Tag Archives: R&B

Vanesssa Elisha – Under My Skin [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Baseer Ahmad - February 19, 2018

Vanessa Elisha
Under My Skin (Prod By. LOXE)

If you’ve been losing sleep waiting for the latest release from Vanessa Elisha, then you’re in luck this morning as she finally returns with her first single of 2018. Although it’s been awhile since we’ve heard from the Australian songstress, she’s certainly been keeping busy in the meantime, collaborating with the likes of XO, Falcons, Ekali and XXYYXX.

Produced by LOXE, “Under My Skin” represents a bit of a shift in sonic direction for the crooner. Rather than the atmospheric slowjams that we’re used to, Vanessa opts for a more vibrant and groovy sound on this tune, reminiscent of the pop stylings of NAO. While she might claim that she “can’t find the words to say,” Vanessa’s lyrics remain as poignant as ever, creating an infectious hook that will definitely get under your skin (in a good way, we promise). Check out the track above, and if you like what you hear make sure to follow Vanessa on Spotify and SoundCloud!

[Music Video] Negash Ali – Tantra

Posted by Geoff Hong - February 2, 2018

Today we’ve got a hot new video from international hip-hop artist Negash Ali. Coming to us from Eritrea by way of Denmark, Ali has had early success and acclaim from the likes of Complex and Huffington Post, and is hoping to reach new heights with his upcoming EP, The Ascension.

Negash Ali’s story is one of passion and resilience through hardship. Born in a refugee camp, Ali soon emigrated to Denmark with his mother to avoid the violence in his home country. Negash’s perseverance and emotion certainly come through in his tracks.

Check out the music video below for lead single “Tantra”. It’s a tune that’s all about shooting your shot: “’Tantra’ tells a story of me spotting a chick quite to my liking, and my efforts to seduce her after the fact. It speaks of all the sensations on this journey, the moments on earth where we feel timeless”, says Ali.

The sensual “Tantra” features vocal accompaniment from Danish singer Fjer. It was produced by fellow Dane Matias Saabye Kjødt, also known as TMN favorite Galimatias. If you like what you heard, definitely keep an eye out for Negash Ali’s upcoming EP The Ascension, due out on February 16th.

Hip/Hop
R&B

Galimatias – Blowback [TMN Interview/Single Release]

Posted by Geoff Hong - August 21, 2017

Galimatias
Blowback

Buy

LA-based Danish artist Galimatias has been featured many times here on The Music Ninja. Known for his decadent piano chords and swirling melodies, Galimatias makes some of the most soulful tunes out there today. Transcending genres, he effortlessly blends together aspects of soul, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. Galimatias has always hit us with sultry, emotional tunes that can instantly set the mood.

To help kick off your week, I’m excited to share Galimatias’ new sinful single, “Blowback”. Paying homage to one of his main musical muses, Matias samples Barbara Lewis’ 1963 soul classic “Hello Stranger”. Subdued electronic elements overlaid on pulsating rhythms and tight R&B beats create some characteristically sensual vibes on this track. Galimatias throws in his own ad-libs and vocal riffs; part of his effort to incorporate voice as part of his musical arsenal. Lewis’ sensual crooning is not overpowered whatsoever– showing Matias’ mastery of blending together such different musical elements.

As a TMN favorite, Galimatias has been interviewed by us before. I was lucky enough to catch up with him again, as he enters the newest phase of his solo career. Listen to the track above and read up on the interview after the jump: Continue reading →

[R&B/Soul] Moon Boots – Keep the Faith (Feat. Nic Hanson)

Posted by Alisha Wieckmann - July 10, 2017

Things are heating up this summer for rising DJ and producer Moon Boots aka Peter Dougherty. August 4th he’ll be releasing his debut album First Landing on London based label, Anjunadeep, a hotbed for dutifully picked music gold. Recently released is one of 10 tracks on the upcoming LP, and if the remaining nine are anything like this one we’re in for quite a treat come August.

Moon Boots keeps things laid back and groovy with vocals by Nic Hanson while jazzy guitar and a soulful melody binds this track into the ultimate Summer release leaving us anticipating the remaining album. We’re thinking this track best pairs with a coastal highway, top down convertible, and your best road trip crew. Make sure to stream and download “Keep the Faith” here.

Pre-order the album and view tour dates here.

‘First Landing’ Track list:
1. Fortune Teller feat. King Kona
2. Keep The Faith feat. Nic Hanson
3. First Landing
4. Never Get To You feat. Antony & Cleopatra
5. Power feat. Black Gatsby
6. I Want Your Attention feat. Fiora
7. Utopia feat. Janelle Kroll
8. Tear My Heart feat. Lulu James
9. The Life Aquatic
10. Red Sky

[Electronic] Zuma – All Nite feat. Lenis Kim

Posted by Alisha Wieckmann - January 24, 2017

Zuma.
all nite (ft. lenis kim)

Soundcloud

Simple and sensual are the first words that come to mind when we listen to San Diego based artists, Zuma and Lenis Kim’s new collaboration “All Nite.” The track, released via the Artist Union, melds crystal clear vocals and production suited for what many say is meant for the summer months, but we’ll have to disagree with that one.

The melodic melody could be enjoyed anywhere from the beach, a winter wonderland walk in the snow, to relaxing at home. Far from boring “All Nite” may not have a lot of frills but has an ability to create a sense of calm within the listener. This is Zuma and Lenis’s first collaboration, but hopefully not their last.

[Soul] Jesse Boykins III – Earth Girls

Posted by Dominic Powell - August 2, 2016

Jesse Boykins III
Earth Girls

Soundcloud

Compared to his modern contemporaries, Jesse Boykins III stands head and shoulders above the rest and has a firm grasp on the title of ‘most talented male vocalist’. Taking up the mantle left open by the likes of MusiqSoulchild, JB3’s releases are the blueprint, the vehicle to, and representation of soul music in 2016. Pulling from an eclectic array of themes such as neo-soul, R&B, reggae, hip-hop, and jazz, Boykins has mastered the feat of flowing interchangeably across musical realms. Further, his success and assimilation into each of these genres leaves listeners wondering if he is redefining them all.

Following up a wildly success 2014 LP titled Love Apparatus, Jesse Boykins III has unleashed his latest album August 1^st. At first listen, BARTHOLOMEW stands up against its predecessor and will certainly age well by touching on classic themes throughout. While the album has features from the likes of Noname, Little Simz, Willow Smith, Syd, Mick Jenkins and others, his best work is done on a solo piece. The standout track of the collection, “Earth Girls” also serves as the introduction to BARTHOLOMEW. Playing softly into existence with an emotional piano loop, Boykins’ unmistakable voice harmonizes the lines of the chorus before leading into the ballad that is verse one.

Jesse Boykins III’s full length work BARTHOLOMEW can be downloaded via WeTransfer here. Lucky readers living in New York will also get a chance to see the album performed with his live band The Beauty Created at the Brooklyn Bowl on August 17^th – tickets can be found here while they last.

R&B
Soul

[Electro-R&B] Yates – Mercury

Posted by Jordan Coburn - March 3, 2016

YATES
MERCURY

Soundcloud

Australian-based producer and vocalist Yates is set to release his debut EP Mercury tomorrow and our ears are perked. He released the first single off the EP that shares its name a few days ago, and we’re thankful for the taste he gave us. “Mercury” serves as a strong first big release for Yates, an artist whose sound reminds us of a James Blake and Sam Smith musical child, and if such an operation exists that creates those children, can we have more please?

His sound is a take on the electro-R&B genre that soared with Blake, but with a heavier focus on pop vocals, and it’s really a winning combination. The producing is finessed, and that shows especially in his tasteful use of live symbols and piano in the song. It’s a star track that displays an aesthetic that can be difficult to achieve—catchy but relaxing, and upliftingly deep. With a relatively small following at the moment, Yates is sure to send himself into the sights of many, many more.