You Ain't Nobody Until...You Make A Mixtape...Part One.

Here a Mix Tape, There a Mix Tape, Everywhere a Mix Tape.

The mix tape phenomenon has been prevalent for years. Unsigned artists or DJ's compile songs and distribute to the masses without the promo and traditional hoopla created with the release of commercial LP's. However, the art of releasing freebies is no longer limited to those without massive contracts and has become somewhat of a necessity to stay relevant in a game that releases (and leaks, i.e. Drake, Thank Me Later) more new music per day than Tupac did post mortem.

While I feel it safe to say that the beloved Mix Tape, and free music in general (hooray!), are here to stay, I find it quite intriguing that this tool is primarily used to hype commercial releases. Trey Songz, Lil Wayne, and the aforementioned, Mr. Drizzy Drake, have emphasized this with massive downloads of free music prior to the releases of their big label projects. The buzz created by the free-ninety-nine tracks pretty much secured chart worthy release figures.

With that, anyone trying to launch a career as an MC or songbird would do well to respect the Mix Tape hustle. I took to my twitter loves (follow me: @Chan_Lo) for advice on new business worthy artists. I received such a great response that I've decided to give you two a week...so much music, so little brain power. So, check below for installment one of independent joints worth checking out.

Happy Downloading.

Leirow Presents...Euphoria


Originally from Harrisburg, PA, Leirow brings a sweet voice to the table in this compilation. Eight songs complete the tape, three are definite downloads: "Blow Over", "Micromanagement" which is reminiscent of A. Keys' "Karma" and "Happy Now" which finds us with a familiar track made popular by Melanie Fiona with "It Kills Me."

Leirow's tone is brilliant and the tracks are well produced. Lyrical content left a bit to be desired however, the songs above help the tape recover nicely.

Click HERE to listen to Euphoria on DatPiff.com


SOLO DOLO: $haud Money
Solo Flight

Have you ever met a Moonshine Kid? Say hello to Shaud Money, aka, Reshaud Bennett, who happens to be 1/3 of the Moonshine Kids, other members include singer Chris Jobe and Bennett's older brother, Martellus. Originally from Louisiana, Shaud Money brings a unique, distinctly southern sound to his tracks. Solo Flight allows listeners to hear a glimpse of a fresh, young MC whom, with growth, could create quite a name for himself.

Though his flow is slightly raw, witty anecdotes and laid-back delivery make it easy for Solo Flight to cruise through your head phones.

Peep a few of my favorite cuts from Solo Flight:
"Forever Love" (the hook on this joint will stay in your head for hours.);
"Find My Passport"; "Lights, Camera, Action"; "Ear Dope" (production credit to Johnny Juliano. Beat is a wonderful blend of guitar and synth); and "Text Her Back" feat. Denali Nova.

Want more from Shaud Money? Check out his next mixtape in collaboration with another Moonshine Kid Marty B, entitled, Audio Tutorials, set to drop June 25th.

I've included a few of his free-styles below. Make sure you check out his flow on both the "Deuces" and "Rude Boy" instrumentals ...irony, huh? :)

Download "Deuces" Freestyle - Shaud Money
Download "Rude Boy" Freestyle - Shaud Money

Click HERE to download Solo Flight on LimeLinx

Till Pt. II...Peace. Love. Music.

XoXo,


ChanLo.

Put Your Records On...

Hear Ye...Hear Ye... :) Time for a Download...

Hey ya'll check out my latest playlist below. Some new artists, some old, some you've never heard of and a few on the verge. Check them out and follow me on twitter for more music, madness and random hilarity. :) @Chan_Lo

Happy Downloading! :op

1) "Busy" - Lyfe Jennings (Business)

This joint is a good look for Lyfe. You know how your always too busy to return that phone call? Take a look from the other perspective. Lyrical LYFE. Download like yesterday.

2) "Til The Day I Die" - Trey Songz

This joint was released back in February but, its still going hard on my Recently Played list. If you haven't heard it, get yourself some ear candy. If you have heard it, listen again.

3) "Take It All" - Brandon Hines (BUSINESS)

Been peepin Mr. Hines since his days at HU. This dude is one of the most under-rated artists you'll find out now. Get on this joint. P.S. Voice is like butter. If you want more, check out "10".

4) "Love Hurts" - Nivea

The second almost Mrs. Carter is back with a heartfelt ballad which is, dare I say, clearly about a certain dread locked lyrical genius? :) Check it out. Nivea has more range than she shows in this song but, its a nice introduction back to the game.

5) "Swag Sex" - Marques Houston feat. Soulja Boy

I really thought I would listen to this and roll my eyes the entire time...however, I actually am feelin it. Not business worthy but, worth a listen. MH is actually dropping some knowledge though: "...when you throw it you better put it in the endzone, sex game wack, she gon put you in the friend zone..." ;)


6) "Love Freak" - Trey Songz

The original R&B mixtape master, Trigga, dropped another mixtape entitled, 'Let Me Hold That Beat'. "Love Freak" is his version of Usher's "Little Freak"...LOL. No words. Download the whole mixtape & have yourself a Trey Day. ;oP


7) "Wait A Minute (For Your Love)" - JoJo

Someone please get this girl more promo. Talented. Song is FIRE. Download now.


8) "Fear of Flying" - Brandy (BUSINESS)

Ms. Norwood is back with this inspirational ballad. Good stuff. I must admit...I've missed her.


9) "Over" - Drake (BIG BUSINESS)

Clap. Clap. Bravo. Great introduction to the new album. Can't wait to hear what is next from Mr. October. Dude can create a flow with the craziest beats...this is evidence. Big business download bayyybeeee.


10) "Ha Ha" Fat Joe feat. Young Jeezy (BIG BUSINESS)

Joe Craaaaaccccckkkkk. LOL. Beat? Check. 2 of the best MC's in the game SPITTIN CRAZY? Check. On my playlist? You know this...Maaaann.


11) Tied up: "Redbottoms" and "Crazy" - Ghostwridah

Tracks both produced by the crazy talented Don Cannon and graced by Mr. On the Come-up himself, Ghostwridah. Please do yourself a favor and get acquainted with the future.

Enjoy the list. More for you soon.

Love. Peace. Music.

xoxo

Chan.Lo

Press Play...

Ready. Set. Download.


I wanted to get you all a few reviews this week (i.e. Mary J. Blige's new album and Robin Thicke's new LP, Sex Therepy) but, here's my weekly playlist to tide you over. :) Start your engines...

1) "More Than Love" feat. Fabolous - Amerie
(...interesting. Amerie is coming hard with a new sound. Spotlight artist perhaps...?)


2) "Black Culture" - Beyonce
(Lady B is straight up Pam Grier in this joint. Black Panther party 2010 theme song. LOL. Not sure how I feel about this one yet but, its B so...do what you do.)


3) "Stilettos and A Tee" - Bobby Valentino
(Bobby seems to be reverting back to his "Beep" days with this one. Take a listen.)


4) "Straight To The Dance Floor" feat. Lil Wayne - Jamie Foxx
(...so, Weezy seems to be the one man hit factory. Can you say, "weezy approved" ? Track is hot. Not Jamie's best though. If your thinking it'll be another "Blame It", think again.)


5) "It's Been A Pleasure" - Drake
(Just a beat and this dude. Simple but great. Download it. Cannot wait for the REAL album...can I get an advanced copy though...hint hint...)


6) "Perfectly Different" - Karina Pasian
(Another Troy Taylor prodigy (i.e. Trey Songz), this girl is one to watch out for. Lil A. Keys right here.)


7) "Little Freak" feat. Nikki Manaj - Usher
(This is just one of those you'll have to download and either like or hate on your own. Polo the Don delivers on the beat...its just...is it me or is Usher getting a little vulgar with it? Listen for yourself...)


8) "Tipsy" feat. The Dream - Tayma Loren
(I was pleasantly surprised by this joint. Definitely download. You'll likey.)


9) "Pass That Dutch" - Young Money
(Thought I would hate it. It's got some fire though. Drake does what he does. Check out his verse... "No tats but the ink on my money's still wet...". POW!)


10) "Eletric Sex" - Jazzy
(Yes...I spelled it right. :) I've been down with Jazzy since "In Love" and "Makeup" dropped a few years ago. She's one to watch. Download "Eletric Sex" and her previous records. Production is top-notch.)


-Enjoy the playlist loves. I'll holla at you in 2010. New bangers...new attitude. Get ready. :)


Besos!


Chan.Lo.

Playlist ... Shawty.

I have a bit of a problem with getting you guys all of my new music in one weeks time. As much as I love to write, I don't have the time to really do a great write up for all the good music that comes my way so, I decided to accompany my weekly New Music spots with an additional playlist of songs I'm bumpin hard this week.

Unfortunately, a few of you have emailed/facebooked/twittered me about being able to see my playlist. Me and the blogger apps are about to throw down. Sorry loves. I'll have the audio app fixed pronto but, I figured I'd go ahead and type up the list for ya... Happy listening. :)

Top 15: Chan_Lo Ipod Killer - 12/21 - 12/25/09

Happy Chrimihanikwanzika! :)

1) "Flex" - Party Boyz

(Straight outta Dallas...bump this while your pushin candy paint ... no D-town boogie...just dirty Dallas flex.) :)

2) "Pusha (Remix)" feat. Lil Wayne - Lloyd

(Young Moola baayyybeee...hot track)

3) "Created A Monster" - Wynter Gordon

(Decent mid-tempo R&B jam)

4) "Invented Sex (Remix)" feat. Usher & Keri Hilson - Trey Songz

(Will melt the ice right out your mouth...HOT)

5) "Hole In My Head" feat. Justin Timberlake - Rihanna

(She crazy but, u gotta love a Timberland/Timberlake banger)

6) "B&%$h I'm Special" - Rihanna

(She made the list twice...I like the sarcastic hostility)

7) "Never Knew I Needed" - Neyo

(The king of the pen strikes again...)

8) "Betcha" feat. Missy Elliot - Monica

(She's baaaaccccckkkk....)

9) "Get It In" feat. Lil Wayne & Gucci Mane - Omarion

(...I be so L.A. got my chucks and my locs on...lol)

10) "Already Know Me" - JyShoun

(New artist...hot track)

11) "Beautiful Mess" - Jason Mraz

(A little folky but, lyrics are superb)

12) "Tip of My Tongue" feat. Trina - Jagged Edge

(Download this...Now.)

13) "Weight of My Tears" - Dondria

(J.D. found a winner. Look out for this girl)

14) "Champion" - Clipse

(Took em a minute but, they came back swingin)

and.....

15) "Wait" feat. Trey Songz and The Game - Chris Brown

(Sick Beat, check; Hot verses, check; Downloaded like yesterday? Yessir).

Enjoy! :)

xoxo

Chan.lo.

New Music: Usher, Justin Timberlake and JoJo

...This week has been CRAZY with new music. I picked a few of my favorites. Make sure you also check out the play list for your week. Download. Love. Be Merry.

NEW MUSIC: URRRSHER BABY
"IN MY BAG" Feat. T.I.

Usher...or Urrsher as I like to say, is coming back with more fire after the release of "Papers", if you haven't heard it...do better. Nonetheless, check out the Scott Storch produced track (Storch is on a roll, huh?). Not sure how much I'm liking it as a single for Mr. Raymond. Usher seems to be taking a different lyrical route with rap/freestyle/sing-talking on the verses. Plus, not really used to hearing him talk mess. See the example below. It's kind of...awkward.

"Can't doubt me//Won't out me//Wouldn't even have a style without me..."

LOL. Nonetheless, T.I. gets it in around the 3:15 mark. Good track for Usher's 6th studio LP, Raymond v. Raymond, set to drop March 1, 2010 ...this could change though...AGAIN.

Honorable Mentions...worth the download:

"Daddy's Home", "Papers (Remix)" feat. 2 Pistols and "Stay Down" (THE BUSINESS)

Sigh...moving on...

(BUSINESS WORTHY)
"Winner" Justin Timberlake feat. Jamie Foxx

There isn't much to say about this joint other than, DOWNLOAD IT NOW. Rob Knox knocked this one out the park. This Justin Timberlake/Jamie Foxx collaboration balances well. The lyrical content leaves more to be desired but, who can resist a feel good anthem? Check it out. :)

...the video should be interesting...I just hope Jamie doesn't try to dance....

Last but, not least...

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: JOJO

...She's Pretty Much Grown...

The little girl with the big voice that captivated us all back in 2004 with her self-titled debut album (tell me her remake of SWV's "Weak" is not still the jam), and again in 2006 with the LP entitled: The High Road , is back...almost.

After conflict with a sketchy distribution deal and her long-time label, Blackground Records, JoJo is finally moving forward with new material. I have a few of the songs that have been leaked from her upcoming album entitled, All I Want Is Everything and I encourage you to download all of the tracks listed below. With tracks produced by Tank, Bryan-Michael Cox, Jovan Dais, and Chad Hugo, among others, I look forward to this being her breakthrough record...let us hope. Her 3rd LP is set for release in January 2010 but, I haven't heard much promotion for it so, we shall see. I encourage you to download the songs below.

1) "Do What You Gotta Do"
2)"I Hate Love" (BUSINESS)
3) "Forever In My Life" (BUSINESS)
4) "Fly Away" (BUSINESS)

5) Keep Forgetting (To Forget About You)

P.S. Also check out a few Honorable Mentions from JoJo:

"25 to Life";

"You Take Me Around The World"; and

"Wrong Man For The Job"

Music Monday...Get Your Ipod Ready.

Boy, Boy, Boy...New Music: Christina Milian

The lovely Mrs. Dream debuts a new song entitled "This Boy" feat. Pit bull. The track, produced by Jim Jonsin (the producer behind such hits as: "Whatever You Like" by T.I., "Cuddy Buddy" by Mike Jones, "Kiss Me Thru The Phone" by Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, and "Lollipop" by Lil Wayne), has a distinct mirange/salsa feel to its pop beat. I'm a bit on the fence about this one...it has the potential to be a nice lil ladies anthem...or it could make you want to beat your head into your dashboard.

Nice to see Milly back though...even nicer to see that she won't be relying on her superstar hubby for every track on her new LP.

Click to Listen to "This Boy" feat. Pit Bull by Christina Milian

BINGO!!! ...Gucci!

Our favorite should have been one-hit wonders are together again (post, "LOL :)"), and I must say...Bingo bangs. Gucci Mane and Soulja Boi-Tell Em collab on "Bingo" produced by Miami's very own hit machine, Scott Storch. You'll find this song as well as Gucci standout, "Lemonade" on Gucci's latest release Gucci Mane: The State vs. Radric Davis, which hit stores on December 8th.

Gucci invites Waka Flocka Flame to drop 16 in the third verse. If you can look aside ignorant lyrics like: "All the hood chicks want it like bingo" (need I say more?), you'll actually find yourself nodding fervently to this catchy diddy. I have this on my driving play list...no lie. Gucci! Brrr! :)

Listen to "Bingo" feat. Soulja Boi and Wacka Flocka by Gucci Mane