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

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]

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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NEW MUSIC | Jarell Perry – “Worst Enemy”

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.

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NEW MUSIC | Saux – “Bring Me Home” [EP]

Since becoming first acquainted with Saux through his last EP, Rear Window, he’s one that I’ve kept an eye out for. And his latest release proves that I’ve had every reason to anticipate his next move.

On the Bring Me Home EP, Saux explores more of his alluring fusion of electronic and soul music, coated with a mellowed dance vibes from start to finish. While the DJ/producer has declared the project to be inspired by the likes of AlunaGeorge, Bondax and Two Inch Punch, Bring Me Home emphasizes that Saux certainly has a style all his own.

Stream and download the EP below.

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NEW MUSIC | MeLo-X – “God Magic”

Prepping fans for his forthcoming God: LoFi EP, MeLo-X has unveiled the project’s lead single, “God Magic.” From start to finish, the track delivers an unrestrained sense of self-reflection, honesty and inspiration that will surely speak to a piece of all of us. With every release, MeLo proves why he is deserving of our undivided attention—this certainly intensifies the anticipation for what God: LoFi will offer. Stream and download  ”God Magic” below.

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NEW MUSIC | RAHBI – “Distant Shade”

I’ve been newly introduced to the music of RAHBI—without a doubt, I’m intrigued by the vivacious and colorful spirit of his work. After getting the nod of approval by Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Janelle Monáe and more, clearly he is one to be experienced.

While you’ll certainly be seeing more of him here on SOM, I thought his first post should come by way of one of his newest tracks, “Distant Shade.” If you’ve ever encountered any of those people who love to keep their eyes on you as they talk their shit, then this one will definitely feel like a bit of an anthem. Start your morning off on the right note by streaming and downloading the track below.

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NEW MUSIC | Jarell Perry – “Getaway”

After building an impressive resume of work for artists like Usher and Chris Brown, Jarell Perry is now stepping into the spotlight. On “Getaway,” the singer/songwriter lends his soaring vocals to a striking mid-tempo that has surely found itself in heavy rotation here at SOM.

After being subjected to a plethora of subpar (and that’s being kind) singers that headed the genre over the past couple years, it’s great to see that with artists like Mr. Perry, talented male vocalists are returning to R&B. Taken from his forthcoming Simple Things LP, this track definitely sparks interest for what the album will offer. Stream and download below.

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NEW MUSIC | Boy Kid Cloud – “Show Me Love” (Robin S. Cover)

I speak for both Soul and myself when I declare that even after two decades, Robin S.’ “Show Me Love” has not lost its luster. So it goes without saying that when I discovered that Boy Kid Cloud released a cover of the ’90s house classic, I was immediately drawn to it. And despite the big shoes that he certainly had to fill, after the first listen, I was pleased to have stumbled across it.

Like I’ve said time and time again on SOM, a simple remake of a previously released song isn’t remarkable unless there is a truly unique touch provided, one that successfully conveys the perspective that the artist is creating from. Just a minute into the track, it was clear that the singer/producer/instrumentalist had done just that. Boy Kid Cloud truly transforms the upbeat dance anthem into a mellowed yet insanely irresistible mid-tempo jam, decorated with flawless 90′s style R&B and dubstep undertones.

Without a doubt, Boy Kid Cloud has created the newest victim of my repeat button.

ADDICTED

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NEW MUSIC | transounds – “Last Days…of Disco” [Mixtape]

After dropping the flawless Spirits in the Snow House last summertransounds have returned with yet another audible treat. Much like their previous release, the premise behind this project is quite intriguing.

Inspired by the infamous 12.21.12, the once-pronounced end of the world (well, what do you know?), the duo created a collection that would allow the world’s citizens to, as they put it, “enjoy the last days in style.” As the pioneering genre of vivacious and free-spirited dance music, it makes perfect sense why the duo would choose disco as the musical backdrop for their latest mix.

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NEW MUSIC | Cocaine 80s – “The Flower of Life” [EP]

In a matter of weeks, I’ve grown quite attached to the music of Cocaine 80s—to be completely honest, I am still trying to understand why it has taken me so long to become acquainted with their incredible work. As I continue to kick myself over such a disgraceful late discovery, let’s move on to more important matters, like the anticipated release of the collective’s The Flower of Life EP.

Fulfilling the high expectations that were set by its recently unveiled tracks (“Lucid,” “Higher Self” and “Fly Ass Pisces”),  Flower is simply stunning. With a brilliant incorporation of the rich, striking, and unique  influences of the group’s diverse artistic perspectives, the EP creates an ambiance of fearless creative experimentation, resulting in a work that is alluringly original and refreshing. If there ever was an example of the direction that our generation of music should be taking, just let Flower lead the way.

Waste no more time and download the EP for free here.

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NEW MUSIC | Chris Turner – “LOVElife Is A Challenge” [MIXTAPE]

I may be a few weeks late with this, but not sharing this one would be simply unforgivable. With just a little over a week into 2013, Chris Turner has certainly set the bar pretty high for the releases of the new year. As his latest mixtape, LOVElife Is A Challenge, demonstrates, Mr. Turner is one of those artists with a style, sound and perspective all his own—from start to finish, the mixtape feels like a newfound elevation of soul. Coating the collection’s heavenly production (MeLo-X, Jesse Boykins III, Steve McKie and more) with the distinctively dreamy charm of Chris’ voice, LOVElife is overflowing with endless moments of effortless perfection; without a doubt, it is not to be slept on.

After you stream the mixtape in its entirety below, make sure to download it for free here.

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NEW VIDEO | Angel Haze – “New York”

It’s been a while since we posted on the venom-spitting Angel Haze but she is back with the official video for “New York,” a single from her newly-released mixtape, Reservation. While the dark visual is certainly an interesting watch, I can’t get past how the 19-year-old RIPS the track apart.

As evidenced by the song and it’s accompanying video, as well as the major buzz that she is attracting,  there is no denying that Angel Haze will be making a massive splash this year.

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NEW MUSIC | Fierce Creatures – “Catacomb Party”

Fierce Creatures make quite the first impression. The minute the music hits, you’re transported to a blissful state of sonic euphria. Filled with a melodious arrangement of hard-hitting percussion and bass, their debut single “Catacomb Party” is as sublime as it is groovy.

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NEW MUSIC | Bianca Raquel – “No Hook”

Looking at Bianca Raquel is like watching a flower bloom; there’s beauty all around. The multi-taltened artist has gone from making countless uploads via Youtube, to opening up for the likes of Idle Worship and J*DaVeY, to now commanding the spotlight with her debut single, “No Hook.”

Reminiscent of 90′s R&B (a true compliment), the track is purley seductive and offers a story of all too common relationship woes. Performed, produced, and penned by that lady herlself, Bianca Raquel is the driving force behind her artistic identity. With all the promise one can muster, this lady is ready to conquer.

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AZEALIA BANKS | “Fantasea” [Mixtape]

Ever since unleashing the viral sensation that is “212,” Azealia Banks has quickly become one of the most-discussed artists in the music realm. As we inch closer and closer to the unveiling of her anticipated debut LP, Broke with Expensive Taste, Azealia intensifies her buzz with the release of her show-stopping mixtape, Fantasea.

In every way, the mixtape encapsulates Azealia’s larger-than-life persona; blending her ferociously slick flows with the sounds of NY-style hip-hop, electro-dance, and the underground ballroom scene, Fantasea confirms that there is no stopping the future superstar.

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NEW MUSIC | Tweet – “Proceed”

As Tweet builds momentum for her upcoming comeback album, Simply Tweet, we have been blessed with the latest #TweetTuesdays offering. On “Proceed,” Tweet lends those sweetly soulful vocals to a grown and sexy mid-tempo that has become a fan-favorite amongst her recent releases. Stream and download the track for free below.