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3 Dope Songs to Kick off the New Year-Curtis Mayfield is Timeless

January 1, 2014 By

Curtis MayfieldWanted to kick off the new year 2014 with some much-needed inspiration and nourishment for our minds.. What better way to do that then by highlighting 3 Dope Songs by one of the greatest song writers of our time Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions which featured Fred Cash and Sam Gooden. Many said the timeless music they did was a sound track for the Civil Rights and Freedom Movements.. 40 years later what they wrote is relevant today..

It’s interesting to note that Mayfield and company hail from the Windy City of Chicago where the message they were trying to impart was for Black folks to survive, move on up and have compassion for each other.. Contrast that with the corporate backed message coming from Chief Keef who also comes from Chicago where he says he wants his new mixtape to raise the murder rate.. One has gotta wonder especially when you keep in mind, that both artists were and are on and distributed by the same label ‘Universal Music’.

Moving forward, each day we wake up we should hum this tune ‘We’re a Winner‘ in our heads and have it become a part of our psyche and identity the same way that ‘hustlin’, ballin’ and  ‘thuggin’ and have become ingrained…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLMRzDFMvEo

Also related to that song is Move on Up which for this generation is associated with Kanye West because of how he sampled it for his hit song..Touch the Sky… But the original is pretty potent and we need to ingest these lyrics in 2014

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z66wVo7uNw

This next song ‘Choice of Colors‘ was done in 1969 came at a time when the country was going through great social and racial unrest. There had been hundreds of riots/ rebellions all over the country in the wake of Dr King being assassinated and the protests against the Vietnam War being intensified. . Cointel-Pro designed by J Edgar Hoover and the FBI to dismantle the freedom struggles was in full swing and many artists were beginning to push the envelope and make profound statements with their songs.. They ranged from James Brown anthem ‘Black and I’m Proud‘ to Curtis Mayfield with this gem addressing racism..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNV1Y01xNk8

Here’s a link to the historic 1969 Joey Bishop Show performance … http://www.eyeneer.com/video/r-b-soul/the-impressions/choice-of-colors

Curtis Mayfield and ImpressionsPerhaps the best known song by Mayfield and the Impression is this Civil Rights Anthem called ‘People Get Ready‘. It was done in 1965  and was the title track from their landmark album of the same name. Its been covered by over a hundred musicians and is considered one of the top records of all time to shape ‘Rock-n-Roll. Mayfield says the songs was inspired by his church upbringing.. I deliberately used the version that’s attached to the video of the Occupy Movement to demonstrate how pervasive the song has been and how something from the bowels of the Black community which gave a struggling people hope and inspiration has been used by so many others for the same purpose..Hopefully people listen to the words and apply them..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yYOWQj2Wdo

We’re gonna leave out with a bonus track that was done Live at the Bitter End in New York.. I want folks to pay close attention to the lyrics..’We People Who Are Darker Than Blue‘.. His message in this song is a good way for us to kick of the new year..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV6BzsgOLAw

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3 Dope Songs from Coco Peila; Taking the Bay Area to New Heights

December 8, 2013 By

Coco PeilaAs we continue our 3 Dope Song series designed to turn folks on to underplayed and new artists, we turn our attention to Coco Peila who is a dope emcee/ singer who comes from Berkeley, California.  She’s been putting in work for a minute, both as an activist , student and artist doing everything from winning Poetry slam championships (2005) to graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recording Arts and a Master of Science Degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University in Orlando Florida, to performing on stages all over the world including in Guatemala and New Zealand.

She first caught a lot of people’s attention back in 2007 when her song Any Day was chosen by Youth Noise to be the face of a campaign they had launched to raise awareness about body image.

A couple of years ago Coco released her first mixed tape entitled  “Can I Reminisce…Progress Not Perfection” .

She recently dropped a banger of a song called ‘Misses Shoot ’em Down‘ that deals with female empowerment and respect. It’s the first single from her debut album as she takes a firm seat at the table of dope emcees making moves from the Bay..

 

Misses Shoot ’em Down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S1SBdWreVs

“Any Day Now”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhZsA99tgi8

Coco Peila and Groove Major- Make It Hot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyCPDxiEXt0

Filed Under: 2013 Daily News, 2014 Daily News, 3 Dope songs Tagged With: , , , ,

3 Dope Songs from Cocoa Bella-Harlem’s Renaissance Woman

December 8, 2013 By

Cocoa BellaCocoa Bella is a singer/song-writer, emcee, renowned fashionista and muse — hailing from New York City. Born and raised in Harlem, she carries the sensibility of a chic, sophisticated, not-to-be-messed-with city girl in her music. Her influences include : Foxy Brown, Grace Jones, Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Kelis, Remy Ma, Nelly Furtado, Missy Elliot and Gwen Stefani.

C-B is a self-proclaimed “triple threat” which has widely been proven via her photography, media and music skills. Owner of popular blog COOL CRUEL WORLD, and photography start-up company HAUTE FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY, C-B holds her own in several different realms of the industry. C-B emulates the style, creativity and elegance. She was recently captured in VOGUE for her keen and unique sense of style during NY fashion week. Her infectious style is evident in her music and her style of dress!

Her journey with music started years ago when she had a chance meeting with the A+R at Star Trak. Though that didn’t work out when they dis-banded from Arista, Cocoa continued to work in the industry as a journalist penning stories for the likes of: EBONY MAGAZINE, DON DIVA MAGAZINE, J-RECORDS and more. She grew her brand as a blogger, photographer, NYC personality, and fashion-maven…. NOW IT’S TIME FOR THE WORLD TO RECOGNIZE THE NEW FACE OF A MODERN RENAISSANCE WOMAN!

source: http://www.reverbnation.com/cocoabella

WWYDW (What Wud You Do Widdit?! )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1xXM3oMQkA

TheraFlu R E M I X

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS7Yvjen-bY

Rock It

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2nD0EzopVY

Filed Under: 2013 Daily News, 3 Dope songs Tagged With: ,

3 Dope Songs from Amil -From Major Coins to Roc-A Fella & Beyond

December 8, 2013 By

AmilAmil Kahala Whitehead  more commonly known by her stage name Amil, is an American female rapper, singer, and songwriter from New York City. She was prominent in the late 1990s as a Jay-Z protégé, most notably on the single “Can I Get A...” from the Rush Hour soundtrack.

In 1997, Amil was involved with an all-female group called “Major Coins“. The group met Jay-Z, who was looking for a woman to provide vocals on his third album, Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life. The part for the female rapper was really for her friend, but when Jay-Z asked Amil to freestyle and liked it, he decided to put her on the song instead. Amil, wanting to remain loyal to her friend, did not prefer to be put on the song, but Jay-Z allowed them both to do a version of the song.

Soon after Major Coins broke up, Amil decided to follow a solo career with Jay-Z’s label, Roc-A-Fella Records, joining the 1999 Hard Knock Life Tour. After the tour, she appeared on songs with Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Jermaine Dupri, AZ, DJ Kay Slay, LL Cool J and Funkmaster Flex.

 

I Got That

No 1 Can Compare

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yupFbQP7N8U

Quarrels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yejS_9R8Unk

Filed Under: 2013 Daily News, 2014 Daily News, 3 Dope songs Tagged With: , ,

3 Dope Songs from Allie Baby Holding it Down for New Orleans

December 8, 2013 By

Allie BabyGiving you raw and street savvy lyricism, accompanied with a raspy New Orleans accent, Allie Baby has developed a sound that is uniquely her own. From her impeccable writing skills, to that commanding voice so unexpected from the pint size beauty, she lets it be known she is here to stay for a while.

In a male dominated industry, Allie embraces her womanhood and owns her sexiness without exploitation. She carries such a natural demand of respect. She has is firmly establishing herself as a novel force to be reckoned with in hip hop and entertainment. Check out her home page at http://alliebaby.blogspot.com/p/biography.html

Runaway Freestyle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiYEh6qWUjg

“M.O.D.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UsmfDUTqW4

“I Want The Life”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYimcQjiAYA

Filed Under: 2013 Daily News, 3 Dope songs Tagged With: ,

3 Dope Songs from Soul Singer Charles Bradley aka the Screaming Eagle

October 23, 2013 By
Charles Bradley aka the Screaming Eagle

Charles Bradley aka the Screaming Eagle

Charles Bradley aka the Screaming Eagle of Soul is someone who we should all know. Born in Gainesville, Florida and raised in Brooklyn, NY,  his music is infectious, filled with emotion and takes you back to the hey day of James Brown and raw 60s soul. His lack of exposure makes you wonder what’s wrong with the current crop of music taste makers and record selectors who somehow have avoided highlighting this man’s musical offerings..

Bradley never had an easy go of it.. His mother bounced out on him when he was 8 years old which led to him being shipped off to Brooklyn to live with his grandmother. Sadly she lived in extreme poverty which meant that Bradley’s room was in the basement on a dirt floor. He eventually ran away, roaming the streets during the day and sleeping on subways at night..

3 events helped change Bradley’s life for the better. The first came in 1962 when he first saw James Brown aka Soul Brother Number 1. Bradley came back inspired and tried to imitate Brown, both in his singing style and showmanship. Many said that Bradley looked like James which led to him working as a James Brown impersonator fat nightclubs under the name Black Velvet

The second event was him joining the Job Corps and him moving to Ben Harbor, Maine, where he worked as a cook. It was there he formed his first band, overcame his stage fright and started to hone his skills. Unfortunately key members of the band were drafted off to fight in Vietnam War. The band never regrouped.

Charles BradleyBradley struggled for a long time, working odd jobs, and performing sporadically as Black Velvet.. He was homeless for a period had to deal with the tragic murder of his brother and almost died himself when he was accidentally given penicillin which he was allergic to.. Bradley eventually moved out west… During one of his Black Velvet performances in 2002, he caught the attention of Gabriel Roth who was the co-founder of Daptone Records… The rest they say is history..

Bradley was introduced to members of the then emerging Brooklyn based Menahan Street Band. He came to a few of their rehearsals, left an indelible impression and started doing some song writing for them and cutting a number of singles. This led to his first album ‘No Time For Dreaming’ which many consider a soul classic released in 2011. His second album Victim of Love came out earlier this year. A documentary on Bradley life was released last year at SXSW to rave reviews called Soul of America.

Below are 3 Dope Songs From Charles Bradley..

Charles Bradley The World Is Going Up in Flames

This song was first released in 2007. Several years later a video was done for the song after it was including on Bradley’s debut album No Time for Dreaming. This video led to him having a documentary done on his life. There’s no denying the passion and the James brown influence on this song as he brings to life the challenges many are facing in this world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moiUyFQQE-0

Charles Bradley Stay Away

This song is a soulful cover of a popular song from the rock band Nirvana.  You can peep the original Nirvana song HERE Bradley and the Menahan Street Band completely flip and give a soulful Hip Hop flavor. It’s my favorite song by Bradley.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDRwYuesVfc

Charles Bradley Golden Rule

This is another dope song from Charles Bradley that’s laced with social political content.. I wish they did a video for it, but this live version done at SXSW is dope on its own..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzYzAcSjkao

Charles Bradley Strictly For You

This is another song and video highlighting the diversity and range of Charles Bradley.. He can be energetic, funky and dynamic one minute or thoughtful and soulful the next.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgnQYvzRDiQ

Filed Under: 2013 Daily News, 3 Dope songs Tagged With: , , , , , ,

3 Dope Songs From Amanda ‘Diva’ Seales A True Renaissance Woman

October 15, 2013 By
Amanda Diva Seales

Amanda ‘Diva’ Seales

Amanda Seales formerly known as Amanda Diva was born in Southern, Cali, but raised in Orlando Florida. She is a singer/ emcee of Grenadian descent ..She’s a playwright, comedian, author, designer, DJ and entrepreneur, a True Renaissance woman

In 1994, Seales made her debut at the age of 12 on the Nickelodeon sitcom My Brother and Me, the show was a big hit on the network but was eventually canceled due to disagreements between the producers and creators of the show, during this time Seales took a hiatus to focus on her education.

In 2004, Seales who was now calling herself Diva, released her debut Mixtape entitled “It Bigger Than Hip Hop, Vol 1”. After landing a job hosting MTV2, Diva began hosting a radio show on SIRIUS, the Hip-Hop Nation Show.

She also joined the DJ Drama/Don Cannon/DJ Sense-helmed Aphilliates crew, and published a book of poetry, all before receiving a degree in African-American studies from Columbia University. In 2007 her career took a surprising turn, when she was asked to replace Natalie Stewart of the musical duo Floetry, on tour. December of the same year, Diva released Life Experience the first EP of a trilogy.

After being released from the emergency room for a spinal tap, Diva continued to promote her sophomore EP, Spandex, Rhymes and Soul, which was released June 24, 2008. Amanda also provides social commentary and updates on her projects on her blog.

In 2009, Diva was a guest commentator on VH1’s 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of the 80s. Amanda is also featured on Johnny Polygon’s 2010 mixtape Rebel Without Applause on two songs entitled “Blvd Broad” and “Get Right”….

source: http://worldraps.wikia.com/wiki/Amanda_Diva

Currently Amanda is making noise with a weekly online series called Things I Learned this Week.. It’s hilarious as she shows off her wit and acting chops.. It’s an extension of the work she’s been doing in the form of her one woman plays Death of a Diva and stand up routines/play It’s Complicated... Amanda also made a lot of noise as a host on Master in the Mix.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUk-kHjOfcw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcIalg8_nis

Below are 3 Dope Songs from Amanda Seales:

Amanda ‘Diva’ Seales ‘Catch Me’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWI79-Siorc

Amanda ‘Diva’ Seales ‘Manchild’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSczhRdsHZs

Amanda ‘Diva’ Seales Trendsetter’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwruwwBnfrQ

Bonus joint:

Amanda ‘Diva’ Seales  w/ Q-Tip ’40 emcees’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38QSU9bkA4k

Filed Under: 2013 Daily News, 3 Dope songs Tagged With: , , , , , ,

3 Dope Songs from Chilean Emcee Anita Tijoux

October 8, 2013 By

Ana Tijoux blueToday’s 3 Dope Songs celebrates the work of  Chilean emcee Anita Tijoux also known as Ana Tijoux.. She was born in France to two exiled Chilean parents who later returned after the US backed dictator General Augusto Pinochet was disposed.

She is what many would consider an emcee’s emcee.. Her nice, intense, laid back flows are precise, mesmerizing and often laced with social and political commentary..Her popularity is understated..

At almost every show I’ve seen her perform from Austin, Texas to the Bay Area gets sold out, attracting crowds that know every word to her songs, even as she raps in Spanish and French.

She had been grinding away for a minute. Initially it was with the group Makiza who many compared to NY’s famed Native Tongues because of their sound and style.. They made some noise with a couple of underground bangers in the late 90s that made the charts in Chile..The group put out a couple of albums including; ‘Vida Salvaje‘ and ‘Casino Royal‘ which was released in 2005 to rave reviews..

The following year Makiza broke up and Tijoux went solo. In 2009 she became a break star internationally with the release of her album 1977 which proclaims the year of her birth and is mostly autobiographical. Many in the US got their first peak at her when she touched down at SXSW in 2010 and blew up the spot doing songs off that album including the popular jam Sube which was done with Detroit emcee Invincible. The SXSW stop led to her launching a successful US tour..

anita-tijoux-latinaSince then she’s released two other projects including; Elefant Mixtape and  the album La Bala which was nominated for a Grammy.  Her music has been featured in the video game FIFA 11 and on the hit TV show Breaking Bad. She was also voted as Best Female Emcee Dominating Mics Everywhere on MTV Iggy…Lastly she’s been part of a campaign for women’s empowerment called Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide.

If you don’t know Anita Tijoux, you been missing out.. Check out some her joints below as well our first interview which was done a couple of years ago when I was introduced to her by the group and fellow Chilean emcees Rebel Diaz..

Anita Tijoux SXSW Intv

————————————-

Ana Tijoux w/ Quantic  Doo Whop That Thing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kDjbvIU1zU

This is a recent song from Anita Tijoux  where she hooked up with Colombia-based, British-born producer and musician Quantic. Here the two do a dope cover of Lauryn Hill‘s classic hit “Doo Wop (That Thing)”  The lyrics are flipped into Spanish by Tijoux, whose understated yet charismatic flow makes her a beguiling vocal presence, along with a Cumbia beat giving an alternative, tropical slant to this landmark jam.

Ana Tijoux Elephant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDO-_HW5DdA

This is from the mixtape Ana dropped about a year and half ago.. Its a fun video and a warm up to what she had in store on the album LA Bala which would be nominated for a Grammy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAayt5BsEWg

Anita Tijoux Sacar La Voz ft (Jorge Drexler)

This is vintage Ana Tijoux…low key, but powerful and captivating ..It’s an inspiring song about walking proud, being fearless, even if you have ‘nothing in your pockets’ and standing up in the face of oppression..  One of my favorite cuts from her featured on the La Bala album..

Anita Tijoux Shocked

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=177-s44MSVQ

This is one of Ana Tijoux‘s most popular songs to date which she did a couple of years ago to bring attention and support to the massive student strikes that were going on in Chile, which brought millions of people out to the streets but was ignored here in the US..She later re-did an acoustic version of this song in Tuscon, Arizona to bring attention to the plight of undocumented folks and the harsh anti-immigrant SB 1070 laws.. You can peep that video
below..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkvgAXkd7yM

 

Filed Under: 2013 Daily News, 3 Dope songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

3 Dope Songs From Actitud Maria Marta from Argentina

September 16, 2013 By
Actitud maria marta

Actitud maria marta

Actitud Maria Marta is a hip hop from Argentine who combine Latin American and Jamaican music to bring about an innovative fusion sound.

Since its inception, the group has been linked to various social demands and human rights organizations to participate, through their music, in countless festivals unemployed workers, mothers of Plaza de Mayo , missing children , and recently recovered factories in the People’s Summit, among others.

 

Actitud Maria Marta – Hijo Mio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBqjfos2l38

Actitud Maria Marta Asi esta la Cosa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS76aFctWHw

Actitud Maria Marta Revolution

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHlbQvO1tfs

Filed Under: 2013 Daily News, 3 Dope songs Tagged With: , , ,

3 Dope Songs From 3D Na’Tee: Conscious Flows Straight Outta New Orleans

September 2, 2013 By

3D Na' Tee3D Na’Tee, is a dope rapper, songwriter, and a skilled video director. Her name has been buzzing around for a bit with more and more people finally taking notice and giving her well deserved props.

She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in the 3rd Ward. 3D Na’Tee has been featured on several national media outlets such as MTV, The Source Magazine, XXL Magazine, The Fader Magazine, RapRadar and RapRehab. She has also received attention from Louisiana newspapers and music magazines.

Below are 3 Dope Songs we should know her for

An insightful, social conscious song  called Lil Kim”. It isn’t a dis song or commentary about the rapper,  instead, it’s a story about a young woman victimized by an older man. Its a must see video. The song is off  Na’Tee’s The Coronation mix tape

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amc_TgQO2Ns

This is a dope freestyle short song called ‘Church’..Here 3D changes it up by giving us a reenactment of Malcolm X looking out a window holding a gun.. She says the song was inspired by him..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iQkfh3580

This sista went hard on George Zimmerman called ‘Dear Mr Zimmerman’ and captured the emotions many were feeling after he was acquitted in the recent trial.. As you peep the video below read what she had to say about the situation..

Like many of you, I was shocked this past Saturday when the all female jury acquitted murderer George Zimmerman of Trayvon Martin’s murder. To be honest with you, of course I smelled the strong stench of racism looming around this case but for me the verdict became less about justice failing and more about the fact that in America, even in 2013, its hard to view a young black man as harmless even if he’s underage, unarmed, and non confrontational.

As people blacked out their Instagram defaults and took to Twitter in rage, I quietly looked at my brothers. Josh is 22, 5’6″, with long flowing dreadlocks. John is 21, a few inches taller than Josh, with a low cut, a beard, and piercing black eyes. To me they are just my baby brother’s and my best friends but after hearing the verdict on yesterday I realized that Josh (who’s studying to become a school teacher) and John (who has plans on opening his own business soon) may very well look like murderers to some. Not because of their actions but because of a few things that they can not change, their age, gender, and ethnicity.

One day I want to get married to a great man and have wonderful children. I always dreamed of the house with the large backyard, two cars, and two kids. A girl and a boy… A boy… A boy who may one day not be looked at as the wonderful boy that his mother raises him to be but as a threat to society because of his skin tone… Damn…

Rest In Peace Trayvon from 3D Na’Tee and everyone like me…
SIGN THE NAACP PETITION HERE: http://www.NAACP.ORG

Written and Directed by 3D Na’Tee for 3DNATEE.com
Produced by SDot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOOa46TefyE

Many emcees weighed in after Kendrick Lamar dropped his ‘Outta Control‘  verse’. 3D was one of women that took up the mic and went in, showing  and proving that New Orleans was in the building and that women were fully represented.. Here’s her contribution to the global cipher which she did a few days ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ6RknWr5D4

 

Filed Under: 2013 Daily News, 3 Dope songs Tagged With: , ,
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