9TH Wonder “Tutankhamen (Valley of the Kings)”

9^th Wonder says, “Hip-Hop is the voice of at least 2 generations. At one time, it was the POSITIVE voice. Chuck D was the black history teacher I never had, along with countless other black Americans my age. It can be that again, but with the right voices and the right players. As the late Curtis Mayfield said, “We must educate and Well as Entertain.” I agree. Over the years some hip hop artists have become so negative. There aren’t that many positive hip hop artist that are being played on the on-air radio stations. 9th Wonder’s given name is Patrick Denard Douthit, he was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on January 15, 1975. 9th Wonder’s started listening to hip hop when he was seven years old. He absorbed the music, culture of the art form while in middle and high school, gaining experience in music theory. He decided to pursue a music career while attending North Carolina Central University. 9^th Wonder is a master beat maker and sampler. He has sampled some great music from one of my favorite artists who was politically conscious of his times, the late great Curtis Mayfield. Al Green was also one of his big influences. The heavy bass lines in his songs were due to the production of J Dilla, Pete Rock and DJ Premier. 9^th Wonder has been sought after by some well-known artists like, Mary J. Blige, Jean Grae, Wale, Jay-Z, Murs, Drake, Buckshot, Chris Brown, Destiny's Child, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, Ludacris, Mac Miller, David Banner, and Lecrae to name a few. 9^th Wonder has a new solo project out “Tutankhamen (Valley of the Kings)”. This album is a chill out album it has a soulful vibe it has my heading bobbing to the beat of the songs. My favorites are “WindyJamSoul”, “WhenLoveIsNew”, “ImABeastSoul!!!!”, “Fredathump” and “JustMyThoughtsSoul”. Don’t miss out on this album.

 You can listen to this album on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, Anthena365, Live365 and MyGen365.

Actual Proof “Black Boy Radio”

What can I say about the duo Actual Proof? Outstanding and Talented! This Duo grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. Their music is a combination hip hop, classic soul, funk and jazz. Sundown and Enigma, the name of its members are both emcees. Actual proof came about when Enigma had the intelligence to enroll in the North Carolina Central University. Enigma took a class that 9^th Wonder, a Grammy Award Winning Producer, DJ, College Lecturer, and Social Activist, was teaching. The class was hip hop and context. 9^th Wonder invited Enigma and Sundown to his studio and the rest is history. Actual Proof’s album “Black Boy Radio” is about a young black boy growing up on the streets of Raleigh, North Carolina. I think the best song on this album is the cover title “Black Boy Radio” it has that jazzy, funky feel and the lyrics are incredible. It tells a story about a boy growing up in the 1960’s racial North Carolina.  I also like "I Got You", a song about offering support to someone going through personal trials and tribulations. 

I think "Black Boy Radio" is a talented, educated duo from the South that has something decent to rap about. Streetwise Radio is playing “Black Boy Radio”. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, Live365, MyGen365 and Athena365.

LM

http://www.last.fm/music/Actual+Proof/+wiki

Public Enemy Most of My Heroes Still Don’t Appear on No Stamp

Public Enemy in past has been known for their controversy’s. Well they’re back! Public Enemy released an album called “Most of My Heroes Still Don’t Appear on No Stamp” in July 2012. The opening track “Run Til It’s Dark”, is characteristic Public Enemy sound. I think the four most important songs on this album are “Get Up Stand Up”, “WTF”, “Catch the Thrown”, and “Run Til It’s Dark”. I have been listening to Public Enemy since the late 80s. I think they are still the best rap group ever. These so called rappers now days need to take note and rap about the real truth.

Public Enemy is from Long Island, New York. Public Enemy came on the scene in 1987, with their debut album “Yo! Bum Rush the Show”. In 1988 the released “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back”, with their two hit singles "Don't Believe the Hype" and "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos". After twenty five years Public Enemy is still rapping about what’s going on in the world. Public Enemy is still doing their thing bringing the world the truth through their music. My favorite songs are, “Run Til Its Dark”, “Get Up Stand Up (featuring Brother Ali)”, “Most of My Heroes Still Don’t Appear on No Stamp (featuring Z-Trip)”, “I Shall Not Be Moved”, “Get It In (featuring Bumpy Knuckles)”, “WTF” and “Truth Decay”. Public Enemy has the second album due out sometime in September, The Evil Empire of Everything. It is supposed to be the album that talks to “Most of My Heroes Still Don’t Appear on No Stamp”. Public Enemy is the real deal of hip hop.

If you have not listened to Public Enemy you need to they are rapping some real truth. A lot of critics think Public Enemy is racist and very militant. I say to all those critics the truth hurts. You can listen to Public Enemy songs on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on, Athena365, MyGen365, ITunes and Live365.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Enemy_(group)

http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/07/album-review-public-enemy-most-of-my-heroes-still-dont-appear-on-no-stamp/

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.19873/title.chuck-d-of-public-enemy-speaks-on-two-albums-in-2012

Tasha’s World

DJ Michael Ealey has discovered another under-rated artist that I have not heard of, Tasha’s World. It is no wonder I have not heard of Tasha’s World, because she gets played over in Europe. Tasha’s World is her stage name, her name is Natascha Slagstand. Someone asked her in an interview, how she came up with the name Tasha’s World. She explained that her music is about the things that keep her busy, in her own world. She was born in 1974 in Rotterdam, Netherlands with a Surinamese background. This hip hop, neo soul and jazz singer always get compared to Erykah Badu and she does not like it. I don’t blame her. I think she has a better her voice with more versatility and she is easier to listen then Erykah’s. Tasha’s World debut album came out in 2003 titled “Tasha’s World”. In 2005 Tasha’s World came out with her second album “World Domination” My favorite songs from both of these albums are, “Nothing really matters”, “All that's on my mind”, "Glowing Growing”, "Jah Bless", “Down & Around”, “Black Panther”, “Breakfast London Style”, “Fed up”, “Home Alone”, “Tasha’s World” and “Corny Love Song”. The lyrics in these songs are so relevant to what’s going on in the lives of women. Tasha’s World is very soulful!! She is another songstress for neo soul music who is incredible. She is going on my playlist. Tune in to Streetwise Radio for songs from Tasha’s World. To listen to Streetwise Radio you can go to ITunes, MyGen365, Athena365 and Live365.

LM

http://www.microsofttranslator.com/BV.aspx?ref=IE8Activity&a=http%3A%2F%2Fnl.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FTasha%27s_World

Hip-Hop Group “theBREAX”

I like hip-hop if it’s positive. All that negative stuff is so discouraging. Well I was looking for positive Hip-Hop artists or groups that have something and encouraging too say. I found this group from San Diego California called “theBREAX”.The group consists of front man Ruslan, who is an Armenian refugee born in Baku, Azerbaijan. In the 1990s when Ruslan was a child, his family fled Baku, Azerbaijan to San Diego California due to religious persecution in his country. While living in San Diego Ruslan met and became friends with Baltimore native Beleaf. Beleaf came to San Diego to get a fresh start. Ruslan and Beleaf both had a love for Hip-Hop and a burning need to get better at it. They formed the group theBreax, so they could have a positive impact on the hip-hop culture in the San Diego community and the world. The group has grown to include Mic B on drums, Jruckers on keyboards and Bam on bass. theBreak has cultivated a large and diverse community of loyal fans through headlining their own shows. They have opened up for world-class acts like Mobb Deep, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Arrested Development, Lecrae, War, and Fred Hammond. Their debut album “Never Arrive” came out in December 2011. It went number three on iTunes hip-hop charts. Christian hip-hop is on the rise and theBREAX is definitely doing their part to bring it to the world. These are some of the songs I like, “More Of / At the Core”, “Yap Yap”, “Brilliant Realness (feat. Sho Baraka)”, “OTIS TheBreax Over Mixtape”, “Never Arrive”, “All Powerful”, “100 hunnit” and “Paper Jam”. These brothers are so positive and inspiring. I’m so glad I found theBREAX they are certainly going on my playlist. You can listen to songs from theBREAX on Streetwise Radio Big Hop 7-8 p.m. Streetwise Radio can be heard on iTunes, MyGen365, Athena365 and live365.

LM

http://www.thebreax.com/bio/

Akua Naru

What can I say about Akua Naru amazing, great, marvelous, awesome, original a pure genius? Akua Naru is a Hip Hop/Rap artist her music has a jazzy sound that you can listen to all day. Akua Naru is from New Haven, Connecticut, but now resides in Cologne, Germany. I like every song I have listened to while writing this. This is real Hip Hop music it is so fresh and smooth. Here are some of my favorites from her debut album “The Journey Aflame”, “The Backflip”, "The Block", “The World Is Listening”, “Tales Of Men feat. African Footprint”, “The Jones Feat. Mic Donet” and “Find Yourself”. Akua Naru takes her experiences in her life travels and brings it to her music for the world to hear. The lyrics in her songs are positive and inspiring. Streetwise Radio DJ Michael Ealey suggested that I listen to Akua Naru because he is playing one of her songs “The Blackflip” on Streetwise Radio Big Hop. I am so glad he suggested it, this young lady is awesome. I am a fan for life. If you have not heard of Akua Naru listen to her and you will be a fan too.

LM

http://www.last.fm/music/Akua+Naru/+wiki

Rapper Ice Meez Song (Occupy)

The Occupy Movement started in September 17, 2011 in Zuccotti Park, located in New York City's Wall Street financial district. Adbusters a Canadian activist group started the protest. This sparked an around the world Occupy Movement protests. The 99 percent’s main issues are social and economic inequality, greed, corruption and the undue influence of corporations on government; especially the financial services sector. Occupy Movement is also protesting how the growing income inequality and wealth distribution in the U.S. between the wealthiest 1% and the rest of the 99 percent of the population. This underground rapper from Fairfield California, by the name of Ice Meez has a song out called “Occupy”. Ice Meez song Occupy features Young Gully, Moe Green, P-Child, they are speaking the truth about the Occupy Movement that is going on. I’m so feeling this song. This should be the Occupy Movements anthem. This song is saying everything the Occupy Movement is protesting. I think this song should be played on the on-air stations, because it is something positive that people need to hear. Since it is not, our Internet radio station Streetwise Radio will be playing the Occupy Anthem. I want to give mad props to the Ice Meez, Young Gully, Moe Green and P-Child. Thanks for the message.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_Wall_Street

http://www.reverbnation.com/icemeez#!

Chuck Brown (August 22, 1936 – May 16, 2012)

Legendary Chuck Brown of Chuck Brown and the Soul Searcher passed away due to pneumonia and multiple organ failure. He was known as “the Godfather of Go-go. The Go-go originated in the Washington, D.C. area in the 1970s it is the subgenre of funk music. I was fortunate to see Chuck Brown live in person, when I was visiting the Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. area in 1983. I remember the days of the house parties, if you wanted to get the party started put on a Chuck Brown song. Nelly used the music from Chuck Brown’s “Bustin Loose” song, on his number one hit song “Hot in Here”. Chuck Brown was funky. His songs “Bustin Loose”, “Funky”, “It Don’t Mean A Thing” and “Go-go” will always be his trade mark. I also liked the song “Misty”. He put his Go-go swing style on it. Chuck Brown influenced other Go- go bands like Big G and The Backyard Band, Rare Essence, Experience Unlimited, Little Benny and the Masters, and Trouble Funk. In 2009, T Street in Northwest Washington, DC was renamed “Chuck Brown Way”. Chuck Brown will always be the one and only Godfather of the Go- go, he will be missed, but his funky Go-go style of music will live on through the bands that he has influenced. R.I.P Chuck Brown!

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Brown

B.O.B. – Strange Clouds

The first time I ever heard of B.o.B. was in 2010 when I was riding in the car with my son listening to the song “Nothin On You“ .and I said is that Bruno Mars? He said yes..B.o.B., I really liked it. I started listen to B.o.B. he has had main stream success with his the songs “Nothin On You” and “So Good” .were made for the radio. B.o.B. released a new CD in April 2012 called Strange Clouds, this CD has a little something for the true rap fan and something for people like me who likes to sing along to catchy melodies and choruses. The songs I like on this CD are “Castles”, “Where Are You (B.o.B. vs. Bobby Ray)”, “Bombs Away (feat. Morgan Freeman)”, “Arena”, “So Good”, “Circles” and “So Hard to Breathe”, the rest of the songs on the CD are good as well. B.o.B seems to have fans of different ages like me who can appreciate his versatility. I feel you should be versatile singer, so that way you will be around for a long time. I give this CD 4 out of 5 stars. You can listen to B.o.B. on Streetwise Radio or MyGen365, live365, Athena365 and I-Tunes.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B.o.B

Estelle

Born Estelle Fanta Swaray on January 18, 1980 in Hammersmith, London she was one of eight brothers and sisters. Estelle is a multi-talented R an B singer-songwriter, rapper and record producer. Estelle grew up listening to reggae, American gospel and R an B music. Estelle discovered hip hop by hanging out with her uncle who was always playing Kool G Rap and Big Daddy Kane. Estelle got her big break in the early 2000’s when she was visiting Los Angeles. She saw Kanye West sitting in a restaurant went up to him ask for an introduction to John Legend. When Estelle finally got that introduction John Legend helped produce two songs on her debut album. Estelle won a MOBO Award for Best Newcomer in 2004 with her songs “1980” and “Free” from her debut album, “The 18^th Day”. I like the song “1980”. This song has me reminiscing about those sunny Saturdays kicking at the park playing dominoes. Estelle’s second album “Shine” was released in 2008 this was the album that really got her career kicked into overdrive especially with the single “American Boy” which was produced by Will I Am from the Black Eye Peas. This song is so catchy I still like hearing it. Estelle has worked with a variety of talented artist in the world of Rap, R an B and Pop like Busta Rhymes, Kanye West, John Legend, Rick Ross, Robin Thicke, Janelle Monae, Sean Paul, Trey Songz, Chris Brown, Nas and Kardinal Offishall. Estelle’s third album “All of Me” was released in February 28, 2012. The song “Break My Heart (featuring Rick Ross) is the lead single on the album it would have been a good song if Rick Ross was not on it he made the song terrible. The songs I like on this album are “Speak My Mind”, “Thank You”, “Back to Love”, “Wonderful Life”, “Something’s Wrong”. Over all this album has something for everyone it is a collection of R an B, Rap and Pop music. Estelle did her thing on this album I give it 4 out of 5 stars. You can listen to songs from the “All of Me” album on Streetwise Radio. You can listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, MyGen365, live365, Athena365.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estelle_(musician)

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland was born Kelendria Trene Rowland on February 11, 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia. At the age of seven Kelly’s mother left her father because he was an abusive alcoholic. When Kelly was eight, Kelly and her mother relocated to Houston, where she joined a rapping and dancing group with Beyonce` Knowles and LaTavis Roberson. The name of the group was called Girl’s Tyme; they performed on the television show Star Search the biggest talent show at the time and lost the competition. In 1993 the group changed their name to Destiny’s Child. Destiny’s Child was very successful between 1999 and 2002; the group broke up to focus on their solo careers. In 2002 Kelly and Nelly one of my all-time favorite male artist team up on the single “Dilemma” this is still one of my favorite songs. Kelly won a Grammy for Best Rap/Song Collaboration and Billboard Award in 2003. Kelly’s debut solo album Simply Deep had a mixture of alternative-R&B and rock music, Brandy and Solange Knowles sung background vocals. The songs that are my favorites from this album are “Can’t Nobody”, “Beyond Imagination”, “Every Time Walk Out That Door”, “Heaven”, “Stole” and “Dilemma. In 2007 Kelly came out with Ms. Kelly album with the hit single “Like This” featuring Eve and “Work” I really like “Work”. My favorite songs on the Ms. Kelly album are “Ghetto” (featuring Snoop Dogg)”, “Every Thought is You”, “Like This”, “Flashback”, The Show (featuring Tank)” and “Come Back”. The Ms. Kelly album should have been released in the United States first I think it would have been more successful. In 2009 Kelly went in a different direction, she left her manager Matthew Knowles and Columbia Records. Kelly did house collaboration with French DJ David Guetta’s “When Love Takes Over” in which was the lead single for Davis Guetta’s One Love album in 2009. This song is high energy, I like it Kelly rocks! Kelly recorded the theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup “Everywhere You Go” with international artists called Rhythm of South Africa United. Kelly did her thing on the Here I Am album; my favorite songs are “Turn It Up”, “Im dat chick”, “Feelin Me Right Now (featuring Rico Love)” and “Lay It On Me”. Kelly is nominated for a 2012 Grammy for “Motivation” (featuring Lil’ Wayne)” in which Rico Love wrote. Kelly Rowland I my opinion will be around for quite some time. Her willingness to work with artists of all genres of music keeps Kelly Rowland fresh. I hope she wins the Grammy, she deserves it.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_Rowland