• Music

    Spirit Flow

    I have found that it’s a rarity to come upon instrumentals that reflect even a bit of what I imagine when I write, sometimes. I do not have a specific sound I aim for, but my head’s just all over the place and I have not matched anything to my initial ideas. For a while, this stressed me, but I realize that I should let go of what I cannot control at the moment. Maybe in time I will find my way to that production, but for now, I am discovering more of what I can do through experimentation with whatever comes my way. I manage to find beats, here…

  • Mixes,  Music

    Real Chill Mix (+Download)

    I felt like compiling a new list of some new and old tunes many people might not have heard before. After creating Female Intuition Is So Next Level and Beautiful Things Worth Saving, I realized how much I enjoy the role of a mixer. And so, I came up with this latest one. I stopped to dance and jam a lot in the process of blending the Real Chill Mix. I put it together so that I have something new to play, this weekend. I hope you enjoy it. THe beginning clip is one of many intriguing dialogues from the movie Before The Sunset. NEW DOWNLOAD coming soon More Mixes…

  • Music

    Kat Majilla – Naked Bliss

    Emotional honesty and vulnerability are two elements required for pure human connection, as well as personal growth. With her Naked Bliss project, Kat Majilla presents herself authentically with a fresh flow and dreamy vocals. The themes which decorate this one range from nostalgic, to vibrant and loving, melancholy, and uplifting. Altogether it is beautifully reflective. My current favorites are Beach Of Sorrows feat. Jay Yung, Me Myself & I, Why You [Yo, Yo] Intro, Ms. Got It Going On, and Soul Of A Poor Black Child. You are able to download each song via her soundcloud. Treat yourself to a listen and find more on Kat through her links I…

  • Music,  Video

    Plewto Smith – #PUSSY EP & More

    #PUSSY (Pure Urban Sensual Satisfying Youngin) is a clever work by the artist known as Plewto Smith. The Atlanta-based former-rapper recently created this smooth vocal project. Throughout #PUSSY, he shows his gift as a singer, blending soul, trap, and electronic styles throughout the eight-song mixtape. I am most impressed by the approach he took to blending classic r&b harmonies with more eclectic production. He states that he hopes to spread the message of individuality and love, which is forever embraced here on The Frolic. My favorite songs thus far are Freckle Girl, the wonderfully vulnerable You Don’t Know Me (Freckle-logue), and She-Real. Another song I love from this mixtape is…

  • Music

    Phlow – Melanin EP

    The Melanin EP is a wonderful play to either begin or end the night with a room full of friends, and I also highly recommend it when you attempt to get closer to a special one. The entire project is light and well balanced. It is truly fitting for any time you want to smile, dance, and celebrate life. The artist, Phlow has a soothingly smooth voice while the lyrical content throughout the project is as infectious as my favorite timeless neo-soul jams. It is not surprising that popular producers including Sango and IAMNOBODI provided sounds for a few of the songs, including my favorites Blackberry (Intro), Sweeter The Juice,…

  • Music

    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…

  • Music

    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

  • Music

    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!

  • Music

    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…

  • Mixes,  Music

    Beautiful Things Worth Saving Mix (+Download)

    For the past couple of cloudy days, I pretended that I am the sun in the lives of those close to me, because it brings such joy to induce joy. The weather on the west coast has not been reflective of the warm, uplifting reputation it has, but we always have many ways to keep warm. Rain is wonderful for getting people to slow down, relax, and reflect. My new mix Beautiful Things Worth Saving debuted on Staying Underground this Friday, making it easy for me to shine some light into yours. Originally, Mistah Rapsey and I intended to collaborate, but we instead decided to leave this one as it…