Alter. Hip. Soul.

New Track: Drake - Crew Love ft. The Weeknd [R&B]

2011-11-07T17:46:00.002+11:00

Well, the whole "Take Care" album has leaked a week before due.
Drake said via his Twitter:

"I am not sure if the album leaked. But if it did thank god it doesn't happen a month early anymore." "Listen, enjoy it, buy it if you like it...and take care until next time."

Heres one of the tracks for your pleasure just played on 93.5 - You knew it was coming, an Abel-Aubrey collab. So far this is the only track I have been excited for. It delivered.
I'm not touching the leak, till my LP comes next week, neither should you. Listen to this gem untill then.

Drake - Take Care (Tracklist)

1. Over My Dead Body
2. Shot For Me
3. Headlines
4. Crew Love (Feat. The Weeknd)
5. Take Care (Feat. Rihanna)
6. Marvin’s Room / Buried Alive Interlude
7. Under Ground Kings
8. We’ll Be Fine
9. Make Me Proud (Feat. Nicki Minaj)
10. Lord Knows (Feat. Rick Ross)
11. Cameras / Good Ones Go Interlude
12. Doing It Wrong
13. The Real Her Ft. Lil Wayne x Andre 3000)
14. HYFR (Hell Ya Fuckin Right) (Feat. Lil Wayne)
15. Look What You’ve Done
16. Practice
17. The Ride

Bonus:
18. Hate Sleeping Alone
19. Untitled (Feat. Lil Wayne)

Videos of the Week: Wale, J. Cole, J*Davey, Michael Francis, V V Brown

2011-11-07T17:19:00.002+11:00

J*DaVey – ‘Whatchalookin/Kill 4 Fun [Alt-R&B]

Here goes the first official visuals off J*DaVey’s long awaited debut album New Designer Drug, dropping imminently.

Michael Francis - A [R&B]

New visual from the talented singer/emcee hailing from New Jersey, Michael Francis. The song will also find its way on Michael's upcoming project due out sometime in November which he titles Cold Heart Chronicles.

V V Brown featuring Chiddy Bang – Children [Indie]

British-born songstress V V Brown unveils her new video for the Chiddy Bang-assisted single "Children." The clip follows the singer channeling her inner kid by having fun on the sunny streets of Los Angeles.

Wale featuring J. Cole – Bad Girls Club [Rap]

Offered to us as Wale's summer anthem, his J. Cole-assisted "Bad Girls Club" single finally gets the visual treatment. Wale's Ambition is out now and available through iTunes.

Tracks of The Week: Childish Gambino, Drake, Lil Wayne, Shannell, Currensy, Slava

2011-11-07T16:56:00.001+11:00

Salva Feat. B Bravo – ‘Obsessed

‘Obsessed’ features the bass-hungry sonics Salva has become known for, along side B Bravo’s fantastic vocoder skills. Funky as. The track is lifted off Salva’s new EP Yellobone which is due out in November. Listen and download this tune for free below…

Curren$y - 1st Place

The first single from Curren$y's upcoming project Jet Life/Jet World Order "1st Place" features fellow Jets members Trademark Da Skydiver, Young Roddy & Sir Michael Rocks (of The Cool Kids). Jet Life/Jet World Order is due for release November 29 and is on pre-order via iTunes now.

Shanell ft. Lil Wayne & Drake – So Good (Prod. Cool & Dre)

Young Money artist Shanell must have figured it was a good time to release her collaboration with the two rappers. The song features a verse each from Wayne and Drake, singing from Shanell and production from duo Cool & Dre. Check it out below.

Childish Gambino – Heartbeat

Hot 97 has the premiering honors of a track from Childish Gambino's upcoming new album Camp. Titled "Heartbeat," the song is the latest display of Donald Glover's abilities on the mic and his interesting taste in choosing instrumentals. Camp is due November 15. radio rip below.

Video: Logic - All I Do [Rap]

2011-11-02T00:16:00.001+11:00

Ladies, this guy might not be one of the most attractive guys - but do we care? No. His lyricism is insane and flow is always on point. One of my favourite tracks of Logic's Young Sinatra mixtape. Get it here.

My main man Gumby is also featured in this. hah!

Video: The Internet - Cocaine [Alt-R&B]

2011-11-01T14:04:00.000+11:00

The Internet contains Syd the Kyd on vocals and Matt Martian handling production. The past couple weeks have seen the duo release tracks "Love Song -1" and "They Say". Now, The Internet is ready to release their debut album, Purple Naked Ladies, coming at the end of this year from Odd Future Records. Today, the group releases the video for "Cocaine" as a special Halloween treat via Odd Future's Tumblr.

Buy on iTunes.

Propz to HT.

New Track: Dog Is Dead – Hands Down [Indie]

2011-10-30T19:31:00.000+11:00

Some Indie for ya, without the looped vocals.
This new 5 piece UK Indie Outfit are getting ready to release their ‘Hands down‘ CD single tomorrow. I'm loving these guy's positive and relaxed vibe throughout their tracks. Slick chilled instrumentation along with a catchy hook - this track will definitly be on its way to the Triple J charts.

New Track/Video: New Look - Nap On The Bow [Alt-Electronic]

2011-10-30T18:41:00.000+11:00

I am definitely digging the sounds from Canadian electro-pop duo (and real-life married couple) New Look. Their self-titled debut dropped last month with the lead single being “Nap On The Bow”. It has a great laid-back vibe that compliments Sarah Ruba’s peaceful vocals perfectly.
Check out the video below and download in CDQ here.

New Track: Hard Mix - I Wonder Why You Cry [Post-Dub/Alt-Electronic]

2011-10-30T18:34:00.000+11:00

New Post-Dub infused Alt-Electronic vibe from Hard Mix. The up-tempo beat, looped soul vocals and the Chopped and screwed bridge make this a great one for the Dancefloor, study or chill sesh. Whatever. Just Listen and let us know what you think.

New Track: Tyrese - Nothing On you [R&B]

2011-10-30T18:21:00.000+11:00

One of all time favourite R&B crooners, Tyrese is finally back with a new album - Open Invitation. Production is by Brandon Alexander, R. Kelly and David Banner and features Rick Ross, R. Kelly, Candace, Jay Rock and Ludacris. The album's lead single was "Stay" and it peaked on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at #35. "Too Easy", is the second single - out now.
I picked up a pre-realease copy, and to be honest I expected a pile of s*** - but was very pleased with the album (maybe it was the expectation bar reasoning). Either way if your a R&B fan, You should support him and buy his new album on November 1st.
Check out "Nothing On You" one of me fave from cut.

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

2011-10-30T18:07:00.000+11:00

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.

Video: Jill Scott Ft. Paul Wall – So Gone (What My Mind Says) [R&B/Soul]

2011-10-30T17:46:00.000+11:00

Jill Scott’s The Light of the Sun album was not all that great. Scott's voice is always beautiful, but most of the tracks (including this one, felt empty). Paul Wall doesn't do much for me either.
I guess what I look for (in all artists) is artistic evolution and that’s something I unfortunately failed to see this time round.

Video: Mary J. Blige - 25/8 [R&B]

2011-10-30T17:40:00.000+11:00

MJB is the "Queen of Hip Hop Soul", but unfortunately not too many R&B fiends have been appreciative of her most recent material. I was never really sold on this record and the video does not help at all. Her vocals are a hit tho.

New Cover: Coldplay - We Found Love (Rihanna Cover) [Soft Rock]

2011-10-30T17:25:00.002+11:00

I'm not normally one to post too many covers, but this one is a great exception. Colplay performed their rendition of Calvin Harris & Rihanna's "We Found Love" last week on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge. The well-structured and beautiful instrumentation will make you forget about the dirty dutch horns that are featured on the original. Hopefully they have studio recorded this and a CDQ wil be out soon. Be on the lookout, and peep the video below.

Shout outs to Staltari for putting me on.
One.

Artist Check: Rimar - Higher Ground Mixtape/Video [Alt-R&B]

2011-10-29T17:05:00.001+11:00

Received a little drop of goodness in my inbox today. New comer, Rimar unleashes the video for "Higher Ground". The track has that old school funk vibe, but brings a alternative freshness to it - with the synths, guitar strings and qwerky beat. Check out the whole "Higher Ground:" EP below.
Lovin' It. Mickydees.

New Track: Julian - Lust Spell [Indie R&B]

2011-10-29T16:51:00.000+11:00

New one from Alternative R&B crooner, Julian. Blackhearts mixtape out soon.
L&D below!

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

2011-10-29T15:14:00.001+11:00

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).

New Track: Lana Del Rey – Blue Jeans (Syd the Kid Remix) [Alternative]

2011-10-29T15:05:00.000+11:00

I'm loving all the remixes/covers of the beautiful Lana Del Rey's material. They are coming in all at once, but this one stood out.
Call me bias, but just knowing Odd Future girl wonder Syd the kid is behind this remix immediately urgered me to listen a bit more attentively than others out on the web. I was right to – this is dark, floaty and hypnotic. The right amount of Odd Future underneath Lana’s orginal vocals. Check it below.

New Track: Wale - Ambition ft. Rick Ross & Meek Millz [Rap]

2011-10-29T15:00:00.000+11:00

The promotional run for Wale's Ambition is in full effect. Here is the project's title track featuring Rick Ross and Meek Millz. This track is ill.
Ambition drops November 1. Download & Listen below.

Video: Hoodie Allen - James Franco [Rap]

2011-10-29T14:58:00.000+11:00

New Visuals for "James Franco" by Hoodie. This track is off Hoodie Allen's latest mixtape Leap Year, which you can find here.

Video: Mac Miller - Party on 5th Ave [Rap]

2011-10-29T14:53:00.000+11:00

new visuals from Macolm off his Blue Slide Park debut album out November 8th.

Video: Swiss & Buxx - Bed (Jam-Edit) [Local R&B/Rap]

2011-10-29T14:51:00.000+11:00

Polynesian blokes Buxx and Swiss do a cover for J. Holiday's "Bed", Buxx on the rap, Swiss on the vocals. Big Up to QKrew.

New Track/Video: Lazy J - Truth Is [Rap]

2011-10-29T14:45:00.000+11:00

Lazy J's new track, Truth Is. Produced by IronManny and the visual is directed by Mohamad Mustapha. Australian Urban scene on the comeup.

Video: Common - Blue Sky [Hip-Hop]

2011-10-29T13:17:00.000+11:00

New visuals from Lonnie, taken off his forthcoming album The Dreamer, The Believer. Favourite Hip-Hop Track right now.

[R&B] New Track/The Resurgence of Day26...

2011-10-29T11:09:00.001+11:00

The boys have Day26 (Making the band 4) have announced their return to the limelight with a new song entitled ‘Made Love Lately’. However, now that Qwanell has left the band and they have been freed from their contract at Bad Boy Records, the quartet are using other inventive methods to promote their upcoming ‘A New Day’ album, including a web series.

Its good to see that Day26 have not given up on their careers. Despite the various issues that they have encountered in the past – arguably as a result of Diddy’s horrible guidance and Qwanell's emotional conflicts with Willie – they are definitely more promising as a group than as solo acts.

‘Made Love Lately’ is a solid R&B record with excellent harmonies from the remaining four members. Although they clearly had some studio assistance with their notes, they crafted an impressive song.‘Made Love Lately’ was produced by Jim Beanz and is the first official release from ‘A New Day’ on Atlantic Records. Listen and download below:

The Urban market – and the industry in general – is missing an R&B group. As we wait for a girl group to rise to the forefront of the charts, Day26 would be excellent flagship figures for the rebirth of the R&B movement. Here is the first of their web-series.

Video: XV - U.F.C [Rap]

2011-10-27T13:04:00.000+11:00

XV is one of the hottest rappers in the game right now. In order to further add fuel to the hype, he drops a new visual from his Zero Heroes mixtape for "U.F.C." Dope-nessss.