From Music's Heart to Yours w/@ericamsimmons

Editor's Note: Each Friday @ericamsimmons will be bringing R&B and Soul music to the internets via The Mad Bloggers. We're still working out the details but here is the first installment. These dudes are dope by the way. Enjoy.

We've all discussed the age old question "What is Hip-Hop?" But what about Rhythm & Blues? The term Rhythm & Blues was first coined by Billboard to represent music marketed toward the African-American audience in the late 1940's. Then, R&B encompassed jazz, blues, doo-wop and a host of other urban genres that now span across racial and ethnic lines. This column is dedicated to the artists and listeners who appreciate true R&B music. Even though Rhythm & Blues has redeveloped to include elements of different genres there is an eternal underlining foundation that represents what R&B has been, is now and will be in the future.

Aaron Marcellus and the Will Band

A couple of years ago, I met Aaron and his brother Pierre after a gospel concert at Agnes Scott College. Our director, Nathan Grigsby told us prior to our concert that his sons were going to sing a duet as our special guests. What we didn't know was how awesome they were going to be. I couldn't tell you what song they sang that night, but I can tell you that it left a lasting impression on me. This brother duo is highly gifted in voice and are talented pianists. Off their debut album Aaron Marcellus and the Will Band "Hold Me Down" and "She's Really Gone" are two songs that showcase their broad range of musical talent. After listening to the album, Aaron Marcellus and The Will Band can easily compete with seasoned and well-respected R&B artists. I never got the impression that they made music for the money, but for the love of music. As simply put by Pierre on his Twitter page, "Music brings us together and makes us one people."

Check out their artist page on Reverb Nation and Mypace.

Tune in next Friday for my next installment.


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"It's a Celebration" ... @LadyBlogga's One Year Anniversary

So, I hit LB up randomly on twitter earlier asking, "hey, when is your blogging anniversary with TMB?" Then I decided to search the blog. Weirdly enough, it's today. Today marks the first time she posted on the page.

So, it's a celebration! *Dave Chappelle as Rick James voice* (Hahahaha)

When we met her she was rocking the handle Sui Geniris on-line. We were impressed by her love of Hip-Hop and she was cool as hell too. We went back and forth over email trying to hash out the details. A week later she was Tha Lady Blogga (O's idea) and part of the team. She's been blogging with us ever since. Now she's all over the internets contributing to various sites and she's got a book in the works. But at the end of the day, she always come back to homebase here with TMB and we appreciate that.

Anyway, today marks a year of Tha Lady Blogga contributing to the site and so we figured we'd shout her out. Check out the first piece she wrote for us, "Just Plain UGGly…" A year later, I'm sure she still feels the same way about Uggs in the Spring and Summer.

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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Connecticut: The Skinny Boys - "Jock Box" (Bonus)

I had to throw it back, waaaaay back for this journey. A little history for the site. Didn't know Connecticut went this far back with Hip-Hop, did you?! Haha. Check it.

Via Wikipedia -

Skinny Boys were a rap group originally out of Bridgeport, Connecticut, with members Shockin' Shawn, Superman Jay, & The Human Jock Box. The Skinny Boys were directly influenced by The Fat Boys; and The Human Jock Box was directly influenced by The Human Beat Box from The Fat Boys. They started their career on the Bush Label, a small independent local label run by Rhonda Bush.

The first release was a twelve inch single titled Awesome b/w "Skinny Boys" in 1985. New York based label Warlock soon recognized their talents and signed them to their label in 1986. That year they released two twelve inch singles Jockbox & Unity, as well as an LP title "Weightless". Featured on the Weightless LP were a handful of human beatbox songs like Jockbox & Get Funky.

The group went on to sign with Jive Label and have a handful of peripheral releases including LP's "Skinny & Proud" & "Skinny (They cant get enough)".


Not to be confused with the british rock band 'The Skinny Boys'

The Skinny Boys - "Jock Box"


The Skinny Boys' MySpace

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What I'm Watching ... TheSeKondElement "Closer" LIVE!

We featured this joint as the track of the week. It's fresh. TheSeKondElement's "Closer" is a smooth flow over the Goapele track of the same name. It's dope. I caught the visuals from a live performance and figured I'd share that too. Video shot and edited by Kenneth Allen. Enjoy.


TheSeKondElement Performs "Closer" LIVE! from KAMMs TheACE on Vimeo.

www.kammstheace.com
www.thesekondelement.bandcamp.com


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TMB's Weekly Podcast, Episode 8

Straight to the business this week. Press play. That is all (lol). Enjoy.

Oh, and don't forget to subscribe, so you can get this jawn delivered straight to your iTunes each week. Thanks for the support!

TMB's Weekly Podcast - Episode 8, tracklist

00. Intro Willie Lynch - DJ Revolution/KBimean/Styliztik Jones
01. Ballad of the Black Gold - Reflection Eternal
02. One Hunnid - Raze
03. Hollywood (Feat. Raekwon, Wale, Tabi Bonney & Raheem DeVaughn) - Phil Ade
04. Keep Pushin - J. Good
05. Zone In - Mike Classic
06. **Throwback Track** Ms. Fat Booty - Mos Def
07. Freedom - Fashawn
08. I'm From PG - Oddisee
09. Unleashed - Signif x Haz Solo
10. Reggie Miller - Super Chron Flight Brothers
11. Crashing Down - OnCue
12. Radio Promo Track - The Rising Sun Quest
13. Rollercoaster Baby - Rob Roy
14. The Clock (Put it Down) - Mike Jaggerr

Download Ep 8 [UserShare | Divshare]



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Check It ... Fresh Cut Collective

What can I say about Fresh Cut Collective? Oh, that's right ... they're dope! No, seriously, really, really dope. Fresh Cut Collective is on their way to becoming one of my favorite groups. Live band, dope emcee, great music. Yeah, I can't say enough. Check the track and the video.

Fresh Cut Collective’s upcoming release of their self-titled debut album with Uni.Fi Records release party is set for Saturday, May 29th.

Since their first show in December 2008, Fresh Cut Collective has played many shows in Milwaukee as well as Madison, Green Bay, Chicago, and Atlanta. They have opened for national touring artists The Constellations, Curumin, The Cool Kids, Rhymefest, and Movits and were a headliner at last year's Milwaukee Summerfest. Having done so much in their first year and a half, Fresh Cut Collective has high hopes for the future.

Their sound combines the raw energy and spirit of contemporary hip hop with the organic grooves and pure musicianship of late 60s/early 70s funk, soul, and rock music. There are no samples or sequences on this album; all the music was performed with live instruments giving an added depth and warmth to the songs. These ten tracks have been performed, refined, and perfected over the past year and waiting to be unleashed.

 


Group-E


www.freshcutcollective.com
www.unifirecords.com


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Check It ... Mario Dones "Ring to It" (prod. by Keelay & Zaire)

The joint is pretty dope. Enjoy.

With the 2009 release of Keelay & Zaire's Ridin' High [MYX Music Label], the entire Sole Vibe collective was given a platform to show their ability behind the boards and on the mic alongside some notable names from the culture. In 2010 the Sole Vibe is poised to carry that success further. This summer will see the release of One To Grow On, a project showcasing the talent of the Sole Vibe, particularly shining a light on MC's Mario Dones and AV as they are preparing repsective solo endeavors. Dones and AV decided to put out a project that plants the seed for what will be a fruitful year for the Sole Vibe as a whole. One to Grown On features production from all of the producers in the Vibe (Keelay, Zaire, J. Fish, DJ Whooligan), as well as beats from a few up-and-comers.

One To Grow On's first single (and 2nd leak) is "Ring To It" by Mario Dones, available on the official website of the squadron, www.thesolevibe.com. You can find "Been Around the World" by AV on the site, which also will be included on the project. No official release date yet, but set your eyes on early-mid July for this free digital release.

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Check It ... Reinvention "Crossroads"

We posted these dudes on both the blog and included their "Forgot" track on episode 7 of the podcast. These dudes are pretty dope. I definitely enjoy their sound and style. Look out for their "A Rapper in Denial" project dropping soon. I've heard a few cuts. So far, so good dope. This is their new joint, "Crossroads". Enjoy.

We're DJ Entendu and Classic, and together we make up Reinvention. We blend influences from indie rock and electronica with more traditional hip-hop music and try to make huge bangers that can appeal to anybody from a dancing fiend to a top-down, wind-in-your-hair, cross-country roadtripper.  

www.therebelsarecoming.com

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Check it ... Criss Lyric "Criss Miss" ft. Aja Edwards

Damn, this joint has been sitting in the email since late April. We featured Criss Lyric a few weeks back at the start of the Connecticut installment of the Journey to Hip-Hop series. This track has a cool vibe to it. So, I felt the need to share. The jawn features Aja Edwards. Enjoy.



www.facebook.com/hesocriss
www.twitter.com/hesocriss

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What I'm Watching ... @theRealEternia & MoSS "At Last" feat. Termanology & Reef The Lost Cauze

Check the visuals for "At Last", directed by Mark Carranceja of Noisemaker Media. Eternia & MoSS album drops June 29, 2010 on Fat Beat Records. I'm fortunate enough to have heard the album. It's dope. Review soon come.

In addition to the full project, Fat Beats will also be releasing a vinyl edition of "At Last" on June 8, 2010, which will include the lead single "BBQ" featuring featuring Rah Digga, Lady of Rage, Tiye Phoenix and Jean Grae.

In the meantime, peep the vid.



WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ETERNIA
twitter.com/therealeternia

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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Connecticut: Apathy

Apathy is probably the most known emcee out of Connecticut. We've featured him on the blog a few times, including video from his recent live show at Toad's Place, tracks from his new album and features with other artists. The dude is dope. He's been dope. And at this rate, will always be dope. We definitely had to give Apathy a solo shout out on the Connecticut installment of our Journey to Hip-Hop series. This track, "True Love" featuring Phonte is off Apathy's sophomore LP, "Wanna Snuggle?" released late last year. The full project is dope too. Check Apathy out, if you haven't already.



www.myspace.com/apathy
twitter.com/apathydgz

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Check It ... @KENO_theOS x @AmorJones "Don't Care What You Think" (prod. by @NefTheDamaja)

I first caught Keno through his theOTHERSIDE (Keno and producer Wallsauce make up the crew) project with the homie Haz Solo. The dude is dope. He and Sauce are working on their upcoming project, "Sleeping Giant," while doing a gang of solo projects. This track is one of those solo jawns featuring Amor Jones on vocals and Nefarious on production. It's dope. I dig it.




twitter.com/KENO_theOS
twitter.com/AmorJones
twitter.com/NefTheDamaja


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