Today is the release of "Heroes in the Healing of the Nation" by Zion I & The Grouch. It is also the release of the "Rockit Man" music video. The music video is purely art from a visual stand point. The video is perfect for the song and its lyrics. "Rockit Man" is a song that focuses on being the best of yourself. It feels like a part of meditation. It's the song that you currently need in this current time when we are having political affairs and natural disasters. See for yourself!
Make your plans to attend the concert!
The details are below for the Orange and LA Counties.
Hip-Hop artist, Nate Dogg, died March 15, 2010 due to an unknown cause. He was an icon of the hip-hop world. His smooth voice and lyrical gift gave him 4 Grammy nominations throughout his career. He was only 41 when he passed away and suffered from several strokes in recent years, in 2007 and 2008. Although he had wrote some offensive songs, we still love him for his originality. Let’s take a moment and listen to some of Nate's famous songs (and my favorites) that he left us with. In memory of Nate Dogg.
Ahhh Paul Simon. Many of you might not know who this is. Part of that is because you may know him better as the Simon in "Simon and Garfunkel." Simon and Garfunkel in and of themselves were a great band that had a great influence when they were together. I could write an article about them, but to do so would probably waste your time. Plenty of people already know who they are, that's certainly not the pressing issue at hand here. The real issue is people don't know who Paul Simon is. A real travesty. The Simon is always inexorably tied to this famous duo, as if he was forever plagues by Garfunkel's looming afro. However Paul Simon's solo career has a lot of great music, that you should definitely give a try.
Now the music of Simon and Garfunkel definitely had a lot of levity to it. You know songs about adultery, boxing, the pleasures of being a rock ( and a song I'm ALMOST certain is about masturbation), all that fun stuff. Though you get a hint of that more serious song writing with songs like "Sounds of Silence", you do get the general air happy-go-lucky songwriting in a lot of them. I would argue when Paul Simon came into his own, his songwriting adapted a much more serious tone especially in his first album. No more ditties about the wonders of adultery, nay nay good sir, only those sweet sweet songs that reek of sadness and quiet desperation. Although that's not to essentialize the entirety of Paul Simon's solo career. Its not to say that the whole of his solo career lacked any sunshine and happiness. Songs like "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" and "Kodachrome" still had that lighter tone to them. However I would consider these different form his regular solo songwriting.
Personally I like this shift in songwriting Paul Simon exercises. For you cerebral types who actually listen to the lyrics (preposterous!), his subject material gets a lot more serious as well. Paul Simon starts write songs about the self-destructive path of drug abuse, the journey of a boy to a man, the sadness of overwhelmingly large cities, the quiet desperation of lost love, and so many more great songs. If nothing else, completely disregard cvery word I've said and just listen to some of his songs. (Oh one more thing. Is it just me or is Garfunkel a weird name? I mean seriously, say that shit out loud. It just sounds out loud, why doesn't anyone mention this!?)
Gonzolandia Records supports a couple up-and-coming bands typically based out of Austin, Texas. These bands include: Deadman, Amplified Heat, David Hidalgo & Louie Perez, and Trey Brown & Mission Dorado. These bands provide a very hearty, southern rock feel that digs deep into the emotions of the listener. Gonzolandia Records' website is http://gonzolandia.com/ . Be sure to check out their merchandise and other music! All of the artists websites are embeded with their music so it is easy to play and listen to!
Deadman Deadman is a band of six men creating a very distinguishable sound by incorporating southern, country rock with gospel style music. They are currently working on an album but their live album and vinyl record is available on their website. Their music consists largely of gospel style singing and music, which tugs at the heart strings of many. If you get the chance, they play a lot of Austin, Texas and are definitely worth seeing live. You can find their merchandise and other music on http://deadmanonline.com/ . Here is a little clip for you guys!
Amplified Heat Amplified Heat was started and consists of the Ortiz brothers who all got together to form this almost country (and much quieter) version of Black Sabbath. They have a southern rock feel with a touch of punk and some hard rock. They are out promoting their new album call On The Hunt. They are playing throughout Texas so, if the opportunity arises, this band is notorious for playing great shows. Being that they like to play some blues tunes yet try to keep a "garage band"-like feel, they aim to please the crowd and make the show exciting. Their website is http://www.amplifiedheat.com/ and here is a clip of theirs. Enjoy!
David Hidalgo & Louie Perez David Hidalgo & Louie Perez, aka Latin Playboys, have been playing together for a long time and play their interesting, yet distinguishable music intricately and smoothly. They play a mix of Latin music incorporated with some southern rock. The smooth guitar work creates a very interesting vibe that sucks the listener into the music. The music the progresses into a kind of gospel style. They are not currently promoting an album but still have the albums Dose and Latin Playboys available. Here is their website and a clip of them on The Conan O'Brien Show! http://www.latinplayboys.org/
Trey Brown & Mission Dorado Trey Brown & Mission Dorado are a very mellow southern gospel rock. This acoustic music creates an ambience that can relax even the most ecstatic of things. They are providing a vinyl on their website and are working on more material. Here is their website which includes recording of their songs! http://treybrown.net/
How important is confidence to you? At what point does over-confidence become a turn-off? Let’s look at it from a lyrical perspective and see which female artist you (given you are into ladies) would date. Just like that old show Room Raiders on MTV, let’s just say that you have no idea who these lovely ladies are…who would you datebased on just their lyrics to these songs and the confidence they exhibit? [Song selection based on March 5th, 2011’s America’s Top 40 chart] 1) Keri Hilson – Pretty Girl Rock 2) Rihanna – Only Girl in the World 3) Miranda Cosgrove – Dancing Crazy 4) Lady Gaga – Born This Way 5) Britney Spears – Hold it Against Me
Now that you have heard all of our lovely ladies, which artist would you date?
Ever listen to reggae music? Most people only know of Bob Marley. Wouldn't you like to listen to present time artists worthy of mentioning? In the beginning of 2010 while helping out Zion I, I discovered what was being missed out on. Zion I was actually touring with reggae artists Rebelution and SOJA (Soldiers of Jah Army). I never knew how amazing a live reggae performance would sound. You can catch it at your nearby "House of Blues" venue.
The first song I have to take a second to say thank you SOJA. After day one of helping out Zion I at the Downtown Disney House of Blues, I followed up with them and acknowledged how amazing the music was even though reggae music was not on the top of my list. Jacob of SOJA liked my feedback and gave me a free CD for the comment and providing assistance for Zion I. The music video is perfect for the message for the song. Take a look for yourself!
-SOJA is from Washington D.C.
Rebelution was the main set for the tour. Their ability to sell out shows explains for itself the fan base they have established. The band is from the Santa Barbara, CA area.
Towards the end of 2010, Zion I released the Atomic Clock album. Rebelution teamed up with the rap duo for a revolutionary track known as "Many Styles." After listening to this song I thought to myself, "How can you separate yourself from any other music artist." The answer is the music video below. Do something ORIGINAL!
I thought I would finish this update with a Zion I remix of Rebelution's "Safe and Sound." Music artists of different genres can collaborate successfully, be the next one!
It's time for an update on what tracks are hot for the Dance,House,and Electronica music scene for this weeks partying. The first track is featured on MTV's "The Buried Life." After listening to it didn't you want to find out what the song was? Well it was actually DJ Amp Live of Zion I. The song is "Chick Pop" off of the Murder at the Discotech album that is a mix of electronic and other similar music forms. It's a slower song, but it delivers.
The next song I cannot rave enough about is Wolfgang Gartner's-"Montezuma (Will Bailey & Mikey Hook Mix." If you love to shuffle, this is the song to show your dance skills to your friends and others that you would love to impress. The beat slowly starts up and then Montezuma takes control with the perfect beat and speed.
The last track is by Wynter Gordon,"Dirty Talk." Below the video is David Guetta feat. Wynter Gordon-Dirty talk (Laidback Luke Remix). A variety of artists for the clubbing scene for this post, stay tuned for more updates as OGmusic kicks off in delivering the newest music to the true music fans. Original Grounds music
Recently, the song “Moment 4 Life” by Nicki Manaj featuring Drake has been playing frequently on the radio. Nicki, a talented new hip-hop artist, shows her skills in both singing and rapping in this new single. Although her style is mainly rapping, she proves the media that she is capable of singing also. She sings the chorus with great passion. You can feel her expression of life, and can be easily inspired when she sings “This is my moment I waited all my life, I can tell it's time. Drifting away I'm one with the sunset…” (starting at 3:35 of the song). Her singing is impressive, especially knowing that she is a rapper. She is a natural singer and also a talented rapper.
Through her rapping, she makes strong statements throughout the song, given her experience. She claims to be a king in the beginning of the song: “In this very moment I’m king”. This statement of hers is one of power creating a superiority/inferiority complex between hers and her listeners. She also replaces herself with David from the bible saying, “In this very moment I slayed Goliath with a sling”. Here, she claims to be David, challenging the words of the bible by substituting herself, which is going against religion and also breaks through politically correct barriers that other mainstream rappers follow. Her lyrics and style are very risky for the public radio, but expresses strong words that define the meaning of life through her eyes.
For simplicity of listening to this song, here is the “Moment 4 Life” music video below:
