“La Bala (Bullet)”, the name of the amazingly talented, fierce and jazzy Chilean artist’s third solo album. Ana Tijoux a true queen rocking the cradle of the political babe taking sounds unheard of in Latin America concocting conscious written stories, everyday life battles and the fights against international systems that work for money and not for the people. A true musical activist.
Born in France, Ana’s family was exiled from Chile during the brutal dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet in the early seventies but returned to their beloved country when Ana was thirteen. Witnessing global unrest as a child it inspired this beautiful woman to dig down in her soul, give birth to her vocals and sharpen her mind to fight against injustice through music.
Starting her career over ten years ago Ana made her space in music with Makiza in 1998. Gaining acknowledgement and respect within their country, creating a stellar fan base and selling out shows Makiza earned their right to stay within the music realm. Six years later, after making three superb albums; Vida Salvaje (1998), Aerolineas Makiza (1999) and Casino Royale (2004) Ana decided that a break was due and took refuge back in France. Returning back to the scene a few years later, Ana reunited with her group, Makiza, but also began the recording process of her long awaited solo album. Taking on musical collaborations with the likes of Chilean extraordinaire DJ Bitman, pop artist Julieta Venegas, Control Machete and the main voice of children’s cartoon, Pulentos, all the while making international news of being the rawest and direct female emcee on the planet.
Fastforward.
Outsidelands, Lollpalooza, Grammy Weekend with The Roots and her debut performance at the 2010 SXSW has made her an internationally wanted woman. Her solo albums; Kaos (2007), 1977 (2009) and Elefant Mixtape(2011) are by far phenomenal works of art. Strength, clarity, activism, passion and her undying love for her people produce an amazing mixture for a woman with a mic making a difference in music. Artists craved her music. America gave her Grammy nominations, which by the way is the 2nd only nomination for a Chilean artist and has completed two coast to coast Untied States tours.
La Bala a soundtrack of life as a citizen of Chile. The album is as deadly as the title. Songs like Declasificado, Sacar La Voz, and Si Te Preguntan ring bells in the hearts of the natives. La Bala features some of the most influential musicians in Latin music: Los Aldeanos, Javiar Barria and Solo Di Medina but by far my favorite tracks are El Rey Solo (the king only) and Volver. It’s fierce; it’s in your face truth. Throughout the album the instruments are beauty in true form but what she speaks about aren’t always so beautiful however bringing her soul to the mic, sharing it with all of the world, connecting cultures together to rise up and make a difference is Stunning.
As she gains only more recognition for her amazing work I would like you to witness and share with your fellow music lovers this album and the story of a woman whose worthy of the world. Not to mention people, this is Hip Hop.
I thought it was only right that I write about this Dallas duo Paris Pershun and Slim Gravey known as A.Dd+ since SxSW is less than a week away and everyone is gearing up to witness and feel the life that music gives us. So tonight I share with you a track off of Austin’s own DJ/Producer Nick Nack’s forthcoming album, “State Machine”, hitting streets and the net very soon.
“Can’t You See” was written first by Slim, verse and hook then Paris steps in and without listening to what Mr. Gravey had to say wrote his verse ending with a song that simply shows their minds connection. The song is about “petty issues that shape your perspective on life in a given moment” says Paris.
Enjoy this free MP3 download and be on the watch for the album “State Machine”.
A.Dd+ will also be performing as well as DJ Nick Nack March 13th-16th at SxSW..Check the site for locations and times.
Today, check out the free download from the ill Apollo Brown and OC (D.I.T.C.) “Prove Me Wrong”. This joint was played on DJ Premier’s Sirius Radio show Live from HeadQCourterz and received mad props. This collaboration will be mastered on to the “Trophies” album due out May 1st via Mello Music. Check the track it’s a winner.
Apollo Brown & OC (DITC) “Prove Me Wrong” CDQ MP3 Download Prove Me Wrong
Hartford, CT, March 13th 2012 marks the day classic street styled lyricists Blacastan drops his LP, “ The Master Builder Part II”.
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While Blacastan has been an underground artist, his videos have helped him see main stream play for his success. We have two amazing leaks today off the forthcoming album. With many appearances this go around; Moe Pope, OuterSpace, Mr. Green, Celph Titled and many more, we are given another chance to witness his play with words and intelligence. Hosted and Mixed by DJ Doo Wop and Mr. Peter Parker the album is in the forefront of many minds. The album is given to us with one full length LP, a mixtape version of the album and bonus tracks which makes for money well spent.
Check out his leaks along with the video and tell me whatcha’ think.
“a notebook that’s filled like a Mac 11 clip”…Aim, Shoot, Release. March 13th.
Fly Moon Royalty consists of two marvelous individuals whose passion is sound. Guitar strings, drum, bass, electric soul with amazing vocals. DJ Action Jackson and AdraBoo released their self titled album February 6th 2012 with the smash hit singles “Piece of Me, Higher and Lemonade” whose official video will be hitting the net very soon. But tonight I want you to take a listen to a remix, correction “Butter Remix” of the last track off the album “Back to You”.
Whether your a Valentine Day lover or hater we think you’ll love this free EP from one of the most gifted lyricists of our time. Brother Ali kicked off a Pre-Valentine earlier this week with this free seven-track EP for the fans. You can head to Rhymesayers website or click download link below for your FREE Download of The Bite Marked Heart! Enjoy!
Bay Area’s own Hopie Spitshard drops a new video today from her lastest album “Raw Gems”. This time Hopie brings along another woman of color, Jayne Rio on “Say Goodbye”. Keeping herself occupied lately with international travel and show stopping performances Hopie does not forget about her fans. Giving us another peak of her fantastic fashion, raw ryhmes and ease of camera play. Enjoy!
Since the passing of one of hip hop’s most talented producers, the late, great J. Dilla his younger brother Illa J has picked up the torch left behind by his late brother. Collaborating with the likes of Karriem Riggins, Guilty Simpson, Black Milk, and Little Brother’s Big Pooh. He recently linked up with the talented Chilean Turntablist Dj Dacel while on tour DJing for Ana Tijoux (French-Chilean Femcee). Ana and Dacel stopped by Illa J’s studio last year while on tour passing through Detroit. Soon after Illa J and his Detroit family friend Frank Nitt flew out to Chile to work on this track resulting in this dope collaboration. You can’t go wrong with dope lyrics and fresh cuts. Real Hip Hop! Peep the video.
While I have missed Pharoahe on the music scene, his last solo album released over four years ago, he has been in the lab creating music that has substance. As always.
Today the Video Premiere of my day is “Still Standing” featuring the beautiful Jill Scott and production by M-Phazes. This song deepens your emotional radar with Pharoahe’s complex thoughts, rhyme abilities and amazing delivery. He has stayed true to his self on this album, W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) that was released March of 2011. In this video he teams up with the authentic visual master Terrance Nance that enhances Monch’s reasoning of the song and with Jill’s powerful voice and lyrics that always send chills throughout my body deserves a well earned soul clap.
