Wale: DC's Hip Hop Sensation

Washington DC, the greatest city in the nation, is often talked about for the housing the Obamas and other political decisions, but underneath this political facade is a city of untapped talent.  Up and coming rapper Wale is going to be the first to prove that DC should not be looked over.

Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, better known as Wale was born and raised in the nation's capital.  His new album, "Attention Deficit"(out Nov.11) oozes with DC slang and go-go inspired hip hop beats.  Wale became one of DC's favorite artists after his five previously released mixtapes flooded radio stations and the trunks of bootleggers all over town.  But, just because he was famous in DC did not mean he was going to be internationally known.  Washington DC has its own type of music called Go-Go and there are over a dozen bands that are extremely talented, but not known outside of the DMV and parts of the south.  Wale was different.

All of Wale's hard work paid off.  He got his big break when super producer, Mark Ronson, known for producing hits by Christina Aguilera and Amy Winehouse, discovered his music on MySpace.  After releasing two mixtapes with Ronson's label, "Allido", Wale was signed.  Many people believe that he is signed to Roc Nation, with hip hop veteran Jay-Z.  Unfortunately, he is only managed by the company, but sheesh, I would take that any day!

Wale's single, "DC Chillin" reached the top 40 on the Billboard Charts this summer.  Look out for his album... here's a link to the single!

Stay Blessed!

The Noisettes: "Expect the Unexpected"

The Noisettes, the London-based trio, composed of lead singer Shingai Shoniwa, guitarist Dan Smith and drummer Jamie Morrison, are unlike any band you have ever heard.

Their sophomore album, "Wild Young Hearts" is a mix of jazz, rock, and hip hop inspired compositions.  The group never wants to be identified with one genre.  "We want to make music for everyone," said lead singer, Shingai Shoniwa.  Their variety of music is winning over American audiences one radio station at a time, this summer their single, "Don't Upset the Rhythm" reached number four on the Billboard charts.

Now, I have to admit, I had only heard about three of their songs before I had the idea to write about them, but I listened to their album online, and I literally got chills.  The title track, "Wild Young Hearts" is nothing less than amazing.  The booming electric guitar and fast paced drumming combined with the singer's jazz like voice could uplift the spirits of any lost soul.  The album also has futuristic compositions, such as "Saturday Night" and "24 hours" make you feel like you're in outer space if you close your eyes.

I respect these passionate and electrifying musicians that come once in a blue moon.  They are challenging themselves to push the envelope with not only the kind of music they produce, but with their lyricism as well.  For example, the lyrics in "Sometimes"are better than some poets create:

"Since I left you I'm a gold balloon that wanders high

I won't sing through rainbows and showers

Taking lovers just might keep my tears at bay

But the dam can break at any hour"

Pure genius.  But this is just a sneak peek, I encourage you to check it on your own.

Here is a link to listen to their whole album!

Be inspired!

"Wild Young Hearts"

Solange Knowles: Ultimately Misunderstood, Extremely Underrated

You may have seen Solange Knowles, yes... pop star Beyonce Knowles' younger sister, dancing on stage behind Destiny's Child in the early part of the millennium.  But with the release of her sophomore album, "Solange and The Hadley Street Dreams", fans uncovered that Knowles has an identity of her own.

I can only imagine what it's like to live in the shadow of pop phenom, Beyonce Knowles.  My sister and I get sick of people comparing us, and we're not even famous... yet.  Clearly, Solange was raised in a family where success was the only option, and she has not fallen short of her family's expectations.  

"Solange and the Hadley Street Dreams" consists of syncopated rhythms and artistic lyrics that are completely different from most artists her age.  Her album brings relief for those of us who are completely fed up with auto-tune because all of the songs on her album carry vocal purity, and were inspired by the 60's and 70's.  Back then, singers who could barely hold a note were not able to hide behind reverbing and hype men screaming behind them.

Her lyrics are filled with inspiring metaphors that give her listeners a peek into her mind, memories, and opinions about many situations in her life.  The first track on the album, "God Given Name," informs listeners that she is nothing like her sister, and should not be compared to her.  "T.O.N.Y.", her song loosely based on her life and pregnancy is creative and empowering.  Songs like, "Valentine's Day", "Sandcastle Disco", and her number one single, "I Decided", display her incredibly unique songwriting abilities and her interesting spin on love songs.  If you like good music, I suggest you buy this album, if you have not already.

Solange is different.  She does not conform to fads or trends, she has impeccable taste in clothes... and just in case you did not know already, she does not care about what people think.  Knowles recently decided to chop off all of her hair.  Many members of the black community were stunned and the first to call her "crazy".  We should all be careful about how we throw that word around... people use that word when they do not understand something.  She simply wanted to stop wearing expensive weaves, she is the proud mother of  a beautiful 3-year-old son, and has other things to spend her money on.  I think she looks beautiful wearing her natural hair, hair weaves are too common now.  Not that there is anything wrong with them.  Just had to put my two cents in on that topic.

If you love listening to good music, check out her album.  You will not be disappointed.  There's a link to "Sandcastle Disco" at the bottom.

Stay Beautiful.

"Sandcastle Disco"

Facing The Music: An Introduction

Well... This is going to be a new experience for all of us. Welcome to my blog. My name is Gia, born and raised in the DMV! For those of you who do not have never heard the previous acronym, it stands for the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia area which I have grown so much to adore. I am currently a sophomore in college, majoring in Journalism and Media Studies. But that's enough about me, let's face the music.

I would hate to agree with my parents, but most music today lacks substance and unfortunately... talented musicians. My parents raised me listening to Motown Records legendary performers, funky sounds of Earth, Wind and Fire and James Brown, the smooth melodies of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Al Green, and the unparalleled voices of Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan. Now we have "auto-tuned" rappers, and self-proclaimed singers who dominate the Billboard Charts and have flood the airways with their songs about sex, money, and cars.

But, I can not say that there is a notable difference in the content today's songs and those that were written in the greater times of music. Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On," and The Isley Brothers, "Between The Sheets," even though we never want to think about this... ever, speak volumes about how we all got to this Earth. The O'Jays, "For the Love of Money" is self explanatory, so I always end up asking myself... what has changed? I think I have figured it out. Our passion. Our passion for life, our passion for love, our passion for the betterment of mankind. All of these musicians had "protest" songs (Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On and The Isley Brothers "Fight the Power") that gave their repertoire balance, and continued to remind their listeners that the world we live in is nowhere near perfect. Now, all we care about is dancing and having a good time. There is nothing wrong with that, we all need to laugh and enjoy our time here, but it seems as though many artists have forgotten that the world we live in still has to progress into perfection.

In the next couple of entries, I am going to introduce a couple of artists who are bringing their own style to the music industry. But that is all for now. I will be back with some artists you should definitely watch out for! I know, I'm sorry... it's like watching a show that ends with a cliff hanger.

Just some food for thought.

Stay Blessed.

Profile of Marvin Gaye
Site Featuring the Isley Brothers