THE SITE IS TAKING A SHORT BREAK!

I just thought I'd let you know that Sexy Never Left will be taking a short break from posting, but have no fear, the site will be back from next Wednesday and more amazing music will be featured for you to feast your eyes on.

Until then, have a great week.

So Much To Offer: Szjerdene

Szjerdene is an artist I have mentioned many times here on Sexy Never Left (as well as interviewing the lady herself), writing on how truly talented this artist is and how she really could go far within the industry. She is an artist that could really go far within the industry; hopefully there will be more to come from this very talented individual.

Anyway, the talented artist herself has directed me towards a new video where she talks through what’s to come and you catch a glimpse of the very talented Szjerdene freestyling a version of an Amy Winehouse song, as well as rehearsing an Amel Larrieux song. There will definitely be more to come from this very talented artist.

Szjerdene – Soho House, Train Talks and Rehearsal

Potential: Cuthbert 80

Cuthbert 80 is a British artist who mixes a variety of genres within his music to create something unique to all that us being churned out within the industry today, all mixed together with his own unique vocals and style.

Here are a couple of rather amazing songs for you to listen to, which should give you a little more insight into this artist. If you would like to hear more from this artist, then you can do so by clicking here.

Cuthbert 80 – What Does It Take



Cuthbert 80 – I Told U So

Memory Lane: Kelis

Kelis is a name that usually delivers in music, consistently showcasing how talented she actually is. I would say her debut album, ‘Kaleidoscope’, is possibly her best to date. There are rumours of another album being in the pipeline, although she is currently concentrating on her new role as a mother right now, having given birth earlier this year to a little boy, so we’ll have to see if an album materialises with her hands being full right now.

The following song happens to be one of my favourites by this artist and boasts production from The Neptunes; when they were delivering some amazing beats within music. Back then, they were producing some pretty amazing music and this song was definitely one of those.

Kelis – Get Along With You

Soulful: Raheem DeVaughn

Now Raheem DeVaughn is an artist I always have time for, ever since I heard his debut album (which was so underrated, considering how amazingly good it was) numerous years back now, it still doesn’t feel that long since it was officially released. This guy has been stepping up his game for quite some time now, infact he has to be one of my favourite artists and boasts such a soulful voice. He should definitely be a lot bigger than he actually is within music.

Here is his latest video for you to take a look at, which features Ludacris.

Raheem DeVaughn – Bulletproof (feat. Ludacris)

Underrated: Ra-Re Valverde

Ra-Re Valverde is a talent everyone should know of within music, not only is her album amazing, but she is one of the music industry’s brightest stars. A talent who could go far within music, so it beggars belief that she is still so underrated, yet has delivered a rather incredible album within her career so far. It will be interesting to see what her next album will be like, it should be amazing. This artist has amazing written over everything she does, she’s certainly a name to keep you attention on.

Here is a song for you to listen to, which should give those who do not yet know of this talented artist a little more insight into her amazing material. You can also find out more on this artist, as well as listen to more of her music by clicking here.

Ra-Re Valverde – Fly Away

Always Giving 100%: Beverley Knight

Having released her latest album ‘100%’ not that long ago, Beverley Knight is showcasing what she does best yet again in the form of her new single, ‘In Your Shoes’. The song features Chipmunk, who is an artist doing the rounds over here in the UK and will no doubt drum up some support from his many fans (as he actually quite popular over here at the moment). The video for the song features cameos from many people, including the rather fabulous Nate James, who is another amazingly underrated talent over here. Infact, it would be rather amazing if both Beverley and Nate were to officially record something together and I’m sure many of their fans are desperate to hear what a collaboration would sound like, especially after Beverley’s appearance at one of Nate’s gigs at London’s Jazz Cafe.

Here is the latest video from Beverley; Nate is also at the very beginning of this video.

Beverley Knight – In Your Shoes (feat. Chipmunk)

There You Are: Lutricia McNeal

Lutricia McNeal is a name that became famous within the 1990’s for hits such as ‘Stranded’ and ‘Ain’t That Just The Way’, since then she has been continuing with her music with limited support, for a lot of people it must have seemed as though she had vanished, never to be heard of again in music. But that isn’t the case and since her earlier success in the charts here in the UK, Lutricia has gone on to record numerous other albums, apparently her most recent released only last year.

Anyway, here is a cover version that she did a while back of one of The Mamas & The Papas most well known songs.

Lutricia McNeal – California Dreaming

Rising Star: Szjerdene

Having previously interviewed Szjerdene on the site, it was mentioned that this truly is an artist to keep your attention focused on, as she continues to showcase her potential within music. Szjerdene is an artist with real talent who continues to go from strength to strength, while fans of her work wait to see what else she delivers and it seems that there is more to come from this amazing talent. Thankfully, as we do need talented artists like this present within the industry.

Below is a video of Szjerdene talking through all that she has planned for the future with her music, you can also find out more and listen to music from this artist by clicking here.

Szjerdene – Introduction

So Much To Offer: Guy Sebastian

Guy Sebastian is a talent with so much more to offer the music industry, as well as being an artist I have mentioned on this site quite a few times. With his new album due out very soon, he will no doubt continue to showcase how amazing a talent he truly is within music, one that certainly deserves more love and recognition overseas, away from his homeland of Australia. It would be lovely for everyone else in the world to see how great this artist is.

Here is a live performance that Guy did recently.

Guy Sebastian – Like It Like That (Live On Telethon 2009)

A Real Star: Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is an artist who consistently showcases how amazingly talented she is and with a new album coming up, she will no doubt continue showcasing exactly why she remains one of the best talents within the music industry today. No doubt the upcoming project will be just as good as her last album and will definitely be worth checking out.

In the meantime, here is the music video for Alicia’s latest single taken from her upcoming album, ‘The Element Of Freedom’, which is due for the release at the very beginning of December.

Alicia Keys – Doesn’t Mean Anything

INTERVIEW SPECIAL: MAHOGANY JONES

Mahogany Jones began as a poet at the age of thirteen, penning numerous compositions in books. So by the time 1996 came around and Mahogany was honing her skill for spoken word alongside the likes of Saul Williams and numerous others, it came as no surprise and it was from then on that she moved onto classes in Theatre, nurturing her art and passion for her love of poetry, a love of being free when taking to the microphone. Her appetite for succeeding in Hip Hop became stronger and her talent more powerful, it is this that has helped shape one of Hip Hop’s brightest stars.

It’s certainly very hard to compare this artist to anyone else within the industry, as Mahogany Jones oozes her own style and brings something very unique to music, something the industry definitely needs right now.

Here is an interview that Mahogany Jones took part in recently, exclusive to Sexy Never Left, closely followed by a song which Mahogany has allowed me to feature upon this site for your listening pleasure.

What can people who haven’t heard of you expect from your music?

People can expect my music to be personal; inspiring; insightful and innovative. My sound is something like Hip Hop meets Neo-Soul meets Electro Pop. On a deeper level they can expect to hear and know the heart of a God that loves them.

How did you get into music?

Ummm... I grew up around music. My family were in the music industry. My great aunt, Noreen Woods, was Atlantic Record’s first female vice president in the days of Ben E. King and Aretha Franklin; my Grandmother was the assistant to Doug Morris when he worked at Atlantic Records and my mom was a regional radio promotion employee of Warner Bros. and then Polygram Records for around 15 years. When I was around 10 years old, MC Lyte was out and she was the illest to me - I would memorize and recite her rhymes and secretly dream of being and emcee. The love for music and Hip Hop grew, until eventually it overcame me. Haha!

What plans do you have for the future with your music?

I plan to tour, to facilitate workshops for other aspiring emcees - to help them sharpen their craft, to develop artists, write songs and educate the world about truth, God’s love and life.

What approach do you take when writing material?

My goal is to make life and heart music. I listen to tracks that make me move, that move my heart and see what comes on the page. I want to say and express for others what they feel but may not know how to communicate. When I write music, I pray and ask that I compose melodic solutions to life issues, music that lets my listeners know, I feel you.

What song of yours do you feel has had the best response from listeners so far?

‘Star’, which is a song that tackles self esteem and the false notion that we have to be rich and fabulous in order to be fly. What makes us extraordinary is that we are one of a kind God made beings. ‘Lose Control’ - my love song to the lover of my soul. ‘Easy’ - which is a joint where I talk about how as women it’s hard not to chase someone you think you love and to just be still and wait for true love.

If you had the opportunity to tour with anyone of your choice, who would you like that to be?

I would love to tour with: Family Force 5; Kiki Sheard; Lisa McClendon; Eric Roberson; Israel Houghton; Tonex; Mary Mary; J.R.; Tye Tribbet; Lupe Fiasco; Kindred The Family Soul; Lauryn Hill; Janelle Monae; Canton Jones; LeCrea; Aiysha Woods and my family of sisters I rock with who rhyme - EP Technique; Kamakazi; Kiwi; Mizz Reality and Sicily.

What are your thoughts and feelings towards artists of today?

I believe there are a sector of artist who are focused on making heart music - music that comes straight from the soul and I admire, respect and inspired by those artists. Then I believe there are too many artists who are ego-tripping and focused only on blowing up and bragging about their imaginary bank accounts, their outrageous sexcapades and all other kinds of stuff that is so far from what people are really going through. Those artists – well, let’s just say I am not a fan.

Sexy Never Left believes in bringing real talent forward and giving them a chance to shine. Do you think talent gets a fair deal in music today?

No, if artists aren’t cookie cutter pop, selling sex or mimicking the latest musical trend and backed up by a million dollar budget, then they aren’t getting shown love.

Did you ever want to do anything else when you were younger?

I wanted to be a Social Worker, a Beautician. But definitely, I wanted to be an artist.

Are there any artists in the industry today you would love to work with?

Tye Tribbet; Kiki Sheard; Mary Mary; Tonex; Eric Roberson; Canton Jones; Lisa McClendon; Family Force 5; Lil Mo’; Coko; Aiysha Woods; Lisa McClendon and Mary J. Blige.

If you could re-live one moment in your career, what would that be?

When I got my first album shipped to me. I remember looking at myself on the shrink wrapped CD cover and thinking that after all these years, I finally did it. There is one other moment where I rocked with a band and I felt so free - that night was electric!

What do you believe you bring to music that is different from many other artists?

Sincerity; tangibility; solutions and hope. I am your everyday around the way girl, who is real and I truly love and desire people to be free in knowing the truth of who they are in God’s love. My music exudes that. I also think that the level of artisty, skill and craftsmanship I bring to the table as an emcee is slowly becoming a rarity.

Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

With a few Grammy’s on the shelf, touring regularly, speaking and teaching, operating a record label and developing up and coming artists with similar visions about music as my own and raising a family.

How do you feel your music is being accepted?

Well, I am blessed and sometimes surprised to hear that people, even if Rap isn’t their thing, Christian music isn’t their thing or even though it’s ‘different’, to hear when they say they like it.

Is there anything you’d like to achieve which you haven’t already?

Definitely - I would love to tour overseas, get a few Grammys and bridge a few of the gaps in Hip Hop today by bringing enlightenment, truth and innovation back into Hip Hop.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to say to the people reading this interview?

Pursue your purpose, live out loud, colour outside of the lines, stay true to the God who made you and that’s when you will truly experience being true to yourself. Experience being “Morphed”, you will never be the same! Cop the album and join the movement. Also, please check out my latest mixtapes done by DJ Sean Blu, ‘Ladies First’ and ‘Before Self Destruction’ available on DaSouth.com for free as well as my latest full length LP, ‘Morphed’, which is available on iTunes and major online stores. Keep grindin’.

I would like to take this time to personally thank Mahogany Jones got taking the time to be a part of this feature and for being so kind in letting me post one of her songs for you to listen to. I would also like to highlight that if you wish to find out more on this artist or maybe listen to more from this very talented artist, as well as purchasing her amazing album, ‘Morphed’, you can do so by clicking here.

In the meantime, here is a song for you to check out which should definitely give you a little more insight into this very talented and unique individual.

Mahogany Jones – Take Me To Church

One To Watch: Mélissa Laveaux

A big thankyou must be sent to Soul Bounce who introduced me to this rather amazing artist, who has taken it upon herself to cover a Beyoncé song and I am actually very impressed with Mélissa’s interpretation of such a big song that almost everyone is familiar with. Now it has to be said that I am neither a fan of the original version or the artist whose song it is, but I am very much a fan of this version, which boasts the Soul that for me the original lacked. Mélissa brings her own unique way of covering this well known song changing it in style and sound, almost to the point where you don’t recognise the original, infact, you’d be forgiven for thinking this was the original. If you are going to cover a song, then this is how it should be done.

You can find out more on this artist, as well as listen to more of her music by clicking here.

Mélissa Laveaux – Crazy In Love

Memory Lane: Neneh Cherry

Now, if only music was made like this nowadays. I know that the industry has to progress in some shape and form, but the 1990’s did produce some of the best music that a lot of music nowadays just cannot touch.

The following song which I’m about to feature is one of those songs from the 1990’s that carried its own weight and showcases how great music was back then. I don’t feel a lot needs to be said about this song I’m about to feature.

Neneh Cherry - Manchild

Rising Star: Melanie Fiona

Melanie Fiona is a name within music that should be on everyone’s lips right now, having already released her debut album, ‘The Bridge’, earlier in the year here in the UK. Melanie is now focusing her attention on the USA release (which is being released digitally on iTunes next week and physically next month) that will see her touring across the entire country to help promote her amazing debut, an album that definitely deserves a lot more love for how good it actually is. This is an artist you definitely have to keep your attention focused on as she switches things up every now and again to show you just how good her material is, the following video I’m about to post does just that, as she introduces her music to many who may not have heard of her or her music before to a blend of performances of songs taken from her debut, mixing it up with a host of other talented musicians and luring people in to check her work out. This is an artist you must keep your attention on; Melanie Fiona boasts so much potential and is exactly what music needs.

Melanie Fiona – Subway Series (New York City)

Representing: Dizzee Rascal & Vula

I think everyone knows who Dizzee Rascal is now, but Vula happens to be a very underrated talent here in the UK, yet she still continuously showcases what an amazing talent she is within music. This girl needs a lot more love within music.

Here is a recent performance that the two of them did for BBC Radio 1 for you to check out, you might recognise the song originally by The Adventures Of Stevie V, so to refresh your memory I have included the original after Dizzee’s amazing live version.

Dizzee Rascal – Dirtee Cash (Money Talks) (Radio 1 Live Lounge Tour)




The Adventures Of Stevie V – Dirty Cash (Money Talks)

A Star In Her Own Right: Brandy

Brandy is a very talented artist with a lot of potential within music, so it comes as no surprise to know that she is currently working on her new album and will feature production from the likes of Ne-Yo; Stargate; etc and is apparently all set for release at some point within next year.

A song has recently surfaced, although I don’t know if this will be on the upcoming project, it is still a pretty good song from someone who has showcased their worth within music time and time again.

Here is the new song for you to listen to.

Brandy – I Don’t Really Care

Underrated: Van Hunt

Van Hunt remains one of music most underrated talents, one who definitely deserves a lot more love and recognition within the industry and boasts a lot more talent than a lot of artists enjoying success within music at present. Apparently next year will see a release for his new album, definitely very exciting news.

Here is a live video for you to check out.

Van Hunt – Sexy (I’m Not Known For Dancin’)

Memory Lane: Youssou N’Dour & Neneh Cherry

This really was a great song from a time when music had a lot of talented artists taking centre stage and quite rightly so, this song is a classic that combines the voices of two of music’s great artists.

Instead of inundating you with a lot to read, I will let the music speak for itself in the form of the music video for this rather amazing song.

Youssou N’Dour – 7 Seconds (with Neneh Cherry)

Truly Missed: Michael Jackson

It’s only been a few months since Michael was taken away from us, but it still feels like only yesterday that we all heard the news and even then, he is missed so much within music. I’m sure the majority of his fans will agree that seeing things he’s done in the past truly makes you realise how much you actually miss this artist.

With that said, I felt it appropriate to post the following video, which is a commercial which Michael did for Pepsi back in the 1980’s and if you recognise the young boy with him, it is Alfonso Ribeiro who played the role of Carlton Banks in ‘The Fresh Prince Of Bell Air’.

Michael Jackson – Pepsi Commercial

Paying Tribute: Stephen Gately

I know this is a bit different to what I usually post on this site, but we must pay tribute to a very talented individual who has sadly passed away.

Over the past weekend music lost one more angel in the form of, Stephen Gately. Now some people may know of Stephen as part of the boyband Boyzone and although I wasn’t a fan of the group, it was still a big shock over here, especially as Stephen was such a down to earth and genuinely lovely guy.

Stephen also enjoyed time onstage within the West End here in the UK, taking roles in stage shows such as ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ and ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’. He was a very talented man and will be greatly missed within both music and acting, he really was a lovely person. Before he passed away, Stephen was also writing his own children’s book and stated in an interview at the beginning of this year that he had nearly finished it and was hoping for a Christmas release for it.

I would like to take this time to send out our condolences to Stephen’s many fans, friends and family.

To pay tribute to such a lovely person, here is his debut single as a solo artist that was released some time ago.

Stephen Gately – New Beginning

INTERVIEW SPECIAL: AMY SERRATA

So as most of you already know, I have been doing an interview series on the site for quite some time now and have interview many an artist, including the likes of: Syleena Johnson; Mamas Gun; LeVar Thomas; Natalie Brown; amongst others.

Now it’s most definitely time to make way for a very talented artist who goes by the name of Amy Serrata; a name which has been doing the rounds on many a site as of late and for a very good reason too, she is a breath of fresh air to music.

Amy’s interest for music began at a very early age, as she listened to the likes of Nat King Cole; Ella Fitzgerald; Ray Charles and Louis Armstrong. By the time she had reached ten years old, Amy was already participating in singing lessons and from then on as the years passed, she sang in many a Gospel choir which developed her vocal abilities. Later on Amy would took a break from her singing, only to miss it any by the year 2006, she had began pursuing her passion for singing again with the Stanford University Gospel Choir and was later encouraged by a friend to pursue her interest in music by creating her own. It was these wise words that led Amy to pursue her interest in music and she began working with a variety of producers within the industry on what would be her self titled album, which is currently out now and has received reviews from a variety of sources, one you can view for yourself by clicking here. I will highlight that going by the quality of the songs she has given me to upload free for you, the album is something certainly worth checking out and should be the perfect addition to any music fans CD collection.

It’s certainly very hard to compare this artist to anyone within music; she is definitely an artist in her own right and boasts that quality you certainly look for in an artist. Success will definitely be present within Amy’s future career in music, she most definitely has what it takes to be a star within the industry.

Here is the interview that Amy took part in recently, exclusive to Sexy Never Left, followed by two songs which she has kindly allowed to be downloaded for free on this site.

What can people who haven’t heard of you expect from your music?

They can expect that I will take them on a musical journey that will take them on a ride that they have not been on before. I have combined a variety of different sounds that create a unique sound touches of Soul; R&B; Jazz; Hip Hop; Funk and Gospel all thrown together. They can also expect to hear honest sincere messages that people can relate to on a very personal level.

How did you get into music?

I’ve been in music since I was very young, taking private lessons and then singing in choirs for years. I have been writing poetry for a long time as well, but I then just taught myself how to write songs. I do not play an instrument, I have words and melodies that come to me; they become my instrument. I then get the beat I need from a producer and put it all together. Singing in Gospel choirs has really improved my range and given me the ability to freestyle like I never thought I could.

What plans do you have for the future with your music?

I’m going to start working on a mixtape this Friday (today) that I plan on releasing as a free download. This will feature songs from my album and will be remixed with samples of other well known songs, as well as featuring some new material.

What approach do you take when writing material?

I let my ideas and creative process flow organically. I do not try to rush it, but I do try to write every day in order to improve as a songwriter. It’s key to be able to know how to channel your creativity so that you can be inspired and re-inspired, it is this which hopefully will enable you to create great music. It’s also essential for me to find people that I have a creative synergy with so that my visions of what I want to accomplish can come together. It’s not easy to find these people and is one of the many reasons why making music can take a while.

What song of yours do you feel has had the best response from listeners so far?

Hmm… it's funny you ask that because it seems like with every person it’s different. A lot of people have enjoyed ‘Rooted’; ‘Love Another’; ‘Feel For Me’; ‘Monday Morning’; ‘Lets’ and ‘This Is Me’. I’ve been lucky to have people gravitate to many of my songs, not just one.

What do you feel has been the response to your music as a whole?

So far the response has been really great. It seems like the majority of the people I have reached out to so far have taken a liking to it, I have been receiving reviews in the US and the UK, which is really exciting. Also, Questlove loves my album and is spinning it all over. I look forward to reaching out to other influential people in the business to get their feedback as well.

If you had the opportunity to tour with anyone of your choice, who would you like that to be?

Hmm… a lot of people actually, but some are: Q-Tip; Kanye West; Common; The Roots; DJ Vadim; Adele; Nelly Furtado; Mos Def; Santigold; Amy Winehouse; Maxwell; Ne-Yo; Raphael Saadiq and so many more.

What are your thoughts and feelings towards artists of today?

It’s exciting to see artists pushing the envelope and creating new material that is not standard or the same as everyone else’s. It takes a lot of trust in yourself and a whole lot of individual creativity, someone told me last night that the music industry does not know what is next as far as style, which is kind of true.

Sexy Never Left believes in bringing real talent forward and giving them a chance to shine. Do you think talent gets a fair deal in music today?

Well not everyone in the music business does shine unfortunately even those that are very talented. I’ve been talking to people about this lately. It is not just talent that gets a musican buzz, it is hard work and that requires a lot of hustling. Contacting blogs; contacting magazines; reaching out to people in the business to collaborate with; making great music and evolving as an artist to become better and better are just some of the things that you need to do. If you’re an independent artist, which all of us are when we start out, it’s up to you to get your name out there. No one will want it as bad as you, so it’s up to you to do what you need to do.

Did you ever want to do anything else when you were younger?

I studied Art at The Academy Of Art University, so I always wanted to do Art, which I did and still do but just not as much as music, my real love is for music. I also would like to be involved in the business side of the music industry, as well as freelance writing. I love jewellery as well and I’d love to have my own business one day - as well as dabbling in Fashion. I am taking journalism classes at school right now and loving it.

Are there any artists in the industry today you would love to work with?

Yes, basically the artists that I listed above that I’d like to tour with. Although, I didn’t mention Alicia Keys; Jack Black or others. I would love to work with Lady Gaga as well. There are so many talented people in the music business that would be great to work with.

What do you believe you bring to music that is different from many other artists?

I believe that I have my own spin on how I combine the different genres which have inspired my sound; I have been told by others that they have never heard anything like my music. I think people are comparing me to a mix of different artists out there, but what I am seeing is that people are having a hard time classifying me - which in a way is a good thing. I am filling a gap in music that has not been really filled yet.

How do you feel your music is being accepted?

A lot of people in the Hip Hop community enjoy my music, which is not surprising because my beats have a Hip Hop swag to it. It’s exciting how well it’s being accepted.

Is there anything you’d like to achieve which you haven’t already?

Yes, of course. I would like to collaborate with a lot of people in the music industry; be on their mixtapes; sing hooks for people; write songs; tour; create new material and generally become well known in the business. I’d love to eventually become a house hold name and make a living off of this.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to say to the people reading this interview?

To think outside of the box; to trust yourself and your intuitions.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Amy for getting in touch with me about her music, I already knew of her name, so it was a surprise (and a nice one) to hear she would like my site to do a feature on her and her music. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance to help such a down to earth and amazingly talented individual who has the potential to go far within music. I wish Amy the very best of luck with her career and if you wish to find out more on this very talented artist, you can do so by visiting Amy’s official website. Other than that, there are two downloads that you are able to get for free below, both have been kindly donated alongside this interview by Amy herself as a treat for people reading this interview. You can also hear, as well as purchase, more of Amy’s amazing material by clicking here.

Amy Serrata – Rooted

DOWNLOAD

Amy Serrata – Love Another

DOWNLOAD

Routes To Riches: Mamas Gun

Last week saw the release of the eagerly awaited debut album from the amazing British group, Mamas Gun, who in my opinion are definitely worth keep your eyes on. I’ve been a fan of their music for quite some time now and have waited patiently for their album, ‘Routes To Riches’, which has only just been released - but had previously been pushed back due to many an obstacle in the path of the group releasing something. Needless to say, patience has truly paid off as the group have delivered one of the best albums of this year, an album that deserves a lot more love within the industry and is worth checking out, if you haven’t already.

This is definitely one group to keep your attention on, below is a song of theirs which you can listen to and should give you a little more insight into how talented this group are. Other than that, you can find out more on this group and listen to more of their songs by clicking here.

Mamas Gun – Never Be Right

Underrated: Sleepy Brown

I remember when this song was released, I was obsessed with it and for the simple reason that it had two artists on it I like, Andre 3000 (obviously) and Sleepy Brown, who is still so underrated within music and yet he had a pretty nice album a few years back with ‘Mr. Brown’. Infact, I was surprised at how underrated his album actually was – it really did have some great songs on it and if you get the chance to check it out, I’d recommend doing so.

In the meantime, here is the song I was talking of above.

Sleepy Brown – I Can’t Wait (feat. Outkast)

Underrated: Mama Said

Mama Said were an unsigned act here in the UK consisting of Skrein, Graziella (who is currently on X Factor in the group Miss Frank), amongst others.

Their music mixed a variety of genres in their attempt to bring the soul back to music, not a lot is known of this group, other than the members are part of UK act, Foreign Beggars, who have been doing their own thing within music for quite some time now. It’s such a shame that Mama Said never really got more exposure, they had potential.

In the meantime, here is a song of theirs which you can listen to below. You can also hear more material by visiting here.

Mama Said – Fight U Girl

Memory Lane: Caron Wheeler

Not that I remember when this was released, I was still pretty young and hardly remember much besides being obsessed with how cool Prince was and wanting his albums. But besides that, there really was some great music released back in the early 1990’s and this song that I’m about to post was definitely one of them.

This song was also featured on the soundtrack to the film, ‘Mo’ Money’, which starred Damon Wayans. Now when I was a little younger, I had the biggest crush on Damon, I still do. Being as young as I was, I didn’t know who this song was by until much later when I purchased the soundtrack to the movie, all I knew back then was that I really liked the song.

Anyway, I shall let the song do the talking as it is a classic and should be on everyone’s playlist.

Caron Wheeler – I Adore You

On Her Way Back: Corinne Bailey Rae

Although Corinne Bailey Rae has never really been away for me, as I absolutely adore her debut album and it’s always being played at some point. It really was one of the best albums of that year, if not the best.

So to hear that Corinne is almost ready with her new album, well it’s pretty exciting and no doubt she will again deliver something amazing that no one else within music can touch. She is definitely very unique, as you can probably tell; this is one album I am definitely looking forward to next year when it is said to be due for release.

Here is a letter from the lady herself to her fans, you can also view a behind the scenes video by clicking here.

A Star Has Been Born: Joy Jones

I posted a little about Joy Jones on this site before, mainly about the cover art for her amazing album, ‘Godchild’, which is well worth checking out if you haven’t already. It has to be one of the best albums of this year so far. I don’t think I could choose a favourite song from the project; all are different and definitely make the album what it is, amazing.

In the meantime, here is her latest video for you to check out; this should definitely give you a little more insight into this very talented artist who definitely has so much potential.

Joy Jones – Over

So Much Potential: Janelle Monae

Janelle Monáe definitely has so much potential, a lot more than she is gaining credit for, that’s for sure. If anything, it is her record label (Bad Boy) which is holding her talent back from showcasing how amazing she is within music. But then Bad Boy has a reputation for holding talented artists back from achieving so much more, in favour of the more commercial artists taking the limelight. As Jennifer highlighted, by Janelle switching to a label that understands her talent more than Bad Boy obviously does, she could be even bigger within music and this is the kind of music the industry needs right now. Especially with so much rubbish taking centre focus. We need unique artists like Janelle switching things up within music.

Anyway, here is a new song of Janelle’s that has surfaced and it definitely gives you another insight into how amazing this artist could actually be, if her talent was handled correctly.

Janelle Monáe – Come Alive (The War Of The Roses)

Promising Talent: Krystle Warren

I recently saw this person on Jools Holland’s BBC2 show (I think Beverley Knight was on the very same show) here in the UK and someone else referred me to her, I’d completely forgot to research more about this very talented artist. So, thankyou to the person who raised her name in one of the comments sections on the site.

Jools Holland summed her voice up really well, he stated that she has a beautiful voice and that she does. Such a promising talent like this artist needs a lot more love and recognition within music, definitely. If you wish to find out more information on this artist, you can do so by clicking here.

So as not to bore you with too much information, you can witness this talented artist for yourself in the following performance she did over a week ago on ‘Later... With Jools Holland’.

Krystle Warren – Year End Issue (Live On Later... With Jools Holland)

Breathtaking: Michael Jackson Tribute

I’m about to show you a truly amazing tribute to the legendary Michael Jackson. I don’t want to say too much, as I don’t want to take away from how good the performance is that I’m posting. Also,

I would like to say thankyou to the person who referred me to this amazing performance.

Sam Tsui - Michael Jackson Medley (with Kurt Schneider)

Underrated: Dyanna Fearon

Dyanna Fearon is a singer/songwriter from the UK and very talented one she is too. Originally discovered at the age of sixteen, this led to her becoming a regular around the D-Influence studios and office, soon she grabbed the attention of Kwame Kwaten, as well as many of the staff. Dyanna is definitely no stranger to the entertainment industry, she is also a talented songwriter too, having co-written for the likes of Shola Ama; Jamelia; Caron Wheeler and many more.

Having been introduced to this artist numerous years ago through reading the magazine, Touch, it’s surprising to see that she is still incredibly underrated within music. Infact hardly anyone seems to know who she is and that is a great shame, considering this artist boasts bags of talent. The song which I’m about to feature should definitely give you a little more insight into how talented this artist actually is and hopefully bigger things are to come from this very talented artist.

Dyanna Fearon – Before Our Love

One Of Philly’s Finest: The Roots

The Roots are gearing up for the release of their new album, which is apparently all set to be released on October 20th, not too far away infact.

The upcoming project is said to be politically influenced and will draw upon their feelings on the change of Presidents in the USA. This will definitely be an album to check out, if you get the chance. The Roots always deliver some pretty amazing material.

The Roots – How I Got Over

Star: India.Arie

India.Arie released her latest album earlier this year, ‘Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics’, which is definitely worth checking out if you haven’t already.

India.Arie is an artist within music who consistently delivers amazing material and although a lot of people probably don’t know who she is (very hard to believe that some might not know of this talented artist), she remains one of those elite few that the people who do know of her work look to when delivering great material.

On another note, here is a live performance that she recently did – which should give those who do not know of India.Arie a little more insight into this incredible talent.

India.Arie – He Heals Me (Live On Conan O’Brien)

Soulful: Blue Magic

Blue Magic are a Soul group from Philadelphia and a very talented one they are too. Former member of The Delfonics, Randy Cain, helped in setting the group up when he drafted in singer/songwriter Ted Mills to work on some writing, which later led the group Shades Of Love (which featured the remainder of who would later turn out to be a part of Blue Magic). It was later determined that Shades Of Love lacked a standout lead vocalist and it was then decided to merge Ted Mills in with the group and rename them, Blue Magic. That same year, they signed with Atco/Atlantic Records.

The song that I’m about to post just oozes that soul that was definitely very present back in the 1970’s.

Blue Magic – Look Me Up