I Digress...

The other day I ranted about what I didn't like about the current state of R&B/urban music.  I made it seem like there is no hope for the platform, but there is.  Here are a few newer artists that I currently enjoy that those who only listen to the what is called "the radio" may not have heard of.

• Jhene Aiko - This lovely songstress from Los Angeles is a breath of fresh air.  She doesn't exploit her body to sell records, like so many lady artists today (even though she has plenty of body to exploit).  She instead relies on a beautiful voice and unique song writing skills.  Here's a song she did with Miguel a few years back called "Hoe" (please excuse her for the Gucci Mane verse, weirdly it actually works).

• Cocaine 80s - This is a supergroup (in my mind at least) fronted by Common, No I.D., and James Fauntleroy II.  This groups has many interchangeable members, Jhene Aiko is sometimes considered a member.  Fauntleroy might be the least known member, but might be the most talented. I like to call him the Kevin Smith of R&B, meaning he writes for other artists that you wouldn't expect.  He's written for Chris Brown and half the tracks on Rihanna's last pop heavy album.  He's written songs for so many artists that I hate that I wanted to vomit when I read his Wikipedia page. Listen to "Take My Keys" and you would never believe that he has associated himself with Ike & Tina 2.0.

• John West - This cartoonist turned soul singer from Baton Rouge has released too much, but what I've heard from him I absolutely love.  I discovered "Lovely" like 2 years ago, and it remains a constant in my playlist.  

• Spree Wilson - This ATLien is hard to classify.  He sings, produces, spits rhymes, song writes, plays the guitar...you name it he does it.  This man loves music, so much that he gives away his debut album for free through his website.  Here's the link.  If you don't like albums, here's one of my favorite songs of his, "Don't Pass Me By."

• Mayer Hawthorne - Here's another musical do-it-all.  Originally from Michigan, Hawthorne moved to L.A. in 2006 and was discovered by underground hip-hop legend Peanut Butter Wolf.  I like his smokey lounge/BET's "Midnight Love" style (had to hit those that don't know with a link).  A perfect example of that style is his "I Need You" ballad.

Well, I've done my job to help introduce quality music to the masses (when I say masses, I mean the 1 follower of my blog), now do your part and listen and enjoy.  You're welcome.