Author: ayminor

J Music: “We Get By”- Jojo

ayminor

Not my favorite track from Jojo, but it is great to hear something new from her.  This is the single she released this week that will be featured on her upcoming mixtape entitled, Agápe (Greek word meaning “Spiritual Love”).

Fresh off announcing her new mixtape Agápē, JoJo debuts the first single “We Get By.” The 21-year-old singer vibes out on the funky jam, which she recorded with a group of her friends known as The Backpackkids (Austin Brown, Scott Bruzenak, and Tommy Parker), who all got together to create what they call “genre-less music.”

“We get by, we get high ’cause tomorrow’s goodbye,” sings JoJo, who remainsoptimistic in spite of the obstacles she faces. “I know it will be OK. I believe in myself.”

Agápē, described as a “labor of love from the heart without limits or boundaries,” is set for release on December 20. (Rap-Up)

J Music: Two Eleven – Brandy

ayminor

Brandy’s sixth studio album was release on October 16, 2012.  I have been thoroughly enjoying her live performances and that TIGHT choreography two snaps. This weekend I was finally able to listen to the whole album (as I did some spring-like cleaning). Find my favorite tracks below!

So Sick 

One of many “Two Eleven” tracks that layer Brandy’s distinctive, husky alto on top of a more breathy falsetto, “So Sick” is a bumping, heartfelt ode to anyone who’s been stuck in a one-sided relationship. (Billboard.com)

No Such Thing As Too Late 

This Rico Love, “Turn the lights off!” production is one of Brandy’s most straightforward power ballads since “Have You Ever” and finds her treading cautiously towards new love.(Billboard.com)

Hardly Breathing 

Another Rico Love slow jam, “Hardly Breathing” again finds Brandy taking a reluctant chance on love (“been hurt to many times / and I can’t take it / not again.”) She consults her mother and curses her weary heart for her suspicions, but Brandy sounds like she just might take the plunge by the time the synths are done swelling on this dense, headphones-friendly cut. (Billboard.com)

What I love about these tracks is the attention given to the lyrics and telling a story that means something to her. You can tell when an artist has a real connection to a song and these are the types of songs that fans can create a real connection with as well.

Put It Down*

Wildest Dreams* 

She also rocked the BGR 2012 stage performing my favorite song on the album, “Wildest Dreams.”

*Released Singles

J Music: Unplugged with Dondria

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From her days of just being a YouTube star, I have always believed in Dondria’s talent.   I was really excited to see where her gift would take her as she was one of the guinea pigs for the “YouTube to Signed Artist” formula.

Dondria released her debut album, Dondria vs. Phatfffat, in the summer of 2010.  Although the lead single was able to get national attention, the album did not have the fanfare SoSo Def had hoped and went on to debut at #43 on the Billboard charts.

Despite her luke warm reception, Dondria is still recording and has plans to release a sophomore album. On November 10 she decided to do an “Uplugged” session accompanied by famed producer Bryan-Michael Cox to create some buzz surrounding her first single, “Little Things.”

You can listen to her new single, “Little Things” at the 25:00 mark. [Note: Clearly a bit unpolished, but appreciate the idea of what it will be!]  She also performed “Love” by Keyshia Cole and her hit,  “You’re the One” (21:07).

Watch the video for “You’re the One” below.

For more information about Dondria click here.

Follow Dondria on Twitter here.

Where Are They Now: Quierra “Qui Qui” Martin

ayminor

As I was listening to my iPod on the train heading home from homecoming last weekend, “Single for the Rest of My Life” began to play. If you are familiar with the song then you know it is by ISYSS or “Intelligent Sexy Young Soul Sisters.” ISYSS, a five member group came on the tail end of the girl group epidemic releasing their debut album The Way We Do in 2002. Though they never attained the level of fame they desired, the album did go on to have two hit singles. I was only 12 at the time when my cousin put me onto the album, but I LOVED it. Whenever “Single for the Rest of My Life” or “Day and Night” comes up on my iPod shuffle I wonder, what happened to them?

I decided to do a little digging, and I was able to find an update on the lead singer of the group, Quierra “Qui Qui” Martin.  She is still trying to make it in the music game and just release her mixtape Bmore2LA on October 29. You can find Bmore2LA on DatPiff. 

Find a great interview with Qui Qui where she discusses her budding solo career and the demise of ISYSS here. Watch the video that started it all, “Day and Night,” below.

For more information about Qui Qui click here.

Follow Qui Qui on Twitter here. 

Update:

J Music: “I Miss You” (Beyoncé Cover) – Janay

ayminor

I started recording this cover on a trial version of a program thinking I had plenty of time to finish the cover.  Needless to say, I ended up not having enough time to re-record as I would have liked, but I still wanted to share my imperfection with the world!

One of my favorite songs off 4.

*As I have somewhat of an unspoken law to never cover a Beyoncé song, I am counting this as a Frank Ocean cover.