Did you listen to Timbaland’s Shock Value? Did you bump the track titled “Fantasy” from this random girl, Money? Were you wondering who she was and where did some come from? Well, apparently, the story goes that famed producer/songwriter Walter Milsap (household name among musicians from all genres - think the entire Afrodisiac album from Brandy) did this as a demo for Timbaland’s Shock Value and Timbaland liked it so much that he decided to leave it on the album as is. So from just recording to having a full-length feature on one of the year’s most anticipated releases.
A California native, Money says that she is most inspired and influenced by Prince. While most labels are trying to match their artists to the hottest thing, and trying to make them the next biggest thing, Money, with her unique style, original voice, and captivating choreography, is ready to give us an example of what the future of pop/R&B music will be.
For more information about Money, and to check out some more songs from her, make sure you hit her up on MySpace and tell her CL sent you!
Meet Steph Jones. This Houston-born, Missouri City-raised singer has really been picking up some steam recently. The self-proclaimed momma’s boy was discovered and signed by DTP’s Ludacris and Chaka. Steph attributes much of his inspiration to the likes of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, and Frank Sinatra - just to name a few.
“Mr. Ordinary” is an easy track. It’s got a nice groove, and Steph’s voice floats over it very nicely. It just feels like a good song. The production is simple and light, which I think adds to the charm of the song. It doesn’t over-power the sweetness of Steph’s voice. He’s like none other artist on DTP. Even with Bobby Valentino on the roster, I think that Steph will definitely get his shine on later this year.
If you like what you’ve heard and read, for more information on Steph Jones and to check out some more tunes, log onto his MySpace page. And be on the look out for more of him.
Check it. Kid Sister is my new obsession, so I had to show her love on the blog. She is an Illinois native and currently resides in Chicago’s north side. According to her she “makes club rap and works at a children’s clothing store slanging bibs and teething rings.” Her brother, J2K of Flosstradamus is her DJ and together they make a dope combination.
I was actually introduced to her music when Kanye featured her song, “Pro Nails” on his newest mixtape, Can’t Tell Me Nothing. Homegirl has madd style and I love it. I’m probably late as hell catching on to her sound, but hey, that’s better than never!
Currently, she is working on her debut album and word is she is going to be performing at the L.A. Neighborhoods Festival on September 29th. So make sure you look out for her music in the future and if you haven’t been bumping “Pro Nails”, what you smoking?
Some may not even be familiar with this young man, but J. Holiday has been lighting up radio with his second single, “Bed,” which is written by Dream (Nivea’s husband) who brought to you Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” And it’s produced by Los Da Mystro. J. Holiday is set to release his first album, Back of My Lac on October 2nd.
A native of Washington DC, J. Holiday is signed to Capitol Records, through the Music Line Group. Holiday says that he gathers his inspiration for his album from living the street life. But although he draws from his many experiences there, he takes a step back and says: “The streets are not anything to glamorize. I’m trying to let my people back home know that I’m with them. DC has a lot of talent and I’m just trying to show people that we are here.”
For more information on J. Holiday, make sure you check out his official website, jholiday.com or log onto his MySpace and show him some love. Back of My Lac is due out in stores on the 2nd of October.
Kevin Michael is a breath of fresh air for me. Signed to Downtown/Atlantic Records, with an album due out August 28th, and an EP available on iTunes, I think that Kevin Michael might be one of pop-soul’s best kept secrets. Born in Philly, Kevin has worked with hitmaker Wyclef Jean and fan favorite Lupe Fiasco. It just seems like there hasn’t been anyone besides Robin Thicke (who people love) and Justin Timberlake (who most of you guys hate) to fill that voice. I think what I dig most about this cat is his sincerity. And it doesn’t hurt that he pulls from Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Prince for his inspiration. “I don’t know where I begin and the music stops,” Kevin professes. And with a stellar EP, which introduces us to the material that will featured on his as-yet titled debut, I’m sure that Kevin will not disappoint. For more information on Kevin Michael, make sure you check him out on MySpace or hit up his official website, kevinmichael.com for more information about tours and releases.
Check out the opener to his “YaDig” EP (available on iTunes), “We All Want the Same Thing,” featuring Lupe Fiasco. It’ll really give you a feel for Mr. Michael’s sound.
Kevin Michael - “We All Want the Same Thing” (acoustic version):
If you were thinking a band inspired by jumpsuit clad, proton pack wielding Ghostbusters, you are definitely wrong. This isn’t a group of science geeks either. They don’t claim to be saviors of hip-hop and they aren’t skateboarding hipsters. [PROTON] is a rap duo delivering nostalgic rhyme styles over futuristic beats, to those listening for something new.
Influenced by early 90’s hip-hop, [PROTON] consists of E-qua and Fly, respective Atlanta and Chicago natives. Their music innovatively fuses electronic, rock and alternative melodies with traditional hip-hop elements, pushing them into a new genre. [PROTON]’s music touches on many aspects of what is being experienced in everyday life. From the present war in Iraq to ex-girlfriends and dating, E-qua and Fly keep listeners grounded in reality. [PROTON]’s song catalog has something for everyone to relate to.
Proton - Good Guys (full) - download Proton - Notice Me (full) - download Proton - Now That I’m Without You (full) - download
With the sole intention of pushing hip-hop forward, [PROTON] is redefining modern-day hip-hop with a positive spin. Make sure you check out [PROTON] on MySpace, for their upcoming releases as well as show dates. These guys are really dope live, so check them out…
