Posts Tagged ‘soul’

Hip Hop Lovers Cry “Get Rel!g!on”

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

“Get Rel!g!on” is the current rally cry surrounding the latest hip hop producer, who’s already began dazzling artists and record labels with his skilled creations and innovative beats. Utilizing a fascinating mix of live playing and assorted sampling, the young producer from Vancouver, British Columbia is generating buzz in Canada as well as the U.S. Rel!g!on is already releasing his own material, as well as working with other artists to build his reputation as a bona fide hit machine in the hip hop game.

Released in January 2010, his first official release, Revelationz I garnered positive attention from reviewers and fans across the web. Featuring heavy hitters such as Chuck D of Public Enemy as well as Planet Asia and Moka Only, Rel!g!on’s first record was nothing short of an instant hip hop success. His inspired, imaginative tracks laid the foundation for ultra skilled MCs to spit their finest rhymes and create memorable, catchy songs.

“Rel!g!on has a nice sound to his production, and it shouldn’t be too much longer before his congregation of followers grows,” said Emmanuel Wallace of RapReviews.com on Revelationz I.

Born in Ottawa, Rel!g!on grew up listening to his father’s musical influence, which included a variety of instruments, singing, and an extensive record collection. Fascinated by keyboards and organs, the fledgling hip hop perfectionist began experimenting with records and a Casio SK 1, beginning the journey of honing his incredible skills. While he started with an old keyboard and entertaining diss tracks about his high school classmates, Rel!g!on rapidly progressed into a respected producer working with artists from Vancouver to New York.

The future is bright for Rel!g!on, as he shows absolutely no signs of slowing down, with a number of impressive projects currently in the works for hip hop fans across North America. He produced two tracks on Planet Asia’s upcoming record Black Belt Theatre, which also features Raekwon of Wu-Tang, DJ Babu and Evidence of Dilated Peoples, Ras Kass and many more. Rel!g!on will also be at the helm for Planet Asia’s entire next full length, slated for 2011. This summer will also see the anticipated release of a collaboration record between Rel!g!on and one of Pittsburgh’s finest MCs, Jasiri X and New Orleans rapper/producer Dain. Check out his MySpace page for music videos and streaming audio, and Facebook for the latest information and updates.

Download “Soldier” feat. Ny Oil & Chuck D

Download “Pyramids” feat. Planet Asia & Jasiri X

Song #7 of the 2009 Galvanized Music Countdown

Friday, December 25th, 2009

Song seven on the countdown is perfect for celebrating the season. The track is titled, One Tribe by the Black Eyed Peas and it’s all about unity and music.

This tune was the song of the week on June 9. Which is the day their album The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies) was released. I posted a blog with lyrics if you’d like to read along as you listen.

itunes_icon Buy One Tribe on iTunes

Watch on YouTube video

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Here are the results of the countdown so far:
#7 – One Tribe by Black Eyed Peas
#8 – Fight Riff by Eula.

Come back tomorrow to see what song #6 is.

Between Christmas Eve and New Years Eve I will post my top eight favorite songs of the year. These tunes were selected from the 51 songs of the week that were submitted by Michael Zampelli during 2009.

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Stay tuned because very soon I will release Songs to Galvanize Your Mind – A List of Songs for a Strong Mind and a Stronger Purpose.

Apple iTunes

Song of the Week – 11-3-09 – aNYway by Duck Sauce

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

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This week’s song is colorful and flavorful and has a video to match. It’s a new release from Duck Sauce, a project featuring Armand Van Helden & A-TRAK.

Armand Van Helden was also involved in the Bonkers release with Dizzee Rascal recently featured as a song of the week.

Check out Duck Sauce on My Space.

The song of the week is brought to you by Michael Zampelli, former owner of Southern California punk rock icon, Zed Records. For almost 30 years, this mecca of punk and alternative music kept Southern California enthusiasts adequately supplied with unique, original and innovative music.

Currently, Zampelli manages a hockey fan message boards at www.letsgokings.com with thousands of subscribers. He takes photos for the LAist and the LA Derby Dolls. Each week he will contribute a song with a theme, a message and a beat. Enjoy and stay tuned.

Apple iTunes

Feel Good With Lyrics and Music of Nina Simone

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Feeling Good, Nina Simone
Uploaded by mrfnk. – Watch more music videos, in HD!

nina-simoneThese days there is a plethora of books, training programs and classes all designed and marketed to help you “feel good”. Yet you can feel good anytime you choose, with or without training.

One of the ways to make happiness happen is to create an environment with constant reminders of what happiness is. Happiness is simple and it happens now, not later. Listen to songs like Feeling Good by Nina Simone regularly and happiness will begin to stir within you.
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Feeling Good by Nina Simone Lyrics

Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Reeds driftin on by you know how I feel

(refrain:)
Its a new dawn
Its a new day
Its a new life
For me
And Im feeling good

Fish in the sea you know how I feel
River running free you know how I feel
Blossom in the tree you know how I feel

(refrain)

Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, dont you know
Butterflies all havin fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
Thats what I mean

And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me

Stars when you shine you know how I feel
Scent of the pine you know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel

itunesBuy Feeling Good by Nina Simone on iTunes

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A Change is Gonna Come – Bettye LaVette and Jon Bon Jovi at Inaugural Celebration

Sunday, January 18th, 2009

Apple iTunes

This weekend, HBO is free and the Obama Inaugural Celebration is available for all to share. Today, the We Are One Celebration commenced at the Lincoln Memorial concert stage. The day included public speaking, historical outtakes and live musical acts including Bruce Springsteen, Patti LaBelle, Will.i.am, Stevie Wonder and Garth Brooks.

My personal favorite was Bettye LaVette and Jon Bon Jovi singing A Change is Gonna Come as a duet. You can see for free here:

The duet begins about 10 minutes into the program.

LaVette commanded the stage in all her black glory. Ostrich feathers extended from her sleeves and neck line. She hit each note and delivered each word with eloquence. Jon Bon Jovi didn’t hold anything back on his end either. He dressed in tight jeans and a black leather jacket and dominated his perfomance with charm and style.

The two of them poured emotion into their music as they mirrored each other and sang the words, “It’s been a long, long, long, long time coming, but I know-oh-oh-oh Change is Gonna Come.”

The act was introduced by actor Jamie Foxx. A Change is Gonna Come was originally recorded with Otis Redding in 1964. This track is also one of 12 songs on Seal’s 2008 release, “Soul”. For more about this show and to watch videos or view pictures online, visit HBO.com.

Buy A Change is Gonna Come on iTunes
Apple iTunes
Otis Redding (1964)
Seal (2008)

Purchase #4 from $100 iTunes Credit – Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

Songs in the Key of Life was a core part of my childhood. My uncle Steve and I would listen to it in his V.W. bug buzzing down Magnolia Blvd. with the windows rolled down. As I relisten now, many things make sense as far as my musical tastes and even philosophical beliefs.

My favorite song on this album is Sir Duke. It was a radio hit in the 70’s so I heard it many times.

Apple iTunes

CoolioThose of you who like rap might know that the song Gangsta’s Paradise by Coolio is almost a direct rendition of Pastime Paradise by Stevie Wonder. So many of today’s rap songs sample funk and soul from the 70’s.

I probably wouldn’t be into a song titled “Gangsta’s Paradise” if it wasn’t for the Stevie Wonder style.

Sometimes, when you understand a person’s musical influences, you also understand them. Musical influences give you a sense of what the artist “grew up on” and what they’re all about.

For those of you who grew up listening to Stevie Wonder, here’s the Songs in the Key of Life playlist. It will probably spark a few memories:

Isn’t She Lovely

As

Knocks Me Off My Feet

I Wish

Sir Duke

Love’s In Need of Love Today

Pastime Paradise

Another Star

If It’s Magic

Ngiculela-Es Una Historia-I Am Singing

Ordinary Pain

Summer Soft

Joy Inside My Tears

You can buy the entire album or just one track on iTunes. All links go to iTunes.
Apple iTunes

Have a Talk With God

Villiage Ghetto Land

Ebony Eyes

Black Man

Saturn

Confusion

All Day Sucker

Easy Goin’ Evening (My Mama’s Call)

Skating, Beastie Boys and the Buddhist Monk

Friday, January 2nd, 2009

Buddhist monk on 1st street in Long BeachIt was a beautiful day in Long Beach, CA. I decided to get my iPod and go skating. I was listening to the Beastie Boys, thinking how they sometimes put Buddhist philosophy in their songs and just then I saw a Buddhist monk.

I’ve seen him before.

We wave hello to each other when I’m roller skating with the wind flying through my hair and he’s walking meditatively. Today I asked him if I could take his picture. As you can see, he graciously said yes. He’s the most peaceful person I’ve run into for a long time.

Here are a few Beastie Boys songs that have a spiritual, unifying message wrapped in music you can groove to:

Apple iTunes

Right Right Now Now off To the 5 Boroughs

Bodhisattva Vow off Ill Communication

That’s it That’s All off To the 5 Boroughs

Lighten Up off The IN Sound From Way Out

In 3’s off The IN Sound From Way Out

P.S. Although I didn’t catch the name of the man in this photo, he is from the Long Beach Sagely Monastery on Ocean and Redondo in Long Beach.

Long Beach Has Soul and Spirit

Sunday, December 7th, 2008

Walking to see the angel at Phoneix and CrowYesterday’s front page headline in the Long Beach Press Telegram was: Long Beach’s `soul’ rates high. I would have to agree. Not only does Long Beach have soul, it has spirit.

In fact, just today I was walking to the pharmacy and I got touched by an angel. Literally.

Technically I got hugged by an angel and I have photos to prove. This angel was in the window as part of a promotion for stores on Broadway Avenue, such as Phoenix and Crow.

Other special treats on the Avenue included an extremely authentic pirate couple complete with dirty faces and leather gear. Across the street at Merry’s Fashion with Passion, a small troupe of belly dancers performed. Free food and beverages were available. Hospitality was in unlimited supply.Angel in the window at Phoenix and Crow

I was so excited about the angel I walked fast. My husband trailed me with the camera.

Okay, there’s the angel in the window. Isn’t she beautiful?

Wrapped in Angel Wings
And there you have it, me wrapped in angel’s wings while listening to The Renaissance by Q-tip on my iPod. How much more soul do you want?
Q-Tip Renassiance Phoenix and Crow sells celtic jewelry, fine art and scented candles. They are located at 2754 E. Broadway Ave., Long Beach CA 90803. You can reach them at (562) 621-0785. The Renassaince by Q-Tip is available on iTunes.