Ol’ Skool Sunday: Sunday Sweetness

I’m on some Beres Hammond today! His music (and a lot of older Reggae & Dancehall) just feels like a sunny Sunday afternoon to me. So, sit back and relax to the legendary voice and the smooth riddims.

- Blessup

 

Get Familiar Episode 9: Punchuashen

The world today is filled with talented DJs, musicians, and producers.  Many of them make use of the various digital tools available to them to spread their music. To a certified Soundcloud junkie like me, much of the world’s music begins to sound the same after a while. However, some artists have that “it” factor that allows their sound to catch my attention. DJ & producer, Punchuashen, is one of those people.

Hailing from Pretoria, South Africa, Punchuashen remembers when local tastemakers like Oskido and DJ Fresh were making names for themselves in the late 1990s by developing the house music scene and making the local music a commodity.  Back then, there were no Soul Candi’s or any other major companies to promote South African house music. And for Punchuashen, something else was not quite right.  The Kwaito was a little too slow while the house, which lacked diversity, was too fast.  Although Punch appreciated and liked those styles, he wanted something “really funky.”

After a short professional career in tennis, Punch moved to the United States and began making music. At first, his main tool was his PlayStation Music Generator, but a friend gave him the popular digital audio work station, Reason. Within a year, the athlete-turned-tennis-coach really began making his funky house music and developing his brand of music.

To understand Punch’s style, one must be aware of his main inspiration, the drum.  Percussion that he has heard in his lifetime – at churches and club, in house music, the Kuduro blaring from Angolan taxis, routines performed by drum majors, etc. – had a profound influence on him and sparked in him, the desire to make his own songs. Having been exposed Percussion in a variety of formats and settings, Punch begins each of his tracks with strong percussion, hoping that that alone is sufficient means for him express his feelings.  If his songs don’t begin with a good drum rhythm, then he’s lost what he’s trying to convey through his music.  That is where a lot of South African musicians have been able to distinguish themselves from the rest of the world.  According to Punch, they have been successful at developing a sound that is “very ethnic and very urban at the same time.”  That is the source of his inspiration:  “i want to recreate that i same feeling i had [when] hearing something on the radio at night when i was recording back in the day on cassette… That feeling is hard to explain to somebody.”

Even if that something is difficult to explain, tracks like “Dreams” convey a particular energy to listeners that distinguishes Punchuashen from the millions of other Soundcloud song-makers.  “Dreams” begins with a percussion loop that imprints his personal stamp on the audio waves with kicks that reverberate through all solid and spiritual matter in one’s body and mind.  After a brief introduction to the rhythm, poet Oneil Abercrombie interrupts (almost literally) with a well thought and beautifully delivered soliloquy about personal shortcomings.  In a world that demands each individual to submit to its havoc, Oneil has been “been plotting, planning, scheming, dreaming, dying for some resistance,” but is stopped by and trapped in her own manifestation of a prison cell. As she delivers these, and other thought-provoking lines, Punch accentuates them and re-interprets them using his music.

“Dreams” is but one display of Punchuashen’s current talent and his potential.  Listening to “Feeling In My Soul” which features vocalist Laila Davids, and “Visions,” would cause one to believe that they’re listening to a world-renowned musician/producer.  The diversity of sound across his releases and the movement within each track demonstrate that Punchuashen has a knack for creating sounds, which will earn him the respect We give to the people to whom he looks up.  What makes his music even better, is the humbleness and pure love that Punch embeds in his sound.  He admits that he’s still got much to learn and fine tune (who doesn’t?) with regard to incorporating more sounds into his already rich catalog and improving his technical skills.

There are many ways that you can keep up with Punchuashen, even as he fine-tunes is already superb production. You can peep his latest tracks on Souncloud and get information about his gigs and projects on his website. The Facebookers and Tweeters can also get his real time updates.

Tru Skool Tuesday: Ms. Hill Doing Her Nina Simone

I heard THIS the other day and became suddenly overwhelmed with sadness. It may be selfish, but i NEED a new Lauryn Hill album in my life!!! As i wait for her to release some new music, i’m rocking this dope “Best of…” mix that Ms. Hill and J. Period put together. It features classic Fugees and Lauryn Hill tracks, J. Period-styled soundbites, and mashups for days! I hope you enjoy Ms. Hill channeling some Nina Simone energy through this mix like no one else can.

- Much Love

“While You Imitating Al Capone, I Be Nina Simone…”

I’m not sure what i can really write about Nina Simone that hasn’t already been said, written, felt, or expressed in a number of different ways by millions of people. Therefore, i’ll just say thank you, Nina Simone. Happy bearthday.
- Much Love

 

 

I never get tired of this one

This is one of the most beautiful songs i’ve EVER heard

And of course,

Another one of my favorites [what can i say? i'm a sucker for Liberation music!]

Mixtape Monday: Reggae, Brighton BBQ Style

I must say, good Reggae mixes are few and far between (IMHO). Maybe my expectations are too high, but i like mixes that give me more music than DJ sound efx. I appreciate a nice combination of somewhat newish tunes, as well as classics. This mix by Robert Luis of Tru Thoughts gives me exactly that! I hope that you enjoy it.

- Much Love

Ol’ Skool Sunday: Cruisin Together

On Sundays, i like to pay tribute to classic music and artists who have shaped the musicworld that We now enjoy. This week, i’m sending some Sunday love to the legendary Smokey Robinson, whose music has had an incomprehensible on me. Did i mention he’s celebrating his “youth renewal” on this day (go Februarians!)? LOL. Enjoy some of my favorite Smokey Robinson & the Miracles songs and enjoy your Sunday.

- Much Love

Get Familiar Episode 8: Alec Lomami

Hello world. Meet Alec Lomami, an artist whose current pop-styled songs betray the seriousness of his life and his message. As i write, the young rapper-producer is heading to Zimbabwe due to the challenges he’s been facing as the result of wars being fought without his consent, and a political system that makes it unimaginably difficult for “outsiders” to attain the “dreams” it promises. [Please forgive me for being vague. To get some background, read these great articles from The Fader, MTV, and Akwaaba Music.]

Growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Alec was well immersed in great music.  In addition to listening to legendary artists, such as Papa Wemba, Franco, Mbillia Belle, Zaiko, Wenge Musica, and Omako, he felt connected to hip hop music.  Alec even recalled greatly admiring 2pac over the Notorious B.I.G. because of their beef. (It’s amazing how conflict gains peoples’ attention, even when they’re thousands of miles away.)  His other favoites, including Nas, MC Solaar, IAM, Rakim, and EPMD make it clear that Alec didn’t get too caught up in the rap battles!  This mixture of African and African American artists helped Alec appreciate the music of the African world.

When he heard Congolese rappers, Alec came to an important conclusion: “maybe we can do this.”  Fatima, CIA, and others inspired him to create a rap group with his friend when he was about 12 years old.  As a self-described recluse, it was difficult for Alec to develop the confidence to record and share his music with a broad audience for fear of being judged and criticized.  However, hardship at home and in other countries, especially in immigration jail, convinced him that he had no reason to fear other people’s opinions of his music. “It wasn’t until I spent some time in immigration jail that I told myself when I get out, I’ll record, who cares about the critics.”  Some time after his nine-month stint in a U.S. immigrant detention center, Alec Lomami made good on his promise to himself and recently released “Kinshasa,” a single from his forthcoming EP, Mélancolie Joyeuse.

“Kinshasa” is a mixture of western sounds with the soul and lyrics of a truly diasporic African whose love for home cannot be denied, despite the problems it faces due to a long history of colonialism and war.  Rapping in French and Lingala (one of over 200 languages spoken in DRC), he discusses his experience as a diasporic being whose identity spreads across various cultures, but does not fit squarely into any one of them.

On his forthcoming EP, Mélancolie Joyeuse, listeners can expect Alec’s music to be “conversational.” in other words, as a pop artist with consciousness (as opposed to a conscious artist), he plan to provide us with a wealth of lessons learned from his personal experiences with hopes that We will accept the invitation into his world, build with him, and glean something positive from what he has to share.  Alec is putting the project together with the dual purpose of challenging himself to step outside of his typically “low key and chill” character.  This “upbeat and super fun” EP will contrast sharply with the follow-up, which has yet to be titled.  “I’m not sure I’ll ever make another record with this happy go lucky feel. The second EP will be a little darker, something more in the line of new wave meets Hip Hop.”

When you hear or see the name, “Alec Lomami,” it’s important to keep in mind that he is an artist in his own rite, but that he produces for other artists too.  One of his artists, a young Congolese emcee who goes by the moniker “Well$,” is featured in Alec’s recently released track, “Pop Revolution.”  Alec also dreams of one day producing an album for Papa Wemba or Lokwa Kanza, as well as working with Iyadede whose sounds he really digs.  “But by in large, I like to work with people I’m friends with to make records that are more organic.”

Alec Lomami is currently traveling to Zimbabwe & South Africa where he plans to finish recording his current music project, connect with some of Southern Africa’s best artists, and get his Masters Degree in theological ethics.  You can keep up with him as he treks about the globe via Twitter and Facebook.  Also, you can check out his music as it becomes available on Soundcloud.

7 Day Juice Fast: Some Recipes & Lessons Learned

Every now and then i like to give my digestive system a break as part of my larger effort to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. I recently did that via a 7-day juice fast. During that seven days i enjoyed some of super tasty juices for which i have a few recipes! Check em out:

1. Life Juice (1-2 Apples, 1-2 Leafy Greens, 3″ Burdock Root, 1″ Ginger, 1/2 Lemon w/peel)

2. Mean Green

3. Pomegranate-Blueberry Juice (1 large Pomegranate, 10-15 Blueberries)

4. Citrus Flush (1 grapefruit, 1 orange, 2 carrots, 1 orange pepper) * Add 1-2″ Burdock for a delightful flavor enhancement

5. Minty-licious (4 Celery, 1 Apple, 1 Lime, Handful o’ Mint, Handful o’ Spinach)

6. Red Velvet (3 Carrots, 2 Granny Smith Apples, 1 Orange, 1/4 Beet)

7. Random Experiment (2 Sweet Orange Peppers, 1 Head Romaine, 1/5 Orange, 1 Grapefruit, Handful of Parsley) tasted “interesting.” Not bad, but prob wont make this one again.

8. The REAL V8 This one hit the SPOT when i wanted “something to eat!”

Some Lessons Learned

I’ve done similar things before and thought that i had gotten all of the mistakes out of the way. But, i neglected one important — i’d say essential — rule of fasting. One must eliminate for optimum results. I spoke with several people who had done this type of fast/cleanse (one who went 21 days on juice) and none of them seemed to worry about elimination. However, whenever i looked up “juice fasting” on the web, folks would advocate doing something daily to give the colon a lil rinse. It makes sense to me; when We fast, the body begins to push toxins out of muscle tissue and organs. A major channel for getting those things out of the body is the the colon.

On day 4, i got really sick. I felt nauseous and had terrible stomach pains. I believe this was “healing crisis.” Healing crisis is a wide range of uncomfortable physical symptoms that one may experience as the body attempts to purge itself of medications, heavy metals (other environmental pollutants), excess wastes, and many other things that might be stored in ones body tissue. By all accounts, the best way to minimize healing crisis is to eliminate the toxins one’s body is attempting to remove.

Another possible problem are my fruit & veggie combination juices. Some online resources recommend juicing fruits and veggies separately. I’ve also heard that one should minimize the fruit juice and drink it during the early hours of the day. I mixed the fruit and veggie juices and drank fruit juices into the evening. Maybe those actions were problematic and contributed to the wackness i felt on day four (and beyond — i was extra sleepy for the remainder of the fast).

The lesson for me is that next time i juice, i’ll need to be ready to drink some special tea, do a salt water flush, or do daily enemas. Maybe that will help me avoid some of the healing crisis symptoms that i believe i experienced this time around. I’m going to experiment more with the fruit & veggie combinations, and try to keep the fruit juices as daytime drinks.

Have you ever done a juice (or water) fast for more than a day or two? If so, what was your experience like? Did you consult with fellow fasters or an expert? Please do share.

- Much Love

Brotha Onaci Presents: Radiant Souls Mixtape Vol. 2

Radiant Soul Selekta, Brotha Onaci, is back with another installment of positive hip hop! This time he’s teamed up with several “underground” artists from the U.S., Kenya, Germany, South Africa, Namibia, and Nigeria to liberate your earbuds.

After you’ve enjoyed a few moments of audio abolition, check the artists websites, hit them up on Twitter, listen to more of their offerings on Bandcamp, and show them some love! After that, pass the mix along to your crew and them and encourage them to continue spreading the love.

Many thanks and much Love to all the contributing artists (track list below). It was VERY difficult to keep this mix under 60 mins. because they submitted such great music! Gratitude also to CJ Monk & Powerful P for blessing the mix with some personalized soundbites! And Thank YOU for listening.
We will win!

———————————-

1. DJ.BasketQASE – “Beat For Frankie Ruiz”
2. R.i.C (Rumor in the Chi) – “Unconditional Love” F. Nicole Eboni
3. The Invisible Enigma – “Strawberry Jam in Jarheads” [sourced from
Haveplentymusic.com]
4. DETROIT PIStoLS (Power Is Surrendering to Love’s Strength) – “Ground Beneath My
Feet” [produced by Sterling Toles]
5. Just Jay – “Going All In” [produced by TallBlackGuy]
6. Akua Naru – “The Wound” F. Blitz the Ambassador
7. K-Nel – “Nina Nnjaa” F. Kawira [sourced from Haveplentymusic.com]
8. Josh – “Throw It Up”
9. Synik – “God Within” [sourced from Haveplentymusic.com]
10. Sincerely Yours – “It’s All Good” [produced by Slot-A]
11. Fecko the Emcee – “Flow Global” (Afrobeat Remix) [sourced from
Haveplentymusic.com]
12. KrisDeLaRash – “Consumption”
13. Emcee Nemesis – “The Children”
14. Neak – “It’s Your World” [produced by INTLMC & Slot-A]
15. Add-2 – “God Bless The Dead” [produced by Slot-A]
16. Abstract Wolff – “Rose Amilla”
17. Vallentine & Arazan – “Dark Sunrise” [courtesy of Slang Audio Records and
Keleketla! Library]
18. K-Von the Great – “I Will Achieve”
19. Amun Miraaj – “Hell”

These artist deserve our support! So please give this mixtape a listen then pass it along to your crew. Then find the artists on bandcamp, soundcloud, facebook, and their websites and show them some love!

http://www.facebook.com/Add2FanPage
http://www.facebook.com/akuanaru
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bad-Wolff/132387560141373 /Twitter: @Amanu360
http://www.facebook.com/brotha.onaci /Twitter: @brotha_onaci
http://www.facebook.com/pages/DJ-basketQASE/178207132250490
http://www.facebook.com/thisisfecko /Twitter: @Fecko_thaEmcee
http://www.facebook.com/Neak84 /Twitter: @Neak_Undefined
http://www.facebook.com/slotabeats Twitter: @IAMSLOTA
K-von The Great on Twitter: @kvon216
facebook.com/pages/RiC/155730214450990 / Twitter: @rumorinthechi

Blogs & Websites
onthe81.wordpress.com

http://www.anglohili.com/

http://keleketla.org/

http://thisisfecko.blogspot.com/

http://soularadiance.wordpress.com/

just-jay.bandcamp.com
akuanaru.bandcamp.com
rumorinthechi.bandcamp.com

Also listen to Radiant Souls Mixtape Vol. 1

Ol’ Skool Sunday: Dancing with the Ancestors

“Wow.” That’s all i said for about an hour last night after learning the tragic news of Whitney Houston’s death. She, like Heavy D, is a reminder to me of how many young people die each day for reasons (health, environmental, political, etc.) that are largely preventable. Although the cause of death for Ms. Houston is still being reported as unclear, i believe that her life (like far too many other young people) was taken too soon.

On this Ol’ Skool Sunday, i’m listening to some Whitney Houston songs that caused me to fall in love with the powerful voice and appreciate beautiful physical embodiment of all that was good about R&B. Rest in Power, Whitney Houston, and enjoy dancing with the ancestors.

Party Time!