Tuesday, January 29, 2013

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


Monday, January 28, 2013

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


Thursday, January 24, 2013

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


Wednesday, January 23, 2013

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