If you’ve been looking for new music to bump to this summer, this is it. Phony Ppl’s own Elbee Thrie dropped his new mixtape 53,000 tonight. Nothing less than that “feel good” music Phony Ppl always delivers. 53,000 proves itself, you won’t need to put your skip button in use.

I dig it, pretty sure you will too.

We all love a good Rihanna cover. Britney Spears did it, and so did Philadelphia songstress Frenchie. Except she added her own lyrics and they’re pretty good. “Over With” is Frenchie’s take on Rihanna’s “Get It Over With”. Her twist provides a relatable concept. A young woman is ready to end a dying relationship that has been dragging on unnecessarily. Frenchie’s video boyfriend doesn’t seem to thrilled about being dumped, but the great dance scenes are a welcomed distraction from a very real situation many ignore.

For more on Frenchie check out here

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

Laced with synths and guitar, These Are The Days by The Park makes for a summer hit in Feburary. The Park is the ultimate backing band of the Westcoast. After providing the rythym section for artists like Freddie Gibbs, Alice Russell, and Big KRIT, the band is ready for their solo debut, The Process.

Park It Here

SOURCE: 2dopeboyz

Chicago emcee R.O.E (Rising Over Envy) drops the visuals for his single “I Won” from his latest EP, “A Backpacker Named R.O.E.” The rush of populartity among music related websites over the past few years have served R.O.E well in sparking a buzz around himself. Visuals shot by Lucid Perception.

Experience here: "A Backpacker Named R.O.E. "

A long intermission is always a mood killer no matter how great the show. Two weeks ago, a break in between sets at The Intern Showcase in Philadelphia seemed like an eternity. Headliner, Cocoa Sarai quickly crushed any early exit thoughts an antsy audience member might have with her electric entrance. With colossal vocals for such a petite frame, Cocoa belted out pop-soul track, “Raining In My Room” from her anticipated project, The BLACK AND WHITE. The NY songstress has already been deemed the “It Girl” for features and hooks by other popular newcomers such as, Mickey Factz and Theophilus London. Having already won 2007′s The Underground Music Awards “Best Female R&B Artist“, and an equally impressive Grammy nomination for her appearance on hip-hop artist Etcetera’s “Treat You Better,” fans are anxious for the release of her second full length project. “The Cocoa Sarai Experience”: The BLACK AND WHITE Album Release Party will be presented by the LegendFactory this Thursday, January 26th. 428 Lafayette Street, Dominion, NY. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Experience the first release from The BLACK AND WHITE: “Raining In My Room” 01 Cocoa Sarai- Raining In My Room (Prod. Jayd) by legendfactceo” title=”"Raining In My Room”">

While I love commercial music, it’s always refreshing to discover new music that is experimental and far removed from the radio sound. Today I stumbled across the instrumentals of German artist Maehlib. Jazz, hip hop & electronica mixed together for a progressive soul sound to relax to. Personal fav: guten morgen

Check out a full compilation of tracks here: Maehlib

Shoutout to beatlife.net for the great find.

This weekend The Intern Showcase went down at Philadelphia’s The Art’s Garage. Packed by 8 p.m., the venue served up Dj’s, drinks, and most importantly talent. Presented by PromoKid of Sony/RCA, REACT Co.,and LITM Marketing group, The Intern Showcase, was formed to create exposure for upcoming artists. Created in N.Y.C with marketing and online presence as the focal point, the third showcase proved to be the perfect fusion of music, media, and upcoming lifestyle brands. The acts covered everything from spoken word to rock, each with a live band. The lineup included performances from Lady Gaga’s backup singer GoGo Morrow, and headliner, recording artist Coco Sarai. The Intern Showcase is looking to expand to other metropolitan cities such as Washington, D.C. within the next few months. For more info and contact information: The Intern Showcase

Behind the scenes producer DropxLife, who has attributed to the Weeknd’s Echoes of Silence and Drake’s Take Care has released solo project Furthur. Experience here: "Furthur"