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A few more tracks than usual this week, and from an enjoyably-eclectic range of acts, including Raheem DeVaughn, Lloyd, and many more.
Just the two noteworthy posts to recap on, with a free 4-track EP from The Internet, who solidified their place as one of my current favourites in the wider R&B scene (given that R&B doesn’t categorise their music with any great accuracy), and of course the second instalment of our popular 5-track Winter EP.
Click below for another 5 tracks to add to this week’s plentiful bounty.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 137
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After a brief hiatus due to the busy festive period, we’re back to open the new year with a brand new edition of the internet’s R&B cornerstone.
The Weeknd and Frank Ocean feature in the recap, with the former’s releasing his latest mixtape just under a fortnight ago, and the latter letting loose of a new track last week, whilst the impact of both on R&B has been discussed as part of our 2011′s defining moment’s list. Don’t miss out on Lloyd’s latest visuals either, for his excellent Be The One single, and after that you’re cleared to click below for this week’s episode.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 132
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Going into Lloyd’s King of Hearts release a few months ago, this was undoubtedly the track that really excited me and got plenty of rotation. I’ve somehow conspired to overlook listening to the album (which is odd, considering my long-term support for Lloyd), but that doesn’t change the fact that this is undoubtedly one of the year’s better R&B efforts.
The upbeat, energetic style of the track is matched by the charisma and confidence of all artists involved, whilst the intensity and moodiness of the audio which is captured excellently by the dark lighting that engulfs many of the scenes, along with the sexually aggressive male-female interactions (the clear crotch grab by one of the models on Lloyd, for one!). It’s a fast-moving, fiery video that has an all-too-rare unfiltered, raw feel about it, and is certainly worth a watch for a refresh of the excellent audio. Grab Lloyd’s King of Hearts on iTunes now.
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The original was quite popular to Ambition‘s release, yet it was only a bonus track. Figure that one out.
Wale grabs some big names for the official remix, with each act doing a solid job on the controlled intensity that coarses through the production; whilst Tone P draws heavily from Lex Luger’s style, there’s enough bounce in the percussion to give it an identity of its own. Easy enough mainstream hip-hop to fill out a playlist. Sidenote: has anyone’s career undergone more of a turnaround after a namechange than 2 Chainz/Tity Boi?!
Wale-Bait Remix ft. 2 Chainz, Trey Songz and Rick Ross
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My love of ‘winter music’ has been far from secret here on OTU, and several discussions with music fans of various tastes have led me to believe many OTU readers share that appreciation.
We’re all about satisfying the fans, so welcome to our new 5-part feature. Each edition features a selection of tracks that are taior made for the dark winter period, and in keeping with OTU’s diversity code, expect some old tracks, some modern tracks, with a vast range of genres represented (in no particular order either; for example, Vol. 1 doesn’t necessarily have all of the best tracks!)
Just to really drive those frosty vibes home, we’ll even provide you with fresh, original artwork for each ‘EP’ for you to download at your pleasure and finish off those playlists. Kind aren’t we? Without further ado, click below for 5 tracks to get your winter started.
→ Continue Reading OTU Presents The Winter EP: Volume 1
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The second of Trey’s freeleases, and I’m considerably more excited about this one. The original Anticipation was a thoroughly excellent listen, and the tracks released thus far from its sequel have been enjoyable, suggesting the full project should hopefully follow suit.
It’s quite interesting to note the rapid rise in Trey’s career since the original Anticipation over 2 years ago, and with more projects on the horizon for Trey (an EP on November 28th and his fifth album, Chapter 5, early 2012), he’s surely looking at really progressing to the top spot in mainstream R&B. If you haven’t already, grab Top of the World from this tape, or get straight into this 14-track release by clicking below.
Trey Songz-Anticipation II
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The first of two free projects dropped by Trey, this one is his hip-hop effort, and admittedly it’s not going to be one I’ll be paying too much attention to. Whilst he can probably rap better than many others, the niggling feeling is that the beats he chooses to remix would be better served being done in the singing style he used to build his reputation back in 08/09, and hence it just feels a bit of a waste of his talents.
Nonetheless, Trey’s hip-hop work certainly has its fans and undeniably some of it can be relatively enjoyable. 18 tracks on this one, so the probability is that there should be at least a few worthy of a few repeat plays, and you can make your choices after grabbing the tape for free below (shouts to our friends at GWHH for the link!)
Trey Songz-Lemmeholdatbeat 2
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This week’s episode features some true luminaries of the R&B game, including the emergence of previously-unreleased Nate Dogg material, the first such release since his unfortunate passing earlier this year.
Two posts to catch up on from the week gone by, with the star-studded video for Ne-Yo’s latest single being released, whilst The-Dream supplied visuals of his own for his collaboration with Big Sean from the 1977 album.
Click below for this week’s juicy bag of treats.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 124
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Brand new visuals for Ne-Yo’s latest, with a couple of his more esteemed R&B peers along for the ride.
The track is a solid slow jam in a simple, uncomplicated style that has been surprisingly absent in recent years, and the video also proves a pleasant surprise by taking a typical setting for an R&B track, a strip club, and adding an unexpected touch of class to proceedings by focusing a little less on the sleaze in favour of a more sultry, smooth theme. However, that’s not to say this video is quite fitting for younger eyes, as there are certainly some rather raunchy moments!
Much like the audio, the video employs a very simple and effective style and is worth a watch for the R&B heads. Nice to see three big names of the genre come together for this too, given that they’re pretty much fighting for same spot, and equally it’s good to see a few other music luminaries pop up for cameos. Grab an early version of this track here, and keep an eye on iTunes for the official release.
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A really weak week for R&B music, with most of this week’s decent content already released by the rising stars of the genre: Jhene Aiko’s latest video, Patrick Stump’s cover of Shutterbugg, Jesse Boykins’ newest visuals and Bridget Kelly’s first EP. The delay this week (as has been the case multiple times in recent months) has been purely down to a lack of content, and it’s an interesting scenario that R&B faces at the minute with such a dearth of top-class talent. Nonetheless, click below for the 123rd episode.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 123
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A shorter episode this time around, but more than counterbalanced by the glut of R&B, pop and soul material released throughout the week.
Two doses of The Weeknd were made available, the first an official collaboration with Florence + The Machine, and the second some brand new material expected to find a home on his Echoes of Silence project. In addition, Marsha Ambrosius released a new mixtape of rarities and remixes, upcoming UK producers Star One dropped off their new EP, and finally a great slice of soul from the talented Rob Murat.
Click below for the rest of this week’s R&B and pop provisions.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 121
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A longer episode this week, with plenty of R&B’s luminaries making appearances this week, including Frank Ocean, Ne-Yo and Trey Songz, alongside a track from the latest group emerging from the Odd Future collective.
Nothing to recap on from the week gone by, so go ahead and treat yourself by clicking below and gorging yourself on the treats within.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 120
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This week has seen some superb music video releases in the pop, R&B and soul world and that mini-revival continues with a solid offering in this week’s R&B instalment.
The aforementioned videos include heart-warming visuals from Musiq Soulchild, uplifting scenes from Patrick Stump and Lupe Fiasco, an intrictate, thought-provoking effort from Frank Ocean, and finally a sharp, confident performance from The-Dream in one of his best releases to date.
Caught up with all the above? Your eyes may need a rest, but your ears await the musical delights that lie below.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 119
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Following on from Mr. Nice Watch, J. Cole delivers us some visuals for his collabo with Trey Songz. The J. Cole promotion bus is in full effect.
Admittedly this isn’t a song that found many plays in my iTunes, that’s not to say I dislike the track, it’s a fairly enjoyable and fun song, it just doesn’t have me yearning to replay it. The video comes off on the same vibe, in what I presume to be Barbados (because of the Rihanna cameo!) J. Cole and Trey Songz seem to be, and probably are, having a lot of fun. Anyone else think Trey Songz doesn’t sound like himself on the hook for this?
Cole World: out September 26th.
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Six tracks from six respected artists to enjoy this week, bringing together a little bit of soul, a little bit of pop and a little more R&B.
The same can be said with this week’s related posts, with a soulful jam delivered by UK upcomer Cherri Prince, fellow Brit Emeli Sande collaborating with Wretch32 for a free single, a cinematic visual for The-Dream’s latest R&B slow jam, and finally a remix of Kreayshawn’s popular Gucci Gucci.
Click below for your weekly prescription of musical medication.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 115
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Undoubtedly, the highlight of this week’s R&B content has already been delivered, with the hugely-anticipated release of The Weeknd’s second project, Thursday. There’s also new music from upcoming UK singer Chrome, dropping off an energetic single for his latest video.
Very diverse episode this week, with some mainstream pop, old-school style soul and the usual R&B fare all made available for your listening pleasure, and plenty of big names providing that content. Click below to fill yourself with R&B nourishment.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 114
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The dancing, the courtship of an attractive model, and the squeaky-clean vibe of it all: not only does it perfectly mirror the audio, but it’s a paint-by-numbers chart rap video that Lupe exudes a surprising (well, sort of) level of comfortability in.
The song was certainly not the worst on Lasers by any means, but that’s hardly a compliment given some of the absolute sewage on there, and it was still very rooted in the ‘pop rap’ style that Lupe had previously denounced. This particular track certainly found its highlight in a catchy, well-delivered hook from Atlantic labelmate Trey Songz, a situation also mirrored in the video as Trey probably steals the spotlight by adding a little energy and passion, as well as coming through solidly with his choice of attire. A nice summer vibe flows through the video too, along with bright, expansive cityscapes and a cheesy ‘storyline’, all working to capturing the feelgood nature of the song. Given there wasn’t much to work with, it could have been a lot worse.
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The last 48 hours are a bit of a rapid blur, so to me it’s still Friday. Very solid new material this week, with some of the bigger names in the R&B, pop and even hip-hop world making appearances.
Only the three relevant posts to recap on, with the announcement of the Future Hits Live tour, solid new music from Drake, and a brand new EP from the talented Rocki Evans which is probably going to be worth a listen.
Click, read, download, enjoy.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 104
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Well, hasn’t this song got me hot under the collar! There’s too much sexiness here as Lloyd enlists the help of Trey Songz and Young Jeezy for his next single, Be The One, from his upcoming album King of Hearts, set to be released on July 5th.
Polow Da Don laces Lloyd with a hard, thumping beat that’s sure to be a hit in the clubs, whilst the track’s lyrical content is faithful to its title; sexually charged and bound to appease women. As we have come to expect with both Lloyd and Trey Songz, the quality of the vocals on show are of a high order, with the rap-influenced singing fitting into the song very comfortably. It’s not a competition of course, but I do prefer Trey Songz’s verse as his vocals feel more natural to the song than Lloyd’s. Young Jeezy anchors the track nicely, offering a change of pace and flowing onto the beat with pure ease.
Lloyd-Be The One ft. Trey Songz and Young Jeezy
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Centenaries are a rare thing in many walks of life, so I speak for both past and present, writing and non-writing members of the OTU team when I thank you sincerely for your dedication to our online presence. Whilst various weekly serials have come and gone, this has stood strong for 100 weeks, so we genuinely thank you for your support here in R&B Fridays. Having been introduced in our very first week, this also marks our 100th week online, so thanks again for all of your support in getting us this far.
As it’s a milestone episode, it felt like the right decision to award Frank Ocean the honour of representing this occasion. I can hear your outrage: ‘why not a staple of the episodes, like Lloyd or Usher?’. Well, we like to look forward, and frankly (sorry) I feel he’s really going to dominate this series for the next 100 episodes, and deservedly so.
Click below for your regular weekly instalment: two days late, in keeping with tradition! I’ve also got a little extra something to celebrate the occasion coming shortly after this…
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 100
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Some more Game this evening for all of you to enjoy. On first couple of listens I’m feeling this. The beat has that synthy lull about it and with Trey on the hook could prove to do quite well in the club scene. Game’s delivery is hardcore, albeit lyrically somewhat basic, but for me Game’s grouchy vocals and tactful flow always seem to do enough to keep me listening. As for whether this will make an appearance on R.E.D.? Quien Sabe as they say in Spanish.
Game ft. Trey Songz-She Wanna Have My Baby
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Plenty of new material this week, in what has been a very active week for the R&B and pop scene. Well, that’s probably a half-truth as there’s only really the one post to recap on from this week’s posts, with the official visuals for Nikki & Rich’s breakout single with Fabolous surfacing.
Very interesting lineup in this week’s episode, with man-of-the-moment Frank Ocean lining up alongside such current luminaries as Chris Brown, Trey Songz and many more. No throwback this week as there has been quite a chunk of new material to get through, but there’s lots of good stuff to get into regardless. Click below to collect your winnings.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 96
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A pretty short episode this week, but with good reason. Recently, it’s become a bit annoying (for me, probably not for many of you) that most episodes are comprised primarily of pop music, and not R&B. This week, I wanted to avoid that, and hence I can say I’m genuinely a fan of this week’s episode, which I’ve not been able to say for a while.
Couple of big singles this week, including the first single from Ryan Leslie’s upcoming third abum Les Is More. Only really the two relevant posts from the week gone by, with the superb Jhene Aiko releasing her new album/mixtape for free, and Odd Future’s Frank Ocean dropping off a great piece of R&B with Dave Raps. Be sure to check both out, as whilst they may not be familiar names, they’re very much worth a look. Click below for the rest of the goods.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 92
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A solid video for one of the better tracks from Trey Songz’s Passion, Pain and Pleasure. The song is certainly one of his better slow jams, and the video does a good job in not conforming to usual ‘bedroom setting’ for this type of track.
It’s far from a mind-blowing video, but works as a solid and easy-to-watch effort, with the story of the video feeling fairly independent to the actual song at times. Whilst that makes it compelling in its own right, it does stray a little too far away on occasions and becomes almost too unrelated. You have to commend the idea though, and the thinking behind it is solid, even if the application was a tiny bit off.
Worth a watch to see how you feel about it. As mentioned above, it is an easy watch and doesn’t mentally tire you, which is always good with this sort of sultry, mellow music.
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All good things come to an end, and my recent run of posting these on time has been broken. The football fans out there will also note that another streak was broken today, but we are NOT getting into that.
A quick round-up from the week gone by: UK upcomer Talay Riley grabs Wretch 32 for a remix of his single, Timbaland’s latest weekly instalment, Trey Songz’s take on Chris Brown’s latest single, and finally a medley of incredible Michael Jackson covers from the fantastic Patrick Stump.
Lots of big names in this week’s episode, and many that will certainly catch your mainstream eyes. Click below for a sweet-smelling blast of R&B to your sweaty, sweaty face.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 86
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Trey Songz gives us his version of Chris Brown’s Look At Me Now; always good to hear Trey’s take on other artists songs (which he’s fond of doing). Can’t say I really liked the original by Chris Breezy, but this version is pretty decent with Trey combining singing with rapping which he’s so adept at doing.
Probably would have made an appearance in Ajay’s next R&B Friday…but seeing as I’m in a good mood, you can have it now by clicking below.
Trey Songz – Look At Me Now
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Revealed on Lupe’s website a little earlier, alongside the pre-order packages for the album. Nice to see we’ve only heard (versions of) 3 of the tracks so far, meaning the rest will be nice and fresh!
1. Letting Go (Feat. Sarah Green)
2. Words I Never Said (Feat. Skylar Grey)
3. Till I Get There
4. I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now (Feat. MDMA)
5. Out Of My Head (Feat. Trey Songz)
6. The Show Goes On
7. Beautiful Lasers (Two Ways) (Feat. MDMA)
8. Coming Up (Feat. MDMA)
9. State Run Radio (Feat. Matt Mahaffey)
10. Break The Chain (Feat. Eric Turner & Sway)
11. All Black Everything
12. Never Forget You (Feat. John Legend)
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To me, the early hours of ‘Saturday’ count as Friday, so welcome to the first on-time R&B Friday in a few weeks!
Not a great deal to recap on this week, with the only notables being another official remix to Lloyd’s Lay It Down, and an all-British collaboration from Alesha Dixon and Jay Sean. However, it’s more than made up for with this week’s episode: with almost 20 tracks from the likes of Trey Songz, Pitbull and many more, there’s lots to enjoy and keep you going until next week.
Want some? Come get some.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 83
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Again, I’m aware it’s a Sunday…it is (or was) Christmas though, so finding a few hours to throw this together wasn’t really going to happen. I’m surprised there is enough material, given that the industry usually shuts down a little around this time of year, but it seems most artists are intent on continuing success they’ve found this year.
The week’s recap: Taio Cruz’s latest video, Chipmunk and Chris Brown’s much anticipated video, UK upcomer Talay Riley’s latest single, the mixtape debut of the highly-rated UK singer Bluey Robinson, and finally the official remix for Dirty Money’s Loving You No More. You know where to look and where to click for this week’s episode.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 80
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