*Swoon*

Jesse Boykins III !!!
On his youtube page, someone commented that JB III is the next Bilal. A lot of comparisons like that could be made, he could really be the next big voice in neo soul. But I say it’s more accurate to call him the next D’Angelo, because along with the amazing voice, he’s also sexy as hell. Really though.

Buy his album (actually it’s more like an EP, only 20 minutes) from his myspace; it's well worth it. He’s doing the smart thing for artists now, meaning he's putting music out without the help of labels. And check out his version of Andre’s “Prototype” from The Love Below. That might be one of my favorite lyrics ever: (“I hope that you’re the one / If not, you are the prototype”)

Laura Zepam 8: Chin Chin Album Release Party

The album is out, buy it here from iTunes or here from Def Jux... I can't post any music, but I insist that you check out Chin Chin's myspace. Watch the videos, find out if they're coming to your town, and thank me later.

I’ve written about Chin Chin a few times, but I have not yet fully made my point. I told you they got signed to Def Jux, but did I mention that they’re the first non-hip-hop act on Def Jux? They’re kind of a big deal. The molten core of Chin Chin is Torbitt (drums), Jeremy (bass) and Wilder (vocals/keys). These 3 guys write the music; it's clear that they are big fans of the dramatic pause. [Break!] But it’s also clear that they’ve been well trained to eat, sleep and breathe music. Last night they were in full effect with a 10-piece band.

I didn’t think Chin Chin could possibly be any better, until they introduced the extra singer, Jesse Boykins III. I saw Jesse with Chin Chin once before, a long time ago, and I was completely blown away by his voice. It’s dripping with soul. Then he appeared again last night. Now he’s getting his own feature post here, soon, after I’ve thoroughly soaked in his solo material.

Ok now some notes for the band:

Torbitt: That stunt where you seamlessly switched places with Tada in the middle of a song was very impressive. But, given the skill you’ve demonstrated in the past, I wasn’t all that surprised to find out you’re awesome at guitar. If you really wanna impress me by picking up another instrument, next time try a didgeridoo.

Wilder: I mean this in the best way possible. Last night, you reminded me of Justin Timberlake. It’s the inexplicable white boy funk, the goofy energy, and the lost-in-music facial expressions, which I could write a whole ‘nother post about. And don’t underestimate your sex appeal (ie restrict your facial hair antics, and keep that decent haircut! Do it for the groupies).

Jeremy: I think you should make a habit of standing on your amp, like you did for a minute last night. You and your basslines deserve to be elevated, when Tada gets all that guitar solo glory and Wilder gets all them groupies.

Girl's Best Friend

J Dilla "Diamonds" (produced by Nottz)
J Dilla "Trucks"
J Dilla / Kanye West "We F'd Up /Pay Jay"

Holy shit, New Dilla! Check this blog (Universoul Productions) for info about these tracks and the possiblity of a new Dilla album Pay Jay coming out on MCA... The generous poster at Universoul Productions also posted another beautiful track, with Bilal and Pete Rock, from this supposed album.
"Trucks" is bonkers- Dilla & Gary Numan's "Cars"!?!?!?! Maybe MCA will actually pay the sampling fee and it'll actually come out, but somehow I doubt it.

Escape in the Sound

1. I got this new Foxy Brown track and I can’t help posting it with this picture of her, which was already on Nah Right and Idolator and Young, Black and Fabulous a few days ago. “Take em to church Mo”
Foxy Brown ft Lil Mo - Bulletproof Love/One Love (From Brooklyn's Don Diva)

2. Atmosphere's When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold came out this week and it's good. Once again I hate myself for loving Slug. The song "In Her Music Box" is so great though. Here's the American Apparel ad video for "Shoulda Known"

Go here to Okayplayer discussions about the album -- Slug/SeanDaley himself is in there responding to questions from fans.

3. Also at Okayplayer: a ton of promotion for the new Roots album, Rising Down, including this video featuring Chrisette Michelle and Wale, and some Roots blogging.


4. The Foxy Brown and the Atmosphere were brought to you by the beautiful people at Break the Crates. If you are a digital DJ, get your ass over there so you can have new music before any one else. There's so much to download and so little time.



5. I can't write a post about new music without at least mentioning Gnarls Barkley. The Odd Couple is out now. It's obvious: Cee-lo Green=Soul Machine. Buy it.

Deep Meditation

*Happy 420*
Linval Thompson- I Love Marijuana (from Blunted in the Bomb Shelter)
Barrington Levy- Sensimelia (from Blunted in the Bomb Shelter)

Then Again

Can't write, just listen.
All respect due to the mighty Gilles Peterson.
Tawiah- Watch Out (from Brownswood Bubblers 2)

It's Kinda Live

1. Lately I’ve been caught up in music that isn’t really my style, mostly gangster rap and mash-ups (a Stack Bundles post might be coming anyway). But this new J-Live album is bringing me back; this is my kinda music. I love how he explains himself on the first track “One to 31,” divulging details like his total combined album sales, and why he looks so fucked up on the album cover. A handful of the songs are momentous on their own, ("We Are" and "Simmer Down" for example) but buying the full album will be well worth it. I’m so grateful for this. Again I'm feeling a little hope for hip hop.
J Live- Be No Slave (from Then What Happened)
Then What Happened will be available by the end of May here from BBE, & the EP is available now.

2. Guilty Simpson’s Ode to the Ghetto is another new one giving me hope. Beats by Madlib, Oh No and Black Milk + Guilty = me acting like a fool in the subway. Here's a video from the single "Get Riches" (The explicit version is "Get Bitches") produced by Mr. Porter:

3. Donny Goines Donny Goines Donny Goines! If you didn't get his album I highly recommend it, three times. I guess you readers are generally not big A&R executives, but just in case you are, here's a special message to you: Either sign Donny Goines already, or give me money to start a label, so I can sign him myself.
Despite the lack of label support, he's got another EP coming soon. Download his stuff for free here and check out his myspace for more.
Donny Goines- Play out in the Rain produced by Remot
Donny Goines- The Ghetto Life Prod. by The Graduates

4. Soul Psycho update: Yes, my profile picture changed. The old picture (above) is Kristen Bell, who’s coming up now with Heroes and Gossip Girl and that big movie with the ads all over the place. The old picture, which got me so many hoots, hollers and date invitations was a promo pic from the best short-lived series ever to air on UPN and the CW, Veronica Mars. Lily Kane isn’t my real name either, it’s stolen from said show, which starred Kristen Bell. The new picture is me, showing off hiding under my Dilla hat so I can continue talking shit anonymously. I understand you may feel betrayed, but know that I'm still Lily to you. And the tone is still a smiling sshhhhhh. It's also: I got a Dilla hat, awww yeahhh.