Artists That May Be New To You

There seems to be tons of new music being dropped by artists we know and love, including yesterday's new music drop from Sade and Jaheim and upcoming CD releases we will soon get from the likes of Faith Evans and Mariah Carey to the newly reunited group Groove Theory.

Here at Liberated Muse, we always like to spread the word about acts that may not be as well-known as the names above, but who are bringing the fire with new music that stretches the confines of the box. Check them out! (Both reviews can be read in their original post at www.Soulbounce.com).

MEGAN LIVINGSTON



I came across the music of Labtekwon after a chance meeting on Facebook in 2008 and was totally dazzled by the lyrical prowess of this quirky Hip-Hop MC who is the epitome of originality and out-of-the-box ingenuity. His video for "Activator" was an immediate favorite but it was the video for "Tao of Slick" that I enjoyed most of all, particularly feeling the lyrics of the female vocalist on his track, New Jersey native Megan Livingston aka Hazel Black. Her vocal stylings--reminiscent of Amel Larrieux with a kiss of Sy Smith--were instantly alluring yet lulling.


So, how happy I was to be tagged in a Facebook posting by Labtekwon sharing his friend Megan's foray into the indie music scene as a solo artist. He shot and edited her first solo video in his abstract style that has become his visual trademark. The song, "The One," from her forthcoming CD Black Beckee (Ankh Ba Records) is a melodious masterpiece. Still channeling the spirit that fills Mrs. Larrieux, Megan's pretty crystal clear vocals glide over the rich jazzy music landscape composed by Thur Deephrey.

Read More HERE

NNEKA


"The daughter of a Nigerian father and a German mother, Nneka Egbuna was born in Warri, Oil City in the Delta region of Nigeria at the height of its new found wealth in the mid 70s," reads the bio on her website. But, while her biracial heritage and looks that resemble Amel Larrieux could easily cast her away as a wanna-be clone of the Groove Theory songstress, Nneka comes strong with a sound, personality and flavor all her own. If she reminds you of anyone, it is probably Floetry's Natalie Stewart once she starts breaking into rhyming like on the track "Showing Love" and her accented vocals tear into the track.

Yes, she raps. She is a musician, singer AND rhymer, and she handles all three with finesse.

Her new 12-track CD Concrete Jungle is an aural ride. With ease, she navigates the genres of Reggae, Rock, Acoustic Soul and Hip Hop. And, on this disc, Fela's Afrobeat lives. Few artists can succeed at this without sounding like a garbled mess--most have their schtick and stick to it. But,not Nneka. She doesn't have only one thing/sound that she does well. She seems to be mastering most genres pretty damn well.

Read the entire review HERE