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BC Kingdom & Mila J – Press Start
BC Kingdom recently released a surprise collaborative EP with Mila J, called Press Start. Over the weeks, this easily became one of my favorite EPs of the summer. You might know BC Kingdom from their association with Solange’s label, Saint Heron. I came to this project through following Mila J’s music for a while, from her girl groups and solo ventures. I feel their styles mesh perfectly. Hopefully more collaborations are ahead for these three in the future. For the moment, we have this well crafted treasure. I especially like the samples used on Play and that it’s a spin-off of a fifteen-year-old Spice Girls/Darkchild song, “Holler”. I like Ninja…
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INDIELUV – INDIELVVE & RNBODB (+Download)
Since SMMJRZ made my Sunday a few weeks ago, thatstreal has revealed two additional parts to the series of new and ever so smooth Indieluv music, INDIELVVE & RNBODB. I enjoy transitions of songs like CALL and INDUSTRYLUV. Other random favorites of mine are and PAINTINGS (featured on my Beautiful Things Worth Saving Mix back in February), luvindie, and wannabeurs. I streamed and linked downloads of each project below, as well as links where you can catch up on some of this artist’s wonderful archive. You are welcome and enjoy! DOWNLOAD INDIELVVE HERE DOWNLOAD RNBODB HERE thatstreal.com soundcloud.com/ndeluv2012 INDIELVVE RNBODB
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Janine And The Mixtape – XXEP
I still enjoy Janine And The Mixtape’s debut EP, Dark Minds, but it is XXEP which is amongst my most played, as of late. This EP delivers more of her mellow soulfulness while also giving a taste of higher energy. Something about the Timbaland/Missy-like beat of When I’m Broken paired with her effortless belts gave me chills that I did not expect during my first listen. The way her voice easily switches from angelic and sultry to a Christina Aguilera-level of power is special. Other songs I enjoy are This Moment and the DMX-borrowing Lose My Mind. Enjoy listening to the stream below and follow the links for more. janineandthemixtape.com…
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J Warner – Est. 1990
While we all wait for signs of the new Frank Ocean album, you might want to attune to the powerful, refreshing voice and perspective presented through Nathaniel Warner. His latest release, Est. 1990 has been revisited by yours truly for a few weeks now. Although there is not much information on his stage name, J Warner, the beauty of this project makes it apparent that he is immediate one you want to hear more from. My favorite jams streamed below are Skin / What If (Interlude), Being A Friend, CHILL CHASE, and I Thought. I hope you enjoy this like I do!
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Mirage Addict
Mally Mal is a producer who provided most of the stunning instrumentals for Majay’s Room 202. He is apart of the group of authentic artists who refer to themselves as the Jux Tribe. I knew I would enjoy Mirage Addict from the moment it came my way because I was previously so awed by the production of the last project. This one reveals an even broader style of production, composed of over twenty new sounds that reflect the effort of him and Joe Q, along with the poetic flow of Isaac Wayne and the others featured throughout this gem. A few of my favorite songs are Meditation, Free Soul, Hold…
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OSHUN – Asase Yaa (+Download)
Half-way through this project, I noted that the aura of Asase Yaa reminds of the ever relevant The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. While sonically, Oshun is within their own fresh realm, I feel that this project speaks directly to the present youth culture in a way that the aforementioned did, at its time of creation. It also reflects the ongoing change of consciousness and awareness of culture (specifically bblack) in America. Oshun delves beautifully deeper into the complexities of Afro culture, religion, and African identity in America. This thoughtful project also explores emotions from the feminine perspective, as well as promoting self-discovery, healing, unity, and growth of spirit. Of course,…
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INDIELUV -SMRJMZ (+Download)
This morning, I caught a lovely Sunday morning vibe and followed it to my favorite ndeluv music. And then I wondered, as I do every time I listen to this particular artist, if he would be releasing something soon. I suppose that it’s natural for me to recall how he’s previously shared many gems at close intervals, such as Love Songs and Homade Bongs, #hoodmusic, playazworld, #8911, LUVYEAR, two other volumes of Summer Jamz, and #RIPRnB. His self-produced sounds are always pure, feel good, and fresh while also nodding to classic 90’s r&b and hip hop songs, here and there. With this influx of new generation artists in the spotlight,…
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FemaLe IntuiTion is sO NeXt LeveL (+Download)
Since more people are discovering this playlist I put together in December, I thought it would be nice to do a downloadable version for iTunes. I’m also on a bit of a roll after Mistah Rapsey of Staying Underground invited me to collaborate with him on his amazing, vibey series he has going called Year of the Collaborator. I had fun putting selections together myself, and it broke the ice for me to do mixes like this regularly. This allows me to share my favorite music in a more personal way. I have more of these in the works. This current mix is beautifully fluid in its themes, if I…
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Alexandria – Bad EP
Alexandria dropped this stunning collection of thoughts and emotions around Valentine’s day, which I felt was fantastic, once I listened to it all. Not only is the r&b sound refreshing, the themes are as well. I always appreciate a project about love and its phases. It is actually rare to find one that is all about love and pain. In Anyone(intro) Alexandria smoothly says “Pain can make beautiful things if you don’t allow it to make you ugly.“ which I immediately nodded my head to, because it is exactly how I have viewed my past relationships. I clearly see that all frustration and pain I felt before shifted me to…
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FemaLe IntuiTion is sO NeXt LeveL MIX
I wouldn’t be at ease without closing up a wonderful first year of posting on The Frolic with some words about my unique year of growth, and some music! This ending quarter of the holiday season swallowed me up, for a bit. I have a new playlist to hold us over until I get around to updating, after the new year. I have some big ideas to manifest! Distinctive growth occurred within me this year. I feel like I am constantly discovering myself while collecting and creating myself at the same time. So many magical moments strengthened my perception of life and calmed the uncertainty I felt throughout much of…
