Back in 2014, Common teamed up with John Legend for the powerful track “Glory“, which was featured in the film Selma (based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches) and received a slew of awards since its release, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song. In addition, the single was one of many created to unite the country in fighting against police brutality and overt prejudice against the Black community (and anyone, period), utilizing the civil rights movement that fought so hard for change in America some 50 years ago.

Now, the Chicago veteran may be looking for lightning to strike twice with his latest effort, “Letter To The Free”, a collaboration with singer Bilal that sets focus on the social and political climate of present times. It’s as fiery as any of Common’s previous efforts on the matter, turning the spotlight on America’s willingness to continue the oppression of Blacks by way of arrests-turned-killings and under-the-layer forms of racism (Common even references the polarizing 13th Amendment, which has returned to the forefront thanks to expressive pieces such as this documentary). As expected, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gets a lyrical bullet in his direction as well.

You can enjoy ‘Letter To The Free’ below; also included is a live performance of the song, done as part of NPR’s special Tiny Desk concert that took place at the White House for the inaugural South By South Lawn festival (the audience and listeners/viewers were also blessed with a few other song renditions from the collaborators as well). The track will appear on Common’s forthcoming album Black America Again, which sees additional appearances from Stevie Wonder, Marsha Ambrosius, The Internet’s Syd, BJ The Chicago Kid and more…you can pre-order that here before it drops next month.

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V.Bozeman, Bilal, and Tish Hyman Talk Alchemy at ‘BET Experience’ Kick-Off

Four thousand music fans attended the BET Experience at L.A. Live kick-off concert at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. The free concert headlined by platinum R&B princess Monica also featured sets from V.Bozeman, Bilal, Luke James and Tish Hyman.

The Museum of Light discussed alchemy with V.Bozeman, Bilal, and Tish Hyman. When asked if she considered herself an alchemist, the Empire actress and singer V.Bozeman reflected on inspirational words from late soul icon Nina Simone.

Bilal and Tish Hyman also explained their efforts to transform their art into works that inspire their listeners.

Stay tuned for more from this Experience! 

The Museum of Light is curated by:  
Joslyn Rose Lyons, Billy Johnson Jr., Adell Henderson, Rafael Casal, Matt Smith, Malik Buie.
Photo credit: Chris Contreras

Follow The Museum of Light at:
https://instagram.com/museumoflight/
https://twitter.com/museumoflight

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Here we go with another very dope visual experience brought to us by Kendrick Lamar and his camp. “These Walls” is the next single off his sophomore album To Pimp a Butterfly, so it was only right that King Kendrick bring us a thought-provoking video that oozes of creativity and entertainment. The comedic video features guest appearances from Corey Holcomb and Terry Crews (One scene even depicts Kendrick and Terry hitting the Quan). I’ll stop typing and let the video speak for itself. Props to Kendrick for continuously raising the bar with his art.

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Over the years Chrisette Michele has made several memorable guest appearances alongside some of hip-hop’s biggest and brightest stars, lending her distinctive voice to songs like Jay-Z’s “Lost One,” Nas’ “Can’t Forget About You,” Ghostface Killah’s “Slow Down” and Rick Ross’ “Aston Martin Music,” to name a few. Three years have passed since the release of her last album, Let Freedom Reign and now she’s back with every intention of being Better. The 20 song album (deluxe edition) may seem a bit daunting and overwhelming, but a further examination reveals that four of the tracks are short interludes that keep the album moving and hold everything together. And actually listening to the album is even more rewarding.

The album opens with the declarative and upbeat “Be In Love,” which features Chrisette reminding herself that she’s capable of falling in love again despite the troubles that she’s had in the past. “A Couple Of Forevers,” the second track, is a mellow plea that borrows some elements from the classic O’Jays tune “Stairway To Heaven.”  The airy “Rich Hipster” and “Love Won’t Leave Me Out” precede the album’s first interlude, with the former featuring a verse from Wale and the latter insisting that there’s love out there for anyone everyone who is open to receiving it — even the most pessimistic, broken and bruised of individuals.

The album’s title track finds Chrisette Michele relinquishing her freedom to Cupid’s whims, which Chrisette is okay with as long she winds up being, you guessed it, Better. Surrendering herself to his will, Michele finds comfort in believing that she’s right where she needs to be even if she’s not at her best at the present moment. Her vocals really sell this song; her characteristic soulful rasp really elevates. On “Charades,” lush chords, echoing vocals and a strangely effective 2 Chainz verse accentuate the confessions of a guarded and cold woman who has been hurt and burned in the past. It’s unclear whether Chrisette is referring to herself or if she’s just the vessel for a moving story, but that’s the beauty of her delivery. A song doesn’t have to be about her for it to feel like it’s about her: her voice is just that evocative.

There are plenty of anthems out there that celebrate the multiple capabilities of the modern-day superwoman, but with “Supa,” Chrisette explores the other side of that coin, stating her desire to sometimes feel like a little girl and just be rocked to sleep in the most innocent of ways. It’s impossible to be on level ten at all times and Michele is willing to admit that she needs to be loved even when she doesn’t feel pretty or look her best. It’s a very tender confession. In one of Better’s interludes, Chrisette reveals that although she has these huge glass windows in her bedroom, she’s afraid of the dark and revels in being able to hold and be held by someone during the night. Sleeping alone troubles her, but as long as she can “Get Through The Night,” everything will be alright. It is easy to dismiss these somewhat sad confessions as a lack of maturity, but Chrisette’s point seems to be that it takes maturity to confess in the first place.

Overall, Better has something for just about everyone. The topics are relatable and longtime Chrisette Michele fans should find themselves quite satisfied. The multiple producers brought in to handle the project were quite successful at creating soundscapes that work best with what could be called “the trademark Chrisette Michele sound.”  It’s good music for the summertime and beyond. Give it a spin and you just might be Better afterward as well.

The post Album Review: Chrisette Michele — Better appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

FNLII is steady approaching one step at a time. Lupe Fiasco‘s Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album is slated to drop on September 25. Below you can find the complete tracklist which includes features from Casey Benjamin, Poo Bear, Bilal, Guy Sebastian, Jane $$$ and Jason Evigian. Production includes cuts by 1500 Or Nothin’, Soundtrakk and The Audibles to name a few.

1. Ayesha Says (Intro)
2. Strange Fruition feat. Casey Benjamin
3. ITAL (Roses)
4. Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free)
5. Audubon Ballroom
6. Bitch Bad
7. Lamborghini Angels
8. Put Em Up
9. Heart Donor feat. Poo Bear
10. How Dare You feat. Bilal
11. Battle Scars (with Guy Sebastian)
12. Brave Heart feat. Poo Bear
13. Form Follows Function
14. Cold War feat. Jane $$$
15. Unforgivable Youth feat. Jason Evigian
16. Hood Now (Outro)
17. Things We Must Do For Others

The post Tracklist: Lupe Fiasco’s “Food & Liquor II” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Last night Robert Glasper (accompanied by his band) closed out Letterman with a gorgeous song off of his newest album, Black Radio. The single includes the always-soulful Bilal on the vocals and Lupe Fiasco rocking the mic like a true poet. Just looking at the album’s features makes it a stellar lineup. Erykah Badu, Chrisette Michelle, Yasiin Bey and Ledisi are on the project which released on the 28th.

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The Jigga Man blessed Carnegie Hall with his appearance last night, dressed in a black-trousers-white-jacket-and-bowtie tuxedo. This makes Jay-Z the second hip-hop artist to perform at Carnegie, and the first to headline (Wyclef performed in 2001).

And check this: The orchestra behind him included ?uestlove, Young Guru playing DJ and the neo-soul singer Bilal. Special guests included Alicia Keys and Nas, who performed their iconic city singles “Empire State of Mind” and “N.Y State of Mind.”

RESPECT. to Jay -Z as the proceeds of the benefit concert are going to the United Way of NYC and Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation for gifted high school students who aren’t financially positioned to attend college. Peep as Jay performs his newest “Glory” track below, honoring his newborn.

via CBS, MTV

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