Canada’s newest R&B star JRDN (aka Jordan Croucher) is excited to announce the release of his official debut album I AM JRDN in stores November 2, 2010, on Kuya Productions/Fontana North. The video for first single “U Can Have it All” was recently added to Heavy rotation at MuchMusic and MuchVibe, was the #1 Most Added single at CHR radio last week (Mediabase) and hit #29 at Top 40 Radio this week, with adds at the top urban and CHR stations across the country.
In light of TMB's "Friday's Five Random Questions with Melanie Fiona," I figured it'd be more than appropriate to post one of her videos. I remember when I first heard this song on the radio... I was like, "who is that? Is that Melanie Fiona?" and sure enough it was. In my personal opinion, I haven't heard ENOUGH of this caliber of music on the radio. What I love most about Melanie Fiona is that her spirit and music is raw, she wears ALL of her clothes and the girl has got a set of pipes. If nothing else, she, along with Chrisette Michele, Jazmine Sullivan and a few others are examples of how it is possible to have a great music career and be fully dressed and not have to shake your tail in front of a camera. You don't need gimmicks or any of that. You just need raw, unadulterated talent. So I tip my hat to you Melanie. Show'em how it's really done. Ay yo!!
When Melanie Fiona hit the scene, I was like damn!!! Her soulful voice just blew me away. Her album, The Bridge, was dope from front to back. Most recently Melanie teamed up with John Legend, The Roots and Common for a remake of "Wake Up Everybody."
The North of the Border songstress is currently working on the follow up to her debut album. I'm looking forward to that.
Anyway, thanks to my homeboy Kozza, Melanie Fiona decided to take the challenge this week. Check out how she answered five random questions.
Hometown: Toronto, ON Canada Current City: Today... Chicago How long have you been doing music: Since '86 Discography: The Bridge (2009), The MF Life (forthcoming 2011) Label: Titlenine/SRC/Universal Motown Describe your music in five words or less: Classic, Real, Live, Soulful, GOOD!
Picture via Rocawear NEXT Ad Campaign
TMB: Okay, first question. Your celebrity crush at age 10, 15 and now?
MF: 10- Larenz Tate. 15- Kobe Bryant. Now- Common
TMB: What TV character would you be and why?
MF: Buffy The Vampire Slayer- I feel I possess that unexpected super human strength in a female who can kick ass!
TMB: You're at dinner with five people from history (living or dead) who are they? What's the conversation?
MF: Bob Marley, Sam Cooke, Gandhi, Lauryn Hill, President Obama. The Conversation: Knowledge on how to make it as a revolutionary, musical, peaceful, female artist who will lead people to a better day.
TMB: Which three songs would be on the soundtrack of your life and why?
MF: "Part Of Your World" The Little Mermaid. "The Greatest Love of All" Whitney Houston. "Ay Yo" Melanie Fiona.
Cause I've always been a simple girl with big dreams, who believes in love, hope and the will to succeed. And I'll always be that way. All 3 songs are individually sooo special to me.
TMB: Okay, last question. You walk in the studio for a session and find out Jesus (yes, that Jesus) and Kanye West are producing the track for you. What's the name of the song?
I figured I'd try a little something new. Add a little more to my plate. We all get mad excited when we haven't heard something in a long time. You know, that good 90s music or stuff in the early 2000s? Well, I'm starting the "Throwback Sessions w/ EMS" series. I'm taking suggestions from you, the fans, on classic throwbacks that we all know and love. Plus, I'll give you a little shout out/kudos for bringing me the great music. To start things off, enjoy Mint Condition's "U Send Me Swingin'" ...
You know here at TMB we always like to give you a little something different. Today, I bring you one of the most soulful men I've heard sing in a long time, Marc Broussard. I first heard about Marc from working at this bottle opener company I worked for right after college. Only two people worked there so on alternate days, they took turns listening to the kind of music each person liked. The Boss liked rock 'n roll, some country and soul music. When "Come In From the Cold" came on his iPod, I instantly liked it and looked at the Boss' menu to find out who it was. I've been in love with Broussard's music ever since.
"Lonely Night in Georgia" is another song that's absolutely one of my favorites. I can't figure out which one I like more. I couldn't find a non-live version of "Lonely Night in Georgia," so here's Marc Broussard performing one of his most popular hits at Center State in Atlanta, GA.
I had a little technical difficulty this morning posting this episode of Hip-Hop Breakfast. Okay, I overslept. Hahahaha! I was up working on Soulful Summer last night and uh ... anyway. Ha! I'm back to the regular schedule next week of Monday and Wednesday. Happy Friday and enjoy!
01. Morning - Psalm One
02. Warning - Notorious B.I.G.
03. I'm Ready - JDantexDawnsSon
04. Grindin' - Clipse
05. Cypher Pas De Trois (Feat. Savant) - R.J. and Technique
06. So Fly (Feat. Rasi Caprice) - The Real Jay Mills
J-Live is at it again. With a new album, S.P.T.A. due in stores 10/12/10, he gives us a taste of what's to come with a free download. The single "Home or Away" doesn't disappoint. With his usual clever lyrical style and dope beats, J drops another banger. Can't wait for the album. Check it out!
As promised, here is part deux to the interview that was posted earlier this week. In this part, Miss Solano talks to me about what success means to her, her DJ skills, mp3's versus vinyl and what her grind is like. Aside from doing big things for our listening pleasure, her blog is up and running. After the interview, check her at www.JasmineSolano.com Here she is, part deux...
It took me a few days to put this together and I'm happy I did. For all the Hip-Hop music I share, soul music is what I was raised on. The actual tracklist on Soulful Summer changed a few times. Some joints found themselves on the cutting room floor because it didn't go with the vibe I was trying to set. For those curious, Soulful Summer is the first part of a multiple part soul compilation series. Obviously there are a gang of tracks that I could have put on this first installment but I believe these 16 jawns set a cool vibe. Well, I hope you enjoy my humble attempt at putting together an enjoyable soul mix. Oh and ladies the cover doesn't mean you should get naked and smoke a cigarette while listening to this, although I've been told it helps. Enjoy.
Peace,
-q
01. Think About it - Otis Redding
02. Kiss and Say Goodbye - The Manhattans
03. Cause I Love You - Lenny Williams
04. For the Love of You (Pt. 1 & 2) - The Isley Brothers
05. Tired of Being Alone - Al Green
06. Cigarettes and Coffee - Otis Redding
07. When You Love Somebody - Leela James
08. Wish I Didn't Miss You - Angie Stone
09. Since I Seen't you - Anthony Hamilton
10. Bad Habits - Maxwell
11. He Loves Me - Jill Scott
12. Feeling Good - Nina Simone
13. Do You Feel Me - Anthony Hamilton
14. Soul Sista - Bilal
15. You - Raheem Devaughn
16. The Point of It All - Anthony Hamilton
Shouts to YC The Cynic for hitting us up with the link to this joint. Talk about powerful content. Rodstarz of Rebel Diaz and Baron of Red Clay took the Miguel and J. Cole joint and flipped it, making it a bit more socially conscious. It's dope. Hit up the comment section and tell me what you think. Enjoy.
