Music Addikts

Her third album in the game and with a poofy hairstyle, that most natural girls covet, Ms. James has returned with My Soul.  Her voice is different, hard almost and definitely recognizable from the time she sings the first note.  Being the ADDIKT I am, I had the opportunity to see her live years ago.  She sounds exactly the same in person.  Leela James is an old soul, in a young body.  Her voice oozes pain and struggle, but also the honesty of love. ”I Ain’t New To This” describes what I mean by personifying anger and pain musically, while putting her stamp on the industry. Now a part of Stax Records, she gives her former label the musical finger with this track.

“Mr. Incredible-Ms. Unforgettable” is a nice duet with Raheem Devaughn.  And what would an album be without a classic ‘break-up’ song.  “It’s Over” is simple, but when Leela says it…it really is over! ”If It’s Wrong” describes throwing caution to the wind and involving yourself in love  lust at whatever cost.  My favorite joint on the album (right now-it changes) would be “Supa Luva”.  You gotta listen to see why!

This has officially been approved by an ADDIKT!

Check out Leela James on MySpace, Twitter and her website! Get the album today!

keep your soulHIGH!

It’s been a while since Novel first emerged on the music scene with his 2003 single “Peach.” Although his first single featured his vocal talents, Novel is also a savvy lyricist. Novel recently released his EP “I Am… (Future Black President)” and is preparing to release his full length album “Caligraphy”. Now a part of the Capitol Records family, Novel is getting endorsements from artists like Alicia Keys, Talib Kweli and Katy Perry. I’d say he’s well on his way to creating a nice buzz for his album. Not sure if this track will be on the album, but I hope so. This would be a hot single. Sampling Algebra’s first single “U Do It 4 Me” from her debut album “Purpose,” Novel presents “Switch It Up”. Let us know what you think.

For more info on Novel, his EP and upcoming album check him out on Facebook, Twitter or Myspace.

My first exposure to Rudy Currence was while browsing Youtube searching for clips of Algebra. I ran across a video of Algebra & Rudy Currence doing a rendition of Justin Timberlake’s “Til The End of Time”. Initially I wasn’t impressed with Rudy’s style and thought he was a little extra. But he quickly grew on me and before I knew it his sophomore album “Here With You” was in heavy rotation on my iPod. With a style that’s a little gospel, a little Hip-Hip and a little R&B, Rudy Currence has something for everyone. I had the pleasure of seeing Rudy perform live for the first time last year, and loved hearing the crowds reaction to “Weave Ponytail”. Currence recently signed with Ludacris’ Disturbing The Peace label and has an album entitled “Black Keys & Blue Skies” being released this summer. If you aren’t familiar with Rudy’s music do yourself a favor and check him out on Youtube , Myspace, Facebook or Twitter.

“You Bring Me Down”

On one of my many visits to our ‘re-up’ spot, Moods Music in Little Five Points, I paused when I heard this funky tune flowing through the speakers of the sound system.  It was time for another high and I needed to know who the artist was, blazing the sounds of the store.  As usual, I approached our pusher and was informed that the artist was DâM-Funk.  Immediately, I imagined Prince and J*Davey having a musical baby and this being the result. Intrigued to learn more about the music and the artist, I popped the cd in on the ride home and enjoyed what I was hearing.  For a few moments, I felt like I was floating in the galaxy with my funk gear on.  Heading to a cosmically sound paradise.

A little lost because I’d never her of him. Where the heck have I been? So, I got to my computer and did my musical research. Last year, DâM-Funk released his debut album, Toeachizown. The album has received high marks from music enthusiats.  The 2-disc album should ONLY be played if you want to feel good and move nonstop.  High energy, high funk, and straight west coast.   I can appreciate the modern spin on boogie and p-funk.  Some of the tunes that I funk with on the album are: “Mirrors”, “Fantasy”, “(My Funk Goes”)On &On, and “Let’s Take Off(Far Away)”. 

The name truly says it all…this is some “damn funk“…get familiar, ADDIKTS! Check out the official video for “Mirrors”:

 For more information on Dam-Funk, be sure to follow him on Twitter and check his website.