April Favorites

July Quin - "Nobody"

Quin's album, 'Dealing with Doubt' dropped earlier in the month and he murders this song like it literally nobody's business. This upbeat, yet dark song challenges you to cherish the time that you have before it's too late.

Favorite Line: They say that this is the best time when you discover your best side through all the sin that you about to commit.

Murs - "Break Up (The OJ Song)"

I recently went to a Tech N9NE concert where Murs performed and as soon as he sang this I knew he was singing about me. We all have that ONE person we love so much, but hate at the same time. This song is perfect for those in between moments.
Favorite Line: Started missing you again last night 'til I remembered all the reasons that your ass love to fight. It's like, dude I really wanted this to work, but you had to get your shit together first.

Alabama Shakes - "I Found You"

Alabama Shakes has took the world somewhat by storm appearing on shows like SNL and Letterman. With their newly released album 'Sound & Color' that I am also obsessed with I had to pay homage to my favorite song from 'Boys & Girls' that has been finding itself on every playlist I've made this month.

Favorite Line: If it's not the real deal then I don't know it 'cause it sure does feel, and I think it sure does show.

Lion Babe - "Jungle Lady"

Lion Babe slays in 'Jungle Lady' with her smokey and sweet voice. This song is cocky, but at the same time pretty humble. 
Favorite Line: Baby don't be shy let's go and fall in love. Hold each other close and watch the stars above.

Snakehips - "Poison" ft. Daniella T.A.O.L.

From the alluring instrumental to the sultry vocals by Daniella T.A.O.L. this song is so perfect for those night time spring/summer adventures when you're already a few in.
Favorite Line: I could be forgiven for giving you the run around there's no good pretending.

ArchDuke - "Ama be Happy" ft. Jenee Jones

This feel good song is perfect for those days when you wake up in a bit of a funk. I promise that if you play this you will feel invincible by the end of the first chorus. ArchDuke delivers on this encouraging song that just makes you feel...well, happy.

Favorite Line: My hearts been torn into pieces. My prides been crushed and egos been dimished. My life's been tossed to the floor to the ceiling. Up and down like I live on a coaster but still I say love keeps lifting me higher.

Dealing With Doubt with July Quin

Hailing from the Bronx, July Quin re-imagines the feels of every young adult with his album 'Dealing with Doubt' (released April 4)- an album so relatable you get a little paranoid because you're sure he's writing about you. "I needed it to make sense and connect with people. I took a long time with it because I knew that it meant something to not only me, but to other people."

With lyrics like, "I was born in the belly of the beast, my love. Never was told that I could be someone. I never graduated out of high school, sir. They ain't expect me to grind like such", Quin takes you on a his journey of dealing with doubt from himself and others while still trying to accomplish his dreams. "When you're young, you think you can be what you wanna be", Quin explains. "It's so hard to be everything that you want to be instantaneously. It doesn't happen overnight."

It's easy to categorize 'Dealing with Doubt' as a sad album, but it is actually quite encouraging. From the heartfelt back and forth from Quin and Dizzy SenZe in 'UhHuh' to the reflective and vulnerable Quin in 'Run' you get a push to strive just a little bit more. The composition of this largely self produced album is melodious, cohesive, and rounded. Quin draws you in with the timbre of his songs, but you definitely stay when you hear his resonant vocals.

“This is happening a whole lot more within my community than what I’m aware of.”

When you’re trying to accomplish a dream that seems bigger than yourself it can feel daunting. You reach a level of tunnel-vision that creates the "me against the world" stigma. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there’s a special warmth you get when you are able to connect with others who are also striving for their dreams. 

"The reason I love this album so much and the reason why I want to connect with people as much as I do with this album is for when my friends start not believing in themselves and talking about how they wanna quit because of how society is or whatever the case may be. I just wanna be that person to open the door and be like, 'yo, there’s definitely more to this than what you see right now.'"  

In the subtly amiable song 'Wonderland', Jessie Davis accompanies Quin in nurturing the kings and queens who dream. "We reside in the art they claims illegal- but this is one of the closest ways to get to people", the rapper recites which allows you to feel connected to not only his art, but to his doubt as well.
Doubt can be the killer of the human spirit. It is a self conscious struggle that can paralyze every thing you've set yourself up to accomplish. "People stop because their doubt is so loud that they don’t allow themselves to achieve everything that they can be."

"Sometimes we only get one chance to engage people ‘cause the attention span for music is pretty short so if you’re not captivating anybody for their personal interest you only have one chance to really wow them. If you get the opportunity to give somebody an experience than you've already captured them. Focus on capturing people’s attention and giving them something to talk about. Invite them in. Don’t make them so distant from you."

You can listen to the breathtaking album here:

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(Lead Image: NinoConqueso, Other images: dealingwithdoubt.tumblr.com)

March Favorites

Marlee in the Mixx - "Cloud 9"
"Cloud 9" is a subtle song about obsession. Marlee in the Mixx perfectly capture the feeling of being completely, and utterly infatuated with a person in this hallucinatory song.

Favorite Line: You got highed up, drugged out. Why you all I think about? Kiss my lips. I get my fix. Inhale my fire. Blow me out.

XiT - "Young(er)"

In XiT's album, "Young", he talks about the ups and downs of being young and passionate. This track captures the feeling of summer euphoria, when you feel invincible and golden.

Favorite Line: High off life, chasing feelings of euphoria. This here's a story of a young dream chaser trying to get green paper. Need a secret like Victoria.

The Peace and Body Roll Duo Boomscat - "Private Show"

From the surging synth to the fervid vocals this is the perfect "sexy time" song. The lyrics are assertive, yet modest- which pretty much sums up the perfect lover.

Favorite Line: Baby, I don't wanna talk. Maybe I just wanna uhh, touch you in your favorite spot. Tell me you won't give it up?

Purple Ferdinand - "Wasn't Taught to Love"
From her debut, "The Dragonfly EP", Purple Ferdinand woos us with her vulnerable lyrics and wispy acoustic guitar in this alluring ballad.

Favorite Line: Distorted visions through love no reality. I believe in no such thing as sanity.

Ejaaz - "Guap"
Ejaaz is definitely an artist to look out for. On "Guap" Ejaaz achieves a form of dark ambition on this new wave track.

Favorite Line: I'll be damned if a damn ever stop my growth- no. Progression is vital. The heart carries love in a spiral.

JP Saxe - "Far From Broken"

In "Far From Broken" JP Saxe sings a soulful tale about trying to get over someone, but at the same time not losing what their love has brought you.

Favorite Line: My heart won't hold for someone else. Losing you can't mean losing myself.