Heavy Rotation: BJ the Chicago Kid f. Kendrick Lamar - "His Pain II"

"His Pain II" is easily one of the realest songs I've heard in a while. I've been meaning to post it since I first heard it in January, but I'm just now getting around to it while listening to BJ the Chicago Kid's album, Pineapple Now-Laters. I haven't listened to the entire album all the way through yet, but I expect nothing but dope soulful music. Listen to "His Pain II" below, and check out SoulCulture's review of the album with previews of tracks from his album as well. Pineapple Now-Laters is now available on iTunes.

And If You Don't Know, Now You Know...Marques Toliver

If you don't know about Marques Toliver, you are missing out a true talent. I recently stumbled upon the violinist/singer/songwriter while viewing some The Mahogany Sessions videos on Youtube. 

Marques created buzz among music bloggers when he released the Butterflies Are Not Free EP this past April. His R&B soulful sound combined with classical strings is unique and intriguing.

A couple of days ago, he released a new mixtape entitled Studying For My PhD. This project is more eclectic, and it features new music from Marques combined with samples. Hit the jump below to stream/download his latest mixtape and to hear live versions of some songs from his first EP.

David Ruffin - "Slow Dance"

David Ruffin's "Slow Dance" comes from his last studio album, Gentleman Ruffin. More known for his work with the Temptations, Ruffin proved he still had it with this 1980 release. You may recognize the artwork as the inspiration for Wiz Khalifa's breakout mixtape, Kush & OJ. If the track sounds familiar and you listen to Little Brother, it's because "Slow Dance" was sampled by 9th Wonder for "Take It Slow" off the The Minstrel Show.  Listen/download the track and album below:

And If You Don't Know...Aloe Blacc's Good Things

If you don't know about Aloe Blacc, you are sleeping good R&B soul music. Aloe is a singer/rapper/musician from California. Last year he released the album Good Things, which I thought was one of the best R&B albums of the year. When I first heard it, I was instantly reminded of soul artists such as Bill Withers, Curtis Mayfield, and Al Green. It is refreshing to hear R&B that is genuine and doesn't sound like every other song at the top of the pop charts. His first single, "I Need A Dollar" is definitely a standout track. It is about a man's struggle after losing his job due to layoffs and how he is coping. This song is also used for the opening credits on HBO's How to Make It In America and for a recent Boost Mobile commercial. Check out some of my favorite songs from the album below. And if you don't know, now you know...

Heavy Rotation - "Glory" - Ryan Leslie

Since I graduated, I've been catching up on a lot new music from the last couple of months and was glad to see a single from the very talented singer/writer/producer Ryan Leslie. Although I expected a song similar to "Diamond Girl" or "You're Not My Girl", Ryan instead raps over electric guitar riffs and choral vocals in the debut single. Either way its still dope. Listen/download "Glory" and peep the official music video below. Look out for his next studio album, Les Is More, due in stores on July 4th.

Stevie Wonder's "Visions" and 50 Years of Desegregation at UGA

 

During the month of January, the University of Georgia is celebrating 50 years of desegregation. On January 9, 1961, Charlayne Hunter - Gault and Hamilton Holmes (my fraternity brother) became the first blacks to register at UGA. Every time I learn about our race standing up for what we deserve, I can't help but feel grateful and proud.