Showing posts with label YahZarah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YahZarah. Show all posts
(Audio) @Yahzarah X What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas
I think we all know YahZarah can get it done on the mic..
I think the majority of you loyal followers should remember YahZarah from this picture and post...
I think the majority of you loyal followers should remember YahZarah from this picture and post...
Oh so @YahZarah has a video for 'Love Come Save The Day" eh? Word.
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| At The Roots Picnic performing with members of The Foreign Exchange |
Good looking visuals... Nice to see her back doing her thing.
Zo! (@Zo3hree5ive) ...ARTWORK AND TRACKLISTING..Just Visiting Too....via @FeOfficial....ft. @phontigallo, @SyberSpace & more...
Tracklisting:
1. Perfect Angel feat. Yahzarah
2. Nights Over Egypt feat. Carlitta Durand
3. Crazy You feat. Sy Smith
4. Holding You, Loving You
5. My Flame feat. Phonte
6. Somethin Special feat. Yahzarah
7. The Highways of My Life (Pts. 1&2) feat. Darien Brockington
The WareHouse speaks on the Foreign Exchange's (@FEOfficial) new album Authenticity
I promise I will try to stay on tangent during this post. I have to get this out though. This is HOW I SEE THE ALBUM. If we usually agree on music, I would suggest you give it a shot (there is a music player up top if we don't know each other that can give you some hint as to whether would or wouldn't agree if you don't know me..) I will not call you out of your name, question your musical tastes, or any of that other immature stuff if you don't agree/like the album. We can agree to disagree. It is okay. Oh....and THIS IS NOT A REVIEW per say. People who review music usually don't get this 'personal' with the it. Call it that if you must but those words NEVER came from my mouth. People who 'review' things tend to stand in judgment of people when they don't agree with what they think of an artist's product. I am not here to do that.
Let me start off RIGHT FROM THE BAT and say this is GROWN FOLKS MUSIC. Pure and simple. Much like a high school/college/early 20's to early 30's relationship tends to differ from a real LIFE GROWN UP RELATIONSHIP, this album does that when compared to what is out now. Succinct and to the point. No pussy footing around. Wrought with emotions and no hiding of the hands. So if you are in a certain stage in life, this might not move you like that honestly. Especially if you are still in the fantasy part of 'the game' so to speak. (You know where you get what you want when you want it with no compromise on your end even when you are dead wrong? That part of the game? I digress..) In retrospect, it may move you LATER on in life though so I wouldn't toss it aside and dismiss it. The album is not your MOTHER & FATHER'S R&B all the way but it is DEFINITELY influenced by it. So if you are looking for that over produced, over 'sang', can't be replicated on the stage when you see them live, type of music, this album is probably not for you. If you ARE a lover of this type of music, you should love this album. You might even be a little upset at the run time simply because you ARE enjoying it so much.
Let me also take this time to remind you AGAIN (as I did in that link provided) that the songwriter of the group, Phonte Coleman, told you about his approach to music when he was a full time rapper. The albums will change and sound different. That's the point. Good but different. So any comparisons/expectations of this being Connected or Leave It All Behind's 'musical twin' should be not be 'connected' and should be 'left behind'. At least when listening to this album. This album should be standing alone. None of the other projects were like anything else out. This one is in that same vain and should be treated as such not only when being thought of in regards as to what is out now but in regards to past products. Expecting quality product and yet the 'same' product is a little unfair in my eyes so I don't. For if they did that, you would feel cheated wouldn't you? I know I would. I would want them to take me places where even THEY thought they would never go musically. I feel like I should allow them to grow as I have from '04 when the first one came out to now.
Just like the last album, and Zo's album, you get introduced to some acts that may be new to you like Chantae Cann, Jesse Boykins III as well as being wrapped in the silky sounds of Darien Brockington and YahZarah. The young man Median even makes an appearance. Other than that though, you are treated to the evolution of the boys with the help of Zo! (Fight For Love, Maybe She'll Dream of Me, Don't Wait, Everything Must Go), Chris Boerner (All Roads, The Last Fall, Authenticity, Don't Wait, on guitar, Lil John Roberts on the drums (Everything Must Go), John Teer (Everything Must Go) and Allyn Love (Laughing At Your Plans) on the pedal steel. Nicolay handles the instrumentation on all the tracks not listed with Phonte on the lead and sharing as listed.
At the first couple of listens of the album, I felt it was pretty dark overall. Which actually wasn't a bad thing to me. I thought it flowed nicely and every song fit in the order that it was presented. (I am a stickler for song order on an album. I feel the album should flow even though I won't be reviewing the tracks in order. Sue me.)
After double digit listens, I began to notice the lighter sides of the album and they balanced out the 'dark' records that I initially caught my attention. Songs like the lead single "Maybe She'll Dream of Me" (which caught everyone's attention I would hope since it was ...well..the LEAD SINGLE!) balance out the 'Full fledged'/none of that Joanie love Chachi type relationship that songs like "Just Don't Make Me A Fool' ft. Jesse Boykins III & Median or the equally as truthful 'Everything Must Go'.
The Last Fall....I think the comparison 'talk' really gets fanned here..With the VERY BEGINNING of the song (which was brilliant to me). Stand out line in the song for me was '..feel like a fool for missing something that was never there...' Loved guitar and keyboard play on this one and the break down in the middle that showcases chorus...Straight and to the point.
The title track 'Authenticity' has a VERY DEEP Prince influence with a very MODERN TWIST. It is one of those joints that you can definitely feel if you have ever been at that point in a relationship. I can see many a person (male or female) repeating the chorus in the heat of the 'battle'....
....'She wants me to fill her needs. She begs for authenticity. You don't want truth from me. YOU JUST WANT WHAT YOU WANT.....'- Authenticity.
'Eyes to the Sky' is one of those joints that will have you thinking about a lost loved one, your job, or anything else that is wearing heavy on your heart. It is the track that everyone says is 'too short' but honestly, it is JUST RIGHT. It is straight to the point. Beautifully written and sonically appeasing and appropriate.
Don't Wait.....Like the 'closer' he is, every time Phonte brings Darien on a track, he takes it to another level. This time is no different. This song's message is simple. If someone loves you back, don't wait. Straight and to the point. Many a person could use this message. Seen many a person lose person 'getting in the way' of it by trying to sabotage it, being hesitant due to what they think others will think of it and all of the other things that make one 'wait'. Tough message. Zo! gets on the talk box and REALLY PUTS IT DOWN...That is that 'your mother & father's type of R&B' sound I was getting at....
All Roads...is a just a perfect Fall song. The kinda joint that you want to get into your car, watch the leaves swirl as you move along on your way to life's journeys. Phonte's voice just flows over the production by Nicolay. It is a perfection description of just how life flows when you are involved with someone (family included) or something (your career, your life in general) See for me, music can be interpreted in many ways. Especially tracks like this one.
Fight For Love....It is pretty self explanatory. This is usually the part of a relationship that people tend to just 'hope works itself out' or ignore until things EXPLODE. Which makes this song even more special to me. I UNDERSTOOD everything that was being laid out in this song. Been in that place. Had someone feel like me too. So it makes sense to me. To others? I can understand why it may not 'move' them like that. Unlike in a fairy tale or soap opera, in real life, it gets like this. It is the pink elephant in the room. Finally, a song, by someone in my age group, that expresses it. It is refreshing to me lyrically and sonically.Phonte even goes PHILIP BAILEY at the end of the song....Which I really felt.
(The aforementioned Philip Bailey with EWF)
Don't Make Me A Fool ft. Jesse Boykins III & Median......This is another one of those, "If you have been in or past this chapter of the book of relationships' songs. Meaning, if you have taken TRUE STOCK in how things really go down, you get the song. If you are still living in Fantasy Land, where all relationships are perfect or just end when they are not, you probably don't get the song or feel it. I understood it. Seen it. Done it. Been on all sides of it. Four or five times a piece. Much like Biggie had the Ten Crack Commandments, this is one of the Commandments of a 'Big People Grown Up' relationship. I know you, what I signed up for and I am EVEN going to let you be who you are but don't make me a fool doing it.
The track that STOOD OUT TO ME FROM THE BEGINNING AND EVEN RIGHT NOW, is the Chantae Cann featured 'Laughing At Your Plans'....It is a DIFFERENT TYPE OF TRACK. It is everything that I 'thought' Hootie (Darius Rucker, who can GO BY THE WAY IF YOU DON'T KNOW...) would do and never quite gave us. Something along that line. The young lady that is accompanying Phonte on the track from ATL by way of Chicago, laid it down. Effortlessly. Like a silkworm spinning a cocoon. Layered and smooth. Just like she did when she was backing up India Arie...(Yes, that is where you have heard that voice before if she sounds familiar to you and you have seen India Arie live before..) I truly feel this track could garner the group a nomination in more than ONE CATEGORY of many of the prestigious awards that are given out if people open their ears and listen. This song makes me want to get on this PARTICULAR STRETCH OF ROAD and just ride....
(This a personal picture of mine. With my Blackberry no less. No professional cam or photoshop. Coming down off a North Carolina 421 just before you get to Boone to turn down to come back DOWN THE MOUNTAIN to Lenoir..A TREMENDOUS hint for some of you who have wonder just WHERE in NC I am always alluding too & YES it is my background picture on my personal Twitter page.)
City Ain't The Same Without You - This is vintage Foreign Exchange to me. Great lyrics. Beautifully arranged song. YahZarah breathing life into the lyrics with Phonte providing the background vocals. Nicolay providing the cinematic musical backdrop.....It is almost unfair when they do songs like this 'cause it seems effortless like they could do this in their sleep. Which apparently is what some people want. One song like this is good for me. Give
Sounds like a lot for an album that is only 38 minutes long? That is because that is how The Foreign Exchange does it. Gives you everything you need in a nice package. No filler. Can't wait to see them perform these songs along with the rest of their catalog when they go on tour next year.
YahZarah- Cry Over You ft. Phonte (video)
DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia for those of you not from the states or familiar with the area) this should look familiar to you. @ the backdrop. Then again, she is FROM THERE so that should not be shocking in the least.
New single from Foreign Exchange to debut on the Gordon Gatrelle Show 9/1/10
You know I am going to post all about it. Make the podcast available to download and all of that. I can't wait for this joint to drop and for them to come perform in this area again. Now that I know I have others here that enjoy their music too.
Foreign Exchange- Authenticity...Cover and track listing..
In case you are wondering about the cover art and the like:
"The principal photography and concept was by my man Peche at www.pechedesigns.com.au, layout and design was done by our in-house team at www.komplekscreative.com."- Phonte Coleman...
Can't wait for this one to drop...October 12th...
1. The Last Fall
2. Authenticity
3. Eyes To The Sky
4. All Roads
5. Fight For Love
6. Maybe She'll Dream Of Me
7. Don't Wait feat. Darien Brockington
8. Make Me A Fool feat. Jesse Boykins III & Median
9. Everything Must Go
10. Laughing At Your Plans feat. Chantae Cann
11. This City Ain't The Same Without You feat. YahZarah
More of Foreign Exchange from their West Coast swing. Amoeba Music performance..
Sorry....Been on the road for a bit so these are posts I wanted to make but couldn't quite get to like I wanted to via the Blackberry. So here you go...Enjoy.
Go here and watch more of videos like this...I won't post ALL OF THEIR videos up here. I will direct you to the source of the person who posted them.
Courtesy of Self Diggy
and MC Walrus (Phonte)...I spoke of them doing this when I saw them in Baltimore here and here....
The Foreign Exchange - Daykeeper // Amoeba, SF from About Her Films on Vimeo.
Go here and watch more of videos like this...I won't post ALL OF THEIR videos up here. I will direct you to the source of the person who posted them.
Courtesy of Self Diggy
From Yahzarah - The Ballad of Purple Saint James (2010) +FE Music
Yoshi's San Francisco July 23rd 2010
The Foreign Exchange Live 2010 is Nicolay (Keyboards/Samples), Phonte (Lead Vocals), Darien Brockington (Co-lead Vocals), YahZarah (Co-lead Vocals), Zo! (Keyboards), Kush El-Amin (Bass), Chris Boerner (Guitar), Chris "Biscuit" Bynum (Drums), Aimee Flint (Director of Operations)
and MC Walrus (Phonte)...I spoke of them doing this when I saw them in Baltimore here and here....
Phonte's humorous take on Reggae music.
Yoshi's San Francisco
The Foreign Exchange Live 2010 is Nicolay (Keyboards/Samples), Phonte (Lead Vocals), Darien Brockington (Co-lead Vocals), YahZarah (Co-lead Vocals), Zo! (Keyboards), Kush El-Amin (Bass), Chris Boerner (Guitar), Chris "Biscuit" Bynum (Drums), Aimee Flint (Director of Operations)
Foreign Exchange- Live...Doing some 'covers' of Invented Sex..and more...Yoshi's...San Francisco, CA
Courtesy of http://hiphopiscoolagain.com/
Every time they have 'gone rogue' when I see them, I am usually snapping flicks....So I never can get it on camera. My boy JCrillz caught 'em on 7/23/10 out in Cali though. Props to him. Foreign Exchange is currently out West tearing it down.
"I did not patent it...I did not license it...."- Phonte (Invented Sex Cover)
A tidbit of what else I saw in Baltimore...All Or Or Nothing..
Here is a bit more of Foreign Exchange. A little better quality. I shot it with my Cannon so it isn't nothing too special. Just clearer....
All Or Nothing is the name of the track...I didn't record it all because I was taking pictures and enjoying the show. Just wanted to give ya'll a taste of what it was like...
(Video)
It isn't much but here you go...I shot it all but I was 'enjoying' the concert too so excuse the 'shakes'...
All Or Nothing is the name of the track...I didn't record it all because I was taking pictures and enjoying the show. Just wanted to give ya'll a taste of what it was like...
(Video)
It isn't much but here you go...I shot it all but I was 'enjoying' the concert too so excuse the 'shakes'...
Well, Father's Day Weekend has been THAT DEAL. Let me share a bit...Foreign Exchange
UPDATED 6/22/10 9:04ish pm: The footage I promised is up in another post...You don't have to search for it. Here is it...http://thewarehous.blogspot.com/2010/06/here-is-bit-more-of-foreign-exchange.html I also have some pictures of them at the Roots Picnic..http://thewarehous.blogspot.com/2010/06/3rd-annual-roots-picnic-from-warehouses.html and http://thewarehous.blogspot.com/2010/06/foreign-exchange-at-roots-picnic.html
Well first off, I had some friends stop by from a long long long way from their home. Cali to be exact. Why should that matter to ya'll? Take a gander over there on the side where it says 'Music Nerdery'. You see that? The owner an operator was on her 'East Coast' swing and took some time out to come check me out. Now, I have met a couple of people via the 'web' at certain events and whatnot but none had actually 'come through where I dwell' so that was an experience. A great one. Shoutout to ya'll too for coming through. I was glad I was able to help contribute to the 'hiatus' of the website. The look on your faces after you had that Jake's burger pretty much summed up the experience for me. Can't wait to get out to Cali for ya'll to show me how you do it out there.
So after that, it was off to Baltimore to see Foreign Exchange at the African American Heritage Festival. Great festival indeed. Didn't get to see Marsha perform 'cause she was on at the same time but I have seen her get it done before. Thoroughly enjoyed FE's performance I got to....You know what? The videos and the pics should tell you what happened and all of that stuff.
I have BETTER quality video but I am learning how to upload it..Please excuse the quality of this one here. I will post up the other video as soon as I can make it available. Not of the same song though.
Darien 'D-Brock' Brockington catching 'The Spirit' during the performance and getting his run on....
Foreign Exchange....On the radio....video....@FEOfficial.....
(Chuckles) Just watch the video..You might have to watch it somewhere quiet though...(Hopefully some HIGH QUALITY video of this gets released so it is easier to hear.)
(Video)
(Video)
The 3rd Annual Roots Picnic from the Warehouse's point of view..
As you can see up top, the day was pretty interesting...
Had a ball! This time I won't be writing in as much story form as I will be just letting the pictures speak. Yeah right....You know I am going to tell a story about each series of pictures. Come on now. You know me by now. Gotta do it. Seriously though, I will keep the stories to a minimum for now 'cause I am that tired. I have A TON of pictures I didn't put up up here that will become various posts in the coming days. (Told you I was tired. @ errors)
Special special SPECIAL thanks to Rachel at http://philly360.visitphilly.com/, to all the people that I met LAST YEAR that came up to your boy and extended their hand, their stories of the past year and their fellowship. Also I would like to give a good 'head nod' to the folks that I saw up there that were just attending the show and had no idea that I was a supporter of The Roots/doing this here/what have you and were shocked to see me. (Chuckles) I know I don't talk about it like I should but I honestly think that is what allows me to do this. I actually like doing it and it is not motivated by a boastful place. I want to shout more people out but that is what the pictures are for, right? So lets get to 'em! I am going to go in the order that I feel. It may not be in 'chronological order' Bare with your boy. I will try to stay on course though.
The incomparable Titi A.K.A Chickintheclique and the talented TylnnFaz respectively. You might want to get familiar if you are not. Talented people.
The Dry Eye Crew!
DJ Diamond Kutz of Power 99 FM and of BET fame...
Miss Amanda Diva....
Tylnn and VF (Most of you know her so I don't have to tell you who she is..)
Philly's Own Writtenhouse
YahZarah (Foreign Exchange) Single out now btw with a video...
Nicolay of Foreign Exchange
Amy focused as hell..(Nicolay's wife)
Zo!He has an album out too..
And I promised I would get some shots of him...So if you looking homie, I GOT YOU!Chris Bynum (drums)
Phonte Coleman
Darien Brockington
Money Making Jam Boys (Black Thought, P.O.R.N, Truck North, STS and Dice Raw)
Jay Electronica, with Miss Diva warming up the crowd and his cup of Henny that he says warmed him up...
Meek Mill & Peedi Peedi got busy on one good time. Good to see Peedi doing is thing and Meek is coming NOW for Philly. Forget next.
Questlove running around in the VIP tent....
They have a fan in me. Mayer Hawthorne
DJ Jazzy Jeff, Skillz and Questlove TURNED IT OUT.
The Roots w/John Legend followed by Wu Massacre (Meth, Rae, Ghost) Yes, they showed. YES THEY PERFORMED and yes they were VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY GOOD. @ Wu Massacre.
Yes Meth is standing up on top of the crowd....Threw a lil customary water too...It was hot. We didn't care...
Clipse!!!!! Last act of the evening for me...
You know Ab-Liva was gonna come out and show some Philly love..
I was mad I didn't get a GREAT FLICK OF this person until I ran into them LITERALLY on my way to the car...LEGEND. I have to say if you don't know who this is, YOU PROBABLY shouldn't even attempt to have a discussion about HIP HOP with me. I rarely say things like that but you can't call yourself a true long die hard fan and not KNOW who this is...
