Friday, April 18, 2014

The Maestro, STROMAE




   So I know it’s been a while boys and girls, but I came across some music and it has pulled me out of blogger hiding. There are a lot of things that inspire me, but attractive men are in the top ten. Handsome men maybe my vice, but handsome FOREIGN men are my kryptonite. I was in my own world being a film student, and suddenly a beautiful French man popped up on my Facebook feed via Afropunk. I had to come back to Song Love and tell you all about him.  He’s from Belgium and of Rwandan and Dutch decent, he’s 6’5, green eyes with a hint of yellow, and he has an awesome line of Polo’s and socks.

He’s also a Pisces, which means we are totally compatible (Team Leo).  I think I need to move to Belgium because apparently that’s where the beautiful people live. Ladies and gentlemen I’m done rambling, this gorgeous man’s name is Stromae.


The singer, songwriter, producer gained popularity with his 2009 song Alors on dance (So We Dance), the song is about everyday problems that we all have and it was an instant hit in France. The song also became number one in countries such as Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, and many others. It was also number one on the European Hot 100 Singles (wiki). His debut album “Cheese” was released in 2010 and it went gold and platinum in 15 countries (Rockhal.com). In 2013, he released his second album Racine Carrée (Square Root) which includes the very popular songs “Papaoutai” (Where are you, Papa?) and “Formidable” (Wonderful).  Papaoutai is about a young boy dealing with the absence of his father and Formidable was inspired by an encounter he had with a drunken homeless man. Both albums are fantastic and packed with energizing music and poetic lyrics.

                          
           

            Honestly, it’s hard to put Stromae in a genre, although there are different opinions about his style, I classify him as a mixologist of music. His influences included: Hip- Hop, Congolese rumba, salsa, electronica, and something called French chanson. Some say his lyrics are a bit dark even with the instrumentals that make you move, you’re listening to lyrics about absent fatherhood, economic/relationship troubles, drunken sorrow, the dangers of love and twitter, STD’s and the list goes on. Stromae once dubbed his style as “suicide music” but I like to think of it as conscious music instead. He talks about real life issues and circumstances all while making us dance. He may do it all in French, but that doesn’t stop me from listening to him- and it shouldn’t stop you either. If you were bumpin’ "Gangnam style" in the club or in your car, you have no excuses. Go right ahead, open your mind and give Stromae a chance. Personally I like conscious music, it’s a break from hearing those “Twerk sumthing” and “I got diamond breath mints in my mouth” songs- okay I made the last one up, but I may have given someone an idea. You’re welcome. 


         This beautiful man may not be an American artist but there are rumors that he will be working with will.i.am and Pharrell Williams. Kanye West was on the remix for Alors on dance and Angel Haze has also contributed to the remix of “Papaoutai”. This Belgium pop star could be on your radio sooner than you think. In closing, check out the Videos for Papaoutai and comment below. Meanwhile, I’ll be working on graduating film school, learning French, and trying to figure out when and where the next Stromae tour is.
 Until next time everyone, and I promise it will be soon! I hope you like my new imaginary boyfriend, and his music!


         And a message to Stromae: Je t'aime! Quand revenez-vous à l'Amérique? J'aimerais venir à votre concert. Je vais aussi voyager.



If this translates wrong don't judge me I used Google translate. :-) Okay Bye- au revoir ! 

Peace and Blessings
Now enjoy the music!!!!

MIks

Oooh I almost forgot. Stromae is a syllabic inversion of "Maestro”- like a slang word in Belgium.
  
Photo from: www.french-music.org



"... Tell us who gave responsibility without caring

Ah tell us who it is
Everyone knows how to make a child
But no one knows how to be a father.

...Tell me, where are you papa?
 Without even talking to him he knows what he did is wrong
It’s holy papa, tell me where are you broken, you must
It’s been at least one thousand times, I counted my fingers

Where are you? Papa, where are you?" -
Stromae, Papaoutai
                                                                     
                     Press the CC( Closed Caption) button  on the Youtube Video to get English lyrics.
                                                      
                                             Check out translated over by CUT-Papaoutai

                                               
                                         
                                  

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Rik Reed- It's a "Done Deal"

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There are Christian/Inspirational artists, and then there is Rik Reed. This Jacksonville, Florida native is in a league all his own.  He’s a rapper, singer, and music producer that is not limited to just Hip-Hop and Soul; he produces Rock and even Country music as well- he refuses to be constrained to one genre of music.  While listening to Rik Reed’s music, don’t wait for him to get overly religious; he keeps a perfect balance of dope music and Christianity, no matter what your belief is- you can listen to Rik Reed.

            This multi-talent artist does not deny his love for Christ, and he takes pride in spreading the message with swag; however, his album “Done Deal” isn’t just a Christian album, he has songs for the ladies as well, but it’s clean enough for your grandmother to listen too. “Acapella” and “About U” will keep both of your heads bopping. Tracks like “ Bazkin Robinz”, and “Everything was you and me” talks about love and heartbreak without leaving out Christ. “Done Deal” isn’t just music about God, it’s the musical of one man’s life and his love for the man upstairs.

            Rik Reed doesn’t have to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with- he already is. He’s been making music for quit sometime, and just keeps getting better. No matter your faith, your walk of life, or music preference- you will respect the man and the message.  


           
You and find Rik Reed’s Done Deal
On Itunes
twitter. @rikreedmusic


Check out his Video Accapella 


Thursday, August 16, 2012

Hey Everyone! Meet Mark U....

There's no fancy way to say it, so here it is: I really love music- especially the positive stuff! I may not blog the way I use too, but great songs are like great boyfriends- they inspire the hell out of me. Recently, I've been greatly inspired by three artist, but due to a medical issues I had to put my interest in them on hold. I feel great now, but most importantly I'm ready  to tell you about one of these guys. I've known this young man for quite sometime and not only does he make great music, he has a great message too. This Brooklyn native is sure to create a buzz not just for his originality, but his ability to entertain and enlighten as well. He's what the music world needs! Once you take a listen you'll be glad to take a break from commercial radio: Everyone, meet Mark U! A talented singer/song writer  on a mission to raise your level of consciousness and keep your heads moving all at the same time.

His upcoming project "Soul Odyssey: The Raw Demo Sessions" is at its core a mixture of reggae and hip hop- with a splash of other genres. The first single from Soul Odyssey is called Humble in Her Days, Mark wrote it when he was just 19 years old and now, at age 23, he's ready for the world to hear it, "  ...its about a conglomerate of women that have made an indelible impact on my life and my visions of my ideal woman... I pray it resonates..."  Humble in Her Days is sure to be a hit- even with the ladies.


You can Download Humble in Her Days at BandCAMP.com and Find Mark U on Facebook


MUCH SUCCESS TO THIS ARTIST!!!!!


SONGLOVE GIVE MARK U ***** 5 STARS


Peace and Blessings
MIKS


P.S.


What have I been up too lately???
Check it out:
CLICK HERE


ONE DOWN... Two more too go....

                                   Humble in Her Days by Mark U via YouTube

                             


Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen, Olamide Faison

   "The best expression is self expression . The stage is my gun , my songs are the bullets and the people are my targets"- Olamide Faison

Video: Olamide "Dear Lamz" Live at the Bitter End 

( I love this Song!!!)

Jamal Hampton from Imajin is on drums

   I was going to title this blog,  "Hey, do you remember this guy?" but I decided not too. If your old enough to remember the 1999 hit "Shorty (You Keep Playin with My Mind)", watched Sesame Street in between 2003-2005, and haven't been living under a rock- you know exactly who this guy is. This artist was signed to Jive records when he was a member of Imajin, an R&B group from the late 1990s,and now he's on his own making sweet, original music. He's a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Hell's Kitchen, New York.

 Ladies and Gentlemen I give you: Olamide Faison, 

      Faison's new EP  "Live from The Bitter End" has seven tracks that will make you feel like you've step out of your world and into another. This EP is full of instruments, meaningful lyrics, and Olamide- he's a poet armed with a guitar and a voice worthy of a Grammy. His music will bring chills up your spine, and tears in your eyes. Every song is so personal and heartfelt that you feel like you've met him before- perhaps even shared a laugh or a handshake somewhere in Hell's Kitchen. 

       Whether you live in NYC, the U.K., or some small town "Live from The Bitter End"  brings an energy that you'll only find in The Big Apple. This EP is full of timeless music, and it's practically honey to your ears. Faison is a true talent and I wish him much success. Support Good Music! 


 Check out his first solo release: Olamide "Live from The Bitter End" on bandcamp.com

Find Olamide on

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Monday, November 7, 2011

Who sings it better?




Prototype by Andre 3000 sung by Siaira Shawn
http://www.siairashawn.com/

Who sings it better?

Siaira Shawn is the singer you haven't heard in awhile. There are no auto tunes, and no studio help to make this girl sound good- She can sang!!! She's the type of singer that makes other singers ( or those who think they are) want to sing. I came across her music on Issa Rae's blog ( The Awkward Black Girl), and I was blown away by this rich sound. Big ups to this natural "sista" and check out her website for more info. I haven't been this impressed with a singer since Chris Marsol; here she is singing "Prototype" by Andre 3000. Personally, she sings it better than he does.

So who sings it better?
You decide.... Leave Your Comment

Peace and Blessings!
Miks


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Know an Unsigned or Independent artist that needs a music review?
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Friday, October 14, 2011

Download this Mix

If you enjoy music by artist such as Sade, Drake, Mr. Hudson, Maroon 5, Incubus- then check out Songs About  Her  by DJ Niko Star.

but wait- Sade and Incubus on the same Mix?

Believe me- No one does it like Niko Star. This mix is for the real music lover, and I guarantee you will enjoy it. This is personally my favorite mellow mix of the year, so it's only right that I share it with you. Download and enjoy- "Get your mellow on" and Thank me later :-)


Click Here  TO DOWNLOAD

For more information on Niko Star, visit: 
http://www.djnikostar.com/
Check out Niko Star Every Friday 3-6pm EST on RiddimsTV.com

Niko Star
"Songs About Her"

"Like" on Facebook


A mellow mix of some music that is nostalgic for one reason or another.














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Know an Unsigned or Independent artist that needs a music review?
 Visit www.song-love.com for more info
.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Good Ol Chuck- Apollo

               So Apollo is a good friend of my cousin Chrys ( Roses International Stand Up!!!!), and we met when he came to visit Hollywood, Fl . I think I may have even shared a Black and Mild with this man, but I had no idea he was so talented.  I shouldn't have been surprised though, I mean he is a member of Def Team: Hear Us Out and he's my cousin's friend (ROSES!)- they are all talented.

On a personal level, Apollo is a great person and very down to earth.  His mix tape, Good Ol Chuck is on tweetmysong.com and I highly recommend it. I have never put a wack artist on this blog, and I never will- Apollo is Song Love tested and ADWM approved. My favorite songs on the mix tape are Royal Flush,  Wack Rapper Genocide,  Carolina Bluz- I like ALL THE SONGS ON THERE.  


               I can't compare him to anyone. He doesn't sound like Drake, or Weezy- but with a name like APOLLO you have to be an original. After all, Apollo is the god of music; so if  he decided that he wanted to be a young evolving rapper between the ages of 18-25 he'd choose to be this native of WINSTON-SALEM , North Carolina. The name fits the man. 

Watch this video of Apollo and click the link below to listen.

                                            
    
                               Click  Good Ol Chuck to Listen

Big Ups! 
and Enjoy!
Like Apollo on Facebook: Apollo 
I give this artist 5 out of 5 stars.

Shout out to RiddimsTV.com
Every Friday from 3pm-6pm EST
It's Must See Radio 


Want your music reviewed on this blog?
Know an Unsigned or Independent artist that needs a music review?
 Visit www.song-love.com for more info