I Heart Music (Audio x Download): Swizz Beatz Vs Fela Kuti Mixtape

Swizz Beatz has been serving up some huge tracks over the past few months via his #MonsterMonday, music splurge. In his latest instalment Swizz looks to Africa for a little inspiration and where better to venture than in the music catalogue of the late great Fela Kuti. 


Press play, download and enjoy!


Swizz Beatz Vs Fela, Part 1

Listen, breathe and get Fela Kuti with it.

I Heart Fashion (Video): 'The Powder Room' By Miu Miu

It is often said that creativity has no boundaries, something of which Italian designer Miuccia Prada has alluded to in her latest fashion project. The Powder Room is the first in a series of short films directed by women, as part of 'The Women's Tales', where aside from the impressive cast, fashion clothing and accessories by Miu Miu are the main stars of the show. 


Directed by Cassavetes and featuring the likes of French model/actress Audrey Marnay and fellow models Caroline de Maigret, Line Gost and Sophie Vlamig, Miu Miu's spring/summer 2011 is a cinematic fashion thumbs up!


Press Play.

I Heart Music (Video): Robyn Ft Savage Skulls And Douster 'Bad Gal'

Any decent music video just wouldn't be complete without a 'James Bond' like car chase and Mexican wrestling.
Luckily Robyns encapsulates all of the above in the new video for her collaborative track 'Bad Gal'- which also features the productions skills of  Mad Decent's partners in crime (musically of course) Savage Skulls and Douster.

Press play if you're a 'Bad Gal'

I Heart Music (Video): Stalley Ft Rashad 'Slap'

Stalley returns with his new single 'Slap' featuring singer Rashad. The new track has a mellow R and B texture to it which I'm most definitely in favour of and is taken from Stalley's up and coming album Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Music) due on February 8th


You know what to do.


Listen, breathe and immerse yourselves.

One To Watch: Anuvah Hood

Actor Adam Deacon, who you may recognise from films such as Kidult Hood and Adult Hood, has ventured  behind the camera to direct Britain's "first urban comedy"-Anuvah Hood. 
The official trailer was released a few days ago via The Sun Website and you can expect to see the movie on the big screen on March 18th.


Press play for a chuckle. 



I would love to hear you thoughts on this, so feel free to drop me a line.


Thanks Madnews

I Heart Music (Audio): Chase And Status 'Brixton Briefcase'

Surely you saw this one coming right? 

'Brixton Briefcase' is the latest single taken from Chase and Status' current album No More Idols which also features the incredible Mr.Cee-Lo Green. Any song that pays Brixton some much deserved recognition gets my vote.

You know what to do.
09 Brixton Briefcase

P.s. Cee-Lo's West Indian tinged vocals sound particularly splendid on this track.


Listen, breathe and throw your B's up!


Source: Pinboard Blog

I Heart Music (Video): Floacist 'Let Me'

The Floacist returns with a sensual video for her latest offering, 'Let Me'.


Um. Press play.I think..


Listen, breathe and draw your own conclusion. 

I Heart Fashion: Un, Deux, Tote For Charity

Harrods is in the spirit of giving and as such they are launching a limited edition canvas Tote Spring/Summer 2011. 


Designed by University Of Westminster graduate Jessica Madden, not only is the bag ubber stylish and practical (anyone who know's me, know's I love huge bags)  but wth  £10 of every purchase donated to Great Ormand Street Hospital, you can be indulgent and charitable all in one sale. 

I heart fashion with a conscience!

I Heart Fashion: Stella McCartney's Citrus Inspired Spring 2011 Campaign

Captured by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, Stella McCartney has literally infused the very essence of spring into her latest collection. From the Citrus Tunic dress to the immaculate pastel tailoring, the new collection will certainly put a spring in your step.

Adore with caution!

I'll take the tunic dress in a size 10. Thank you, please!

I Heart Music (Video): The Portland Cello Project Cover Kanye West's 'All Of The Lights.

'All Of The Lights' is definitely one of the stand out tracks on Kanye West's platinum selling album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and considering  nigh enough every relevant artist is featured on it, it would be safe to assume that we've already heard the song in it's finest form. 
That was the case, until I came across Portland Cello Project orchestra 's stunning rendition  of Kanye's budding anthem.


Simply Beautiful.



Listen, breathe and follow the light.
Source: Soulculture

Just For Laughs: The Return Of The Old Spice Campaign

Isaiah Mustifa, commonly known as 'The Old Spice' man is back looking even more sexually enticing and reeking of  success (or arguably of Old Spice) for the second instalment of the most highly acclaimed ad campaign of 2010. 


Old Spice "Smell Like A Man, Man" witnesses a bare chested Mustafa speaking directly from his shower, offering some not so modest advice on how  your man "can use Old Spice to smell as fresh as the freshest places on earth".


Press play.

I Heart Music (News): Vybz Kartel Responds To Skin Bleaching Rumours

If you're an avid fan of the Dancehall scene, you may have caught wind of the recent rumours that have been circulating around Vybz Kartel's allegedly bleached skin. Despite the noticeable change in his skin complexion, Vybz has released a statement via the popular online Hip hop Magazine, Vibes.com to address the rumours.

"I'm my own man, and as such I do my own thing. When black women stop straightening their hair and wearing wigs and weaves, when white women stop getting lip and butt injections and implants, when bald men stop getting hair transplants, and when people stop getting nose jobs and cosmetic surgery then I'll stop using the 'cakesoap' and we'll all live naturally ever after. Until then F**k you all."


Really Vybz, is that your best defence?  It is also rumoured that the dancehall artist is set to release his own range of skin lightening products. Yes, you read right. 


Of course I had to offer my two cents on the whole subject with hilarious consequences. Click here to find out what I'm talking about. 


Thanks for the shout out Janice!

I Heart Fashion: Louis Vuitton Showcase Autumn/Winter Menswear Runway Collection

Pioneered by Paul Helbers who heads the design team over at the  Louis Vuitton HQ in Paris, the luxury label have drawn inspiration from the Amish community and their unique dress sense, for Louis Vuitton's Autumn/Winter menswear collection. Who knew Amish could be so couture?
                                                   
Adore with caution ladies and gents!

Kanye West the self professed 'Louis Vuitton Don' must be in his element right now!

Source: Unbiased Writer

I Heart Music (News): R.I.P World Star Hip Hop?

Earlier today the famous video site World Star Hip Hop was shut down and apparently 50 Cents is to blame . Rumours suggest that the recent demise of the video site was a decision made by the Homeland Security due  to copy right infringement. However; 50 Cent has arrived at his own conclusion  and took to twitter to claim the following..


"I don’t know why people underestimate me. I just shut down WORLDSTAR for future advertising contact thisis50.com suckers lol. I put worldstar to bed, you don’t believe try me I will shut your sh*t down. Lol. I predict 2 more websites will shut down this week. Take a guess who they are. I’m sick of the hate I’m to strong.. Me and @FloydMayweather don’t thing worldstar was good representation of black people as a hole. We will present better. I want to thank howard gordon and the good folks over at homeland .hahaha suckers your move"


Although Fiddy's involvement in the whole process is yet to be confirmed, he may just be telling the truth as the rapper filed a lawsuit against WSHH back in 2009, accusing the site of using his image and content without permission.


Is it me or does the whole idea of a rapper having this much power leave a nasty taste in your mouth? *cue X-Files theme tune*


Source: Nicolebitchie.com


*Update*  The CEO of WSHH  who is named Q has since confirmed that the recent shut own of the site was none other than a technical hitch. Speaking  to the team over at New York's famous Hot 97.9 radio station, Q confirmed the following, 
"It’s a technical difficulty and has nothing to do with 50 or homeland security or hackers,” he continued. “We’re more or less having difficulties with the site itself as far as our server. We’re getting so much traffic we constantly have to upgrade. We were down in ‘07 because we got hacked. We got hacked last year and we’ve also had problems with our bandwidth before,” he concluded. "


I've checked the website myself and it is indeed, back to normal. So much for 50 Cent's so-called claim to fame!

I Heart Music (Video): Little Dragon 'My Step'

My favourite Swedish electro-soul group Little Dragon have just released a new video for 'My Step', taken from from their current album Monster Dreams. Directed by Matthew Scheurer, the video gives the phrase 'Puppet show' a whole new meaning and as for the track itself, it has already been added to my early morning playlist-yes it is that worthy!


The group are also readying the release of their imminent album 'Ritual Reunion', due out in spring which means you can expect to see more of Little Dragon on the blog in the months to come.


Press play.


Listen, breathe and dance around your living room.

I Heart Music (Audio): JCole Ft B.o.B 'Passing Me By'

'Passing Me By' is the latest track to surface from J Cole and it features fellow rapper of the moment, B.o.B. 


You know what to do.
J.Cole feat. B.o.B - Passing Me By


Click here to download the track.


Listen, breathe and tune in.


Source: DJ Semtex

I Heart New Talent: Introducing Dave Raps

Introducing  Dave Raps, a new rapper hailing from New York. Having discovered a love for music at a young age and reared in a Caribbean household, it was normal practice growing up hearing the native music of his parents fused with the most diverse sounds that a multicultural city like the Big Apple, has to offer. Taking full advantage of this, it wasn't long until Dave  made a firm commitment to pursue a career in music and has since devoted his time to perfecting his craft as a rapper.


Currently unsigned, this by no means has impeded Dave's grind as the rapper has already built up a respectable catalogue of music (just Google his name and you'll see for yourselves) and is readying the release of his forthcoming EP, due to drop next month. 


In the mean time however; Dave Raps has given us a taste of what is yet to come with his latest mixtape titled 'Too Unknown' and the release of his new video which sees the rapper giving his own swag infested  spin, on J Cole's 'In The Morning'.


Press play.

                          DOWNLOAD

What's the verdict on Dave Raps? Feel free to drop me a line.

Just For Laughs: Charlamagne The God, Of New York's Power 105.1 'Breakfast Club' Roasts Drake

DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlamagne the God (his words not mine) appear to be taking the New York airwaves by storm. 
Hosting their daily 'Breakfast Club' radio show, on the popular Power 105.1, the trio are known for offering their outspoken opinions on the world of celebrities and daily topics. 


After listening to a recording of the Drake interview with BBC 1Xtra's Tim Westwood, whilst in London a few weeks ago, the rapper comes under fire for criticising the radio show and as expected Charlamagne has no mercy on poor ole' Drizzy.

Let's see how many of us can keep a straight face. Press play.





"Drake looks like a thumb with eyebrows"  Did we have to go there?

I Heart Music (Video): Talib Kweli 'Im On One'

'I'm On One' is Talib Kweli's latest video taken from his up and coming album 'Gutter Rainbow'. Just like the man himself, his music really needs no introduction and if you appreciate the good stuff, then I highly recommend you press play.



Listen, breathe and get on one.

I Heart Fashion: Acne's SS2011 Collection

Acne's Spring/Summer 2011 has arrived and judging by the standard of the collection, it will leave many pockets asunder come Autmn/Winter.

Adore with caution!

Midnight- Pearl Embellished Cardigan

Wish- Sleeveless Blouse

Rita Leather Jacket

Tarot Jersey Dress

Trophy Perfect Parka

Diver Lightweight Trench

Belief Linen-Relaxed Linen Tank

Mission Polish-Sleek Lace Ups

Naia Denim- Short Dress With Braid Straps

Rita Suede- Biker Jacket

I Heart Fashion: MAC To Launch Wonder Woman Collection

How may times has your make up kit come to your rescue? If the answer is 'never', fear not- help is at hand in the heroic form of  MAC's new Wonder Woman collection. Inspired by the legendary female comic character, the cosmetic company is introducing a range of boisterous yet fun colours which aims to bring out your inner super hero. The new products will hit these shores in March, giving us all enough time to dry clean our super hero costumes.

Cheers MAC! 

I Heart Music (News): Lupe Fiasco Reveals 'Laser' Album Cover

Whilst we're on the subject of Lupe Fiasco (see previous post), the rapper flaunted the front cover of his up and coming album 'Laser' via twitter.The album drops on the 8th March much to the appreciation of his patient fans, I'm sure. 


What's your verdict on the album cover? 

I Heart Music (Video): Lupe Fiasco 'Words I Never Said' (Trailer)

Lupe Fiasco has given us a sneak preview of his new single 'Words I Never Said' and naturally it looks as though Lupe has a few important issues he wants to address.


You know what to do.



Listen, breathe and press play.

I Heart Music (Video): Nas And Damian Marley Record Dub Plates In Jamaica

I haven't heard the expression 'cut a dub' since I was knee high-circa 1992. Any way, Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley and Nas descended upon Tuff Gong studio's in the Bob Marley museum to record Dub plates, in part two of their three part series filmed in Jamaica.


Directed and produced by B+(Mochilla), press play to watch the distant relatives in action.



Now where's my Stone Love sound clash tape...


Source: Soulculture

I Heart Music (News): Jay Z Signs UK Rapper K. KoKe

UK artist K.Koke is the latest singnee to join the Roc Nation roster. Joining the likes of  Cher Lloyd  (sorry minor spelling error), J  Cole and Willow smith, the rapper has also managed to bag himself a joint deal between Jay's Roc Nation and Suspect Entertainment, of which Koke is a member. 

K.Koke is said to be in the process of making his forthcoming mixtape, "Pure Koke Vol.2" and it is also rumoured that Tinie Temper could be the next UK artist in the firing line of Jay Z's British invasion.

And suddenly the future looks bright for the UK music scene...

Source: Hip Hop Blog

I Heart Fashion: Naomi Campbell Goes Topless For Elle Russia

Super model Naomi Campbell graces the front cover of the February 2011 issue of Elle Magazine and looks hideously gorgeous doing it.


MOABG's open letter:

Dear Naomi Campbell's body, I hate you.

Kindest Regards,

Brixton Girl

x

I Heart History: Talib Kweli Remembers Martin Luther King

Yesterday marked the US national holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King. Although I'm a day late in paying tribute to his honour (technical hitch with the laptop) the  message and the legacy in which he left behind is still instrumental to our everyday lives- which beckoned me to question why should only one day be dedicated to his memory?


Placing Justice, freedom and love at the forefront of the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King's message spoke of hope, unity and equal opportunities for all, a sentiment that is just as cardinal today as it was back then. On that note, Talib Kweli recently sat down with the team over at Vibe Magazine to discuss the the importance of Martin Luther King in his dignified accolade to the iconic African American leader.

Speaking to Vibe he states:

"The first time I remember Martin Luther King having an impact on me was in ’82. I was six or seven years old and my mother took me to D.C.—they were having a rally to create the national holiday. I know that rally couldn’t have compared to the “March on Washington” rally in ’63, but it’s still a memory from my childhood that sticks through the test of time. I remember hearing speeches from Dr. King, and especially seeing Stevie Wonder perform “Happy Birthday,” which was an incredible experience that I’ll never forget." 

He continues, "I think hip-hop culture does care. I think Dr. King’s legacy is so great that hip-hop culture is not immune to it. Hip-hop culture does not exist without Dr. King, and I think most people who listen to hip-hop recognize and understand that. I don’t know if most people employ Dr. King’s spirituality, vision and clarity into their everyday lives, but his legacy is certainly respected."

Click here for the full interview.

"At the centre of non-violence stands the principle of love." DR. Martin Luther King

I Heart Music (Video): Rhian Benson 'Better Without You'

Rhian Benson has released a video for her new single 'Better Without You'. Beautifully serenaded  a few months ago at her pre- album launch, the new track arrives just in time for your new year ipod cleansing regime  and will be available to buy and download on the 7th February.


You know what to do.


Better Without You from Rhian Benson on Vimeo.

I Heart Fashion: Lanvin Goes Jungle Chic For SS2011 Campaign

Lanvin draws on little animal instinct for its latest spring/summer 2011 campaign. It's been said that hell have no fury like a woman scorned, so take this campaign as a warning, oh and while you're at it-adore with caution! 

The Weird And The Wonderful: Are You Who You Think You Are?

"Hi my name is James, I'm a Leo and I like taking long strolls in the park". Does this sound like you? if so you may want to double check the facts before you confidently profess your star sign. According to the Times online, there has been a shift in the alignment of the earth due to a gravitational pull from the moon. As such, it has added an additional month in the stars,hence a possible change to your astrological sign. Get it?


Any way view the new dates for the astrological  signs below and bid farewell to the Virgo you once were.

Capricorn: Jan. 20 – Feb. 16

Aquarius: Feb. 16 – March 11

Pisces: March 11- April 18

Aries: April 18 – May 13

Taurus: May 13 – June 21

Gemini: June 21 – July 20

Cancer: July 20 – Aug. 10

Leo: Aug. 10 – Sept. 16

Virgo: Sept. 16 – Oct. 30

Libra: Oct. 30 – Nov. 23

Scorpio: Nov. 23 – Nov. 29

Ophiuchus: Nov. 29 – Dec. 17

Sagittarius: Dec. 17 – Jan. 20

Debates surrounding  the validity of this subject have been plastered all over the web, but before you panic, the new star sign Ophiuchus only applies to those born after 2009-the year a shift in the planetary dynamics were spotted. Question is, do you still care? Nope didn't think so.

I Heart Music (Video): Drake Speaks With DJ Semtex & J Cole Pays Maid Vale Live Session A Visit

Both Drake and J Cole were in town last week, treating their London fans to a foray of shows that have left many on a permanent high. Both doing their media round, J Cole stopped by Maid Vale's live session for Mista Jam's BBC 1 Xtra show, to perform popular tracks 'Who Dat' and 'In The Morning'. Meanwhile, Drake spoke on a range of subjects in an interview with fellow 1Xtra disc spinner, DJ Semtex.


Press play to watch both rappers in action.






Listen, breathe and sing along if you know the words. 


Thanks PB and PBB

I Heart Fashion: Tom Gunn's Triumphant Foot Wear From Down Under

Australian luxury foot wear label, Tom Gunn create the kind of shoes that make you happy to have feet. Headed by co-designers Gabrielle Thompson and Shannon Gunn, the Arz Apel graduates ( a school in Milan) use only the finest genuine Italian leather and exotic skins to make their shoes. Adding angular shapes, disco clog and diamond cut heels to the list of their creative agenda, Tom Gunn shoes are more futuristic than down under.


Adore with caution!

Source: Fashion Indie

I Heart Fashion: Blumarine Reveals SS2011 Campaign

Captured by famed photographer Terry Richardson, designer label Blumarine reveals it's Spring/Summer 2011 campaign. Typical of the label, the new collection intertwines its admiration for seventies wispy designs with the brands trademark animal print.

The word sexy has never been more appropriate. 

Adore with caution!

I'll take the brown leather jacket in a 10. Thank you, please!