New Music: Tamara Saul "Neon Colors"

There is nothing better than a new artist with their own distict style. Tamara Saul is THAT girl. The Croatian born singer is beginning to make some noise online as a sweet-voiced singer with a flare for futuristic and flavor-filled music. She is currently a signed artist to TrueFlav Records

On January 31st, Tamara will release an EP entitled Neon Nights via iTunes and other web avenues. Produced largely by Parisian producer Mister Bibal, we can expect a dynamic yet well-blended collection of music. The assumed lead track, "Neon Colors", is a great preview of what to expect from the songstress.

"Neon Colors" is a mix of feel-good 90s summer music and sharp vocals. Tamara represents the sexy yet lighthearted side of R&B music that is missing in today's hyper-sexual music landscape.

Do you love it??

-T. Amour

Happy Birthday J. Cole - 5 Great Lines from the Lyricist

Today, lyricist J. Cole turns 28 years old!

He has been a featured artist on this blog before ( Most Interesting Rappers) and we want to celebrate his birthday by giving you a sample of his clever play on words. We are all anxiously waiting on his sophomore effort, Born Sinner, to be released this year.

Here are 5 lines from the incredible wordsmith:

1) You Gotta Dream Like You Never Seen Obstacles  - from "The Autograph"

2) I'm Quarterbackin' Tryna Get You Open Like Receivers -  from "Back to the Topic"

3) I Step Over Piranhas, Death Over Dishonor - They Killin' Niggas for Js, that's Death over Designer - from "Nobody's Perfect"

4) Cole Under Pressure, what that make? DIAMONDS  - from "Return of Simba"

5) I'm findin' the more I grow, the more y'all seem to stay the same. Don't even know the rules but yet y'all tryna play the game"  - from "Lights Please"

There are so many more, but those are just a few reasons why J. Cole is your favorite rapper's favorite rapper.

-T. Amour

 

What's Goin' On? Chris Brown, Frank Ocean, and Rick Ross troubles

It is only Monday and this week has been crazy already, both personally and on the celebrity scene.

On Sunday, a long-standing feud between R&B singers Chris Brown and Frank Ocean boiled over in a parking lot brawl in West Hollywood. Last year, a nasty Twitter exchanged involving Brown and Ocean (along with their friends) was catalyst for drama between them.

Thoughts: I like both Christopher and Frank as artists. They are both incredibly talented and I have blogged about them previously. I hated to see this unfortunate news about the two. I stood up and supported Frank's bravery when he released personal information about his sexuality.

Likewise, I have kept my focus on Chris Brown's future and talent as opposed to the mishaps and missteps he has become infamous for because I think it is wrong to judge someone by their worst "moments". None of us were there on Sunday, so we can't make any assumptions about who started what and details of the event. I'm hoping they get past this, learn from it, and readjust how they react to certain situations in the future. All love from T. Amour.

Also, rapper Rick Ross was out celebrating his birthday when shots were fired in his direction. During his attempt to escape from the bullets, he wrecked his Rolls Royce. Neither Rick nor a female passenger were harmed. Ummm...Happy Birthday??? I guess??

Thoughts: *sigh* Some of you won't like this, but I am going to say it anyway. I am not a Rick Ross fan outside of his Deeper than Rap album, but I am glad he came out of the situation with his life. Rick Ross's career has been plagued with his troubles with real life drug trafficker "Freeway" Ricky Ross (whom he borrowed his moniker from) and the Gangster Disciples. The Gangster Disciples have noticed Rick's use of their "Star of David" and want compensation for it.

He was threatened by them a few months ago and brushed off the threats in an attempt to maintain what is left of his "street cred" (which was largely diminished when people found out he used to be a former correction officer and not a drug peddler). There is a lesson in all this mess.

In short, don't try to pretend to be something you are not. It is not worth it. This persona he has built has put his life in danger and it is not worth it! If you are a rapper and you were not a participant in the "hood" lifestyle, find something else to rap about. These gangs are not playing with you and they take their lifestyle very seriously. Rap or sing about YOUR reality and what you know. Someone out there will understand you and appreciate you for it!

With Love,

T. Amour

Song of the Day: Miguel "Kaleidoscope Dream"

Happy Friday Eve!

Miguel is one of my favorite artists and his latest album Kaleidoscope Dream is one of the most innovative, futuristic, and spell-binding CDs of 2012. Many are comparing him to a modern day Prince and the reasons are evident.

My song of the day is the title track "Kaleidoscope Dream". With a funky guitar sample from a Labi Siffre track and Miguel's signature clear, crisp vocals, this song is a nice piece of a well-crafted collection of music.

Enjoy!

-T. Amour

New Music: Prince "Screwdriver"

Prince Rogers Nelson, known simply as Prince, has quietly returned to the music scene with a new rambunctious single "Screwdriver"! He continues to prove why he has achieved legendary status as an innovative and prolific music icon. 

"Screwdriver" is all funk, rock, and fun! Check it out on his new website, http://20pr1nc3.com/ (it is the first video listed).

-T. Amour

Throwback Poetry: Jill Scott - Ain't A Ceiling

Just wanted to share this with you all. This poem, both written and sung by the lovely Jill Scott is such a beautiful proclamation of love and its endless possibilities.

This is an excerpt from Def Poetry Jam back in 2007. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

With Love,

-T. Amour 

Beyoncé's National Anthem

The US National Anthem (Star Spangled Banner) is quite possibly the HARDEST (English) song to sing. The words are tricky and the singer's pitch and tone can make or break the song. And, many often sing it with blaring music accompanying their voice, so the singer has to have a strong voice to pull it off. In short, if you cannot sing, it will become glaringly evident if you attempt this song. If you ruin it, people will hate you forever! (just kidding...sort of)

Earlier today, Beyoncé performed the National Anthem at the 2013 Inauguration of President Barack Obama and she did a great job. I am not a Beyoncé stan (although I respect her grind and do enjoy some of her music), but I give props where they are due. She has a beautiful  and flexible voice.

Where do you rank this rendition among the greats??

-T. Amour

HOT New Music: Ramiro Chávez feat. Lana Fame "Curse Words"

Ramiro Chávez and Lana Fame are both innovative and rising stars in the entertainment industry. Love Poetry, Love Music. Love Life!! is on a mission to not only support good music from some of today's hottest  artists, but to also shine light on the future big names in music.

"Curse Words" is a vocal duel between a woman who escapes the lows of her relationship with alcohol and antagonizing words toward her partner and a man who is caught in a confusing position. The song concept is novel and the beat is intriguing. 

For more information on these artists, follow them on Twitter: Lana Fame (@IAmLanaFame) and Ramiro Chávez (@RamiroChavez864)

Check it out below and let me know your thoughts!

-T. Amour

Tamar Braxton Releases Video for "Love And War"

Today on 106 & Park, Tamar Braxton released the highly anticipated video for her latest smash "Love And War".

The visual is all black and white and shows Tamar's sexy, sultry side as well as the highs and lows expressed in the lyrics.

Check it out here and let me know if it's hot or not!!

-T. Amour

Song of the Day: Jessie Ware "Night Light"

Jessie Ware is a British singer with the vocal prowess of Adele, the sexiness of Sade, and a unique image and flair for creativity. As a relatively new artist with only one (incredible) album under her belt, Jessie is not yet a household name,  but the star power is on a sharp incline.

My song of the day is "Night Light". This song is a clever combination of a sparse piano and heavy guitar with a overall low-key tempo. Her voice is triumphant and rousing as she sings about seemingly omnipresent person who lights her world in dark hours.

For more info on Jessie, follow her on Twitter: @Jessie_Ware

Here is the official video to Night Light from Sept. 2012:

-T. Amour

New Music: Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z "Suit & Tie"

Justin Timberlake is back on the music scene in a major way!

A leader of the new-age "blue-eyed soul" movement, Timberlake has been out of the music arena for a few years now while focusing on other ventures. His hiatus ended today with the release of the HOT HOT "Suit & Tie", a single from his upcoming album.

Justin picks right back up where he left off, mixing flawless vocals and futuristic beats to create his signature sound. He brings rap titan Jay-Z along for the ride and I am loving every moment.

Does "Suit & Tie" make you want to turn it up or tune it out?? Sound off in the comments!

-T. Amour

Jazz Up Your Sunday!

Hello and Happy Sunday!!

I hope you are having a chill and reflective day today. Even if your schedule is packed, take 20 minutes to slow down and relax a bit. Stop moving so fast all the time! Your life is slipping away and once this day is over, you don't get it back.

Hopefully, you are pondering on yesterday's post (Dream Life) and still thinking about where you want to go in life. And, if you are already at a great place, perhaps you will make plans to progress to higher heights.

While you are planning, reflecting, and dreaming, jazz up your Sunday with a couple nice tunes:

• Robert Glasper - "Twice" (?uestlove remix feat. Solange Knowles & The Roots) 

• Amel Larriuex - "Gills and Tails"

• Conya Doss - "What I'd Do"

-T. Amour

Dream Life: What Will You Do?

Hi Guys,

Happy Saturday!! Quick question/thought for you...

When you are finally living your "dream life", what will you be doing? What will your profession be and how will you spend your days?

Since I am currently on a mission to become a novelist, freelance writer, and blogger for a living, I already know the answer to this question.

If you want to live a happy and purpose filled life, then you need to figure out where you want to be. Once you figure it out, then you have to take action and plan steps to get there. Nothing comes without work and sacrifice.

I was watching the 2009 Disney movie "The Princess and the Frog" with my daughter today, and I saw a lot of the lead character, Tiana, in myself. She is a young woman in 1920s New Orleans who has a dream of being a restaurant owner. However, despite working two jobs, she doesn't have the money and her "low" social status as a Black woman caused people to doubt and ridicule her for her dream. But, no matter what they said, she held her head high, maintained her integrity, and stayed focused on her goal.

Of course, she did happen to marry a prince with money. It's DISNEY. But, the underlying theme of hard work and perseverance is true and I want my daughter to see a real-life example of those traits in me. And, I know they are in all of us.

Remember this:

"A goal without a plan is just a wish." Antoine de Saint-Exupery

-T. Amour

New Music: Destiny's Child: "Nuclear"

Nine long years after Destiny's Child released their last (and supposed) final project, Destiny Fulfilled, the tremendous trio has reunited with new music.

A lot has changed over the past few years (Blue Ivy, Beyoncé's marriage, Kelly and Michelle's solo success), but on their latest single, it feels like DC hasn't missed a beat.

"Nuclear" is the first single from an impending compilation album entitled Love Songs. With the production assistance of the fantastic Pharell Williams, DC will once again reign supreme.

Check out the single and let me know your thoughts!!

-T. Amour

New Music: Avant - "Best Friend"

Avant is starting off the new year with a hot single! We became familiar with his smooth R&B voice in 2000 when he released his first album, My Thoughts. Now, 3 years after his last album, he is returning to the scene and making the caliber of music we expect from him.

"Best Friend" reveals his undeniable attraction toward his female friend. Avant's voice layers perfectly over a haunting synth beat as he goes through a mental tug of war to decide if he should cross the thin line between friends and lovers.

His new album, Face the Music, is slated for a February 5th release. I will be running a contest to win a copy of Face The Music, so stay tuned!

Are you feeling this joint? Sound off below!

-T. Amour

Kendrick Lamar: Backstreet Freestyle Video

Yesterday, Kendrick Lamar (also known as K. Dot to long-time fans) released a visual for "Backseat Freestyle". This song is from his commercially and critically successful album "good kid, m.A.A.d. city", which was released in October of 2012.

The video features his parents and the infamous "Sherane", whom all play key roles in the story lines of the album. Kendrick further cements his new status as a rising star in rap music.

-T. Amour

Soulful Sunday Music

It's Sunday afternoon and you are looking for a few more hours of respite before diving head first into the weekday rat race.

Take some time and get your chill on with these soulful cuts designed for a Sunday afternoon:

1) Jill Scott - "The Fact Is (I Need You)"

2) Nas feat. Amy Winehouse - "Cherry Wine"

3) The Kindred Family Soul - "Sticking With You"

4) Esperanza Spalding - "Fall In"

Have a fantastic week! X0X0

-T. Amour

Dope Artist Alert: Bridget Kelly

Bridget Kelly breathes music. A graduate of the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, Bridget Kelly promoted her talents wherever her voice could be heard. She often performed open mic sets in NYC and her diligence and dedication payed off when her management secured a deal with Jay-Z Roc Nation.

If you take a listen to her 2011 single "Thinking About Forever", you may feel like you have heard it before. "Thinking About Forever" is actually the original version of Frank Ocean's "Thinking About You". His version was indeed a demo of the song he penned for Bridget.

Instead of being daunted by his success with the single, Bridget continued to move forward and released her 2011 EP Every Girl. Last fall, she continued to grind toward success with the August release of her latest single, "Special Delivery". The single was later accompanied by a visual in December 2012.

Bridget is dope because she not only has the vocal chops to hang with the industry divas, but she offers something for everyone. Her music style encompasses a wide variety of genres and she brings a blend of beauty, soul, and edginess. Her relaxing and flexible vocals mesh well with the acoustic/pop/R&B inflections in her music.

In 2013, we hope to hear more from Bridget. No word on her debut release at this time...

Enjoy her latest video:

My Song of the Day - Rihanna feat. Chris Brown "Nobody's Business"

Rihanna and Chris Brown are consistently in the spotlight for many reasons. Some of them are good and others are....not so good. After their abrupt breakup in 2009, both superstars have taken their individual careers to stellar heights.

Rihanna is arguably one of the biggest artists in the world and a social media maven. Boasting over 27 million followers on Twitter and a passionate, loyal fan base (known as the Rihanna Navy), she is riding high off the success of her 7th album, Unapologetic. Love her or love to hate her, she is a pop icon.

Chris Brown has continued to deal with random altercations and fights to clear the stigma associated with his infamous name. Throughout the media attacks and turmoil, Brown has continued to release great music and prove why he is one of the biggest names in today's music. Like Rihanna, Chris Brown has a strong fan following (#TeamBreezy).

Lately, they have been the main players in a media circus with public appearances together and speculation of a rekindled romance. Everyone has their say about what these confused lovebirds should and shouldn't do, but they are responsible for their own path.

What we do know is they create music magic together. My song of the day is Rihanna feat. Chris Brown "Nobody's Business", which appears on her latest album. A funky, upbeat tune with a bit of MJ that speaks volumes about their current "relationship", their smooth vocals pair well.

Love this song!

-T. Amour

2013: Music To Look Forward To Pt. 1

Hello 2013!

Last night, we bid 2012 farewell and rang in a new year. With each new year, there are tons of possibilities and everyone looks forward to what the next 12 months will hold in their personal and professional lives.

A new year also ushers in new music! Each year, thousands (if not millions) of new songs are released. Music is the soundtrack to our lives, so we all look forward to fresh new faces as well as our fave artists.

This year, female R&B singers are going to take over the scene. Here are a few to look out for in 2013.


Tamar Braxton - After years of anticipating a solo release, Toni Braxton's youngest sister will flex her vocal range on her February 12th release of Love and War. Although this is her second solo album, it will surely be her breakthrough album. Currently, she is riding of the success of the first single, "Love And War".



Jhené Aiko- Miss Aiko will finally release her long-awaited debut album, Souled Out, in the 1st quarter of 2013. She has gained a strong underground following and is highly respected as a authentic storyteller. Check out this previous post to see why she is a dope artist ( Dope Artist Jhené Aiko)



Lana Fame - Lana Fame is beginning to catch on fire. She has gained notoriety via YouTube for doing stellar covers of popular songs. Her ability to take any artists song and make it her own is impressive and her videos are praised by her 12, 640+ subscribers and over 5,000 Twitter followers. For more information about her current and future moves, follow her ( @IAmLanaFame) and subscribe to her YouTube Page (YouTube Link)


Elle Varner - 2012 was a great year for this newcomer. She released a successful and critically-acclaimed debut album (Perfectly Imperfect), toured with Trey Songz on his Chapter V tour, and garnered a Grammy nomination for the wildly successful single "Refill". 2013 will continue her rise to super stardom with new material.


Solange Knowles - Solange has been heating up the scene with her crazy fashion sense and unique music. After releasing an EP (True) in November 2012 via an independent label, Solange's reach has begun to extend beyond her cult following. We all look forward to more music and fashion from her in 2013.

-T. Amour