Mark Anthony Neal is a professor of Black Popular Culture in the African American studies department at Duke University. He has authored four books, What the Music Said: Black Popular Music and Black Public Culture (1998), Soul Babies: Black Popular Culture and the Post-Soul Aesthetic (2002), Songs in the Keys of Black Life: A Rhythm and Blues Nation (2003) and New Black Man: Rethinking Black Masculinity (2005). On February 20, 2010, Neal was the keynote speaker at City College for the"Is Hip-Hop History" Conference. In the lecture, he discusses the historical elements that led to the birth of Hip-hop and how Hip-hop itself is making history.
Click on the title of the post to see the webcast. ^
After We Are the World 25, I need to purge, here is some good music to help.
1) VV Brown - Shark in the Water
Her voice, the melody, the guitar riff (lyrics kinda corny, but oh well)! She seems like someone who has been transported from the early 60s Soul era and brought to today! Also, she is from the UK! What is it about UK exports that I love so much (Adele, The Noisettes, Amy Winehouse, The Zutons, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones,The Beatles, shall I go on?)? C'mon America step up!
official video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPQlxHWsemI
2) Game Rebellion - Blind
Have you heard of Black Rock? Have you heard of Game Rebellion? Haven't heard of either...Shame on you!!! This is a song you can definitely mash pit to and be inspired by! These guys are on the rise! Speaking of that, vote for the video here: http://www.mtvu.com/music/the-freshmen/nominees-021510/
3) Janelle Monae -Tightrope ft. Big Boi
Ever since Many moons, I have been infatuated! She is so fresh and different! I love that her songs make me want to dance (listen to the horns) and think at the same time, including this uplifting joint.
4) Erykah Badu
Jump in the Air (And Stay There) ft. Lil Wayne
As usual, Erykah Badu never disappoints me, but again Lil Wayne finds a way to almost ruin a song for me (Listen to We are the World 25). Well, minus Weezy, I love the beat, the lyrics and her vocals on this track, especially the smooth "oohs."
Window Seat ft. Questlove
If you need to get away from the previous collabo, here is one that might make you very happy! It made me happy! Questlove's drumming fits perfectly with this soul ballad and Erykah's sweet voice.
6) Big Tone - Chocolate
This video was directed by DWELE!!!!! Even though this is Hip-Hop, this guy has me believing this is Soul music! Hip-hop is definitely not dead and here is an example. This song is dope and deep! (haha, alliteration...look it up!)
7) Leela James - Tell Me You Love Me
Her face is scaring me! Just kidding...kind of. Anyways, she is part of Stax Records (I know, it is back!), what more can I say! Ok, I will say this... I love you Leela and this song. There, I told you!
8) Melanie Fiona - You Stop My Heart
It's The Ronettes - Melanie Fiona style! I know, you were expecting The Supremes (typical!) My reaction to the song - "awww, adorable!" She already won my heart covering Sam Cooke's "Cupid," now this!
I have not done this in a while, but there have been some videos I have been wanting to put here. So here I go:
1) JLS - Everybody in Love
Despite all his bluntness, Simon Cowell knows how to pick them. These guys are gorgeous in looks and voices; plus this is such a feel good song that will warm you up during the winter! Happy early Valentine's Day!!
2) Gavin - Good as Gold
She sounds like a "chipmunked" version of Lenka and although I usually do not like voices that are that high and babyish sounding, for Gavin it works! The song is adorably soulful!
3) Jay-z feat. Mr. Hudson - Forever Young
For those who think Jay-z is part of the Illuminati with his "Onto the Next One" video, here is an alternative. In contrast, this song is so positive, uplifting and unifying. Jay-z has definitely grown up, but guess what, the "Onto the Next One" Jay-z is what most people are probably expecting from him, not this side of him. I want more songs like this from Jay.
4)Chris Brown- Crawl
I know, I know. But I cannot help it, the song is nice. The lyrics, music and his voice work well together. I can separate talent from personal life most of the time. *sidenote: I still do not like Cassie's hairdo!
5) Janet Jackson - Make Me
I love the 80's vibe on this song and Janet is looking as young as ever (and just as adorable LOL)! However, she does to need wear outfits that allow her to move, especialy if she wants someone to make her move!
6) David Banner w/ 9th Wonder and Heather Victoria
Speaking of another rapper who has grown up. With a great beat by 9th wonder and a great message by Banner and Victoria, this should get more attention (but it probably won't in this industry).
7) Gil Scott Heron - Me and the Devil
Legendary Mr. Heron remaking a classic by the legendary Robert Johnson! A match of a lifetime!
8) Lupe Fiasco - I'm Beamin'
The content, his wordplay, the hook...do I need to say more as to why I love Lupe and think he is one of the best rappers right now!
9) Nneka - Heartbeat
Ok, I found out that Perez Hilton likes her (I do not know if I am creeped out by this yet). Anyways, I have been listening to this woman for a few months and I too have fallen for this girl, her message and her music. Already people are comparing her to Lauryn Hill and I think she is getting there. Just listen to her mixtape: http://www.jperiod.com/nneka/
10) The Gorillaz feat Mos Def and Bobby Womack- Stylo
The Gorillaz are back! Finally!! I cannot get stop listening to the beat and having Mos Def and Bobby Womack on this record boosted them up 1000 times with me!
11) Andreya Triana - Lost Where I Belong
Why does the UK always find a way to make me happy?! Here is another artists I have fallen for vocally. Everything about this song is soulful and beautiful.
12) The Foreign Exchange - I Wanna Know
Speaking of beautiful songs...This is the group that should have won the Alternative/Urban Grammy award. It is way better than most of the R&B trash out there at the moment. Also, I am loving seeing the loced sisters in the video!
13) Corinne Bailey Rae - I''l Do It All Again
Another returnee, Ms. Corinne Bailey Rae. After, the unexpected and sad death of her husband, she took a break. Now, Corinne is back with another one of her precious songs. This song actually makes me want to cry.
14) Lalah Hathaway w/ Eric Roberson - Where Do We Go From Here
Aww, star-crossed lovers!!! Thank you Lalah and Eric for making a bad situation sound so good!!
15) The Noisettes - Saturday Night
I saw a picture of from this video and wondered what is what about. Now I know and I am happy! I like the video concept and this is one of my favorites off the album (heck they are all my favorite at one point or another).
16) Sade - Soldier of Love
Sade never fails to deliver. Just like any of her other hits, this one is a classic! Her voice is classic!
Mr. Robert Nesta Marley!!!! One of my favorite artists of all time who helped to spread Reggae to the rest of the world and also spread love and revolutionary thought. Although he was sadly taken away from us at the young age of 35, his life and music still live on, especially through his children.
