After hearing the first track of Kawan DeBose’s mixtape, Exposed, trepidation set in about where he was going with it. On “Wish I Would’ve Hit It” , he sings uninspiring lyrics straight over Trey Songz’s “Can’t Be Friends” track and at first listen it seems that the mixtape is going to be more of the same old, same old…

But… Exposed gets better. Although it’s not clear where DeBose was going with the first track, he heads in the opposite direction with the rest of the mixtape. On “Adore You” ,the first of four cover songs, he covers Prince’s “Adore”. Although Prince is an artist who, in the opinion of die-hard fans should never be covered, DeBose’s effort is not offensive. He does not try to imitate Prince. He sparingly uses falsetto and he does not use the exact same track or lyrics. The track is acoustic with some added some finger snaps and light keys and it’s actually not bad. He soulfully and clearly delivers Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” acappella and it helps bring the message of the song’s lyrics out. The slowed down, piano arrangement of Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Wants To The World” is good and his jazzy rendition of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” works, unlike Brian McKnight’s jazzy, slow, cover of “Careless Whisper” on his current project.
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New music from Teedra Moses, the Luxurious Undergrind which you can download for free99 here.

Hit the jump for the tracklist. Backup Link.

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9TH WONDER presents RAPSODY from Pricefilms on Vimeo.

After the intro from 9th Wonder follow this link to download the new mixtape Return of the B-Girl Presented by Its a Wonderful World Music Group, the project features 20 brand new cuts from the Kooley High member, including reader-approved leak “U Sparklin’.”

Joining Rapsody on the guest tip are such collaborators as Rah Digga, Big Daddy Kane, Phil Adé, Thee Tom Hardy, Mac Miller, King Mez, Laws, and Skyzoo. Production comes courtesy of 9th Wonder, E. Jones, AMP, Ka$h, Khrysis, and Eric. G.

Yet another gem from his Afromentals series. Perfect way to start your weekend: 22 minutes of aural bliss, download and enjoy!

Download link.

Don’t date yourself, but it’s likely this was the soundtrack for your high school, middle school or even college years. Either way, the 80′s were a fun loving, horrible fashion, good time having era. If you enjoyed his 80′s MTV flashback mix, add this to your collection for a dash of 80′s soul. Big ups to DJ Phaze for blessing us with another great mix. Hit the break for the playlist and enjoy!

GFM I Love the 80′s Soul & RnB by GrownFolksMusic

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It’s always a great day to get new music from musician/singer/songwriter/producer PJ Morton, but an entire mixtape? Yes, and God Bless PJ for doing his thing, his way –> Independently Major! While recently he’s been touring with Maroon 5, the mixtape represents something old, something new as well as new twists on familar favorites.

For the newly initiated, this is a great intro to his versatility and tremendous writing ability. It’s always amazing to hear songs that were intended for other artists, but for whatever reason, never materialized. (i.e. “You Make Me Smile” for Brandy). Check it out and let us know what you think!

Standout cuts include: “Don’t Ever Leave”, “Galaxy”, “Mathematics”, “Yours”, “History”, “3rd Degree” and the aforementioned, “You Make Me Smile”.

New heat from J-Live, available as a free downoad. (more…)

Art is always out in front of commerce and as such music was a global phenomenon eons before the globalization of commerce. I firmly believe that the great folks over at We Plug GOOD Music must have given a lot of consideration to what the title of this great compilation would be because all one has to do is to go anywhere online to see that collaborations have moved from the neighborhood to different hemispheres.

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