Blind I | The Boutique Music Blog | Quality Over Quantity.

A TRIBUTE TO YUKIMI NAGANO

Ya know we here @ Blind I are infatuated with some Little Dragon , let alone the beautiful voice of front woman Yukimi Nagano. (We are also working on a lil Blind I /Little Dragon collabo… hold tight). Well, The Couch Sessions has released their first mixtape in honor of Yukimi. It features some unreleased material, guest appearances & rarities . We’ll let them tell you the scoop…

More info, tracklist & DL after the jizzy…

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FOR ALL THE TEEDRA MOSES FANS…

Despite the critical acclaim Teedra Moses’ debut album, Complex Simplicity received, only members of her cult following can keep tabs her quietly powerful endeavors.  The R &B songbird recently released a mixtape titled Lionhearted:Young Hustla Vol. 3, which is a musical foray into a slightly new direction. Moses collaborated with the likes of 9th Wonder and Raheem DeVaughn on the latest effort, providing a lovely backdrop for her sultry vocals.

Link after the jump.

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KAMELEON

In an era where many production styles recycle the same formula, it’s intriguing to hear a beat that you can’t quite categorize. Sometimes when you listen to a track, you can imagine a certain rapper or R & B artist placed over the song. But there are producers that the staff at Blind I enjoy like Flying Lotus and Daedelus that channel their innovation into a more obscure sound, that is distinguishable from your everyday beat on the ratio. This kind of abstract energy inspired Blind I to feature Kameleon, a producer from California that is flying right under the radar.

If the name Kameleon rings a bell, it’s probably because you’ve downloaded some of his music through one of the monthly compilations that we’ve previously posted. Hailing from Southern California, and now based in Philly, Kameleon formed hip-hop group Soul Students during college and honed his production skills in Virginia, the regional hotbed for classically dope beats. Blending sultry soul samples with jazz references and hip-hop, Kameleon has garnered nods from the likes of Talib Kweli, 9^th Wonder Kev Brown and Nottz, all the way to old school vets Roy Ayers. Blind I sat down to pick his brain about beats, rhymes and life.

Blind I: What kind of records do you usually sample? What’s your most obscure pick?

Kameleon: I pretty much sample anything, but I think a majority of my stuff comes from jazz artists since I play bass, keyboard and sax. The weirdest music I’ve probably tapped is some folk music from an artist named Joan Baez that I’m sure you’ve never hear of! I definitely dig deep. But I listen for something that hits my ear just right and I can get that from any artist from any era.

Blind I: What’s your process for creating a beat?

Kameleon: I study music before I use it. I’ll listen to it in the shower, while I cook, when I’m driving- until I understand the song inside and out. I also like to study the actual artist and the intricacies of their music, so I’m not just drawing from something at random. That way, it feels more like collaborating with that artist rather than just stealing their ideas. I like to build from a dope sample and blend it with others on top of any live instruments I may add.

Blind I: How do you describe your sound?

Kameleon: I’m a product of the 90s hip-hop jazz fusion-you know? The Tribe Called quest approach to making the sound that fuels the rapper. I like to make ‘thinking music’ not just a beat. Shit that’s a little more thought provoking and inspiring. I make music that you can play and just reflect. Some of it is smooth. Some of it is more complex. It really depends.

Blind I: Who are your major inspirations and influences?

Kameleon: I’d definitely have to say RZA, 4^th Disciple and really a lot of the early Wu Tang made an imprint on me. Ski Beatz, who produced a lot of old Camp Lo and Jay-Z was also key in shaping my approach to music. I think Dilla is a genius and I marvel at what he does but I didn’t pull that much from him to use for myself because he’s just THAT DUDE and I could never understand how his mind works. Both DJ Premiere and Large Professor are big influences too, but Preemo particularly, because he can take a beat and totally transform it camouflage the integrity of the original song.

Blind I: Who are your top 3 dream collabos?

Kameleon: First would have to be Marvin Gaye without a doubt. The way he built a song backwards and his mind was just ill. He laid all his background vocals down before he sang the lyrics so that’s just a testament to his vision and creativity. My second surprisingly would be Sting. He’s just so abstract and he’s collaborated across the board which makes him versatile. Third would be my favorite emcee, Nas. I don’t always agree with how his albums are put together fundamentally, but at the core he’s just solid.

Blind I: You’ve rapped for almost the entire decade you’ve produced. Are you done with that?

Kameleon: Absolutely done. I find it easier to express what’s on my mind through melody than words.

Blind I: You grew up in southern California but you’ve spent a bulk of your adulthood on the East Coast. How have those influences molded your sound?

Kameleon: I think transitioning from the West to the East definitely helped round out my sound. But when I lived in Cali, people said my music sounded like it came from back East and the same happened when I came over here. But I definitely represent the West Coast through my music. It’s mellow like I am but still intense.

Blind I: What role are you trying to play in music today?

Kameleon: I’m trying to make music for the demographic the industry has forgotten. Like the late 20s early 30s sector that relates to older Nas and Rakim. People tell me that when they hear my stuff it kind of takes them back to that era and moves their soul. I just want to be the portal to the days where rap was only played after 10 on some stations and people weren’t in music 100% for the money you know? Now there are so many artists that are empty pods. Like instant-artists; just add water. Through music, I’m trying to slow cook on the pot, not just add water. Nothing like a home cooked meal.

1. I Am Yours

2. Leaves on Branches

3. Leaving

4. Walk On

5. Leyte

6. Pacific Coast Highway

7. Essence

8. Keep On

9. Planets

10. Kingpin

11. Fire

12. Garfunkle

13. Carnival

14. Knight

15. Stella Artois

16. Strange Fruit

17. Beautiful

Indulge.

Listen to Kameleon’s music Here.

If we’ve piqued your interest and you want to hear more, check Kameleon out or contact him via his MySpace.

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BLIND I ARTIST OF THE MONTH: KAMELEON

In an era where many production styles recycle the same formula, it’s intriguing to hear a beat that you can’t quite categorize. Sometimes when you listen to a track, you can imagine a certain rapper or R & B artist placed over the song. But there are producers that the staff at Blind I enjoy like Flying Lotus and Daedelus that channel their innovation into a more obscure sound, that is distinguishable from your everyday beat on the ratio. This kind of abstract energy inspired Blind I to feature Kameleon, a producer from California that is flying right under the radar.

More and tracklisting after the jump. › Read More…

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BRANDON HINES UPDATE

Since we haven’t given you guys a Spotlight Artist in a minute, here’s an update on Brandon Hines, one of our former Spotlight Artists and one of the most talented acts entering the music game this year, has recently been getting exposure left and right from major media sources. From increased exposure and love from people around the world to special guest spots in Estelle’s new “American Boy” video and a feature on MTV’s TRL (click HERE for Brandon’s YouTube EPK), it’s about time that we let the Blind I faithful know how he’s progressing. He’s given us a new song to debut on Blind I entitled “Cuttin’ You Off”. Watching the evolution of an artist is very spectacular, and Brandon is definitely headed for bright lights and big crowds.

Check out Cuttin’ You Off HERE (Mediafire Link)! And for more info on Brandon, read below.

Cultivated in Motown, Brandon Hines and his refreshingly natural singing talent are campaigning for legendary status. Recently featured in the video for hit single “American Boy” with Estelle and Kanye West and with over 1.8 million hits on Myspace, Hines smooth, tenor vocals and relatable lyrics has commanded the attention of many. Hines lulls his sultry love songs in a distinct, raspy tone that sets him apart from others in the current music climate.

Hines independent debut, Love Music: Fallin in Fallin Out has sold over 10,000 copies to date and currently available for sale on I-Tunes. Brandon Hines has worked with R & B singers Trey Songz, Cassie, Troy Taylor, Ryan Leslie and Johnta Austin just to name a few. Hines won the 2007 Who’s Next Award at the major music conference in New York, and has been featured on allhiphop.com, concreteloop.com and singersroom.com, solidifying the obvious: fans are eager to hear more.

For more information about Brandon Hines please visit www.myspace.com/bhineslovemusic

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Blind I For The Lover In You

I appreciate the love and feedback on Good Morning. When it comes to these compilations, I try to pick songs that are bit off the radar or lost in the throwback vault so you don’t get a slew of Mp3s that you already play everyday. I want it to be a grab bag of sorts, unpredictable and refreshing. Clearly I have quite the library so I hit you as I see fit from here on out! Here’s a bevy of tunes for the lover in you since it’s February. I have a soul comp en route for the end of the month with nothing but pure R&B, but I mixed this up a bit. What kind of lover are you? Street? Soul? Sultry? Bet you can’t guess mine.

*And BTW I recently discovered Apollo Nove (see “Inexplicata” in Sultry) and dammit if that doesn’t sound like love what does? Makes me want to attempt a slow samba, though I’d be so black with it. The layers of the harp, organ and background vocals are orgasmic. I can visualize myself on a cloud with a lover. I’m such a hippie.

Enjoy your Hearts Day. You could never be lonely cus Maiya Loves You!
XOXO
-M

Street

1. OutKast –Infatuation Interlude
2. Pete Rock N CL Smooth-I Got a Love
3. A Tribe Called Quest-Common Ground
4. Amy Winehouse- In My Bed
5. Busta Rhymes f. Erykah Badu-One
6. Gravediggaz-Never Gonna Come Back
7. Beenie Man f/ Mya-Girls Dem Suga
8. The Roots- You Got Me (live)
9. Hi-Tek-All I Need is You
10. Hezekiah-Let’s Get Involved
11. OutKast-Spottieottiedopaliscious
12. Kameleon-Migraine
13. Mobb Deep- Hey Love
14. RZA-Love Jones
15. Nas f/ Aaliyah- You Won’t See Me Tonight
16. Gangstarr- Nice Girl Wrong Place
17. Method Man f/D’Angelo-Break Ups to Make Ups

http://www.mediafire.com/?9e1dw5zv2dg

Soul

1. Jazzyfatnastees-Unconventional Ways
2. Sylvia- Pillow Talk
3. Norman Connors- You Are My Starship
4. Van Hunt- Down Here in Hell With You
5. Dwele- One Day at a Time
6. Erykah Badu- Kiss Me on My Neck
7. Lauryn Hill-I Gotta Find Piece of Mind
8. Jill Scott-Slowly Surely
9. Jonz-Situation 1
10. Minnie Ripperton- Close Your Eyes and Remember
11. Sylk 140 f/Vikter Duplaix- I’ll Do it For You
12. Erykah Badu-Green Eyes
13. Ginuwine-Only When You’re Lonely
14. Marvin Gaye-After the Dance
15. D’Angelo- Feel Like Making Love

http://www.mediafire.com/?ebiknbzvdnq

Sultry

1. Apollo Nove- Inexplicata
2. Dolphin Boy-Don’t Stop
3. Kylie Minogue-Chocolate
4. JDavey- No More
5. Babyface- There She Goes
6. Max and Sedgley- Slowly
7. Mama’s Gun-Finger On It
8. NERD-The Way She Dances
9. International Pony-Blow Your Mind
10. Kelis-Suspended
11. Kenna Static
12. Gnarls Barkley- St. Elsewhere
13. Total-I Tried
14. Annie- I Will Get On
15. Keane-Untitled 1
16. Sargasso Trio-She’s a Woman
17. OutKast-Stankonia (Stank Love)

http://www.mediafire.com/?8tmi1ijdxyx

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Let’s Talk About Sex!!!

Or the songs that provoke us to want to have it, or throw our hands in the air with excitement like Marvin to the left…Or maybe even make that face Teddy P is making below.

Please note: I can’t speak on behalf of the Woodstocks (birds that Sista Toldja mentioned in her hilarious post) that want to be *saved* on their first date and will be grumpy if dude didn’t spend his whole check in the first getup. This is on behalf of upwardly mobile chicks with their own shit that actually want to get to know YOU…

I talk to a lot of dudes about what they think makes a good first impression on a woman, which then translates to a lasting impression. And I find it cute the responses I get from them about preparation for a hot date. Reservations? Mm-hmm. Fresh Caesar? Check. Carwash? Got that. A hint of some cologne another female probably copped for you? Roger. All suited and booted and ready to go. Those things do matter, but the one element of importance that gets swept under the radar is the main thing that has made a man SEXY to many women: his music collection. Especially, the music playing in the whip on the first date. We abide, and don’t touch a black man’s radio, but sometimes we sure want to.

You want to be alluring in a non-contrived way. Case in point, this kid picked me up and he had all these cheesy R & B songs playing. Joe’s “I Wanna Know” was an example. I think he even slid Rueben Studdard in here *ouch*. I couldn’t help but think in my head, “Hmmm it’s not even dark out yet. Is this supposed to be sexy? Is he trying to put me in the mood? Groan” Stevie or Donny would have done the job better.

I can’t tell you how important musical taste is in terms of making or breaking a developing interest. There are dudes out there that are so one-track-minded with music that it’s nauseating. Another cat was stuck in the quicksand of Jeezy, Rick Ross and Freeway. Cool artists, but all those “Yeeeaaahhhhs” and “That’s riiiiggghhhts” made me loose some brain cells. I played “Go Go Gadget Gospel” by Gnarls Barkley and he was like “Ugh what the fuck is that? Turn it off…” I curled up my upper lip and barked “Why so we can play JEEZY again?”

It’s cool if you don’t want to hear my music all day. Fine. But a man that’s not open-minded about music is such a turn off to me. Be an adult about it you don’t have to complain (like the anonymous kids on this site shit talking). No one expects you to like EVERYTHING, give your opinion and keep it moving. Bleh! I say all the above to open the forum about sexy music…

We all have those joints that just take us to that place. They provoke the imaginary microphone and the sultry body rolls in boy shorts (dunno what men like to do). Maybe even a Tweet “Oh My” moment…These fantasy songs give a dude cool points if he plays em’. I could never count them all, but here is my current Sexy Soundtrack. I’d love to hear yours.

In no particular order but asterisks by the favorites:

1. “So Good” Pharaoh Monch***
2. “Leisure Suite” Feist
3. “She Lives in My Lap” Andre 3000
4. “Addiction” Kanye***
5. “The Panties” Mos Def***
6. “Backstroke” Teedra Moses***
7. “Come Live with Me” Marvin Gaye (I Want You is the Illest Album)***
8. “Tempo Slow” R. Kelly…don’t sleep!
9. “And If” Sa-Ra
10. Screwed version “Rock the Boat” Aaliyah***
11. “Portuguese Lover” Tina Marie
12. “Sparkle” Camp-Lo***
13. “Can U Handle It” Usher
14. “It’s Getting Late” and “Imagination” Floetry
15. “Remedy” Jagged Edge
16. “Kissing You” Total
17. “Tonight’s The Night” Betty Wright***

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