When I first saw the figure of a tormented Chris Brown yelling the hook in the opening scenes on this video, I thought – Kanye!

But Chris’s emotional performance in the video is more than a copycat one. Hype Williams paints a dark, Matrix-style portrait of a anguished ugly world where its two stars are not afraid of the darkness.

Why Stop Now is the first single and video from Busta Rhymes since he signed with YMCMB records a few months back. Busta is sticking with the same insanely fast-rapping style he used in Brown’s successful Look At Me Now from 2011. And Brown is hanging on to the same bradaggio that make his fans love him.

Check out the video below as well as the Making of the Video – which is actually worth a watch!

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Post tags: Behind the Scenes, Busta Rhymes, ChokLit Fresh, chris brown, Hip Hop Music, Hype Williams, New Music Video, Why Stop Now, YMCMB Records

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Fans of prolific R&B/Soul singer D’Angelo were delighted to hear the once troubled artist has been preforming shows again and getting back to his craft. Footage surfaced online days ago from a show D’Angelo preformed in Paris, France where he sat at his piano and decided to play a familiar fan favourite, Untitled (How Does it Feel).  The French audience sang right along with the Singer, who was clad in all black and his signature black bandanna, tied around his head like it was 1998. You may also note that the once chubby singer has regained his slimmer frame.

D’angelo’s 2000 album Voodoo was cited by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 greatest albums of all time. His third album, tentatively titled James River is highly anticipated. Watch the video below to reminisce.

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Post tags: D'angelo, Performance video, R&B/Soul music, Untitled (How Does it Feel), Voodoo

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Check out the new song Musafa from Somali-Canadian Artist Amaal Nuux. Now living in Toronto, the strikingly beautiful 22 year old singer/songwriter has been steadily gaining online fans with the release of songs like the poetic Words Revealed and With You.

Musafa is a strong, empowering track with some ethnic accents and nods to Nuux’s native land. The music and lyrics are refreshing and showcase an international appeal for the young songstress.

The visual for Musafa feature the artwork of good friend (and friend to the Blog) Ryan Postic. You can check out more of Ryan’s work on his website here.

Listen to Musafa below.

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Post tags: Amaal Nuux, International Music, Musafa, New Artists, New Music, Ryan Postic, Sweet Tooth

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Fresh from his appearance atop our Top 25 songs of 2011 List, Singer/songwriter Frank Ocean debuted a new song to his Tumblr page, titled Voodoo. The 1:38 min snippet is smooth, with subtle guitar licks and  a soothing sound. Ocean’s lyrics write a story of a Love that survives during the darkest of times.

Darker times

they’re telling boulder heavy lies

looks like all we’ve got is each other

the truth is obsolete

remember when all i had was my mother

she didn’t compromise

she could recognize

Voodoo

The song is another warm-up to Ocean’s much anticipated Def Jam debut that is expected this Spring. Listen below.

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Post tags: Def Jam, Frank Ocean, Melt in your Ears, New Music, Voodoo

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Platinum-selling singer/songwriter Ne-Yo can now add Senior Vice President of A&R to his title as it was announced yesterday he would be leaving his former label Def Jam and joining Motown Records as an Artist and an Executive.  Ne-Yo will bring along his Compound Entertainment imprint to the label and will be responsible for seeking our and grooming new talent for Motown as well.

Ne-yo commented,

“I’m honored that I’ve been given such a prestigious title and trusted with such responsibility; terrified because I know that playing this role in the fashion of one of my career role models, Mr. Smokey Robinson — these are big shoes to fill. But trust, I can handle it,”

Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown chairman/CEO Barry Weiss and senior VP of Motown Ethiopia Habtemariam released a joint statement on the announcement with high hopes.

Weiss commented, “[Ne-Yo's] track record of success at Def Jam will always be a benchmark, but this move to Motown will provide new and inspiring challenges for Ne-Yo as both an artist and a key member of the new senior management team that is taking form at the label in 2012.”

Habetemariam added: “We are committed to discovering, developing and nurturing R&B/soul superstars here at Motown. In Ne-Yo we have both a global superstar and arguably one of the best songwriters in music. His presence on the executive team only strengthens our commitment to be the very best in R&B.”

Source

Congrats to Ne-Yo! Look out for his upcoming fifth studio album arriving this Summer.
Keep Reading…

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Read the rest of Music News ROLO: Ne-Yo’s New Job with Motown, Brandy is Ready for her Return to the Charts (293 words)

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Post tags: Brandy, Def Jam, Industry News, Monica, Motown Records, Music News ROLO, Ne-Yo, R&B music

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Newcomer Elle Varner did the right thing by releasing a Mixtape showcasing her talents before dropping an actual album. The LA Native with the melodic voice and the vintage style released Conversational Lush as a free Mixtape for her fans. Elle’s debut album, Perfectly Imperfect was supposed to drop this Winter but I sense a pushback to build more buzz of the project.

Elle is definitely working with a team who understands her appeal and her sound. Elle’s voice is like honey over the eclectic, jazzy tunes. Elle joins the league upcoming Songtresses with amazing voices who release sonic perfection in the forms of free mix tapes to draw fans in. With Lush, Elle has gained a new fan around these parts.

Elle spoke on what it was like creating the Mixtape:

The mixtape is definitely an uninhibited side of me as an artist. [With this project], it wasn’t much pressure to create it like an album, which is, like, this whole epic package and presentation. The mixtape is just me vibing off different tracks. I’m experimenting and there’s a little bit of me rapping on it. I had a lot of fun making it and I’m excited about it.

On comparisons to Alicia Keys now that they share the same label (RCA):
I have never been so confident in my life as an artist about my [album]. It definitely helps to have so many people confirm that Elle Varner is great. Even when I finished the album, I said to myself, ‘This album is no joke.’ And so, knowing that for myself, even if it sold two copies, it wouldn’t matter to me because I know that I made my best and my album is incredible and I’m proud of it. The only thing that I’m nervous about is that the closer I get to being famous it’s getting kind of weird.

Source

Some standouts on the Mixtape for me include GO, Ghosts and Feel Like a Woman.

Check out the Mixtape and download below.

Conversational Lush by OMGElleVarner

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Post tags: Conversational Lush, Elle Varner, Melt in your Ears, New Music, Perfectly Imperfect, R&B music

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The third Monday of January marks what is known as Martin Luther King Jr. day in the US.  The holiday is meant to celebrate the life and legacy of the Civil Rights Movement’s most recognizable leaders, Martin Luther King Jr.

King’s death back in 1968 devastated the entire World especially given the fact that King was an advocate of peace and fair treatment for all. Fast-forward to 1981, Social activist and celebrated Artist Stevie Wonder released the song “Happy Birthday” as part of a campaign to make King’s birthday a national holiday in the United States.

The song song helped to spearhead the Rally for Peace Press conference in 1981. Two years later, US president Ronald Reagan approved the creation of the holiday by signing it into existence on November 2nd.

Happy Birthday did not break any records in the US, but it did very well in the UK, reaching the second spot. The song still remains a popular one in African American circles.

Happy Birthday was written and produced by Wonder. He signs about how imperative it is to have a special day to recognize a man who has done so much for the country and Civil Rights. Its on of my favourites!

Happy Birthday Mr. King!

Source

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2011 has come and gone like the wind. The changing face of Music has snuck up on us as well. Dance/Electronic music has become the new popular music. This change has perhaps been ushered in by the popularity of the Jersey Shore folk and their penchant for dance music. Party-boy acts like LMFAO now have top 5 hits on the Billboard charts. And former struggling acts like Pitbull found new life by releasing dance hits while pairing with R&B singers.

Popular singing competitions The Voice and The X-Factor showed us that perhaps we still wanted singing competitions in our lives, even as American Idol dwindled in popularity. While popular dancehall acts like Sean Paul used to be able to find success on the charts, these days, only Barbadian princess Rihanna can successfully pull off an island-tinged single. Former group singer, Kelly Rowland re-emerged from behind Beyonce’s shadow with a hit record meant to motivate. Kanye West reclaimed his popularity with the release of his game-changing Twisted Fantasy last year, and in 2011, he cleverly teamed up with Rapper Jay-Z to release the wildly popular Watch the Throne album and tour. Beyonce Knowles released the album of her career (thus far), but her efforts were overshadowed by the loss of her father/manager and the growing baby bump underneath her clothes.  Rapper/Singer Drake helped further blur the line with his release of Take Care in the fourth quarter. The more exciting talk of 2011 thankfully included newcomers to the scene. Singer/Songwriters The Weekend and Frank Ocean captivated Music fans alike with their boundry-less music offerings. And while things change, they will always stay the same. Lady Gaga continued to keep our attention in 2011 with the release of  Born This Way and pop Princess Katy Perry continued her hot streak, releasing hit after hit from her 2010 album, Teenage Dream.

We hope to see what 2012 has to offer and I am hoping for more genre-busting music. But because everyone likes a good List (and 2010′s List was sorely missed), we bring you The ChokLit Factory’s Top 25 songs of 2011. Read, discuss and disagree. Let’s run it!

25) Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera

Singing competition The Voice judges Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera enjoyed a boost to both their images with this sinfully catchy ode to the dance moves of The Rolling Stones frontman, Mick Jagger. The song is the fourth single from Maroon 5′s third studio album, Hands All Over, also released in 2011. The song debuted on an episode of the The Voice back in June, and soon made its entry onto the Billboard charts, entering at number 8. The song would remain in the Top 10 on the Billboard charts for 26 consecutive weeks, selling over 3 million copies in the US alone. More importantly, Moves is such a damn, catchy song! Led by Levine’s slinky vocals, Aguilera’s booming vocals compliment them perfectly.

24) Gone and Never Coming Back - Melanie Fiona

Although Canadian-bred Fiona has yet to find much success on the charts, the singer is well-respected by her peers and is looking to make a big name for herself in the new year. Fiona released Gone and Never Coming Back to very little promotion, though it fared somewhat well on the charts, reaching number 37 on the Hot R&B/HIp Hop charts. I remember when I first heard the song and was really moved by its lyrics, the lonely piano and Fiona’s emotional delivery. The song is a pop ballad with heart that never received much of the press and exposure it deserved. Even its predecessor, 4AM did not bring the level of emotion. Nevertheless, it remains of one the year’s best!

23) Love Angel Riddim - Vybez Kartel, Tommy Lee, Popcaan

This is the first time I have felt compelled to add a Dancehall Riddim to the Best of List, but I think in this case, my choice is warranted. Released in August, The Love Angel Riddim inspired some of Dancehalls’ finest to drop their own versions to the upbeat music. Vybez Kartel , Gaza Slim, Tommy Lee, Black Diamon, Dheba and Stylysh all released their own versions, but it was newcomer Popcaan who stole the show with his version, Only Man She Want. His tale of a woman who only has eyes for him is one of Dancehall’s best offerings this year. Popcaan’s vocals ride the beat and command the song. Honorable mentions go to Vybez Kartel’s Luv You Enuf and Tommy Lee’s A Million.

22) Lotus Flower Bomb - Wale feat. Miguel

I first heard Lotus Flower Bomb at the night’s end while at a club in Atlanta. My first reaction was: “WHO is singing the hook? Is this Miguel?” Released as the first single of Wale’s sophomore album, Ambition. Although the subject matter has been said and done a thousand times: a thugged-out gentleman tries to woo a sweet young thang as she offers up some resistance (also see the video for Lotus Flower Bomb that stars ANTM alum Bre Scullark). But the delivery; the collaborative effort between the two artist is one of the year’s best.

21) Only Wanna Give it To You – Elle Varner feat. J.Cole

Original Post

Newcomer Elle Varner brought a much welcome year end surprise with her debut single, Only Wanna Give it To You. The retro, hip hop beat blends nicely with Elle’s raspy, sweet vocals. The main star of the song are the lyrics which are smart, witty and sweet. Elle is adorable. At 22, she is poised to be the next big thing, if her label handles her right. Judging from her next leaked song, Sound-Proof Room, this girl is Ready.

20) Hater - Miranda Brooke

Original Post

Since R&B is not the most popular genres out right now, I happen to enjoy when an Artist comes around who still wants to represent the genre right. Def Jam’s new artist Miranda Brooke fit perfectly into my sorely missed 90s R&B craving with her debut single, Hater. The song follows a girl who can admit her ego is bruised once her ex has moved on to the next girl and is able to treat her much better. Relatable lyrics, decent vocal performance from Brooke and easy-going pop R&B made this song a favourite of the ChokLit Factory for 2011.

19) Novacane - Frank Ocean

Original Post

Frank Ocean reached notoriety with the release of his Mixtape, Nostalgia Ultra back in February and there were plans for his label Def Jam to re-release the EP in July. Novacane was the breakout song from the Mixtape that received heavy play during the Summer. The Tricky Stewart-produced track was a simple enough backdrop for the lyrics that followed. Ocean paints a vivid picture of him meeting a young lady who used to do porn to support herself through dental school. Oddly enough, it all works.

18) 1+1 - Beyonce

Original Post

Beyonce released 1+1 to radio as a promotional single for her forthcoming album 4, back in May. The song served as the opening track to her album and sets the tone for music made in love. 1+1 describes a deep, emotional kind of love that is shared between two people. Originally recorded by The-Dream and meant to appear on his 2009 album, Love vs Money, Beyonce re-recorded the song with lyrics that mirrored the love she feels for a man. The song is emotional and beautiful, yet still very simplistic and toned down. Beyonce later recorded a sweaty, sexy video for the song, which helped evoke the timelessness of the record.

17) Lift Off – Jay-Z, Kanye West and Beyonce

Original Post

If ever there was an inspirational, greater-than-life anthem for 2011, Life Off was it. The song was originally meant to be the lead single from Kanye West and Jay-Z’s Watch the Throne album, but it was later replaced by Otis. The song begins with regal, triumphant sounding  horns that leads into Beyonce energetically singing the song’s hook. Kanye West jumps in, followed by Jay-Z, both rapping about taking the Game to the next level. Sonically, the song is in a league of its own. The song ends with a mission control broadcast that was first heard in Frank Ocean’s Rocket Love. Near the song’s end, it switches gears with a new beat and screws and chops Beyonce’s vocals. Good shit.

16) Wicked Games - The Weeknd

“I left my girl back home/I don’t love her no more” Those two lines set off the year of the Weeknd. The Toronto native released his first Mixtape, House of Balloons in March. The Mixtape boasts somber tracks, drug and party-fueled subject matter and Weeknd’s high-pitched vocals. Wicked Games is important because it helped set the mood for the Weeknd and collaborator Drake to usher in a more moody, dark genre of urban music.

Keep Reading for the Top 15 of the List….

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Read the rest of ChokLit Factory Exclusives: The Top 25 Songs of 2011 (1,777 words)