's so something they're not used to it's scary in a good way. “I never seen your type of species give me heebiejeebies” sing both of them on the chorus. Aminé and Kehlani use their verses to note that even the most gratifying relationships have to weather storms sometimes. Listen to Aminé’s“Heebiejeebies” featuring Kehlani below. 

“Heebiejeebies” comes just days after Aminé dropped the remix for “REDMERCEDES” featuring Missy Elliott and AJ Tracey. Here's to hoping he keeps up the momentum. 

Review: "The Awakening" by Kevin Ross

Motown signee Kevin Ross delivered his debut album "The Awakening" earlier this year. Aside from a few features. Ross and his voice carry the 15-track album. Do you want to be great is the question listeners are posed with in the opening of “Be Great.” The song finds Ross asking himself the same question and assuring himself that he will be great. He does so over a piano and clap-driven instrumental. Rapper Chaz French joins Ross on this one with some thought-provoking bars. Ross let’s listeners know that he might not be at his greatest without his lady by his side on “Don’t Forget About Me.” He sings over a drum heavy beat about a girl who has dealt with nights alone, distance, and more thanks to his tireless work ethic. “O.I.L.” which stands for one I love and focuses on exactly that-the lady that has his heart. At one point he sings “If I had the chance to conquer time I would cherish every moment that you smile.” “Long Song Away” sticks with this premise a bit with Ross living in the moment and doing so passionately. The album’s fifth track is a nod to Ross’ beginnings with track “Dreams” getting the remix treatment thanks to Chaz French. An acoustic version of the original track was my introduction to Ross’ so its remix is definitely favorite track on The Awakening. Aside from my bias French’s verse on the cut contributed to “Dream” being a standout for me as well. He raps like he’s committed, like he’s genuinely spitting his truth, like he’s human. “It's hard to sleep when the girl of your dreams is a nightmare,even harder wakin' up when I realize you're not there, furthermore, understandin' that there ain't no love without fear, now I see what they say about life and how that's just not fear,” raps Chaz French at the start of his verse. 

“Genesis Pt.1” is an interlude that possesses the same sincerity as Ross sings about how and why him and his lady came together. Similarly, “Don’t Go” finds Ross not wanting to separate from his girl or from the bed for that matter. His vocals on this one make it feel like he’s floating on cloud 9. Ross links up with Lecrae to change the subject from his lady to living with “Look Up.” At one point Ross sings “Does my color speak louder than me?” “Look Up” is a track that takes note of the things that is going on around us while reminding us to have faith. “But we were built to survive, inside this set up,and even though you fed up, uh, keep your head up” is the end of Lecrae’s verse. Things go from having faith in humanity to having faith in yourself with “Pick You Up.” I interpreted this track from two different lens. Throughout the song Ross sings “I’ll pick you up” in times of defeat in worry. He may be singing  these words of encouragement to his girl or the words that Ross are singing could be God speaking to him. My second favorite track on the album follows “Pick You Up,” and also happens to be a Remix. Ross and fellow Motown signee BJ The Chicago Kid join forces for “Be Great (Remix),” and it’s a memorable collaboration to say the least. Both of their vocals are strong and the lyrics are motivating.

“Easier” slows things down and brings Ross back to the subject of his lady. Everything with her is easy and he wants to make it easier for her to be with him. The song is essentially about communication.”Her Hymn” seems to be a song dedicated to his lady but it may not be. “Genesis Pt. 2” follows and beautifully extends the interlude. “In The Name Of Your Love” echoes the sentiment of “Don’t Go,” he simply can’t enough of her. “New Man” is personal, vulnerable, and so much. It’s a great way for Ross to conclude the album. He’s grown as a man and he uses prime vocals to show us how.    

Listen to The Awakening below.

Thoughts About Dvsn's New Single "Think About Me"

On Friday, May 5th OVO duo dvsn dropped the alluring track “Think About Me.” Daniel Daly and Nineteen85 paired up once again to deliver a sensual track that creates imagery and evokes emotion. The sound of falling droplets in the production’s undertone and the string-like loops just adds to what Daley is trying to convey. Here he isn’t asking any questions he’s making statements, he knows that he still crosses this girl’s mind and he let’s her know it. 

The track opens with him proclaiming “I don’t think that we could ever be friends again cause are history seems like it never ends.” He goes on to ask who can treat her better than him both in and outside of the bedroom, at one point passionately singing, “Who’s gonna make sure you come first in everything they do? I want you to tell the f**king truth.” 

“Think About Me” is definitely a raw and real offering from dvsn, just like their album SEPT.5th and their short film The Choir. Enjoy “Think About Me” below and try not to end up the next #HURTBAE.

Sasha Tandon Discusses Her Latest Single "Gotta Go" And The Perks Of Being One Of Her "Tigers"

Sasha Tandon is an RnB/Pop singer-songwriter based in London whose latest single "Gotta Go" is in heavy rotation around our Dopecausewesaid office. Born and raised in Ireland, Sasha first became hooked on performing after attending a Destiny's Child concert in Belfast at the age of 8 years old. Since then, by utilizing her presence on YouTube and social media and working with Jo Perry (Stooshe/X Factors’ Only The Young), Georgie Dennis (Cheryl Cole) and production heavyweights DaBeatFreakz (Usher/Jason Derulo), Sasha has taken the UK music scene by storm and plans to release a new EP later this year. 

After reading our exclusive interview with Sasha, be sure to follow her on social media and become one of her "Tigers" at www.sashatandon.com/tigers. Also stream/download "Gotta Go" on iTunes, Google Play Music, Spotify or Amazon. 

If you were on a deserted island and only had access to one album, which one would you select and why?

If I could only ever listen to one album again it would be Destiny's Child album - The Writings On The Wall. It has always been my favourite album as it was the first album I purchased where I never had to skip one track... I would listen to each song the whole way through! It is definitely one of my favourite albums. 

We're really big fans of your latest single "Gotta Go". Tell us a little bit about the song; who produced it and did you handle the songwriting duties yourself? 

Thank you! It is one of my favourite songs to perform because I can really lose myself in it. The track was produced by the talented duo DaBeatFreakz who I have worked and written with before.

Was moving from Belfast to London a big adjustment for you? How are the two cities different in terms of their respective music scenes?

It was a massive adjustment! I am from a small town called Omagh which is just over an hours drive from Belfast, but I grew up always loving city life so I knew what to expect when moving to London. I used to travel over to London a lot when I was younger so I knew it was definitely somewhere I wanted to live, but actually making the big jump and moving over was quite scary to begin with. All my family were back home in Ireland so I came here with nothing knowing no one... I just had to grind on my own. I was so homesick at the start lol but I am very settled here now London is like my second home now. 

Belfast is big on their music & have a very strong live music scene which is why I have done a lot of performances, but growing up in Northern Ireland we mainly listened to what was in the charts or people were playing their rock or country music as opposed to pop, so we never really got to discover much new music over there and I struggled to find producers to work with who were comfortable with making commercial pop music. The scene is a little different over there now due to social networking which has allowed different types of music to be discovered.

Following up on the last question, has being in London sparked your songwriting creativity at all?

Absolutely. I have met so many new people and been inspired by so many different stories and experiences. I have learnt a lot and been through so much since moving here so all of the life experiences have allowed me to grow as a song writer and an artist.

What's next after "Gotta Go"? Will we be getting another single and/or an EP soon? 

Yes! I am currently planning on releasing my EP at the start of the summer... you guys need to look out for it I can't wait to drop it, its going to be hot ! This is the first complete project I will be putting out, so it is a glimpse into me as a person as well as an artist. I can't wait to get it out there!

How does someone reading this interview become a member of your "Tiger Team"? 

Anyone reading this and wanting to become a member of my Tigers I am sending you so many love heart emojis right now! lol It is simple, you have to be loyal, fierce & want to spread the love! Go onto my website www.sashatandon.com and under the "Tigers" section click sign up and I will send you a free download as a welcome to the Tiger Team! I love all my Tigers, they inspire me everyday... we are like one bad ass family.

Connect with Sasha Tandon: Website   Twitter   Instagram 

Jidenna Gets Wild On "The Chief"

The politically-motivated hip hop single is not a rarity – from Yeezy’s “New Slaves” to Weezy’s “How To Love” and, of course, Jeezy’s “My President”, the overtly political is more at home than ever in modern hip hop. Janelle Monae’s Wondaland collective, however, is something else entirely – a group not only committed to Black excellence in art and life, but to anti-racist activism as well. It’s that marriage of excellence, style, and the singular experience of one Nigerian-American that makes Jidenna’s long-awaited debut album so complex. The fact that it also manages to have bangers that come close to the level of his 2015 mega-hit “Classic Man” proves that this stylish emcee is ready to make an even bigger mark on the music industry. 

The speculation about Jidenna’s Nigerian roots ended with The Chief as he opens the album “A Bull’s Tale”. The track starts with a monologue from a supposed family member who warns him of the dangers of coming to America – a tale based in real-life events. Born of a Nigerian father and an American mother, Jidenna said that when he returned to Nigeria to bury his father in 2015, he reportedly had to bring guns with him for protection. 

“Chief Don’t Run” draws from the bravery of both his difficult interracial upbringing and his new luxurious lifestyle, and he aptly proclaims that “eat, drink, swing” is his new mantra. Following that track, Jidenna moves swiftly into banger territory with the nearly-flawless “Trampoline”. Declaring that “the lady ain’t a tramp, just ‘cause she bounce it up and down like a trampoline,” this classic ladies’ man once again makes feminist hearts swoon when he lists the types of women this unnamed dance lover could be – she could be someone’s wife, could have a doctorate in medicine, be the pastor’s daughter, or even the president’s daughter. Somehow, I don’t think he’s talking about Ivanka. 

The red-haired crooner turns tender on “Bambi”, a track that portrays a lost love that Jidenna wronged. This is one of the best tracks on the album – it mixes a nursery rhyme beat with African-inspired backup vocals and bittersweet lyrics about a woman Jidenna professes to love. The African inspiration continues when he compares himself to a lion that hurts “the dear love of my life.” Jidenna even shows a softer side in this confessional when he sings that he’ll “drink alone in my hotel and cry” over losing his love. 

“Bambi” transitions into “Helicopters/Beware”, an inspirational warning to all of Jidenna’s haters. He uses the helicopter metaphor to great effect here, singing that “they’ll shoot you down without warning,” but when the naysayers do what they do best, “they gon’ make them helicopters come out.” Easily one of the strongest non-love songs on the album, “Helicopters/Beware” leads seamlessly into “Long Live the Chief”, which features an intense and spare electronic beat that showcases Jidenna’s strength as a rapper. “Make a fuckin’ move, it will make my fuckin’ day” isn’t just one of the best verses on the album, but one of the hardest phrases uttered by this at-times vulnerable and well-heeled artist. 

It’s at this middle-point in the album that the real party hits come out. “2 Points” expertly pairs a horn section with a trap beat, and “The Let Out” would be at home on Top 40 hip hop stations save for its ice cream truck backbeat. “The Let Out” is the most club-oriented track of the album, and its’ accompanying video features Jidenna and friends escaping their strict African families to party all night. Notably, “The Let Out” and the following track “Safari” feature Nana Kwabena, Jidenna’s co-producer from “Classic Man”. Living up to its name, “Safari” employs African metaphors and also features Janelle Monáe and fellow Wondaland labelmates St. Beauty. The simple premise of “Safari” centers on Jidenna and his lady friend getting wild, and the minimalist beat that accompanies it serves as a great juxtaposition to the song’s content. 

The simplicity of “Bambi” leads well into “Adaora”, a ballad about another woman who captured Jidenna’s heart. This track about one very lucky lady features Spanish guitars and a surprisingly sincere Jidenna singing about the woman he let in deeper than any other. 
After the lovesick “Adaora”, “A Little Bit More” is an African drum dance hit that follows the realistic trajectory of hitting the club after a breakup. This is by far my favorite song on the album, and mirrors the expert use of Afro-Caribbean drums in pop songs such as Major Lazer’s “Bumaye” or Rihanna’s “Work”. 

After the jubilant drums of “A Little Bit More”, “Some Kind of Way” is another song about haters, but this time, it’s directed at the recipient of their ire. Here, Jidenna offers listeners an excellent piece of advice – “no matter what you say, or where you go or what you do or how you pray, somebody’s gonna feel some kind of way…about you.” This is the uplifting anthem for everyone who’s drawn criticism for their success, and does so with the catchiest house beat imaginable. 

Following the self-love anthem of “Some Kind of Way”, “White N****s” is a spoken word masterpiece that imagines a world of “reverse racism”, where white people are treated the way Black people are today. It’s chilling in its simplicity, especially given the fact that Jidenna is biracial and grew up in majority-white academic institutions and has lived on both sides of the Black/white divide as a Black man. 

The album ends on a poignant, intense note with “Bully of the Earth”, a song about realizing the mortality of the parents we idolize. Once again, Jidenna gets political on this track when he juxtaposes his African fathers’ tears at Obama’s election with the frightening political regime he blessedly missed. References to racists showing their “true colors” and increased awareness of police brutality ensue. 

Upon first listen, The Chief felt more like a collection of very excellent singles by a fashionable enigma of an artist. But the more I listen to it, the more I understand its narrative as one that’s both deeply personal for Jidenna, and that chronicles the rambling life of a newly-famous child of an African immigrant and a white American who went to school with the Kennedys. His story is deeply American and unabashedly Black, and as that narrative became more apparent, so did the genius of this album. 

Jae Franklin Releases "Flowers - A J Dilla Dedication" Hip-Hop Soul Mash Up

To celebrate what would have been J Dilla's 43rd birthday, RnB/Soul singer-songwriter Jae Franklin has released "Flowers - A J Dilla Dedication", a Hip-Hop/Soul mash-up created to celebrate the life and art of J Dilla.  Jae sings her favorite Soul and Hip-Hop songs over her favorite Dilla beat, which is called "Flowers" (check out the instrumental here). The medley of songs covered in "Flowers - A J Dilla Dedication" include: 

1. Angel - Anita Baker
2. Just Wanna Be Your Girl - Teedra Moses
3. Love of My Life (A Ode to Hip-Hop) - Erykah Bade ft. Common
4. Turnin Me Up - BJ The Chicago Kid
5. All the Way Up ft. French Montana, Infared - Fat Joe, Remy Ma
6. Love Don't Live Here Anymore - Rose Royce
7. Keep Ya Head Up - Tupac
8. If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) - Nas
9. Don't Touch My Hair - Solange
10. Golden - Jill Scott
11. Alright - Ledisi
12. Joy and Pain - Maze & Frankie Beverly
13. It Never Rains - Tony! Toni! Tone!
14. Happy Feelin's - Maze & Frankie Beverly

Connect with Jae Franklin: Website   Facebook   Twitter   Instagram

Ray Hodge Discusses His New EP "Braveheart" and His Incredible Rendition of Katy Perry's "Rise" Song

We connected with Jamaica, Queens native Ray Hodge to inquire about his new visual rendition of Katy Perry's "Rise" song, his recently released "Braveheart" EP, his goals for 2017 and more. After reading our exclusive Q&A with Ray, be sure to stream/download "Braveheart" below. 

We're big fans of your recently released EP "Braveheart"; what are you most proud of with this 6-song project and do you have a favorite to perform live? 

I was really proud when I noticed it had a huge impact on fans.  Fans came up to me telling me how inspired and connected they felt. People from the U.K hitting me up.  A huge proud moment  was when I seen my song ‘I’am King’ being talked about in the Source for Black Lives Matter.  My favorite song to perform live is If It’s Easy, the feel and what it means to me reminds of a lot of things. But one of those things is that I have the control of my own destiny and I will find love.

How did you select Katy Perry's "Rise" song to cover? 

My manager and I always talk about the latest music and he knows I’m a fan of Katy Perry and he had brought to my attention she had released a song called Rise and I checked it out, I loved it and how powerful and empowering it was. It had that same theme to my Ep BraveHeart  and me and him agreed I should cover it.

Following the last question, if you had to pick one song by an artist or group from the 70s or 80s to cover, which song would you choose?

OMG! I love the 80’s but one song out of almost everything in that time that would cover… I think I’d do a cover of  Peter Gabriel – In Your Eyes. Love that song.

You have a very dynamic voice that is well suited in a number of different musical genres; when did you discover that you could do some much vocally?

I don’t really remember when I realized it, I just always did it. The music always influenced me to feel and believe that I can do anything and be more than just Ray.

If you had to pick three words to describe your music to a stranger, which words would you select?

Indie/Soul/Pop

What are some of your biggest goals for this year?

My goal for this year 2017… To learn to be my own Being.

Connect with Ray Hodge: Facebook   Twitter

Purchase "Braveheart" by Ray Hodge

Interview: Marc Anthony Figueras Discusses His New Single "Wash Out" and Growth As An Artist

DCWS recently chatted it up with singer-songwriter and producer Marc Anthony Figueras about his recently released single “Wash Out” featuring Majesty Rose, his debut album An Introduction, and more. Check out our conversation below.   

You recently dropped a single off your upcoming album An Introduction titled “Wash Out” featuring Majesty Rose. How did you go about creating it?

As far as the songwriting process, it was probably the last song on the album that I wrote. Production wise, I did the composing and everything myself. And the girl that's featured on it, Majesty Rose, who was on American Idol a couple years ago out of Goldsboro. She wrote her own melody, and lyrics, and everything. It was a really good experience, and I'm lucky that she went ahead and helped me with it. 

You have two other projects. They’re titled Blue EP and How Things Have Changed. How do feel your music have grown since releasing them?

I can say it's definitely grown. Because I went ahead and learned how to engineer, mix, master, all of that on my own. So I can work the music from start to finish, completely from scratch. Pretty much it has sounded a lot better. I still love the Blue EP, it's very close to me.  But production wise I feel like this album is light years ahead of the Blue EP.

There are many different sounds found in your music. For example, you approach An Introduction cuts “Wash Out,” “Speak,” and “Ever” from very different angles? How do you go about production?   

I like to think of my songwriting process as paying tribute almost, to all the musicians artists and filmmakers that I really look up to. As far as the music goes, it's about what I grew up listening to. Like “Ever,” I kind of felt like there was a little bit of influence from Childish Gambino’s last album. Not his new one, which is amazing. But his last one Because The Internet. And then “Speak” has influence from neo-soul like Bilal and D’Angelo a little bit. And then “Wash Out” is really like a lo-fi, old school, kind of pop. I don't know how to describe it, synthpop. It's really just paying tribute to all the stuff I grew up listening to, and basically saying these are my influences and this is how they've influenced my life experience. 

You're about a week away from releasing your album An Introduction, what do you want people to take away from it?

An Introduction is a literal introduction to my life, and everything that has happened to me so far. Except it's super impressionist, I want it to be relatable and applicable to a lot of people's lives. So they could see that no matter how different our experiences are that we all kind of have commonalities through all of it. And we kind of all grow the same way, we kind of all break the same way. 

What made you start taking music seriously?

I started with music really early on since I was a little kid. I had a really vivid dream when I was about 9 that I'd be playing for thousands of people. But I think I really started taking it seriously when I was 15 or 16. I felt like I was seeing a lot of artists that were doing what they loved. Putting the work in, and things were actually working out, and it wasn't completely a shot in the dark. That was encouraging, even though it still kind of is. I guess I didn't really start taking it seriously until like 15 or 16, where I was writing seriously with a couple of my friends, and going and performing at different places. 

Since your album is titled An Introduction, I wanted to ask what artists you would like to introduce the album, in an ideal world of course.

It's nice to dream every once in awhile. Pharrell Williams because I love his production work, and I think he has a really awesome way of looking at music. Frank Ocean, who’s another big influence of mine. And then Kimbra. I've been a huge fan of her for many years now. 

The other An Introduction tracks mentioned in the interview are available on BandCamp after pre-ordering the album here. 

Connect with Marc Anthony Figueras: Bandcamp   Facebook  Instagram   Twitter

DCWS's Exclusive Q&A With Adrienne Brown And AJKB From DistinctiveMindz

DistinctiveMindz is a Los Angeles based collective of artists and creatives, featuring singer-songwriter Adrienne Brown and producer AJKB. Adrienne just released a very DOPE single entitled "Don't Delay", produced by AJKB, and featuring Swayyvo, as well as the visual. We connected with Adrienne and AJKB to find out more about their creative process, the "Don't Delay" video shoot, their musical goals for 2017, and much more.

Enjoy this exclusive Q&A with Adrienne and AJKB and be sure to stream/download "Don't Delay" using the various streaming options below. 

Itunes: https://itun.es/us/Xwqwfb
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1163462065
Amazon: amazon.com/dp/B01MA18JVH/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_x_O8-byb4YWYK5E
Google Play: play.google.com/store/music/artist/Adrienne_Brown?id=Al4fsvcm6vnbhuhnbaup4lyhntu&hl=en
Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/0FUTB4MX7J2XP0IOBoZnU0

Tell us about DistinctiveMindz. How did you guys link up to form this duo?

AJKB: DistinctiveMindz is actually a collective of artists and great minds alike. Currently, we consist of musicians, a screenwriter, producers, and critical thinkers.  We’ve link up through various projects throughout the years.

As a producer, how do you decide when a song is ready for the world to hear?

AJKB: Lol!! That's a good question. It can be tedious at times because we are both kind of perfectionist. Normally we like to give the track three rounds of notes and cover any changes needed in that process. Personally, I always feel like it's something more I can add or tweak, but it comes that moment when a decision has to be made so the project isn't stalled. We also have a super dope engineer, Brent Crowe, who plays a huge part in helping us bring the magic out of the track.

Tell us about your creative process for songwriting. Do you prefer to hear an instrumental and then write to it or do you write out your lyrics and then match them to an instrumental?

Adrienne: My process for songwriting varies. I love being inspired by AJKB’s music first, but sometimes I hear a melody first, or fall in love with a theme or a phrase and start writing from there. Regardless, I want to get my listeners’ imagination fully invested in each song.

What do you enjoy the most about being an artist?

Adrienne: I mostly enjoy the opportunity to use a chosen platform to provoke, to entertain, to heal, etc. I enjoy the freedom of being able to be malleable and constantly change up my creative vehicle. 

We are big fans of your new single 'Don't Delay'. How did the track come together and how much fun was the video shoot? Did you get to eat any of the food at the cookout lol?

Adrienne: Thank you so much!  AJKB actually had the track months before, and I fell in love with it! We knew we wanted to add a little of nostalgia to this particular project and was influenced by Marvin Gaye’s “Gotta Give It Up” and how his music encouraged people to just have a great time. I begged Amara, our in-house screenwriter, to help me flush out my video concept and direct the video. We wanted the video to be as simple and fun as the song!

AJKB: So—the food, we didn’t get to try it. We were working on empty! Everyone raved about Chef Anthony’s food. He is too dope-he specializes in French Bistro but we got him to cook BBQ for our shoot. It was crazy.

How have your surroundings in Los Angeles influenced your music?

Adrienne: We are both originally from TN and have worked with artist out of Atlanta, GA. Before moving to LA, I lived in Philadelphia for a few years and stayed visiting NY. Those two cities promoted true conversations, being fearless, and staying grounded and that’s what I choose to promote in my music. LA, has influenced more freedom in stylization and relaxation in my music. It has given me an air of calm confidence no matter what I write about. 

What are your goals musically for 2017?

Adrienne: We have a few projects we are starting and finalizing. First is our next single "Whiskey," which we plan to drop in mid-November. Going into 2017, we will drop my debut EP, which is "untitled" at the moment. Within the collective, our screenwriter and producers are just starting a very special project. I know I am extremely excited about its upcoming official release!

Connect with Adrienne Brown and AJKB: Facebook   Twitter   Bandcamp   Instagram

Adrienne Brown From The DistinctiveMindz Duo Drops New Video For "Don't Delay"

Singer-songwriter Adrienne Brown is one half of the Los Angeles based lyricist and producer duo DistinctiveMindz and just released a DOPE visual for her new track 'Don't Delay', featuring the saxaphonic styling of Swayyvo. If you love lyrical storytelling, flirtatious horns, and the blast of a marching band, then you will love this tune. Don't just watch the video, stream/download 'Don't Delay' using the links provided and also sing along using the lyrics below. 

Itunes: https://itun.es/us/Xwqwfb
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1163462065
Amazon: amazon.com/dp/B01MA18JVH/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_x_O8-byb4YWYK5E
Google Play: play.google.com/store/music/artist/Adrienne_Brown?id=Al4fsvcm6vnbhuhnbaup4lyhntu&hl=en
Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/0FUTB4MX7J2XP0IOBoZnU0

Connect with Adrienne Brown: Facebook   Instagram   Twitter   Bandcamp

 

Song Lyrics:

We Can't Both Be Shy, enough with the glances, come and change my mind
All night we flirt
The games we play
No fun if its work
What you waiting on baby don't delay 

I'm grooving on this floor just to clear my mind
The night is lit the music's hype but my feelings are caught up in my vibe
Your striking eyes are peeping me from over there
Sending me into a trance you make the world stop, I won't ignore those stares. 
Had intentions just to chill, but I don't need nothing more
But the way you look at me, tells me that I need to explore 

My heart is guarded but this dance is for free
We speed it up we grind real, I'm digging your energy
You move close and I press in, I never felt so safe
Sending me into a trance you make the world stop, let's enjoy this space. 
I want to pass you my number, but I don't make the first move
I can already see our future, but it's up to you to choose 

You said Hey 123x, I traced your suited frame, you rock a charming smile, your bearded swag is driving me so wild. 
I wasn't looking for love, but you can change my mind
We can't both be shy, enough with the glances , come and change my mind