The Speaker Box

KiD CuDi vs KiD CuDi

2010-03-10T20:52:00.000-08:00

First of all I have been super busy but I am trying to get to back to posting. I apologize for waiting so long. Back to business... Ok so Cudi finally released the 2nd video for his single "The Pursuit of Happiness". This one is more conceptual and seems more "Cudi" (if there is such a thing. lol) to me. It also features the artist who are featured on the track, MGMT and Ratatat. You know it had to be great because I actually watched the whole video (Most I just scan through because they are boring). I posted the first video featuring Drake a while back but now I want to see what you think about the 2 videos. Which on do you think is better? Please vote above.

Part 1 f/Drake

Part 2 f/Ratatat & MGMT

New Video: Erykah & Wayne 'Jump Up In the Air'

2010-02-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

This is the first single for the Dallas soul-singer Erykah Badu off her upcoming album New Amerykah pt.2: Return of the Ankh which drops March 30th (hopefully). At any rate, Lil Wayne does his thing on the track, no singing, just straight hip-hop. It took me a few listens, but now I am really feeling this song. Good party joint. What do you think about it?

2 New Jamz from Janelle Monae

2010-02-12T10:02:00.001-08:00

Woo hoo!! Grammy-nominated artist Janelle Monae is coming back with a new album May 18th named, The ArchAndroid, but first she is dropping 2 singles for us. "Tightrope" is the official first single. It is featuring Mr. Sir Luscious Left Foot himself, Big Boi. It is an upbeat single with the wonderful vocals we have some to expect from Ms. Monae. The other track "Cold War" is still upbeat however, if you scratch beyond the surface you see the lyrics are deep. I didn't post these for free download because we need to support good music. Here is the website to download it.

V. V. Brown Free on iTunes

2010-02-06T16:12:00.001-08:00

Wow iTunes has really been on it the last two weeks. First Nneka's "The Uncomfortable Truth" was offered last week, now this week London soul artist V. V. Brown is in the spotlight. I have known about her for some time because a blog I visit often (shoutout to TIRM), featured her some months ago and I fell in love with her cd "Traveling Like the Light". Right now I feel like so much American soul/r&b music has become generic and overly sexed. I now get my fill for soul from a lot of UK artist. If you share that sentiment, V. V. Brown may have something to offer you. At any rate be sure to hop over to iTunes and download her single "Shark In the Water" for FREE here. And you if you dig it go ahead and cop her cd for only $5.99 on iTunes!!! (Skip Mickey D's today and have some great music. lol)

Free Nneka on iTunes

2010-01-26T19:35:00.000-08:00

I found a gem for free!! This week iTunes is featuring Nigerian-German hip-hop/soul singer and songwriter Nneka. As if offering her single for free wasn't enough iTunes is offering her cd "Concrete Jungle" for only $6.99!! That's highway robbery. iTunes says,

"The track's warm production sounds like something Kanye would concoct for Common, with horn flushes, warm tones, and clippity-clop drums. "The Uncomfortable Truth" is just one of the standout joints on Nneks's latest album, Concrete Jungle, which should resonate with fans of Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu.

The link to download it is here. Enjoy!!

Corinne Bailey Rae Goes to 'The Sea'

2010-01-26T19:03:00.001-08:00

The long awaited sophomore album for Corrine Bailey Rae is here! The smooth soulful British artist has done it again. I have not had a chance to finish listening yet so I will post my review later. However, for now please support real music and go buy this cd.

'Download to Donate' to Haiti

2010-01-21T20:29:00.001-08:00

This is beautiful. Music with a purpose. Linkin Park, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Gabriel, Alanis Morissette, Slash, The All-American Rejects, Hoobastank, Kenna, Enrique Iglesias and Lupe Fiasco are working together with Music For Relief. You get the cd after you enter your e-mail and you donate as much as out like to help the people of Haiti. This is a time where people have experienced a horrible natural disaster and they need all the help they can get. If you don't/ can't Download to Donate please donate to help the people of Haiti, even if all you can afford is prayers. Here is one of the songs from the cd featuring Lupe Fiasco and Kenna.
Listen

or Download here.

Complex's 25 Most Anticipated Albums

2010-01-21T19:47:00.001-08:00

I am so excited about this list!! Complex knows their music and has some suggestions on what the hot albums will be this year. Some of these I knew about like Kanye, Kid Cudi (Cudder: The Revolution of Evolution), Drake (Thank Me Later), and The-Dream (Love King). Others I was just finding out about like Gorillaz (Plastic Beach), Pac Div (Grown Kid Syndrome-- psst they are a Speaker Box featured group.), Common (The Believer, Lupe Fiasco (Lasers), MGMT (Congratulations), and Santigold. This year will be a great year for music. Check out the article it has some great finds.

NEW VIDEO: Sade- "Soldier of Love"

2010-01-11T21:50:00.001-08:00

We have been hearing the single for weeks now, but we finally have a video to accompany it. Sade is still looking good! I guess what they say is true 50 IS the new 40. Plz comment and let me know what ya'll think about the video.

Videos! (A Keys, Mos Def, Corrine Bailey Rae & more)

2010-01-10T12:59:00.001-08:00

Alicia Keys- Empire State of Mind (Part II) (SNL Performance)
I love this song and I think A. Keys did a great job live. If you have not copped her newest album "Element of Freedom" shame on you!

Mos Def- History f/Talib Kweli
This is the newest video from Mos Def's epic album "The Ecstatic" which dropped last year. It is featuring a true hip-hop favorite Mr. Talib Kweli.

Corinne Bailey Rae- I'd Do it All Again
If you haven't heard Corrine is back! This single is a beautiful ballad. Her cd will be hitting stores January 23, 2010. I will be buying it because it will be worth it. You should too!

Corinne Bailey Rae "I'd Do It All Again"

Corinne Bailey Rae | MySpace Music Videos

Jay-Z- Forever Young f/Mr Hudson
This is not Jay-Z newest vid, but its my favorite therefore I'm posting it. lol. It features one of the hottest UK artist out right no, Mr Hudson (whose cd is great btw!!) I love the cinematography of this vid. Beautiful!

Sean Paul- Hold My Hand
Although I thought Sean Paul's cd was luke warm over all this was one of the tracks that stuck out the most. It's a sweet love song and its nice to hear some different from Sean Paul.

Sean Paul - Hold My Hand

Sean Paul | MySpace Music Videos

KiD CuDi- Pursuit of Happiness
If you don't know I am a HUGE CuDi fan. There's nothing else to say... lol. (Plus it has Drake! How more awesome can a video get? jk)

Lupe Fiasco- Solar Midnight
This was a track I some how missed. It came out for the New Moon Soundtrack. Great things coming from Lupe. Also, if you haven't already check out his new mixtape "Enemy of The State (A Love Story)". It's free here.

Melanie Fiona- Monday Morning
This IS my favorite song on her cd "The Bridge". Glad to see a video for it. I apologize for the horrible quality though. This video was really hard to find so enjoy!!

Minaj & Mariah

2010-01-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

I told ya'll this remix cd would be dropping soon. Another single has been released off of Mariah's "Angels Advocate" remix cd. This track "Up Out My Face Boy" features Nicki Minaj. It is more upbeat than her other singles. However, I think I am going to be disappointed when it does drop because they are not true remixes, so far the songs just add features. Hopefully, there will be some suprises. Check it out the track below or click to download here.

'Angels Cry' with Mariah & Ne-Yo

2010-01-06T20:25:00.000-08:00

Mariah will be dropping a remix cd called "Angels Advocate" soon. This remix of "Angels Cry" featuring Ne-Yo will along with "Obsessed Remix" with Gucci Mane, released last year, will be included on the cd. It will also feature Trey Songs, Jermaine Dupri, Big Boi, T-Pain and R. Kelly to name a few. Take a listen below or download here.

L’Renee: Pick Your Price

2010-01-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

Detroit R&B artist L’Renee has a special offer for everyone. If you haven't heard of her or of her music here is your chance to hear it for free. From Jan. 1- Jan. 31 she is selling all 5 of her cds at the price of your choosing, even FREE. All you have to do is go to her website here and you can either listen to her music or download it for the price of your choice. Enjoy!

Carmen Rodgers is 'Heartless'

2010-01-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

Dallas artist Carmen dropped a new single today. 'Heartless' will be featured on her up and coming album "Intermission/ The Bitter Suite" which is scheduled to be released March 30, 2010 is her sophomore follow-up to "Free" which was released in 2004.

P.S.- I happened to be at Sankofa one night when she stopped in a gave a surprise performance. i had never heard of her but she was sounded so good on that stage I bought her cd that night. The sister can blow. Take a listen or download here

Best Albums and Mixtapes of 2009

2010-01-01T13:58:00.001-08:00

These are not in any order, but this is all music that I personally thought was the best of this year. If you didn't listen to these you might want to go back and give them another chance. All of the albums have links to buy them and the mixtapes have links to free downlaods. So now I present to you the best of 2009...

Albums:

· Alicia Keys- “The Element of Freedom

· Black Eyed Peas- “The E.N.D.”

· Chris Brown- “Graffiti”

· Chrisette Michele- “Epiphany”

· Jay-Z- “Blueprint 3”

· Keri Hilson- “In a Perfect World…”

· Kid Cudi- “Man on the Moon: The End of Day”

· Lady Gaga- “The Fame/ Fame Monster”

· Mariah Carey- “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel”

· Melanie Fiona- “The Bridge”

· Mos Def- “Ecstatic”

· Noisettes- “Wild Young Hearts”

· The Dream- “Love vs Money”

· Trey Songz- “Ready”

· Wale- “Attention Deficit”

Mixtapes:

· Amanda Diva- “Spandex, Rhymes, & Soul”

· Drake- “So Far Gone”

· Gorilla Zoe- “I Am Atlanta 2”

· Lil Wayne- “No Ceilings”

· Novel- “Suspended Animation”

· Party Robot- “Idle Warship”

· Raheem DeVaughn- “The Art of Noise”

· The Cool Kids- “Gone Fishing”

· Trey Songz- “Swagga Like Songz 2”

· Noisettes- “Wild Young Heartbreaks”

Top-Selling Tuesday 8/04

2009-08-05T12:01:00.001-07:00

The new cd releases for today are as follows:
There are links to the websites for both artist in the album artwork. I don't upload illegal music so please go out and support these artist. Both of these cd's are worth buying.

K'Jon- I Get Around

Dorrough- Dorrough Music

Mixtape Monday 8/03

2009-08-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

The CD icons are direct links to download the zip file for each mixtape for free. For Promo use only.

I apologize for posting so late but I have been really busy. Here are the newest mixtapes for this week.

Title: Da Youngfellaz - Back 2 Da Basiks

Favorite Tracks: Back 2 Da Basiks, Breakin You Off

Review: This is part of the new generation of hip-hop that is trying to bring back that classic hip-hop sound. These are 2 young guys are from New York and are tryng to ressurect the East Coast rap game. “We don’t want to cheat ourselves, claims Jay Storm, as he reaches up to adjust his blue and white NY fitted. “We don’t make records that don’t represent us or what we’ve been through. New York only respects the truth and that’s what we give off in our music." Check out their website at http://newricheffect.net/

Title: DJ Holiday & The Aphilliates Present Sammie - Swag & B Vol 1

Favorite Tracks: Wetter, Plenty Money, Love Hate Sex, Day N Night

Review: Sammie is on the come up. Before he jumps back into the game he released this mixtape to get his name back out in the streets. It is working!!! This mixtape fire. His vocals sound great. This is one of the best R&B mixtapes out there next to Trey Songz of course. Sammie is definitely showing a more adult and sexier side of himself. He is all grown up now so all you R&B singers beware.

Title: DJ Teknikz & Travis Porter-Im A Differenter 2

Favorite Tracks: I Remember, All Good, Some Head

Review: http://www.myspace.com/whoistravisporter

“Next in line for the ATL “swavor” movement (that’s swag + flavor), Travis Porter is fast on the heels of their predecessors like Yung L.A., F.L.Y., and J. Money, but they definitely have their own creative lane at the same time. With a goal of distinguishing themselves as something out-of-the-ordinary, Travis Porter put together I’m a Differenter, meaning that which is not a regular, or something like that. In order to really like this mixtape, you have to appreciate it for what it is though: feel good swag music. It’s definitely a nice change of pace from the dope boy sound that’s slowly drying up.” Ozone Magazine

Title: Hi-DEF & Max B - The Wave Is Over

Favorite Tracks:

Review: He's back... kinda although Max B is still locked up he is tryna keep his name to the streets so when he comes home people will know he ain't going no where. All the features are great but Max B himself not so much... I definitely think that the Wave is over. Sorry Max B. Over the mixtape it is decent, the features are awesome, but every song would actually be better off without Max B on the track.

Title: Kingz Ink & DJ L-Gee Presents Giovanni, Yung Texxus & Spark Dawg

Favorite Tracks: Drop It Low, She Ready, If I Wasn't Rappin'

Review: Everyone knows that Texas is on the come up in the rap game right now and these 3 men are on the hot list of artist. This mixtape is good sample of some of the music that is real hot in Texas right now soon to be hitting air waves in a city near you.

Title: Young Buck- After The Unit

Favorite Tracks: Rock N Roll, Let The Beat Rock

Review: Young Buck is back and he has a lot to say to everybody he calls out G-Unit, Mediatakeout, major fashion labels, etc. I was always a fan of Young Buck and hated that 50 tried to water down his rap with lame hooks He is still reppin th south and I think this is only a sample of what is still to come from him.

The CD icons are direct links to download the zip file for each mixtape for free. For Promo use only.

Mixtape Monday 7/27

2009-07-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

The CD icons are direct links to download the zip file for each mixtape. For Promo use only.

Title: DJ Ill Will & DJ Rockstar Present Ya Boy - Mohawks & Heavy Metal

Rating: 4.5/10 Speakers

Favorite Tracks: Heavy Metal, Life I Lead, Brand New

Review: When I saw this mixtape I automatically expected it to have lots of heavy metal sounding songs and rock star riffs, however that was not the case. It ended up being some very nice beats over half decent rhymes. Although, I did find that Ya Boy is very versatile because on some tracks his flow sounds different and his voice does not even sound like the same person at times. I will give him one thing, he had some very catchy hooks, but an artist needs more depth than hooks. The mixtape as a whole did not flow well. It was very randomly placed together. One thing that really bothered me was the theme was “Mohawks & Heavy Metal”, but only about a fourth of the cd had to do with the theme. The songs that were related with the theme of the mixtape I really liked, but all the other songs could have been left off the cd to me. Towards the end of the mixtape I just got bored and really didn’t want to listen anymore, but I forced my way through it. I have to say I don’t think I would have missed much. This mixtape over all was disappointing; there was a lot of hype over nothing.

Title: Novel Presents Suspended Animation

Rating: 6.5/10 Speakers

Favorite Tracks: Sky Might Fall Remix, Put It On

Review: Some of you might remember the song 2003 song “Peach”. If you don’t here is a link to listen to the song http://tiny.cc/xX4C6 Now, he is on the come-up with his new mixtape. He is a singer, but sometimes he will pull an R. Kelly and rap on the track. However, he does not have the best voice I’ve ever heard, but it is very unique sounding which is appealing to me. His lyrics are very profound and are about current events like Rhianna’s relationship with Chris Brown and domestic violence on the track, “Message To Rhianna”. He also talks about the music industry and evils that are in it and relationships. His mixtape includes some very good features like Ghostface Killa, Colin Munroe, Joell Ortiz and Papoose. Overall, I like this mixtape and thought it was worth listening to, if you are into Neo Soul you will definitely want add Novel to your list.

Title: Pac Div- Church League Champions

Rating: 8/10 Speakers

Favorite Tracks: Mayor, Knuckleheadz, Young Black Male, Back

Review: I first heard of Pac Div because they are currently on tour with Kid Cudi, Asher Roth, and B.o.B for “The Great Hangover Tour”. Originally, I was going so I was like let me research this group so I can have some idea of who they are when I go. I did a little research and found their website which linked me to their exclusive website to download the mixtape (www.churchleaguechampions.com). When I read how they explained the theme I instantly fell in love. When I heard the mixtape there nothing left to say but, “Wow”. It is so refreshing to hear ‘Young Black Male(s)’ with something positive to say without being corny or cheesy. Plus, the beats on every track are crazy. One thing I noted about this rap trio is they don’t try to out rap each other n verses and they flow well together, there is no Justin Timberlake in the group. Their rhymes, while not complicated, are very relatable, but just like Kid Cudi said, “The ones that make complicated never get congratulated.” Keeping it simple is the way to go. The only track on the mixtape that I didn’t too much care for was “No No”, I just feel like it could have been better. Other than that I recommend everyone who claims to love real Hip-Hop should download this mixtape.

The CD icons are direct links to download the zip file for each mixtape. For Promo use only.