I still have Adrion Butler’s “Let That Boy Worship” in heavy rotation on my iPod. It’s one of my cardio go to’s or just when I want to hear some good music. Adrion makes the kind of Hip Hop music that has substance, with a current sound. So, I didn’t expect anything different when I heard he was releasing new music. “On Time” is laid back, compared to its predecessor. Nevertheless, Adrion Butler’s message is just as poignant.
The song has a throwback, nostalgic feel to it (complete with touching references to his grandmother). The song compares God to a “drink when I am thirsty”. He admits God may not be there when he wants, but He is right on time when he needs him most. Although Adrion’s flow on this track may remind you of current day rap stars like Migos and 2 Chainz, thank God (literally), his skills far super-cede theirs. In fact, each verse finds him altering the speed and delivery differently than the previous one.
“On Time” is that feel good song that will surely lift your spirits. Adrion conveys his message here in a way that makes those who don’t even listen to Hip Hop music take notice. His music resonates with the youth for a specific purpose. Also, he has an old soul that fits right in to those listeners who may have difficulty adapting to Hip Hop.
I have already been giving “On Time” repeated rotation on my playlist. Chances are, once you hear it, you will too. Check out the single for yourself below. It’s definitely right on time. Download or stream “On Time” on all digital retailers.
The male R&B world is quite a saturated market right now. There’s Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Bryson Tiller and Usher. However, there is always room for a new fresh and exciting artist who comes to change up the game. Meet Samuel Green. Sam is actually not new to the music industry. In fact, he started out in a 12 piece gospel group and now pursues music in the R&B lane. He’s much more than an R&B crooner though. His most recent singles, “She Don’t Know” and “Time Out” have been creating quite a buzz in the States and Internationally. I had a chance to catch up with him and gain insights on his music, thoughts on the industry, what motivated his extreme diet change and his upcoming EP, Seasonal.
Here are some of the highlights of our interview. Check out Part 1 of my interview with Samuel Green at Dallas Black.
P.E. What are the pros and cons to being in a group vs being a solo artist? Also, how has the transition been from gospel music to R&B?
Sam: I do like the group setting. I’m a leader and I like encouraging, helping other people out. Plus you learn from each other vocally and different ways to create music. As a solo act, I get to say yes and no to everything. I don’t have to wait on anybody else. Honestly, patience has not been my friend. That was one of my struggles being in a group.
P.E.: Who are some of your biggest music influences?
Sam: Nat King Cole is one. That’s what my grandmother listened to. Etta James, Ella Fitgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sam Cook, Dean Martin, John Legend, Usher and Tank. I love Jazmine Sullivan too. I like Kim Burrell’s jazz placement too. I used to play trombone in the band. I started in elementary with the violent. I did a jazz camp every summer in Missouri too. You know, I listened to a lot of Fred Hammond too. He made gospel really cool.
P.E.: Tell us about your new single, “Time Out”. The song is dope by the way.
Sam: Thank you. The name of the project is called Seasonal. Everything has its season. My first single, “She Don’t Know” is based on a true story about my ex. A girl I thought I was going to marry. She didn’t have patience, cheated on me, left me. Now, she hits me up even though she’s married now. I tried to tell her, “Stick with me. Have faith. Have patience”.
“Time Out” is about a girl I dated off and on. But she got in this relationship and would always tell me, “I miss you. I miss the things you used to do…” The song says, “You hit me up when you want some of that Sam time out”. My producer Isaac “Chill” Yowman wrote the majority of the song and I co-wrote on it.
The main single coming out next month is called “Seasonal”. It says, “You can be here today and gone tomorrow. Don’t get too comfortable”. He wrote majority of “Time Out” too. I wrote all of “She Don’t Know”.
P.E. What is the most memorable fan experience you’ve ever had?
Sam: I used to work at J. Crew. I was ringing up a lady and this girl ran up to the counter and said, “Are you Sam Green?!” I said yes and I had to apologize to the lady I was ringing up. The fan said, “Oh my gosh! Can I take a picture with you and put it on my Instagram?” That was the first time something happened like that. I was blown away. It actually happened last year.
P.E.: What can fans expect onSeasonal?
Sam: You’ll get a little bit of everything. I want to show people I can be R&B, Pop, a gentleman, street. Some people say, “He’s light skinned. He’s gonna be smooth and quiet. No, I can be street too”. Especially growing up as a church boy. I love God. Don’t get me wrong. But we’re still human. Just because we serve God doesn’t mean we go without struggles.
P.E.: What would you tell someone that’s trying to break into the music industry.
Sam: Don’t give up. Make sure you have a strong foundation. Know what you want. Know how you want it. Know who is there for you and who’s not there for you. I know somebody who was there just for the ride. I’ve already dealt with that. Learn as much as you can on your own. Don’t expect things to get handed to you.
P.E.: If you could describe your life in one song, what would it be and why?
Sam: I have a playlist that I play every day. Let me see. Honestly, I don’t think there’s one set song. I can really relate to Drake though. His lyrical content, everything. He’s not afraid of being in his feelings and that’s how I am.
A song I relate to though is “No Longer Friends” by Bryson Tiller. It’s more relatable to me.
P.E. Tell everyone where people can listen to your music and find you.
Sam: I’m still working on my website now. I’m a perfectionist, so there is still some work being done on it. But you can find me on all social media at: @thesamuelgreen. I’m on all music outlets, iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, etc.
I’ll have some shows coming up soon too that I’ll announce. I will be doing an HBCU tour soon though. I have some shows in Atlanta, New York, Kansas City and LA coming up too. I have a really big following in South Africa and London too. Thank God. Shout out to them.
“How do you find the time to write all of these books?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions I get about my writing. I am currently promoting my latest novel, No Cream In The Middle. Shame on you if you don’t have it already. You can get your copyHERE. Ok, back to our regularly scheduled program. When I take a look back at my some of my writing, I know exactly what I was going through when I wrote it. So, to answer the question, writing is my release. Writing is that fantasy place (or at times reality) that I can escape and just say what I feel.
We all need a release from the daily pressures of life. Without it, we will wind ourselves up into a tense ball of anxiety. Your release may not be writing. Yours may be outdoor activities, traveling, sports or just being silent. There are times when we have to be comfortable with silence being our release. Some people easily consume themselves with constantly staying busy. I’m the type of person who rarely gets bored. I write when I’m not working. I consult about writing when I’m not writing. Music is another one of my favorite things. Also, I am a huge movie buff. I’m saying all this to say that your own interests and passions should keep you busy enough. If not, then maybe you need to step it up a bit. However, we must learn to find the release in the silent times too.
People often spend mindless energy watching reality TV, gossiping, holding grudges against people who have wronged them or sweating too much of the small stuff. I’m learning more and more that life creates its own problems. We don’t have to conjure up any new ones. Be a go getter. Set your goals high and aim to surpass them. Just make sure you build in some time for the release to refuel your inner being.
Last weekend, my wife and I saw the movie Annabelle: Creation at LOOK Cinema. If you’re into horror movies, I’d say it’s definitely worth seeing. We decided to grab a quick bite to eat in the theater’s Ivy Kitchen. I love trying new drinks. So, I decided to get the Bootstrap Manhattan. The key players for this drink are whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters, Luxardo cherry and a maple smoked glass. This drink is freaking amazing!
However, I will say the most interesting part of the drink is the maple smoked glass. There is something about that element of surprise of sweet smoke, mixed with the bite of the whiskey, bitters and that cherry, Yes, I would be re-missed if I left out the Luxardo cherry. This cherry has a full, rich flavor that has a hint of grape. The cherry is the secret weapon that really sets the drink off. This drink would pair well with BBQ, a savory alfredo sauce dish or even pizza.
My only complaint (if I have to pick one) is the drink is too small. Nevertheless, with a $12 price tag, it’s well worth every dollar spent. The Bootstrap Manhattan has a unique kick that you just won’t find in mere whiskey alone. I could have had another one, but I stopped there. So, make sure you try this drink the next time you find yourself at LOOK Cinema. You’ll thank me for it (and yourself).
Join me tomorrow, August 16th, at 2:00 pm CST, for my exclusive interview with It’s The ADD Show Through The Eyes of Robi Nickoli, on Tha Afterparty Radio. This will be my third time featured on the show. I always have a great time. This crew is hilarious! So, get ready for some no holds barred dialogue. Also, I’ll be talking about my latest novel, No Cream In The Middle. I am currently working on some new projects as well. Make sure you tune in to find out what they are.
If you don’t have your copy of No Cream In The Middle, you can get it (along with the first part of the trilogy, Fortune Cookie) HERE.
Oh and here’s a little sample of the Cream. Hope you enjoy it.
Cookie stayed awake while Ken was sound asleep. She looked over at the clock and the time was 2:36 am. Every time she fell asleep she kept having this recurring dream of someone, a lady, with long hair whispering in her ear, with a blade across her forehead. The stroke of the blade wasn’t deep enough to cut but forceful enough to scratch the surface of her skin. She couldn’t keep this up all night. She had to get some rest.
Ken tossed a bit in his sleep and held on to Cookie tightly. She felt secure and safe in his arms. Finally, she went to sleep. About three hours passed and she woke up again. Ken was still holding her but as she opened her eyes, she saw the most frightening thing in the hotel room. Although the room was dark, it was light enough for her to still see without turning on a light.
Standing right in front of the door was a tall person, possibly of a female stature. The only thing that seemed female about this person was their hair. Could it be Ted? He did know where they were staying. He had long hair. There’s no way it could have been him though. He wouldn’t have been able to get through the door. At that same moment, she heard the sliding of the chain lock at the top of the door. She could feel herself breathing heavier, as her head and heart felt as if they were about to explode.
Pink can virtually do no wrong. At least that’s how I see it. But it’s not really up for debate either. She has brought us monster hits like “Just Like A Pill”, “Sober”, “Blow Me (One Last Kiss)” and “Family Portrait”. Although it’s been 5 years since her last solo studio album, she released a collection of soft ballads with singer Dallas Green (under the name You+Me), collaborated with Kenny Chesney (“Setting The World On Fire”) and written songs for Celine Dion. Now, she has broken her studio silence and re-emerged with “What About Us?”. The song is the lead single from her upcoming 7th studio LP, Beautiful Trauma.
“What About Us?” is one of those multi dimensional ballads that can be taken several ways. The song sounds like an open love letter at first listen. She sings, “What about all the plans that happened in disaster?” Her songwriting ability is one to be rivaled. However, “What About Us?” is less of the bad girl scorned, smashing mirrors and quirky one liners. This offering sounds much more mature and reminiscent of songs like her hit single, “Try”. If we dig a little deeper though, this song could also be speaking to the current state of the world. Perhaps there will be more clarity when the music video drops. Expect this song to gain Pink even more of an Adult Contemporary fan base.
If “What About Us?” is any indication of what to expect on Beautiful Trauma, Pink appears to be more reserved this time around. Nonetheless, I’m sure the album will have some classic, unforgettable uptempo songs. There’s no word on the exact release date, but expect her new album to be released before the end of the year.
What are your thoughts on Pink’s new single? Would you Bump It Or Dump It?
Mint Condition was one of my favorite groups of the 90s. Who can forget some of their biggest hits like “Breakin My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes),” “What Kind Of Man Would I Be?”, and “U Send Me Swingin”? Front man Stokley has an unmistakable voice that was a large part of the group’s appeal. It has been 5 years since the group’s last original studio release, Music @ The Speed Of Life. Now Stokley has returned as a solo artist. The move seemed a little oft put at first, considering Mint Conditions impressive run for nearly 30 years. The music business is much more fickle than their hey day. Would die hard fans be open to hearing from solo music from Stokley after so long? Would the generational gap be too wide for him to really find his proper space?
Stokley slams the naysayers in his new single, “Level”. The track sounds like that feel good, vintage Mint Condition sound. Plus, his vocals are as crisp and distinct as ever. I must say I was pleasantly surprised after hearing this track. The idea of a long awaited solo album from him seems just as viable now as it was in the 90s. The song speaks about him finding a woman who is his equal and on the same level as him. Thank goodness he did not fall into the trap of trying to sound trendy. Mint Condition (and subsequently Stokley) has always been in an elite class. So, it would be a shame to see Stokley flush all of those innovative years down the drain.
Expect to hear some big noise from him this summer. “Level” is a solid R&B offering that makes you reminisce on the days when music actually had more to offer than a dance-able track. This is soul music. This is what music is missing right now.
Plus, check out Stokely’s debut album, Introducing Stokley, available now on all digital retailers.
Hear “Level” for yourself below. What are your thoughts on the new single?
Anthony Brown & group therAPy had some big shoes to fill with their new album, A Long Way From Sunday. Their sophomore release, Everyday Jesus, catapulted them to major success. They picked up many gospel awards along the way. However, they prove they can’t be counted out, after just a few minutes of listening to A Long Way From Sunday. I love a good concept album. There is a common theme here that introduces many of the songs. Anthony Brown states, “What I feel” and then follows it with, “What I know”.
A Long Way From Sunday starts off with a high energy celebration with the uptempo praise songs, “Glad” and “Na Na Ok (The Happy Song)”. His full, scratchy tenor pairs well with the slick production and group therAPy’s vocals. Anthony Brown’s relatable lyrics permeate through the speakers and inspire the listener. “I Got That” is a perfect example. Trap music influences slip in here, but in a tasteful way. This is one of several songs I had on repeat when I first heard the CD. The lyrics are triumphant and uplifting (“I got that V-I-C-T-O-R-Y/I got no reason to fear/I got Jesus on my side”). This is sure to be a fan favorite, especially with the younger generation.
Don’t mistake it. Despite the thumping bass knock of some of the uptempo songs, there are some rousing ballads here. The album’s first single, “Trust In You”, delicately commands us to stop worrying and turn our troubles over to God. “Everytime” featuring Jonathan McReynolds and Travis Greene is a tender, acoustic ballad that reminds us of how dependable God is. However, “I Refuse” is the album’s showstopper. The production, lyrics, vocal arrangements. Everything about this song screams hit single potential. The song speaks of boldly not allowing our circumstances to strip our faith from us.
“Miracle Worker” is also one of the album’s several standout gems. The mid-tempo, R&B tinged track challenges us to remember that God can and will make miracles in our lives. It’s never too late. “It Had To Be You” and “Thank You” are smooth worship songs that compliment A Long Way From Sunday very nicely. “Why?” finely showcases group therAPy’s amazing vocals. My only complaint about this one is I hope there’s a full, extended version that gets released someday. Nonetheless, the interlude serves a great purpose for ushering in the lyrically dense and infectiously melodic “Want You More”. I can only imagine how this song would sound live.
Le’Andria Johnson lends her stirring vocals on the gratuitous ballad, “Consumed”. The album ends on an upbeat note with the reassuring, pop influenced “Never Alone”. Just when you thought Anthony Brown and group therAPy couldn’t top themselves, they have done just that. A Long Way From Sunday empathizes with the daily struggles we all encounter along our faith walk. There are times we party, times we cry, times we reflect and times we just simply want to give thanks. Sunday doesn’t seem so far away after all.
I’ve been waiting for Daley’s return to the studio since 2014’s stellar debut, Days & Nights. Some people prefer the more mainstream soul styling of Sam Smith. However, Daley was the one who made a cover of Maxwell’s classic “Pretty Wings” that’s nearly better than the original. Needless to say, he had some big shoes to fill on his sophomore studio set. Now, he’s back with his new release, simply titled The Spectrum. The colorful album proves that his three year gap in between albums was well worth the wait.
The album’s first single, “Until The Pain Is Gone”, is a heavenly slice of vintage soul pie. Daley could have carried the song by himself. Nevertheless, Jill Scott is like that extra spoonful of butter. She just makes everything smoother and better tasting. He’s unapologetic on the bipolar ballad, “Selfish”. He admits he wants to be in love, but is not ready for its commitment. The oft put drum patterns of the uptempo “Slow Burn” provides a backdrop to a melancholy love story. He’s willing to keep up the games in love if his woman decides to act that way.
“Sympathy” is one of the most unexpected tracks on The Spectrum. The groove seems more suitable for Raphael Saadiq or Warren G, but Daley pulls it off without missing a beat. Sympathy never sounded so vibrant. “The Only One” is an essential acoustic offering that finds Daley telling his lover not to be so one sided. This is vocally one of the best songs on the album. The tropical tinged “On Fire” is confident and complimentary. This song easily stands out as one of the more radio friendly tracks.
The appropriately titled “Second To None” rips a page from classic Prince in his hey day. Expect this one to be a wedding favorite this year. Everything about this song is well…..second to none. The touching tribute song, “The Fabric” is perhaps the most lyrically dense song on the album. Whether uptempo (check out the infectious “Careless”) or slow groove, Daley can handle it all. It’s great to see him back in the swing of music. He’s back and better than before; a feat that seemed nearly impossible.
Linkin Park recently celebrated the release of their seventh studio album, One More Light. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart (as did six of their other albums). The group’s catalog even includes a mash up project with Jay Z. Their music defined a generation with hits like “Numb”, “In The End”, “Closer” and their latest gem, “Heavy”. However, the group as we know reached its completion today. Chester Bennington, lead singer, took his life at the age of 41 years old.
Chester and his group hailed from California and instantly took the music industry by storm. Their debut studio album, Hybrid Theory, went on to sell an astonishing 10 million copies in the US alone. Linkin Park’s star status could not be dimmed. The group infectiously blended Rock and Rap. They created sounds that were not previously heard before. Chester Bennington’s piercing vocals were the main attraction. His pain and angst reverberated in the atmosphere even after their songs were over. Linkin Park was an acquired taste for some. Their influence cannot be denied though.
Chester Bennington struggle with himself was apparent in the group’s last recording together. “Heavy” has some dark, disturbing lyrics that sound like a cry for help in hindsight. “Holding on/So much more than I can carry/I keep dragging around what’s bringing me down”. Nevertheless, Chester Bennington’s (and Linkin Park’s) legacy will forever be the cool guy(s) of Rock/Rap who broke the mold and set trends for others to follow.
If you or someone you know has contemplated suicide, call The National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
