Stream: The Olympians “Midnight Movement” MP3
There’s solo ventures in the works at Truth and Soul Records and there hasn’t been a peep about breaking up. The stigma of groups disbanding to give each other creative space, that’s hogwash to the T&S boys. They’ve made great music using mostly the same band members, just changing their name to fit the focus of the project—plain and simple. Next on deck is Toby Pazner’s full-length album.
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708 Words I Manifest In the Wake of GURU’s Death
“The rejected stone is now the cornerstone.” – GURU
Shame on me for taking GURU’s cancer lightly. Today Keith “GURU” Elam died, now the seriousness of his sickness is sinking in a lot more than when he was fighting for his life. This is coming from a grown DJ Treats, not the kid with DJ Rico (the old namesake) autographed by GURU and Premier on a 12″ copy of “You Know My Steez” and Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr on vinyl! Ain’t no shame in how dedicated I was to Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal.
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Parental Advisory: Jett I. Masstyr x Phyllis Hyman Mixtape
Check for updates on what your parent’s favorite musicians are doing in our weekly Parental Advisory post. This week’s soul pioneer still making a stamp on music: Phyllis Hyman.
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Quadron’s Debut Album Sets Off Spring
Scandinavia, you’ve done it again. Next week Europe’s northern region will bestow another great gift on the States, her name is Coco from the Danish pop group, Quadron. It’s about time too: new season, a new beginning where we say goodbye (for now) to the winter wifey Lykke Li, who was Sweden’s sultry pin-up chanteuse, and say hello Coco’s thicker, more confident tone.
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The Curious Case of Donell Jones
We love Donell Jones. His voice is like a buttercream bath and “Where I Wanna Be” turns us into 12 year-old girls pining for an unrequited love to be our boo. Sadly, years after the song dropped, Donell has tripped on a cliff and straight FELL OFF. He was up there with the best of ‘em lining his studio with underwear from fans when Trey Songz was saying “AHHH” for his pediatrician. (Don’t you dare pause!) Donell Jones had a strong start but apparently this song was his peak. How did so much talent get lost?
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Video: Get International Soul in Eurovision
For those of who you who have not been keeping up to date with the Eurovision Song Competition (this means non-Europeans stuck on FiOs), the 2010 songs are hitting YouTube, and there are a few you should definitely check out. A Suite903 favorite is Eva Rivas’ submission for Armenia called “Apricot Stone.” Eva’s vocals can compete with any female R&B vocalist in the U.S., once you get past the fruit-bearing title. Not as exciting as the sexually explicit material coming out of the states, but vocally exciting nonetheless. After Armenia, honorable mention goes out to Portugal with a solid performance by Filipa Azevedo on “Ha Dias Assim.” Romania would get a heavy nod too if they didn’t blatantly rip off a Lady Gaga riff (1:06), but it’s still worth checking out for a laugh.–Eric Sandler
Stream: Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings “I Learned The Hard Way”
Certain subjects belong with certain genres of music. Songs about cheating and heartbreak belong in soul because, well that kinda shit stirs a feeling that breaks down your entire mindset. It’s mostly because you are usually forced to step away from the inside of your mind and flip out on someone. Forget all the floor-shaking bass you get in current R&B songs. It’s also perfectly dramatic with the horns that always punctuate at just the right moment like the precious one savored for when Sharon Jones has you cussin’ and throwin’ clothes out the window with the best of them.
Her voice is powerful with just that kind of slight rasp that gives it the edginess needed to be a badass. Best part about listening to Sharon is that she never needs to hoot and holler. She commands the song simply by singing it, a sign of true talent. As for learning the hard way, we can also relate to you, Ms. Jones. The mass umbrella bones on the streets of NYC this morning reminded us that many folks took their water poof companions on a suicide mission this weekend; maybe to protect a fresh hairdo that was also lost in the foray. Come on guys they didn’t deserve that at all. Yet another scenario of heartbreak.–Judnick Mayard
Stream: Sharon Jones “I Learned The Hard Way”
Has Bobby Ray Got Nothing On Bruno Mars?
For four strong years between 2006 and now, Bobby Ray couldn’t get any play from the ladies. Dude tried his best: he rapped, produced, played guitar, even sang his own hooks for the most part. The downside is that self-proclaimed weirdo thing, which doesn’t get the panties dropping like a hook from Bruno Mars.
Suite903 DJ: DJ Spinna
Suite903: No.5 (Part 1)
DJ Spinna is something of an anomaly in music. A humbling example of what it takes to truly succeed within the framework of multiple fields. A steadfast work ethic, an obsessively extensive vinyl library and the willingness to pursue the full extents of his roots (Funk, Soul and Jazz), foundation (Hip-Hop) and future (Electronic/Dance music) with no restraints. A cornerstone of Hip-Hop’s late 90’s indie-uprise, DJ Spinna made much of his first impression on listeners as the musical background of his group The Jigmastas. Turning heads throughout the industry, Spinna’s sonics soon infiltrated numerous genres. Tapped by everyone from Mary J. Blige to Motown Records (for his brilliant Michael Jackson homage to “We’re Almost There”). It’s here his production presence would flourish greatly, as Spinna would go on to revive and revise Soulful marvels like Donald Byrd, Eddie Kendricks, Betty Carter, Roy Ayers and Al Jarreau. With so much studio work, it’s a marvel Spinna travels as much as he does. The constant, globe-trotting performances he’s become equally famed for have brought the DJ as far as Iceland, Australia, and South Africa as well as countless jaunts through England, Europe and the U.S. Not to forget, his hugely successful tours of Japan, where Spinna is held in the highest regard throughout the country for his craft in music. Its true that there are other likeminded DJ/Producers in the world comparable to DJ Spinna, but for the most part, they choose a genre and master it. Ask them to flip another variety with the same intense knowledge and sleek-savvy and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone that’ll do it to Spinna’s extent.
Listen: Suite903: No.5 (Part 1)
Suite903 DJ: Qool DJ Marv
Suite903: No. 4
There is a method to his magic in the way Qool DJ Marv presents and plays music. He tunes into the atmosphere of the venue and the energy of the people, and then he blends what he sees with what he hears. Intertwining many styles for many faces from many places, Qool DJ Marv captivates you with his blend. The effortless flow & continuously ascending momentum of his wide ranging sets is inviting, hypnotic, & breathtaking. Qool DJ Marv crafts an unforgettable feel good get down party where everyone in the room will hear something that they enjoy. It’s as if he knew you were coming.
An inventive pioneer, Qool DJ Marv deliberately defies categorization to great effect. An evening of Qool DJ Marv may include mind boggling array of selections spanning many eras and decades of music including Rhythm & Blues, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Latin, House, Jazz, Funk, Rock and Soul classics, and Eclectic beats from around the world.
It’s Qool DJ Marv’s laid-back demeanor and the playfully enchanting smile that you 1st notice. He’s genuinely pleased to meet you and despite his even keel, he’s bubbling at the thought of what he has in store for your listening, dancing, and celebratory pleasure. There’s an exuberant idealism in Marv’s appealing mix that bridges us all – with a universal vibe, everybody gets down.
Listen: Suite903: No.4
