The Soullective

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Dani Elliott- Can't Make Up My Mind

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No words for this one.  Long live hip hop...

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Classic joint from T Shirt.  Totally NSFW.

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Alabama Shakes

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Joey Bada$$ x Capital STEEZ- Survival Tactics

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Visit Original Link

Listening to this song makes me miss the hell out of Rawkus Records.  Pharoahe's verse is just insane and M.O.P's contagious energy is all over this track.  I can listen to this all day..

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Rashid Amir- Epidemic

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Moufy- Miss Newton

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Emeli Sande- Next to Me

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Shout out to Jennah Bell for hitting the stage at the BET Awards tonight.  She's so dope.  So talented.  I'm more than happy for her.  Music matters.  Word

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Album Review- Raquel Rodriguez

Raquel Rodriguez is best classified as a soulful, jazz songstress from the City of Angels.  On her self-titled debut, she offers half a dozen, laid back tracks that are as smooth as they are relaxing. Not sure if this will be interpreted as a good thing or not, but I would describe Raquel Rodriguez as easy listening.  I can imagine myself being in a dimly lit lounge, enjoying the company of a lady friend, nursing an adult beverage while Raquel performs with a live band.  That really seems like it'd be the perfect setting for a performance of this album. And you know what?  There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. 

Of the album's six tracks, “Midnight Whispers” is easily my favorite, as it affords Raquel the opportunity to showcase her vocal and emotional range.  The song is equally sexy and subtle—the audio equivalent of a little black dress.  I’m far from a jazz enthusiast, but in my opinion “Midnight Whispers” is what jazz is supposed to sound like.   

If I had to compare Raquel Rodriguez’s sound to anyone, I’d probably go with Corinne Bailey Rae, and just like Corinne, Raquel does a wonderful job of staying in her lane.  She seems to know exactly what she’s good at and sticks to it.  That’s not to say that she’s a one trick pony, however.  I think that more than anything else, this project leaves you wanting more; not in a “I’m completely unsatisfied” kind of way, but in a “that was really good, and I’m sure she has a few tricks up her sleeve, so I can’t wait for the next project” kind of way.  

With that being said, Raquel Rodriguez is very good for what it is, and that is a Jazzy record with enough hints of Soul to pique the curiosity of fans of both genres.  If you’re looking to laugh, cry, or dance, you may want to look elsewhere.  But if you’re looking to enjoy the company of your significant other, or simply a glass of wine, Raquel Rodriguez is the perfect album.

-Greg Leveille

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What Ever Happened To Smoothe Da Hustla & Trigga Da Gambla?

To me, this song epitomizes that early 90's, gritty, east coast rap that made people love and fear New York at the same time.  These dudes were clever as hell on this one, especially considering the rhyme pattern they chose to stick to for the entire length of the song.  I came across this DOPE interview that Smoothe did with Hip Hop Dx a couple of years ago.  Definitely worth the read.  Peace!

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Bobby Womack: Harry Hippie

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Anita Baker

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Sam Cooke- Bring It On Home To Me