DJ Applejac and Green Tea are coming hard with the first release off their upcoming EP, The Crazy Eights. Follow Green Tea and Apple Jac on twitter and hit the jump for more from Green Tea.

Download here

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The new project Color Blind from multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/producer Jeff Hendrick could be summarized by a few lines from the opening track “Back To The Days”. Hendrick states “I wanna take things back to the days when music lifted people, songs had something to say.” Mission accomplished.

The appeal for this reviewer is that Color Blind contains classic production and writing technique: memorable hooks and melodies and grooves that support the vocal and don’t distract. Often in this producer-driven era the vocal is used as another element in the arrangement and not the focus of the story. On Color Blind the vocals are front and center, relaxed and smooth, conversational.

This is music to move and groove to, in listening to this set it is very easy to see why Jeff Hendrick is a favorite among steppers around the world(he will perform at the world’s largest steppers contest later this month in Chicago) the beats are very steady with the right snap on the backbeat that makes this music prime for stepping.

Don’t get it twisted Jeff can definitely slow it down as he does on the title track “Color Blind” which is reminiscent of 80’s era Sade in its delivery. No rush here, the music and the message are allowed to breathe. Which brings me to another thought and that is Jeff Hendrick’s use of instrumental breaks. Whether he utilizes a keyboard or saxophone solo they are all executed masterfully.

If you enjoy and appreciate great singing, songs and production this is a must have purchase for you. It’s easy to see why Jeff Hendrick has been a featured B-Side artist and favorite of Michael Baisden since 2006: great music cannot be denied.

Color Blind: Highly Recommended

We were already anxiously anticipating her debut release, “Just Glow”, but having had the pleasure to finally meet her and see her perform live at the ISMS, we’re sold! Her voice and presence are undeniable. You can safely add this to your list of fourth quarter purchases. Shout out to Stevie (Stevie’s Soul) for making the connect! Be sure to check out her podcast monthly podcast for the best in everything soulful. Hit the jump for more on Who is Gloria Ry’ann?

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From her bio:

Not since Minnie Ripperton has there been a more enchanting songstress with a glass-shattering high octave vocal-range. This show-stopping beauty Gloria Ry’ann is riding on the success of her current single releases “O.M.G.” and “Back With You”. Gloria is the treasured find for today’s music lovers. Entertaining crowds large and small across the country, Gloria has performed with the likes of Pop Princess Rihanna, Oscar -winner, Jennifer Hudson, legends Ashford & Simpson, Patti Labelle and the late Teddy Pendergrass.

Gloria has appeared on,The Today Show, 106th & Park, The Monique Show, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony and MTV European Music Awards as a supporting vocalist and as a soloist.

“Music is the fabric of my soul. ” Gloria says.

A Chicago south side native, Gloria grew up with a love of music that was fostered by her mother who encouraged her to sing and perform for family and friends.

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Back then, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and Teena Marie were among the vocal heroes of young Gloria who soon began lessons with the world renowned composer Dr. Lena Mc Lin. Over time, Dr. Mc Lin helped Gloria nurture her skills as a artist that gave her the confidence to relocated to New York City and focus on her music career. “I knew moving to New York would be my push to pursue my dreams to make them my reality.”

Her determination is paying off. Emerging as a dynamic vocalist, with a four octave range Gloria Ry’ann has been featured throughout the country as a headlining music act. Her music has found a home on radio stations around the world. Listeners are flocking to her sound and performances that convey a style which Gloria describes as “positive, vibrant, classy, sensual, and sometimes naughty.”

Connect with Gloria on Facebook and Twitter.

Here’s a quick recap of the top 10 most popular stories, tweets and random foolery from this week:

1. [Video] Atlanta Tastemakers Respond to the T.I. and Tiny Arrest [SFTA]
2. Facebook Ads For Musicians – Ultimate 1 Cent Click Guide [RockStars]
3. Janet Jackson considers Independent Record Deal [MR]
4. Apple’s Stealth Plan to Conquer the Media Industry [DF]
5. Miles Davis: The Muse Who Changed Him and the heady Brew that rewrote jazz [Guardian]
6. Kanye West Apologizes To Taylor Swift: “I Wish They Could Accept That I’ve Grown” [NB]
7. iTunes Ping Draws Fire From Facebook & Indie Music Community  [Hypebot]
8. Congratulations to all of the winners of the 2010 Black Weblog Awards [BWA]
9. [Free Download] The Foreign Exchange – Maybe She’ll Dream Of Me [FE]
10. Kelly Price Interview Pt 2. “Music & The Machine” [GFM]

Bonus: Where are they now? 5th Dimension [ST]

The players may change but the spirit of the song remains the same. That’s the true definition of classic material. Checkout a few of the cover versions of this Al Green classic and notice that one element that is undeniable throughout is soul.

GFM recently had the opportunity to interview singer/songwriter/pianist Amy LaCour. A few months ago we posted a preview of Amy’s new album entitled The Upswing which is out now and can be purchased on her website amylacour.com iTunes or CD Baby.

In this interview we talk about Amy booking her first solo tour, professionalism in the indie age, musical influences and more.

Amy LaCour Interview by GrownFolksMusic

What better time than a holiday weekend to premiere this very special interview with Kelly Price. In part 1. you had an opportunity to read about the great new track from Kelly “Tired”. Today you will have an opportunity to hear from Kelly about the ins and outs, ups and downs of the business of music.

This was a very informative interview and I would encourage aspiring artists to really take notes on the advice that Kelly gives on navigating this business from her own experience. Enjoy!

Kelly Price Interview by GrownFolksMusic

A few weeks ago we ago we posted a great track “Preparation” from ATL based rapper J. Nolan. We are pleased to bring you today a great interview where J. Nolan has the opportunity to provide us with some insight into his album Broken Dreams which is out now and I encourage you to get a copy right here.

Directed by Tamarcus Brown, from acolorbrownshot.tumblr.com this is interview represents to me all that can be great about this new music industry frontier: Connectivity with an artist who has substantive and inspirational messages for the people. A presentation that is edited and shot professionally and most importantly the recurring theme of truth that is felt because you are instantly struck by this narrative because it was lived not manufactured.

J. Nolan Broken Dreams out now!

NASA I.S.I.S Program with MosDef & Astronaut Leland Melvin from OpenLineMedia on Vimeo.

The power of music to educate and inspire personified…

From the press release:

About I.S.I.S. Science and Culture Festival:

The world is rapidly becoming an environment where innovation is the primary engine for economic evolution. However, the American Public Education system is failing in its responsibility to equip our youth to continue to be leaders in innovation, particularly in the fields of math, science and technology. Scores from the 2006 Program for International Student Assessment showed that U.S. 15-year-olds trailed their peers from many industrialized countries. The average science score of U.S. students lagged behind those in 16 of 30 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a Paris-based group that represents the world’s richest countries. The U.S. students were further behind in math, trailing counterparts in 23 countries.

The I.S.I.S. Science & Culture Festival is a half day of interactive programming and activities for students around the themes of science, space and technology.

MISSION STATEMENT: Utilizing new technology to create culturally competent science curricula for the next generation

INSPIRE: Students will begin the day with an immersive presentation co-written and produced by Ankh Marketing and Obscura Digital. Utilizing Obscura’s unique and unparalleled holographic technology we give the students a 20 minute introductory experience featuring a live performance by youth poets, followed by a holographic celebrity and astronaut Leland Melvin delivering a short, inspirational lesson about space and science which is developmentally appropriate for our solicited grade levels. This presentation will provide a wow factor that will immediate excite the students to hear and learn more about space, science, and technology.

ENGAGE: Following the holographic presentation the students will then participate in an interactive space/science fair. Using NASA’s in house resources and other activities provided by potential local partner organizations we will provide students with an immediate opportunity to engage in hands on dynamic learning experiences.

EDUCATE: Provide developmentally appropriate culturally competent curricula for teachers to bring back to their classroom and utilize as a follow-up to the interactive experience. The curricula will be available online and in software form for easy distribution.

New Music from Goapele and Mos Def

Ya’ll will have to forgive me for hitting you up late with this good music. Ya’ll pray for ya girl!

Anyway, from the first moment I heard this song live at ATL Live on the Park, I fell completely in love with this cut. Needless to say I was ecstatic when Rudy hit me up with this new single from his upcoming album Black Keys and Blue Skies with DTP Records.  Now let me give you two reasons I like this damn song!

1. Standout lyrical line:  “I wrote this song on my heart cause I ran out of paper”. Men, anytime you mess up by forgetting your girl’s birthday, being late for a dinner date or simply being foolish as hell, you need to draw a heart and write that line in it! Better yet, attach it to a heart shaped diamond!! She’ll love it…I mean “you” forever!

2.  This song is so addictive to me that I  just can’t help but keep it on repeat. It leads you in through the “ear candy” of Outkast’ Elevators but builds beautifully through the accompanying chords introduced at the chorus and later makes that climatic chord change at the bridge.  I love songs that take me somewhere and don’t leave me at the same corner on Peachtree and 5th Street!

Big shout out to Mr. B. Cox for the production!!

RUDY CURRENCE “ANYMORE” by GrownFolksMusic