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Will Monica & Brandy's Latest Be 'All' You Hoped For?

2012-02-07T00:00:00Z

It's been14 years since Brandy and Monica collaborated on the blockbuster single "The Boy Is Mine" in 1998, so it goes without saying that anticipation shot up when news of a new collaboration leaked last month. And now that collaboration is finally here. "It All Belongs To Me" is a Rico Love-produced joint set to appear on both Monica's upcoming album New Life as well as Brandy's as-yet-untitled RCA Records debut. So was all the excitement warranted? Yes and no. Not that it's bad. Honestly, it'd be hard for any collaboration between these two talented ladies to be bad. Still, it doesn't have the urgency (and viable drama) that their previous collaboration had when it was released. Instead of fighting over a man, we find the much more mature women kicking one to the curb. "You must be blind/You must be dumb/You must be trippin'/You must be crazy/To think that I'ma let you off that easy," they sing before harmonizing on a chorus punctuated by "That s--t belongs to me." Well, alrighty then. Regardless of any expectations, though, the song finds both ladies in fine form even if it's not the event record that "The Boy Is Mine" turned out to be. Get into "It All Belongs to Me" below and let us know what you think about Monica and Brandy's studio reunion.

Five Reasons We're Disappointed In Madonna's 'Luvin''

2012-02-06T22:00:00Z

When word got out that Madonna would be kicking off the MDNA album cycle with a collaboration with M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj, expectations ran high -- it was either going to be oddball pop perfection or misguided, posturing garbage. The last thing we expected here at SoulBounce HQ was to be underwhelmed by something not really worth an impassioned response one way or the other.

But having forced myself to give a damn about this snoozer long enough to analyze it, here are five reasons why Madonna's return falls short of triumphant. ]]>
1. We've Been Here Before

I'll say this for "Give Me All Your Luvin'" -- it's not an exercise in trend-hopping. Though her choice of co-stars (both on the song and Sunday's Super Bowl XLVI performance) suggest her A&R folks called up everyone who's been hot since Hard Candy, she seems to have learned from her stint as Justin Timberlake's backup singer and opted to record a song that's distinctly her this time around. Rather than jump on either of the last two genres to dominate the pop charts -- Euro-style dance or hip-hop/R&B (two she's flirted with in the recent past, with varying degrees of success), she goes for a sanitized new-wave pop that's two parts "Material Girl" and one part "Beautiful Stranger." Thus, "Luvin'" feels refreshing in its refusal to pander to its audience -- and for anyone familiar with Madonna's history, that's saying a lot. But while I appreciate her authenticity this time around, I don't appreciate being served Microwave Madonna when I asked for, to quote Sammy Jack, "some gourmet shit."

2. Meh-TV

Though technically impressive with its numerous sight gags and attempts at faux mise-en-scene, the video is neither terribly original nor particularly great. Considering its assemblage of three formidable music-video mavens, the outcome is far less than a sum of its parts. And the all-too-coincidental football theme, perfectly aligning with her scheduled Super Bowl halftime performance just feels coldly cynical, even for Madonna.

3. Guilty Pleasure, Hold the Pleasure

Forget artistic innovation or daring songwriting. If you're out to make a great piece of earcrack, one of the key elements you'll need is an undeniable hook. "Give Me All Your Luvin'" doesn't swell in intensity or change in direction nearly enough to let us all know the moment we're supposed to stand on our chairs and belt the shit out of the next few lines. When I first heard it, I didn't even realize I was listening to the hook until she'd already uttered the song's title a couple times. And then I was in no hurry to hear it again.

4. The Criminal Underuse of Minaj and M.I.A.

It's telling of the power dynamic in this trio, that two artists ranking among the boldest female personas in contemporary pop music are reduced to the flanking girls whose popularity depends entirely on their subservience to head-cheerleader Madonna. The last time Minaj was this stripped-down in a video, she was paired with the equally popular (but far less feared) cheerleader Mariah. This time, however, the visual restraint is matched by an aural temperance that amounts to a complete waste of both featured acts. While the song fits squarely into neither artist's specific genre sandbox, it's clear both would have jumped at the chance to guest with Madonna on a Polka record. So why the lack of gusto on both artists' criminally short appearances. Sure, I wasn't expecting the fire of some of their harder-edged tracks, but this wasn't even "Super Bass" or "Galang"-grade stuff.

5. Lack of Commitment to Sparkle Motion

If you've ever spent any amount of time in both the bleachers on a sports field and a dark, mirrored cavern of carnal comforts, you'll know that half-assed cheerleaders are a lot like half-assed strippers: depressing, thought-provoking for all the wrong reasons, and considering the physical feats they are expected to perform, a major safety hazard. On "Give Me All Your Luvin'," the cheer section is clearly not Gabby Union's sassy, spirited crew from Bring It On. It isn't even Kirsten Dunst's troupe of peppy perfectionists. Rather, it's about as exciting as Madea's group of Christian Calisthenics dancers in Tyler Perry Presents: Bring It On 7: Shakin' It For The Lawwd. It feels like filler material used to plump up a song with no discernible personality. Worse, by referencing the beloved American tradition of sexualizing teenagers, Madonna has opened herself up to comparisons to more successful cheer executions by far less interesting artists. Listening to this only made me want to hear "Hollaback Girl" for the first time in five years. Worse still, it made me say out loud, the words "Avril and Lil' Mama did it better." And that's something no one should ever have to do.

Day26 Show What They've Been Up To 'Lately'

2012-02-06T21:00:00Z

Am I the only one who thought that Day26 had broken up? Since they're no longer reality TV staples, I had no clue that they were still together much less recording new material, which will find its way onto a new album entitled New Day to be released some time this year. Since then, they've lost one member and gained a new record label (they're still on Atlantic though no longer signed to Bad Boy), and now they've dropped the single "Made Love Lately," which has a new video to go with. I was all set to roast these dudes just on G.P., but surprisingly enough the song isn't bad at all and the fellas all sound good getting their Jodeci II Men on. Can't hate on that. As far as the video is concerned, the quartet find themselves in the middle of a desert for no explicable reason, and while they sing and kick up dust we see a couple exit a private jet and enter a luxury vehicle. Everything isn't all champagne and pass the Grey Poupon, though. There's trouble in their paradise and next thing you know the woman starts to fantasize about getting busy with each member of Day26. It's not as scandalous as it sounds, however, and the ending involves her driving off into the sunset to freedom and leaving her man behind. Never mind that she drove off in his car. What's a little grand theft between lovers?

Zara McFarlane Offers You 'More' From Her Debut

2012-02-06T19:45:00Z

We've featured singer Zara McFarlane here on SoulBounce before, including inducting her into our esteemed collection of Bounce-Worthy artists. So it's no surprise that her name is once again on our lips and fingertips. This time it's for her latest single "More Than Mine." Taken from her debut Until Tomorrow, "More Than Mine" is a jilted lover's lament that starts with McFarlane degrading her own desirability in comparison to her lover's new other. After a brief, bluesy horn solo, her crystalline voice returns a bit more defiant as she list the reasons why he'll ultimately regret the decision to trade her in for an inferior model. Zara succeeds once again in putting a modern spin on the jazz of yore, giving it a youth and verve all its own. If you like what you hear here, be sure to purchase Until Tomorrow, where you'll not only find "More Than Mine," but also its soulful alternative take that was recently tapped as NPR's Song of the Day (as well as the beautiful, breezy "Blossom Tree").

Miguel Wants To 'Adorn' You With New Music

2012-02-06T17:00:00Z

We're not even six weeks deep into 2012 yet, and it has been full of surprises of the musical variety. SoulBounce fave Miguel adds an entry into the race with last Friday's world premiere of a music video for his shiny new song, "Adorn." This electro soul slice of niceness is the first drop from Art Dealer Chic Vol. 1, a three-song EP coming our way on February 27th. I kinda figured that Miguel had new music in the works, but I didn't expect it to come so soon and while he's enjoying success with Wale right now with their "Lotus Flower Bomb" still blooming on the charts. I'm definitely not complaining, however, and the EP sounds like it'll be a nice appetizer for his sophomore album if "Adorn" is anything to go by. The visuals are colorful, featuring a piece of abstract art painted by Miguel himself and focusing heavily on his mouth as he sings. Well, alrighty then. To accompany Art Dealer Chic, Miguel has started a Tumblr of the same name to showcase info about the EP, behind-the-scenes photos, artsy and chic items, and other assorted randomness. [H/T: OKP]

Ruben Studdard Is 'Single' & Ready To Mingle

2012-02-06T16:00:00Z

I never pegged Ruben Studdard as the thirsty type. After all, when you're a cuddly Velvet Teddy Bear who can sing like Luther, women readily throw their Victoria's Secrets like paper airplanes your way. Or so I've heard. But after going through a divorce, Big Rube apparently needs to get his groove back, and he's put his plight to song and now video with the release of the visuals to "June 28th (I'm Single)." The clip takes the TMI-ness of the song's lyrics and loosely plays them out. Ruben's former bride kicks him to the curb then he's on to the next...and the next...and the next. I don't doubt that Ruben has been pulling the honies now that he's back on the market, but, like the song, it all just comes across as a little corny.

Morning Soul: But I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

2012-02-06T15:00:00Z

New Yorkers came out to pay tribute to Don Cornelius with a Soul Train flash mob in the middle of Times Square while more details emerged about his death. [CL]
Madonna's halftime show at Super Bowl XLVI was quite a star-studded spectacle. [BB]
Simon Cowell is trying to convince Beyoncé to come on as a judge on the next season of the train wreck that is X Factor. [BS]
Are you ready for Love & Hip Hop...Atlanta? VH1 hopes you are. It'll be coming soon to the channel. [AJC]
The Voice returned for a second season with a post-Super Bowl premiere and Alicia Keys' former background singer Jermaine Paul competing. [MTV]

Cop This: D'Angelo & The Testimony 'Live In Paris' Full Concert

2012-02-04T00:00:00Z

It's been a little over a week since we've had D'Angelo "back," and what a week it's been. In that time it's been a downright D'Angelorama -- hundreds of videos have hit the net from his European tour, we got an expertly curated treat from Sam Champ and Okayplayer of audio from the Voodoo Tour, and now we have fan-recorded bootleg of one of his recent shows to add more fuel to our D'Angelobsession. This full concert audio of D'Angelo & The Testimony was captured during his tour stop in Paris, France at Le Zenith on Sunday, January 29th. It's not the cleanest recording as you can hear some talking and assorted sounds from the audience, but it's still the best audio we've heard come from the tour yet. Plus beggars really can't be choosers, and those of us with ravenous appetites for all things D'Angelo right now will take what we can get. And take this we will with the exclusive free download from our good friends at the Funk It blog. I'm listening to this concert now, and it sounds incredible. I can't wait for it to end so that I can listen to it again kind of incredible. I stand in amazement not just at D'Angelo who has come out of hiding and his bag on us, but also at the level of artistry being displayed by the musicians in The Testimony. There aren't enough superlatives to describe how fantastic everyone sounds. But enough from me, listen to two of the new songs -- "Ain't That Easy" and my new favorite song "Another Life" -- that D'Angelo debuted on the road below, peep the entire tracklist and tour personnel after the bounce, go and download this live recording with the quickness, and get lost for a little over two hours once you listen. If you couldn't physically see D'Angelo on his European tour, then this is truly the next best thing to being there. ]]> 02. Feel Like Makin' Love [Roberta Flack cover]
03. Ain't That Easy [new song]
04. Devil's Pie
05. Chicken Grease
06. The Line (intro) > The Root
07. The Charade [new song]
08. I've Been Watching You (Move Your Sexy Body) [Parliament cover]
09. Shit, Damn, Motherfucker (inc. bass & drum solo)
10. Solo medley: Brown Sugar (tease) > Jonz In My Bonz > Spanish Joint > Me and Those Dreamin' Eyes of Mine > Cruisin' > Higher > One Mo'Gin > Untitled (How Does It Feel)
11. Another Life [new song]
12. Sugah Daddy [new song]
13. Space Oddity [David Bowie cover]
14. Brown Sugar

D'Angelo - Vocals, Guitar, Yamaha CP70 electric piano
The Testimony:
Isaiah Sharkey - Guitar
Jef Lee Johnson - Guitar
Ray Angry - Keys
Pino Palladino - Bass
Chris "Daddy" Dave - Drums
Robert Lumzy - Percussion, Vocals
Kendra Foster - Vocals
Jermaine Holmes - Vocals
Charles "Red" Middleton - Vocals

NYC Bouncers: Win Tickets To See The Jungle Brothers In Concert & The Native Tongues Reunion!

2012-02-03T23:00:00Z

If I wasn't gonna be on a plane the next morning to be in LA, I would find my behind in NYC on the night of Tuesday, February 6th. That's because S.O.B.'s is going to be the only place to be that night with the return of the Jungle Brothers and a Native Tongues reunion on tap with DJ Red Alert on the wheels of steel. This lineup is an old school hip hop lover's dream. The legends will be out and in full effect, and if you know like I know you need to be there, too. That's why we 're giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky Bouncer to partake in the festivities. All you gotta do to be in it to win it is to enter after the bounce. Tickets are also for sale on TicketWeb. However you procure entry, this is a show you won't want to miss. ]]>

Enter your COMPLETE NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS, MOBILE PHONE NUMBER, and ZIP CODE into the form below.
Entries will only be accepted between the hours of 6 pm on Friday, 2/3 until 12 noon on Monday, 2/6.
One entry per person.
If you have won a contest/giveaway from SoulBounce in the past 30 days, you are ineligible to enter.
All entries that do not adhere to the above stated guidelines will be disqualified.
Entrants must be in the New York City area or vicinity and available to attend a show at S.O.B.'s located at 204 Varick Street at West Houston on Tuesday, 2/7 at 10 pm (doors open at 8 pm).
One winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entrants on Monday, 2/6 to receive a pair of complimentary tickets to the show.
The winner will be notified by email and/or text message by Monday, 2/6 and provided with further details.
The winner's name will be announced on SoulBounce's Facebook and Twitter pages.
Thanks for participating and good luck!

Nas Is Nice When He's 'Nasty'

2012-02-03T22:00:00Z

Indianapolis is jumping with the Super Bowl in town this weekend and many television shows are on location doing remotes including Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, which has been broadcasting from Indy this week. Last night musical guest Nas brought some of his Queensbridge swagger to the stage at the Madden Bowl Bud Light Hotel where Jimmy Fallon has set up shop. Nas was on deck to perform his song "Nasty" with house band The Roots backing him up in fine fashion as they are known to do. The live arrangement was slightly different from that of the single, but it didn't take away from Nas' strong delivery or my enjoyment of his performance. You can't go wrong with this.

The Internet Give You Four More 'Ladies' To Enjoy

2012-02-03T20:00:00Z

It seems like it was just the other day that I was talking about that talented duo The Internet (maybe because it was), but I have more news about Syd tha Kid and Matt Martians that will be music to your ears. As you know, the physical version of Purple Naked Ladies landed Tuesday. But, if you happened to pick up a copy, you probably noticed that it lacked the bonus tracks that were promised. According to the Odd Future camp, that was due to a few technical difficulties. But don't fret, for they've gone and one-upped that promise. Instead of just the promised three, they've added an additional song and packaged it on the Purple Naked Ladies 4 Bonus Songs FreEP. Now everyone can enjoy the tracks (including one that features Robin Hannibal and Coco. O). While each one featured is great, the clear winner of the bunch is the Syd tha Kid-produced "Partners In Crime." It's suprisingly sexy and romantic, especially when you think of the other songs that made the cut for PNL. Syd sings softly and seductively as she talks about her and her partner taking on the world and the space-age R&B backdrop simmers and soars. Quite simply, it's an amazing track. Take a listen to "Partners in Crime" below and head here to get your copy of the EP.

Eric Benét Shows Us That Romance Is 'Real'

2012-02-03T19:00:00Z

If you have VH1 Soul, then you've no doubt already seen the video for Eric Benét's "Real Love," which has been in heavy rotation on the music video channel since last month. The visuals have finally hit the net and now us fans can get our fill and watch the fine crooner singing this lovely song on demand. This video is definitely worth watching a few times not only to see the beautiful Mr. Benét but also to see couples both young and old in the throes of love as they slow dance while he sings. It's all so very romantic and sweet and knowing that Eric is a newlywed and proud papa to a newborn makes it that much sweeter.

The Mixologists: Keyknow's 'Bulletproof Soul'

2012-02-03T18:00:00Z

What would the first Friday of the month be without a new mix from our resident Mixologist Keyknow? I don't even want to imagine such a thing, and thankfully our main man returns with Bulletproof Soul, another hot mix of cool tunes to set your February off just right. Featured here are both old favorites and new jams from artists such as the Robert Glasper Experiment, Conya Doss, Yuna, Jazzanova, and Sade, whose song of the same name served as the inspiration for this mix. There's not much else that needs to be said, except to tell you to listen below and find the tracklist after the bounce. As always, enjoy...

Keyknow Bulletproof Soul [Download][Subscribe in iTunes]
]]> Robert Glasper Experiment feat. Musiq Soulchild & Chrisette Michele - Ah Yeah
Diggs Duke - Last Night
76 Degrees West feat. Gordon Chambers - Can't Keep Running
Conya Doss - Don't Change
New Soul Generation - Can You Feel It
Robert Glasper Experiment feat. Ledisi - Gonna Be Alright
The Decoders feat. Sy Smith - Inside My Love
Esperanza Spalding feat. Algebra Blessett - Black Gold
Siji - The Day Ahead
Sade - Bullet Proof Soul
Jazzanova feat. Leon Ware & Dwele - Rockin' You Eternally
Sirius B Project - Midnight Silhouette
Clarke - The Prize
Applejac - Butterfly (Shecky's Jazzy Tofu)
Zo! feat. Chantae Cann - All Is Well With Love
Khari Cabral feat. India Arie - Never in Your Sun
Soulpersona - The Girl From Ipanema (SoulP Rework)
Yuna - Live Your Life

Bounce-Worthy: All Cows Eat Grass

2012-02-03T17:00:00Z

Atlanta has long been a hotbed of talent, and there's a new collective of musicians from the area emerging onto the scene who go by the name of All Cows Eat Grass. They quietly released their debut project, a three-song EP entitled The M.I.L.K. EP, last October that featured a next level genre-blending mix of soul, hip hop, rock, electronica, and more. Although information on the group is scarce, with their future funk sound, it should come as no surprise that All Cows Eat Grass are from the Janelle Monáe and Jaspects camp. This will be quite evident after one listen to the EP, which has that Jaspects stamp all over it and sounds like the natural progression from The Polkadotted Stripe. If you loved that album, then you'll definitely dig what these ACEG cats are doing on this, the first in a three-part series. Listen to my two favorite songs from the EP, "We All Win" and "M.I.L.K.," which is an acronym for "make it look kool." We may not know what All Cows Eat Grass look like yet, but they definitely make it sound "kool." Invest the small sum of $2.97 into copping The M.I.L.K. EP, and look out for the second installment, the Be Kool EP, to be released on February 16th.

John Legend Lets Us Know 'What's Going On...NOW'

2012-02-03T16:00:00Z

Who isn't moved by the iconic Marvin Gaye song, "What's Going On"? Whenever I hear it, I'm ready to right all the wrongs of the world. And, while John Legend is probably busy promoting his new song from the Think Like a Man soundtrack, he still makes it a priority to inspire our youth to be as vocal about social issues as the song intends. Which is why he surprised students from Washington, DC's Duke Ellington School of the Arts while launching the What's Going On...NOW project with the Kennedy Center. What's Going On...NOW is a digital media initiative that provides a platform for youth to artistically express their views on how social issues have changed in the more than 40 years since the song was released. Young people are encouraged to submit videos, photos, poems, and music to the What's Going On...NOW website, and two participants will be selected from all submissions to win a trip to Washington, DC to attend a concert on May 3rd at the Kennedy Center featuring Legend, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and the National Symphony Orchestra. A second show has also been planned for May 4th at the KenCen. Watch John and Ellington students singing "What's Going On" at the launch event below and check out the submissions that have been sent in so far on the What's Going On...NOW website.