Artist Spotlight

I’ll try to update this weekly…maybe bi-weekly, but just a lil spot for me to showcase people I’ve seen/heard/come across who I feel may need a spotlight for whatever reason…Its my blog I do what I want

7.25.2009

Artist: Ebrahim

Website(s): Blog, Twitter

So I can’t even front like I’ve been up on this guy Ebrahim for over 30 minutes…because I haven’t been LOL but in that 30 minutes I’ve become somewhat of an e-stan for him…watched all his YouTube videos and am 40% done downloading his mixtape which is available on his blog HERE. Due credit should be given to The Music Man (aka my Pandora) for turning me on to Eeb, normally I don’t do further investigation on the artists he sends me but…call it a revolution-I took initiative!  I’m gonna have to follow him on twitter just in case he is the Songz type to release tracks randomly throughout life…Check him out!!! First thing I did was showed MT-damn I wish I created music like this.

5.5.2009

Artist: MT

Website: www.youtube.com/MTtheGreat

Can’t even lie, alcohol and Twitter brought us together LOL, but I do what I can to put on for the up-and-coming or the ‘low key’ artists because mainstream music ain’t about S these days…MT has birthed The Soundtrack to Greatness and has been working on it since I met him, and for a considerable amount of time before.  Sooo what is it? The album is completely instrumental with scenes from relevent and recognizable movies over them. Here’s a track sample from MT to you guys: What Is Love? Can you guess what movie that is?? I’m pretty excited to hear the rest of the album. The What is Love single made me think of this song “The Panties” by Mos Def-the vibe of it, very chill…like maybe I should be somewhere with dim lights smokin somethin having intellectual debates a la Love Jones-and yall know how I feel about THAT movie So, support the kid, check out his YouTube and stay tuned for more Greatness! Hmm wonder if I can persuade him to do an album all about love…wonder how much work that takes? Hell maybe he’s already started on it? Guess we gotta wait and see!

4.13.2009

Artist: Chrisette Michele

Website: Chrisette’s Myspace

Ok so I first heard Chrisette Michele randomly while browsing MySpace many moons ago. I tried to download and search for anything I could find after hearing her unique sound singing Nas hooks, but came up short. Then back in 2007 she released her first solo effort I Am. Randomly my friend The Dreamer and I went to this live music set in Nashville called LoveNoise and that’s actually where I first heard Josiah Bell (see below)…The flyers on the table advertised for a concert in two weeks for Miss Chrisette Michele and I was too amped. After listening to all her random tracks, including the single If I Have My Way I was hooked and couldn’t wait to see her in concert. Needless to say been a fan for a LONG time!!!  She has a new album coming out on May 5th and her first single is the title track Ephipany, I heard it in the car the other day and while its lighter and not a ballad I was still jamming. This woman is super talented.  Tracks of noted from I Am are Golden, Your Joy, If I Have My Way, and Mr. Radio, but honestly I can put this CD in and play it on repeat and not be tired of it for days on end.  Check out the vid for her 1 of her many love song classics below:

3.11.2009

Artist: Asher Roth

Website: Asher’s Myspace & www.TheDailyKUSH.com

Asher Roth was introduced to my by my friend K and Knoxville’s 104.5 radio lol. Last weekend I went back to my old alma mater and this song was in heavy rotation on the radio. At first I thought it was Eminem, but after a bit of google research I found good old Asher Roth’s MySpace page…I was greeted by his verse over the A-milli beat which is always ballsy but I ended up loving it. Asher is like the anti-College dropout who just happens to sound more like Em than Jay and probably has a habit to rival that of Snoop’s…I mean the title of his debut CD is Asleep in the Bread Aisle gotta find the humor in that.  Go check out his MySpace and laugh your ‘face’ off at his lyrics that read like your favorite blog over your favorite beat.  And yes, I do recommend www.TheDailyKUSH.com where you can download his mixtape that he did with DJ Cannon and the Infamous DJDrama….shit’s sick son…Bringin hip hop into the burbs.  You heard it from me, if TRL was still poppin off this kid would be #1 into retirement.

2.20.2009

Artist: Brandon Hines (singer/song writer)

Website: Brandon Hines & YouTube page

So B.Hines is what I’d like to call ‘after the club’ music. Back in U-grad my friend Ty turned me on to his song Overdose which went into over-drive when needing to wind down after the club before you went into cake mood with your boo.  Brandon’s music has the raspy rawness of Anthony Hamilton with nicely laced beats and true life love lyrics.  Its the perfect blend of soul, R&B, and hip hop but not in an overdone way. Right now I think he just has one cd Love Music…Falling in|Falling out but hopefully he will be getting to work soon on touring and dropping something new.  I’m anxious, but in the meantime please check out his YouTube page and his MySpace and send him messages of love to let him know he has a fan base!!!

Here’s B singing my fav. Ursh song “Can you help me”

And here are the lyrics to OVERDOSE the hottest hottest ‘cakin’ song ever in life!!!

[Verse 1:]
Lately my soul’s been aching
It’s like I’m stuck in this state of complacency
I love her with my whole heart
But we can’t escape the fight
We break up, then make up the next night
Our relationship lacks trust
But neither one of us
Can seem to walk away
‘Cause we’re enveloped in this lust
And I know I won’t leave, ’cause the sexual chemistry
Takes over her and me, and then I hear her scream
She says,

[Chorus:]
Don’t stop now
Baby my love’s about to come down
And you know you got my head spinnin’ ’round
And then I yell I won’t stop now
Girl I’m ’bout to overdose on your love
Damn baby this is the perfect drug

[Verse 2:]
She is my blessing and again she is my curse
She make me smile and turn around and make me hurt,
Tell me how do I walk away from someone I love so much
Especially if I get weak just from her touch
She knows just what to do to keep me coming back
Starts off with foreplay, then she’s ready to attack
And I wonder how she did it ’cause she got the best of me,
If pain is pleasure then she takes me to ecstacy
Screaming…

[Chorus:]
Don’t stop now
Baby my love’s about to come down
And you know you got my head spinnin’ ’round
And then I yell I won’t stop now
Girl I’m ’bout to overdose on your love
Baby you’re my perfect drug

[Break:]
I’m addicted to your hugs
I’m addicted to your touch
Don’t matter what you do girl
‘Cause I’m addicted to you love (Oooooo)
It don’t matter if we fuss or fight
‘Cause we gon’ make up every night
Keep on doing what you do
‘Cause I’m gon’ give it to you right (Oooooo)
Love the way you tease me
Love the way you please me
You ain’t goin nowhere,
’cause we both know you need me (Oooooo)
It don’t even matter babe, whatever you heard
All I wanna hear you say is those three words
Screamin…

[Chorus:]
Don’t stop now
Baby my love’s about to come down
And you know you got my head spinnin’ ’round
And then I yell I won’t stop now
Girl I’m ’bout to overdose on your love
Baby you’re my perfect drug

Don’t stop now
Baby my love’s about to come down
And you know you got my head spinnin’ ’round
And then I yell I won’t stop now
Girl I’m ’bout to overdose on your love…

1.14.2009

Artist: Ledisi (Neo-soul singer/performer)

Website: www.Ledisi.com

So Ledisi had me a while ago with her song, Autumn Leaves and normally I’m not a fan of people redoing old classics, but I had to give it to my girl.  She also did that for In a Sentimental Mood I find myself listening to the original-instrumental- and singing her words.  I’d absolutely love to see her live and everytime I’m in New Orleans (my fav. city of all time) I wonder if she might be somewhere in the Quarter gaining fans…Anyway she just did a Christmas cd called Its Christmas and while I’m particular about what I choose to hear during the holiday season, one song changed my mind- What are you doing new year’s eve…BUY THE CD for that track but here’s a taste of what you’re missing Oh and the reason this post is late (i.e. after the fact) is because I just GOT the cd for Christmas lol otherwise I would’ve posted earlier!!! Either way you won’t regret it it’ll surely be neo-soul christmas classic

12.30.2008

Artist: Josiah Bell (neo-soul/electronic singer & song-writer)

Website:JoSiAhBeLl

I date my love-affair with Josiah Bell’s music back to August 2007 when I first heard his song You and I.  To my knowledge JB hasn’t relased an LP but he did do an EP a while ago that I downloaded, however you can find his music on his myspace page along with links to download or listen.  Its fantastic, like a mix of kanye’s 808 sound with john legend but better. You can find him performing around the Nashville live music scene, like I did (holla LoveNoise) and you can beg him to release a CD so that the world can know and love his music. Plus I met him and he’s mad cool-like seriously (and a cutie) Check Out Josiah!!!!!!! Here’s a YouTube vid of my favorite song:

And yes he does sound THAT GOOD live. Many artists these days need smoke and lights to put on a show. How many can pour their soul on the stage and just sing their hearts out and leave the audience feeling spent and invigorated?  NOT MANY! check him out I urge you.

12.20.2008

The Ting Tings

Artist: The Ting Tings

Website: www.TheTingTings.com

Here’s a group who I can say I wouldn’t know about if it weren’t for my sister. My mom has a thing about downloading music on her computer, aka she won’t. So for my sisters-I’ll get itunes for the pods and such. Well my sister kept singing their iPOD commerical hit Shut up and let me go and begged me to download their songs. Usually I’ll just download like 8 songs at a time, so I did. And the kids loved it. My sisters are 7 & 12 and in the afternoons sometimes we totally have dance parties, no I’m not ashamed. Anyway this was fun music that WASN’T on the Disney Channel so that alone made me happy. This Brit pop band struck gold when they were featured in the iPOD commercials but then the other night when their song That’s not my name was featured in the VS Fashion show, it was over. Their YouTube hits have lk doubled. Anyway its great music to work out two, get your runway walk on, just good upbeat feel great music. Songs of note are: Fruit Machine, That’s not my name, Be the one, and We Started Nothing which is the title track from their CD.  Check em out.

Fruit Machine (my fav) from We Started Nothing by The Ting Tings

You keep playing me like a fruit mach-ine
Puttin’ in change systematically
Winning streak that you had over me
It’s turned into your broken tragedyTurn your pockets out onto the street
Now you see you’ve spent it all on me!
You see my true colors out of sink
Now your skin is a pair of sympathies

You’ve hit the bottom one hundred times before
Now feel the fever as I leave you wanting more
You thought you could turn and walk away
Taking chances that weren’t yours to take

When I don’t think so my foolish boy
Watch the next one taking all the joy
Hold me, nudge me, spinning me around
Where’s the money?
Can’t hear the clicking!

Ker-ching, Ker-ching
Ker-ching, Ker-ching
Ker-ching, Ker-ching
Ker-ching, Ker-ching

You keep playing me like a fruit mach-ine
Overstretch your gen-er-o-si-ty
For our band, it’s leading you astray
The little we had…
You’ve thrown it all away!

Go! Go! Go! (Yeah you’re on a role)
Go! Go! Go! (Yeah you’re on a low)
Go! Go! Go!

You find it hard to stop it yeah
You’re running like a steam train
Oh I like the way that you do that
Where’s the money?
Can’t hear the clicking!

Ker-ching, Ker-ching
Ker-ching, Ker-ching

Go!

[Instrumental]

You-keep-play-ing-me-like-a-fruit-mach-ine
You-keep-play-ing-me-like-a-fruit-mach-ine
You-keep-play-ing-me-like-a-fruit-mach-ine
You-keep-play-ing-me-like-a-fruit-mach-ine

Ker-ching, Ker-ching, oh!
Ker-ching, Ker-ching
Ker-ching, Ker-ching

Oh, you find it hard to stop it yeah
You’re running like a steam train

Ker-ching, Ker-ching
Ker-ching, Ker-ching

You-keep-playing-me-like-a-fruit-mach-ine!

12.16.2008

STOKLEY!!!! from Mint Condition

Mint Condition (Instrumental/Live music R&B Group)

Website: www.MintConditionMusic.com

First off this is a personal picture of Stokley from a concert I attended in August in Nashvegas and this is one of the BEST concerts I’ve ever been to in my life. Period. The. End. I love live music, and Stokley literally put down the mike to go sit behind the drums!!! I don’t even want to talk about their new CD E-Life because it speaks for itself and goes without saying that Mint Condition is FANTASTIC!!!!  Click the pic to hear their latest single Nothing Left to say and below are some video (of mine) from their concert of their back in the day joints like Pretty Brown Eyes, and You Send Me (swinging) LOOOOOOOOVE them, and Stoke said, “don’t burn this we gotta earn this” so make sure you purchase their latest via iTUNES or Amazon or in store and request their song on the radio and if you get a chance go see them in concert!!! You won’t regret it!!!!

Nothing Left To Say by Mint Condition E-Life

The words so strong
At least at the beginning
Who wouldve thought
there’d ever be an ending
We had it all
But it’s like we’ve run into a wall

Now we try to talk
but just end up fighting
try making up
but there’s just no denying
Jus’ ain’t the same no more
what are we putting ourselves through all this for

you talk and hear me
but you can’t communicate
cause you’re not lis’ning
know these are two differnt things
now I see what it means to have been
blinded by the one you love so deeply
cause,

The very things that made me love you
are the things pushing me away (now)
in tears we stand here
with nothing left to say

And all I could do for you
I should’ve done before (now)
In tears we stand here
There’s nothing left to say

You touch’d my heart
and were so givin
spare it so free
you threw me in it
I fell so deep
I could not see my life
without you in it

Girl you gave me
alot of attention
Somehow the feeling turned
into crazy possessive
It was always there
But I didn’t look deeper
If I would’ve I’da seen the limits

You talk and hear me
but you can’t communicate
cause you’re not lis’ning
know these are two differnt things
now I see what it means to have been
blinded by the one you love so deeply

I had my pride girl
and you had your pain
so deep inside you
wanted to have your say
irritated, frustrated and hurt
baby this is so confusing
cause I thought this was the one thing for sure

The very things that made me love you
are the things pushing me away (now)
in tears we stand here
with nothing left to say

And all I could do for you
I should’ve done before (now)
In tears we stand here
There’s nothing left to say

Bridge

We should have our words
to try and encourage
us to find a way
cause there’s nothing left to say

The very things that made me love you
are the things pushing me away (now)
in tears we stand here
with nothing left to say

And all I could do for you
I should’ve done before (now)
In tears we stand here
There’s nothing left to say

Conya Doss

Conya Doss (Neo-Soul Singer/ Songwriter)

Website: www.conyadoss.com

So…while Conya Doss certainly isn’t new to the music game, she’s been heavy in rotation for me lately. This week it was a toss up between her and Ledsi but I chose Conya for one reason…the song “Heaven”.  To date she has four cds her latest being Still which was released in April of 2008.  Tracks of interest are: How about us, Let me Love you, Can’t Stop, and What’d I do. But to be honest, I heard her 1st album just recently, which is A Poem about Ms. Doss (which was actually release in 2002 and then REreleased this year) and that is where “Heaven” is found….LOVES IT. Honestly she’s the kind of artist you just put on and mellow to.  Conya IS neo-soul. Period.

Since I don’t have any lyrics to post…I’ll post two songs, 1st Heaven and then one from her current CD!  Enjoy, oh and all of her cds are available via amazon.com!!!!

T.I. (Rapper)

Website: www.trapmuzik.com/

This is as mainstream as I’ll probably ever get on my Artist Spotlight, BUT, being an Atlanta native and connoisseur of good music I had to spotlight TIP.  So in my humble opinion I have been a T.I. fan on the decline since he got mainstream.  I think most ATL natives can agree that I’m Serious is ATLclassic and the rest are mediocre at best, not lacking in club music or radio hits but not the same TIP. Even his voice had changed. (If you don’t believe me download What’s Yo Name and You Don’t Know Me and listen). Now having said all that, Paper Trail is a return to the TIP I know and LOVE.  The one from MY hood (Bankhead ****a) the King of the South.  Just listen to the last verse of Livin Your Life and you’ll be sold.  Songs of interest are Swagger Like Us the best rap song of the year, hands down the Carter what? Livin Your Life my man is a slick lyricist.   And of course No Matter What…The King is back.

*P.S. I got a copy from a dear friend who works w/ T.I. make sure you iTUNES or buy the CDs!!

T.I. Paper Trail

Livin Your Life

(Rihanna):
You’re gonna be a shining star, in fancy clothes, and fancy car-ars.
And then you’ll see, you’re gonna go far,
Cause everyone knows, just who you are-are.
So live your life, ay ay ay.
Your steady chasing that paper,
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
You got no time for no hata’s
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
No telling where it’ll take ya,
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
Cause I’m a paper chaser,
Just living my life (Ay!), my life (Oh!), my life (Ay!), my life(Oh!),
just living my life (Ay!), my life (Oh!), my life (Ay!), my life(Oh!),
just living my life

Nevermind what haters say, ignore them ’til they fade away.
Amazing they ungreat for after all the game I gave away.
Safe to say I paved the way, for you cats to get paid today.
You still be wasting days away, nah had I never saved the day.
Consider them my protégé, how much I think they should pay.
Instead of being gracious, they violated and made you wait.
I never been a hater still I love them, yeah I graze the way.
Some say they so yay and no they couldn’t even work on Labor day.
It aint that they black or white, their hands of area in shades of grey.
I’m West side anyway, even if I left the day it fades away.
Some move away to make a way not move away cause they afraid.
I’ll go back to the hood and all you ever did was hate away.
I pray for patience but they make me want to face away.
Like I once made them scream, now I could make them plead their case away.
Been thuggin’ all my life, can’t say I don’t deserve to take a break.
If you ever see me catch a case, and watch my future fade away.

(Rihanna):
You’re gonna be a shining star, in fancy clothes, and fancy car-ars.
And then you’ll see, you’re gonna go far,
Cause everyone knows, just who you are-are.
So live your life, ay ay ay.
Your steady chasing that paper,
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
You got no time for no hata’s
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
No telling where it’ll take ya,
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
Cause I’m a paper chaser,
Just living my life

(T.I.):
I’m the opposite of moderate, immaculately polished with the spirit of a hustler and the swagger of a college kid.
Allergic to the counterfeit, impartial to the politics.
Articulate but still would grab a nigga by the collar quick.
Whoever had problems, they reckonsile they just holla ’til.
If that don’t work and just fails, then turn around and follow ’til.
I got love for the game but ay, I’m not in love with all of it.
I do without the fame and the rappers nowadays are comedy.
The hootin’ and the hollerin’, back and forth with the argueing.
Where you from, who you know, what you make and what kind of car you in.
Seems as though you lost sight of whats important with the positive.
And checks until your bank account, and you’re about poverted.
Your values is a disarrayed, prioritized are horribly.
Unhappy with the riches cause you pis-pone morraly.
Ignoring all prior advice and fore warning.
And we might be full of ourselves all of a sudden, aren’t we?

(Chorus)

Jazmine Sullivan (Singer/Songwriter)

Website(s):www.jazminesullivanmusic.com and http://www.myspace.com/jazminesullivan

So I’m gonna be honest, her radio single Need You Bad didn’t catch my attention at all.  Two of my friends had it as a text alert and I was like WHAT is this song and who is this singing?!  It wasn’t until I heard her sing In love with another man that I was hooked. The more songs I found from her the more I got hooked because essentially she’s a neosoul artist, she even has tracks with Kindred the Family Soul and Floetry that you could throw in with  Dwele’s Without You and never miss a beat.  Songs of interest are Bust ya Windows, if only for the band arrangement in the back but it’s radio friendly not my favorite but people will like it…Lions, and Tigers, and Bears which is a FABULOUS track with such potent lyrics I had to listen to it twice…and Silent Tears which is a kind of love lost/unrequitted love song. Its beautiful it’ll make you call the one you’ve been jonesin on.  All in all I’d download it off iTUNES because this week its only 7.99, its worth every cent!

*If you don’t get chills you’re dead*

Jazmine Sullivan Fearless

In Love With Another Man

If I could, could forget him
I would, please believe me
And I know that I should throw the towel in
But baby it’s not, not that easy, hey
You treat me so much better than him
And if I was sane there’d be no competition
But, I’m in love with someone else
And I’m so sorry
I’m in love with another man
And I know it ain’t right

You should go and find someone else
Who could treat you right
Give you the world
Someone who understands the man you are cause
baby you shine so bright
And I would just dim your star
A girl who’ll treat you like you treat them
Boy I know there’s plenty women
Who would love to have a man like you
But I’m in love with someone else…
I’m so sorry baby
I know I ain’t right…no no no no no no
For what I did to you baby

I can’t explain why it’s him and not you
[no no no no no]
But at the end of the day baby I just don’t want to
Cause he ain’t no doctor
And we always seem to fight, he got the perfect body
And sometimes he don’t even treat me right
Oh but when I’m with him, but when I’m with him
When I’m with him, ain’t nobody else like it
I’m so sorry baby that I have to do this to you
But I can’t go on pretending
Cause I love him, I love him
And I’m so sorry…do you hear me?
I’m so sorry but I love that man
I love that man…
He ain’t always right, but he’s just right for me

I’m in love with another man…
and I’m so sorry…hey
But I love someone else…

Solange (Singer/ Songwriter)

Website(s): www.solangemusic.com/    and www.myspace.com/solange

Ok so I’m sure some of you may have vague memories of S-o-l-o-s-t-a-r or maybe your opinion of Solange has been formed around repeated listening to The Proud Family theme song but I beg you to give another listen.  She wrote/co-wrote every song on her new album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams and I’m telling you its amazing. I’ve been listening to it nonstop, I even made a mix tape with her and Janelle Monae because I think they both have such unique fresh sounds. Its not the same old ignorant club bounce your ass music. Its real music, its like pop neo soul.  Songs of interest: “Would’ve been the one” “T.O.N.Y” “Fuck you, signed sincerely” and “Valentine’s Day” but honestly the entire cd is good and the opener (see below) has you hooked from the jump.  I’m officially a fan.  And once you read all her interviews and myspace/blogs/etc. I think you might even like her better than her big sis.

Solange Knowles Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams

God Given Name

Get me Get me out of this box
I feel so claustrophobic in here
Leave your labels leave with no patience
Hear my voice and fill with your ears
I’m no soul girl equipped with no afro.
I’m just my god given name.

I’m not becoming expectation
I’m not her and never will be
Two girls gone in different direction
Striving towards the same galaxy
Let my star light shine on its own
No I’m no sister.
I’m just my god given name

And I’m sorry if this planet that I’m living on is quizzical.
My lyrical ambition some times dont ring a bell
I’m sorry if my visual don’t lie to put my feelings
And my physical exhibit doesn’t represent me well
I’m sorry if I’m curious, delirious and I don’t take life serious

I’m here at the life of a million debts.
And I’m sorry if I’m talking shit.
But I really do mean well

We gotta long long moon to glow
Hadley’s the long road to travel
I gotta dream to keep my eye open (2x)

We got so long to go
We got so far to go
Hadley’s the long road
Hadley’s the long road
God given name

The Roots (Conscious Rap Artists/Instrumentalists)

Website: www.TheRoots.com

For anyone who is not familiar, please I beg of you get familiar. Their album “Things Fall Apart” is classic, I’m sure most people are familiar with the single “You got me” which featured Erykah Badu, this was from back in the day like 1999. They have a new CD out called, “Rising Down” so I urge you to spend the ten dollars on iTUNES and add it to your ipod…songs of interest: “unwritten” “Get Busy and “75 bars”  The vid. below is “You got me (live)” which is with Jill Scott rather than Erykah Badu who sang on the radio released version…Jill actually wrote Erykah’s part and is a Philly native just like Eve and The Roots so I picked that one…Ill music from Illadelphia!

And here are some lyrics..really this is poetry set to beauitful LiVe instrumentals…

The Roots, “You Got Me”

If you were worried ’bout where
I been or who I saw or
what club I went to with my homies
baby don’t worry you know that you got me[Black Thought]
Somebody told me that this planet was small
we use to live in the same building on the same floor
and never met before
until I’m overseas on tour
and peep this ethiopian queen from philly
taking classes abroad
she studying film and photo flash focus record
said she workin on a flick and
could my click do the score
she said she loved my show in paris
at Elysee Montmartre
and that I stepped off the stage
and took a piece of her heart
we knew from the start that
things fall apart, intentions shatter
she like that shit don’t matter
when I get home get at her
through letter, phone, whatever
let’s link, let’s get together
shit you think not, think the Thought went home and forgot
time passed, we back in philly now she up in my spa
tellin me the things I’m tellin her is makin her hot
startin buildin with her constantly round the clock
now she in my world like hip-hop
and keep tellin me

[Chorus]

[Black Thought]
Yo, I’m the type that’s always catchin a flight
and sometimes I gotta be out at the height of the night
and that’s when she flip and get on some ‘ol

[Eve]
Another lonely night
seems like I’m on the side you only loving your mic
I know you gotta get that paper daddy keep that shit tight
but yo I need some sort of love in my life, you dig me
while politicin with my sister from new york city
she said she know this ball player and he think I’m pretty
Psych, I’m playin boo, you know it’s just wit you I’m stayin boo
and when cats be poppin game I don’t hear what they sayin boo
when you out there in the world, I’m still your girl
with all my classes I don’t have the time for life’s thrills
so when you sweatin on stage think of me when you rhyme
and don’t be listenin to your homies they be leavin you blind

[Black] Yeah, so what you sayin I can trust you?
[Eve] Is you crazy, you my king for real
[Both] But sometimes relationships get ill
[Eve] No doubt

[Chorus]

[Black Thought]
Thet snake could be that chick
and that rat could be that cool cat
that’s whispering “she tryin to play you for the fool Black”
if something’s on your chest then let it be known
see I’m not your every five minutes all on the phone
and on the topic of trust, it’s just a matter of fact
that people bite back and fracture what’s intact
and they’ll forever be I ain’t on some “oh I’m a celebrity”
I deal with the real so if it’s artificial let it be
I’ve seen people caught in love like whirlwinds
listening to they squads and listening to girlfriends
that’s exactly the point where they whole world ends
lies come in, that’s where that drama begins, she like

Janelle Monae (singer/songwriter)

Website: www.janellemonae.com

I don’t even remember how I came across her but the songs Letting Go, and Sincerely, Jane got me hooked and the next thing I knew I’d myspaced/ iTUNES’d/ project playlisted until I’d listened to probably every song she’s put out to date and I haven’t gotten sick of her yet…Below are the lyrics to Sincerely, Jane and a link to listen to the song on YouTube…enjoy!

Left the city, my momma she said don’t come back home
These kids round’ killin each other, they lost they minds, they gone
They quittin’ school, making babies and can barely read
Some gone off to their fall, lord have mercy on them
One, two, three, four, your cousins is round’ here sellin’ dope
While they’re daddies, your uncle is walking round’ strung out
Babies with babies, and their tears keep burning, while their dreams go down the drain now

Are we really living or just walking dead now?
Or dreaming of a hope riding the wings of angels
The way we live
The way we die
What a tragedy, I’m so terrified
Day dreamers please wake up, we can’t sleep no more

Love don’t make no sense, ask your neighbor
The winds have changed; it seems they have abandoned us
The truth hurts, and so does yesterday
What good is love if it burns bright, and explodes in flames
(I thought every little thing had love but uhh)

Are we really living or just walking dead now?
Or dreaming of a hope riding the wings of angels
The way we live
The way we die
What a tragedy, I’m so terrified
Day dreamers please wake up, we can’t sleep no more

I’ve seen them shootin’ up funerals in they Sunday clothes
Spending money on spinners but won’t pay college loans
And all you gangers and bangers rollin’ dice and taking lives, in a smokey dark
Lord have mercy on you
Teacher, teacher please reach those girls in them videos
The little girls just broken Queen, confusing bling for soul
Danger, there’s danger when you take off your clothes, all your dreams go down the drain girl

Are we really living or just walking dead now?
Or dreaming of a hope riding the wings of angels
The way we live
The way we die
What a tragedy, I’m so terrified
Day dreamers please wake up, we can’t sleep no more

We live and then we die, and we never know the right
So now, now were gone now, on your mark
We live and then we die, and we never touch the sky
So now, now were gone now, on your mark

Five, seven, eight, two, one
It is now time, for you to come home my dear
You’ve been gone long enough
You must come, you must go

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