VIDEO | Kanye West Unveils “New Slaves”

Posted on May 18, 2013 by amir jamar

Yet again, Kanye West has proven why he is way ahead of the pack.

Prepping fans for his performance during tonight’s episode of Saturday Night Live, King Ye debuted a brand new song via projected visuals displayed on buildings across the world. On the fiery “New Slaves,” the multi-talented rapper returns to the fearlessly provocative shit-talker that we’ve all grown to either love or hate. Tackling everything from race to an attack on greedy corporations, it’s safe to say that Yeezy is back with a vengeance.

From the brilliant way that he has launched the project to the the brutally honest delivery of the track’s lyricism, Kanye reminds us that he reigns over a league of his own. Watch the video below.

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…AND THIS IS WHY I LOVE KANYE WEST

Posted on May 16, 2013 by amir jamar

I’ve ranted plenty o’ times here on SOM about Kanye West so today, I’ll spare you. Instead, I’ll leave it to this brief clip of Ye’s rant during last night’s Adult Swim Upfront Party in New York.

Addressing his upcoming performance on Saturday Night Live this weekend (I couldn’t be any more excited) and his latest clash with the ever-obnoxious paparazzi, Kanye reiterated why he is one of the most misunderstood pop stars on the planet. While it isn’t anything special or provocative, it’s just a little something for all of those “Kanye is insane,” “Kanye is an asshole,” or any other inaccurate theories surrounding his name.

And I’ll just leave it at that. Watch after the jump.

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NEW MUSIC | The Preatures – “Is This How You Feel?”

Posted on May 14, 2013 by amir jamar

On The Preatures‘ “Is This How You Feel?,” the fivesome flirt with elements of nostalgic rock n’ roll, funk and soul to create one irresistible musical delicacy. The band may be new to my radar, but after playing this track non-stop this morning, I am clearly obsessed. Stream the track below and get your copy on iTunes now.

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NEW MUSIC | Rubie Evans – “It’s Okay”

Posted on May 14, 2013 by amir jamar

Sometimes, we all need music that gives us the truth in the simplest way. And that’s just what Rubie Evans does on her new single, “It’s Okay.” With its raw delivery of pain, emotion and honesty, from the moment that it begins, the track is undeniably piercing. There is no run-around with this one; Rubie gets right to the point and tells it how it is.

Stream “It’s Okay” and download it for free below.

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NEW MUSIC | Ta-ku – “I Love Beyoncé”

Posted on May 9, 2013 by amir jamar

Following the release of Drake’s “Girls Love Beyoncé,” quite a few rappers and producers have also joined in the celebration of the Bootylicious One with their own renditions of the track.

Reworking the song into an infectious four-minute jam, Ta-ku‘s “I Love Beyoncé” certainly stands out from the other revamped versions. Placing Bey, Drake and James Faunterloy’s vocals over an experimental fusion of electronic and trap production, there is just something irresistible about this one.

“I Love Beyoncé” will appear on Ta-ku’s forthcoming Re-Twerk Vol. 2 and can be streamed below.

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LIVE | Kanye West Previews New Album at Met Gala

Posted on May 7, 2013 by amir jamar

With rumors surrounding his upcoming project continuing to accumulate, it seems that we are finally getting closer and closer to indulging in Kanye West‘s sixth solo album. Much to the delight of his fans, during last night’s Met Gala, Kanye was tapped as one of the ceremony’s performers and excitingly unveiled new material.

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NEW MUSIC | Young Wonder – “Electrified”

Posted on May 7, 2013 by amir jamar

From start to finish, Young Wonder‘s “Electrified” is electro-pop perfection. With it’s finely-crafted production, the track grips you from the first moment that it begins; when the quirky lead vocals enter, the addictive quality is intensified as all of the different elements of the song work to create music that is irresistibly unique and intriguing. Find out for yourself by streaming it below.

“Electrified” is lifted from Young Wonder’s Show Your Teeth EP.

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NEW MUSIC | Say Lou Lou – “Fool of Me” [feat. Chet Faker]

Posted on May 7, 2013 by amir jamar

On Say Lou Lou‘s “Fool of Me,” the duo exemplify what it means to say a lot without saying much at all. With it’s combination of frank and to-the-point lyrics and alluringly melancholy production, the Chet Faker-assisted track is both relatable and undeniably catchy.

“Fool of Me” appears on Say Lou Lou’s new Julian EP, out today on iTunes.

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HEY, BEYONCÉ…WHERE’S THE NEW MUSIC?

Posted on May 2, 2013 by amir jamar

When I wrote this article nearly five months ago, I thought that by now, we would have already heard (and hopefully obsessed over) the lead single from Beyoncé‘s new album. Sadly, after a massive 2013 thus far—headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show, airing her HBO documentary, launching her world tour—we’ve only indulged in bits and pieces of the project.

With the arrival of May finally upon us, one can’t help but wonder when we will get an official taste of album #5. What started as a new, organized and promising campaign (unlike her run with 2011′s 4) is becoming increasingly confusing by the day. As she has already missed a few major promotional opportunities to coincide the first single’s release with, has Bey made a mistake by waiting too long to release new material?

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UNHEARD | Fantasia – “Two Weeks Notice”

Posted on May 2, 2013 by amir jamar

While music lovers have been ranting and raving about her new album, Side Effects of You (and the stellar performances of its lead single, “Lose to Win”), we thought that we’d shed light one of our other all-time Fantasia favorites. Lifted from her self-titled sophomore album, “Two Weeks Notice” illustrates why the LP remains one of 2006′s most underrated works.

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SOM SONG OF THE WEEK | Mensah – “Should Have Known” [feat. Katy Shotter]

Posted on April 30, 2013 by amir jamar

If you’re in need of one of those big F.U. anthems, Mensah‘s “Should Have Known” has you covered. Over monstrously bass-heavy dance production, Katy Shotter flexes her powerful pipes as she bids farewell to her unappreciative lover. Once you hit play, prepare to be hooked on this one—and best of all, the track is available for free download here.

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NEW MUSIC | GREATeclectic – “Licorice Kush” [feat. Corinne Stevie + Jay Boogie]

Posted on April 30, 2013 by amir jamar

GREATeclectic is back. As the first taste of what’s to come from his forthcoming album, LARGE FEARS (due this summer), the multi-talented producer has unveiled “Licorice Kush.” With its rawly infectious production and perfectly-placed verses from Corinne Stevie and Jay Boogie, the track certainly delivers the distinctive sound that was introduced on his previous project, Planet of the Ape$—and then some. Without a doubt, we couldn’t be more excited for the new project.

Stream and download “Licorice Kush” below. And if you haven’t already, make sure to check out our interview with GREATeclectic here.

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REVIEW | Beyoncé + Andre 3000 – “Back to Black” [Amy Winehouse Cover]

Posted on April 30, 2013 by amir jamar

When news broke that Beyoncé and Andre 3000 would be covering Amy Winehouse‘s timeless “Back to Black,” like many, I was instantly intrigued. While some shuttered at the thought, I was interested to see how Bey and Andre would interpret the classic track. After much anticipation, the song has been unveiled and it is certainly a unique take on the original. And not exactly in a good way.

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NEW MUSIC | Jerome Thomas – “Monday Morning Blues”

Posted on April 25, 2013 by amir jamar

On “Monday Morning Blues,” the debut single from Jerome Thomas, the UK-bred singer/songwriter demonstrates what it means to make a commanding entrance. Produced by Chr1s Love, the track’s dazzling fusion of soul, jazz, DnB and Caribbean rhythms is a flawless accentuation of Jerome’s enticingly unique voice. To put it simply, Mr. Thomas’ first introduction couldn’t be more refreshing. Stream the track below.

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NEW MUSIC | The Seshen – “2000 Seasons”

Posted on April 25, 2013 by amir jamar

The Seshen may be new on my radar, but with “2000 Seasons,” it’s more than obvious that I’ve been missing out. From the first moment that the track begins, you’re instantly taken away. There is a freedom about the track’s dismissal of genre confinement that is instantly intriguing; with the integration of the vocals, the song gets an added touch of perfection, as all of the different elements work together to create pure magic. This is one that will be on constant rotation. Stream below.

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NEW MUSIC | Jarell Perry – “Worst Enemy”

Posted on April 25, 2013 by amir jamar

So far, 2013 has seemed to be kind to Jarell Perry. The release of his debut album, Simple Things has seen him garner impressive critical acclaim and a budding legion of loyal supporters. As a token of his appreciation, the talented singer/songwriter treats his fans to “Worst Enemy” and like his previous offerings, it’s one that must be heard.

Easing in with a sexy R&B ambience, the track later transitions into a hard-hitting mid-tempo that cannot be resisted. Coating Hassan’s sublime production with his entrancingly smooth vocals, Jarell presents yet another dimension to the versatility of a voice. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again—Jarell Perry is a name that you need to know.

Stream and download “Worst Enemy” below for free and get your copy of Simple Things here. And while you’re at it, be sure check out our interview with Jarell as well.