Mixtape Review: Dele - The Mixtape

"You're locked in to my mixtape. I know it's been a long time coming,
but it's here now..."

Isn't great when an artist makes a declaration for you? It shows that he is aware of where he is at and having watched Dele perfect his craft over the years, I'll have to agree with him, adding further that it's long overdue. Has it been worth the wait? I would prefer you give it a listen and come to your own conclusion, but I'd definitely recommend it!

The mixtape takes samples from a range of artists including Gyptian, Drake and Adele, while giving a few sneak previews off forthcoming Portraits of Me EP released on 28th March. Personal favourite mixes from the mixtape would have to be Dele’s renditions of Rihanna’s ‘What’s My Name’ and Kelly Rowland’s ‘Motivation’. Being a female, I think I can boldly say that Dele definitely provided for his target audience with these. However his own numbers such as ‘Kind of the Bedroom’ interlude, ‘Karma’ which features Darren B, remix of previous release ‘Feel It’ and forthcoming single ‘One Knee’ are what really certify why this project has been executed well.

Reaching a calibre to enable residence in your stereo, this mixtape is even applicable for those moments when slow jams are required (Hint, Hint). The rotation of this one is undoubtedly due to be heavy, one play simply leaving the listener craving for more. As we anticipate the forthcoming Portraits of Me EP, this mixtape will surely suffice…

http://www.delemusic.com/

New Music: Destroy & Rebuild EP

I’ve always admired the drive possessed by Princess Nyah, but this Destroy & Rebuild EP has left me a tad confused. I’m guessing the overall idea is pulled together by the title, giving the obvious musical statement. But unfortunately, except from the variation of genres including Drum & Bass, Bassline and Dubstep, and the collaborations stepping out of the Ill Blu comfort zone with appearances from Wiley and NoLay, I fail to see the substantial evident progression that is usually clearly seen when one chooses to “destroy and rebuild”. While I love the attitude Princess Nyah exerts within ‘Do What I Want’, it seems to have taken a holiday for ‘Artillery’. The words are there, but it for some reason I don’t feel like I can take it seriously. It may as well be Cher Lloyd singing or whatever, because the power needed to pull the track off is unfortunately not there. One of those sad musical moments, it may have actually been able to ‘shut this down’ because Nolay’s bars, once you finally get there, are undoubtedly HARD!!!

It's on the grapevyne that an album is on the cards titled Patience and Persistance, due for release later this year. So I’m guessing this EP has been released on a free download, because Princess Nyah has some fresher bangers cooking in the studio. Ones that will cause continuous explosive impacts like we saw from her Diary of a Princess EP. In fact, my favourite track on the Destroy & Rebuild EP is 'Crazy' which funnily enough is also on the previous EP, this time around however production coming from Champion.

Destroy & Rebuild EP is available from princessnyah.com

Mixtape Review: AL vs J Dilla - The LB (Laid Back) EP

Is there a better way for A.L. to finish the year? I think not! Kicking off 2011 with The Collaboration Mixtape, this songstress has continued her grind throughout the year with further collaborations, consistent videos and a mass of performances during which she has torn down the stage every single time! The unique soulful voice of A.L. has finally started to receive recognition and mainstream radio airplay. If you still havent made yourself familiar, the time is NOW!!

I would usually say which tracks are my favourite however on this occasion I've found what I call a back-2-back. Meaning I could comfortably listen from start to finish. If I really must pick a favourite, 123456789 is a track I took great liking to while watching A.L. perform earlier in the year and I was VERY pleased to see it on the EP.

This EP is a great piece of work once again from the songstress. Don't just take my word for it though....

Get your own copy from here and have a listen yourself!

New Music: MA1 - El Amor (Free Download)

It's not often you get such good quality free downloads from the reputable producers from the scene, but it seems we are all currently in a fountain of luck. Fresh from releasing his Elektron EP via Deep Teknologi Records, MA1 has gifted a free download for all currently swaying to his productions for good measure.

Have a listen and see if you like....


MA1 - El Amor by MA1

New Music: Natalie May - MayDay EP

The teaser video was previously posted on the blog... Now Natalie May has released her Mayday EP to enable us all to be able to be blessed with her diverse talents across the UK dance genres in which she has worked within and more.

 

Natalie May MayDay EP by Natalie May xx

New Music: MayDay EP

Following the recent Frank Ocean cover video, Natalie May is now letting us know what is on her forthcoming MayDay EP.

Have a look at the showreel...



Make you support it when released on 17th October 2011

May Day EP Playlist:
Sexy Sexy
Clothes Off
Closer
Don't Wanna Hear a Word
Tell Me
Trophy Girl
Sorry

Video: Natalie May - Acoustic Sessions

Natalie May has released a new video of an acoustic cover of Frank Ocean's 'Swim Good' while letting us know that her Mayday EP will be dropping soon. In the meantime, we're told to look out for some more covers of songs from her to pay homage to the tracks that inspired what is to come on the EP.

I'm looking forward to some more of these!!

If you was unfortunate to miss Natalie May's interview and live PA when she joined me in the Funky Vault, you can catch is here:

New Video: Fast Lane

Frisco ft J2K (prod by Target)

Taken from Frisco's Tear Drops EP available for download here

New Music: Face Off EP (Preview)

Being the House & Funky diva that I am, it's undeniable that I got highly excited when I saw this EP from FunkyStepz hit my inbox....

Scheduled for release early May 2011, never fear, I'll definitely be playing tracks from the EP on my show 'The Funky Vault' which takes place every Sunday 4-6PM on www.breaklondon.co.uk

Akatriel Keeps It Moving

The track has been around for a long while but finally Akatriel has released the video!!

Taken from her EP titled 'Keep It Moving' currently available on iTunes, On & On is the first video from the Funky diva that has done much more than has been recognised. Keep It Moving which includes work with House DJ/Producer IC (Circle), has tracks many may have heard and not realised they were listening to Akatriel's vocals.

In addition Akatriel also hosts more recent productions on her soundcloud so what's your reason for not checking her out??

Keep It Moving EP on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/keep-it-moving-ep/id409569426
Akatriel's Soundcloud:
http://soundcloud.com/akatriel