J. Cole’s new album KOD is seriously deep, it’s personal, it’s intelligent and poignant. And the lyrics are pure fire. Much as you would expect from J. Cole!
The title track, standing for Kids On Drugs is on point. Its a theme about addiction that runs throughout the album and is a highly relevant topic for US audiences and beyond and is personal to J. Cole. The whole album is on point. My favourite tracks are Brackets and 1985. Even the outro Window Pain is an outstanding full length track.
Rebellion Rises, Ziggy’s seventh full length solo studio album was released on May 18th 2018. Encouraging people to stand together in activism through love, Ziggy has produced a fantastic album with track after track of pumping basslines, classic reggae vocals and deep lyrics.
From ‘See Dem Fake Leaders’ through to ‘Rebellion Rises’ Ziggy produces quality throughout.
My favourite track is ‘I Am a Human’. Its not for the melody, the vocals, the rhythm nor the bass. There are numerous better tracks for that, but it’s for the simple message which may be so obvious but nevertheless needs to be heard. “I am a human… I’m not a what. I’m a who.”
Links to the album on various platforms are on Ziggy’s website ziggymarley.com. Check it!
Following his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Return of the Cool’ in 2017, Nick Grant has just released a second album Dreaming Out Loud (released 18 May 2018).
Continuing his mission to preserve the culture Nick Grant delivers another excellent album with this mixtape, which features appearances from: BJ The Chicago Kid making a soulful introduction to the album; DJ Khaled slapping down the brilliant Muhammad Ali inspired HipHop anthem Nicky Bomaye; DRAM on the summertime head-nodding track Gucci Plug; Stacy Barthe on the soulful ode, Black Woman; and B.Hess delivering soulful vocals on the jazzy Gentleman’s Paradise.
One of my favourite tracks on the album is Father Figure with its very personal lyrics. 96 Bulls is also very cool.
Links to the album on all major streaming and download platforms can be found on Nick’s website. Check it.
The neo hippy soul rock staaarrrr!
I’ve been a huge fan of Raheem DeVaughn since his debut album The Love Experience back in 2005.
I would play that album OVER and over and tell eevverybody I met about it. And seeing Raheem perform it live at the Jazz Cafe in Camden, London (2006) was a live music experience that was just out of this world! I went to hundreds of concerts in my 20s but this is one of the few that really really stays clearly in my mind, years later. I remember how he had his brother up on stage painting the scene (a painting of himself painting Raheem and the band). How Raheem and the band all dramatically collapsed on the stage in sync. How Raheem got down from the stage to dance with a lady in the front row. The various costume changes. The crowd participation….., but above all else the mind blowing vocal talent, the music, the passion and the Soul!
Some years and many quality albums and outstanding shows later Raheem DeVaughn is back again at the Jazz Cafe in Camden on 26th June 2018. So if your looking for a great show to go to this June, this has to be top of the list. Raheem DeVaughn Jazz Cafe tickets
