Just last week I was complaining about the lack of R&B. Now I can keep my mouth shut and stay satisfied for a bit now thanks to Azekel’s “Give Me That Feeling”. The track serves up an excellent nostalgic vibe; it’s a world where people actually still go on dates and vocal ability is favored over excessive production.

Two thoughts entered my mind during that first listen. One, this is the best R&B song I’ve heard in a couple years. Two, why does it seem like overseas artists are so much more soulful than American artists in today’s music? (Azekel is from East London). Even without a universally accepted definition of what soulful music is, avid music lovers know that soul doesn’t frequent American airwaves much anymore.

My question will most likely remain unanswered. What I do know is that soul is alive in Azekel’s music. His upcoming EP “Circa” is on the way, and a good majority will probably want to make space for it next to their Miguel and Frank Ocean playlists.

More on Azekel here

When I think of incredible lyricism from the 90′s, naturally Nas is one of the first artists that comes to mind. As for great lyrics right now, they’re a bit harder to find, but Kendrick Lamar has done wonders in his effort to bring intricate wordplay back to the forefront of hip hop music. So why not create a project that includes both of these revered artists? Brilliant idea, that was bound to happen sooner than later. In lieu of classic album Illmatic’s 19th anniversary last week, producer Dilemma has dropped illKid-MaticCity. An eclectic mash up of top tier rap sounds from Nas’ past and Kendrick’s present.

Dilemma has worked with a slew of artists including Black Thought, Meek Mill, and Joe Budden. For more on Dilemma check out his site here.

During my usual hunt for goodies on SoundCloud, Kaytranada (formerly known as Kaytradamus) surfaced at the top of my “Who To Follow column”. Heavily influenced by Madlib, Kaytranada looks to be a be another addition to Canada’s growing roster of popular trippy, indie artists. His latest project, Kaytra Todo is the third installment in his growing discography. With the exception of track 7, “All We Do” featuring JMSN, Kaytra Todo is a cluster of disco-meets-hip hop instrumentals. Great to mellow out to, but his array of remixes is what reeled me in. Here’s my fav below. No one ever really gets tired of “Be Your girl” by Teedra Moses. Remix or not.

Taking the chance to perform at respected college known for its arts program is a no brainer for an indie artist. And if you’re the first in your genre to do it then it’s definitely a go. This past Tuesday, Artist Don Trunk received approval from Goucher College officials that he would be allowed to perform an hour long hip-hop based set with his live band on campus grounds. “I assured them I wouldn’t disappoint, and keep the act clean” said an anxious Don. No easy feat considering local Baltimore hip hop artists are primarily known for their praise of strippers and drug dealers. Big surprise.

Don Trunk on the right backed by his band

Don kept his promise yesterday afternoon. Delighted to be out of class, an influx of curious students gathered to see Don at Goucher’s Mary Fisher Hall.They appeared to be just as amped as Don was as they danced themselves into exhaustion. After watching him sing, rap, play the keyboard, and jump abnormally high into the air, Don’s Prince-like act left little room to question whether or not he possesses multiple talents. The show closed out with a collaboration from students Emily Getoff on the cello, and Jordan Javelet on the violin. The selection, “Earth”, a song with a classical vibe that touched on media and technology’s influence on individual morals and use of discretion.

Goucher students Emily Getoff and Jordan Javelet

Overall, a good look for everyone involved. Goucher College officials have shown that they genuinely listen to the requests of their students, and will take those requests into consideration without bias. Don Trunk has shown that he can break musical barriers in his hometown on his inevitable rise in the industry. For more about Don Trunk check out his site here along with the visuals for “Earth” below.

One of the best ways to celebrate your birthday is to rock out to your own music production on a Grammy award winning artist’s latest single. Specifically, Grammy Award-winning artist John Legend. The song: “Who Do We Think We Are” featuring Rick Ross. A far stretch for many, reality for Nana Kwabena; in house producer of Harlem-based music collective AV8TED. This past March, a diverse cluster of young professionals gathered at Manhattan’s Sutra Lounge to bring in Kwabena’s born day and first voyage among national radio airwaves.

Kwabena’s production can also be found on fellow AV8TED member Dot The One’s single “Naughty Water” featuring Amjay. Laced with carefree women, alcohol, and a few dance segments, “Naughty Water” gives a pleasant visual departure from the nine to five life.

For more about AV8TED check out their site AV8TED.com

Some call him Dayne, others call him Lupe Fiasco’s protégé but I know him as Dosage, the Philadelphia born MC & owner of 3D clothing line. Earlier this month the Southwest Philadelphia native and member of Lupe’s All-City Chess Club released his project In Due Time. The project features production from noted producers, including DJ Ferno.

In Due Time is an experience. As a listener you are drawn into the mind of a young hip-hop artist. Dosage bears all giving you an exclusive look into his world as a young entertainer motivated by his Dreams, Drive & Determination (3D’s). The highlight of the project, and perhaps one of the most anticipated records is the album cut “Which Way 3DMix” which features 18 of Philadelphia’s most talented emcees. MC Lee Mazin, Mic Stew, West Philly MC Chill Moody, Blonde Gang, Khemist, singer/songwriter and MC Frenchie & singer Beano are among the included in this impressive collaboration.

Dosage is an artist who understands that hip-hop music isn’t a fad, craze or trend. Rather, it’s a timeless creature that bends and folds to the time but without compromising the actual components of art. Dosage has mastered this idea and does it simply by telling the truth. He undoubtedly is one of the dopest hip hop artist to come out of Philadelphia. With a co-sign from Lupe, it’s apparent this young man has what it takes take the game to the next level. Expect to hear more from this talented artist in the near future.
For an opportunity to see this artist live in Philadelphia Sept 23rd at the Blockley or information on the 3-D Clothing Line, visit http://www.3dlook4dalogo.com/home/

Courtesy of Jordan Leigh of React Co.

How ironic that I just spoke of my departure from the DMV, but now I’m bragging about returning there this Saturday for the highly anticipated music festival, TRILLECTRO. It’s been a well known fact among music progressives that the mixture of hip hop and electronic is where the future of music is headed.Trillectro will be the first outdoor music festival ever to celebrate the joining of these two genres this Saturday at Half Street Fairgrounds in Washington, D.C. Among a few of the impressive acts includes, Phony Ppl (who The Pink Mic is already obsessed with) and my long time favorites, hip-hop/electronica duo Beyond Modern. The team over at DCtoBC.com have all of D.C. amped about this weekend after executing a strong campaign that even included wheatpasting in the streets of Columbia Heights just last night. Make sure you get all the deets at Trillectro.com so you can participate in this trill ass event.

I spent time away from keyboards and studios to get adjusted to the NYC life this summer. The DMV is great but I want to be smacked in the face with artistry every time I step out of the house, so of course NYC was the move. Constant delusional claims of future stardom from strangers can get old, but I did get lucky and come across music collective First Class. I’m jumping the gun and sharing material before the projected release dates from this crew because I find it strange that more people don’t know about these kids. I’m still trying to put my finger on what I like about Dot “The One” and Amjay’s style. It’s like a young Jay type and a young Lisa Stansfield type (a Lisa Stansfield that can rap) linked with a few kick ass producers (Nana Kwabena, Justin Baron) in Harlem and the rest will be history in the making. They’re being vague so I can’t squeeze out more sounds from them yet. Cool people are so freakin’ mean. I will get the rest of the goods though. For now check out "This Is Real" Dot the One feat. Amjay prod. Nana Kwabena

Producer Dot Da Genius, released an archive track he made for Kid Cudi back in 2008. While fans await the duo’s highly anticipated album WZRD Dot Da Genius served his fans an appetizer to settle their hunger pains. Kid Cudi and Dot Da Genius’s album, WZRD is in stores on February 28th.

You live, laugh and got to love A$AP Rocky and the entire A$AP Mob. The Harlem collective, with Rocky in the lead, recently dropped the popular mixtape, Live Love A$AP, a project that has moved the masses. The EP offers a medley of genres and hip-hop styles including the southern chop & screw with the up-town swag of New York rap. It should come as no surprise that after one project the talented, A$AP Rocky and the entire A$AP MOB would catapult into mainstream music.
While hip-hop seems to be their lane of choice, make no mistake these young rock stars have much to offer and the brains to stay afloat in this industry. Driven by the dream to succeed despite their past trials and hardships, a group of articulate young men entered the headquarters of Downtown Locker Room last Tuesday prior to their Baltimore show. Always Strive and Prosper is about more than just living the ‘trill life’, but truly bases their movement on spreading the word of positivity and inspiration to young men who have also been dealt the hand of life.

On getting their music to the masses:
Just being trill, just being us you know just living the life that we live… We all help each other especially now my brother Rocky

On how the A$AP Movement started:
The big homie Yamborgini [Yams] another big homie of ours H80 put it together in about [2005] and started out putting the unit together to make it stronger and we here.

On How Harlem Hardships have influence their music:
Cause you don’t ever wanna go back to that shit…

On what’s good in the DMV:

Ya’ll got a lot of Good people in the DMV, My man A$AP Ant, Fat Trel…It’s a good vibe.

On variations of Cannibus:
Purp! Purple! Everything is Purple. We were on that Purple drank and that Purple….

A$AP Rocky is currently on a 17-day tour opening for Drake with Kendrick Lamar. The Club Paradise tour will start in Miami on Valentines Day and end mid-March in California.
2012 The Club Paradise Tour North American Dates:
2/14/2012 Miami, FLBank United Center
2/15/2012 Gainesville, FL, Stephen C. O’Connell Center
2/17/2012 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
2/18/2012 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
2/21/2012 Columbia, SC Colonial Life Arena
2/22/2012 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena
2/24/2012 Tallahassee, FL Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center
2/25/2012 New Orleans, LAUNO Lakefront Arena
2/27/2012 Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center
2/28/2012 Oklahoma City, OK Chesapeake Energy Arena
3/01/2012 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
3/02/2012 Arlington, TX College Park Center
3/04/2012 Tuscon, AZ Tucson Arena
3/05/2012 Los Angeles, CA Galen Center
3/08/2012 Fresno, CA Save Mart Center
3/10/2012 San Jose, CA Event Center
3/11/2012 San Diego, CA Viejas Arena