A writer blogs on her thoughts, and experiences with music from independent, unsigned, and unfamiliar artist. This urban girl presents: A Different World of Music.
Some of you may not know this, but I love a man that can sing and this man can “SANG”. Hasan Smith was born in Newark, New Jersey. He’s the 9th of ten children, and he’s also a comic, playwright, songwriter, and actor; Smith’s music is a blend of Pop, Hip-Hop, and Gospel- Have you ever been thirsty? Oh course you have, so if that tall glass of water (or kool aid) could sing it would sound like Hasan Smith.
Seriously, when I was introduced to the Music Maven’s Rising Star website, Smith was the first artist that caught my attention and impressed me the most. I have no video for you today (don’t forget to watch The Charles Clemmons Project tonight), but I do have three songs for you to hear:
Whatever It Is
Questions
The Deal
I love all three tracks, but Questions is my favorite ( I could listen to it over and over again). Hasan Smith has a voice that the industry is missing.
Enjoy the music
Peace and Blessings
MIks
Click here to hear Hasan Smith's music: Hasan Smith
The Charles Clemmons Project is an Online Sketch Comedy Show, that will bring you side splitting laughter. ****All the sketches are written by Charles Clemmons***
Note:
Yes, I know this is a music blog; however, I couldn't resist the urge to tell you about this. I personally believe it will be a big deal before the year is over.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, and ate lots of Turkey ( or Tofurky ). Have fun fighting for the last pair of Jeans at the mall tomorrow. If you can, go and buy a Wii for me - just joking.
I have more music from Gidgets Ga Ga, they are releasing Christmas Wish as a single available on Tunecore. Check it out
This high energy, Rock, Pop, Chicago–based trio will have you ‘shakin it’ like nobodies business. Their Album “The Big Bong Fiasco” is another sound I’ve enjoyed this year. GidgetsGa Ga caught my attention on the Music Maven’s “Rising Star” website; I fell in love with the group immediately. So don’t let this short blog entry fool you- big things come in small packages.
I don’t have a video for you tonight, but I do want to encourage you to check out their Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/gidgetsgaga
My favorite song is called, “Damn”. If you’ve ever had a moment where you really didn’t give a crap- I know I have- you’re really going to enjoy this; it’s a fast pace grungy, and catchy song. You can find “Damn” at the bottom of their Myspace music player. There is a lot going on the page, but just stay at the top people!
I hope everyone who watched the AMA’s enjoyed it. I’m so proud of Whitney and Micheal for their wins. After you check out Gidgets Ga Ga, tell me what you thought about the award show.
This song is awesome! My cousin Mark let me watch the video with him one day when he wasn't having a Midnite Moment :-) The song is called Mellow and it's by Pete Philly & Perquiste; they're a rap duo from Amsterdam, and the singer's name Seena. This video was done in 2006, this year the duo is nominated for two State Awards for Best Live Performance, and Best Producer (Perquisite). For more information go to:
Mellow is a great song. Phete Philly is a rapper, but he can SING- I love a man with two talents! This is a really beautiful and affectionate song. It's lovely, it's mellow, and it's Chill
Enjoy
Peace and Blessings
MIks
If you’re in college and enjoy Beer Pong, Toga Parties, or any party for that matter- Boy, do I have an EP for you! Red Arlington’s “Long Weekend” is the soundtrack for good times, and college life. If it were up to me, I would call this album- “MIks, You Should Have Gone to a University Vol. 1”. Seriously, I’m kind of jealous! This guy is clearly having more fun than me, but it’s cool, I still have great memories of my community college vacations: Shout out to all my Jamaicans, and Manchester, Mandeville family!
Now back to my thoughts on Red Arlington:
These songs will get stuck in your head; one of my favorite tracks and Red’s first single, “Textually Frustrated” will have you laughing and dancing all at once. Red decided to make an album around these common things: pouring drinks, meeting girls, and yes partying. His goal was to deliver genre less music that could be played all around the country.
You must be wondering what my all time favorite song is on the album, and Why? Well, “It’s the Weekend” is the track I’m just dying to let you hear. This song reminds me of all the times I got “stupid drunk”; the chorus pretty much narrates all the moments I spent at the bar, and the craziness afterwards.
On my 21st birthday, my good friend and I went to a bar and got so wasted. I thought I wouldn’t be able to walk to the car, but all of a sudden she started vomiting on my shoes- I sobered up quickly to help my friend in need, and it pretty much killed the mood ( Hey Girl!). I’m so glad I stopped drinking, but I wish this song was out around that time, it would have made the night more memorable.
So guys, this song is dedicated to all you party animals! Go ahead, push the play button on this YouTube video, I’m sure you’ll love it. When you get a chance go to iTunes and support this artist; play the EP at your next gathering, and stay up till 6 a.m. - I hope you’ll wake up in your bed the next day.
Profanity is the easy way out for this rapper- that’s why he prefers not to use it. This Flint Michigan Hip- Hop artist decided to turn to spirituality and add “Minister” next to his hustler name “Kaine”. Minister Kaine was using & selling drugs at an early age, he even participated in gang activities, but one day things changed. He was advised by the manager of “Tribe Called Quest” to pursue music- and he did just that.
This energetic performer has traveled through the East &West Coast with other artist such as The Ghetto Boys, Scarface, 8Ball & MJG, A Tribe Called Quest, McEhit, and the Late Great Tupac Shakur; he has also enjoyed television placements on MTV’s Laguna Beach, My Super Sweet 16, and MTV Cribs. MK has released his fourth album “The Dead Hood Scrolls” which include Real Out Here (featuring a verse from The Game) and my personal favorite Shawty Like That. This is an Official Club Banger! It’s one of those songs you can drop it low too and have fun with. The hook is very catchy, and this rapper has a wicked (meaning GREAT) lyrical flow- no wonder it’s rapidly getting air play around the country.
Now, if you see me riding around Florida & my car is vibrating, just know I have Shawy Like That on heavy rotation. I’m usually not a big fan of something like this- most rap artist use degrading and disgusting words towards women- this song has none of that. The song does contain adult content but don’t worry, there are no “F Bombs”, the horrid “B word”, or Sugar Honey Ice Tea’s here. So Enjoy!
Hey Guys! Check out Parker's song "Love Myself". The song was featured on a Global television sitcom called “The Jane Show”. The chorus of the song sounds like the anthem to all my breaks up, but I don't want to joke about a song that could mean much more. Unfortunately, I was not able to hear the entire song but I heard enough to like it, and write about it. The artist bio gives a great description of the CD:
"... [The CD] examines the point in our lives where we reach moments of personal crisis and how close we come to destruction in our everyday existence."
The Band has built a strong following and shared stages with The Bare Naked Ladies, Finger Eleven, and The Lowest of the Low just to name a few.
Click on this Rising Star Artist link to hear for yourself
Peace and Blessings
MIks
Marsol and his buddies made this record the old-fashioned way; they got together in a room and played. Most mixtures of this type are a watered down, sloppy, undefined mess. This project, however, is unique, bold and confident with its own texture and attitude" - Music Remedy.
I’ve heard an album recorded the exact same way, but it sounds nothing like Chris Marsol’s, Butterflies, Lipstick, and Hand Grenades. This album can not be compared to anything that’s out right now: it’s full of passion, raw artistic talent, depths, color, diversity, Rock, Pop, & Soul; and if you think you can compare Marsol to any other artist after hearing this album, you were not listening- so go back to track 1 on your iPod and try again.
Actor/Singer/Songwriter Chris Marsol is from the San Francisco Bay Area; home of the 60’s hippie movement, the Black Panther Party, and Psychedelic Rock. That decade is long gone, but its spirit and influences still live on. Marsol is a product of this environment, but he has started a new movement/revolution with his music. So what does the title, Butterflies, Lipstick, and Hand Grenades, mean? “There is no meaning until you create one”, Marsol says.
This album is a musical journey; on this journey the songs are stories, and those stories are like hearing a poet speak at an Open Mic venue-except there is a really tight band behind this one. If you’re the kind of person that really listens for the words in a song, you won’t be able to deny that Marsol is a very strong song writer. His voice is the most powerful instrument on this record, making every track special and unique- no song on this album sounds the same- Danae Braggs said it best, “Like a hearty home cooked meal or an iced cold glass of water this new album fills a baron void and quenches a dry thirst.”
I love this quote because it’s a picturesque description of how rare it is to hear really great music, and it kind of makes me hungry- I’m kidding!
I heard the album after I accepted Marsol’s twitter request, and visited his website. I saw his photo and thought to myself, “Hmm, he’s cute-wonder what he does?” little did I know I’d be blown away by this very gifted musician- I hate surprises, but I really enjoyed this one.
There will be critics, and crazy people who will think Marsol should be an R&B or Hip Hop artist, but need I remind you that when Little Richard and Chuck Berry did their music it was called Rock & Roll. Now, this isn’t about who started what kind of music, I just strongly believe that this man is right at home when it comes to genre. This album is not about color: it’s about love, freedom, expression and music- It’s simply a masterpiece.
I love acoustic and electric guitars, one of the many reasons why, Butterflies, Lipstick, and Hand Grenades is now one of my favorite albums. Support this artist! Tell all your family, friends, co-workers, and Local DJ’s about it. I wish Chris Marsol all the best for 2010, and I’m sure that, before we all know it, Chris Marsol will be a household name. Check out his video “3 In The Morning”; it was featured on Myspace as one of the best indie artist to watch. Chris has performed at the Hard Rock Cafe, The Palms, & Vegas Music Experience with Tommy Lee and Dave Navarro, just to name a few . Chris Marsol has also donated time, performances, and money to charities such as: the American Cancer Society, Feed the Children, and Universal Healthcare.
Read what others are saying about Chris Marsol, and Butterflies, Lipstick, and Hand Grenades:
"Marsol's album is described as bringing the rock lover, the soul lover and the pop music lover together in one blissful Technicolor orgy, celebrating life and music outside the lines of race, creed and color"- Patrick Luce, Monsters and Critics.
"This guy out of the Bay area is so amazing. You MUST check him out!!! His new album Butterflies, Lipstick & Hand Grenades will be out this fall"- AbsolutePunk.net
3 In the Morning Will be hitting airwaves soon. Look for interviews, TV Shows, giveaways, and tour dates on his website.
Enjoy the video!
3 In the Morning By Chris Marsol
Peace and Blessings
MIks
