SOULBOUNCE.COM

Quiet Bounce: Standing On The Verge Of Breaking Up Or Making Love

2009-11-21T01:00:00Z

Van Hunt's "Down Here in Hell (With You)" feels particularly timely right now. We're descending into the end-of-year holidays during an unrelenting recession. Everyone is digging in, situations are really tough, and the passion between many lovers is under strain and being tested. "Down Here in Hell" relishes in the mire, stating that it's better to trudge through together than untried and untouched but alone. Singing about how the fairy tale ending is not necessarily bad, maybe even worth something, makes Van Hunt's love song about the flip side worth a re-listening.

Mary J. Blige, Style Icon: A Retrospective

2009-11-20T17:00:00Z

The "Month of Mary" on SoulBounce would not be complete without taking a look back on our beloved Mary J. Blige's look in the public eye. As a woman who grew up next to one of the fashion capitals of the world, New York City, Mary's fashion choices have grown and changed as she has matured and evolved in front of our collective eyes. To help us take a look back at Mary's fashion-forward and sometimes fashion-backward moments is Alicia, author of the awesome Los Angeles-based Instant Vintage fashion blog.

No celebration of the Queen of Hip Hop Soul would be complete without noting the many style transformations that have occurred throughout her career. It's not often that we can gauge someone's growth in life based on what they're wearing, but Mary J. Blige is someone who literally wears her emotions on her sleeves. Each of her albums came with shifts in her look as clear as the thank you's in her liner notes. Some of these shifts were for the better, some not so much...

No, I will not be mentioning the gold tooth or the near omnipresence of huge earrings. ]]> Puff Daddy at the helm, What's the 411? Mary fell somewhere between a B-Girl and ghetto glamour girl. I have fond memories of her circa 1992 looking like she could hold her own with the guys while keeping her doobie wrap tight. The trademarks of this period were big, shiny jackets, oversized jerseys and the "Jodeci boots" that you know you had when you were in school on one end; super tight pants, lots of flashes of thigh via equally tight shorts, and midriff baring tops on the other.

The release of My Life ushered in a level of solemnity to Mary's look. The decidedly darker tone her style took on was largely reflective of her less than ideal personal life, but she managed to keep her edge (read: ghetto glamour girl steez) while putting on for the cameras. Very dark makeup, simple silhouettes, huge sunglasses and lots of black and white defined Mary's fashion moments in this period.

A few years later, the Share My World/Mary version of Mary appeared. Softer makeup, a more toned down take on blonde, and even some experimentation with brown (*clutches the pearls*) marked her transition from the 'hood to Hollywood. With her albums departing from the heavily hip hop influenced sounds she was known for, her style became more playful, whimsical, and feminine.

And then there was No More Drama...

When this album was released, MJB had "relapsed" a bit; old demons were plaguing her and as a response, she reverted to what she had done in the past both musically and stylistically. This album saw more of a hip hop influence and the world saw a more naked Mary. The amount of T&A on display, experimental hairstyles and excess during this time made it a less than stellar period in her fashion history.

Love & Life saw the highly anticipated return of a softer Mary. The wardrobe became a more luxe version of what she was wearing in the late '90s. She was still playful and experimental (with the occasional side-eye worthy moment) but overall, way more tasteful than in the period that preceeded it.

The Breakthrough was a landmark album for Mary both in terms of her life and her sense of style. Aside from the most significant change (hand-clap for Kendu, y'all!), she reached proverbial fashion maturity and became the regal, glamorous woman we see today. But, in true MJB fashion, she knows how to "stay down," not alienating her fan base or her past. If she has on a gown, she'll often pair it with knee grazing boots. She doesn't try to hide her tattoos. Sometimes I'll even see a throwback reference to her early '90s swag, but this time around it's done with a higher level of sophistication and polish.

Looking at these photos, I can see the growth and progression of a person and it's kind of an awesome thing to behold. We've all been able to witness the tough girl from NY battle trials and tribulations only to blossom into a megastar with style befitting someone bearing the title of Queen.

*bowing down*

Well done, Mary. Well done.

'Make Me,' Janet. 'Make Me.'

2009-11-20T16:00:00Z

So, it's been pretty evident since the founding of SoulBounce that we have an unshakable fondness for Miss Jackson. There's no denying that the woman is a pop icon. After her gut wrenching interview on ABC on Wednesday evening during which she could barely mention that her brother had passed away, it became even harder to deny her resilience. During that show she also blessed us with a snippet of the video for her fantastic new single "Make Me." It's choreography based, in black and white, and classic Janet. [HT: PPB]

Morning Soul: I'm Not A Player I Just Crush A Lot

2009-11-20T15:00:00Z

Oprah to her TV show in 2011: Deuces. [REU]
Hustle and Flow takes on the Soul Train Awards. [MR]
Get ready for a Motown Thanksgiving with Kem, Shontelle, Melanie Fiona, and more! [MT]
Nas, Damien Marley and National Geographic are set to collaborate. [HHW]

Quiet Bounce: I Will Love You Forever

2009-11-20T03:00:00Z

I adore the Brand New Heavies. How happy was I when the original lineup--consisting of Jan Kincaid, Simon Bartholomew, Andrew Levy and N'Dea Davenport--reunited and released an album in 2006. They've toured extensively in that time and if you've been blessed to see them live in concert as I have, then you know that BNH is the real article. Now we get to own some of that realness with the recent release of their Live In London disc. Capturing all of their energy and funk, listening to this is truly the next best thing to being there. Oddly enough the song that I'm drawn to the most on this live set is the slow burn of "Forever." Known for their uptempo, danceable tracks, BNH slowed it down with "Forever" from 1994's Brother Sister. N'Dea sings of her unwavering love in a performance filled with conviction and passion. Hearing this live rendition makes me love this song even more than I already do.

Get Your Fix Of Miles Quick Before It's Gone

2009-11-19T20:00:00Z

As a satellite radio subscriber, I first loved the lack of commercials, then hated the loss of stations once XM and Sirius merged. But there are a few reasons to tune in, even though my beloved Jazz fusion station is no more. Starting tomorrow until November 25th, Real Jazz's channel 72 on Sirius XM Radio will be devoted entirely to Miles Davis. For those of you who just did a small leap of joy in front of your computers, I feel you. For those of you who are kinda sorta interested, here's your chance to understand how great the next five days will be: Miles' over 100 albums, never-before released material, and interviews with collaborators such Carlos Santana, Quincy Jones, bassist Ron Carter, and more will all be heard. Want more info? Click here. In the meantime, I'll be counting down the minutes until tomorrow when I can bask in the magnificence of Miles over and over again.

'I Believe In You,' Black Dub

2009-11-19T19:00:00Z

So. This video of a group called Black Dub--Trixie Whitley, Brian Blade, Daryl Johnson and Daniel Lanois--recording the song "I Believe In You" is simple. Just a black and white recording of a...recording. For the first thirty seconds or so the affectations of singer Trixie Whitley were a bit distracting. But there's no doubt she can sing and the performance becomes riveting quickly thereafter. This song is really fantastic, especially in its final third when Whitley works herself into a vocal frenzy, wailing, periodically pulling it back on a dime into a near whisper. Admittedly, this will not be for everybody. Aside from impeccably smooth instrumentation from the rest of the band, the style is gruff and guttural. And passionate. And will have you looking forward to the release, whenever that happens. [H/T: YYY]

'My Life' At 15: The Videos

2009-11-19T17:00:00Z

No discussion about Mary J. Blige's My Life would be complete without talking about the videos that accompanied the singles from the album. Although there were only three videos made, they are as iconic as the album itself. Filmed during a time when music videos were still a big deal, the visuals for "Be Happy," "I'm Goin' Down" and "You Bring Me Joy" defined Mary during the My Life era. Sure you've seen these clips hundreds of times, but there's a reason why you continue to watch all these years later--these videos were just that good.
]]> Sean "Puffy" Combs and Hype Williams, the video for "Be Happy" was the first glance that we got of the new and improved Mary J. Blige. The time period between What's the 411? and My Life may have been a dark one in her life, but you wouldn't know it from looking at her. Mary's B-girl had evolved--she got a little money to blow and some polish in the process. She now sported platinum blonde hair and shiny jackets. But more striking than Mary's appearance in the video was the sight on MJB on top of a mountain that was nowhere near the hood, as the clip began and woven throughout. The majority of the video, however, was filmed on a stark soundstage with just Mary and a mic. It starts out in black and white then Mary is awash in color. She happily rocked to the beat, swayed side to side doing her "Mary Dance" and we all bopped right along with her.

It's no secret that the camera loves Mary and she played that up in the video for "I'm Goin' Down." Here she was singing about her world falling apart because her man left her and she looked the best that she ever had up to that point. Her styling and makeup were on a whole 'notha level. Whether she was in an inexplicable floor-length frou-frou jacket or in a menswear inspired suit, she worked it like the diva she was becoming. Directed by Matthew Rolston, Mary played the role of lounge singer performing to a nearly empty house that quickly filled up as people heard the magic coming from her mouth. Scenes of multiple Marys walking down a set of endless stairs and Blige writhing around and singing longingly into the camera were cut in to break up the lounge act. The couple pawing each other at the bar truly needed to get a room, but it added a sexy visual to an otherwise depressing song. The end--with Mary dropping the mic and walking off the stage Randy Watson style--is both amusing and telling. She was done--literally and figuratively.

Proving that she is not her hair, Mary switched her style up for the "You Bring Me Joy" video. She returned to red locks, rocked a leather short set and thigh-high boots and looked as banging as she wanted to. This video, directed by Marcus Raboy, had no story line whatsoever--it was all about the dance number. Much like the video for "Real Love," Mary was backed by a troupe of female dancers, this time clad in varying degrees of leather and skin. The choreography matched song perfectly and MJB was getting down with the get down in between scenes of her off to the side singing. The colors and lighting in this clip definitely enhanced the visual experience.

Alicia Shines With Altered 'State of Mind'

2009-11-19T16:00:43Z

I've always loved remixes because they gave a song you might love and new sound, a new edge, a new flavor, so that you wouldn't get tired of it. And after weeks of listening to, repping for, and losing my voice trying to sing Jay-Z & Alicia Keys' Billboard-topping "Empire State of Mind," something fresh this way has come. Yup, this is the remix! Tuesday night, during a live performance at PC Richard & Sons Theater in Tribeca as part of the Stripped series for iHeart Radio, A. Keys unveiled "Empire State of Mind (Part II)." This time, the track, which will appear on her new album, The Element of Freedom, is much more mellow, with the former Hell's Kitchen resident taking us on a nice, long walk through the city that never sleeps. This version harkens back to Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind," and that's a good thing, except with a decided hip hop edge. All in all, I love it. New Yooooooooork lives on.

Morning Soul: Go To My Heavy Chevy And Pop The Trunk

2009-11-19T15:00:00Z

Jay-Z's "Empire" nets him his first Billboard Hot 100 #1 single as lead performer. [BB]
Ludacris is *sigh* boarding the Last Train to Paris. We're numb to this. [RR]
Jennifer Hudson is set to star as Winnie Mandela in a new film. Wait, what? [CL]
Everything you never wanted to know about R. Kelly's Untitled album. [AHH]

Quiet Bounce: Lose Control

2009-11-19T01:00:00Z

Boy meets girl and they fall in love. Life happens, arguments ensue and feelings are damaged. Only the right kind of slow jam can create an atmosphere of reconciliation that not only rights the wrongs, but elevates the passion between them. Silk created such a jam with "Lose Control"--a magical ballad filled with all the sensuality needed to redirect your heart from the wrong turns of love. Tim Cameron, Jimmy Gates, Gary "Big G" Glenn, Jonathen "John-John" Rasboro, and frontman Gary "Lil G" Jenkins harmonized this hit more than sixteen years ago. Press play and you'll discover that its melodious luster can still shine in the moonlight of your next session.

Aaron Hall Gets In Touch With His Furrier Side In 'Rehab'

2009-11-18T19:00:00Z

I love Aaron Hall. His voice instantly makes me reminisce about my childhood and gives me warm, fuzzy feelings all over. I don't get very star struck over most people but witnessing Faith perform an impromptu duet with him last New Year's Eve nearly brought me to tears while simultaneously screaming like a banshee. Most of us know him as an R&B crooner, but as Aaron himself explains in "Aaron Hall's Dog Rehab", he's been known as a "dog whisperer" for quite some time. Judging by the 10 minute long clip, Aaron not only has a way with dogs in English, but also in Spanish, Vietnamese, Farsi, and German. It's pretty amazing to watch. In the day and age when celebrities have done things less dignified to maintain some semblance of importance in the public eye, it's nice to see someone actually using his natural-born talents to bring happiness to others' lives.

Bask In More Yukimi As You Pay Tribute To Her

2009-11-18T18:00:00Z

I know I'm not the only person smitten with Yukimi Nagano, a full year and change after discovering her existence. Since falling in love with the Little Dragon frontwoman, I have poured over her discography, trying to grab what bits and pieces I could find to stitch them together into something that made sense. While I'm happy with what I currently possess, it lacks the sonic cohesion that a mix manages bring together. Luckily, my desires can be fulfilled with Supa Qool DJ Uncle Q's A Tribute To Yukimi Nagano. This mix is blended very well and the transitions are seamless and organic. It's a lovely reminder of how wistfully beautiful her voice is, the closest this generation may have to--gasp!--Helen Folasade Adu. Download this with the quickness and tell all your friends. Tracklisting and download info after the bounce. ]]>

Koop - Whenever There Is You

Ge-ology - Blues Alley

Little Dragon - No Love

Quartermaine - Mystic Qool Breeze

Little Dragon - After The Rain

Little Dragon - Feather

Shuya Okino - Pieces of You

Little Dragon - Forever

Koop - Summer Sun

Little Dragon - Thunder Love

Hird - Love You My Hope (Do Right Remix)

Swell Session - The Music in Her Eyes

Koop - I See A Different You

Jafrosax - Drawn 2 U

Little Dragon - Never Never

[Download]

'My Life' At 15: 'Be Happy'

2009-11-18T17:00:00Z

Mary J. Blige's "Be Happy" was the upbeat first single from My Life to the rest of the world of people who hadn't taken the time to delve into this overwrought, thickened with emotion of an album. To outsiders, Mary was on top of a building, arms outstretched, beckoning The Creator to enter her vessel of a body and deliver her from the pain she vaguely referred to. The video was all blonde Florence Henderson hair, shiny bubble jackets, Hip Hop dancers and smiling faces. But to those who had taken the time to get to this point of the album--the termination--needed a song like this one to prevent us from all wanting to take a proverbial leap off the building that Mary was perched on top of, waiting for blessings to be bestowed upon her.

"Be Happy" was really no different than other songs from this album. It too contained a wish to improve oneself in the face of diminished self-esteem just like "I'm The Only Woman" did earlier on My Life. But just because you put a smile and a beat you can dance to on the face of this track doesn't mean that you're happy. Mary may have fought the good fight and convinced some of us that she really was happy, but Mary was someone we knew like a play cousin. She wanted to be happy. She wanted us to be happy despite her hurting. That is called selflessness. And that is ultimately why we love her so. Because Mary is always willing to channel her own pain to take us away from ours. We may still be bopping along whenever this is played but the undercurrent of shame and disappointment is still ever so palpable. As long as we are willing to forgive and never forget, we'll be able to progress from such dark places. Thank you, Mary, for not being afraid to show us that this path may be long and winding but it always, invariably ends.

V.V. Brown Really Misses 'You'

2009-11-18T16:00:00Z

V.V. Brown has been making a splash on the UK scene for quite some time now even if we may be ignorant of her talent on this side of the pond. But talent she has, along with a sweetened quirky style that make her very accessible. Did I add that she's always clothed by the way (note to aspiring Pop tartlets)? She's decided to tackle one of my favorite Rolling Stones songs, the always funky "Miss You" that was vehemently adopted by those of the browner persuasion because it's funk just can't be denied. V.V.'s version is all stripped down and simplistic but not simple. The acoustic take on this track lends more credence to the fact that this girl can sing, something that, besides her sense of style, is really the most important thing to any vocal artist, no? See for yourself below. [H/T:AW]