CD Review: Blitz The Ambassador's 'Afropolitan Dreams'

Blitz The Ambassador
Afropolitan Dreams
Embassy Mvmt

The Ghanaian-born rapper based in New York, Blitz The Ambassador, combines Afro-pop melodies, rap vocals, and refreshing Afro-soul sound that echoes beats of decades ago. The vocal king incorporates a few guest musicians fill in already great tracks. For example, Angelique Kidjo, Nneka, Sarkodie, Marcelo D2, Seun Kuti, Amma Whatt, and many other artists are represented. The album is a continuation of the journey to America with all of the trials and tribulations that accompany the struggle to establish oneself in a new land. The twelve tracks are unique, easy to understand, and incorporate a plethora of African, American, and rap fusion styles. The melodies and rhythms are very catchy, poignant, and meaningful. The music is more than rap or hip hop, since the melodies are somewhat drawn out, which provides a more Afro-pop, funk, and soul concoction. Check out Afropolitan Dreams while you can. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: BluRum13's 'Inverted'

BluRum13
Inverted
Self-Release

BluRum13 was born in New York and based in Maryland, but his verbose beauty represents many different genres and world fusion styles. However, the primary genre revolves around rap/hip hop, and jazz. The lounge music is rather urban, too. The poetic verbal flow of "Venga" is relatively trance-heavy with jazzy interludes of punchy brass, languid electronics, and an atmospheric beat that echoes and reverberates with underground liveliness. "Cereal" is another exciting track, but the verbal wordplay is a bit more energetic and the instrumentation is much faster. "TLO" contains a lot of electronic swishy sounds, rap vocals, and progressive rock beats. "Distortion" is a rather languid down-tempo masterpiece with glittery sounds, fluid soul elements, and swishy noises with urban vocals. "Quixotic" is punchy and rhythmic with Eminem-like tendencies with much more intelligence and creative juices shining through. The diverse, urban creations of BluRum13 are something to ponder, since each listen reveals something new and fresh. ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: NMercer's 'Crossroads' EP

NMercer
Crossroads EP [explicit]
Self-Release

Raised near Seattle and based in South Central, California, Naomi Mercer (aka NMercer), presents us with a fine compilation of hip-hop and electronica-tinged songs with an urban edge and soulful mix of fanciful lyricism and quirky percussion. "DB" is a jazzy, edgy, and urban track with swishy percussion and miscellaneous electronic elements. The emotive vocals are rather hip-hop oriented overall. "Why U Gotta Be So Fine" opens with an electronic concoction of sounds before a slightly-hip hop-influenced vocal section picks up. The smattering of electronic embellishments and punchy percussion are most evident throughout. "Steal It" opens with drippy and blurby keyboard sounds that move into a hip-hop instrumental masterpiece without losing its electric showers of charm. "Crossroads" is an urban joint with swishy electronic adornments with assertive vocals and symphonic blips and beeps that scream hip-hop-electronica. You're guaranteed to find yourself at a 'crossroads' and it starts and ends with NMercer. ~ Matthew Forss      

Song Review: The ConSoulTant's "Hit It Out The Park"

The ConSoulTant
"Hit It Out The Park"
Raging Sky

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Selita Boyd (aka The ConSoulTant), cooks up a lyrical storm with the baseball-themed, "Hit It Out The Park." The song opens with swishy percussion and hip hop instrumental embellishments that contain blurby sounds, electronic buzzes, and whistles. Selita's vocals are rather fluid with an R&B delivery. There are electronic bells, cinematic orchestrations, and punchy keyboard sounds with mechanical whirrs and repetitive lyrical displays. The song is about three-and-a-half-minutes long with a family-friendly message and upbeat instrumentation. The tune is rather catchy and it's made for playback over and over. The ConSoulTant 'hits it out the park' with this one! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Marula's Shade'

Various Artists
Marula's Shade
TRIAD

TRIAD Trust is an educational outreach program revolving around HIV education programs. Marula's Shade brings together a variety of South African singers and musicians proclaiming the plight of HIV and hope for the survivors. The music troupe represents a local compilation of artists with contemporary pop, rock, down-tempo, jazz, and urban hip-hop elements. As a way to activate the youth, music bridges gaps between social and economic contrasts. TRIAD Trust provides a great musical foundation of eighteen different songs that are highly enthralling, catchy, and provocative. Almost no genre is left out here, but there is a positive voice of hope, struggle, and love. South Africa's vocal traditions are known worldwide and Marula's Shade continues in that vein. Some songs contain spoken word elements, while others are clearly intelligent Afro-pop anthems, such as "Money For Love." Fans of motivational music, jazz, pop, dance, urban, rap, hip-hop, spoken word, and social activism will find Marula's Shade most appealing. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Kelley James' 'The Pattern Transcending'

Kelley James
The Pattern Transcending
Self-Release

Californian, Kelley James, creates a hit album with catchy riffs, licks, and chords that cover the pop and rock genres quite nicely. There is a mix of witty lyrics, poignant rap sections, and scintillating roots reggae with a dash of alternative. "Stalker" is a bouncy song with Jason Mraz-type vocal calisthenics and a gospel, reggae, and pop-esque beat. "The Legend of Rip Venice" opens with a smooth bass line, jazzy guitar backing, punchy horns, and poetic vocals. "Secret Lover" is a jaunty tune with rap vocals, punchy bass, and urban hooks. The Maroon 5-esque tune is very catchy with a strong hip hop edge that is very understandable. "California" is a breezy tune with party-like enthusiasm and fun vocals. "Brother" is a solemn acoustic guitar and piano song with light vocals and wavering classical strings. The song is fitting for the final track, as it is very pleasant, calm, and memorable. The entire album is not only worthy of a listen, but it ranks high up on the list of must-have contemporary pop albums. It contains a high degree of substance, which is great if you are not seeking a boring, ho-hum album. Kelley is a cross between Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, and Xavier Rudd. ~ Matthew Forss     

CD Review: Solveig and Stevie's 'Zombie Lover'

Solveig and Stevie
Zombie Lover
Crystal Lake Records

Washington-based, Solveig & Stevie are Solveig Whittle and Stevie Adamek.  Solveig is the lead vocalist and lyricist, while Stevie is a musician with producer credits.  Zombie Lover is an album with seven songs that contain mostly Solveig’s vocals throughout.  The music represents pop and rock concoctions that contain a good degree of electronic, folk, dance, and alternative elements. There are guitars, drums, electronic programming, bass, and flutes that fill in the melodies. "Zombie Lover” opens with a grungy bass intro and heady rhythm section with a dark groove and female vocals that are rather light, yet authoritative.  The rolling guitars, percussion, and poetic vocals create an Evanescence-meets-Cranberries brew with a soulful folk vein.  The rock grooves are reminiscent of Jace Everett, too.  At any rate, the music is very moving, mysterious, and memorable. “Creation” opens with a light guitar tone and electronic blurbs and echoing, female vocals that are soft, soulful, and pop-focused.  The background swishes and atmospheric adornments lend an almost New Age feel to the music.  Solveig’s female vocals are sweet and clear, which are surprisingly reminiscent of Native American singer/songwriter, Annie Humphrey-Jimenez.  The miscellaneous background sounds of water, animals, and rocks probably connote the creation of the world.  The environmental noises coalesce perfectly with the New Age flutes, electronic embellishments, and Solveig’s angelic voice.  The keyboard adds a few soft touches to the music with a slight dance or pop theme straight out of the 1980’s.  However, the song is still rather futuristic and modern. “Keep Your Eyes On Your Heart” begins with a few guitar strums and tambourine-like sounds. A blend of mixed vocals produced in a folksy setting resembles a power-pop anthem.  The combination of vocals and guitars creates a full sound with lots of texture and catchy hooks.  The guitars and vocals are accompanied by punchy bass and an electronic shower of futuristic, industrial sounds that are choppy, heady, and punchy.  The combination of folk vocals and heady electronic embellishments are not very typical in today’s music, but it seems to work for Solveig & Stevie.  The songs ends with a mix of industrial sounds that are metallic and electronic. “I Just Can’t Breathe” opens with lilting guitar and electronic swishes, echoes, and a rap medley. The rap music breaks up the folk or electronic monotony, but all genres mentioned above are represented here.  Solveig & Stevie shows that pop, folk, alternative, electronic, dance, rap, and hip hop are not too difficult to work with.  There are symphonic vocals and arrangements that are catchy and unforgettable.  The swishy rap instrumental combines a little dance, chiptune, pop, electronica, and urban grooves with crystal clear vocals for a magical outcome that is not annoying, deleterious, or unnecessary. “Fire” begins with a few brisk, guitar strums that incorporate a little tambourine-like sounds and grungy, metallic, and industrial adornments.  The vocals are rather pop-based, but the music seems to evoke a little 1980’s vibe with modern electronica.  The playful vocals and edgy arrangements are rather fresh and unique without resorting to banal doldrums.  Once again, Solveig & Stevie create an unusual, but exciting song with lively flutes, piano, keyboards, bass, guitars, drums, and infectious grooves. Zombie Lover represents a diverse array of songs with different genre-defying tunes that incorporate a number of instruments, arrangements, and sounds for an interesting listen.  All of the songs are worthy of airplay, despite a somewhat incongruent mix of genres and sounds. Solveig & Stevie find a way to make it all work without sacrificing melody, rhythm, and quality. This is a top recording for fans of Americana folk/rock or bands such as Evanescence, Cranberries, Nina Gordon, and Jace Everett. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Jacob Bain & The Publish Quest's 'Then What!?'

Jacob Bain & The Publish Quest
Then What!?
Self-Release

The Seattle-based band, Jacob Bain & The Publish Quest, incorporates a plethora of Afro-beat elements and folk/rock/alternative leanings. There are rap vocals on "Gotta Keep Movin!" and "I Believe People Can Change." Femi Kuti lends some vocals on the title track, "Then What!?." There are great guitar jams here with some jazz, fusion, and rock influences. However, the entire album is relatively light overall. For instance, the rap vocals are not particularly hard or difficult to understand. A mix of instrumentation provides an enjoyable listening experience, even though there are some rap vocals. You will hear congas, trumpet, acoustic guitar, viola, violin, bass, tenor sax, alto sax, baritone sax, keyboards, electric guitar, and classical guitar. The Dave Matthews Band comes to mind at times. "Then What!?," "Gotta Keep Movin!," "The Wall," and "When It Comes" are recommended tracks. There is an urban element to the abovementioned tracks, but there is plenty of room for alternative pop and fusion. Whatever it is called, Then What!? is something that everyone should possess and play. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Noel Black & XRA's 'Chromatic Warfare'

Noel Black & XRA
Chromatic Warfare
Independent Release

Coming to New York from the Caribbean, Noel Black reinvents the world of hip-hop, dance, and electronica, along with his West Coast songstress, XRA. Two musical worlds collide on Chromatic Warfare with Caribbean-tinged rhythms and urban DJing at its finest. XRA's DJ skills and vocal presence are unmatched. Noel Black's rough voice is direct and melodic. However, the rather short album may be off-putting for some. Nevertheless, the four tracks: "Riot," "We Get Busy," "Judge Before Reading," and "D.O.I. (Declaration of Independence)" are unique and fresh enough to be enjoyed over and over. The music is repetitive at times, very electronic, industrial, and urban. The mix of spacey electronica and urban grooves with rap and hip-hop influences are a combination that works. Anyone interested in progressive poetry and electronic music with an urban flair will find Chromatic Welfare a blast. ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: Chase Enriquez's ''Til The Flame Burns Out'

Chase Enriquez
'Til The Flame Burns Out
We Group

If you are seeking alternative hip/hop and rap music, Chase Enriquez should be at the top of your search list. Fortunately, one need not struggle to find the high points of this album. Every song seems to awaken the spirit with vibrant riffs, hooks, and licks. The more rock-driven, "Tell My Why," is more indicative of an alternative track over a hip-hop medley. "Night On Fire" opens with an electronic shower of sparks and synth medleys that delve right into a booming, bass-driven song with hot hip-hop lyrics and rap instrumentals. The richly-textured track contains gritty vocals that are uptempo, but not too fast they are indistinguishable. The sound is indicative of Sudan's Emmanuel Jal. Though, all the lyrics on 'Til The Flame Burns Out are in English. "In The Wind" starts with a few keyboard washes and tapping percussion sounds. The rap instrumentals back the edgy vocals and rock-like foundation. "All The Way" opens with a shout and symphonic string arrangements and loud, rock instrumental backing that is very cinematic, but in your face. This is rap and hip hop with attitude, but nothing that is too showy or overdone. It's nice to have some musical accompaniment with the vocals. Chase Enriquez is a talented performer and composer that should not be missed if you like urban, rap, and hip hop music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jensen Reed's 'The Left Coast'

Jensen Reed
The Left Coast
Self-Release

Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter, Jensen Reed, weaves tight lyrical worldplay around an amped up hip-hop, alt-pop, and electronic background that propels the album in alternative directions with a fresh perspective. The symphonic and electronic-focused, "Throw You The Rope," is a magical song with keyboard embellishments and a hip-hop instrumental backbeat that mirrors a more conservative and lighter Linkin Park medley. "Left Coast" opens with a jingly beat and punchy rock melody with vocals that resemble Modern English and The Killers. The cinematic opening of "Rocketship" merges into a rock/rap medley that is not particularly fast, but the ambulating beat and keyboard washes add an element of alternative leanings indicative of pop, electronica, and dance. "Something Missing" features a few punchy piano beats and up-tempo vocals that are rather steady with background vocals. The music is rather reflective without hip-hop or rap lines. "The Countdown" contains some dark, brooding electronic embellishments with hip-hop instrumental backing. The vocals are slow at first, but the vocal delivery picks up mid-song in a rap display. The swishy percussive beats and punchy piano line creates a modern display of musical ingenuity. The entire album represents a wide breadth of musical creations that span several genres, but the musical variety is not too different to turn-off new listeners. Anyone with an interest in alternative hip-hop, rock, pop, and dance-inflected music should check out Jensen Reed's new work. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Uncle Devin Show's 'Drum Tales!'

Uncle Devin Show
Drum Tales!
Self-Release

The Washington, DC-based educator, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, Uncle Devin, brings us a talented mix of ten songs that target younger viewers and listeners. As a children's album, the music is rather innovative and adult-oriented with occasional rap, spoken word, and helium-enriched vocals that get a message across without confusing listeners. The songs touch on social topics of Internet usage, healthy eating/living, days that don't go right, and doing what's right. Some of the songs, especially "Tell The Truth" and "Good Health Final," incorporate dance and electronic elements that stem from keyboard grooves of Eastern Africa. There are some vocal introductions to the percussion on "Drum Roll Call" that are engaging and performative. There are even scat vocals that mimic the percussive sounds. This is part African, South American, and North American. There are lessons in counting, language formation, and dance instruction. The quirky and comedic "I Like Onions" contains instructional learning about one of the most unlikely vegetables to make it in a song, but Uncle Devin succeeds with lead vocals, percussive tones, and munchkin-like vocals. Overall, the music is rather productive with varied vocals, spoken segments, varied percussion, multi-ethnic musical styles, and great lyrics. This one will be a favorite for parents, but the children will get a bigger kick out of the music. I give it five tiny fingers up! ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: Karlex's 'Paris/New York/Port Au Prince'

Karlex
Paris/New York/Port Au Prince
Lil'people Records

Paris/New York/Port Au Prince reflects Karlex's multi-national roots and residences over the years. Hailing originally from Haiti, Karlex brings together a fusion of Caribbean, American, and French pop confections with good amounts of funk, jazz, and folk that are all raw and brilliant. The songs are sung in English, French, and Haitian Creole. "Regarder La Verite" opens with a jaunty beat and earthy vocals that reflect a slight reggae tone and dreamy, nostalgic folk-rock with an Americana foundation. "Restavek" begins with blurby electronica and dance-laden percussion that is groovy and hip-hop focused. The rap vocals are accompanied by swift guitar-work and urban lyrics that are driven by instrumentation. "I Say Hey" begins with a reverberating electric guitar and swishy electronic embellishments. The Afro-Caribbean grooves are based on gritty jazz elements with an almost aboriginal rock beat. "Miami Beach" opens with a jazzy, but swishy rock tune with shimmering electronic inclusions. The twelve songs reflect a wide array of vocal and instrumental arrangements that are anything but dull. The music is not characteristic reggae, rock, jazz, pop, or classical. Instead, Karlex explores the popular melodies and rhythms of the Caribbean, Africa, France, and the United States. Essentially, Karlex should be on the playlists for anyone seriously interested in multi-ethnic roots music and French Diaspora music in particular. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Khat Thaleth'

Various Artists
Khat Thaleth
Stronghold Sound

Khat Thaleth is a twenty-three track release of global hip-hop, rap, and dub music that primarily surrounds itself with the Arab world. Most of the musicians featured on this compilation hail from Tunisia, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt. The album title refers to a ‘third track’, which is a metaphor for a third way of looking at things. This is a strong, political recording with in-your-face-commentary and hip, exuberant groves with contemporary instrumentation and urban beats. This is pure, unfiltered hip-hop music with life-affirming qualities and authentic lyrical deliveries. A sampling of the featured musicians on the album include Touffar, Rami GB, Yaseen, Abdullah Miniawy, Al Haqq, Armada Bizerta, Mohamad Antar, and many others. Anyone with an interest in Arab rap, hip-hop, and urban music will love the upbeat, head-bobbing and toe-tapping melodies and rhythms of Khat Thaleth. The liner notes are mostly in Arabic. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate's 'Faya'

Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate

Faya
Localization Records

Guinea’s Sekou Kouyate and global music aficionado, Joe Driscoll, presents us with an exceptional recording of afro-fusion and afro-pop. The gritty, giddy, and upbeat songs meld traditional instrumentation with contemporary rhythms and melodies that are a perfect match for the soul, funk, reggae, hip-hop, pop, jazz, and dance styles. The nine songs are ripe with kora, guitar, urban beats, and electronic loops. The fast vocals on some of the songs are ideal for fans of hip-hop and rap. Everyone will enjoy the sparkling kora melodies and contemporary beats. Afro-fusion and pop music lovers will find satisfaction in the songs for sure. Faya is a favorite for fans of modern Afro-fusion and inventive world music with a purpose. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Leni Stern's 'Smoke No Fire'

Leni Stern
Smoke No Fire
Self-Release

New York's Leni Stern is a singer and instrumentalist with a passion for the n'goni. As a vocalist, n'goni player, guitarist, and percussionist, Leni creates evocative songs with a bluesy, African, and folk sensibility. The guest rap vocals on a track or two are particularly inviting. The folksy stylings of the n'goni, guitar, and vocals are amazing throughout. Leni is fluent in English and Bambara. The ten songs are perfect for anyone interested in North African fusion, blues, and folk music. There is something for everyone on here. The music is never dull or univiting. The sounds awaken a deep, cultural presence in the instruments and the vocals. This is perfect for fans of Bassekou Kouyate and Boolumbal. A nice gift for anyone interested in North African music! ~ Matthew Forss

Song Review: Nick Carter Green's "ADD"

Nick Carter Green
"ADD"
Zuma Records

With ties between Illinois and Los Angeles, Nick Carter Green releases a hit new single with dance, R&B, and hip hop embellishments. The aptly-titled song, which focuses on repetition (both beat and lyrics), as well as a hyped-up melody, takes us on a techno-lined journey with swishy percussion, electronic blurbs, and various electronic noises. "ADD," which is the attention deficit disorder is probably not the best description, since the song is rather focused and tight. Nick's incorporation of electronic adornments and rap lyrics are especially intriguing, since the music is varied and never boring. Nick's vocals are similar in tone to Will Smith. At any rate, "ADD" is infectious, addictive, and something that cannot be ignored. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: MC Yogi & The Sacred Sound Society's 'Pilgrimage'

MC Yogi & The Sacred Sound Society
Pilgrimage
Mindful Talent/White Swan Records

MC Yogi lights up the charts with blissful banter that is performed in the style of hip hop, rap, urban, and South Asian-inspired styles. The largely contemporary work contains a plethora of genres, including dance, electronica, street music, rap, rock, hip hop, klezmer, and pop with a nice dose of jazz. The music is similar in tone to the Beastie Boys--if they were yogis. At any rate, the electronic wizardry, record scratches, boisterous horns, rock drum-kits, and harmonium-inspired melodies create an energetic appeal to young yogis the world over. The incredibly catchy and divine "Jai Sita Ram" contains a steady, but slow beat with Sanskrit vocals and a droning harmonium. There are nineteen incredible tracks with lovely flutes, percussion, urban jingles, and danceable riffs that are sure to awaken anyone's darkened soul. Let MC Yogi & The Sacred Sound Society lead you on the path to enlightenment with their latest, poignantly-titled devotion--Pilgrimage. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Sembeh Ma Fa Fe Revisits Volume'

Various Artists
Sembeh Ma Fa Fe Revisits Volume
Stronghold Sound

The folks at the San Francisco-based Afrobeat label, Stronghold Sound, brings us a new album dedicated to the music from Guinea, Africa. This new compilation contains the likes of Bom Sone, Important, Tiralleur, Sista Lessa, Ruphert, Balbore, Bongo, Symbole, Prince II Saen, Neuf Six, Besto Besto, and Kati. The album title, which means 'strong sound coming' is appropriately-titled without a doubt. The new sound is rather modern with equal doses of hip hop, reggae, and R&B throughout. The rhythmic diversity is steeped in West African history combined with urban roots. The album is recorded and produced by label founder, Ahmed Khouja. The sixteen tracks are adventurous, lively, and powerful with elements of electronica, dub, funk, and rock. Guinea music fans unite with Stronghold Sound's latest release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: All Good Funk Alliance's 'Jack Of All Trades'

All Good Funk Alliance
Jack Of All Trades
Fort Knox Recordings

All Good Funk Alliance (otherwise known as AGFA) is an electro-funk ensemble with urban, groovy, techno, spacey, and stylistic in its approach to music-making. The electrified vocals resemble the same modifications by the group Air. A variety of musicians lend their talents to the mix founded by Frank Cueto and Rusty Belicek. You will hear Rubber Johnson, Neighbour, Think Tank, Mustafa Akbar, Empresarios, and Piper Davis. The disco-influences, funk-blended, giddy mix of electronica provides a good dance beat and electro-pop jam to get any parted started with ease. Jack Of All Trades aptly represents the varied musical genres inherent in the mix. For example, hip hop, rap, and nu-disco tunes heat up the album with loads of swag and style. The thirteen tracks are not for the faint of heart, as the beats are sure to get anyone moving. ~ Matthew Forss