Drop Knowledge...Not Bombs

From the Harper Digital "Family", the collective surrounding Collie, Roache is on the verge of greatness. He is part of the up-and-coming movement of roots reggae/dancehall crossover artists, similar to artists like I Wayne, and Richie Spice. However, Roache is a little bit more old school, and emulates the likes of the late Garnett Silk (as mentioned on his MySpace).

So the new tune? Following the relative sucess of his massive tune "Sunrise", he has just released a new tune, "Roses". On first listen, you know this guy should be huge. His voice is smooth, soaring. Just give it a listen, and check out his MySpace. I'm gonna upload both "Sunrise" and "Roses" and I urge all of my faithful few fans to download and spread the roots greatness.

Roachekilla-Sunrise

Roachekilla-Roses

Sorry for the "new" look of the blog, looking to change the template and redesign the entire thing. Problem is, I'm a definite newcomer to all this HTML stuff, and can't find a decent template/skin that works, so you're gonna have to bare with me until I find some time to redo the layout. If anyone knows of any good websites with templates, or has any advice, please post bellow.

For now, just posting a few tracks for you all to satisfy your cravings for new tunes. Just a little warning, these aren't new necessarily, just what I'm listening to at the moment.

Bobby Womack-Across 110th Street

An original soul classic, appearing in many films etc. Trust me, you'll recognise it. Recently brought to my attention after I bought the American Gangster Soundtrack. Just a great tune

Roachekilla-Sunrise (Dark Cloud Riddim)

A new dancehall classic outta Bermuda. Collie Buddz fans will remember Roache from Sensimillia, the laid-back ode to smokin' some high-grade. This is is first single, but as it's off a promo, it's not the full version. It does bode well, with some ridiculous vocals. Check it out and tell me what you think. Maybe a few comments will persuade me to upload the promo it came from, featuring other Bermudian artists such as Collie Buddz, Flookie and C'Daynger.

Stephen Marley-Mind Control

Yes, I know, this song came out in the summer. I only just bought Mind Control, and I can definately recommend it. The title track stands out for me, a nice blend of the old-school roots style and the new stuff.

Inspired by fellow Blogger Will H over at The Cold Cut, I've decided to post a little "mood mix" bout how I'm currently feeling about life in general. To be honest, it's gotten to a stage in term where everyone is fed up and ready to go home and sleep for 2 weeks. Seriously. Have a listen-tell me what you think


T.O.K-Live It Up

Another Confessions Riddim classic, and an anti-war anthem, by dancehall masters T.O.K. Amazing vocals, amazing tune.



Gentleman-Can't Hold Us Down ft. Barrington Levy & Daddy Rings

From his 2004 smash Confidence, an amazing track with one of the best intro's courtesy of legend Barrington Levy. Just got the album, and I suggest you do the same.



Smash Mechanics-Soul Wired

Remember the Smash Mechanics? Well, you probably have never heard of them, unless you read this blog-check out the older post about their album Canon Law. This tune is a banger, with a great beat. This is one tune you need to hear from their debut. Oh, and I really need to know what you think about this track, so COMMENT!



Chris Brown-Kiss Kiss ft. T-Pain

Another chart topper, featuring Southern rapper/producer T-Pain, from Chris Brown's new album Exclusive. The video is amazing as well



Moby-Guitar Flute & String

Chilled track from the master. Amazing guitar riffs, and one of the most relaxed songs I've ever heard. Beautiful.

A concept album. Defined by many by the band Pink Floyd, in their release in 1973 of "Dark Side of The Moon". Since then, however, the idea of a concept album has fallen from grace in the modern music world. With the release of "American Gangster" by Jay-Z, the idea of a concept album has been given the proverbial "shot in the arm".





After the (relative) crap that was "Kingdom Come", Jay-Z needed a blockbuster, an album like "Blueprint" that would raise the bar for the rap game. He needed a hard-hitting album that saw a return to style, with crisp production and Jay-Z's trademark flow. Any artist that composes lyrics without a pen and a paper is nothing short of amazing, and if you don't believe me, watch the documentary Fade To Black. It'll humble you.





Well, back to the album. Jay has stated that every song fits a certain scene in the film American Gangster, directed by Ridley Scott, and starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. The album does fit with the film, with the gritty nature of Jay's lyrics complementing perfectly the storyline of this crime drama.





Jay-Z has enlisted an all-star cast of The Neptunes, Diddy's Hitmen, DJ Toomp, Kanye West's mentor No I.D., and Just Blaze. Haven't heard the singles yet? Well Blue Magic was the first one released on September 20, 2007 and peaked at 52 on Billboard Hot 100. The second single Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)... was released on October 10, 2007, peaking at 64 on Billboard Hot 100. Check these tracks out, especially Blue Magic, produced by The Neptunes has one of the greatest beats on a Jay-Z album for a while-the rolling drum sounds amazing.

So see the film, and buy the album. Hell, buy 'em both if you want. It does mark a return to form of one of the best rappers in the world. You could get lost in this album, with the slick rhymes and fat rhythms. Posting two of the best tracks-so tell me what you think...and sorry for the delay in posting.

Jay-Z-No Hook

Jay-Z-American Dreamin'