Luke James recently took time out of his increasingly busy schedule to speak with Grown Folks Music about his transition from being a member of a duo to becoming a solo artist. He also gave us insight on what to expect from his upcoming full-length releases, and he advised us as to who his favorite artists are (past and current artists).
GFM listeners will get a treat as Luke gave us to some acapella Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight. Listen in to learn more about this amazing new talent and the times that he served as a “ghost singer” in high school.
For more on Luke, check out his website whoislukejames.com or his Facebook page. You can also follow Luke on Twitter. You can still download his free EP #Luke. The single “I Want You” is also available as a single download at Amazon.com.
GFM team member WestStyle Chronicles previously introduced you to Vaughn Anthony’s visuals for his track “Heaven”. Vaughn is fairly new to the scene as a solo artist, but you’ve probably heard his voice singing background for his brother John Legend. Listen in as he discusses his “Life of a Player” mixtape and how he got the nickname “Mr. Everything”.
For more on Vaughn Anthony, check out his official site. On the site you can download the “Life of a Player” mixtape. Also check out his Facebook page, or you can follow him on Twitter. The 6 track “Life of a Player” ep and “The Future” ep can both be purchased at Amazon.com.
Do you remember the first time you heard a brand new artist, and the music was so good that it just gave you pause? Daley is giving me that vibe. I excitedly await his future releases. You can download Daleys mixtape for free at his official website, and you can follow Daley on Twitter.
After hearing the first track of Kawan DeBose’s mixtape, Exposed, trepidation set in about where he was going with it. On “Wish I Would’ve Hit It” , he sings uninspiring lyrics straight over Trey Songz’s “Can’t Be Friends” track and at first listen it seems that the mixtape is going to be more of the same old, same old…
But… Exposed gets better. Although it’s not clear where DeBose was going with the first track, he heads in the opposite direction with the rest of the mixtape. On “Adore You” ,the first of four cover songs, he covers Prince’s “Adore”. Although Prince is an artist who, in the opinion of die-hard fans should never be covered, DeBose’s effort is not offensive. He does not try to imitate Prince. He sparingly uses falsetto and he does not use the exact same track or lyrics. The track is acoustic with some added some finger snaps and light keys and it’s actually not bad. He soulfully and clearly delivers Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” acappella and it helps bring the message of the song’s lyrics out. The slowed down, piano arrangement of Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Wants To The World” is good and his jazzy rendition of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” works, unlike Brian McKnight’s jazzy, slow, cover of “Careless Whisper” on his current project. (more…)
After the intro from 9th Wonder follow this link to download the new mixtape Return of the B-Girl Presented by Its a Wonderful World Music Group, the project features 20 brand new cuts from the Kooley High member, including reader-approved leak “U Sparklin’.”
Joining Rapsody on the guest tip are such collaborators as Rah Digga, Big Daddy Kane, Phil Adé, Thee Tom Hardy, Mac Miller, King Mez, Laws, and Skyzoo. Production comes courtesy of 9th Wonder, E. Jones, AMP, Ka$h, Khrysis, and Eric. G.
Don’t date yourself, but it’s likely this was the soundtrack for your high school, middle school or even college years. Either way, the 80′s were a fun loving, horrible fashion, good time having era. If you enjoyed his 80′s MTV flashback mix, add this to your collection for a dash of 80′s soul. Big ups to DJ Phaze for blessing us with another great mix. Hit the break for the playlist and enjoy!
