…AND THIS IS WHY I LOVE KANYE WEST

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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LIVE | Kanye West Previews New Album at Met Gala

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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LIVE | KimberlyNichole – “Shade Of Blues”

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It’s a fact that KimberlyNichole is an undeniable star. With her ferocious stage presence, towering voice, and rock-star bravado, she is one of the industries best kept secrets. As she continues to expand her fan base largely due to her magnetic live shows, it’s only a matter of time before she conquers on a massive scale. While she has been promoting her debut album, The Yellow Brick Journey since 2011, it has been quite a while since some time since we have heard some new material.

That all ended during her latest show at New York’s Rockwood Music Hall  where she unveiled a new song,”Shade Of Blues.” Expectedly fused with her heavy rock-soul aesthetic, there is nothing more to say besides press play and prepare for amazement. Also be sure indulge in her performance of “Little Girl New” below.

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FLASHBACK | Labelle + Cher – “What Can I Do For You” [Live]

Out of all of my countless Youtube findings that I’ve stumbled across over the years, one of my favorite discoveries is a vintage clip of the criminally underrated group LaBelle (fronted by the legendary Patti LaBelle)  performing with the incomparable  Cher. 

If you’re not an old soul like me, then you probably couldn’t give two shits about this footage. However, as someone who should have been alive during the 70s, this performance nearly sent me to an early grave. I don’t have much to say about this incredible union, as it truly speaks for itself. It’s not everyday that legends share the stage, without stepping on toes or over-powering one another. This performance is absolute perfection. If you can’t feel the greatness, get your ears and eyes checked ASAP.

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FLASHBACK | Diana Ross Live In Central Park [1983]

Epic, iconic, legendary, classic. Words that are used all too often, undeservingly awarded to artists who have yet to mark their territory. These words should be used liberally, cautiously chosen to describe the legacy and influence of individuals who not only contribute to the face, sound and history of music, but usher in a new class of wannabes who aspire to carry their torch. When I think of the pioneers who brings these special words to life, Diana Ross is among the sacred list.

With her intoxicating charm, unparalleled glamour, and ravishing stage presence, Ms. Ross has headlined a league of her own since her early days with The Supremes. Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga lead the list of famous singers and performers who have been shaped by the pure brilliance of Diana Ross; through the expression of her influence, these artists strengthen the power of her legacy and invincible place in music history.

Instead of ranting and raving about all of this for another 10 paragraphs, I will cement my argument with footage from Diana Ross’ historic 1983 concert in New York City. Performing for a whopping 800,000 fans, Diana set the stage ablaze with the magic that only she can create. Even when the show was threatened by an uncompromising thunderstorm, doused in rain, Diana remained unintimidated. Gracefully controlling an unruly audience, the singer kept the music going. At this moment, it became clear that there is no storm more ferocious than Miss Diana Ross.

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SOLANGE | Favorite Live Performances

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This is Solange’s time. After years and years of self-exploration, the singer/songwriter has found herself and moreso her sound. Though Solange is often praised for her musical verve, not much is said about her abilities as a performer. She is simply a light and an act that is best experienced live. Between her nostalgic dance moves, infectious charisma, and undeniable presence she is as effortless as she is commanding. While she continues to conquer the music world and beyond, lets dive into some of her best showings to date. These are our favorite live performances by Solange, indulge below.

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LIVE | Lianne La Havas – “Lost & Found”

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Lianne La Havas is a woman of beauty all around. From her music, to her visuals, or her live show, Ms.Havas is simply captivating. As she is set to conquer the US with her first headlining tour, she stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live to share her light. Taking to the stage to perform her beloved track “Lost & Found,” the singer/songwriter showed just why her star continues to rise. Not only is “Lost & Found” an amazing song, but it beautifully captures her artistry. She also performed the album’s title track, “Is Your Love Big Enough?”. Indulge below.

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VIDEO | Jessie Ware Covers Brownstone’s “If You Love Me” [Live]

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Spring time is here. So let’s prepare for warm weather, sunny skies, and high times at the beach. Jessie Ware is like spring, such a breath of fresh air and something you want more of. In one of my latest Youtube binges, I saw that she covered the Brownstone classic, “If You Love Me” and pressed play instantly. Her cover was more true to her style than the groups’s original. Her effortless vibe complimented the song exceedingly well. Any singer who appreciates 90′s R&B is bound to gain a fan in yours truly—as if I wasn’t already. In other goodness, I attached a video of her performing “Night Light” from her debut album, Devotion. Get lifted below.

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LIVE | Jarell Perry Performs “Getaway” for AXS Live

As he preps the world for his forthcoming LP, Simple Things (arriving on Monday, March 18), Jarell Perry graced the AXS Live stage to perform one of the LP’s much-discussed tracks, “Getaway.” Stripped back with the sole accompaniment of piano,  Jarell’s voice took the spotlight, demonstrating the beauty and versatility of his gift.

To help celebrate the release of Simple Things, make sure to head back to SOM for a special interview with Jarell on Monday. For now, enjoy the performance and some must-haves for your collection over at Mr. Perry’s SoundCloud page.

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MY FIRST TIME WITH ERYKAH BADU

On Saturday night, Soul and I experienced the incomparable Erykah Badu live for the first time. After a two hour set, it was quite clear that even with all of the concerts that I’ve been to in the past, I’ve never attended one quite like Ms. Badu’s.

I may have been a fan for quite some time but witnessing her live was a forceful emphasis of why she is the living legend that she continually proves herself to be. Everything about her is effortlessly mesmerizing—her charming stage presence, incredibly underrated vocal prowess, her unique fusion of jazz, hip-hop and old school soul influences, and the brilliant ways that she brought new life to some of her adored classics, even 16 years after their release. The show was an explanation of why Erykah Badu has commanded a league of her own since day one and holds such timeless significance upon the world of music.

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BILAL | Favorite Live Peformances

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All that defines Bilal is distinct and singular. Nobody makes music like him, nobody sings like him, and nobody certainly performs like him. Over the years Mr.Oliver has become one on soul music’s most engaging acts on the stage. A fully realized artist, he creates a world within a world with his live sets. Whether sailing through his much-loved material or blazing thought a classic such as “Tainted Love,” Bilal is beyond incredible. To celebrate the arrival of his new album A Love Surreal, we selected ten of our favorite live performances from the one and only Bilal . Indulge below.

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LIVE | Solange Performs At The House Of Blues In L.A.

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Now let’s just get this straight: Solange has always been talented and musically different from her contemporaries.

It seems that many of the people who are appreciating her now, in all her indie-pop glory, can now also appreciate her earlier works (pre- Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams). During a recent tour stop in L.A., she performed one of her first singles, “Crush” and it was quite a treat. In addition to her performing songs from her acclaimed EP, True, Solo took it all the way back—to 2000. It’s always a joy to see an artist never forsake their humble beginnings.

If there is any artist who has shown true growth and evolution over the years, it has indeed been Solange.When she takes to the stage, she’s like a ray of sunshine and so effortlessly commanding. After many years, she is finally getting her shine as a legitimate and bonafide artist.

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LIVE | Solange Performs “Losing You” on “Le Grand Journal”

As she takes her True tour across Europe, Solange stopped by France’s Le Grand Journal to perform last year’s show-stopping “Losing You.” While the EP is certainly broadening Solo’s fanbase and raking in acclaim from critics around the world, she recently announced that a full length album is on the way next year. Definitely no complaints here.

Click here to watch the performance.

SOUND OFF.

LIVE | Allen Stone Peforms “Sleep” On “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”

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Allen Stone is a name you may not be familiar with, but certainly should be. With an ever-increasing fan base and media attention alike, the singer-songwriter is well on his way to becoming one of soul music’s most assuring acts. Due to an unmistakable voice and a stage presence all his own, Mr. Stone is nothing short of impressive.

His recent performance of “Sleep” on The Ellen DeGeneres Show perfectly displays his vintage/soulful sound and raw talent. Anyone who enjoys music in its most untainted form would be a fan, as he is a throwback to soul legends such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway. Further, it’s great to see the self-proclaimed hippie receive some mainstream spotlight.  If you have yet to indulge in Allen Stone, the time is now.

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LIVE | Miguel Performs Acoustic Set For NPR

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Miguel is one captivating artist. Be it his self-indulgent persona, invigorating performances, or elevated brand of R&B, the man is making moves. To close out his 2012, he performed a brief 3-song acoustic set for NPR’s Tiny Desk. As he sailed through “Do You…”, “The Thrill” and “Adorn,” Miguel easily showed why he is indeed conquering the game. Prepare for seamless delivery and Kaleidoscope thrill. Watch below.

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KANYE WEST | The King’s Speech

This past Sunday in Atlantic City, Kanye West shook the world upside down yet again when he announced that he and his girlfriend are expecting a child; while congratulations are certainly in order, there was another part of the show that was powerfully unforgettable. After performing fan-favorite “Clique,” Ye decided to slow down the show and give us a piece of his mind.

Tackling the controversies of his recent fashion choices, the death of Michael Jackson, reviews of his fashion line, and the general public perception of he and his artistry, it was one of those moments that solidified Kanye West as a bonafide genius ahead of his time. In a world that constantly devalues, misinterprets and dismisses the very elements of this man’s brilliance, this rant only maximizes the intensity of his gift, and the ignorance of his naysayers. Get lifted.

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