Music Addikts

There is just something about snow on Christmas that makes it feel even more special.  Depending on where you are, the chance of snow may be a reality or nothing more than a dream. No matter where you are, this Christmas classic from the harmonic Boyz II Men will most definitely get you ready for a wonderful Christmas Eve. To all our fellow ADDIKTS – may your Christmas Eve be full of good times with friends, good food to make your belly full and good drink (if that’s your pleasure) to celebrate all we have to be thankful for.

We Miss You Wednesday - Nat King Cole

Distinguished, classy, and talented are words that -in my humble opinion-describe Mr. Nat King Cole.  A pianist, singer and the host of a variety show, Cole was an innovator. A master of the swing and jazz, he was unforgettable to his supporters during that era. Racism was alive and well during Cole’s ‘reign’.   He was adamant about not performing in segregated venues and determined to use his gift for all to enjoy. Being a huge fan of many different genres of music, I appreciate the talent of a jazz musician.  And his baritone voice is one of a kind.  The beauty of technology allowed Natalie(Cole) and her father to remake his classic, “Unforgettable”.  This being one of my favorite duets, it sounds amazing with father and daughter singing together, as if THIS were the orignial. Easily recognized, for the softness and tone of his voice, Cole used cigarettes to help maintain it.  He was a heavy smoker and KOOL was his brand of choice.  He suffered from lung cancer.  Nat King Cole died at the age of 45. 

We know that as you’re preparing to spend time with loved ones during Christmas, and this song will be somewhere on the playlist.  Enjoy!

keep your soulHIGH!

“I feel too damn good”–well get it Mary! After several listens to the album, I feel the same way. Good all ova!  This album is full of confidence.  Mary is smellin’ herself and poppin’ collars on y’all with this one and I love it! You must pay homage to the ‘Queen’.  Mary has been in the game for a long time and has what most artists now don’t – relevance and longevity. Of course, I’ve been a Mary fan since I was a teenager and that hasn’t changed over the years.  This new album feels happy – if that makes any sense.  Mary seems to be in good place.  Nine albums in the game and she gives no indication of slowing down - hats off to you, MJB.

Stonger with Each Tear is infused with uptempo melodies and catchy hooks. Mary is an extremely versatile artist, she can speed it up or slow it down and sounds great doing either! She is a conqueror and this album proves this to be true. Akon, Darkchild, and R.Leslie lent their talent in the production arena.  Mary might have started an anthem for empowerment with this one. She closes the album with a ‘bluesy’ lyrical monster, ” Color”, featured in the movie Precious.  Addiktively speaking, my heavy rotations are “Said and Done”, “Good Love”(which features T.I.), and  ”I Feel Good”, just to name a few. Mary has done it again, go pick up your copy and see what we mean!

Said and Done

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

I Feel Good

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

In the Morning

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Tracklist:

01 Tonight
02 The One ft. Drake
03 Said and Done
04 Good Love ft. T.I.
05 I Feel Good
06 I Am
07 Each Tear
08 I Love You (Yes I Du)
09 We Got Hood Love ft. Trey Songz
10 Kitchen
11 In The Morning
12 Color

For more on Mary J. Blige, click here.

keep your soulHIGH!

Rebirth - Osunlade

Mostly known for solidifying his brand of  house  music, Osunlade is a pioneer, to say the least. I remember being introduced to him after listening to Eric Roberson’s “Change for Me” and “Rock Wit U” -two of his ‘housey’ tunes-which Osunlade produced.  Osulande released Rebirth at the end of November 2009.   The beginning of the record seems more sexy and laid back, definitely not the immediacy of house, I thought it would be, but still worthy of my ears.  It puts me in the mind of spending a lazy day with some grooves tickling your aural fancies in the backdrop.  “Compatible” gives the perspective of a relationship where the pair are total opposites, so the title of the song is actually an oxymoron.  Love the wordplay. ”Paint Me A Picture” is the sexiest joint on the record(currently on repeat).

For those of us who enjoy house music(hi-hat! hi-hat!), Osunlade does not disappoint with this record.  As soon as  ”Break It Down” pumps through the speakers, it’s necessary to clear some space on the floor – you are now able to move about the dancefloor freely, the captain has turned off the seatbelt sign. “The Dating Game” is over seven minutes of funk and flavor, sure to keep ya body movin’! If you’re in search of a total upbeat house album – this is not what you’ll find.  This album is extremely well balanced. I recommend you adding it to your collection. 
 
Butterfly

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Break It Down

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Tracklist:

All My Tears

Butterfly

Compatible

Paint Me A Picture

Break It Down

The Dating Game

Willin

Glide

Complacent

Patchouli

Umakemesmile

The Fiction (Gareth’s Song)

Nothing More

*For more information on Osunlade, please visit Osunlade’s website and be sure to pick up your copy of Rebirth here.*

keep your soulHIGH!