The Shaunshine

For those of you who'd like to see another aspect of my writing.

Poetry. Free Verse. Check out my Tumblr here. 

Come enjoy the ShaunShine on your skin. :)

The Ballad of Purple Saint James ...Dedicated to You

So, if you're the latest bird of the bunch, you may NOT know Yahzarah is releasing a project; entitled "The Ballad of Purple Saint James".

The solidified release date is May 4th, 2010 but, if you just can't wait pre-order it. You can pre-order on Amazon or the Foreign Exchange official website.

If you want to celebrate with Purp, RSVP for her D.C release party on May 8th. The cost is $15 a ticket, and doors open at 7:30 pm. (click here to purchase)

Don't forget to go to the Foreign Exchange official website to download Yahzarah's free single "Why Dontcha Call Me Anymore" Now, I present to you the "Dedicated to You"....

YahZarah - Dedicated To You from The Foreign Exchange on Vimeo.

YahZarah - Dedicated To You from The Foreign Exchange on Vimeo.

*Everything in orange is totally clickable, and functions.
*To stop the background music on the blog; 
go to the "jamz" section* press pause.

The Return... Shaun is BACK!

Greetings to one, and all. I know I haven't posted in such a long time, but I'm back. I'll be back to regular posts in the near future. I've got A LOT to do, and I'm getting my life back on track. Thank you for following my blog. For those of you who don't know. I do have a Twitter and YouTube channel, that you are more than welcome to check out. Check out the videos, and drop me some video ideas, and requests.

I have SO many goodies to give you guys once I get my blog rolling again. I'm trying to buy a MacBook Pro to keep me doing my best in school, and so I have the tools I need to spice things up a bit. If you'd like to actively help me, I'm making a widget available. It's hard times for everybody but, if you have it in pocket and in your heart to give, participate as you feel led. Until NEXT time...

Thursday Video Premiere: J*DaVeY "Get Together" (Video Teaser Included)

It's TOTALLY safe to dub me a J*DaVeY stan. I love everything they've put out thus far. SO, yeah! With that being said. I had to post the video below. Download Boudoir Synema: The Great Mistape here. Follow Miss Jack Davey, Brook D'Leau & Socketumi on Twitter. For updates stalk the J*DaVeY website. Enjoy.

J*DaVeY "Get Together" from Veronica "V-Chip" Hinds on Vimeo.

I'll be back to my regular posts, soon. I have some real goodies for you. JUST hang in there. I have to update the last blog SO be sure to go check that again for Annie Don't Wear No Panties version of the 8ight Mixtape. :o)

8ight: The Stepson of Erykah Badu (Official Release)

Firstly, it's Valentine's day SO, I'd like to wish everyone a splendid Valentines day. And to those of you who are like me, and determine to be utterly bitter because you don't have a Valentine, or a significant other for that matter, this goes out to you.


As previously promised, and currently anticipated I have a real treat for you. Furthermore, I'm SO glad to support my dear Durand. I've learned that his giftings extend a lot further than his music, but every one enjoys a good wholesome jam.


I feel it only proper to give you my complete and honest opinions of this mixtape, and it's contents. My statements do not in anyway reflect my personal opinion of the artist, but the output of the individual. Let's dive right in; shall we?


There are two versions of the release available. An 'Annie Don't Wear NO panties' version, and a 'Peace after revolution' version aka an unedited and a clean. It ONLY seems right that the album would have eight tracks; 

1. Incarcerated Intuition - There's SO much going on when you press play. You may think you're hearing voice, but NO that's ALL on the track. Immediately, you plunge into the underground with famous "Doh-doom doh's" a la Ra-Re Valverde. This is an intense mix of SO many good artists I think I'd be unable to continue this blog if I got into them. I'll just let you do your research, but I give this track a "jump up in the air and stay there"
2. On & On... & On - As much as I secretly stan for the vocality (HA! I just made a word, who's mad?) of Alcoholharmony this track had to grow on me. ...And by grow on me, I mean I had to force myself to listen to this after I heard it once. Once I discovered my BQT acting up as it played, I admitted to myself I liked it. The beat is real Common Sense hip-hop, and the vocals are amazing. 
3. Remnants - "Share that beat of love... Rock with yah!" That's exactly, what you'll find yourself doing; rocking. You better sing boy! * Shimmy* There's something about the melodic color flow of this song that just sends me off to space. Well, it gives me the frequent flyer miles to take off in my clef note rocket. 
4. Flipside Of The Game - *Stands at the mic and snaps* For those of you who were wondering what "BQT" is, allow me to explain. Whenever you're in a setting and find it necessary to yell "Yahz", give radical praise or anything of that nature you have BQT. The standard definition of BQT according to the ShaunSpeeh dictionary is a tourrette like outburst of emotion-filled speech that usually occurs while seeing or hearing something that tickles your fancy.
5. Citric Cipher - SO, let me bash Durand real quick. Somewhere along this journey of completing this project, Durand found his whistle register and decided to put it all up an through this mixtape. I don't know who he thinks he is for throwing all of this squeakery in my tweeders, but I love it. These arrangements were real sweet to my ear hairs, even though he claims to be "sugar free".
6. Se7en - I'm VERY emotional and something about this song just made my heart melt. The emotions are there, and the sincere delivery made it so much stronger. Actually, I closed my eyes and listened to this track, and I could imagine myself sitting in a puddle of blue-green flower puddles being adored by someone. ... And then I woke up from that dream as quickly as this track ended. This is a TOTAL teaser; I want more.
7. EnPhatuation(s) - I'm absolutely floating on this psychedelic river boat listening to this track. This song just makes me feel like I'm on a crystal myth, perhaps even angel dust like trip. The beat behind this song was very new age. Can you feel the Deep Forest behind the music? This is probably the most lyrically clever as far as weaving together songs that play off of each other's moods. This track is a "sweet thing".
8. Ebi - This is almost like hearing "Before" on Muhsinah's "Oscillations: Triangle" project. That track was the best way to begin her album. Perfectly adjacent to that, this was the best song to put as the ending of the project. The diction and choice of I think this is one of my favorites, if NOT my absolute favorite. 

NOW you can give your feedback. Download the 8ight: The Stepson of Erykah Badu mixtape right NOW. Stick your pinky finger in my tea...

Power Forward Music Download: Crash Cut, Durand Bernarr, and more

Power Forward Music Download: 

Crash Cut & Durand Bernarr

Allow me to get my Erykah on real quick fast. "I'd like to dedicate this to all the creators righteous children. I've got some food in my bag for you. NOT that editable food, that food you eat. No. I have food for thought." ... Here are the goods! Are we ready, children?

I'm handing you these goods from some of the best places in music so, I hope you're thoroughly nourished by the end of this. One download for comedy, a second for eargasm, and a third for the heck of it... Enjoy it. :)

Oh yeah! ... Do NOT judge me for this post. My BIG brother put me up to it. Thank you and bye-bye. Hmph. ... You're doing it!  You're judging me. The last time I do something like this! *Folds arms* LMBO.

Download Crash Cut's "Amen" album; Durand Bernarr's "Remnants" from the "8ight: The Stepson of Erykah Badu" mixtape; Chanj's "In the Name of You" mixtape.

Music Monday Special #1: Tawiah (Melodramatic Funk/ Indie Pop)

Music Monday Special: Tawiah 

(Melodramatic Funk/ Indie Pop)

I have a bit of an announcement so, gather around. Allow me to apologize for not putting you onto this over-seas artist sooner. You are simply NOT complete without her music in your life.  I'm NOT sure why I overlooked her when I pick people to write about. I think when I fell and bumped my head, a screw came loose. 

It was a early one Saturday morning, and some one sent me a video of a  young lady named Tawiah doing a live cover of Soul 4 Real's "Candy Rain". I'm NOT sure exactly what it was about her that caught me every type of off guard... and unsurprisingly I loved it. I'm a BIG sucker for a good, wholesome surprise. *Wink*

Tawiah hails from South London, born in Battersea. She actually had her beginnings doing studio backgrounds for Corrine Bailey Rae. From there she moved on to be a singer under the direction of Mark Ronson, in his band. And then there was "In Jodi's Bedroom"... and her single "Watch Out" which received high reviews and was campaigned by Giles Peterson. You check the records through and through, Tawiah is a solid talent.

  

I really don't think any of the persuasive talk that I usually do is necessary on this blog post, because her talent really says everything that you need to hear. I highly advise that you go to iTunes, and buy Tawiah's EP now! Add her as a friend on Music myspace, and follow her on Twitter. Of course I'm always willing to oblige the disbeliever. I do believe that I only let the creme of the crop come through my ears. SO, here's the video that made me fall so head over hills for her artistry. Until NEXT time...

MIA Monday Special #2: Erykah Badu (Neo-Soul/ Jazz/ Hip-Hop)

MIA Monday Special: Erykah Badu 

(Neo-Soul/ Jazz/  Hip-Hop)

Normally, I have these wonderful intros to artists in the off case someone isn't aware of the artists body of work. However, there really isn't a story to this. The Queen of Neo-Soul has been out for a little over a decade. If you don't know about her, shame on you! I refuse to prolong this post. I'm way TOO excited about this. 

Erykah is FINALLY releasing her highly anticipated, and long over due project; New Amerykah Part II: Return of the Ankh. The official release date is March 30, 2010. So, mark your calendars... As I will be buying this album thrice. I'm NOT one of those bloggers who supports leaking artists material.

There are enough of those bloggers out there. I mean come on! This is Erykah Badu we are talking about here! JUST go buy it people! However, if you must Badu leaked an HD version of the bonus track "Jump Up In The Air" (Featuring Lil' Wayne & Bilal) on her website last week. I just wanted to bring everyone up to speed.

 

Of course Erykah has worked on her own production for this project, but she didn't do it alone. For all the tech freaks & regular ol' tech junkies in the house, this is for you. Along with the names of the tracks I'll list the people who've also had their hands in this project, as far as production and sound goes. The solidified track listing is as follows;

1. 20 Feet Tall [Production/ Sound credits go to 9th Wonder]
2. Window Seat [Production/ Sound credits go to James Poyser, alongside the sounds of Ahmir "?uestove" Thompson on drums, Stephen "Thundercat" Bruner on the bass, and Kirsten Agnesta on the harp.]
3. Agitation [Production/ Sound credits go to Shafiq Husayn]
4. Get Money [In addition to having an interpretation of Sylvia Strippling's "Can't Turn Me Away", Production/ Sound credits go to Karieem Riggins on drums, Stephen "Thundercat" Bruner on the bass, James Poyser on keys, and Tommy Trajlio on guitar.]
5. Don't Be Long [Production/ Sound credits go to Taarak}
6. Love [Production/ Sound credits go to J Dilla}
7. Umm Hmm [Production/ Sound credits go to Madlib}
8. Fall In Love [Production/ Sound credits go to Karieem Riggins (This song also contains a sample of Eddie Kendrick's "Intimate Friends")]
9. Incense (Instrumental) [Production/ Sound credits go to Madlib and Kirsten Agnesta on the harp]
10. Out of My Mind Just In Time (Part I) (Undercover Over-Lover) [Production/ Sound credits go to James Poyser on keys.]
11. Out of My Mind Just In Time (Part II) [Production/ Sound credits go to the divine Georgia Anne Muldrow]
12. Bonus Track (Web-only): Jump Up In The Air (Featuring Lil' Wayne & Bilal) [Production/ Sound credits go to RC Williams and Jahborn. (interpolation of "Hydraulic Pump" by Parliament Funkadelic)]

So, here's my treat to you wonderful guys and gals. For those of you who missed the chance to see the HD video on Badu's site, thus missing the chance to download it; here's your freebie. You can go ahead and download it here. Enjoy it thoroughly! If the link stops working JUST let me know & I'll make another available. Until NEXT time...

Monday Underrated Artist (Short Spotlight) Special #1: Courtney Salter

Monday Underrated Artist 
(Short Spotlight) Special #1:

Courtney Salter (R&B/ Soul/ Rock)

So, I usually don't do this, but this girl is worth it. I love her fashion & style, her sound, and her total insanity. Her voice gives a Billie Holiday, Chrisette Michele combo with a light splash of Tawiah and Corrine Bailey Rae dubbed with a heavy overtone of some "X" factor that only this young lady seems to possess. 

My musical preferences ALWAYS draw me towards original, vintage and experimental styles. I can't help it so, don't blame me, it's my electric eclectic soul. Her vocal execution is more than crisp; it's  invigorating, innovative, dramatically charged and for some reason makes the hairs in my ears feel ALL types of tingly. 

Courtney Salter is her name, psycho-soul musical expression is her game, and I think you NEED to get into her, right now (aka 5 days ago). If you need some serpent-like persuasion, allow me to whisper in your ear. Watch these two videos from Ms. Salter, I'm sure you'll fall in love with her. Check out the additional information below.

"I Don't Wanna" Aaliyah Cover

"Slow Dance" Keri Hilson Cover

If you want to see more of Courtney subscribe to her YouTube channel or simply listen to her original music by visiting her Music Myspace. Word on the street and the business in the alley ways says, Miss CokeCourt has a mixtape out, that is available for download. As soon as I get my anxious hands on it, I'll make that link available, by updating the post.

Feature Friday Special # 4: Meet DeShawn Jenkins

Feature Friday Special: 

Meet DeShawn Jenkins (Daj)

There is a VERY long story as to how I stumbled across this young man's music that I do NOT intend to tell. Though interesting and heart-warming, I'll spare you the details. With that in mind, I do believe I'll do him and his contributions to the whirl-pool of musical color justice by giving him this spot light to the world. So, ladies and gentleman, introducing to some and reacquainting to others, I present to you DeShawn Jenkins.

DeShawn, also known as the stage name Daj, has a heavy and vast musical background. Like many artists he started singing in church with his family. He credits some of his earlier musical exposure to artist such as the Clark Sisters, En Vogue, and Take 6. DeShawn says; "As my parents became more religious over time, they cut out R&B music all together for me. That's when i fell in love with Anointed. They were my favorite for a long time".

And then there was Brandy... "When Brandy came out and I heard her at my grandparents [house]; I begged my parents to let me listen to her. They listened to her album first, said it was ok for me to listen and I loved her! That's when I was reintroduced to R&B...", says Daj. In every eclectic's life there comes a point in time where you stop caring about genre and pay closer attention to sound and value quality production.

In light of that fact; Björk, Maxwell, Sadé, Kelis, Muhsinah, J*Davey, Lizz Wright,  Amel Larrieux, Eric Roberson, Me'shell  N'degeocello, ColdPlay, and Rihanna are some of the artists DeShawn drops as people he listens to that or have prevalent influence in his musical sound. Which brings us to his projects; the already released "Hotel Relationship" and his  project in the making "Emerald City".

I have listened to "Hotel Relationship" one TOO many times as Daj's vocal arrangement expertise has conquered my musical ear. One track that has set me in somewhat of a trance is his "Fantasy". The equally ambient and hypnotic beat splashed with his lulling voice set the listener up to be sucked in faster than confusion in oblivion. The sounds on this album are crisp, soothing, refreshing and utterly superb.

"Emerald City" is an account of the journey of self-discovery. Daj has cleverly likened this album to the Emerald City sequence (or scene) in The Wiz. All the sounds are associated with emotions and colors that are different, and yet compliment and build on each other. "Its mood music, and it heavily relies on the synths and abstract, yet it's still R&B. The kind of music I call 'Ambient R&B', making this a cohesive; living, breathing project" Daj says.

I've done enough talking, I'll let Daj say the rest; "I'd like to think that I'm a make up of so many things... mainly emotions. As an artist I've decided to really embrace the name that was given to my years ago;  Daj. And finally allow myself to be reborn as the true artist that i am. I truly believe that music should be felt and heard. Every song that i write has a purpose, every harmony is placed with thought and purpose".

What more reason do you need or want to get into this man's music? With that said, the only thing left to do is go check him out right NOW! Follow Daj on Twitter, add his Music Myspace, and subscribe to him on YouTube. As well as checking out his song "Fantasy" on the Soundtrack to "A Good Day to be Black and Sexy" available at all major music retail stores, iTunes, and Amazon. As always I'll leave you with an ear tickler. Until NEXT time...

The Stuff You're Missing Out On Special #2: You Be The Judge...

The Stuff You're Missing Out On: You Be The Judge...

May I speak freely? Ohh... I can? Thank you! So, I usually don't do YouTube drama, but the late girlz want to come for me. As I am always willing to oblige those in need of a dose of the truth, I decided to do this. I watched this video and my sole reaction was a facial expression similar to this --> O_o.


The YouTube username is sexytrunks and he believes that he is the NEXT Pakistani legend. He wrote me a nice message cursing me out concerning my comment on his video making me out to be liar. So, I'll let you be the judge. Were my ears deceiving me? 'Cause this sounds like a goat giving birth on a crashing car to me.

Just as a side note; as you may notice my comment, as well as 30 other comments, has been removed. So, feel free to blow him up and let him know the truth in his comments. If you feel that I should take back my statement let me know. I'm lost at this point, I JUST don't know anymore! Until NEXT time...

Double Feature Friday Special #3: Meet Durand Bernarr & Emil Foster

Feature Friday Special #3:

Durand Bernarr & Emil Foster

To be completely honest, I couldn't wait to write this Feature Friday special. I personally promote, and strongly support these two individuals, as they are very talented. Without further a due I present to you; Ðuяand♫βərnαrr and •EmiL~F0st3r•. God knows these two individuals have very different stories so, follow me as I dive into the music pool.

To say the least, I guess it's safe to say, it's NO surprise that these two individuals are Cleveland, OH natives, have similar tastes in music and treasure the gift of music as much more than a hobby or a nice thing, but as a gift as precious as dear as life itself. However, lets take a closer look, and lay out the cards of these free cell artists.

Durand Bernarr, also known as alcoholharmony, has his hands in so much. I'd be highly surprised if you didn't know who he is. Most known for his popular YouTube channel, and his fairly recent Alcoholharmony Mixt@pe release, this unmatched artist is bound to make it to the top of the music industry.

I'm excited to announce he's working on several projects, which include another mixtape with a projected release date for Valentines Day '10; entitled "8ight: The Stepson of Erykah Badu". Which will be reviewed, featured, and available for download on this blogsite only. In the mean time enjoy the first single from the mixtape, "Incarcerated Intuition".

Other projects that are in the works include the "OptimiSkeptic" EP, "80's Baby" album and it's mixtape prelude "Sometime In December 1989". "Durand Bernarr is constantly growing [and] often intimidated by other males artists which causes him to push to be better", even with such a beautiful gift he's only just now become comfortable with HIS gift.

Taking that fact into consideration Durand is very weary of those who wish to have 'his voice' or 'his gift' as it comes with a burden only he was equipped to carry. As is every gift, with every artist. An artists music is a projection and a self-immolated reflection of their struggles, life, failures, fears, joy and sorrows. There are so many faces to Durand Bernarr.

If you want to see more of Durand; you should catch him in theater. His most recent theater involvements include "God's Trombones" & "101 Dalmatians" that just closed in mid-December at the Karamu House. Check out his Music myspace, Twitter, and Facebook. Enjoy this video of Durand's latest musical stylings.

Now lets delve into the artist known as Emil Foster, shall we. Emil, is not as popular as his counterpart Durand, but has a talent that is equally as beautiful and unique. Down to earth, a music lover, an emotional singer, a creationist, and musical chef are all adjectives of what you hear when you listen to the music of Emil Foster.

Emil is a recent graduate of Livingstone College, and now holds a B.A. in Vocal Performance and Theater Arts. He grew up singing in various choirs, including The Jubilee Singers, The Greater Cleveland Youth Choral Performing Arts Troupe, and The 93 FM WZAK Youth Choir; and with musical influences that are so eclectically spread, they cannot be listed.

Emil, or as I call him; "The Music Chef", has been cooking some really wonderful mixes that can not be ignored. Can you smell what Emil is cooking? Some of his most recent musical activities include going to Novafeltria, Italy as one of sixty-four vocalist choosen to participate in a 6-week classical training program called; "La Musica Lirica".

Even with Emil's heavy classical music background, his eclectic taste and hunger for music has evolved, as he looks for "real singers". You can catch Emil at open mic sessions displaying his gift and underground concert events being a slave to his love of music. His most popular video on YouTube being his "Blueberry Molasses" video. (Click here to view)

Emil's body of work on YouTube is NOT deep or dense as other YouTubers, but is solid and speaks for itself. Emil strongly suggests that you get into the music of his counterparts Durand Bernarr, Shauny J and Emma Weisberg. To see/ hear more of Emil check out his YouTube and Twitter. Enjoy this video which I'd like to dub as one of the best YouTube posts by Emil.

What Sounds Good Wednesday Special #4: Muhsinah (Experimental/ Indie)

What Sounds Good Wednesday:

Muhsinah

(Experimental/ Indie)

If you're looking for music that's NOTHING like you've ever heard before, I'm sure you'll enjoy one of the undergrounds "best kept secret" artist. She possesses a voice that is only comparable to her music. I'd like to introduce you to Muhsinah (Pronounced [mu•sē•nə]). She's truly in her own category when it comes to vocal arrangement, sound, production and artistry.

Muhsinah represents the D.C. area, a former teacher, and she creates music that is a breath of fresh moon air to ANY music lover who is in search of something you've NEVER heard before. Muhsinah is a busy bee, appearing on several independent releases this past year; and determined to be an all around threatening and self-efficient artist.

Muhsinah has several project releases that are available for download. Let me just tell you that they are worth every single penny. Her releases include "pre.lude", "day.break 2.0", "The Oscillations: Sine", "The Oscillations: Triangle", "The Oscillations: Square", and "My First Beat Tape". There are several projects she's appeared on and done production.

Muhsinah's production skills are featured on projects such as J*DaVeY's "Boudoir Synema: The Great Mistape" (download here) and Wayna's "Higher Ground". In addition to her production apperances you can catch her vocals on "Ruff Draft" (Stacy Epps), "Blunt Park Sessions" (Roddy Rod), and "Universal Mind Control" (Common).

I have honestly loved and utterly adored everything I've heard from Muhsinah. If you want to know more about Muhsinah (The Golden Girl) check out her website, Twitter, music myspace, and YouTube channel. Of course I'm going to leave you with a sample of Muhsinah at work. Until next time enjoy this video of the Golden Girl at work.