R&B has experienced a bit of a renaissance lately. Artists like Frank Ocean, The Weeknd, and Miguel have been able to breathe new life into the genre in recent years, and now because of the internet we have more talent to choose from than ever before. In order to properly pay tribute to all these new faces in the business, we’ve put together a little soul mix for you to listen to while you wind down your weekend. Now this is unexplored territory for us, so we can’t promise it’ll be a weekly series just yet, but we’ll do our best to keep it consistent. In the meantime, we’d like to kick things off right with an extremely talented group of artists, including names like JMSN, Jhené Aiko, Bipolar Sunshine, Sampha, The Weeknd, Tei Shi and many more! We promise you won’t be disappointed, so kick back, relax, plug your headphones in and immerse yourself in the sweet melodies and smooth grooves provided by tonight’s entertainment.
The Music Ninja Presents: Sunday Night Soul
[Chill] Jhené Aiko – Stay Ready (What A Life) (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)
Stay Ready (What A Life) (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
Following the release of her “Bed Peace” single and video, LA singer/songwriter Jhené Aiko drops a new gem this Monday. The single “Stay Ready (What A Life)” is another rap-assisted track with Kendrick Lamar stepping up to the plate and delivering some bars over a chilled-out instrumental. Aiko keeps her usual sound of mellow vibes, soft vocals, and raw lyrics. She still has the ability to keep it sexy no matter what she belts out and the verse from Lamar adds a little lightness to the moody single. This is yet another release off her excellent Sail Out EP, available now on iTunes.
[Album Review] Drake – Nothing Was the Same
More than just the Adele of the rap game, Drake‘s ability to convey both sensitive and egotism with an ear for solid bars with catchy hooks have made him one of the highest selling artists in the industry. In just 4 years, the actor turned unlikely rapper/singer has achieved more with just 3 albums than most artists accomplish in a lifetime in the industry: sold out shows, millions of records, Grammy’s, and chart-topping singles. Now that Kanye West has chosen to explore more of an indie sound with his latest release Yeezus, Drake has arguably become the game’s new unchallenged crossover star. With his latest release Nothing Was the Same, he returns to the style of spitting about former relationships and braggadocious rhymes, but a little less formulaic than before.
Minus the obvious hits, “Started From the Bottom,” “All Me,” and “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” Nothing Was the Same features a more in-depth look into Drake’s life that further explores the upsides and downsides of fame on his personal relationships. On the opening “Tuscan Leather,” Aubrey takes a minute from crooning over hooks and choruses to deliver a straight rap that includes boasting and a mention of his short-lived fallout with fellow labelmate Nicki Minaj. “Too Much” featuring Sampha (of SBTRKT fame) delves into more personal and somber themes, as Drake spits about how the growth of his fame affects family ties.
Read the rest of the review and stream more from the album after the jump
[R&B] Jhené Aiko – Bed Peace (Feat. Childish Gambino)
Bed Peace (Feat. Childish Gambino)
LA native Jhené Aiko is finally gearing up for her brand new Sail Out EP, and today she’s dropping off the first single from the project, “Bed Peace” featuring Childish Gambino. Just as the title suggests, “Bed Peace” is a tranquil and breezy number meant to be played in the early hours of the morning. Jhené’s vocals are as soothing as ever, while Bino chips in with a smooth verse that has him toning things down a bit to fit in with this mellow groove. Along with Childish, other features on the EP will include Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Big Sean, and Wiz Khalifa. Jhené’s Sail Out EP is set to be released on October 29th, while her album Souled Out will follow shortly after.
[Hip-Hop] Big Sean – Beware (Feat. Jhene Aiko & Lil Wayne)
Beware (Ft. Jhene Aiko & Lil' Wayne)
With all the attention surrounding releases from Drake, Jay-Z, J. Cole and Kanye West recently, you might’ve forgotten that Big Sean has an album on the way this summer too. Good thing he’s back to make sure you’re “Beware” of his presence. Featuring the soulful stylings of Jhene Aiko and a guest verse from Lil Wayne, “Beware” is an incredibly smooth, laidback joint that’s easy to vibe out to. Don’t let its sultry sounds deceive you though, as the track serves as a warning to men everywhere about the wrath of a woman scorned. Check out the single above, and be on the lookout for Sean’s forthcoming release, Hall Of Fame, set to arrive on August 27th.
Everything Must Go
Soulful songstress Jhene Aiko celebrates her 25th birthday and two year anniversary of her mixtape Sailing Soul(s) by treating her fans to a new leak … Continue reading
[Chill] Cocaine 80s – Fly Ass Pisces ft Common, Jhene Aiko & James Fauntleroy
There is a certain calm that group Cocaine 80s‘ music brings when you hit the play button. It could be the dope No I.D. production or just the smooth vibe the group brings to a track but their latest single is another dose of that sick laid-back sound that has become signature. Collaborating with the newly signed Def Jam vocalist Jhene Aiko and Chitown vet Common, the blending of soothing vocals and hard drums makes this track from their upcoming effort a great listen. Be sure to check it out below and pick up their latest ARTium Recordings 7 track EP Flower of Life, available for free download here.