Tinchy Stryder - In My System

First heard wind of this now trademark electro-pop-Tinchy tune a couple of weeks ago, but I thought to suspend the tension until I saw the video. I must say I like it, filmed in beautiful Barbados. It's probably also the first single off of 'Third Strike' too and a number ripe for the summer season (even though it rained yesterday, did you see that?!)

Artist Spotlight: Francis & The Lights

With a front man named Francis Farewell Starlite (don't believe me, check the proof), this NY based band is immediately bound to rotate a couple neck muscles. Francis & The Lights, as they're collectively known, do however produce a musically attractive hybrid which I've had trouble classifying. Somewhere in the midst of their intriguing electronic bubbles and melodic guitar riffs lies a similarity to David Bowie, Kings Of Leon and a subtle nod at Prince - would I be pushing it?! But, yeah, I'm loving their music right now.

Whaddya think?

Francis and the Lights - For Days by cantorarecords

Drake - You Know, You Know

You Know You Know by citysocietyblog

You Know You Know!

J Cole - Who Dat

Here's a video I made earlier *Blue Peter tone*

The Roots - How I Got Over

There's always an air of optimistic anticipation when the likes of The Roots are due to release an album. The hip-hop supergroup are due to release their 9th studio album How I Got Over to reinstate their position as worthy urban royals, as well as banish claims that the group have sold out following their stint as Jimmy Fallon's house band.

On this album The Roots collaborate with an eclectic range of artists, including Joanna Newsom, John Legend and even Monsters of Folk. It's interesting to see how they adapt and manipulate their sound, shifting away from their usual funk and soul - however I think it works.

Here's a couple of tunes to tickle the ear drums.

The Roots Ft John Legend - The Fire by doyoureallywant

The Roots featuring Phonte & Dice Raw - Now Or Never by Hypetrak

The Roots - Dear God 2.0 by shavarross

Lauryn Hill Harmony Music Festival 2010

After what seems like a turtle's lifetime, original badbwoy songstress Lauryn Hill is back and evidently still blessed with a beautiful voice. Check it.

Dr. Dre ft. Jay-Z - Under Pressure

Dr Dre-Under Pressure f Jay-Z (tags) by hiphopfiend

Is it me or is this lethally wack?

Crystal Castles & Outkast & Raekwon (Skratch Bastid Mix)

Skewed Emapthy - Crystal Castles & Outkast & Raekwon (Skratch Bastid Mix) by Skratch Bastid

Wow.

Congrats Rinse!

Seems like I've been listening to it for a life time, but a massive congratulations must go out to all the guys at Rinse FM who have finally got that radio license so desperately sought for. Massively deserved!

J Cole - Who Dat Teaser Trailer

Here's a little teaser for J Cole's new video "Who Dat?". Produced by BB Gun, who also produced Cole's tune "Simba" off The Warm Up Mixtape. The video premiers on Monday, June 21 on BET's 106 & Park.

Diddy w/ Johnny Ross

Destiny's Child Beef?

As one of the most succesful female groups of all time, Destiny's Child have without doubt cemented themselves in R&B folklore. Yet for many years, rumours have circulated about discontent within the camp, despite frequent denial by all three ladies. Kelly Rowland recently said that she believes that the world just likes tension and confrontation, and will create some even where it does not exist. Now I'm a fan of DC and all that but why have none of them featured any of the others on their albums? Talk about shoot yourself in the 'Bootylicious'.  




“Obviously the world likes a feud because the world likes a little tension. As far as Beyonce and I are concerned, we came from a group. It’s cliché that girl groups don’t get along and they hate each other; the press would love for us to fight and bicker and bite each other’s heads off “, said Rowland.




With a new single on the way, reigniting the rumors could be seen as a blessing in disguise for Kelly Rowland who has seen sales from her previous albums dip substantially over the course of her career and could be looking for a way to pick up things up. Her third solo studio album will be released in September according to reports.