Archive » Reviews

This page contains 138 entries posted under the "Reviews" category.

Brian Courtney Wilson Should Be 'Proud' Of His Latest

The modern gospel artist has a fine line to walk. On one hand, the music they offer has to be close enough to the traditional gospel sound and message that it doesn't alienate those who've come up with greats like...

D-Money | 02/07/2012 at 12:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Jazzanova Turns Their Sound 'Upside Down'

Remix albums are usually just one of the smash-and-grab tactics by labels to stretch out the revenue an artist can make (see Rihanna, Lady Gaga and any other current pop divas for proof of this). However, when a group like...

D-Money | 01/27/2012 at 2:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

'Tis The Season' To Get Your 'Fah La La La La' On With Choklate

If you are anything like me then the next few days will be amongst the most stressful of your year thus far, as you battle the crowds trying to cop those last minute presensts -- you know the ones you...

SoulUK | 12/22/2011 at 1:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Robin Thicke's Latest Is Hit Or Miss, But Heavy On The 'Love'

Robin Thicke has come a long way from his shaggy-haired Cherry Blue Skies days. Now more of a debonair playboy than a wild child singing love songs, Thicke seems to have spent the last few albums trying to solidify himself...

D-Money | 12/21/2011 at 3:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Common's 'The Dreamer/The Believer' Will Make You One

Artists who are equally disciplined and talented tend to have an unsurpassed stamina in the music industry. Common is a prime example of that. The 39-year-old Chicago lyricist has released his long-awaited The Dreamer/The Believer, and this album is on par with...

NubianEmpress | 12/20/2011 at 4:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Aaron Hardin Is 'Coming Home For Christmas'

Aaron Hardin's Coming Home for Christmas is a fresh take on standard holiday tunes, and this album is the perfect blend of jazz and the Christmas spirit. Hardin isn't just Eric Roberson's keyboardist, but a producer and a mighty fine...

NubianEmpress | 12/20/2011 at 12:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Mateo's 'Love' Has Limits, But Shows Promise

For many, "Say It's So" might've been their first introduction to pop/R&B singer Mateo, but he's not new to the music scene by any means. He was originally a signee to MySpace Records and has since worked behind the scenes...

D-Money | 12/16/2011 at 1:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Jean Baylor Wants To 'Light Up The World' This Holiday Season

While former Zhané vocalist Jean Baylor may not be at the forefront of every indie soul lovers' mind, she has been grinding steadily since she went her separate ways from musical partner, Renee Neufville, over a decade ago. She released...

SoulUK | 12/15/2011 at 12:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

It's Not All Sunshine, But You'll Enjoy Meshell Ndegeocello's 'Weather'

No one can write about love and heartache quite like Meshell Ndegeocello can. While those themes are weaved throughout her work, no album made this more apparent than 1999's Bitter. About the loss of a lover, Bitter was moody and...

D-Money | 12/05/2011 at 3:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

J*DaVeY's 'New Designer Drug' Delivers An Unexpected High

New Designer Drug, the J*DaVeY album that we've been waiting on for the better part of four years now, is something that I didn't think a J*DaVeY album could be: subdued. That's not to say that they don't bring their...

D-Money | 11/22/2011 at 2:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Mark de Clive-Lowe's 'Renegades' Delivers A First-Class Experience

In today's troubled economy, more and more people are finding it hard to make ends meet, much less treat themselves to a nice vacation. Thanks to Renegades, the latest offering from Mark de Clive-Lowe and his multi-cultural, dynamic sound, a first-class trip around...

Ivory | 11/21/2011 at 1:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Bask In Saul Williams' 'Volcanic Sunlight'

"Follow me into the wavy, wavy water," Saul Williams beckons on Volcanic Sunlight's opening track "Look to the Sun." And wavy these waters truly are. Erring on the side of dance rock (think TV on the Radio or Bloc Party),...

D-Money | 11/16/2011 at 12:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Mayer Hawthorne Reintroduces Himself With 'How Do You Do'

What can one really expect from Mayer Hawthorne's major label debut? Sure, his soulful crooning on 2009's A Strange Arrangement was impressive, but it was also a bit homogenized, all the songs sounding so similar that even standouts like "Maybe...

D-Money | 11/10/2011 at 2:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Eric Roberson Shows That A 'Mister Nice Guy' Can Finish First

For the past 10 years, the name Eric Roberson has become synonymous with the indie soul movement, reaching across the country and the world one song at a time. With an unapologetic Errobession, I have witnessed his special brand of...

Peachy Kween | 11/08/2011 at 1:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

It's A New 'Break Of Dawn' For Goapele

After numerous delays and proving that good things come to those who wait, Bay Area songstress Goapele has released her third studio album, Break Of Dawn. It was back in 2009 when we got our first glimpse of this project...

SoulUK | 10/28/2011 at 1:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Gloria Estefan's 'Miss Little Havana' Wants To Party All The Time

Gloria Estefan's Miss Little Havana is a fun, sweet-but-street album that I challenge anybody not to get up and dance to. One thing I've always respected Gloria for is how she embraces all of Cuban music, specifically the African components....

Ms. Krista | 10/27/2011 at 2:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Phonte's 'Charity Starts At Home' Shows Where His Heart Is

"New Tigallo! New Tigallo! New Tigallo!" is a clarion call for Phonte lovers the world over, and Mr. Coleman has outdone himself with the release of Charity Starts At Home, his first full-length solo project. Newly reunited with spiritual (and...

NubianEmpress | 10/25/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink

Lalah Hathaway Takes Us To 'Where It All Begins'

With over two decades in the industry, a family name that inspires awe in music lovers worldwide, and a voice that can melt the hardest of hearts, a new album from soul veteran Lalah Hathaway has been on everybody's wishlist...

SoulUK | 10/14/2011 at 1:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Kid Creole And The Coconuts Come Back 'Screaming'

At times Kid Creole and the Coconuts' I Wake Up Screaming seems like listening to a cast album for a Broadway show you've never seen, and that's a good thing. Most songs could stand on their own, but it still...

D-Money | 09/28/2011 at 1:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Van Hunt Isn't Giving You What You Were 'Hoping For,' But You'll Eat It And Like It

After the last-minute label drama that saw his planned third album Popular yanked from record store-bound delivery trucks, the Van Hunt of What Were You Hoping For? seems a little darker; a little more world-weary. Right. Because he was Mary...

Remi | 09/27/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Stimulus & Chris Dave's '3rd 1st Impression' Leaves All The Right Ones

Remember a time when albums had a fast side and a slow side? Rapper Stimulus and producer/drummer Chris "Daddy" Dave (Maxwell, Robert Glasper) bring back the fast side/slow side concept with their mixtape, 3rd 1st Impression. Chris Dave's production is...

Ms. Krista | 09/26/2011 at 11:00 AM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Maimouna Youssef Is 'Blooming' On Her Debut Album

Cast your minds back to 2006, and The Roots were gearing up to release their seventh studio album, Game Theory. Always known to lean towards the soulful side of hip-hop, the first single "Don't Feel Right" had all the ingredients...

SoulUK | 09/20/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Get Drawn In By The 'Darling Lure' Of The Primeridian & Tall Black Guy

Summer may be leaving us, but thankfully the steady flow of good music has not. So as the seasons change instead of lamenting over our most beloved time of year, we can welcome fall with The Primeridian & Tall Black...

Peachy Kween | 09/16/2011 at 11:00 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Journey To 'Paris 96' With Theophilus London & Jesse Boykins III

Paris 96 by Theophilus London and Jesse Boykins III is one of those mixtapes I wouldn't like if I'd just listened to it on my laptop or if someone played it for me. But if I was at say, the...

Ms. Krista | 09/15/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Take A Trip To Lenny Kravitz's 'Black And White America'

Lenny Kravitz is not an album artist. Then again, he isn't a consistently strong singles artist either. He is a talented songwriter, though prone to cheesy, overly precious lyrics. And if the critics are to be believed, he's neither R&B...

Remi | 08/30/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (33) | Permalink

The Fantastics! Give 'The People' Their 'All'

Acid jazz is one of those subgenres of music that the early nineties produced that disappeared from the limelight as soon as it came. However, it did leave one lasting reminder in The Brand New Heavies. After the Heavies' last...

D-Money | 08/29/2011 at 1:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Rochelle Jordan Makes A Name For Herself With 'R O J O'

Who does Rochelle Jordan think she is? On her mixtape, R O J O, She has the audacity to sample Kelis ("Earth to Your Brain"), do a mashup of "Swing My Way" and "My Boo" ("Shawty"), delve into Thom Yorke ("Sleep"),...

D-Money | 08/26/2011 at 2:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Little Dragon's 'Union' Is Not The Typical 'Ritual'

What do you do when your first two albums propel you into international recognition and firmly plant you at the forefront of an electro-soul movement? If you're Little Dragon, you don't simply rest on your laurels, you release Ritual Union,...

D-Money | 08/24/2011 at 1:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

BOSCO Reinvents Herself Again On 'Pacer'

Keeping up with the musical output of Brittany Bosco, or BOSCO as she now prefers to be known, is a somewhat tricky affair. Her excellent debut EP, City Of Nowhere, flew under a lot of people's radars, however things soon...

SoulUK | 08/17/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Four Observations About Jay-Z & Kanye West's 'Watch The Throne'

In the week since its release, everyone and their grandmama has offered opinions about Watch the Throne, Jay-Z and Kanye West's new informational guide on how to live rich or die trying. During that time , the Throne has been...

NubianEmpress | 08/16/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (22) | Permalink

Saturn Never Sleeps Bring 'Yesterday's Machine' Into The Future

If you like your soul on the experiemental/sci-fi side, then Saturn Never Sleeps has got something that you should hear. The group, a union of DJ/proucer King Britt and singer/producer Rucyl, has concocted a potent mix taking equal parts Portishead...

D-Money | 08/01/2011 at 12:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Gods'illa Resuscitates The Game With 'CPR'

DMV-based rap group Gods'illa is ready to wreck the rap game with their new release, CPR: The Blend Tape. Brothers Acem Eternal Mind, God Allah Truth, and Powerful Rasheem Mathematics partnered with The Smoking Section to distribute their mixtape, and...

NubianEmpress | 07/28/2011 at 11:30 AM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

A Tribe Called Quest Documentary Teaches 'Beats, Rhymes & Life' Lessons

"In the beginning there was the Blues. And the Blues begat Jazz, and Jazz begat BeBop, and BeBop begat Hip-Hop." -- Unknown Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest is a fascinating documentary about legendary hip-hop...

NubianEmpress | 07/20/2011 at 3:30 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Rahsaan Patterson Is In A State Of 'Bleuphoria'

If you asked 100 soul music fans "Who is the most underrated male vocalist of this generation?" chances are that Rahsaan Patterson would come pretty close to the top of the list. Critically acclaimed and respected by both his contemporaries...

SoulUK | 07/19/2011 at 1:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

The Foreign Exchange Invite You To Be Their 'Friends'

You might own all of their albums, but you haven't truly experienced everything The Foreign Exchange has to offer until you've seen them live. One of the most amazing things about the group is that it is a musical collective...

D-Money | 07/18/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Beyoncé's '4' Puts Her At A Precarious Crossroads

Almost a month before the release of her fourth studio album, 4, Beyoncé found herself in an unfamiliar position -- lead single "Run The World (Girls)" failed to catch on with audiences, igniting (at least in the minds of the...

Remi | 06/28/2011 at 1:00 PM | Comments (20) | Permalink

Jill Scott Takes Us On A Journey To The 'Sun'

A new Jill Scott album is like a visit from your favorite cousin that you only see every once in a while. It's because her albums have such an intimate feel to them. The Light of the Sun takes this...

D-Money | 06/21/2011 at 1:00 PM | Comments (17) | Permalink

Kindred The Family Soul's 'Love Has No Recession'

There is just something special about Kindred the Family Soul. Sure we get to hear numerous love song duets from some of our favorite soul artists but the fact that these two are actually in love, and not just pretending,...

SoulUK | 06/17/2011 at 11:30 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Kim Burrell Gives You Nothin' But 'Love' On Her Latest

There's not much to say about Kim Burrell that hasn't already been said before, but it all bears repeating. One of the most revered voices in gospel music today, the Houston-native continues to amaze on her latest, The Love Album....

D-Money | 06/16/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

The 'iSHE + Hezekiah Project' Is A Success

What began as a mutual respect for each others immense talent turned into the partnering of Southern Cali native iSHE with Philly resident Hezekiah, and nine (yes, nine) days later the iSHE + Hezekiah Project was born. In a time...

Peachy Kween | 06/13/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Prince Biography Details The 'Chaos, Disorder, And Revolution'

That Prince Rogers Nelson didn't debut on this earth from inside a puff of purple smoke, with a laser light show and parade announcing his arrival was news to me. The fact that the man wasn't born drenched in awesome,...

ChrisAlexander | 06/07/2011 at 4:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

You Will Want To Stay Up For Ahmed Sirour's '2am Sessions'

I was first introduced to the melodic sounds of Ahmed Sirour by none other than Applejac, a favorite here at SoulBounce and my one-man musical welcome wagon since moving to ATL. With a body of work that includes collaborations with...

Peachy Kween | 05/27/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

There's Something About 'Kelly'

You can't talk about Kelly Price without talking about her voice. In case you didn't know (and how could you not), her voice has never been anything short of amazing. Hell, she could sing War & Peace to me, and...

D-Money | 05/24/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Musiq's Latest Lacks Some Of The 'Magiq' But Is Still Solid

Of what I consider to be neo-soul's second wave (Erykah Badu, Maxwell, D'Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and a few others make up the first), I must admit that I never expected Musiq Soulchild to have the shelf life that he has....

D-Money | 05/19/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Les Nubians Start A 'Nü Revolution'

I was first exposed to Les Nubians via their collaboration with The Roots on "Tabou" from their debut album, Princesses Nubiennes. Sung in both French and English, the cover of the Sade classic "The Sweetest Taboo" was a fitting introduction...

ChrisAlexander | 05/10/2011 at 1:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Dig Into Frank Ocean's Crates With 'The Lonny Breaux Collection'

I am a reluctant Frank Ocean fan. I'd heard his name floating around the interwebs on music blogs, Twitter, and the like, but continually ignored his offerings. After I learned that he was affiliated with the drug-fueled, often nonsensical hedonistic...

ChrisAlexander | 05/03/2011 at 12:30 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Anthony David's Album Is As Beautiful 'Above' As It Is 'Below'

I must admit that although Anthony David has been singing to many a soul since he released his first independent album in 2004, I am just now becoming familiar with his talent. Yes, I know a late pass must be...

Peachy Kween | 04/25/2011 at 1:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

So What's The Big Deal About Big K.R.I.T. & 'ReturnOf4Eva'?

With the almost deafening buzz surrounding last week's release of Big K.R.I.T.'s ReturnOf4Eva, it may seem as though the 25-year-old Mississippi-born emcee came out of nowhere. However, the reality is that K.R.I.T.'s (whose moniker means "King Remembered In Time") current...

Peachy Kween | 04/04/2011 at 1:30 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Are You Ready For The Weeknd?

Yesterday I was perusing Twitter, killing some time, when I came across a number of tweets referencing an article in The Guardian newspaper and a collective known as The Weeknd. Given that the tweets were coming from people whom I...

SoulUK | 04/01/2011 at 1:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Reflecting On Jamie Woon's 'Mirrorwriting'

Nothing compares to that feeling you get when you press play on an album that, seemingly, was made just for you. Every beat, every note, and every lyric strikes a chord. It's what you needed, wanted and hoped for. Sappiness...

SoulUK | 03/15/2011 at 1:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

JSOUL Does It His Way On 'Black Sinatra'

Singer/songwriter/producer JSOUL is one of many talented artists on Baltimore's independent soul music scene. His first album, Urban Retrospective, earned him both popularity and critical acclaim. Even then, you couldn't ignore his raw talent. His vocal control and steady range...

KitKat | 03/09/2011 at 2:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

J*DaVeY's 'Evil Christian Cop' Is Pure Goodness

Well, it's here. No, Jesus hasn't sent a cease and desist letter to Lil Kim. J*DaVeY's long-awaited Evil Christian Cop: The Great Mistapes EP has arrived. After a solid release date was given last week, I counted down the days...

ChrisAlexander | 02/23/2011 at 11:30 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Corinne Bailey Rae Shares A Little 'Love'

Corinne Bailey Rae has beaten some overwhelming odds. It is challenging for successful UK artists to translate their success to the US, but she did it. It is not easy to follow up a stellar debut album with an equally...

KitKat | 02/22/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

James Blake: Style Over Substance?

I became aware of James Blake through his heavily reworked mashup of Kelis' "Caught Out There" and Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody" on the title track from his CMYK EP. I was intrigued enough to hunt down a copy of...

SoulUK | 02/09/2011 at 4:30 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Adele's '21' Is The Perfect Number

Following the staggering success of her debut album, it was always going to be difficult for Adele to live up to expectations when it came to releasing her follow up project. After all, 19 has sold nearly three million copies...

SoulUK | 01/31/2011 at 12:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

M.I.A. Is Reborn As 'Vicki Leekx'

It's pretty hard to describe London-born performer/controversy-junkie M.I.A. She sings. She raps. She pisses off the media. She rants, raves, and does pretty much whatever she wants in her music, wardrobe, and otherwise. It matters not whether we understand, like,...

ChrisAlexander | 01/03/2011 at 2:30 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Patti LaBelle & The Cast Of FELA! Shine

Three months ago I reported to you that Patti Labelle had joined the cast of FELA!, the Broadway musical depicting the life of Nigerian activist/musician Fela Kuti. I had written the news in August before seeing the production myself, only...

Moon | 12/14/2010 at 2:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Is Diddy-Dirty Money's 'Last Train' Worth Diddly?

Going against Rule #432 in the Life-Ruining Moguls Handbook--giving music away...for free--Sean "Diddy" Combs released a mixtape over the weekend in anticipation of his new album. Last Dollar Van to Bed Stuy Last Train to Paris Prelude gives fans a...

ChrisAlexander | 12/06/2010 at 4:00 PM | Comments (11) | Permalink

It's Eric Benét's 'Time' To Shine

On his latest album, Lost in Time, crooner Eric Benét hops into his musical time machine, taking listeners on a trip back to the funky, soulful '70s. While in a lesser artist's hands, this attempt at nostalgia could go horribly...

Ivory | 12/03/2010 at 12:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Estelle & John Legend 'Flow' Freely

I used to be a huge John Legend fan. His debut single "Used to Love You" and the resulting album Get Lifted got major play in 2005. Kanye's sped up soul samples perfectly complimented John's unique voice. Even though he...

ChrisAlexander | 11/30/2010 at 4:00 PM | Permalink

Kanye West's 'Fantasy' Is 'Beautiful' Indeed

Can you feel it? In the air? No, not the excitement over Thursday's celebration of this nation's impending horrific takeover by ill-meaning and entitled foreigners from those who had been living here for centuries prior. I'm speaking of Kanye's West's...

ill Mami | 11/23/2010 at 1:30 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink

Cee-Lo Green Woos & Slays With 'The Lady Killer'

Waiting for the release of a Cee-Lo Green album is like anticipating the end of a BET Awards show. It's painful. His projects are epic by default and serve as a breath of fresh air in a market populated with...

ChrisAlexander | 11/11/2010 at 2:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Jamiroquai's 'Rock Dust Light Star' Gives Us More Of What We Love

Since the 1993 release of their debut album, Emergency on Planet Earth, Jamiroquai has been dazzling fans with their disco, funk and acid-jazz blend of music. Seventeen years later, the group is still keeping it funky with their latest release,...

Ivory | 11/03/2010 at 2:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Sunshine Anderson 'Shines' On New Album

Three record labels later, Sunshine Anderson, who now calls Verve Records home (which also releases music by Ledisi, Lizz Wright and Avant), drops her third album The Sun Shines Again today on Election Day. The question is, will you vote...

Moon | 11/02/2010 at 12:00 PM | Permalink

The Foreign Exchange Reign Over The Empire City

Phone, Nicolay and their musically gifted collective known as The Foreign Exchange, including Zo!, Darien Brockington, and guest vocalist Chantae Cann, played B.B. King in New York City Saturday night and, as usual, did not disappoint. The show served as...

huny | 10/25/2010 at 6:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

The Foreign Exchange's 'Authenticity' Is As Real As They Come

Let's face it, The Foreign Exchange's Leave It All Behind is a tough act to follow. Released in October 2008, the album overshadowed everything released that year, wound up atop many "Best Of" lists (including being named Album of the...

Butta | 10/23/2010 at 12:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

KUKU Gives Us Some 'Love' We Can Afford

I was excited to learn that acoustic soul singer KUKU dropped his new album, Love In a Time of Hope & Recession, this week after waiting for some time for new music after his 2007 release, Absence of Cool, that still enjoys...

Moon | 09/29/2010 at 1:15 PM | Permalink

John Legend & The Roots Try To 'Wake Up' The Masses

The Roots have been busy these past few months doing things that we would least expect. Aside from this year's release of their slept-on album, How I Got Over, how many of us really expected their successful turn as the...

Moon | 09/22/2010 at 3:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Bilal Delivers What He Promised With 'Airtight's Revenge'

If you're a lover of Bilal's work, September 15th has been a date that you've had in your memory register ever since he announced he'd be releasing a new album almost one year ago. Back then he promised an Electro-Jazz...

ill Mami | 09/14/2010 at 12:00 PM | Comments (12) | Permalink

Incognito Takes Us On A Fantastic 'Transatlantic' Voyage

Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick and the crew from Incognito brought in Chaka Khan and Mario Biondi on vocals, not once, but twice on the new Incognito album Transatlantic R.P.M. The first song the two appear on is a duet, a remake...

Moon | 09/03/2010 at 12:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Fantasia Is 'Back' And Bringing The Drama

The comparisons between Fantasia Barrino and Jennifer Hudson have been long-standing since both women were featured contestants in 2004 on Season 3 of American Idol. When Fantasia won, some naysayers said Jennifer was robbed and should have won. While I...

Moon | 09/02/2010 at 12:00 PM | Comments (15) | Permalink

'Intimacy' Is Kem's Forte

Few artists can capture an entire relationship with a woman so fully and completely as singer Kem does with almost seamless precision on his new album, Intimacy Album III. Forget simply calling it baby-making music. Kem makes music that women...

Moon | 08/25/2010 at 2:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Zo!'s 'SunStorm' Shines Bright

If you're a passionate music lover like I am, then you already know that there's nothing worse than waiting patiently for an album to drop, only to realize that it was nowhere near as good as you'd hoped it'd be....

Ivory | 07/30/2010 at 1:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

SoulBounce's Best Albums Of 2010...So Far

Toward the end of 2009, when word of new albums that were due in the new year began to spread, many, including SoulBounce, predicted that 2010 was going to be one of the best years in urban music in recent...

SoulBounce | 07/08/2010 at 3:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Angela Johnson Gets Up Close & 'Personal' On Her New Release

Two things are certain when you listen to Angela Johnson's new album It's Personal: (1) Angela is proud of not being part of the mediocrity found on the radio and (2) she wishes the radio played more substantive material. These...

Moon | 06/29/2010 at 12:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

YahZarah's 'Ballad Of Purple Saint James' Sheds Light On, Gives Us Much To Love

First things first; I'd be remiss if I didn't admit that I judge music by how it makes me feel. Maybe it's because I'm a woman. Or because I'm a Cancer. Or maybe both. But just know that I listen...

Ivory | 06/03/2010 at 12:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Dissection Of A Concert: DC Becomes Stevie Wonder-land

Last week, when we announced that Stevie Wonder was turning 60 years-old, we also hipped you to the fact that he would be coming to DC to perform at a free private concert at the Verizon Center. The concert was...

Moon | 05/27/2010 at 2:00 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink

Leela James Shares Her 'Soul'

Big-voiced Leela James takes the new jacks of today back to the sound that our elders were dancing to in the '60s and '70s on her new album, My Soul. She wasn't playing when she named this album. When she...

Moon | 05/24/2010 at 12:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Janelle Monáe Is 'The ArchAndroid'

As difficult as it may be to listen to an entire album from start to finish in this Age of the Internet, The ArchAndroid should probably be experienced at least once from start to finish. Imagined by Janelle Monáe as an...

Ro | 05/18/2010 at 12:00 PM | Comments (16) | Permalink

Toni Braxton's 'Pulse' Barely Beats On New CD

Before listening to Toni Braxton's new album, Pulse, I watched The Wendy Williams Show this morning to check out Toni's performance of "Hands Tied" and the singer, clad in a sexy cat suit with rope as an accessory, performed well,...

Moon | 05/05/2010 at 3:00 PM | Comments (16) | Permalink

Erykah Badu's 'Return' Is As Rewarding The Second Time Around

Six albums into her career, love her or hate her, Erykah Badu has always had the effect of having opinions rendered on her. If you're reading this, you already know which side of her fence you're on. New Amerykah Part...

ill Mami | 03/30/2010 at 12:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Asher Roth & DJ Wreckineyez Please Our Palate With 'Seared Foie Gras'

"One day, I'm gonna say something really impressive." -- Asher Roth When someone is getting a lot of underground buzz, I like to wait awhile before listening to them--let them marinate a little and see if they stay afloat or...

KrisBougie | 03/25/2010 at 2:45 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Dissection Of A Concert: Janelle Monáe Does D.C.

The Black Cat in Washington, D.C. is a grungy, standing-room only spot that is the poor-man's haven for cheap tickets to see acts of all kinds--from uber-stars to up-and-comers--in every genre of music you can imagine. Last night, a Monday...

Moon | 03/16/2010 at 4:30 PM | Comments (18) | Permalink

Raheem DeVaughn's 'Masterpeace' Is A Masterpiece

With a resounding introduction speech from none other than Dr. Cornel West, Raheem DeVaughn's new album, The Love & War Masterpeace, begins with an exclamation point that doesn't end, even after the last song....

Moon | 03/02/2010 at 4:00 PM | Comments (16) | Permalink

Megan Livingston Introduces Us To 'Black Beckee'

"Look at me sitting on my knees, you look like you might kill me. I'll do anything to please." This line from the Megan Livingston song "The Apologetic Album" is an eerie opening to a song that could possibly be...

Moon | 02/22/2010 at 4:00 PM | Permalink

Jaheim Pours His Soul Into 'Another Round'

Jaheim was a brave soul to drop a new album on the same day that the band Sade dropped theirs after a ten-year hiatus. But, upon review, there was no need for him to be fearful. Vocally and production-wise, Jaheim's...

Moon | 02/12/2010 at 4:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

There's Little 'Life' In This Sade Mixtape

Being a Sade fan is the worst kind of addiction. Because she performs and records so rarely, you'll jump at the first hint of a new track or a live performance or an anything. So, when I saw there was...

KrisBougie | 02/10/2010 at 11:30 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Nneka Provides 'Concrete' Evidence Of Greatness

2010 is bringing in some amazing new music. We aren't necessarily counting new and scary musical outputs like the recent Badu/Lil Wayne match-up, but new and pleasing sounds like those coming from African import Nneka on her new release,...

Moon | 02/09/2010 at 12:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Sade Soldiers On With A New CD

SoulBounce has been keeping you updated with the news of Sade's latest, Soldier of Love, and the released tracks and videos have only heightened the anticipation for her long-overdue return. Only Sade could be absent from the music scene for...

Moon | 02/08/2010 at 1:00 PM | Comments (13) | Permalink

Icon Gil Scott-Heron Is Back 'Here'

New music is not always a good thing. But, it is most definitely a great thing when it is from a musical icon who never fails to push the envelope of creativity and originality. Gil Scott-Heron has graced us with...

Moon | 02/05/2010 at 1:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Swimming With Corinne Bailey Rae In 'The Sea'

By now we should all be aware that the darling known as Corinne Bailey Rae has been MIA for a spell because she suffered the unexpected loss of her husband. Jason Rae died of a drug overdose, at the pinnacle...

Moon | 01/29/2010 at 2:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

DJ Spinna Brings The 'Boogie Back'

Earlier this year, DJ Spinna gave us a Sonic Smash to chill our ears in the midst of a sweltering summer. As 2009 wraps up, the renowned producer is back--and this time, he's brought the heat with Boogie Back, a...

Fave | 11/13/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Getting 'Love' From Boyz II Men

You already know how I feel about Boyz II Men. Their harmonies are uncanny and their image remains wholesome as sweet potato pie. For nearly twenty years, Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris have given us a consistent stream...

Fave | 11/12/2009 at 1:30 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

What I Learned While Standing On 'The Bridge' With Melanie Fiona

I've had an appreciation for Melanie Fiona since discovering her music via ?uestlove this past summer, but I didn't consider myself a fan. When I got my hands on her debut album, The Bridge, I pressed play with no expectations....

Fave | 11/09/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

'Sexy Soul' Trifecta With Eric Benet, Mint Condition And Ledisi

The rain hammered the pavement outside Houston's Verizon Theatre, but it didn't stop hundreds of concertgoers from experiencing the Sexy Soul Tour featuring Ledisi, Mint Condition and Eric Benet. The lobby was filled with two-piece velour leisure suits, color-coordinated gator...

Fave | 11/06/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

'...just visting too' With Zo! & Friends

Between teaching music to inner-city youth in DC and touring as part of The Foreign Exchange, Zo! has been working diligently in the lab on his own projects. While putting the finishing touches on his Sunstorm LP (scheduled to drop...

Fave | 11/03/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink

Bobby Brown Does Broadway

Whether you hate him, love him, or are simply confused by him, if Robert Barisford Brown is booked to perform at a venue in your area, you should run, not walk, to go see that man. Yes, we've seen the...

Harlem | 10/26/2009 at 4:15 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

The 'Evolution' Of Brian McKnight

Music veterans build their reputation through years of constant dedication to their craft. In the case of Brian McKnight, he's endured the battle scars of love and connected his experiences to ours with heartfelt R&B compositions. His eleventh studio album,...

Fave | 10/26/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Jody Watley's 'Makeover' Is Better Than The Real Thing

I can't front. I honestly have not been up on Jody Watley's most recent audible offerings post-'80s bustier-petticoat-big hair loveliness. I was surprised she had a song with 4Hero, "Bed Of Roses", that stayed on repeat so much that had...

ill Mami | 10/20/2009 at 4:15 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Wave Your Hands In The Air While Riding Soulpersona's 'Soulacoaster'

The soulful heat coming from across the pond has been keeping our ears nice and toasty with beautiful beats, sultry voices and universal subject matters. UK-based producer extraordinaire, Soulpersona (aka SoulP), has collaborated with a number of talented singers from...

Fave | 10/16/2009 at 1:00 PM | Permalink

There's No Denying N'dambi's 'Pink Elephant' In The Room

When it comes to longevity, N'Dambi is a soul songstress who has stood the test of time. Her 1999 debut, Little Lost Girls Blues, set the course for her extraordinary career as an indie artist - gaining international attention without the major label budget. Ten years and three albums later, N'Dambi is now a part of the legendary Stax Records imprint. Her highly anticipated fourth LP, Pink Elephant, is a collection of real life stories smothered in a heavy blend of soul, funk, blues and rock.

Fave | 10/14/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Digging The Underground Soul With Eric Roberson, Choklate And Liv Warfield

My eyes scanned the sea of dreadlocks, afros, perms, diamond encrusted watches, church shoes, sandals, designer jeans and clingy capris while the bartender poured drinks and catfish sizzled from the kitchen. This was Grooves Lounge, one of the many playgrounds...

Fave | 10/12/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Discovering The Mystery Of Meshell Ndegeocello With 'Devil's Halo'

It took 16 years for me to learn how to pronounce her name, but only 10 seconds to embrace the eclectic vibe of Meshell Ndegeocello's music. Since 1993, the Grammy-nominated bassist/singer/songwriter has spun a web of soul, funk, rock,...

Fave | 10/08/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink

Common & The Roots Make The Perfect Blend In Houston

It was a balmy autumn night as hundreds huddled under umbrellas outside The Corinthian in downtown Houston. No amount of rain nor humidity could put a damper on what would be an evening of incredible music at the Hennessy Artistry...

Fave | 10/08/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Common & His Friends Were As Fresh As '88

Dig if you will this picture: Hollywood on on balmy Saturday night. The promise of a Common show along with the anticipation of some quality Hip Hop in the mix. There were already expectations of who was scheduled to perform:...

ill Mami | 09/28/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

'Memoirs Of An Imperfect' Album

This week Mariah Carey will release her latest effort Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel. This album marks her twelfth studio release and her first time working without Jermaine Dupri since they started collaborating. This album is primarily produced by The-Dream...

Christian Law | 09/28/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (9) | Permalink

Eric Roberson Does It For The Music Fans First

Tuesday night in New York City, Eric Roberson feted his birthday and the release of his new album Music Fan First. Fans of his music peppered the stark white candlelit booths and tables of winter-themed lounge Aspen while DJ...

Jalylah | 09/25/2009 at 4:30 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Nicolay Shines On 'City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya'

The Foreign Exchange is a musical reflection of the global glue adhering our spirits together. What started as two musicians swapping files over the internet, Nicolay and Phonte have transformed their passion for music into an international movement, while bringing...

Fave | 09/24/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

'Blueprint 3' Suffers From Ennui, Maintains Street Cred Reviewers Say

Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 drops today in an attempt to curb the numerous "leaks" that have been dripped all over the internet in recent months. In fact, I'm willing to bet that many of you reading this right now have already...

ill Mami | 09/09/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Robert Glasper's 'Double Booked' Release Party In Review

Pianist Robert Glasper is known to have jokes but credit the nervous laughter that filled New York City's Le Poisson Rouge Sunday night to his drummer Chris Dave. The Mint Condition & Erykah Badu alum's ferocity elicited a series of...

Jalylah | 09/04/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Maxwell Returns With A Hot 'BLACKsummers'night'

Let's just get the obvious and the default out of the way now: Maxwell has been on hiatus for eight years. Within that time he disappeared completely off the radar, cut his luxurious trademark afro, and lived, as much as...

huny | 07/08/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (27) | Permalink

The Return Of Mighty Mos

I am a Hip Hop fan, so I am a Mos Def fan. I'm a Mos fan from the conscious poetics of "UMI Says" to the flashy mischiviousness of "Sex, Love & Money." I'm a fan to the point...

huny | 06/08/2009 at 7:09 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Revisiting Michael Jackson's Golden Years

I don't know of too many adult vocalists (male or female) who sound better than Michael Jackson did when he was still in his formative stages. Young Michael's range and phrasing surprise me to this day--just take this early...

Dar | 02/24/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (22) | Permalink

PPP Presents An 'Abundance' Of Good Music

We're still in the throes of winter, but it's a little less cold in the D now that PPP have finally returned with their second album, Abundance. The title could not be more fitting. Principal members Waajeed and Saadiq have...

Dar | 02/18/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

With 'The Point Of It All' Anthony Hamilton's Soul Is On Fire

It is the belief of many that Anthony Hamilton can do no wrong vocally. His voice takes us back to a time when music was a little bit more real...more raw...more right. We feel him on a level that...

Dar | 02/05/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (14) | Permalink

'Universal Mind Control' Delivers What It Promised

There has been much mental and verbal wrangling regarding Common's latest musical offering, Universal Mind Control. Those of us who have ridden down this lengthy career path with him since the early '90s are used to Common straight with no...

ill Mami | 12/17/2008 at 11:40 AM | Comments (15) | Permalink

Why I Cannot Properly Review Black Milk's 'Tronic'

Tronic is so bloody fantastic it's frustrating. When you've spent most of the last couple of years trying to convince people how dope Black Milk is and they respond with this hard-headed refusal to give dude a chance, it makes you...

nOvaMatic | 11/21/2008 at 5:00 PM | Comments (19) | Permalink

Q-Tip Doesn't Usher In A 'Renaissance,' But It's Still Worthwhile

Q-Tip's The Renaissiance, if you're a reader of this website, is likely something you already own or something that you're looking to acquire. Consisting of tracks that can imbue a lounge-type atmosphere, this album seeks to slow things down long...

ill Mami | 11/14/2008 at 4:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

The Foreign Exchange's New Album Is Something That Will Never Be Left 'Behind'

It has been four years since The Foreign Exchange's Phonte and Nicolay offered us their vision of what "soul hop" could be with Connected. While not as many may have been clamoring for their return as say Maxwell, Lauryn or...

ill Mami | 10/08/2008 at 4:00 PM | Comments (19) | Permalink

Eric Benét Celebrates 'Love & Life'

On his new album, Love & Life, Eric Benét explores the labyrinth of love, lust and life on a diverse collection that features no low moments but only highs. It's ironic that this album is entitled Love & Life because...

Butta | 09/17/2008 at 4:00 PM | Comments (17) | Permalink

Estelle Shines Bright

Ever since Estelle signed to John Legend's Homeschool Records, she's been constantly compared to the likes of Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. The comparisons basically stop at being a talented soulful songstress. On her U.S. debut, Shine, Estelle proves that...

Q. Salazar | 05/07/2008 at 12:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

The Roots Step Up With 'Rising Down'

I can't front. I haven't been interested in an album from The Roots since 1999's Things Fall Apart. It had cameos from some unlikely artists such as Eve, but old standbys Common and Mos Def came to represent, so it...

ill Mami | 05/01/2008 at 2:00 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

Black Spade Serves Hip Hop With Love

Black Spade's debut album To Serve With Love, released yesterday, has been racking up accolades since his four-track Loves Right Here EP dropped last November. He was featured on Soul Bounce last week as a First Spin, and despite the...

ill Mami | 03/05/2008 at 12:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

A 'New AmErykah' Is Finally Here

Du Day is finally here. Now that the longing and patience has finally paid off with your iPod vibrating with the excitement that only good, new music can bring, comes time to reflect. Not about whether the album is...

ill Mami | 02/26/2008 at 12:00 PM | Comments (13) | Permalink

Nicolay & Kay 'Time:Line'

It's no secret that Dutch producer Nicolay is a favorite here at SoulBounce. More than a beatmaker, this is a guy that understands composition, mood, and melody. While there's a number of tracks in his discog that knock with the...

nOvaMatic | 02/20/2008 at 11:59 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Jill Scott Thrills In 'Live In Paris+'

"There is a difference between entertainers and artists."Jill Scott, Live In Paris+Jill Scott's "The Real Thing" tour kicked off Tuesday night in Seattle, and it is currently making its way across the country well into '08. In the unfortunate...

Butta | 02/07/2008 at 12:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Salt-N-Pepa's Hair, Er, Here (Again)!

If you're a Salt-N-Pepa fan like I am, you had to wonder what in the "spinderella" VH1 did to The Salt-N-Pepa Show, which went on an abrupt "hiatus" this past December after only seven episodes. (Meanwhile, we've seen Scott...

Harlem | 02/04/2008 at 12:05 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

We All Want the Same Thing: Kevin Michael with Less Sex and More Soul

Whether it's threatening suicide, boasting about cosmetics, or converting your favorite childhood superhero into an asinine dance-craze, it's apparent that the newest generation of young, fresh-faced pop stars are desperate to extend their stay on the radar for as long...

Shooter | 01/23/2008 at 12:55 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink