…….For hip-hop fans who enjoyed a more cerebral and copasetic approach, A Tribe Called Quest represented a breath of fresh air amongst the more agressive of their ilk. Introduced to the public as an offshoot of the Native Tongues movement (which included The Jungle Brothers, De La Soul, Monie Love and Quee Latifah, to name… Continue reading Forever On-Point: Malik Taylor, AKA Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest (1970-2016)
Category: Grooves & Beats
All things entertainment – music, movies, theater, spoken word, books, etc.
Abiah’s “Bottles” CD Preview/Review Link
……“So In Love With You” is a languidly-paced, nearly melancholy number, but features shattering high notes that would make Philip Bailey and Mariah Carey jealous. That sunlit song with Ms. Avery, “Darling Be Mine,” is a sensual, lilting ‘come hither’ duet, ripe with an elegance, tenderness and ‘old-world’ level of courting that most in the… Continue reading Abiah’s “Bottles” CD Preview/Review Link
Tweet, “Charlene” CD Preview/Review Link
….For those who are already familiar with Tweet, what Charlene reveals is an updated, yet instantly-recognizable collection of songs—-all 15 co-written and executive-produced by Keys—that follow her skillfully-rendered, gently-emoted, traditionally-soulful template. Surrounding herself with the same collaborators she started with (Nisan Stewart, John Jubu Smith, Charlie Bereal, Craig Brockman, Missy Elliott and Timbaland), Tweet invites… Continue reading Tweet, “Charlene” CD Preview/Review Link
CD Review Preview Link, SWV’s “Still”
…….The years brought personal and professional changes, with only Coko remaining in music as a solo R&B and Gospel artist, but a lucrative opportunity to reunite for fans overseas saw the trio reconnect in 2005. Years later, after touring with musical peers like Jodeci and Blackstreet, SWV made it official with the release of their… Continue reading CD Review Preview Link, SWV’s “Still”
Babyface, “Return of the Tender Lover” CD Preview
……From the urgency of “It’s No Crime” to the tearjerker “Where Will You Go,” Babyface’s songs were equal levels of veracity and vulnerability that spoke on men’s wants, women’s needs and the promised land of Happily Ever After. It’s been more than 20 years (!) since Tender Lover and a decade since he’s released a… Continue reading Babyface, “Return of the Tender Lover” CD Preview