She's So Offbeat

Free.99 Deal of the Week: Zo! - ...Just Visiting Too

2009-11-11T11:57:00.005-06:00

From the producer of my FAVORITE EP of last year ("Zo! and Tigallo Love The 80s") as well as his work with The Foreign Exchange, Zo! brings the heat with his latest project ...Just Visiting Too

With such clean production and skilled musicianship combined with dope features from the Foreign Exchange family, I'm truthfully amazed that this project is actually free. Seriously, you NEED this in your collection ASAP. Get this EP now!!!!

Download
Zo! - ...Just Visiting Too

Video of the Day: Cherri V ft. Wiley - "Skool Daze"

2009-10-28T10:09:00.005-05:00

I already told you about up-and-coming chanteuse, Cherri V a while back, but now she's back with another hot single and teamed up with fellow UK star, Wiley for her new hit, "Skool Daze". Check it out!

Cover It!: Pride & Glory - "Come Together (The Beatles Cover)"

2009-10-21T10:21:00.003-05:00

Pride & Glory are a Southern rock band fronted by Ozzy Osbourne guitarist, Zakk Wylde who also sings. Maybe it's my Southern roots that attracted me to this unexpected cover, but it's still hot no matter where you're from. With a piano-heavy melody and Wylde's rocky/soulful vocal, this cover can't lose.

Pride & Glory - "Come Together (The Beatles Cover)"

Video of the Day: Leela James - "Baby, I'm Scared of You"

2009-10-16T11:54:00.003-05:00

Actually this should be a "Cover It" post too, but I'm gonna let it slide. This video has been on my radar for some months because I own Leela James' latest album of covers, Let's Do It Again, but "Baby, I'm Scared of You" is my favorite track from the cd. Peep the vid!

Late Pass: Esperanza Spalding

2009-10-08T17:52:00.002-05:00

Hand me my late pass on Miss Esperanza Spalding because I should've known about her from the jump.

Listening to the radio this morning, this Portland native has an absolutely amazing voice that sucked me in, and when I checked out her discography I came to this conclusion.: This chick is the T-R-U-T-H. 1) She plays violin and upright and electric bass. 2) She sings in 3 languages: Portuguese, Spanish, and English. 3) She cang SANG!

If you don't listen to another song today, at least listen to this track,"Precious", and fall in love with Esperanza's talent.

Esperanza Spalding - "Precious"

Dope Albums You've Probably Never Heard: The RH Factor - Hard Groove

2009-10-07T09:21:00.006-05:00

Hard Groove is absolutely one of my favorite jazz/soul albums not only from Roy Hargrove's RH Factor, but of all time.

This is not your typical jazz album. Released in 2003, the Grammy-nominated Hard Groove has so many gems and so many prolific artists that it was hard for me to pick my 3 favorite tracks so I'm giving you all 4 tracks. Roy Hargrove made his band, The RH Factor, do the damn thing and put an album together that is so smooth and chill yet thought-provoking at the same time. With appearances from artists such as D'Angelo, Common, Erykah Badu, and Anthony Hamilton, I really don't have to say much more to convince you all how beyond amazing this album is.

My 4 Favorite Tracks Are...

Track 3 - "I'll Stay (ft. D'Angelo)" - When I rant on an on about FEELING music and you can't understand me, listen to this song and I DARE YOU not to feel anything. There's so much soul and feeling in this track that refuses to be ignored. I think the organ and D'Angelo's church-like vocals did me in. The music is so deep it'll have you singing "I'll staaaaaaay" even if you're NOT in a relationship.

Track 6 - "Poetry (ft. Q-Tip, Erykah Badu, & Meshell Ndegeocello)" - I love how Q-Tip starts the track out with his signature tone, and then Mama Badu brings in the easy neo-soulful transition. It's a perfect chill-out track.

Track 11 - "Kwah/Home (ft. Anthony Hamilton)" - I'm an Anthony Hamilton stan anyway, but the opening movement (or the "Kwah") of this song captured me. When I first received this album years ago, I had to listen to it over and over again.

Track 12 - "How I Know (ft. Shelby Johnson)" - This is my favorite track not only because it's cute and lovey dovey, but because Shelby Johnson's vocals carry a certain depth while maintaining an ease and softness. It's the perfect song to describe love on a mature level, but it's still light enough to enjoy.

Cover It!: Get Cape.Wear Cape.Fly - D.A.N.C.E. (Justice Cover)

2009-10-05T14:43:00.000-05:00

I love how this remix is a uniquely acoustic spin on the recent electro hit. Check out Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly's take on Justice's "D.A.N.C.E."

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly - D.A.N.C.E. (Justice Cover)

On The Watch: Jared Evan

2009-10-02T10:00:00.003-05:00

Jared Evan is a rising force in the r&b/hip-hop game, and his track "Headphones" is proof of it. "Headphones" what I like to call a "sneak-up". This is one of those songs that you listen to, and without even realizing, you're immediately vibing and feeling it. With Jared providing the vocals and flow, "Headphones" is a smooth chilled out track that definitely has that repeat button factor.

Jared Evan - Headphones

You NEED This Album: Candice Ivory - path - undefined

2009-09-30T22:45:00.001-05:00

You might as well say "thank you" in advance because once you hear Candice Ivory's debut album, path - undefined, your outlook on soul music will be changed.

Honestly, this is probably one of the best albums you've never heard. Although I've had this in my collection for some years, path - undefined is always one of those albums that I could pull out and still play like it's brand new. It's just that damn good!!! Mainly sticking with a neo-soul/jazz sound, Memphis native Ivory allows you to feel the soulfulness of every track even when she moves into a different genre.

My 3 Favorite Tracks Are...

Track 2 - "You Don't Have To Say It Back" - Very cool song that starts out as a smooth and soulful track with a surprising drum n' bass ending.

Track 3 - "Searchin'" - I can definitely relate to this one lyrically (and that's another story for a different blog), but the live instrumentation gives the song feeling and meaning.

Track 6 - "Scorpio Song" - Easily my favorite because of it's rockiness and depth, and again the musicianship is beyond amazing.

That's My SHIT!: Madonna ft. Lil Wayne - "Revolver"

2009-09-30T20:51:00.003-05:00

This track is pure pop perfection with an extremely catchy hook, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I love it!!!! Check it out.

Madonna ft. Lil Wayne - "Revolver"

Video of the Day: Sam & Ruby - "This I Know"

2009-09-30T10:46:00.002-05:00

Can I just take a second to state how proud I am to be from Nashville? I'm so full of hometown glory that it ain't even funny. Thanks to acts like Paramore, Kings of Leon, All-Star, and others, Nashville is a force to be reckoned with, and Nashville-based duo Sam & Ruby are adding to that reputation. I've only recently come across their work, but Sam & Ruby have an undeniable chemistry and ease about their music and presence that it's truly contagious. Check out this vid of them performing "This I Know" from their album, The Here and The Now.

Album Review: Calvin Harris - Ready for the Weekend

2009-09-29T22:01:00.001-05:00

Though (obviously) my music tastes vary, I'm secretly a techno/house/nu disco head. A great beat, dope melody, and mad pulse will get me moving every time, but what makes this album stand out is its ability to cohesively blend traditional dance tracks with other genres and that's what made me fall in love with Calvin Harris' sophomore effort, Ready for the Weekend.

Harris being a DJ and producer knows how to make you move, but this album is proof of him having it down to a science. In every single song, there's a certain pulse that makes your head nod and your toe tap, and without even thinking you're feeling the beat. Ready for the Weekend definitely brings a fresh spin to the often generalized genre of dance music by adding instrumental elements that even the most anti-techno/house activist could appreciate. Harris seamingly brings together a collection of tracks that is party perfect and (as corny as it sounds and I promise to never be this cheesy again) got me ready for the weekend.

My 3 Favorite Tracks Are...

Track 8 - "Worst Day of My Life (ft. Izza Kizza)" - I love how acoustic and bouncy this song is. It kinda reminds me of Andre 3000's "Love in War" from The Love Below.

Track 12 - "Yeah Yeah Yeah La La La" - Truthfully I love this song because it's severely catchy. I found myself subconciously singing "Yeah yeah yeah. La la la...la la la la!" way after I heard it the first time.

Track 13 - "Dance Wiv Me (w/ Dizzee Rascal & Chrome)" - This collabo was first released as one of Dizzee's singles from last year, and it was an immense success (4 weeks at #1???) so of course it had to make an appearance on Harris' album. It's definitely my favorite track because of Dizzee's signature grime style mixed with Chrome's R&B vocals and Harris' disco production.

Free.99 Deal of the Week: Future the Artist - Overnight Mixtape Vol. 4

2009-09-29T14:06:00.002-05:00

I already told y'all about my hometown homie, Future the Artist, but for the past few weeks, he's embarked upon a project of overnight mixtapes (which he often tweets about while in progress) that solidify his will to grind. Check out his latest, Overnight Mixtape Vol. 4, as well as his other mixtapes on his blog, but here's my favorite track "615 City Reppa".

Future the Artist - "615 City Reppa"

That's My SHIT!: La Roux - "Bulletproof (Nacey Remix)"

2009-09-28T14:45:00.000-05:00

When I tell y'all that this is THE SLICKEST REMIX I'VE HEARD THIS YEAR, I'm not exaggerating one bit. Just...listen for your self and listen to the ENTIRE track because this is...this is just beyond SICK!

La Roux - "Bulletproof (Nacey Remix)"

Album Review: "Exit Music: Songs with Radio Heads"

2009-09-22T10:49:00.000-05:00

Admittingly, before I listened to this Radiohead tribute album, I was only an admirer of their work. I had a few of my favorite tracks from them here and there, but after listening to Exit Music: Songs with Radio Heads, I'm now a HUGE fan.

I came upon the whole album based on Sia's (whom you already know I stan for) chilling cover of "Paranoid Android", and from there I decided to check out the entire album. Thank Sweet Baby Jesus I did because this is probably the best tribute album I've ever heard. With a wide range of genres (ranging from funk, jazz, neo-soul, and folk) to an even more eclectic range of artists (Mark Ronson, Meshell Ndegeocello, Sa-Ra, The Randy Watson Experience), Exit Music: Songs with Radio Heads will definitely have a song for anybody...even if you aren't a Radiohead fan.

My 3 favorite tracks are...

Track 1 - Shawn Lee - "No Surprises" - Even though it was originally on OK Computer (my personal favorite), I began to really love this song after it was featured in one of my favorite films "L'Auberge Espagnole" (Sidenote: Check it out if you've never seen it because it's a really dope movie), and Shawn Lee does the track full justice. He captures Thom Yorke's original weariness and makes it a little more soulful

Track 4 - Bilal - "High & Dry" - Can I just take a second to say how much I love Bilal? He can do no wrong, and therefore this track is automatically dope.

Track 11 - Sia - "Paranoid Android" - The first time I heard this track...y'all. I got chills and a little bit teary-eyed because it was so chilling, beautiful, haunting, and moving all at once. I actually love this cover better than the original because Sia's voice captures the mood and moves with each movement within the song. Simply put, this track is musically perfect.

That's My SHIT!: Basement Jaxx - "Scars"

2009-09-19T15:28:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a true Jaxx stan, so you know that I was beyond joy to find out that they're releasing their new album next week titled, Scars. I've been lucky enough to preview the entire album (which boasts appearances from Sam Sparro and Santigold among others), but my favorite track is the title track "Scars". I love the entire composition from melody to beat, and the vocals (featuring emcee Chipmunk as well as singers Meleka and Kelis) are haunting yet comforting so it makes for a perfectly complex Basement Jaxx single. Peep it for yourselves.

Basement Jaxx - "Scars"

Cover It: The Noisettes - When You Were Young (The Killers Cover)

2009-08-13T13:54:00.003-05:00

Indie darlings, The Noisettes, have garnered much acclaim over the past few years, but this particular cover of The Killers' 2006 alt-rock hit "When You Were Young" grabbed my attention. I love how lead singer, Shingai Shoniwa still maintains the folksy mood of the song, but gives it a lighter and soulful touch. Check it out.

The Noisettes - When You Were Young (The Killers Cover)

On The Watch: Cherri V.

2009-08-05T22:13:00.000-05:00

I don't know much about this up-and-coming singer from the UK, but I do know that she's dope. With a style and vibe all her own, Cherri V brings a different flavor to the music game with a genre-bending sound. Peep her video for her single, "Til The Sun Comes Up".

You NEED This Album: G.o.D. Jewels "Glory or Death"

2009-07-22T09:55:00.001-05:00

Putting on for Chi City, G.o.D. Jewels does his city and the rap game proud with his mixtape Glory or Death.

This mixtape is truly what the game needs. Like a breath of fresh air, G.o.D. Jewels' sound combines grit, heart, and intelligence into an extremely smooth flow of songs with an eclectic array of beats that don't overpower G.o.D. Jewels' clever worldplay. Not only does he know how to use a beat to it's full advantage, he also makes you listen to his words. He's spitting mad science, and even though you're rockin' with the beats, you still get caught up in his cunning vernacular, thus making you feel his words rather than hearing them. Oh...and did I mention that you can get it for Free.99 from his website? So you have no excuse to be lacking this in your collection. None.

My favorite tracks are...

Track 1 - "Jewels" - A proper intro into his flow, G.o.D. Jewels rides this beat and at the same time gives us an insight not into WHO he is, but WHY he is. Dopeness.

Track 8 - "3-2 Gang (ft. J-Diction)" - This is one of the tracks that piqued my interest and made me listen. While my head was steady noddin' to the beat, I was listening and trying to keep up with this sick flow.

Track 16 - "Ain't No Way (ft. Ambrosia)" - Another track that features Jewels' versatility, "Ain't No Way" is smooth and rough at the same time, and it's a perfect outro to a complete hip hop listening experience.

Video of the Day: Tyler Woods - "Prove Myself"

2009-07-16T00:04:00.000-05:00

Tried to take a break, buuuuuuut I. Had. To. Post. This.

Folks, this guy has IT. Swagger, talent, and a sound that fits without compromising his voice, Tyler Woods is about to take the game by storm. Plus he sang on my favorite Camp Lo track, "Gotcha". Check out his single "Prove Myself", and look forward to hearing more about him in the near future.

Mos Def - The Ecstatic

2009-06-12T13:46:00.003-05:00

Mos is BACK!!! ::cue screams, applause, and a Ric Flair "Wooooo!"::

I'm so excited about one of my favorite emcees of all-time releasing a new album that I just had to share this with y'all. This isn't gonna be a full-on review, but let me just tell you this: If you haven't peeped Mos Def's newest LP, The Ecstatic...you're LATE!

Get it now and get it here for the low low.

Oh...and you're welcome.

On the Watch: Future the Artist

2009-05-24T16:31:00.003-05:00

Allow me to introduce you to one of Nashville's own up-and-coming all-around talented artists that you won't soon forget, Future the Artist.

While he is known for being the frontman for the incomparable Biscuits & Gravy Band (check them out too!), Future's also on his solo thizzle as a rapper/singer with a sound that's just as unique as his look. With a clean sharp flow and dope beats, Future the Artist is sure to be on your iPod or Zune in the near future. In fact, hit up his blog and download his mixtapes for free. In the meantime, check out one of my favorite tracks from The Sci Fly LP called "Product of the Game".

Future the Artist - "Product of the Game"

You NEED This Album: Jaspects - The Polkadotted Stripe

2009-05-19T21:57:00.002-05:00

This album review is overdue. Only due to the fact that I've had to take the copy of the album out of the cd player in my car. It hasn't left since I bought it at their show the night before my birthday. That was April 24th...

The "You NEED This Album" title is an understatement. As soon as you finish reading this review, you need to go to cdbaby or iTunes, and get The Polkadotted Stripe in your life IMMEDIATELY. I've been rockin' with Jaspects since my Spelman days (as I previously mentioned when I featured "Unifunk" awhile back) and I've had the pleasure of seeing them live more than once so I knew that this album was gonna be good, but even as a fan, I didn't expect it to be THIS great.

Their motto has always been "redefining all aspects of Jazz", and through each album they've released, they make that motto ring true, but The Polkadotted Stripe takes that motto to a completely different level and gives us an aural manifestation of what true futuristic music is like without completly deviating from their classical jazz roots. From the seamless transitions to the harmonic blending of genres, Jaspects effortlessly create music that you will make you fall in love with the sound of real music all over again.

My 3 favorite tracks are...

Track 3 - "Polkadotted Stripes" - FAVORITE! This track blends futuristic, hip hop, jazzy sounds into multiple movements. Clearly it's hard for me to describe, but it's just that dope.

Track 5 - "Unifunk" - Again. Dopeness. The End.

Track 8 - "Find My Way To Love (ft. Chantae Cann)" - Ok, so you have to listen to the previous track on the album ("Be Your Man"), but the seamless transition from a futuristic sound to a traditional jazz track is absolutely mind-blowing. Plus Chantae's voice gives the song such a chill vibe.

Really. Go Get This Album...NOW!!!

That's My SHIT!: Jib Kidder - "Windowdipper"

2009-05-16T22:24:00.002-05:00

Oh...Em...Gee.

This song is officially gonna be the most played track on my iPod for the next month or so.Let me be the first to say that I'm actually hella late, but this post is better late than never because this shit is PURE FIRE!!! I can't even describe how dope and unique this track is so just listen for yourself.

Jib Kidder - "Windowdipper"

On the Watch: Melody Gardot

2009-05-12T23:33:00.000-05:00

Remember Melody Gardot's face because you'll definitely never forget her voice.

I literally JUST fell in love with her sound about 15 minutes ago and I couldn't wait to share her amazing talent with you all. Just peep the vid. I'm semi-speechless.