It was in Dallas TX, 1979. An unassuming grade-schooler discovers an art form that would move the body, touch the heart and resonate within the soul. Already established, but continually evolving, this cultural phenomenon would inform her, entertain her and permanently alter the course of her entire life. That musical genre became known as hip-hop,… Continue reading To The Beat Y’all: Celebrating 40 Years Of Hip-Hop
Category: Grooves & Beats
All things entertainment – music, movies, theater, spoken word, books, etc.
Janelle Monae: A Glimpse Into “Electric Lady,” The MOC Preview/Knowshi Exclusive
“I would paint and sing at the same time, and I noticed that I was painting the same silhouette over and over,” the 27-year-old revealed at an exclusive listening party in Dallas. Her hotly-anticipated follow-up to 2010′s critically-acclaimed The ArchAndroid, Electric Lady features live instrumentation and notable collaborators like Esperanza Spalding, Miguel, Solange Knowles, Erykah… Continue reading Janelle Monae: A Glimpse Into “Electric Lady,” The MOC Preview/Knowshi Exclusive
Playlist: The Very Best of Donna Summer,The Soultracks CD Review/MOC Preview Link
…..As a pre-teen, I found her glamorous and galvanizing: the willowy frame, the full red lips and voluminous hair made Ms. Summer exciting to behold, and that strong, steady soprano fueled many of my favorite songs. As I grew older, the scenarios she painted about love, the fast life and other sophisticated themes spoke to… Continue reading Playlist: The Very Best of Donna Summer,The Soultracks CD Review/MOC Preview Link
Ron Isley’s “This Song Is For You”: The SoulTracks Review & MOC Preview Link
It’s rare to be such a trailblazing icon that your musical imprint spans over half a century and includes multiple genres, but that’s a true statement to describe living legend Ron Isley. That sleek, fluttery tenor has shaped funk jams, social statement songs and yes, those bedroom ballads for so long that even when he’s… Continue reading Ron Isley’s “This Song Is For You”: The SoulTracks Review & MOC Preview Link
Donell Jones: A “Forever” Kind Of Love & Career, MOC Preview/Knowshi Link
You can’t exactly tell from his youthful look, buttery croon and playful demeanor, but Donell Jones is a certified veteran in the music game. With gold and platinum-selling CDs in his catalog and an enviable arsenal of pop and R&B hits (“Where I Wanna Be,” “You Know That I love You,” “Love Like This” and… Continue reading Donell Jones: A “Forever” Kind Of Love & Career, MOC Preview/Knowshi Link