Artist Check/Video: Jacob Latimore - Like Em' All ft. Issa [R&B]

I first heard of Jacob Latimore back in 2006, when at only 10 years old he had a run with Cornerboyz, Soundz and the Underdogs production teams. He had solid material for a kid his age, "Girl Like Tish" a song about his mother and "Like I Do" - Some R&B Jams for my high school years.
He then dissapeared...not for long tho.

Now at 15, Jacob Latimore is already a big deal (Singer, Dancer and Actor), and he’s about to get even bigger with his song featuring Issa called “Like ‘Em All.” Watch how he works in this video, and you’ll understand why he’s made girls lose their minds across the US. He has been announced in the Young BET artists list.
Latimore released this track last year (2010) which originally featured Diggy Simmons. Over 4 million youtube hits later, He re-releases a radio version with a different production and rapper - fellow Young'n Issa takes the place this time. This version is much more R&B radio freindly with a nice sample to smooth it out.
Check out the track below, which also shows fellow Young BET artist, Jawan Harris.



I think like these youngns who can sing and dance (Chris Brown, Jawan harris, Jacob Latimore), coz secretly I aspired to be like them.

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X-Factor US Contestent: Brian Bradley AKA Astro (14 Year old MC)

Brian Bradley AKA Astro has hit the US show X-Factor with a Bang. HIs first live show was a big hit, following on from his auditions. Even if this kid does not win, he has a bright future, especially with LA Reid by his side. His lyricism is on par with Veteran MCs - and he is only 14 years old.....shii, when I was 14 - I was still rhyming The "cat chased the rat under the mat".
As rhianna points out in one of his auditions below, he has a J. Cole Vibe. If you havn't seen his first audition, I think you should, the kid shows some major balls interrupting the judges. Check out the youngn from Brooklyn as he brakes it down to LA Reid and Rhianna (Verse 2 more specifically).

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Artists Check: Kixxie Siete & Art Official [Hip-Hop]

and yet another dope MC has come into my vision. This time it's Filipino-American Kixxie Siete - who is signed to independent label argonautix.
Did some one say real Hip-hop? - Kixxie's flow and lyricism are on point so I'm not even gonna bother explaining this time. Just see for yourself as he takes on Common's 6th Sense beat.



On some Drake and Noah 40 shizz here but he adds his own fresh flavour with stellar rhymes..




It’s been about a year since the establishment of Argonautic Entertainment & The Yacht Klub with Kixxie Siete. Now, a year later, they announce their 2nd independently signed artist, Hispanic MC - Art Official. To celebrate their anniversary in Yacht Klub fashion, The Argonauts proudly present, “The Breakout“.



Download Here



Snapbacks and Backpacks vol.3

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Artist Check: Logic [Hip-Hop] - Vol.2 Snapbacks and backpacks

Vol.2 in Snapbacks and Backpacks segment. Introducing Logic!

Logic has been on his grind lately releasing visuals, singles, and just overall fantastic music. If you didn’t already know, he’s recently signed to Visionary Music Group under the mentoring eye of soon-to-be household name Tayyib Ali. Last month he released his mixtape Young Sinatra, named for his alternate alias.

Logic is a relatively underground rapper but he’s surfacing fast with his clever wordplay and fast paced flow. He’s got that true hip hop swag, none of that frat rap shit (which I don’t mind from time to time). Logic is about to blow up with this new mixtape Young Sinatra, which consists of 22 songs including Interludes/Skits. It’s more of a free album than a mixtape. It includes some of the most ridiculous and insane sampling I have ever heard.  You can stream and dl the full tape below courtesy of #VisionaryMusic.

Below are two of his videos which display this kids raw talent. Black, white, half-cast - whatever, you can not deny this guy's flow.






Here is the mixtape:

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Artist Check: Tayyib Ali [Hip-Hop] - Snapbacks and Backpacks Vol. 1

Vol.1 of Snapbacks and backpacks segment.



Introducing up-n-coming MC, Tayyib Ali - Not to be confused with Talib Kweli. Who is he you ask? - well it goes a lil something like this...

In 2010 a kid not very well known outside of Philadelphia dropped the single ‘Kid Again.’ Before he knew it, he was opening for many artists around the Philly scene. After a number of singles and the release of his first EP Eighteen he was performing in front of sellout crowds alongside artists like Wiz Khalifa, Chiddy Bang, Mac Miller and Cyhi The Prince- becoming a hit amongst the people of the New England area. His fame has now spread to the Golden Coast (as he talks about so poetically in the song ‘California Love’) and over the past few months getting exposure across international boarders due to his youtube videos (Australian Premiere here on AHS). The kid who wears his snapback and his backback is blowing up right now, and being that his sophomore mix tape just dropped a few weeks ago - it’s not too late to jump on the Tayyib Ali train and not feel like a Bandwagon Rider.

Below and above are some of his nicest videos. Once you're done, get ready to delete Rebecca Black from your iTunes library and replace one completely untalented teenager with another swaggeriffic and completely talented teenager by downloading the Keystone State Of Mind mix tape.






Do not sleep on this dude, you guys will regret to when you jump on the bandwagon like many did for wiz.
Download the mixtape here. I repeat do not sleep.

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Artist Check: John West [Soul/R&B]

Intro to another crooner. Emerging soul/R&B singer John West.

"I call it the humble hustle," says John West of his beginnings as a street performer in Los Angeles. "People don't have to stop. When you captivate them, you realize that it's not about you. It's about the song. Music is a service."

John West continues to provide that service with power and poise. Jamming out slick grooves and a seductive vocals - this guy is bouncing with R&B swagger and pop infectiousness. West rocks to the beat of his own drum, creating a style that's bound to win hearts everywhere—and break a few in the process. He's the new voice of Pop/Soul R&B…

Back in April, I heard his first single "Lovely" and was raving about it for weeks. Five months later and we have the video. I’m really feeling this song and expect it to blow up. Pusha T, comes through with two solid verses on this without mentioning cocaine and even puts on a leopard-print vest for the video. I guess ‘Ye really is rubbing off on him.

As far as John West, I think he’s dope. People are going to make the Robin Thicke comparisons, but I personally don’t see it–besides their look, that they’re both white, of course.



and his second single, Loved You.

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Artist Check: Neon Hitch [Alternative Pop]

Jesse J meets Lady Gaga meets Kreyshawn meets Ellie Goulding. An Intresting mix yes? well thats how I would describe British dance-pop singer Neon Hitch. Hailing from London, this nitty gritty diva has come to the Pop scene with an alternative approach.
A lot of people don’t seem to care about Neon Hitch, but you know what I say to that? I say that I don’t care about people who don’t care about Neon Hitch, because this bitch is fierce and you lessors will deal.

Because Neon is so edgy, unique, awesome etc, she’s gone and covered Wiz Khalifa’s “On My Level”, complete with an artsy hood music video to match. Neon’s switched up the beat from Khalifa’s original, but it’s still completely urban — she didn’t flip the song upside down or anything.



If you’ve been following Neon for a while, then you’d know that she’s been doing killer covers and mashups on Youtube for years. Her best is the gorgeous Sia/Mike Posner mash, which currently stands as one of the most watched clips on her Youtube channel. Check out below one her more original pop songs.

However, here is where she gets me. She returns on the backdrops of NYC with a new cover, this time covering Kreayshawn’s claim to fame single, ”Gucci Gucci.” Not as eccentric as the original, but the minimalist approach in sound is still quite impressive. This one has been on repeat the last week or two. Also check her cover on Mr. Miller's Donald Trump.

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Artist Check: Michael Kiwanuka [Soul/Folk]

In the midst of our electronic influenced age, it is a pleasure to hear some vintage soul in the air. Meet Alter-Hip-Soul's Artist of August, Michael Kiwanuka. He is UKs 23 year old answer to Aloe Blacc.

Tell Me A Tale is his first release via Communion Records and is most definitely guided by many  60/70′s soul legends. Manipulating a classic era, Michael Kiwanuka succeeds in sounding fresh and current. The Track has a nice brass presence, a rich saxophone finish and vocals that seem to go well beyond the years he has walked this earth, Kiwanuka gives something alot more than the norm.



If you dig the Raphael Saadiq or Aloe Blacc vibe, I would suggest learning this guy’s name too.

Here is his new folk track from the forthcoming EP I’m Getting Ready out September 18th. I have great hopes for Kiwanuka. Keep on the lookout.

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Artist Check: Hoodie Allen - Leap Year Mixtape [Hip-Hop]

So between running on no sleep and having so much uni work to get done, sitting down to listen to Hoodie Allen’s fourth project “Leap Year” was a nice break. Hoodie hit my radar when my mate 8 Beats (PB) inboxed me his "White girl problems" track. I was instantly intrigued to find out more.

Steven Markowitz AKA Hoodie is a Jewish rapper from New York. He graduated with a a Finance and Marketing degree who went on to work for Google. However, he gave up that job for more time to pursue his music career. He has dropped 3 mixtapes since 2009 (The Bagels & Beats EP, Making Waves and Pep Rally) but is still unsigned. His new tape "Leap Year" dropped last month.

You will probably notice that I don't post every track and every mixtape as soon as it drops. This is because I have got in the process of listening to each track on the mixtape numerous times so that I can actually enjoy them for the musical value (basically appreciate the artist's hard work). I can honestly say that Hoodie Allen came to win with Leap Year, and stole a few spots on my iPod.
From the second you hit play Hoodie hits your ears with some feel good music that just keeps coming at you throughout the 13-track project. I’m not sure if it’s the sick bars, iLL beats, or possibly the overall dopeness of this project, but I’m a fan. I zoned out for a solid hour, indulged in good music, and after it all I wanted hit play again. So do yourself a favor and hit play below. I would usually pick my favorite songs, but I’m not trying to even mess with that battle.




Source: LoudS, http://hoodieallen.com/

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Artist Check: Alex Winston [Indie Pop]

Detroit's Alex Winston unwinds her new single "Velvet Elvis" preparing for her second EP on September 5. After the success of her first single, "Sister wife", The quirky pop singer continues to convince the listener with this percussion heavy uplifting tune.




Her 1st Single had success in the UK. Here is the video clip for "Sister Wife".


Could not let you go without a remix. My fave Beatsmith at the moment - Manchester's Star Slinger unleashes his take on the single. Check it below.

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Artist Check: Delilah [Alternative-Soul]

The UK songstress, Delilah has been feeding my ears quite constantly of recent. In February she appeared on Chase & Status’ ‘Time’ (below)  and in her new track "Go" she pays homage to Chaka Khan’s ‘Ain’t Nobody’ without committing any crimes. Her beautiful voice, controlled yet still very emotive, has taken me by surprise as unconsciously I have had her songs on heavy rotation. Her new track "Go" features a rather cold beat courtesy of Balistiq and the results pretty much speak for themselves.

Delilah will be releasing a new EP in September which will include ‘Go’ and her first single ‘Breathe’ – her debut album will then follow in Autumn 2012.
Listen to the tracks mentioned below (Breathe is available for download).

  Go (Prod. Balistiq)

Breathe


Chase & Status - Time (Ft. Delilah)

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Artist Check: Daley

Introducing UK artist Daley, who you might of heard on the Gorillaz Track "Doncamatic" - However this soulster is more than a featured artist with a quirky style.
'Daley is an example of what the music industry of today needs. No show - but real emotions. No overly mastered material - but a soul. No greed and easily earned fame - but the will to achieve it for himself in the world of music'.
This guys voice is one the best I've heard in quite some time. Kinda reminds me slightly of Robin Thicke mixed with abitta Maxwell.

Alter Hip Soul Highly recommends that you keep your eyes/ears on this dude in the coming months.

‘Game Over’ is the first track taken off Daley's forthcoming mixtape Those Who Wait, due out mid-July.


Check out his live rendition of Maxwell's Pretty Wings:


He is the Real Deal.

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Artist Check: The ILLZ

If you havn't heard of this guy, get acquainted. The ILLZ is an upcoming emcee who is half dominican/lebanese from New Jersey. He's released 4 solo projects since 2009.

His newest track is "The Pursuit (ILL Tal Remix)" Produced by ILL Tal, off of the upcoming ILLZSENTIAL: The Essential ILLZ Collection due out July 6, 2011. The project is a special collection for fans and the perfect introduction for those that have to yet to lend a ear to the upcoming emcee. Check out the track below:

The Pursuit (ILL Tal Remix) by TheILLZ

Some other good tracks:

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Video: Amanda Diva - Catch Me

First saw this Poet/Rapper/Singer Amanda Diva on Def Jam poetry awhile back and just rediscovered some freshness from her. Diva is captured in her natural element talking bout the culture that inspires her, Hip-Hop. Amanda discusses the off and on relationship with hip-hop, showcasing various objects that mean something to her. Check it out above.

Beautiful, intelligent, talented and REAL - Love this chick <3.

 Download her Madame Monochrome EP here.

Another nice track.

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Artist Check, Check: Mara Hruby - Neo-Soul

Introducing the new and fast rising artist, Mara Hruby, from Oakland. She burst onto the scene in the beginning of 2010 playing shows all around California and now has her debut EP “From Her Eyes”.
This lovely songstress defines the word beautiful. Her ability to deliver music with class and feeling, her smooth vocals, her elegant style and not to mention she is a gorgeous lady. (I think i'm in love). Check out her video below for her rendition of Mos def's "Panties".



Loving the fact that she isn't half dressed; allowing folks to focus on the Craft...and she still sexy.

Life + Times: From Her Eyes is a throwback to true, old school R&B, but what’s R&B to you?

Mara Hruby: Oh man, R&B to me is like soul music. R&B is Al Green and Marvin Gaye. The writing is just so poetic and beautiful that it reaches out to people and grabs them. That’s what R&B is—it knows no boundaries.

A R&B/soul artist indeed.
Listen and download her full project below: 

Download Project Here.

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Artist Check, Check Check: Jono McCleery

Found Jono through Jamie Woon - another great brit artist. This bloke's music is both beautifully put together and well layered. For good measure check out a previous single ‘Tommorow’ below. Those drum patterns and bassline combined with Jono’s vocals - win…just a win!

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ARTIST CHECK! & New Track: D-Pryde - No Sleep (Feat. Joe Budden)

I was just having a pleasant conversation about D-Pryzzy with my man Mr. Fernando. (Propz to him for informing my about this cat).
and what do you know? D-Pryde just unleashed this new track which features Joe Budden. This Filipino teenager from Toronto is definitely on the come up. He has been getting a lot more attention since his rendition of weezy's 6ft-7ft.
Getting some hype on these shores, He performed in Australia for the BOOMBOX tour in Adelaide two weeks ago.

He has been releasing songs/covers on youtube since he was 14 - and every-time he has come corrected. His swag, punchlines, vocal tones, lyrical flow, metaphors and even his hair(?) are on point.
No curses, not rapping bout sex, money, or bling...this guy is onto something here.

Really looking forward to see if this Arizona drinking teen can follow in Drakes footsteps and make his way down south of the border.
He is definitly appealing to a new age of rap lovers - representin' for the Asians in this new decade. Let's hope that his punchlines are not his only trick up his sleeve like Jin back in 2005.

Listen & Download his new track below off his MARS mixtape out tomorrow!





D-Pryde - Did it On My Own

Also View his older tracks/mixtapes on his:
SoundCloud
YouTube Channel

Propz to Mr. Fernando again.

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"One Chance" gets their second chance with new mixtape.

I’ve been waiting for a new project from my favourite underground band, One Chance since their "Private" tape in 2006....Yep, you R&B blog enthusiasts might have noticed many songs and demos by these dudes during the past few-5 years. (Including solo tracks by lead vocalist, Rob Brent)

Discovered by Usher back in 04', they jumped straight on the scene with two tracks for the "In The Mix" movie soundtrack (which starred Usher and Emmanuelle Chiqui ;). They then had a huge hit (well what i thought) in "Look at her" which featured D4L's Fabo....Despite the nice vocals, good dance beat and catchy tune, the single resulted in a flop. Cats were not ready.
Five years and Hundreds of tracks later they join the Nappy Boy Entertainment roster. 


"Aint No Room For Talkin'" features production and appearances from T-Pain, Young Fyre, Bangladesh & Young Cash. This tape is not up-to par with their previous work, but still a must have for the R&B fans out there.

This new mix-tape features a couple of oldies: The deep ballad "So Emotional" (personal fave) which was meant to feature on their tape back in 06' and another track you might notice is T-Pain's "No Name" from 2008.
Tracklisting & download link below.

Download (Hulkshare)

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