There are only a handful of new hip-hop artists that really capture my attention nowadays. With all of the hip-pop junk on the radio these days, it’s hard to find artists that are true to the roots and poetic flow of true hip-hop. Enter K’naan.
K’naan is a Somali-Canadian rapper based out of Toronto, Ontario. But don’t let the fact that he’s Canadian put you off (just kidding Canadians…sort of.) His music is completely genuine and exhibits qualities of some of the best rappers out there today.
Imagine Bob Marley mixed with the revolution-inducing lyrics of Rage Against the Machine compounded with beats more closely related to Common or Lupe Fiasco. And that wouldn’t even touch the full spectrum of K’naan’s musical capabilities.
His first debut album The Dusty Foot Philosopher was met with open arms by the public in 2005. But the album that’s guaranteed to get your head bobbing is his latest release and sophomore album, Troubadour. I’ve been listening to this album over and over again for the last few weeks and am still completely glued to the compelling beats and original lyrics that are so often neglected in current hip-hop albums. It’s actually refreshing to know that breakout hip-hop artists still exist and are making a name for themselves by staying true to the roots of hip-hop instead of “licking lollipops” and “supermanning that ho” or whatever is happening these days. Check out one of my favorites from the album below:
And as if blessing you with that song wasn’t enough, check out some of the other hits on the album including (but not limited to) “Bang Bang” featuring Adam Levine, “ABCs”, “T.I.A.” and “America” featuring Mos Def. This album is by far one of my favorite hip-hop albums this year. Pick it up and check me out. I mean check it out. Check the album out. Not me.
*Note: Album may cause dancing and contain beats that are so hot even Nelly would say “It’s gettin’ hot in hur.”
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Are you digging K’naan? Check out Simon Webbe!
Zac Brown Band – “Toes”
Finally a song about the metatarsals! This song is scheduled to be the next single from Zac Brown and his band. Consider “Toes” a summer anthem. A countrified Jimmy Buffet if you will.
Rumor has it that the upcoming video for the song showcases some big celebrity types. In the meantime enjoy a live video version of the song.
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The Lovell Sisters – “Time to Grow”
These three young ladies from Georgia represent Americana music with amazing skill. They blend the fiddle, dobro, guitar and mandolin with rich harmonies like no one else. Enjoy the live video version of this song as you prepare for their July 2009 full album release.
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Charlie Mars – “Listen to the Darkside”
This Mississippi man delivers with his first single off the upcoming release “Like A Bird Like a Plane” which drops June 9th. Mars brings it with an awesome pick-up line that clearly worked on Mary-Louise Parker in this video.
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Ahhh…I love summer music. Yes, just saying the word “sun” burns my flesh, but yet I’m drawn to the warmth like a moth to a flame. So I guess Caitlin Crosby is the flame, and I am the moth. Analogies are dumb.
What’s not dumb is the music of Caitlin Crosby. Ms. Crosby is emerging as a triple threat – singer, actor and model. Kinda like me, but not.
And if that wasn’t enough, her new album Flawz is closely tied to her passion for raising awareness about inner beauty and body image. This 23 – year old California-native is quite impressive and situating herself for some strong industry exposure.
I have a special place in my heart for singers with a raspy tone. She mixes that raspy style with a sunny side that gives her songs a dynamic feel. You will notice some strong similarities to Colbie Caillat and Natasha Bedingfield. Caitlin’s first single, “Still Have My Heart”, will no doubt top your summer play list. Her debut album Flawz also highlights great tracks like “Don’t Play Me Hollow”, “Today” and “Love Love Love”.
Caitlin’s creative video for “Still Have My Heart” features the dude from “Chuck” and the dude from “House”. Oh, and don’t let the jazzercising back-up dancers distract you from the fact that Caitlin is rocking the keytar. I don’t want to overstate things here, but I do believe that the keytar is the world’s most radest instrument. Ranks right up there with the kazoo.
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Like Caitlin Crosby? Check out Mieka Pauley!
Chester French – “She Loves Everybody”
So this week I thought I’d kick it off with some songs that that got some hip to their hop. This song has a subtle beat, but the message is good and the video is better. Boom. Yeah, I said boom.
Friendly Fires – “Skeleton Boy”
Classified as “indie electronica”, this band definitely knows how to kick it. If you enjoy the likes of MGMT, you’ll enjoy the likes of Friendly Fires. Also, the video is pretty creepy so…added bonus.
Ida Corr – “Let Me Think About It”
So I realized that we don’t really feature any techno songs on the Weekly Jukebox. Now we do. This song is so hot it makes nuns dance…and break dance fight.
