I like my hip-hop blended with a splash of Indian music. Well, bangra music to be exact. Yeah, that’s how I roll. In order to get a good feel for what I am talking about, we will need to drop on back to 2003, and take a listen to Panjabi MC’s Beware. If you claim that you have been exposed to Indian culture because you watched Slumdog Millionaire, well, you need to get out more. Strap yourself in and let’s learn you something new.
Mr. Panjabi MC
Panjabi MC, aka Rajinder Singh Rai, had been crafting beats for a while when he finally got deserved attention in 2002-2003. Are you wondering where his moniker came from? Well, I am glad you asked. His stage name “Panjabi” pays homage to his Punjabi culture. “MC” pays homage to Master of Ceremonies. With me so far? Now that you understand his name, it is important to understand the music. Panjabi MC has made it a goal to create a unique fusion of bhangra and hip-hop. What we get is a beat driven style that never quits. Do you need to understand all of the lyrics to enjoy the music? Not at all. I mean, do you honestly understand the lyrics of most of the current hip-hop coming out of the states? My point exactly.
Beware really gained steam in 2003, because of its phenomenal head-bobbing title track. It also didn’t hurt that Jay-Z tossed his talent into the mix. Add it all up and you got yourself an international smash hit. Since Beware, Panjabi MC has continued to put out new music and find ways to forge great partnerships with other artists. Beware was a big deal for me because it marked a eye-opening moment in my musical appreciation. Panjabi MC reminded me that there is a whole bunch of music floating around the globe that is just waiting to be shared with others. Get your dancing shoes on and expand your horizons with Beware.
KC’s Personal Picks: “Beware”, “Jogi” and “Jatt Ho Giya Sharabee”
Scope out the Jay-Z remix of “Beware”
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Shontelle – “Impossible”
Shontelle has been on my radar for some time now. Let me apologize for not featuring her here on Fresh Scouts much sooner. My bad. Now that you have forgiven me, I will go on.
Barbados gave us Rihanna and now the country gives us Shontelle. Way to go Barbados! “Impossible” is made possible because of her upcoming release of No Gravity. Prepare yourself, because you will be listening to Shontelle on the regular. I guarantee.
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Jenna Andrews – “Tumblin’ Down”
I can’t get enough of this track! Canadian singer/songwriter Jenna Andrews is positioning herself to make a huge splash on the music industry. Her soulful voice is absolutely incredible. When I came across the song the order of events went like this:
- Listened to the song and was blown away by the vocals.
- Watched the video and scratched my head in wonder.
- Realized that the old soul voice was actually coming out of her mouth.
- Wrote about the song on Fresh Scouts.
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Freshlyground – “Fire is Low”
Congrats to Spain for taking home their first World Cup title. Ah, the sweet song of the vuvuzela will finally be fading away. Well, not completely. Hello, new ringtone! Another sound that I am sure you will recall is the World Cup theme song, “Waka, Waka” from Shakira. What you might not be aware of is that the backing music and supporting vocals were provided by a group called Freshlyground. This talented band from South Africa mixes traditional South African music with blues, folk and rock. Shakira is great and all, but I am loving me some Freshlyground right now!
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We featured Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears in our Weekly Jukebox back in June 2009. What we discovered then, and still believe to be true, is that this band is one of the hottest young things on the music scene. These Texas boys hit it hard with a soulful blues swagger that takes no prisoners. Their debut album, Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is!”, is jam packed with the kind of music you would expect from a group of guys calling themselves Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears. What’s that? Don’t know what to expect from a band called Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears? Well, all the more reason to toss on the ear phones and go for a ride.
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
If you love the unique energy and styling of James Brown, well…you are gonna love you some Black Joe Lewis. There is certainly a retro feel to Lewis’ work, but the music exudes a modern day feel with a grittiness and attitude that keeps each track relevant and powerful. Plus, the band name is genius. Could they be the name of a 1970’s Saturday morning cartoon? Could it be the moniker of a pimp and his lady friends? Could it be the name of one of the most explosive acts out there? Could I possible ask any more questions of you? Ok, enough with the questions. Here is a statement. Listen to Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears!
KC’s Personal Picks: “Sugarfoot”, “I’m Broke”, and “Gunpowder”
Check out the official video for “Sugarfoot”
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You won’t see Black Stone Cherry on the menu at your local ice cream shop. Although, that does sound downright tasty. I digress. Please understand that these guys aren’t soft, pleasant and served in a dainty little cup. Black Stone Cherry serves up a heaping scoop of hard southern rock music that will will blast your face off. These Kentucky boys know how to rock and they delivered in a big way with their 2008 sophomore release of Folklore and Superstition.
If you rock out to The Black Crowes and Lynyrd Skynyrd on the regular, well…for starters, you’re awesome. I feel safe in saying that you will become mega-awesome if you add Black Stone Cherry into the mix. Their music has a pulse pounding blend of deep south rock fused at times with hard rock and metal. It is not all about wailing guitars though. But don’t fret, there are plenty of wicked guitar solos to go around. In addition to the high octane instrumentation, you are also treated to a solid and meaningful lyrical display, all lead by front man Chris Robertson. There is even some slower stuff in their collection. The end product inspires me to run around neighborhood streets karate kicking every trash can I see. Yeah, I am a badass thanks to Black Stone Cherry.
Currently the boys are touring the globe playing every festival out there and supporting a ton of bands. This is all setting the stage for their anticipated third album, which is rumored to be in the works. So, head on down to your local ice cream parlor and demand some Black Stone Cherry. When they say they don’t have it just turn right around and kick over their trash cans. Yeah, now you’re the badass.
KC’s Personal Picks: “Blind Man”, Devil’s Queen”, and “Soul Creek”.
Check out the video for “Soul Creek”
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Debi Nova – “Drummer Boy”
“Drummer Boy” is a beat driven dance track that will get your blood pumping. Costa Rican diva, Debi Nova, looks like a sexy goddess in her beach themed video. When I take to the beach I burn instantly and somehow always step on a broken shell. My escapades would not translate well to a music video, Debi’s certainly does.
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Scissor Sisters – “Fire With Fire”
The Scissor Sisters are always good for delivering some quality dance tracks. What they are not always good for is delivering sound advice. Trust me, the next time you have a fire break out in your kitchen, don’t run and grab matches in an effort to fight the fire with fire. Yeah, just makes more fire. So make sure you listen to “Fire With Fire” for enjoyment and not as a lesson. I am guessing Smokey the Bear will not have this song on his next mix tape.
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Florence and the Machine – “Dog Days Are Over”
Don’t let the video scare you away. Take in these Brit indie rockers and welcome their music into your collection. Yes, the video does sport what appears to be two Smurfs, or I guess they could be the blue opera lady from The Fifth Element. And yes, there is a lot of elaborate face paint, rhythmic drumming, and a head of hair that rivals Carrot Top. With all of that being said, you need to expand your horizons and take this track in. If anything, it does have dancing blue people. That’s awesome.
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