Mixtape Monday...On The Come Up.

We've received lots of love for the Mixtape Monday posts on both SBNP and Underground Appeal. I chose to do something a bit different for this week's post so, as always, feedback is always appreciated. Keep showing love and please continue to send me your mixtape links! Follow me on twitter @Chan_Lo and I'll make sure to download your links!

Corey Simon aka C.O. "Tell Me" and "365"

Good music tends to find me in the oddest of places. I had the pleasure of meeting one of this week's featured artists a few weeks ago. We were chill-axin at a mutual friends barbecue and he played a few tracks off of his upcoming LP. I was intrigued. Corey Simon, aka C.O. originally from the Lower 9th in New Orleans, Louisiana has been putting in work. His industry experience is impressive, working in Los Angeles under Mike Lynn and Interscope as well as with the super lab ID labs out of PA, C.O. is currently working with Playa Will out of the N.O. and the super-producer, DJ Don Cannon on his first LP due to be released in September 2010.

Two songs featured are "365" produced by Playa Will and "Tell Me" produced by Don Cannon. "365" is a clever play on words and shows a bit more of C.O.'s ability than the feel-good summer jam, "Tell Me". Reminiscent of an early Kanye joint pre-College Drop Out, "365" is nod-worthy however, I would have liked to see more bars from C.O.

The first few chords in "Tell Me" sound incredibly close to Mario's "How Do I Breathe" and then, the beat drops. C.O. has potential with this song, his first single. However, I think the chorus could be stronger. As it is, the song is a 2010 version of "Sunshine" by Lil Flip featuring Lea. I think if C.O. were to find a stronger voice to accompany the track, it would definitely make this Cannon smash a hit.

To download "Tell Me" on limelinx, click HERE
Download "365" by clicking HERE

Follow C.O. on Twitter @C_O_

The Understanding - Shareefa
The Misunderstanding of Shareefa
Its pointless to even try to put a mixtape up worth two cents without it having some sort of stamp from Don Cannon. Dude is working. Much respect. Nonetheless, our second feature for this week comes from former DTP standout, Shareefa. When Shareefa hit the scene in 2005 (she was rocking that shaved side before all y'all. Haha!) with her hit "Need A Boss" I was definitely looking for her to make a significant name for herself. With a powerful voice, and a strong camp, Shareefa was poised to be the new R&B ride or die chick. Instead, Keyshia Cole picked up the title and Monica took it back.

Shareefa is back with a mixtape hosted by DJ Don Cannon entitled, The Misunderstanding of Shareefa. Much like former MTM feature, Asia'h, Shareefa is capitalizing on the Cannon seal of approval and I ain't mad at her. This joint BANGS. All capital letters. If you love music and you love artists who make songs cry, you'll appreciate this download. It is worth your time. I would've done without the skits and interludes but, the musical content is undeniably personal and the lyrics are poignant. Also, the addition of Raheem Devaughn on track 10 entitled: "Ya Love" is additional icing on the cake.

This mixtape tells a love story that never gets old. Make sure you read it.

Business Worthy Tracks:
"My Life" - Shareefa samples Weezy on this remake. It's very raw and touches on her struggle. You'll love.

"By My Side" Produced by Bangladesh, this joint is an ode to the Good Men. "Black Brutha..." :)

"Home Wrecker" ...the title speaks for itself. Check the chorus below:

"...I done had enough/trick be gone/All up on my n&%a/need to get your own/Home Wrecker/See its h&%s like you that give a bad name to women/got your legs open/tryin to steal my happy-ending/Home, Home, Homewrecker."

"Ya Love" featuring Raheem Devaughn - Pretty and poetic.

Download The Misunderstanding of Shareefa on DatPiff by clicking HERE

Make sure to follow Shareefa on Twitter @gotreefa


Till Next Week...Peace. Love. Music.

XoXo.

Chan.Lo.

That New New ... Fresh Fridays

UnKommonly FRESH

Here at SBNP and Underground Appeal, we've decided to become a bit more well rounded when it comes to delivering goodies to the masses. Thus, in addition to Mixtape Mondays (this week's was dope huh? lol), we are also introducing Fresh Fridays. Our very first subject: the fresh dudes of UnKommon Kolor (UNKO) Be prepared to purchase and fall in retail love.

UNKO is a brand that combines skateboard style with fashionable ideas that literally could and do appeal to everyone. The plethora of clothing items offered include t-shirts and recently introduced "hangables" (pictured), as well as something I've yet to witness: customized painted fitteds. For those of you who are into distinguishing yourself from the next, this item is for you.

Peep the pics and make sure you check out the limited edition re-release of two of UNKO's biggest sellers. The peeps there have released a nifty "Black Pack" on sale now.

Check the links below and become familiar with the UnKommon. :)

Peace. Love. Fresh.

XoXo

Chan.Lo.

Check out the clothes, accessories and customs at: http://www.theunko.com/

Check out the Spring 2010 lookbook here.

UnKommon Kolor Blog

Hit up the masterminds behind the line on Twitter:

@BlueTheGreat

@UnkommonKolor

Mixtape Monday: Free DOWNloaders

The Dallas hip-hop scene has been recently known for producing music that is fun to dance to but, lacking in significant substance. This week we profile two Dallas stand-outs that may have you bobbing your head to something a bit more substantial.

Be Free - Sore Losers
Free Loaders

Meet the Sore Losers, a young group straight out of the suburbs of Dallas, Texas. Sore Losers (consisting of members, Brandon “King” Blue and rapper Vince “Encyclopedia” Brown) were introduced by Dallas standout, Dorrough (of "Ice Cream Paint Job" fame). Sore Losers recently released their first mixtape entitled, Free Loaders.

Free Loaders is a combination of sounds reminiscent of such artists as Lupe Fiasco, Gnarls Barkley and Travie McCoy. I'm not crazy about the fact that the tape isn't anything I haven't heard before, however, anyone who has read my reviews can see that I am a true fan of people who can rely on their words and not on the beats their given. While the content is raw, it is also based on their own experiences and touches on issues ranging from relationships to troubled childhoods.

I look forward to seeing what comes next from this duo and trust you'll appreciate what this Dallas group has to offer.

To download Free Loaders on Datpiff.com, click here: Sore Losers - Free Loaders
Visit the Sore Losers on twitter: @SoreLosers , @BlueSoLoser and @BrownSoLoser

No Fear - Nick Pratt
Fear of Falling

Nick Pratt, originally of Fort Worth, Texas, attempts to give listeners a glimpse of his collegiate life in his mixtape, Fear of Falling. Pratt collaborated with young producers on the come-up including, Beewirks and CSB (Catholic School Boys), to create a sound that is creative and raw.

Fear of Falling offers up quite a bit of material with 15 tracks pegged and one ("Flying" featuring Brian Francis) that is a dual song timed at the 10 minute, 28 second mark. While Fear of Flying provides a lot to listen to, I feel the tracks are missing a certain cohesive element. Stand out tracks "Push It", "Choices", "Run", "Wait" and the title track, "Fear of Falling", give us a glimpse of Pratt's notable lyrical skills.

Ultimately, Fear of Falling is a solid first project from Nick Pratt. Looking forward to hearing more from this Texas musician as he hones his talent.

To check out Nick Pratt's mixtape, Fear of Falling, go to: http://nickprattmusic.bandcamp.com/

Follow Nick on Twitter @NickPrattMusic

Until Next Time,

Peace. Love. Music.

XoXo.

Chan.Lo.

Mixtape Monday ... Big Talk. Big Walk.

The Future Is Bright - Ghostwridah

In Love With My Future

I was privledged enough to receive one of the first leaks of Ghostwridah's latest mixtape, In Love With My Future, prior to its release at 8pm EST on July 1st. Needless to say, I've been jamming this for almost 2 weeks now...and I've yet to get tired of it. Propelled by the release and subsequent internet smash of "Redbottoms" produced by none other than, DJ Don Cannon, In Love With My Future could very well be the mixtape that takes Ghostwridah from New Miami icon to reppin the 305 at the Grammy's. This is the first tape, since the release of Anticipation by Trey Songz in the Summer of 2009, that I have listened to all the way through, back to back, to back, to back. It's that good.

Ghostwridah already proved he could deliver lyrically and put his heart on the highway with his last mixtape release, 305's and Heartbreaks. The In Love With My Future project only reinforces his way with words on EACH and EVERY song. I hate to toot the man's horn but, BEEP. BEEP. BEEEEEEEEEEEP. Although, the tape gives us more of a glimpse at Wridah's rise to the top and less of his personal struggles, he still paints a vivid picture of the road to his future. In "Look At Me Now" feat. Kirby, he highlights the glaring contrasts between his then and his now. Peep the first verse below:

"I guess this is what it feels like when you doin' big s&*t/Now they call you "sir" when they used to call you "misfit"/

Used to call security when we was in they stores/Now we all over the globe and they want us in they clothes/

Last year I was a n&*%a/Now I'm a Negro/Shawty said I wasn't rich enough to get her out her clothes/

Now the tables done turned and she throw it like Tebow/Problem is you was a dime/Now you just a zero/

You're boyfriend's hero, Homie used to sneak this/Heard he tryin to rap now he beggin for them features/

Cheerin from the bleachers every time that I touchdown/Used to play the ground floor, guess I'm goin up now/

used to do the Red cups now we doin Rose/...was doin ok but, now we doing splendid/my doors went suicide what a way to end it."

Fresh beats + Songs that flow + Features that hold their weight (my favorite may just be Bun B's appearance on the Big Tex, candy paint infused, "Ridin" produced by DJ Ideal) all = a memorable download.

*note: Ghostwridah also worked with DJ Ideal on the Coming From The Bottom mixtape. Peep game.

Needless to say, I'm a fan of this mixtape. With over 6,000 downloads in the first week alone, I'd go on a limb and say quite a few people are feeling the future as well.

Business Worthy Tracks:

"Crazy"

"Red Bottoms" - Peep this ode to the gold-diggers of the universe. Last verse had me rolling.

"Look At Me Now" feat. Kirby

"Still Not Famous" - Reminds me of a combination of B.O.B.'s "Airplanes" and Jay-Z's "Forever Young."

"Ridin" - Paul Wall would be proud. Throw up those H's. If you like this, make sure you play Drake's "November 18th" for a screwed up experiance.

To learn more about the homie Ghostwridah and to download In Love With My Future, head to http://www.ghostwridah.com/ and visit him on Twitter @_GhostWridah_

Big Deal - Asia'h
Deal With It

I stumbled across Asia'h Epperson, on one of my random internet music missions. Not until I did my research did I remember her as a season 7 contestant on American Idol. Her signing to Babyface's label, Soda Pop, piqued my interest, and the affiliation with bomb-diggity DJ, Don Cannon, made me download, however, it was the music on her mixtape entitled, Deal With It, that earned these joints a spot on my playlist.

Deal With It combines remixed versions of "Say Something" (Drake and Timbaland), "Bedrock" (Young Money) and "Sex Therepy" (Robin Thicke) as well as four original tracks.

Make sure you peep this ASAP if you love R&B. If Asia'h's first mixtape is any indication, I'm sure she'll be in heavy rotation sooner rather than later.

Business Worthy Tracks:
"Outta Time" - The witty punchlines in this track have made it a repeat.
"Open You Up"
"Say Something" (Remix) - This is probably one of the best additions to this song I've heard yet. Peep a portion of Asia'h's verse below:

"...you talking real fly out the window of your truck/to everything you catching walkin up out the club/Huh?/Its clear that where I am ain't really where you tryin to be at/It's sad that when I need ya you don't ever have my back/we were the perfect pair and now it seems that we don't match/it ain't the money boy, its how you act."

Download Deal With It by heading to http://www.asiahonline.com/ .

Follow Asia'h on Twitter: @asiahe

Momma! I Made It!!

Chan. Lo is Growing Up.

Ha. I've been dabbling with freelance writing for some time and I've finally found a place where my voice, and my pen, fit.

I have now teamed up with the wonderful folks at Underground Appeal.com and I shall lend my voice in an effort to spread the wealth of great music, fashion and all that is FRESH to the masses.

My "Mixtape Monday" posts will appear on both Underground Appeal and SBNP. Check out the site. Familiarize yourselves. Support the positivity.

More love. More music. More Chan.Lo. ;)

P.S. Follow the mastermind behind Underground Appeal, @truthxspeaks .

Mixtapes, Pt. II

Tongue and Cheek...Cheeki Pow Pow Hear Me Roar

Mixtapes provide a great venue for artists to put their own creative spin on existing hits. Cheeki Pow Pow capitalized on that very concept within her Hear Me Roar release. Three of the eleven tracks are "She-mix's" of such hits as "Fly Away" by Lenny Kravitz, "Day N' Night" by Kid Cudi and "Say Something" by Drake.

Production quality isn't completely up to par however, the lyrical content is both thought provoking and flat out funny. For example, on her she-mix of "Say Something", Cheeki takes a stab at a rhyming about a boyfriend who came out on the other end of the 80/20 rule:

"...You took us off our grind for a b----- without a bachelors/That's like trading in Vuitton for a clearance Baby Phat clutch."

Cheeki's wit and originality make this a mixtape worth the listen.

Business Worthy Tracks:
"Not U Itz Me"; "Day N Night"; "Hurt U Gud"; and "Say Something (She-Mix)"

Click HERE to listen to Hear Me Roar on DatPiff.com

Mr. Everything: Marty B.
Oreos, Kicks, & Video Games

The second Moonshine Kid featured in this series may be a name you are familiar with. Martellus Bennett, also known as Marty B, is a constant Youtube presence, creator of 'Hyperbole' clothing and, he's pretty good at football too. ;)

Nonetheless, the man who seems to have a talent for pretty much everything has released his second summer mixtape entitled, Oreos, Kicks and Video Games. Self described "patio music", Oreos combines a host of witty Marty-isms with a plethora of catch hooks and nod worthy beats. If you take a moment to listen to the lyrics, you'll also note a consistant play on words that would typically go unappreciated. An example of this can be seen in the track, "Velvet Ropes":

"Flows just dope/You would know if you listen/But, Khalid not my DJ/So, they don't hear the things we say/Tom Hanks my tapes/Just Cast Away/Hoping they'll last a day on their list of things to play/ok f--- it/I'll play my own s---/...my life just real my n----/no skits."

To check out more from Marty B and the Moonshine Kids, and to view and purchase Hyperbole apparel, visit www.dacoolsociety.com

To download Oreos, Kicks and Video Games click HERE

Business Worthy Tracks:

"Hearts and Love" ft. Micah Seth

"Better Place" ft. Shaud Money

"What More Can I Say?" ft. Dessie Lee and Shaud Money

"Velvet Ropes"

Honorable Mentions:

"Taxi" ft. Shaud Money

"Hello, Good Morning" ft. Shaud Money

"Sky Talk"

*Side note: You may be wondering who did the fantastic art work for the Oreos, Kicks and Video Games cover. None other than graphic designer/Photographer/All around know it all Ashley B. Nguyen. Hit her up on twitter @AshleyANP and on her website at: www.ashnguyen.com

And I'm Gone.

Peace. Love. Music.

xoxo

Chan.Lo.