Soul Fixin'

i feel a song.
"I'm not fool enough to ever think/That I could be the master of my fate/But it's up to me to choose my roads in life/Rocky may well be the ones I take..." read the lyrics to a 1974 song recorded by Gladys Knight & The Pips. 'The Need To Be', a poignant song of self affirmation, is included on the group's third Buddah Records release I Feel A Song. Gladys & The Pips made the switch to Buddah after leaving Detroit and Motown Records. A turn of events that is somewhat reflected in the aforementioned lyrics. Pure coincidence or deliberate intentions? Who knows. What is known is that Gladys Knight chose the right road. There have been a few bumps along the way,including the loss of a child & gambling addictions, but as the lyrics in 'The Need To Be' read, "There's the need to be something more than/Just a reflection of a man/I can't survive in someone's shadow/I need my own spot to stand..."

Soul Fixin'

the great debate.
Jermaine Jackson appeared at the BET Awards as an ambassador of the legacy of his late brother. He was also there to introduce the world to the "one tribute performance we've yet to see." Less than 24 hours later, the internet is abuzz with skepticism surrounding that "one tribute performance." The man behind the tribute was R&B heartthrob Chris Brown. On one side of the fence you have those who believe Chris' performance was a genuine display of raw emotion, the other side of the fence is full of people who believe the performance was a well orchestrated PR stunt. As a Mass Communications grad, I too detect Brown's tribute was a well orchestrated public relations stunt. His once bright career has been at a dangerous standstill since headlines across the world chronicled the unfortunate incident between Brown and then-girlfriend Rihanna. Chris Brown was set to perform in tribute to MJ during 2009's BET Award, BET execs had a change of heart at the last minute. That performance was to be the performance that put Chris Brown back on the map. One year later, Chris Brown had to do more than just perform. He had to pull a stunt that would leave viewers speechless, garner old and new fans alike, & be the talk of media outlets around the globe. He did just that. Kudos to his PR team. However, I believe Chris Breezy could have easily garnered a similar reaction without the tear-filled emotional breakdown. Clearly, as seen in the video below, his vocals aren't on par to sing certain MJ songs but he is a great dancer capable of fantastic MJ dance tribute. Plenty of performers are overcame with emotion but a true professional would sing and dance through any sea of emotions. Needless to say, Chris Brown is officially back.

Soul Fixin'

a king-sized disappointment.
While one high yellow brother who rose to popularity in the 80's delighted the masses last night, another one left us all a bit disappointed. A consummate performer and entertainer, Prince walked on stage and accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award without performing. What a disappointment! I reassured myself that BET would shake things up a bit and allow Prince to close the show. (That would have been a genius move.) I was wrong. There would be no performance by Prince. In my mind, Prince was to be the highlight of the show. The artist who will forever be known as Prince is an innovator, icon, legend, the list goes on and on. Why wouldn't he perform? BET's young audience was in need of a brief history listen, a storied history that stretches back to the 70's. They needed to witness the definition of an entertainer/musician/singer/performer. Prince is the quintessential embodiment of the aforementioned. I was hoping to post his performance but Alicia Keys' rendition of 'Adore' is a worthy substitution. Enjoy!

Soul Fixin'

what a surprise!
BET CEO Debra Lee warned viewers of a "comeback surprise" on the red carpet. Who had any idea that surprise would come in the form of Detroit native & Motown alum Eldra Patrick "El" DeBarge? The sultry falsetto soul singer, minus his famous siblings, appeared on-stage without introduction. Moments later, the figure dressed in black turned to the audience and began singing, "I've had some problems....." The falsetto was instantly recognizable. Legal troubles, drugs & prison behind him, El DeBarge pleased the BET audience with a medley of DeBarge faves including 'All This Love,' 'I Like It' & 'Rhythm of The Night.' Without a doubt, one of the night's highlights. Check it out and drop a few words in the comments section.

Soul Fixin'

something to soothe.
Let's start the workweek on a good note. How does a FREE Jill Scott mixtape sound? Courtesy of DJ Phaze & SoulBounce this mixtape is sure to provide some well-needed relief from a hot & hazy summer. Check out the tracklisting below and a teaser video for Jill's upcoming album.

TRACKS Free (Intro)..One Is The Magic #..Love Rain (Coffee Shop Mix) feat. Mos Def..Slide feat. Jeff Bradshaw..Breathe..Whenever You're Around..Insomnia..8 Minutes To Sunrise feat. Common..Hate On Me...Exclusively..Warm Up..Real Thing..He Loves Me (Lyzel In E Flat)..Gimme..Whatever (Scott Wozniak Mix)..Street Life (Scott Wozniak Mix)..The Real Thing..How's It Make You Feel..Only You..Said Enough feat. The Isley Brothers..Good Morning Heartache feat. Chris Botti..42nd Street Happenstance (Can't Explain)..Honey Molasses..My Love

download.

Soul Events

Soul Fixin'

a taste of chicago.
I guess I'm a day late and a dollar short when it comes to the music of BJ The Chicago Kid. I came across his videos on Vimeo and I'm quite impressed with the young cat from Chi-Town. According to his Vimeo page, he has worked with artists such as Mary Mary, Musiq Soulchild, Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, Usher, Mario, Mary J. Blige, and Jamie Foxx. An impressive array of artist, to say the least. Thanks to Google, I came across one of his mixtapes, A Taste Of Chicago. Click here to download A Taste of Chicago. In the meantime, check the videos below as BJ takes on classics from the likes of The Isley Brothers & Marvin Gaye.

Soul Tracks

I was introduced to Baby Huey and The Babysitters a few days ago after discovering John Legend & The Roots have released a cover of the band's Curtis Mayfield penned 'Hard Times.' I had to dig a little deeper. Surprisingly, the short-lived band was signed to Curtis Mayfield's Curtom Records, thanks largely to Donny Hathaway. The band's 400 pound front-man James Ramey, also known as Baby Huey, died of a heart attack shortly before the release of the band's debut album, The Baby Huey Story: The Living Legend, which somehow slipped through the cracks of soul music. (After Ramey's death, The Babysitters briefly employed a young Chaka Khan as their lead singer before disbanding). Following in the footsteps of Sly & The Family Stone, the band's sound was rooted in psychedelic soul. Baby Huey possessed a howling, wailing, voice that was as tender & sentimental as it was rough. The Baby Huey Story: The Living Legend featured several Curtis Mayfield compositions, as well as a brilliant cover of Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come.' Baby Huey & The Babysitters turned Cooke's enduring anthem into a psychedelic fueled soul sermon that combined rock, soul & gospel. Nine minutes and thirty one seconds later, Baby Huey & The Babysitters turn you into a believer.

Soul Fixin'

it's a shame.
Raphael Saadiq can do no wrong in my eyes. His last album, The Way I See It, is living proof. The Soul Man recently paired up with Levi's Pioneer Sessions, an effort to allow contemporary artist to record the songs that inspired their sounds. It's no surprise Mr. Saadiq picked the Stevie Wonder penned, Spinners' classic 'It's A Shame.' Raphael Saadiq fails to disappoint with this remake. It's not easy remaking a classic but Mr. Saadiq proved his self once again. Check out the remake below, it would be a shame not to.

Soul Events

never can say goodbye.

Celebrating MJ

DJ SPINNA

Spinning All MJ Exclusives, Covers, Samples, Remixes, etc…

&

A Special Screening Of The Film

"The Michael Jackson Show"

THE BK STUDIO LOFTS

525 Waverly Avenue

Brooklyn, NY

Soul Fixin'

blame it on the boogie.
The good folks at SoulBounce have cooked up some good ish in honor of the beloved Michael Jackson. The mixtape above, is the first in an SoulBounce exclusive series of MJ mixes. Summer of Michael Jackson, Vol 1: Sunshine takes a deep look at MJ's early Motown career as a member of the Jackson 5 and as a young, very young solo artist. Hurry up & download this gem.

Tracklisting:

Jackson 5 - ABC

//Michael Jackson - We're Almost There (DJ Spinna Remix)//

Jackson 5 Chained

//Michael Jackson - People Make the World Go Round//

Michael Jackson - Buttercup

//Michael Jackson - Rockin' Robin (Grant Phabao Remix)//

Michael Jackson - Rockin' Robin

//Jackson 5 - I Want To Take You Higher (Live)//

Jackson 5 - Can't Get Ready For Losing You//

//Michael Jackson - All the Things You Are//

Jackson 5 - It's Too Late To Change The Time

//Jackson 5 - Don't Know Why I Love You//

Jackson 5 - Don't Let Your Baby Catch You

//Jackson 5 - It's Great To Be Here//

Jackson 5 - Get It Together

//Jackson 5 - The Mirrors of My Mind//

Jackson 5 - Love Is the Thing You Need

//Jackson 5 - Who's Lovin' You (Live)//

download.

Soul Fixin'

remembering katherine & joe's son.
Are you in need of a MJ mixtape that spans a large portion of his illustrious, amazing career and features reworks, remixes and original MJ jams? Look no further, Lil' Dave of Philly's Ill Vibe Collective has created the perfect MJ mixtape. Download it and enjoy the sheer brilliance of Michael Joseph Jackson.

TRACKS/ Jackson 5 - I Want You Back (Ken Kobayashi intro)/ Jackson 5 - I'll Be There (Small Circle of Friends remix)/ Cro-Magnon - Never Can Say Goodbye/ Jackson 5 - Never Can Say Goodbye (Beatnick & K-Salaam remix)/ Jackson 5 - Never Can Say Goodbye (Neptunes remix)/ Jackson 5 - Dear Darling (DJ Muro remix)/ Zed Bias - I Can't Help It (Unreleased)/ Jackson 5 - I Wanna Be Where You Are (Dallas Austin remix)/ Grooveman Spot - Jelly Beans (Billie Jean)/ Jackson 5 - It's Great To Be Here (Kenny Dope remix)/ Jackson 5 - Get It Together (Umbo remix)/ Jackson 5 - Hum Along and Dance (United Future Organization remix)/ Jackson 5 - Life of the Party (Ian Saint Laurent Dub)/ Michael Jackson - Get On The Floor (Holy Ghost edit)/ Michael Jackson - Bad (The Captain remix)/ Michael Jackson - Rock With You (Ezel Remix)/ Michael Jackson - Rock With You (Masters At Work Remix)/ Michael Jackson - Lady In My Life (Timmy Regisford & Quentin Harris Remix)/ The Jacksons - Things I Do For You (Da Wiesel remix)/ Michael Jackson - Sunset Driver/ Michael Jackson - You Can't Win (The Wiz)/ Michael Jackson - Got the Hots/ Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (Demo Version)/ Michael Jackson - Shake You Body (Demo Version)/ The Jacksons - Surprise Song/ Michael Jackson - Love Never Felt So Good (Demo Version)

download.

Soul Fixin'

one year later.
Today marks one year. June 25, 2009 will always be remembered as the day Michael Jackson died. Losing Micheal has been, in a real sense, like losing a close relative. We all grew up alongside the music of MJ. His music transcended generational gaps. My 52 year older mother grew up listening to the soulful sounds of Michael and his brothers. She even dreamed of one day marrying Mike. Born six years after the release of Off The Wall and two years prior to Bad, the timeless music of Michael Jackson played throughout the soundtrack of my life, the life a child growing up in inner-city New York during the 90's.
Michael epitomized everything that was cool. There was a time when we all, boys & girls, wanted to be MJ. We wanted the black penny loafers, the black leather jacket, the glove, and the jeri curl! We can all remember our very first introduction to MJ and how we spent countless hours trying to imitate his signature dance moves. We can all remember when someone, having just discovered MJ's music, came to the playground and tried his or her best to duplicate MJ's dance moves, body and facial movements and vocal magic. Within a few minutes, a battle would ensue as everyone on the playground was trying to be just like Mike.

Believe it or not, the entire world speaks the same language, the enduring music of Michael Jackson.

Soul Fixin'

wake up everybody!

In case you don't already know, John Legend & The Roots have collaborated on a 60's & 70's soul inspired project. Wake Up, set to be released September 21, features 11 covers of soul's social & political anthems such as 'Wholly Holy' & 'Little Ghetto Boy.' Unfortunately, these songs are still relevant and in need of a new audience. Big up to John & The Roots crew for making it happen. Check out the video below, a live studio performance of Baby Huey and the Babysitters' 'Hard Times.'

Rapper's Delight

how we got over!

In case you haven't heard, The Roots are set to drop their 11th studio album, How I Got Over, next week. In anticipation of the new release, the band has hit us with this promo video. Sit back & take a look back with the help of Dr. King, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and others who helped us get over!

Rapper's Delight

happy born day!
“My mama always used to tell me: 'If you can't find somethin' to live for, you best find somethin' to die for.” -Tupac Shakur

Soul Fixin'

motown mixed up.

download

Check out DJ Expo's live Motown Tribute mix.

Random Sh*t

truth be told.
"They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. They also said the earth was flat. "THEY" say all type of sh*t!" -Erykah Badu

Soul Heaven

one of motown's finest.
Detroit native & former lead singer of the Temptations died yesterday. He was 58.

Former Temptation Dies [Detroit News]

Soul Fixin'

subway soul.

Believe it or not, some of NYC's best undiscovered, raw & uncut talent can be found hidden underground. I've had the pleasure of witnessing the man known as the 'Singing Dragon' do what he does best, sing in NYC's subway. Born Mitchell Hughes in South Carolina, the 'Singing Dragon' has been singing for NYC strap-hangers for years. With a voice reminiscent of soul legends such as Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett and Johnny Taylor, Mitchell Hughes possesses one of the subway's best voices. I've run into Mitchell on two separate Sunday nights at the 42nd Street/Port Authority station. He can also been seen & heard at the 59th Street/Columbus Circle station.