NEW SONG: Algebra Blessett: "I Ain't No Joke"

Eric Roberson



 Life is uncertain, right? It's only fitting to eat dessert first, and some ATL singer has caught on to the movement. If you don't know the name, her name is Algebra Blessett, and she's been around for a minute, but you'll be hearing a lot more from her in the coming months. While you await for her upcoming mixtape, Dessert Before Dinner, check out this LT-Moe produced song, "I Ain't No Joke," below, about how music for her is just that.

Propers: ABC News, Eric Roberson

Explained! The K-Pop Phenomenon

So a few months ago I stumbled across this cable station called M-NET. Originally based overseas in Asia, they had a time slot of a few hours a day on US national television. Just recently, they were given the go to become a 24 hour station, this one based  in LA, that showcases the best of J-Pop (Japanese Pop Music) and K-Pop (Korean Pop Music).

 The phenomenon has existed for a few years (like when BoA released an album that got some buzz in 2009), but is just now starting to blow up. MTV Iggy, MTV's world music site, who has been following the acts for some time, had an international contest called 'Best New Band," in which the winners would perform on stage in NYC. The winners last year were 2NE1, an all-girl group from Korea. They performed along with Venezuelan group La Vida Bohème; the Malaysian sensation, Yuna; and Jamaicas' beloved star, Gyptian; the festivities were held last December at Best Buy Theater.

Another K-Pop act had its time to shine soon after, as the spicy five girl clique the Wonder Girls scored a Nick Cannon produced debut on American TV; they were the stars of the TV special, The Wonder Girls, on Nickelodeon this past February.
 
SPIN recently took an in-depth look into the K-Pop phenomenon in their March/April 2012 issue. On the foretable was the strict training and disciplined practice of all of the K-Pop stars, studying music and dance together in Seoul. It's an amazing read on the come up of acts such as 2AM, and BoA, the demise then redemption of Jay Park, and more. Slowly infiltrating the market, there's probably much more to come from these talented young stars.

Take a look over there at SPIN to read the story!

VIDEO: Mamas Gun Performs "Get A High" Live

This is a live version of "Get A High" performed by Mamas Gun, off the album The Life And Soul. Aural placebo? Perhaps.

VIDEO: Esperanza Spalding "Radio Song"

Pissed? Stuck in traffic? Kid just threw a toy at ya? Feeling like you need a pick me up? Call upon Esperanza Spalding, whose visuals for "Radio Song" will bring a smile to even the infamous Ebenezer (Scrooge, that is).

Off the album Radio Music Society, out now!

Propers-Concrete Loop

VIDEO! Birdy Performs "Skinny Love" on Ellen!

Adorned in a leather jacket with a pearl bracelet, Birdy perfromed the Bon Iver cover, "Skinny Love," on Ellen today (video above). In a short talk with Ellen at the end, she reveals that she has contributed a composed song ["Just A Game"] to the soundtrack for the new anticipated flick, The Hunger Games, out Friday. ►.

Drawing the line

...don't even need a ruler...

Esperanza Spalding Album Preview "Radio Music Society" and LISTEN TO THE ALBUM!

Esperanza Spalding is back again, this time with her newest contribution, Radio Music Society. It’s not exactly what you’d expect coming from the pouffy bristled singer, but let’s say the name says it all.

While this is an album sporting more popular and R&B influences, and contribution in production from Q-Tip, one couldn’t help but notice the conflation—songs about the news, the ups and downs of that old four letter word, and the personification of a cinnamon tree show Esperanza’s versatility. She could’ve crooned “Strange Fruit” on this album, too, if she wanted to, but amidst the shock value is a purity that only Esperanza can deliver.

Do you want to know what to expect when Radio Music Society drops on Tuesday, March 20? And/Or you want to LISTEN to the album yourself and get your two cents in? Those two things for you after the jump….. Flick that switch and read on.

Happy 25th Anniversary No Doubt

In honor of No Doubt playing their first gig at Fenders Room in Long Beach, CA, 25 years ago today, here are some of their ska-tasktic music video's! Who screens their phone calls, no matter who calls? No matter who callllllsssssssssssss...

Anyone ready for that album?

5 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT UK SENSATION BIRDY

Have you heard the word? Birdy's the word on the street, and her self-titled first release came out already overseas. To all of us awaiting her to drop her debut in the US next week, and especially if you haven't heard, you know, the word...lol, here's five things you should know about the talented young singer.

Alphabeat's "Vacation"--Long Live The 80's.

We're all dreaming of vacation right now...Spring Break, Daylight Savings, the leaves just ready to spurt out of their branches. And Alphabeat has captured the essence of the time, while bringing it back to the 80's, were fashion was, questionable, and we saw early takes on the "music video" that were almost all equally bad as well. Too early to remind me of Saved By The Bell at the Malibu Beach House but whose counting (remember Stacey Carosi? How confusing the show got after that summer...)?

Here's to the electro keyboard.

"Marley" The Documentary

 Marley. April 20. See it with your brethren and sistren.

NEW VIDEO: Reesa Renee "Inspire Me To Write"

Amongst a concert hall among a stage with flashes of the greats from the past, GBSTL alum Reesa Renee presents her new music video, "Inspire Me To Write." Fitting for a true performer to command an empty room like a full one. --GB

Be inspired.

Rip The Runway 2012 Flicks

Selita Ebanks and Pooch Hall

 The BET Rip The Runway taping was held last night at Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC. Showcasing the best of fashion and music, the show, hosted by The Game's Pooch Hall and model Selita Ebanks, showcased a variety of new looks and fashion inspirations. Designers featured include Marc Bouwer, Joyrich, Sammy B, Jovani, BBC, A.K.O.O., Black Apple NYC, LaVie NY, and Dominique Auxilly. Performances included Robin Thicke, Wale, Meek Mill, Estelle, Jeremih, Diggy, Lil Kim, B.o.B, and Aarab Musik. The show will air on March 21, 2012 at 10 PM. Work it, be fierce, smize.... and check out a few pictures below.

 

Jeremih and Diggy

 

B.o.B. 

 

Robin Thicke 

 

All the pretty girls with the pumped up pumps....

Wale and model 

OTLC 15- LISSIE