Meet Scotland-bred, soul singer Emeli Sandé. This singer/songwriter is best known for penning songs for artists like Tinie Tempah, Cheryl Cole, Alesha Dixon, Susan Boyle and Leona Lewis. Interestingly Sandé initially set her sights on studying neurology and completing medical school, but surrendered to her talent and pursued a career in music during her final year.
This singer/songwriter’s remarkable talent has been setting the music charts ablaze overseas. Her debut studio album, ‘Our Version of Events’ (which has yet to be released in the US) has won the ears of listeners all over world in countries like Belgium, Ireland, the UK and of course, Scotland. In fact, her ability to convey relatable messages and paint vivid pictures through song, namely “Next To Me” has won her The Critic’s Choice Award at the 2012 Brit Awards.
In her album’s bonus clip/documentary, Sandé talks about her life and upbringing, her musical influence and shared what she hopes to do accomplish in the music industry:
“The way I hope I stand out is through my lyric. So I think what I can bring is something that is very honest. And I hope I can represent black females as well in the industry. And you know we can create something that is art. It doesn’t have to be sexy all the time. It doesn’t have to be loud all the time. We can be great writers. We can be intelligent with what we do.”
Check out a few more videos/performances by Emeli after the jump. Sande’s album, ‘Our Version of Events’ hits the U.S. on June 5, 2012.
Meet Natalie Imani. This eclectic R&B singer-songwriter gives us a breathe of fresh air with her sultry voice. After working with a number of artists behind-the-scenes like John Legend, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo, Jennifer Hudson & Nicki Minaj, Natalie has dropped her debut EP entitled ‘Passion Mark.’ When asked about her title choice, she replies, “Music is the mark of my passion.”
And it’s evident in her compilation of tracks. She expresses the topic of love through songs like “Dear Love,” where she sings about making the world a better place and with the steamy track, “It’s Yours,” where she role plays and awaits her man’s arrival home. The New York/New Jersey singer also has a bonus track with soul singer, Jazmine Sullivan called “So In Love,” a song about getting hurt but never letting the pain stop her from wanting and giving love.
♫ Natalie Imani – So In Love feat. Jazmine Sullivan
Natalie Imani has been chosen to perform at a B.E.T. Music Matters showcase which is scheduled to go down in April. Peep two of her tracks in this post and check out the rest of her free EP in the link below.
Check out this track from rapper Dmo. The military kid from San Diego is currently unsigned and independent. A poet at heart he starting rapping and making music while in college. Check out his song “Ferris Wheel” above and his answers to a few questions we asked him earlier this month.
What do you want people to get from your music?
I want people to be able to relate. In a world filled with exaggeration an fabrication, somehow we forgot the value of being ourselves. I want to promote the value of being yourself. I think its important. I also want people to be able to find meaning in my music. In my previous work, I spent a lot of time making club music or sh*t talkin music, and nothing ever came from it. With my newer work, I would expect listeners to find a deeper meaning than what is at surface. At the same time, I want listeners to be able to have fun with my music as well. I’m working on that balance…
How many mixtapes have you released?
Besides the 2 or 3 that I put out before this whole music thing was taken serious. I have one album that I released on I-tunes in 2009 entitled ‘Local Celebrity” and then I released a mixtape called “D-Day” early 2011. I am in the studio now working on my next project which I plan to release in the first part of this year.
What rappers/singers inspire you?
I like a lot of the new comers. Its nice to see the Indie artists come from nothing to something on their own. I like Kendrick Lamar, Dom Kennedy, Nipsey, J.Cole,etc Continue
Meet The Yes Ma’ams. Although these girls just seemed to have surfaced late last year, Secret, Slander and Privacy (from left to right) seem to be the industry’s best kept secret. From the launch of their Twitter, celebrities from Gucci Mane, to famed produced Bryan-Michael Cox to Cassie and LaLa Anthony have tweeted their praise towards the girls, who chose Valentine’s Day to release their first material to the world.
A blending of the sex appeal of Vanity 6, with the calm cool of TLC and a dash of the flirty fun of the Spice Girls is the best way to describe the trio. With their severe looks, sound and risque lyrics, The Yes Ma’ams are ready to make their mark and stake their claim in the industry.
Check out their brand new singles, “Only If I Say So,” produced by Linx and written by Kevin Michael, and their racy club cut, “Vanessa.”
[audio:http://cdn.concreteloop.com/wp-content/uploads/Lupe-Fiasco-Around-My-Way-Freedom-Aint-Free-BMF.mp3]♫ Lupe Fiasco - Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free)
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in countries like Belgium, Ireland, the UK and of course, Scotland. In fact, her ability to convey relatable messages and paint vivid pictures through song, namely “Next To Me” has won her The Critic’s Choice Award at the 2012 Brit Awards.
I think its important. I also want people to be able to find meaning in my music. In my previous work, I spent a lot of time making club music or sh*t talkin music, and nothing ever came from it. With my newer work, I would expect listeners to find a deeper meaning than what is at surface. At the same time, I want listeners to be able to have fun with my music as well. I’m working on that balance… 
