Somobe Leaks New Single!

Somobe is a duo that I had the pleasure of interviewing earlier this year of HipHopRemix.com; they have leaked out a new single entitled "Red, Blue, Green." It is free to download on their Myspace page; do yourself a favor and go and add them as a friend (if you already have not) and download the "Red, Blue, Green" mp3. Trust me, this hip-hop duo is pushing the envelop of what is considered "good music" with their first album, "The Great Communication." It was probably one of the best albums I heard in 2007 (by far). When paralleling Somobe with another group of hip-hop artists, I would definitely like to call them the "two-man Roots crew." I have nothing but great things to say about these cats and their great music.

Check out their Myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/somobe

Fat Girl by U-N-I

U-N-I "Fat Girl"


U-N-I with an installment from their debut street album, "Fried Chicken and Watermelon." No disrespect to the big girls...they need love to. Check out their album when you get a chance, and add them as a friend on Myspace! Watch out for "Love Supreme;" that album is fire! If you like Pacific Division, Dom Kennedy, Blu...you'll love these cats!

http://www.myspace.com/unimuzik

7 Daize

Hailing from the Bay Area comes a female/male duo with the talent and charisma to take them beyond the heights of many Bay Area artists that have come before them. Gyrl Ab'strakt and DJ Cleve have come together bringing the fresh new sound of hip-hop that this generation has been lacking; substance. With their release EP, "Mr. and Ms. Pakman," they take the listener on a auditory vacation that lasts far beyond the seven songs it displays. This group is gearing to drop their debut full-length album soon and will be dropping a weekly exclusive song to add to your iPod to keep you bang your head. With 7 Daize, you can expect to hear something that the game has been missing for a long time, a true essence of clarity. The hip-hop without the preservatives and fillers is what 7 Daize brings to the forefront. When listening to their music, expect only the true sheer elements of hip-hop music. Be expecting to hear a lot more from this group in the near future.

Check out their Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/7daizemusic

Pacific Division "Women Problems"

"Women Problems" by Pacific Division
I swear...no matter how many times I hear this shit....I can relate to this shit so much. Congrats to Pac Div for signing to Universal. Pac Div interview will be up soon!

Damn, Erykah droppin' science!

*Also posted on Connoisseur533.com*

Erykah Badu speaks on how to "make it" in the music business

This is some real ass shit right here though; even through all the sarcasm that she is speaking through this montage you can tell that she is serious about how female R&B singers have become more like whores than singers. In the recent ten years, R&B, hip-hop, rock, pop, etc have all had this "commerce over art" makeover where you now get models that cannot sing singing and dancing on your television screens instead of truly talented artists. It has become truly disheartening nowadays when you finally do find an album that has songs greater on it than the singles you've been brainwashed into loving from the radio and TV, you feel like you've had a breathe of fresh air from a truly talented LP.

I'm sick of going to buy an 18 track long album for $15 dollars and finding out that only 3 of the tracks (usually the singles) are the only good songs on the album. The music industry is not about talent anymore; it's about commerce. It's about having models that cannot hold a note singing off key with the Roger & Zapp robotic voice over 80's enthused house beats and making up a stupid dance to get kids to download your ring tone rather than buy your album. Everything has it's time, and the music industry is due for a huge makeover when these house niggas on TV are tap dancing in iced-out nooses and shackles to ignorant songs. Everything is due its time; real music will takeover the fake hella soon.

N*E*R*D* "Seeing Sounds"

I had no idea that N.E.R.D. was dropping an album today until a friend of mine had told me about it yesterday. I woke this morning and placed “Seeing Sounds” on; I was completely blown away by the beautiful blending of vocals of Pharrell Williams and Shay Haley and Chad Hugo’s production. There’s no other group out that is hardly as eclectic as these two Virginia natives, and “Seeing Sounds” is definite proof of this statement being so true. The song, “Everybody Nose” instantly bangs through my stereo and is extremely reminiscent of production of hip-hop when it was in its Golden Age (1988-1996). This song is definitely something that you should add to your “Get the Party Started” play list on your iPod because it will for sure get your ass up and ready to hit the club.

“Seeing Sounds” is only 12 songs, and will have you wishing that it was 24 tracks longer by how complete and great it is. This album has something for everyone’s musical pallet; “Anti-Matter” and “Everybody Nose” for the hardcore hip-hop heads, “Yeah You” and “You Know What” for the soulful cats, and “Spaz” for the rock fans. The eclectic level of “Seeing Sounds” is damn strong enough to have music fans of all different genres to be able to find songs that will fit their personal preference. “You Know What” being one of those truly feel-good songs has the power to have to nodding your head for the 4 and a half minute vacation to a musical utopia of peace that it takes you to. With the smooth guitar and synth production and dramatic bass line in complete unison placed together with Pharrell’s contagious vocals and lyrical content, “You Know What” compliments “Seeing Sounds” completely. Another song that you can add to that “Get the Party Started” play list for your “getting ready for the club” mood is “Laugh About It.” Pharrell’s vocals over the party-driven beats of Chad Hugo on this song makes you feel at ease with whatever is stressing you in your life; it has that element to bring the most stressed day into an ideal one. By far every song on “Seeing Sounds” is great, but there’s something so incredible about “Sooner or Later.” The breakdown at the end of “Sooner or Later” is so dynamic that you feel invigorated by how talented all three of N.E.R.D.’s members are; a near seven-minute musical wonder it is for sure! Who would have thought a song about an annoying person sending you text messages and calling you all day could sound so smooth? Only N.E.R.D. on the song “Yeah You!”

Unlike most albums nowadays where you’ll buy an album with 15 songs and only 3 will be good, “Seeing Sounds” by N.E.R.D. will not be disappointing at all! Go cop that! NOW! “Seeing Sounds” blows most currently-released albums out of the water with its complete and utter sheer explosiveness of talent. This damn album will be in heavy rotation for a long time.

Somobe

Las Vegas has been a city known to sprout up lavish casinos from the dry desert terrain like wild flowers growing in an oasis. But amongst the dry desert of Vegas, there is a musical oasis of a hip hop group known as Somobe with an impressive first album entitled, “The Great Communication” that opened a lot of hip hop heads eyes. Following the same distinctive parallels of the legendary Pete Rock and CL Smooth and Gangstarr, Somobe has formulated a sound all to their own comprised by a producer/DJ and an emcee. Let’s get to know masterminds behind the group, Somobe:



1)So guys, what is the meaning behind the name, “Somobe?” Is there a specific reason why you guys choose the name over any other? What are your names for those of the readers whom are now being introduced to you?

Bob J:
The term “Moby” meant cool back in the swing era. So we took that changed the “Y” to an “E,” added the “So” to make Somobe, meaning “So cool.” At the time, we were sort of struggling to come up with a new name once we discovered our original name had already been taken. One day, Jon just came up with Somobe and we just ran with it. I’m Bob J; I produce and play bass during live shows.

Jon: I’m Jon; I’m the emcee/producer


2)As for a little background on you guys, how did you two meet? Were you neighborhood friends growing up, or were you acquainted in college?

Bob J:
We’ve got that whole classic story thing going on. We met in school in the marching band; Jon played sax and played trumpet. One day after school, he and a drummer were jamming together, [and] I had just recently picked up bass and I joined in on the session. We started writing original songs and it just sort of took off from there. It’s hard to believe that that was 9 years ago, I guess we’ve been doing it longer than it feels.

3)Being a hip-hop group from Las Vegas, Nevada, do you feel that the music scene there is doing well? Who are some of the artists from Las Vegas that our readers should be looking out for?

Bob J:
Las Vegas has always been an indie rock town. There’s plenty of rock acts out here, most notably the Killers and Panic at the Disco. But as for hip-hop, we’ve sort of stayed under the radar, but it’s definitely bubbling up. The Chapter has always been the standard out here for good hip-hop, but also check out Isaac Sawyer and Artson.

4)I was very impressed when I heard the album, “The Great Communication” on a lyrical and production level? Who are some of your musical influences that help shape and mold Somobe (lyrically and production-wise)?
Jon:
For me, production-wise I’d say J-Dilla is an influence. At first, I didn’t realize how much of an influence he was, but now in retrospect, he had a major influence on my production style. [Also,] DJ Premier. Lyrically there are a lot of different guys that influence me. [Such as] Royce Da 5’9, Elzhi, MF Doom, Pharoahe Monch, Jay-Z. [There's] tons of different dudes.

Bob J:
As for me, I’ve always kind of looked up to the Neptunes and how they’ve progressed yet still maintained their sound. It’s like you know when you hear a Neptunes track but at the same time I’m like “Wow. That’s the Neptunes?”

5) At the end of the song, “Where I’m Supposed To Be” who were those individuals that were talking about why hip-hop? What made you guys come with this idea to add them to your album?

Bob J:
Those were some fans we reached out to to add a more personal down-to-earth element to the album. Because at the end of the day, art is determined by the audience and we wanted to give them a voice too.

5)Out of the 12 songs that were installed on “The Great Communication,” what were you guys’ favorites?

Jon:
I think Long Days is one of my [favorites] on the album. That song has about a billion metaphors and symbols in it that 99% of the people who hear it won’t ever catch. It took me about 4 months to write that song.

Bob J:
Personally, I like the “Clap On” for its energy and every time I hear “Stateline,” I kind of smile to myself and bask in our glory. Ha-ha. Just kidding.

6) Are there any songs on “The Great Communication” that were based on actual events that occurred or people that you actually knew?

Jon:
“Stateline” is based on a murder/rape case that happened at the state line between Vegas and California. It is written pretty much detail for detail from the police reports, so if you read the reports and then read the lyrics, you’ll really appreciate that track. Google “Sherrice Iverson”. I didn’t want the song to be disrespectful to the victim or her family. It’s written in a way that documents the events, with the details that were missing from the police reports filled in with fictional elements. Oddly, it’s the most upbeat song on the album, yet it has the darkest subject matter. I liked that contrast.

7)What can hip-hop heads look forward to from Somobe in the next few months to a year? Are there any side projects that either one of you are working on right now?

Jon:
We’re producing a few projects for some other artist. There’s a soul/R&B project in the works with an artist named Melinda Valenzuela. We’re producing and co-writing that one. She’s the girl singing on “If I Can’t” on our album; she’s extremely talented. There are a lot of other things in the works with a few better known artists as well. We’re busy!

8)If you could be anywhere on Earth right now, where would you be? (Answer individually)

Jon – There’s no place like home.

Bob J:
I’d love to visit the Philippines again and see my family; I love it out there.

9)If you could collaborate with any musical artist(s) or band (dead or alive), who would it be with?

Jon – Marvin Gaye. Man that would be dope!

Bob J:
Wow. Hmm. James Brown and Prince or any funk band from the 70’s. Rage Against the Machine would be crazy!!!

Somobe’s first album, “The Great Communication” is an eclectic balance of songs that leave the listener in euphoria; the complete mix of production and lyricism blended together to the delight of the listener. Much to the musical delight to the listener by the end of “The Great Communication, Bob J and Jon of Somobe put the corresponding elements of DJ/producer and emcee on a great plain like two perfect pieces to a jig-saw puzzle. Thanks for the interview, guys!

Debut EP "The Love Life" by Fat Tony

.............................


Fat Tony's Love Life Available Now!
Entire EP & Individual Tracks Available as *FREE DOWNLOAD*

www.zshare.net/download/8444653db47ce0/
[copy + paste the link into your address bar]




1. Faith (You Never Know)
2. Stand High ft. Tom Cruz (of Supreeme)
3. Love Life
4. She Glows ft. Smash Bro + Tom Cruz (of Supreeme)
5. Much Accomplished ft. Smash Bro
6. Goodbye (Outro ft. Errbody, nigga!)


Released by Same Struggle Ent.
http://www.myspace.com/samestruggle

The Carps Interview

“I don’t want some wood grain for Christmas,” Jahmal Tonge belts out on the Carps’ drum-induced song “All The Thugz I Know” on their EP, “The Young and Passionate Days of Carpedia Vol 2.1.” I was originally introduced to the Carps by a friend of mine, and I can recall the first song I heard by them literally catching my attention in the most vibrantly and rhythmically authentic of ways.
Coming from the frigid tundra (better known as Toronto, Canada), Jahmal Tonge (drums and vocals) and Neil White (guitar) are making a solid impact there and beyond their local music scene. Imagine this: a progressive rock duo with elements of punk rock, soca, hip-hop, and soul blended together and you have the Carps. Jahmal and Neil are the complete mix of rock, soul, funk, and R&B to quench even the most eclectic music aficionado’s acquired taste.

First and foremost, who are the Carps (collectively and individually)? How did you guys meet?

Neil and Jahmal:
[Our names are] Neil White and Jahmal Tonge. [We] met playing music at a youth group in Flemingdon Park, Toronto, ON. Neil [was]on bass and Jahmal [was]on guitar.

The first time I heard of you guys was on your EP entitled “The Young and Passionate Days of Carpedia Vol 2.1.” Why did you guys pick the band name the Carps anyway? Is their any significance behind the name?

Neil and Jahmal:
The band is named after the saying “Carpe diem” a motto from a poem by Horace meaning, “Seize the Day.”

On the song “Compton to Scarboro” was there any significance behind the premise of the song? Was the song actually made for an individual that you guys know, or was it made to show a dynamic of people that choose to walk their lives down the wrong path?

Jahmal:
It’s a bit of both. I [Jahmal] grew up [as a] black boy in a middle-class neighborhood, and right on the other side of the freeway was government housing. I knew a lot of cats who thought Toronto was Compton. It was made for all those guys. The ones I knew, but more so for the ones that are coming up.

I had heard a remix that the Bay Area producer, Trackademicks did of your song, “The Tumultuous Adventures of JJ Iscariot & the Insatiable Booty Fanatic” and I thought it was hella good! Are you guys acquainted with Trackademicks, and how do you feel about the work he has done on other remixes for other artists? Did you guys enjoy your remix that he did for one of your songs?

Jahmal:
We LOVED it! Track is a great dude, and the Bay recognizes him for sure, but the world is sleeping on him. His beats are out of this world. [And] more than anything else, he’s just a great dude. Bayyyyyyyyyy!!!

Jahmal, you have a vocal style that reminds me of Lenny Kravitz. You have a very strong singing voice. What are some of your musical influences that helped mold your cadence?

Jahmal;
Definitely not Lenny. I would credit M.J. and Otis Redding. After that, I really don’t know.[I am] just trying to do my own thing and [I] hope I don’t sound too much like Omarion.

Is either one of you in any other side projects other than the Carps? Are there any other projects coming out soon that your fans can be watching out for?

Neil:
I produce on the side. Nothing [has] slated for release at the moment, but there will be some cool remixes come ’08.

You guys put together a collective sound that is definitely hard to put in a genre. How would you guys define your musical sound?

Neil and Jahmal:
We don’t, and we wouldn’t!

Neil, you have a great talent on your guitar. Who are some of your influences (musically) that made you want to pick up a guitar in the first place?

Neil:
Definitely would have to be Les Claypool from Primus; he’s a tremendously inspiring performer. When I started playing bass, I was really into punk rock music, and artists like Fat Mike (of NOFX) and Matt Freeman (of Rancid) usually supplied my favorite bass lines.

I have never seen you guys live, but I hear that you guys have one hell of a great live set! What can people expect to see when they come see the Carps perform?

Neil:
Well, [before] Youtube, answering that would be difficult. But, it’s all on there for everybody to see.

If you guys could do a collaboration with any musical artist or artists (dead or alive), who would it be with?

Neil:
Pharrell Williams, Stevie Wonder, Cody ChesnuTT, Jackson and his computer band.
Jahmal:
Shawn Hewitt-.The actually talented version of myself.

What can Carps fans expect from the Carps in the future? Are there any future albums coming out in the near future and when?

Neil and Jahmal:
We’ll definitely have something out in the U.S. in ’08, and tours and tours and tours.

You guys being from Toronto, how do you feel about the music scene there? Are there any local Toronto artists that you guys enjoy listening to?

Neil:
[There is an] incredibly vibrant music scene in Toronto. We have a great collection of venues and a number of excellent festivals: Canadian Music Week and North by North East. From Scarborough, (just north of Toronto) I really enjoy Shawn Hewitt (www.myspace.com/shawnhewitt). There is also an excellent prog-rock group called dd/mm/yyyy. Others I enjoy include MSTRKRFT, Death From Above 1979, Crystal Castles, and Let’s Go to War
Jahmal:
Shawn Hewitt. Thunderheist.

"Compton to Scarboro"
The Carps are a bright set of individuals with an even brighter future. If you haven’t already, go cop “The Young and Passionate Days of Carpedia Vol. 2.1.” I would like to thank Jahmal and Neil for taking the time out of their busy schedules to participate in this interview.

-Kevin Robinson, Jr.

...more more...yeah...musique.

I've been listening to some really great albums lately including Killah Priest, the Smiths, Cyne, etc. I've been sitting at this computer recently almost since Saturday listening to hella albums that I've been recommended to listen to by friends and albums that I haven't listened to at all. Hell, I have albums on my computer that have never been played to since the day I downloaded them. Yeah, that's right...I said downloaded! I'm not afraid of the Music Federallie's. I have realized that the albums that I have slept on the most and never played were the best albums in my whole musical collection. I'm just thankful that God gave me this wide-open musical taste to like many different types of music beyond hip hop and rock. I love the fact that I can play Frank Sinatra or Billie Holliday, Atreyu, Aesop Rock, and Dieselboy all in the same play list and appreciate all of them. I definitely need to do a profession that includes writing and music. I think that all of you should check out all of these artists.


Killah Priest (of Wu Tang Clan)


Cyne


LMNO (of the Visionaries)


Justice

Finally, a radio station I can listen to!!

It's kind of a hassle to find a radio station that plays independent music. Usually you have to turn your FM dial to the 88-92 range to find a college radio station that plays some kind of independent and obscure music, and there is usually never a radio station that is decided to the greatest genre of hip hop: the underground hip hop scene.

I was scanning through my daily internet website that I love to go to find my latest in underground hip hop news and album releases, Underground Hip Hop.com, and found this radio station run by a UC Davis graduate that is devoted to nothing but the finest in underground hip hop. The play list has some of the most obscure and local scene artists to even some of the most popular hip hop groups and solo artists amongst the underground hip hop circuit.

I recommend that you go to http://www.gtronicradio.com/

People In Planes

I am writing again; I am listening to "Falling By The Wayside" by a hell of a great band from the UK, People in Planes. I bought their LP "As Far As The Eye Can See" back in January at the best indie record store in the world, Amoeba Records in San Francisco and haven't been able to stop playing it since. Whether you like rock or not, this LP is one of those albums that even the most close-minded music fan might be able to enjoy. It's just pure rock music. The sense of simple baselines and a front man that can actually sing his ass off is something that is hard to find in a rock band nowadays. I would hella recommend you to buy this LP when you get a chance.

Overall Album Grade-85 percent...hella good!

People In Planes - Falling By The Wayside
Download Music Video Code at Roxwel