Have You Downloaded Brittany Bosco's Spectrum 2.0?

The EP hit the net September 1st at midnight(EST). Many Brittany Bosco fans and supporters downloaded it straight away and those who haven't even heard of her gave it a listen. Spectrum 2.0 is a re-release of her first Spectrum EP. This time around, she has included a few new songs. Her musical style is far from usual. However, I've seen her being compared to the likes of Janelle Monae, Kissey Asplund, and Erykah Badu. If you're new to Bosco, download this EP. There isn't any theft here, it's all free. Major props to ConcreteLoop for the Artist Spotlight post on her.

Don't Miss Fertile Ground In D.C.!

If you are a Fertile Ground and/or Natalie Stewart fan, don't miss your chance to see these artists live. On September 19th, these artists (along with Beny Blaq and Jason Reynolds) will be at The Arc Theater. Orchestra seating is $20 and box seating is $24.


Visit TSSS for more information. Mark your calenders, people.

SoulCulture Presents: Aaliyah Revisited.

Eight years ago today, a true angel was taken away from this word. Every year on this day, Aaliyah fans take their time out to honor her. Whether it's listening to her music, watching her videos, or getting together for her, we do what we can. She will never be forgotten.

SoulCulture has put together this EP which includes great artists singing some of Baby Girl's classics. These artists include Tawiah, Sy Smith, Jesse Boykins III, and more. Cover/Tracklisting + download link below.


1. If Your Girl Only Knew (Syberized) – produced & performed by Sy Smith (Recorded & Engineered by: Grant Nicholas at Rumbo Studio C, Winnetka, CA)

2. Are You That Somebody – performed by Tawiah, produced by Jodi Milliner

3. I Care 4 U – produced & performed by Jesse Boykins III

4. It’s Whatever – produced by Black Einstein ft. Baby Sol

5. A Million Preludes – performed by Marsha Ambrosius

6. One In A Million – performed by Jonas

7. Rock The Boat – performed by Vula, produced by Jodi Milliner

8. ESP (A 4 Page Suite) – produced by AFTA-1 ft. Nikko Gray

Download.

Thanks to SoulCulture.

Video: Sy Smith- B-Side Love Affair.

Below is the official video for Sy Smith's "B-Side Love Affair" from her album Conflict. Very nice video for one of my personal favorites on the album.



Make sure you're following Sy on Twitter. The woman is amazing. A 10 in my book.

Randomness: What Makes You A Good Artist?

Many people, including myself, are always talking about good music and good artists. But what does that mean, exactly? In my opinion, it doesn't mean that there are good artists and bad artists. There are many things that make you a "good" artist. With that being said, I made a list of 10 things that I think make you a good artist. (with a couple of things added by my boy Vince)


Top ten things that make you a GOOD artist:

1. "Money Don't Mean a Thing."
A true artist makes music for the love. They're not worried about how much money they're going to make or how many album sales they get. They make music because they love it and because there are people out there that love it.

2. Staying True to Yourself.
You don't have to sell out if you want to be a good artist. What is selling out you ask? Conforming, basically. Hopping on a track with Drake being drowned out in auto-tune. That's what it is. If you make music the way you want to, you will get true fans. No shade towards Mary J. Blige by the way. Just do you.

3. Performing Your Tail Off.
This is very broad. If you love the music, you'd love to perform. Everytime you perform, you'll give it your all. It doesn't have to be at a major venue, it can just be at a small show. At either location, you perform with all of your might. And when it comes to performing, most artists' live performances are better and different each time. I don't know what it is...but an artist who can put on one heck of a show blow my mind.

4. Good Attitude.
Nobody likes a stuck-up artist or a hater. If you can acknowledge another artist's talent and greatness, you're amazing. The artists I follow on twitter are constantly showing love to eachother which makes me love them even more. You're all in this business together, no need for hate.

5. Meaningful Lyrics.
No one wants to hear anything about you "[insert expletive here] every girl in the world." We want something we can relate to. (And if you can relate to those lyrics...please click the "X" at the top right of your browser. Thank you.)

6. Don't Let The Industry Take You Over.
I'm not an artist, but from what I have seen and heard, the business is very stressful. Don't let them see you sweat, though. I know there are artists that can't seem to catch a break, but yet they don't quit and they stick it through. Good things come to those who wait. Don't lose yourself.

7. Love for the Fans.
When you make good music, you gain fans. Fans who love your music and who love you. That can ALL change when your fans meet you and you act like you don't care about them. You + Fans = You doing something right. We love interaction :)

8. Good Personality.
People love to see that their favorite artists love having a good time and to joke around. Also, we love it when you're nice. No need to take yourself too seriously. If you can't have fun while you're doing something you supposedly love, what's the use?

9. Define Your Music, Don't Let Your Music Define You.
Let that marinate.

10. Work Hard.
A good artist doesn't get "success" the easy way. Success doesn't necessarily deal with album sales or anything of the sort. I don't believe success can be handed to you on a plate. You have to get up of your bottom and go get it for yourself.

All of the artists I mention on this site are good artists. But maybe the word good isn't strong enough? Who knows. And again, these are just opinions. I may be leaving some things out, and if you have something else to add please do.

Video: YahZarah- The Tickler.

YahZarah is the perfect reason for why people need to wake up. There's a whole different world out there. It's called good music. Discover it. Live it. Breathe it. Share it.


There is no word on a set release date for her upcoming project, The Ballad of Purple St. James, but keep your eyes open.

Video: Wayna- A New Scenery.

Below is the video for Wayna's "A New Scenery" from her album Higher Ground. The song happens to be my favorite. The entire video was done by girls between the ages of 10 and 15. Not bad.

Review: Little Dragon- Machine Dreams.

The swedish group, Little Dragon, has been known for creating music with a futuristic/electronic sound. A sound that many are not used to, but once they take a listen to this group's music, they end up enjoying it. Their debut album, Little Dragon, opened people's ears with songs such as "Twice," "Test," and "No Love." Yukimi Nagano's vocals are unlike any other artist's. However, her unique voice seems to be a favorite among soul and hip-hop fans.

When information on a new album hit the web, Little Dragon's fans became eager. Most were curious as to how the group would top their debut album. Would they fail or would they succeed? Would the new album exceed expectations or would it just be a flop?

With this new album, Machine Dreams, fans will not lose their love for this group or their music, for that matter. The Little Dragon sound is very distinct and it is along the same lines as their first album. Yukimi Nagano's vocals over the electronic-style beats is a thing that an LD fan can never get tired of. Up-tempo songs like "Runabout" and "Looking Glass" will keep you listening. And as usual, there are a few slow-tempo songs, such as the song "Thunder Love." No matter what kind of song the group creates, they always seem to deliver.

To sum it up, if you were a Little Dragon fan before, I believe you will remain a Little Dragon fan. If you are new to the group, this album is a great beginning.

The album will officially be available August 31st. Support good music, people.

"Runabout"


"Looking Glass"


"Thunder Love"

Two Concerts in California: Amel Larrieux and Erykah Badu.

If you live out in San Francisco or Oakland, you have the chance to see two great soul artists a few days apart in the beginning of September. I'll hate later. Details are below.

Ticket info for the Amel Larrieux concert can be found here.


Ticket info for the Erykah Badu (along with Mos Def & Jay Electronica) concert can be found here.

Download: Marsha Ambrosius Greatest Hits.

Today on the lovely Twitterverse, Marsha Ambrosius posted a link to a download of her Greatest Hits mixtape. It includes a few songs she has been featured on and also songs she has written. Download link and full tracklisting below.


Download.
Props to HoneySoul for the pic.