Colin Munroe - Colin Munroe is the Unsung Hero (Mixtape) (2008)

This mixtape comes from a singer/producer by the name of Colin Munroe from Ontario, Canada. I first heard of the artist when his remix to Kanye's "Flashing Lights" created a little buzz a couple years ago (if you haven't heard it, listen here: "I Want Those Flashing Lights (Kanye Remix)").  Later that year Colin dropped this project, which sounds like a indie rock-hip/hop-pop mash. Wale, Drake, Dallas Austin, Joell Ortiz, Novel, Mickey Factz, and a few others make appearances on The Unsung Hero. My favorite tracks are "Piano Lessons", "Will I Stay (Remix)", "One More Chance", and "What the Young Man Says." The links to download or listen are below.

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.

Song of the Day: Caesar Frazier - "Sweet Children"

Today's song comes from the funk jazz organist, Caesar Frazier. I actually first heard this one a while back when I was listening to some Kanye West samples. Ye used this song for Common's "Real People" on his classic 2005 album, Be.

Heavy Rotation - "Base For Your Face" - Lil B, Jean Grae, and Phonte (prod. by 9th Wonder)

Ever since I first heard this track a couple of days ago, I have not been able to get it out of my head. We all know Lil B isn't known as a lyricist, but his flow is decent on this one.

Heavy Rotation - Mike Bigga "Burn"

One of my favorite new tracks comes from the too often slept-on, Atlanta rap veteran Killer Mike (Mike Bigga). I've been a fan of his ever since I first heard him on "Snappin' & Trappin'" from Outkast's Stankonia....

The Spotlight: Big K.R.I.T. - "My Interpretation"

If you have not heard Big K.R.I.T.'s music, you are currently failing at hip-hop music. From Meridian, Mississippi, this rapper/producer definitely possesses the talent, passion, and "Gumpshun" to make it big in the industry.

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.