PAT! PAT! Wednesday

Everyone who knows me can tell you I live for a song that I can dance to. It's nothing like the feeling you get when you hear a song that makes you want to move your body uncontrollably. Well, I was recently listening to the new Twista album "Category F5" when I came across my new PAT, PAT anthem! It's a song called "Birthday" and features a Swiss Beat-ish sound, radio friendly beat & ovah chorus that will have you going crazy when you hear it. Below, I've included the song for your listening pleasure. After you listen make sure you cast your vote and let me know how you like/dislike the song! Your opinion does matter here at YGT.

The Fashion Connoisseur

The Creative Process

Ryan Leslie x Rick Ross "Maybachs & Diamonds" In-Studio

It's nothing like seeing the creative process that goes into making music. In an era where the substance behind music is rarely seen, it's great to still see true artistry at the fore front. Keep up the hard work Ryan!

The Fashion Connoisseur

Mario Feat. Gucci Mane & Sean Garrett "Break Up" -- Official Video

Mario teamed up with Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett for his first single 'Break Up' from his new album, set to be titled "And Then There Was Me." I like the new video; it's fresh and unlike any other r&b singles we have out right now. With Mario's past singles, they've been very ballad-drive, but with this new song he's giving you up-tempo/rap! Mario suffered lack-luster record sales with Go! but, I'm looking forward to the progression of him vocally and as an artist with this new album. The album's set to hit stores early September so, be on the look out!

Signed,
The Fashion Connoisseur

We Call This The Come Up

Virgina's own, Trey Songz is back with his new, highly anticipated mixtape, Anticipation. Since being featured on a variety of hooks this summer Trey has re-emerged as the new 'it' boy. Trey's no rookie having two albums under his belt but, with the new mixtape he's showing you what the game's been missing. A true vocalist. Below, I've included a few tracks from the mixtape that are my favorite thus far. If you like what you hear make sure you pick up Trey Songz' new album, Ready when it hits stores later this summer.




The Fashion Connoisseur

Summer Anthem

Summer is almost officially here!!! Time for cookouts, trips to the beach,and all the freedom summer brings. But summer could not be complete without music. Every summer an album seems to sum up my summer experience in a nutshell. Last year it was N.E.R.D's "Seeing Sounds" album, and this year the title goes to Black Eyed Peas latest album "The E.N.D."

Since I got this album last week (Thanks again Braxton), it has been on heavy rotation everywhere I go. The song that sums up my summer experience so far is track number five "I Gotta Feeling." If you have peeped B.E.P.'s Target commercials then you have heard the song. The beat and the lyrics just sum my summer mood "I gotta feeling, that tonight's gonna be a good night!"

Every time I go out and if I drive this song is played first, it pumps me up and gets me ready to go out and live it up. If you haven't heard peep the new video below.


Do you have summer anthem? What song gets you ready to go out with friends? Let me know via the comments

The Intellect

YGT New Artist Spotlight: DJ Mensa

Ever heard that song "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life?" Well I met a DJ that will Give You Your Life!!!

YGT music lovers meet Toronto's own DJ Mensa!!!


Hailing from our neighbor's from the north, I first encountered this amazing talent at the Foreign Exchange show in Carboro, NC. Now I have been places before where a DJ can get the crowd hype, but I had never seen a DJ turn an intermission into a party. Not only did he pick up on the crowds vibe and make everyone dance, he also gave out free copies of his then current mixtape (freebies=bonus).

Now DJ Mensa is back with his latest mix "Take It All With You-The Foreign Exchange Mix" Mensa delivers again with this smooth playlist that can serve as a way to unwind after work, great music for any cocktail party, or for people like me just take you to another place while at work.

Click the link and check out the mixtape Take It All With You and let me know what you think.

Here is the cover art, just in case you want to know exactly what you are listening to.


Also if you like what you hear and wanna learn more about DJ Mensa click the links below:
DJ Mensa Twitter
DJ Mensa Myspace Page
DJ Mensa Webpage

The Intellect

Official Paranoid Video

So this is visually better then that rough copy that leaked last week. But has anyone else noticed how Kanye has started appearing less and less in his videos?

Anyway Enjoy!!

The Intellect

**NEW MUSIC** Black Eyed Peas "Imma Be"

The Black Eyed Peas are back and with a vengeance; I was recently listening to some songs from the new album, The END and from the tracks I've heard, this is an album to be on the look out for. From the bass, heavy lead single "Boom Boom Pow" to the recent "Imma Be," BEP is back and coming for the throne. Listen to "Imma Be" below and make sure you leave feedback via the comments section for how you like/dislike the song!



The Fashion Connoisseur

YGT New Artist Spotlight

Now you all know I love me some good music, and this new artist is no exception. If you have not heard of Carlitta Durand, then you need to do some research cause this is a name that you need to get used to. I first heard of Carlitta during the Art Lifestyle concerts here in Greensboro, but I really took notice when she was the opening act for the Foreign Exchange concert I attended in Carboro.

A recent graduate of NCCU, Carlitta Durand has the voice, the writing skills, and presence that many of my neo-soul fans will love. I had the chance to purchase Carlitta's cd "Carlitta's Way: The Prelude" and since then this compilation has been on repeat. Carlitta's smooth melodic voice will capture you from the first song to the last (seriously, no skips on this album).

Peep the video below of Carlitta performing one of my favorite tracks off her album, and check back later in the week for YGT's exclusive interview with Carlitta Durrand.



Want more Carlitta Durand?

Follow her on Twitter
Check her Myspace music page
Listen to her Imeem music page

Let's spread the word for GOOD MUSIC YGT readers!!!

The Intellect

**NEW MUSIC** Drake & Dj Rob Mixtape

The Drake movement is steady growing. There's no musically incline place you can go where they aren't talking about Drake right now. His lyrical content, his delivery and just his overall swag. As I think about Drake and his success right now, I can't help but compare him to the early days of Kanye West; It's something about the samples Drake's using along with his lyrical delivery that makes him reminiscent of early Yeezy. Well, the tracks I've pulled are a collaboration between Dj Rob & Drake and are featured on Dj Rob's latest mixtape. Get into the music and if you know someone who isn't on the Drake movement yet, let them hear these songs and they'll be a guaranteed member.

The Fashion Connoisseur

Take The Fantasy Ride

So, I've been talking about Ciara and her third studio album, Fantasy Ride forever. The album which is set to release on May 5, 2009 through Laface features appearances from Ludacris, Chris Brown, The Dream along with an array of other artist. The two lead singles "Never Ever" and "Love Sex Magic" have set the album apart from Ciara's earlier albums just for the growth in her vocals alone. Below, I've included some songs from the album which I like thus far. Get into them and make sure you pick up the album May 5th when it hits stores.

The Fashion Connoisseur

**NEW MUSIC** Dj Class Feat. Kanye West "I'm The Shit REMIX"

Dj Class & Yeezy are bringing the house beats back in the remix to "I'm The Shit".


Shoutout to the young lad they call Javie for the track.

The Fashion Connoisseur

**NEW MUSIC** Day 26 "Girlfriend"

I've been listening to the new Day 26 album "Forever In A Day," and I must say I'm impressed. I really enjoyed Day 26's first album so I was scared for their sophomore effort. They say your sophomore album is the one that makes or breaks your career. Well out of all the wonderful tracks I've heard the one that stands out to me the most right now is "Girlfriend," it's sensual, sexy and shows the group's growth vocally. Get into the song and make sure you pick up Day 26's new album "Forever In A Day" when it hits stores April 14th.

The Fashion Connoisseur

**NEW MUSIC** Q-Tip Ft. Kanye West "We Fight, We Love" Remix

The Fashion Connoisseur

HIP-HOP, IT AIN'T DEAD YET!

If you haven't noticed lately I haven't been posting as much. Sorry for this, but it seems the library has been holding me hostage; that plus having two majors, a job and active social calender as prevented me from giving you YGT followers a tase of the intellect. Anyway, I digress. This post is about what gives me sanity through all the many things I have to do in a day, week, or sometimes afternoon. Music is my sanity, real hip-hop to be exact.

For awhile I, like most people, thought hip-hop was dead and most good music came from so-called white genres(currently working on a post about "supposed" white/black music). But lately I have discovered that hip-hop has not died, it has just gone underground. I have discovered three amazing acts in the past couple of weeks, and I thought it should only be fair to share them with the YGT readers. Here they are enjoy!!

1. The Foreign Exchange: I have to thank YGT reader Braxton for this duo. Based out of Raleigh, NC and the Netherlands this duo consist of Little Brother member Phonte and Dutch producer Nicolay. What I love about them is Phonte's smooth melodic flow over Nicolay's even smoother beats. Check out their song Leave It All Behind off their new album.

Leave It All Behind - The Foreign Exchange

2. Yazarah: Another heavy hitter that is on constant rotation in my Ipod. I discovered after listen to The Foreign Exchange and was amazed to see her background. Anybody who can go toe to toe with Ms. E. Badu is worthy,in my book, for a listen.

YAHZARAH is MS PURPLE SAINT JAMES

3. Darien Brockington: If you love Raheem Devaugh, Dwele, D'Angelo, then you will love this North Carolina native. Enough said, just listen.

Beautiful - Darien Brockington

4. Wale: Last, but certainly not leat, Wale is offically putting D.C hip-hop on the map. Although Wale has been out for awhile, I am still putting him in the underground category until his first major label debut drops this year. His new song with Lady Gaga proves that Wale is one to watch for in 2009. Now I would normally give you his new stuff, but I'm gonna be different and give you some vintage tea on Wale.

Breakdown (prod. by HitterQuitter Boyz) - Wale

If you feeling these artist and you are in the North Caronlina area, they will all be in Carrboro, NC for show at the Cat's Cradle this month. Check the website for ticket info, you already know I will be in the builidng.

Peace,

The Intellect

**NEW MUSIC** Pleasure P "They Must Be"

Pleasure P has a new song out entitled "They Must Be" where he shows love to different NPHC greek organizations. The song is very catch and radio friendly and I could see it getting praise as more people hear it. Below, I've embedded the code for you to listen to the song directly. Listen to the track and let me know via the poll below how you like/dislike the song.

The Fashion Connoisseur

**Audio From I Am...Tour**

We gave you the set list for Beyonce's I Am... Tour awhile back but, I was searching the net recently and came across some audio that matches the set list we previously posted on. Now, I'm not sure how she will change this set list when she comes to the U.S but, I just wanted to give you a sample of what's in store this time around with Sasha Fierce. Below, I've posted the set list again along with the link to listen. I pose one question to our beloved YGT readers: Are you ready to be entertained?

Intro - Sasha Fierce Intro
Sweet Dreams (Sweet Dreams mix)
Crazy In Love (Let Me Clear My Throat -DJ Kool mix)
Naughty Girl
Freekum Dress
Get Me Bodied (extended version)

Smash Into You
Satellite
Ave Maria (Arms of the Angel mix)
Halo
If I Were A Boy ( You Oughta Know mix)

Sasha Video

Diva
Radio
Me, Myself, & I
Ego (Kanye is doin his part at the beginning)
Jazz intro
Hello
Déjà vu

Divinty Solo - The Mama’s Interlude

Baby Boy (Reggae Mix)
Irreplaceable
Sasha Video 2
Check On It
DC Medley (Bootylicious, Bug-A-Boo, Jumpin’, Jumpin’)
Upgrade U
Ring the Alarm
Video Phone
DC Medley cont’d (Say My Name, T-shirt intro, Bills, Bills, Bills, No, No, No, Beautiful Liar, Independent Women Pt.1, & Survivor)

Video

At Last
Listen
Broken Hearted Girl
Scared of Lonely
Dangerously In Love (Sweet Love mix)

Single Ladies
Flaws & All (encore)

Listen To Audio

The Fashion Connoisseur

The Forces They Call Beyonce & Rihanna

There's a mixtape circulating with the Best of Beyonce and Rihanna, I've included the track listing for Disc 1 & 2; Peep the listing and let me know would you get into this Best Of...
Disc 1:
1. Beyoncé - Crazy In Love
2. Rihanna - Pon De Replay
3. Beyoncé - Baby Boy
4. Rihanna - If It's Lovin' That U Want
5. Beyoncé - Me, Myself, And I
6. Rihanna - Let Me
7. Beyoncé - Naughty Girl
8. Rihanna - SOS [Rescue Me]
9. Beyoncé - Deja Vu
10. Rihanna - Unfaithful
11. Beyoncé - Ring The Alarm
12. Rihanna - We Ride
13. Beyoncé - Irreplaceable
14. Rihanna - Break It Off
15. Beyoncé - Upgrade U
16. Rihanna - Umbrella
17. Beyoncé - Listen
18. Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive
19. Beyoncé - Get Me Bodied [Extended Mix]


Disc 2:
1. Rihanna - Hate That I Love You
2. Beyoncé - Green Light
3. Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music
4. Beyoncé - If I Were A Boy
5. Rihanna - Take A Bow
6. Beyoncé - Single Ladies [Put A Ring On It]
7. Rihanna - If I Never See Your Face Again
8. Beyoncé - Halo
9. Rihanna - Disturbia
10. Beyoncé - Diva
11. Rihanna - Rehab
12. Beyoncé - Broken-Hearted Girl
13. Rihanna - Breakin' Dishes
14. Beyoncé - Ego
15. Rihanna - Sell Me Candy
16. Beyoncé - Radio
17. Rihanna - Push Up On Me
18. Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams
19. Rihanna - Hatin' On The Club

The Fashion Connoisseur

Cassie In The Studio Making New Single "Must Be Love"

Let's not get our hopes up yet, it's only the beginning. Keep pushing Cassie, Keep pushing!!

-The F.C.

It's Ms. Hilson To You Fools

You'd think having half your album leak and a library of material that didnt make the album BETTER than the shit that leaked. . and an album pushed back the last 8 months...3 singles and no release...would put a stop to the storm? Perhaps not. Two new snippets fresh off the press. SHE STILL KICKING LADIES N GENTS! Lets give this lady a round of applause. Im back on ship!

How Does It Feel (Snippet) - Keri Hilson

Slow Dance (Snippet) - Keri Hilson


O-K-K-K


-Santina