Breakfast with Imani Brown (Artist)

She’s just DOPE! I know you saying why listen to me, so that’s why all I have to say is she is dope!! We decided to meet up for this Breakfast with to catch up on the inspirational talks we usually have but soon found opportunities and collaborations start to take place. So check out the photos while we discuss opportunities and collaborations…

Oh and there was laughter too…

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Let Indian Pussy Brand PAINT YOUR DAY BRIGHT!

The intersection of black America and rock music has always been a bit of enigma.   After transforming the traditional folk music of blues into a powerful new sound rock music seemed to quickly fade from the conscience of the black masses.   Rock music still finds a home in small segments of the black community even sometimes blossoming into commercial acclaim like such bands as Fishbone, Living Colour and TV On The Radio.   Joining the current small enclave of underground black rock bands with an impressive debut EP entitled “About And Above” is Redline Graffiti.

The four piece band, based out of Washington, DC, consists of Drew Moten (Vocals/Bass/Synth keyboard,) Ajene Harly (guitar), Ebony Smith (drums,) and Donald Martin (Vocals/Keyboard/drums) and they build upon the current trend of electro-influenced rock on their first release.   Despite its dark and atmospheric lo-fidelity sound that gives the EP an indie garage band feel, the songwriting and musical arrangements shine through like pop records.  It is this strange balance that makes Redline Graffiti standout and so enjoyable to listen too.   Strangely enough, the sound is perfect for both graffiti watching while riding you local metro line on a sunny day and for nighttime play – perhaps to serve as mood music at the crib for the 4am after party with a small group of homies.

Check out the “About And Above” EP from Redline Graffiti and see why black rock may fade but will never die.

Ghostpoet has been on our radar for a while, and the Mercury Music Prize nominee teamed up with another Couch Sessions fave for this stunning video. Check it. (via Pinboard)

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We have long been fans of Atlanta’s Brittany Bosco here on The Couch. The singer is steady reinventing her place in the world, working with post-punk band Tendaberry as well as some members of Washed Out, the group has dropped a new sound on the world, with her Let Go of Me EP dropping soon. The first cut, “Joker”, is a banger. Check it.

You didn’t know? Fiona Apple is back in the spotlight with new tour dates and new music on the way. Although I’m not thinking that anything can replace the legendary Tidal I’m definately trying to be in the audience for her return. Tour dates and SXSW below.

03/15 – Austin, TX: Central Presbyterian Church (Pitchfork SXSW Showcase)
03/19 – Chicago, IL: Lincoln Hall
03/21 – Washington, DC: Sixth and I
03/23 – Brooklyn, NY: Music Hall of Williamsburg
03/24 – Atlantic City, NJ: Music Box
03/26 – New York, NY: Bowery Ballroom
03/27 – Boston, MA: Royale

Back when I was first writing this blog, I stumbled across a rather amazing LA musician called A Race of Angels. His 2004 album Broadcast no. 1 is still considered one of the best of the decade. But after a while he disappeared. Thankfully he’s back on the scene with this mix thanks to Portland’s Fresh Selects as well as a new EP on iTunes.

And check out one of my favorite songs of last decade, Afrika Displaced:

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WOW. I’m simply blown away by this track by the Europe via LA duo Rhye. With over 10,000 Soundcloud plays already, we see that others are feeling this track as well. Not much is known about the duo, but we do know that Quadron’s Robin Hannibal is behind the boards. Check it.

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DJ Eko isn’t just a good friend of mine. She also turns out to be a great DJ too. (I kid!) Her Soultronica mix that she did for Okayplayer is stellar mixup of forward thinking R&B. There are some rather amazing and choice cuts on this laid back mix. Enjoy.

Tracklist:
Hudson Mohawk+Robin Hannibal+Myele Manzanza : Ain’t Nobody Like You
Joker : On My Mind
Frank Ocean : We All Try
The Weeknd : What You Need (Prison Garde Rmx)
OOoOO : No Summer4U
Kelly Rowland : Motivation (Jacques Greene Rmx)
James Drake : Wilhelm’s Fucking Best
TV on The Radio : Love Dog
Subeena+Jamie Woon : Solidify
Ifan Dafydd : No Good
SBTRKT : Never Never
Little Dragon : Ritual Union (Tensnake Rmx)
Salva : Keys Open Doors (MachineDrum Rmx)
Cecil : Bossom
Jay Haze+Laila Tov : Tonight
Tiombe Lockhart : Drifter
Goapele+Los Rakas : Play
Vida Jafari : The People
Mar : Inglewood
Miguel : Sure Thing (Brook D’Leau Rmx)
Lunice : Out of Touch
New Edition : A Little Bit of Love (Brenmar Rmx)
Sade : By Your Side (Cottonbelly Rmx)
J*Davey : Get Together

Every year, Donuts Are Forever becomes a mecca for Dilla fans to pay respect to the fallen producer, who passed away 6 years ago. Like always, Donuts has become a family reunion. I bumped into people from DC, Philly, and even California. The venue was packed by 9PM, and seeing so much positivity at Brooklyn Bowl ensured to me that hip-hop is very much alive. Young, old, black, white, asisan–everyone was in the building and down to have a good time.

The sounds were provided by Neil Armstrong and Prince Paul, but it was none other than DJ Getlive who did just that. Get everybody live in the building with a great selection of Dilla classics like the ubiquitous ”Fuck The Police,” and “Stakes Is High.”  And special props go out to Don Will and Von P of Tanya Morgan who played hypemen for the entire 5 hour show.

All in all, it was a great night of fellowship and dance. I saw people who once had beef hug on the dance floor. I just hope we can recreate this spirit and legacy on a daily basis, and not just once a year.

Now that dubstep has pretty much got a lock on the US market, a few of us in The States are hoping that grime will somehow take over in The States. Or at least cats will start rapping over dubstep beats. This new track from Skepta provides the template for a good grime track. His homage to his boy Tinchy Stryder has one of the best beats I’ve heard this year. Jump on this.

It seems like Santigold’s last release “Big Mouth” went nowhere when it dropped last month. Maybe that’s because it reused the dwali rhythm that we’ve become sick of thanks to Major Lazer and Beyonce. That’s neither here nor there, as the follow up “Disparate Youth,” more than makes up for it. Santi’s long awaited follow up album Master of My Make Believe drops soon.

Click here to view the embedded video.