From N’dambi’s latest project Pink Elephant some video goodness…

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.
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This might be a record for our series. This has to be the fastest that a song has ever been featured for you see “Hey” by King was released in February… 2011! But as I always say a great song makes the job of covering quite easy. Which leads us to Jessica Johnson’s cover of “Hey” where she has successfully created her own vocal universe. Please listening to this aural painting below and please let me know if your day is better afterwards.

Great new music from France based duo Backpack Jax( Cuban American Mauika and Iraqi Frenchman Boogie Monsta) who are described as: “Al Green & Lauryn Hill’s lovechild, Backpack Jax are an international Hip Hop group based in France. Children of political refugees, Boogie Monsta (Iraqi Frenchman) and Mauikai (Cuban American), are 80′s babies from opposite sides of the planet, born & bred on Golden Era Hip Hop, who cite music legends Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis and Nina Simone as their greatest influences.”

I know that you’ll agree when you press play that this music is good and grown!

Remember the Future (Preview) by BackpackJax

GFM fam I was more than moved and convicted today to post this very powerful Meditation / Prayer dedicated to Japan from the heart and pen of Stacy Epps with production by Everett James. All proceeds earned from this meditation will be donated to Japan Relief Efforts. For more info on the project please email iheartjapanmix@gmail.com

From the press release…

This offering will be featured on the I Heart Japan Mix that is dedicated to the people of Japan and created with the goal to raise funds to aid in recovery and healing. This Mix will include beautiful works of art from various musicians, artists and creatives from around the planet.

GFM Fam wanted to put you on to some new music from just North of the border by way of the Down Under. This is the sound of Cee & Bekah which if you want to get a take on what they sound like before you press play checkout this description: “Cee displays the lyrical finesse of a young Kanye West and the whip-smart style of Common, while Bekah lights up the mic with voice that’s been compared to Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige.

Now scroll down and hit play to experience this global “soul hop”.

And the goodness just keeps coming… on deck today the new EP from Stephanie Renée also known as The Queen Bee, The VibeMistress and Da Media Mogul. Stephanie’s voice has been featured on several major label commercial recordings, including Who Is Jill Scott and Patti LaBelle’s When A Woman Loves. Other CD/single releases include: a Steal Vybe remix of the club jam ESP on King Street Sounds; Knowing, a collaboration with Jersey producers Lefunken; Fever on Deep Haven Music; and another Marlon D spiritual house collabo titled No Greater Love.

Stephanie Renée steps to the mic and fills every role in the band exploring numerous musical capabilities of the first instrument:voice. Fun, adventurous, imaginative and entertaining are but a few adjectives that come to mind while listening to the set. I invite you to explore the vocal wonderland that is Mouth Music.

This video embodies the all time saying, “looking for love in all the wrong places!!” Women, when you call Jesus on the main line and tell him what you want, don’t go running after the fool!!! Will someone call Sister Jenkins on motherboard #4 and tell her to keep praying on this one!?!  We still didn’t get the memo!!

So with that said, here is Conya Doss in All In You from the Blu Transition album. This is a very nice video and who is that debonair milk chocolate brotha pulling the “lay your head on my pillow” service and flexing those acting chops? Is that “Zo!”?!?! Awwww shucky ducky now!!! I’m scared of ya’ll!!