The Funky Deli

The Funky Deli | Aaron-Spencer C: A busy schedule has meant a shortage of updates for the week, but that doesnt mean there has been a shortage of suprises. You may have heard of the ‘ressurection’ of Tupac Shakur at this year’s Coachella festival (think impressive, yet eerily life-like hologram of the west coast rapper), but what a lot of London city’s Hip Hop-Soul music fans in particular have been talking about, is the return of Lauryn Hill.

Similar to fellow modern-day soul legend D’Angelo, Ms. Hill was previously the talk of rumours, gossip and skepticism amidst fans who began debating, upon hearing about the star’s possible return to the stage in a one-off London show.

All eyes and ears were focused on the Fugee female lead, to see if she was really capable of being back in ‘the zone’ — the same artistic place where she created the classic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

From the numerous reviews read thus far, it seems that Lauryn proved to have gained her kick back. A recommended article comes in the form of an Independent reivew by my mentor and founder of The Cultural Expose, Matilda Egere-Cooper: Read her Lauryn Hill review.

The Funky Deli | Aaron-Spencer C: Since the release of A Strange Arrangement — an emaculate ode to Motown soul — Mayer Hawthorne has been recognised as one of the main life-lines of such a profound style of retro music.

With this being said, it makes it difficult for Hawthorne to take his sound completely left-field and create anything too wacky, as his fans have always been passionate about the purity of the soulful material made by the Stones Throw artist.

So, it was a mixed reception, via Facebook, to his latest video “The Walk” ft. Rizzle Kicks, which sees the UK Hip-Pop duo Jordan “Rizzle” Stephens and Harley “Sylvester” Alexander-Sule lay down vocals about twisted love, on a track that is originally a Hawthorne solo, from the 2011 album How Do You Do.

Undoubtedly Mayer Hawthorne supporters didn’t expect such a collaboration to spring-to-life and create this video filmed in Carnaby Street, London, but it allows him to continue to show his personality and his diverse ability to work alongside two young UK artists, making noise across the British airwaves.

What do you think of the video in comparison to Mayer Hawthorne’s solo version? Keep up with Mayer Hawthorne @ www.mayerhawthorne.com

**Recommended Listen: Mayer Hawthorne - “Honey & Gingerale”

Santigold to hit London city in April

The Funky Deli | Aaron-Spencer C: Keeping your position as one of the new-age trendsetters within today’s music industry is just as challenging as keeping your music consistent and your fans happy.

Santigold has been blessed with the ability to maintain all three of these elements, something that was clear to see at this year’s SXSW. Fans and spectators were left inspired by her positively-reviewed performance.

Now the 35-year-old will bring her talents to London city, as she performs at Heaven on Thursday 26 April. With her album Master Of My Make-Believe just around the corner, fans will undoubtedly get a show of SXSW calibre.

Last month, the Philadelphia-bred artist expressed her disappointment in the present state of music, displeased with the lack of originality floating through the mainstream. But feeling such a strong sense of commitment to staying unique by producing a fresh sound, has kept Santigold in the right lane creatively — she is listed on the upcoming Red Hot Chill Peppers’ US tour as one of the supporting acts, including Sleigh Bells and Little Dragon.

For tickets to Santigold’s London show visit: Songkick - Santigold

**Recommended listen: Santigold — “Disparate Youth”

The Funky Deli | Aaron-Spencer C: The anatomy of Homeboy Sandman’s lyrical delivery is so creatively complex that not even the most experienced ‘doctors’ of Hip Hop could explain it.

The tongue-twisters found within Angel Villar’s latest offering “The Miracle” from the EP Subject Matter, demonstrates his way with words and concepts; blending both together to keep attention firmly on the content of his tracks.

The New York emcee has remained a hot topic amongst fans who have been intrigued by his distinct rhyme-scheme. With his name constantly surfacing amongst listeners, it was only a matter of time before Homeboy Sandman was to be approached by the Stones Throw label for a record deal. This move added to Homeboy Sandman’s quirky, yet thought-provoking approach to Hip Hop, giving him more exposure to educate and entertain music fans with his wordplay.

To see more from Angel ‘Homeboy Sandman’ Villar and get the Subject Matter EP, head to: stonesthrow.com/homeboysandman

The Funky Deli | Aaron-Spencer C: A lavish lifestyle can be portrayed in a number of ways but the original format of flashy cars, expensive accessories and exclusive access to glamorous locations, gets the point across without confusion.

Ryan Leslie has proven this with the release of his new video “5 Minute Freshen Up”, set in the sun-kissed city of Miami. Riding around in a convertible yellow Lamborghini, sporting an all-white suit with top model in tow, Ryan Leslie takes a moment to step outside of his humble box and proclaim his success.

The fruits of his labour have allowed him to become one of the most sort-after music producers and marketing executives (NextSelection) in the business. However, a handful of fans have given mixed reviews about this song in particular, with some feeling that Leslie — who is known for not being a follower — is slipping into ‘ignorant flashy rap’ territory.

Nonetheless, producing his own content across the board — whether it be music, the ‘motion pictures’ that accompany them, or promotion — is what makes R-Les capable of staying relevant within an ever-changing industry.His competition? He has none.

Keep up with Ryan Leslie @ www.ryanleslie.com and facebook.com/ryanleslie

** Recommended listen — Ryan Leslie: “Maybachs & Diamonds” ft. Rick Ross (studio session)

The Funky Deli | Aaron-Spencer C: J Medeiros is a Hip Hop prophet of consciousness. Since coming across his natural ability to read between the lines of our society, on his 2007 debut LP Of Gods and Girls, it has become clear that the Coloradan/Californian emcee is serious about spreading awareness of our everyday struggles, which we often sweep out of sight.

Mr. Medeiros’ latest creation comes in the form of the music video “Pale Blue Dot”, from the 200 limited edition 7” vinyls released by The Find Magazine. The setting sees the former member of The Procussions flowing about political violence and those choosing greed over originality. Toy soldiers scattered across the desert sand, along with flashcards of emotive words, emphasise Medeiros anti-war beliefs and desire to open viewers’ minds.

The Chorus has a soothing but thought-provoking tone as the voice of Giannina Ashe tells us how the world appears in this modern age (“…Just a sailing rock/ Yeah a pale blue dot/ Where they say we ain’t changed a lot, since out days in Rome.”)

Just like a teacher who aspires for his students to succeed and learn from life’s lessons, J Medeiros wants you to take a look inside yourself and find where you fit in, in this shaky world of ours.

To get a hold of the “Pale Blue Dot” EP visit thefindmag.bandcamp.com/album/pale-blue-dot-ltd-blue-vinyl

Keep up with J Medeiros music @ www.mrjmedeiros.com

**Recommended Listen - J Medeiros: “Neon Signs” ft Stro

*Trailer for the documentary-movie “The Price of Sex”, part of the Human Rights Watch Festival 2012*

The Funky Deli | Aaron-Spencer C : Human rights and cultural awareness play significant roles in how we value our neighbours, our nations…ourselves.

The Human Rights Watch Film Festival will be challenging pre-concieved ideas of modern societies and introducing viewers to a variety of today’s human rights abuses.

The London screenings will showcase stories on sex trafficking across Europe and the Middle East (“The Price of Sex”), racial identity within a large Ukrainian foster family (“Family Portrait in Black and White”) and capital punishment in Texas (“Into the Abyss: A Tale of Death, A Tale of Life”), amongst many others.

The stimulating topics of human rights abuses always spark debate, so much so that many of the festival’s past screenings of 2011 and 2010 had been powerful enough to encourage audiences to take physical steps towards activism.

To see the full list of films, read more info and watch their trailers, visit: ff.hrw.org/london

The festival has been shown in various cities and will be showing in New York and Chicago. For the full list of cities, visit: ff.hrw.org/cities

The Funky Deli | Aaron-Spencer C : Recognising the triumphs of women in often male-dominant environments has kept International Women’s Day (IWD) amongst one of the most inspirational movements of the past century.

Last week saw the celebrations commence with seminars about the steps towards gender equality, as well as workshops for both the young and old. But most importantly it was the beginning of demonstrations for positive change.

East-London’s creative space Richmix will continue to provide a platform for creative females to express talents and thoughts, as part of the Women of the World Festival, created by ShivaNova and Equator. The venue will showcase the following:

Cape Verdean singer Carmen Souza (Thur 15 March @ 7:30pm) — Singing range of personal bests from the traditional genres of Batuco and Mora music, with her jazzy-blues vocal tone and live instruments.
Mor Kabasi and journalist Eve Pollard (Thur 22 March @ 7.30pm) — Kabasi is an Isreali musician who has sparked interest across the World music scene, with her traditional music of Ladino/Judezmo. Journalist Eve Pollard has proven that women in the corporate world can achieve greatness, as she became the second woman to edit a national newspaper in the UK.
“Women from the Asian Continent” (Thur 29 March @ 7.30pm) — Talent from the Asian continent takes over the stage with ghazal singer Najma Akhtar, controversial Bangladeshi writer Tahmima Anam, Indian violinist Jyotsna Srikanth, DJ Ritu and cross-cultural ensemble ShivaNova.

For more about the Women of the World Festival @ Richmix visit: www.richmix.org.uk/whats-on/festival/wow-women-of-the-world-festival/

The Funky Deli | Aaron-Spencer C: SXSW (South by Southwest) has become synonymous with the US city of Austin, Texas as the annual music, film and interactive conference blesses the southern city with a plethora of fresh talent across the three mediums, for 2012.

Commencing this Friday (9 March) SXSW will introduce masses of motion picture fanatics to 21 of the event’s best indie films including Dreams of a Life, Girl Walk // All Day, Last call at the Oasis and Seeking Asian Female. Aspiring actors, producers and special effects gurus will not only be watching heavily-praised independent cinema, but will also be participating in SXSW’s workshops (acting techniques, pyrotechnics, etc), become mentees to industry pros, and also become enlightened by the SXSW film panels.

The Interactive section of SXSW is a beehive of innovative content from the world’s top movers-and-shakers in technology. With an avid interest in what’s to come, the digital community continues to find solace in the interactive convention as the latest creations in video games and web design, along with the next cyber entrepreneurs, are revealed.

Music at SXSW is appreciated intensely amongst both A&Rs and unsigned artists. It’s the moment up-and-coming groups can prove their point rhythmically, while A&Rs and music industry insiders create shortlists of potential signees. But beyond all of that is the genuine love for fresh talent, something SXSW has been consistent with each year. Last year saw acts Valerie June, Royal Treatment Plant and Homeboy Sandman leave revellers in awe with their performances.

Now on 13 March 2012 numerous artists such as Lovedrug, VHS or Beta, Dope D.O.D and Harouki Zombi will be taking centre stage across SXSW, closing the latter part of the event.

Keep with all the latest news and actions from SXSW @ www.sxsw.com

The Funky Deli | Aaron-Spencer C: Whenever listening to Quadron, it’s like being reminded of a hidden place only you and a handful of people know about. The alternative soul of the Danish duo is elusive from mainstream eardrums, while those in-the-know smile amongst themselves.

Vocalist Coco and her partner-in-genius Robin Hannibal, release their new video for the track “Day”, from their self-titled debut (which was released in 2009). The video draws the perfect picture of a sunny Caribbean afternoon spent out at sea; dreamy, intimate and melodic.

Quadron (a personal favourite here at The Funky Deli) have kept a steady profile but continue to produce fantastic art, musically and visually, working with fresh talent and being co-signed by many other bands.

Follow Quadron on Twitter at @quadronmusic.