Afro Chic’s Pick: Spring Ear Candy

With Spring right around the corner, I can’t help but think about all the bright fashion statements I will be making this year.  I’d like to keep my Earring game tight so it’s about that time I start adding to my collection. These are just a few of my favorite earrings that are out on the lovely spring line of Rachel Stewart, Peace Images, and the J and Flo Jewelry and Company. I’ve featured them before so just click the picture below for more details on my favorite jewelry artists 🙂

“Everybody Loves The Sunshine” by Rachel Stewart

“Acid Jazz” by Peace Images

“Nana” by J & Flo Jewelry Company



Carlitta Durand x iCarli (Video)

I love discovering artists and so I came across Carlitta Durand with her visual for “iCarli” and I had to dig deeper.  Carlitta is a Minneapolis born and North Carolina grown R&B/jazz/hip-hop artist that has a passion for diversity. Her latest project “Nostalgic Nights” is a small yet, diverse and explosive insider to what Calitta Durand is capable of.  She is recently attending North Carolina Central University, where she is worked with artists like 9th Wonder and Little Brother.  I find it dope that she writes her own lyrics and tells a story in each song that anyone can relate to.  Her voice is very soulful yet jazzy and I will definitely be following her progress as an artist.

Check out the video for “iCarli” and tell me what you think.

 

Aloe Blacc x Loving You is Killing Me (Video)

I’m not sure who Aloe Blacc is but Baby Bogaloo is so adorable with his big afro and his pop-lock-and-drop-it.  Waaaaaay better than that crazy sun drop commercial. Anyways, check it out! Catchy song too!

Slangston Hughes x Dollar$ and Daialogue EP


Slangston Hughes is not a stranger on Reesa Speaks and if you are wondering why? It’s Because his lyricism and artistry as a person has not only made him a leader and sensation in New Orleans, but also positive influence to the community of this blog.  He recently released his project “Dollar$ & Daialogue” this past February and I had a chance to really give it good listen and I’m impressed. Hughes describes the new project from the first release Money & The Message as a continuation of the dichotomy between the green paper that makes the world go round and achieving an internal balance within ourselves.

This 12 tracks bring me back to reality and essence of hip-hop and simply shows the originality of Slangston Hughes.  All of the tracks are produced by L’Daialouge and MiZUnderstatistic with features from GO DJ E.F. Cuttin, Suave and Lyrikill.  So, get into it and tell me what you think?
Click Dollar$ and Daialogue EP for your exclusive download. Enjoy!

Rye Rye x Hardcore Girls (Video)

Check out Baltimore native female rapper Rye Rye in her video for “Hardcore Girls”. I definitely seen her before on some projects with M.I.A.  The song is so funky and fun and reminds me of spring. Plus, I really wish I could rock black lipstick with that much swag.

 

Jazmin Akea featured in “Yours For Tonight” x Tat Montana

Check out my girl  Jazmin Akea featured in “Yours For Tonight” by Tat Montana.  They are apart of the upcoming Memphis Higher Level Music Group. This Tone Yate Production is sizzling with all the right elements and I’m loving the chemistry that artist are portraying.

You can check out her newest single spinning on K97 and in Virginia  “Wish List” here.

As I follower her accomplishments I can’t be anything but proud that she’s making major moves in the midwest.

 

Aspiring Artist: Rah Flair x Move (Video)

I’ve recently put out a twitter blast asking artists to send me their work and the submissions have been coming in like crazy. It’s hard to pick and choose who I’d like to feature so I’m dedicating the month of March to Aspiring Artists.  This is my chance to see who’s out there worldwide and this is your chance to get some spotlight.  I’m not limiting the selections to just music, so all others aspiring are encouraged.  So for future reference when you see “MAA” that means March Aspiring Artist. You can send your inquiries all month to reesaspeaks@gmail.com and it will be reviewed in the order that it is received.  Please don’t beat me up if I’ve overlooked you, thanks.

Today we are taking it to the streets of Detroit with rapper/producer Rah Flair. He describes himself as bringing the 90’s hip hop with the present day feel.   As a graduate from Tennesse State University, TN and the School of Audio Engineering Nashville, Rah Flaair has provided his own foundation and opened up the doors musically to build relationships with producers, rappers, and promotes all over the country.  His album “Notice The Difference” will introduce the sounds of soul, jazz, and hard drum patterns that will compliment his real life experiences.

Check out his song and visual for “Move” where you get a behind the scenes look at his craft.  I’ve never been to Detroit, so I do appreciate the visuals that show up.  Take a look for yourself and tell me what you think of upcoming artist Rah Flair.

 
www.Twitter.com/rah_flair
www.sonicbids.com/rahflair

Sha Stimlu x Wake Up & Go (video)

Sha Stimlu shares a song and visual dedicated to his affirmation for black woman.  I like how he admits that he loves his women just the way they are.  We really do try so hard to cover up whats real inside. It’s part of being a women, it’s unjustifiable obstacles that we will always go through. However, I’m glad he is reaching out representing brothas out there that aren’t caught up in our own insecurities of our beauty. This kind of music that appreciates women and sends uplifting messages is what I really like. Now if only we could really just wake and go. lol

 

In his own words:
1st video leak from “The Break-Up Part 2: The Proposal” dropping soon. This joint features dancer Miss Ksyn, directed by RH Bless & treatment by Dj Victorious. shout to Carter Brock for booking models and locations. Singer Okema Moore is also featured and thank u Chris Rock for authorizing Good Hair footage.
I’m not dissing weaves or wigs, I’m just afraid the next generation may be affected by plastic surgery and falsities. Speak to the kids.

Bruno Mars x Liquor Store Blues fea. Damian Marley (Video)

Good morning, check out the visual for “Liquor Store Blues”. You know I’m loving the reggae vibe.

 

 

Album Review: Marsha Ambriosus x Late Nights & Early Mornings

She’s no longer aspiring in my books, she had made it. Today, March 1st, Marsha Ambriosus released her debut album entitled Late Nights and Early Mornings.  Some may know her from the duo Floetry, and some may just be catching onto the buzz through social media but this girl presence, voice, and well-being is FIRE.  She has come a long way from the British UK to her old R&B/Hip-Hop group, the fabulous weight loss and now she has finally made a name for herself

Late Nights and Early Mornings has been highly anticipated over the months and I’m glad my iTunes have been finally blessed with her presence.  If I were to describe the emotional attributes and drive that I get from each song this post would take up the whole font page.  I simply recognize her hard work and how much growth she has established as an artist.  A song that really hit home for me is “Your Hands” which was produced by Vidal Davis and Andre Harris. Although I’ve never been in love, I still feel the emotion and passion that she sings as if I were to be in that position where my all is in someone’s hands.  Most of her tracks are very sultry slow songs, so you do have to have your mood set to neo-soul but for the lovers of creative harmony and meaningful lyrics, this may spark your interest.

I feel as if Marsha Ambriosus let out a creative release when debuting Late Nights and Early Mornings. R&B is alive and living through this album. So go cop it for yourself and you can tell me if I’m wrong.

Album is available on iTunes, Amazon, or stores worldwide.