Two years ago on Valentine’s Day, a 22-year-old in love, released an album that took off into something he did not expect. This Valentine’s Day weekend, he is performing in Atlanta, and he is not taking those requests.
“I do not want to talk about Dopamine. And if it’s off Dopamine, I am not gonna sing it,” he laughs but there is serious intent behind that. Now in 2010, 24-year-old Jesse Boykins III will talk about anything but his ex-girlfriend. The Miami native’s first album, Dopamine: My Life on My Back, was recorded in the spur of the moment and every track was about his ex. He’s since moved on to creating beauty through words and true instrumentation without her. Months later, The Beauty Created is his second album; a real piece that brings live music to the forefront of R&B. That’s exactly where Boykins wants to take it.
“I feel like soul and R&B is in transition and live music is coming back. Things change rapidly and as far as R&B, there’s always gonna be good and bad. I feel like good R&B, instrumentation, and live music is coming back. You see it now. Rappers have bands and R&B singers who’ve never had bands, have bands. It’s inevitable.”
Growing up in Miami, Chicago, and Jamaica, the young crooner could not play instruments like his cousins, so he made his way into the loop by singing. Here in the states, he attended music school in New York and soaked up everything he could that involved musicianship.
From gospel hymns to singing to girls in Subway, his talent is very genuine and charming. His former voice coach has helped him keep it that way. “I met Bilal when I was 18 in college. The biggest thing he taught me was to always stay true to your art and always acknowledge what you experience through your music,” the newcomer says. This is his 4th show with the Grammy award winner and he is still learning what he can from the headliner. “I learned from him that it’s okay to be different.”
He considers himself a soul singer, but knows his skill can take him through any genre. Being versatile is important because refuses to be put in a box. “When I say soul, I mean anything from the heart. As far as genres go, I’m pretty diverse. A true artist can portray themselves through any song, through any genre. With The Beauty Created: Remixed, he’s did just that. Boykins sent out his favorite songs off the sophomore album to his favorite producers. The result was a mini-remixed beauty.
“I figured I could give my favorite songs to producers and see what happens. It was a good look. It’s crazy when you hear your songs with just your voice and no instrumentation. When you get it back, you’re like ‘Whoa,’” he exclaimed. He gets that same response when many hear his voice. He’s been compared to Eric Roberson, D’Angelo, even as a collaboration of Raheem Devaughn and John Legend. Comparisons only go so far in his mind though. “Everyone that you’re compared to, ya’ll listen to the same people. You have the same inspirations. So when you take pieces from those artists, it’s transcribed in the music. That’s how we all get compared.”
Phonte Coleman from Foreign Exchange told him that The Beauty Created was ‘hotter than fish grease,’ which birthed the partnership between the Foreign Exchange Music family and Jesse. His collaboration for their Keys player and Detroit solo artist, Zo!, new album Sunstorm, is the title track, performed with Phonte and Yahzarah. The passion in this track will be amplified Friday at Centerstage.
“Expect it to be a memorable night. You will never forget my name after you see me perform. I do whatever it takes to put on a good show.” And since he doesn’t have a Valentine, like many in the crowd will not, he is going to make the night extremely special for them and himself.
Unfortunately, all the ‘Twitterheads’ are going to have to shut off their Twitter Friday night. It’s all about being there mentally and physically.
“I like to experience and I like to always be in the moment. I like to know what going on but you lose sense of treasuring things, when you’re always talking about it and not actually experiencing it. You can get caught up and instead of experiencing it, you want to see what everybody else doing and thinking,” Jesse ends. He admits that it can be distracting to his performance but for the crowd, he can only create the experience. You must plan on enjoying it.
Get at Jesse on his Official Website, MySpace, and Twitter! He's still trying to figure his Twittergame out so don't judge him just yet. =)
MSD Profiles - Creating Beauty from Dope Experiences
Two years ago on Valentine’s Day, a 22-year-old in love, released an album that took off into something he did not expect. This Valentine’s Day weekend, he is performing in Atlanta, and he is not taking those requests.
“I do not want to talk about Dopamine. And if it’s off Dopamine, I am not gonna sing it,” he laughs but there is serious intent behind that. Now in 2010, 24-year-old Jesse Boykins III will talk about anything but his ex-girlfriend. The Miami native’s first album, Dopamine: My Life on My Back, was recorded in the spur of the moment and every track was about his ex. He’s since moved on to creating beauty through words and true instrumentation without her. Months later, The Beauty Created is his second album; a real piece that brings live music to the forefront of R&B. That’s exactly where Boykins wants to take it.
“I feel like soul and R&B is in transition and live music is coming back. Things change rapidly and as far as R&B, there’s always gonna be good and bad. I feel like good R&B, instrumentation, and live music is coming back. You see it now. Rappers have bands and R&B singers who’ve never had bands, have bands. It’s inevitable.”
Growing up in Miami, Chicago, and Jamaica, the young crooner could not play instruments like his cousins, so he made his way into the loop by singing. Here in the states, he attended music school in New York and soaked up everything he could that involved musicianship.
From gospel hymns to singing to girls in Subway, his talent is very genuine and charming. His former voice coach has helped him keep it that way. “I met Bilal when I was 18 in college. The biggest thing he taught me was to always stay true to your art and always acknowledge what you experience through your music,” the newcomer says. This is his 4th show with the Grammy award winner and he is still learning what he can from the headliner. “I learned from him that it’s okay to be different.”
He considers himself a soul singer, but knows his skill can take him through any genre. Being versatile is important because refuses to be put in a box. “When I say soul, I mean anything from the heart. As far as genres go, I’m pretty diverse. A true artist can portray themselves through any song, through any genre. With The Beauty Created: Remixed, he’s did just that. Boykins sent out his favorite songs off the sophomore album to his favorite producers. The result was a mini-remixed beauty.
“I figured I could give my favorite songs to producers and see what happens. It was a good look. It’s crazy when you hear your songs with just your voice and no instrumentation. When you get it back, you’re like ‘Whoa,’” he exclaimed. He gets that same response when many hear his voice. He’s been compared to Eric Roberson, D’Angelo, even as a collaboration of Raheem Devaughn and John Legend. Comparisons only go so far in his mind though. “Everyone that you’re compared to, ya’ll listen to the same people. You have the same inspirations. So when you take pieces from those artists, it’s transcribed in the music. That’s how we all get compared.”
Phonte Coleman from Foreign Exchange told him that The Beauty Created was ‘hotter than fish grease,’ which birthed the partnership between the Foreign Exchange Music family and Jesse. His collaboration for their Keys player and Detroit solo artist, Zo!, new album Sunstorm, is the title track, performed with Phonte and Yahzarah. The passion in this track will be amplified Friday at Centerstage.
“Expect it to be a memorable night. You will never forget my name after you see me perform. I do whatever it takes to put on a good show.” And since he doesn’t have a Valentine, like many in the crowd will not, he is going to make the night extremely special for them and himself.
Unfortunately, all the ‘Twitterheads’ are going to have to shut off their Twitter Friday night. It’s all about being there mentally and physically.
“I like to experience and I like to always be in the moment. I like to know what going on but you lose sense of treasuring things, when you’re always talking about it and not actually experiencing it. You can get caught up and instead of experiencing it, you want to see what everybody else doing and thinking,” Jesse ends. He admits that it can be distracting to his performance but for the crowd, he can only create the experience. You must plan on enjoying it.
Get at Jesse on his Official Website, MySpace, and Twitter! He's still trying to figure his Twittergame out so don't judge him just yet. =)
MSD Profiles "Getting Connected While Leaving It All Behind"
No one can categorize the tunes that Phonte Coleman and Nicolay put out to the public. Their scene is them and no one else. They’ve created their own lane and that is why when they make music, you know it’s real. “We really just make music for one reason and that is because we really do love making music,” Nicolay begins.
The story of the duo is this simple. From humble beginnings, there were online exchanges through a hip hop message board from the U.S. and Europe. Several opportunities that showed and proved on both sides of the ocean and finally many tracks that really set it off between the two birthed a duo that were connected from the start.
In the past, Foreign Exchange has discussed several subjects dealing with industry that show they’re knowledge of self and environment. As the state of music changes, especially hip hop, they recognize that even though their independent pool may get bigger than ever, music is still the best its’ ever been.
“Television has stopped playing videos all together so independent artists have opportunity to reach fans a different way via internet, Facebook, and Twitter. Right now is the best time ever for music because people that do it from their heart more than ever have a chance to break through,” Nicolay says.
They are an example of good music getting to the masses and they are taking more with them this year. In 2010, the whole Foreign Exchange Music are going to the Grammys as a family. The duo believes so heavily in their team’s talents.
“Phonte and I have started our imprint. Foreign Exchange Music is specific to be able to release people we tour with, affiliated artists. The first project that will be out in spring is Yahzahrah’s new album. She sings in our live band and we both have collaborated with her for many years. Also, Zo! plays in our live band. We’re releasing his new record, Sunstorm, this summer,” Nicolay informs. He goes on to express how it takes more than a friendship to believe and release an album.
“They’ve been apart of the FE experience for over a year now. We feel that it’s only right to return some of that and after our success pursue success for them as well. We feel that their talents are so considerable and their material is so worthwhile we wanna make sure that we put ourselves behind that and that we try to promote it and market it as best as we can.”
Nicolay’s work with the Foreign Exchange is quite special to him, and as he is quite the production king, his masterpieces outside of Phonte are extremely diverse and admirable.
“I just did the Vikter Duplaix[Electric Love] remix. I really liked how that came out. Really like working with him. I really always like working with Sy Smith. She’s an incredible talent. I recently did a remix for Roy Ayers[Funk In The Hole], which was a big opportunity.”
Nicolay’s musical versatility stretches across the sea, where he understands the differences and similarities in European take on music versus the U.S. “What big over here is more than likely big over there as well. In Europe, there’s more room for stuff that’s against the norm. In general the music appreciation is different. In terms of good music, there’s always great music coming from both sides of the sea,” and Nicolay’s work is included, in that it is mainly created with live instruments without samples.
On Friday, Nicolay is ready to perform in one of his favorite cities and 3rd FE’s biggest market. Atlantans are set to experience his work in a setting that is so deep and powerful, yet loving at the same time. It’s a very intense experience. People that know our albums know that our music is very passionate. When we’re live, we amplify that with the band: Yahzarah, DBrock, Zo!, and Phonte. Especially in Atlanta.”
Reach out to Nicolay and his team at their official website and Twitter.
MSD Profiles "Mr. Musical Architect Himself"
Valentine’s Day weekend and Zo is excited about coming to Atlanta. “First off, I’m exciting about performing in Atlanta again period. Ya’ll give off a lot of good energy.” And even though he is taken care of in the Valentine category, on Friday night, Zo promises to take care of those in the crowd who need assistance in the love area with his architectural skills.
Architect (är’kĭ-tĕkt’) n. 1. One who designs and oversees the construction of large structures, as buildings, bridges, ships. 2. A planner or deviser.
Claiming the identity of a musical architect says a lot about his character. “I take music very seriously. It’s something that I look to keep practicing and get better at. You’ll never hear me say that I am the best at anything,” Zo starts off.
The Detroit born and east coast bred musician does not play when it comes to anything involving music and his talent. His sound is something quite profound that many have and have not experienced. “My sound is more emotional than anything. I wouldn’t compare it to anything. My passion is good music.”
After seeing his fellow Foreign Exchange Music family, Phonte Coleman and Nicolay[the Foreign Exchange], receive a Grammy nomination for their independent venture, he is ready for everyone to understand where he’s coming from. “That’s the ultimate nod. The simple fact that they got the nod on their own time, doing their own thing, makes cats like me, that do that, proud. Our eyes get bigger and see how it is attainable,” Zo exclaims.
The former superstar baseball player didn’t have much of a musical presence in his school settings, but his excitement was quickly transferred once he graduated from rap group Nappy Roots alma mater, Western Kentucky University. Those piano lessons that he used to hate with a passion became his focus and stronghold for where he is now musically. His knowledge of the bass guitar and some drums take him a step further in the game. He is truly ahead of those already in it and his past works definitely show that.
His resume, which includes work with the likes of Asylum 7, Little Brother, Yahzarah, and Slum Village, represents what many wish they could obtain in their time. And consistency is important to him as the Foreign Exchange Music family will be apart of his upcoming 2010 release Sunstorm. His relationship with everyone in the imprint begins with as a message board and a Little Brother show in Michigan.
“I saw on a message board the Phonte[Coleman] had heard a Little Brother remix from my Re-Definition album. So my purpose was to go as a fan and introduce myself. The show was dope and after it was over, I went to introduce myself. He already knew who I was and he had some of my music in his Ipod,” Zo! enlightens me about their first in-person encounter. From that night, they exchanged info and kept in touch. The alliance was formed after their partnership through the Love the 80’s collaboration with Tigallo and the …just visiting album. Since then, Phonte kept his word about taking Zo on tour with him and the rest is history. He loves him to death.
“There’s only two cats in this [industry] that I know and I love to death that kept their word. Phonte and Waajeed[Pied Pipers]. Everything they said has materialized.” And Zo! has been one to materialize futures for others.
As a music teacher for special education in Washington, D.C., he encourages his students to play instruments freely, which pushes for creativity. It’s apparent that he uses music to saves lives and show students there is something more than what the streets offer and what the media advertises to them.
“Music can be influential in many ways. My students come from broken homes, their parents in the streets, foster homes, and group homes. So they are already going in the wrong direction; societal problems at their worst. Using music positively is what I’m trying to do. I wish more light would be placed on that rather than what they say they think a 2Pac record made somebody do. These kids are coming off the streets and being saved by music,” he avidly expresses.
As Zo continues to bring hope to his students, he hopes for his name is be respected among listeners everywhere. Every forthcoming release should be purchased solely off of his name, which has the talent to back it. “My goal is to put out consistent, quality, good music so they can just fall back on my name being good work.” February 12th we get to hear some of that good music when he reaches Atlanta with a lineup of outstanding artists that are real talents.
“Bilal, I’m definitely a fan of his work and vocally, he can sing! I’ve met Jesse and he is gonna be on my new album so I’m really happy about that. He’s a real talent. Good music exists ya’ll, and he is proof.” Zo is proof too.
Get up with Zo! over here and here.
MSD Profiles "You Can Call Me DBrock"
Many artists grace the stage with artists they’ve been compared to. At Centerstage on February 12th, Darien Brockington will have his chance.
“I used to get compared to Bilal a lot, especially when we both had dreadlocks. I guess I can see that,” Darien laughs. His followers see so much more.
Raised in North Carolina, Darien Brockington, also known as DBrock, started his R&B trip back in college with fellow Foreign Exchange Music family, Phonte Coleman [of Foreign Exchange]. From there, his zeal and enthusiasm for music created a soundtrack for his life.
In 2005, the other half of Foreign Exchange, Nicolay, produced a creation that introduced Darien Brockington worldwide. The Feeling EP was just part of his transformation into musical superstar. His collaborations before and after the EP with the Foreign Exchange, Little Brother, Pete Rock, amongst several others are pretty commendable. One of his notable group efforts is 2005’s “Night Like This” with Symbolic One and Illmind.
“I linked up with Symbolic One and Illmind through Little Brother. Phonte thought I’d be perfect for the R&B joint on their project The Art of OneMind. Phonte wrote the song and hours later, we had it,” Brockington explained. It was this talent that took him to the next level in years following, but there was a time when he exited music with an unsure intent to return.
“It was really rough out there for a while. I hadn’t really figured out who I was as an artist. I think that I really started to figure things out when I began recording Somebody to Love. I worked really hard on that project but it seemed I was going backwards,” DBrock explains. With minor success of the 2006 release, financial problems, and family stress, Brockington was on his way out and not looking back. Interestingly enough, many say ‘when you love something you have to let it go, and if it comes back it’s meant to be.
“I started to realize I can’t do anything but sing. I can never stop writing songs and making music. Music is my air. I can’t breathe without it,” he expresses. And now that nothing can stop him, going from nothing to the most known unknown in less than a year has given him the experience he has been living and singing for. His work with the Foreign Exchange has been the most treasured in his time in the industry.
“I’ve been working with the Foreign Exchange since 2004. I’ve toured with them for both albums. Phonte and I go way back and Nicolay and I have been cool since day one. I’ve enjoyed my work with the Foreign Exchange. That experience has opened a lot of doors for me.” This relationship, amid other events, has prepped him for the story that he is telling today.
“Cold Case Files tells the story of my struggle musically and personally in the past years. But it also tells the story of my growth.”
Cold case is a term for criminal investigations that have not been solved and its’ investigation has since been suspended. Brockington’s disappearance following his first album release was an incredible setup for this late-2009 mixtape .
“Most people didn’t really know what I was up to during that time. So with this mixtape, I’m basically trying to provide some answers to all the questions that my fans had about where I was all that time. I needed to release this mixtape to complete the healing process that I started when I decided to come back to music,” Brockington adds. Since the mixtape was more curing than anything, he takes the feedback about it lightly. His musical liberation is more important.
As the healing process continues and comes to an end, DBrock is always growing. On Friday night, expect to see that growth and his admiration for his former look-a-like.
“We give the people their money’s worth. Trust me! It’s going to be a dope ass show. And Bilal, I have so much respect for that dude, I can’t even tell you. Dude sings his face off. I’m very excited.” And he should be. Atlanta finally gets to see the regular, chicken-wing-loving, God-fearing, family-first crooner’s soul.
You can reach Mr. DBrock at here and here. Get to know him!
Team Foreign Exchange - "2010 Grammy Family"
Check out the profiles coming up that showcase the Foreign Exchange Music family at their best as they get ready to come to Atlanta.
(Left to Right: Yahzarah, Phonte, Zo, Nicolay)
The Low Playlist - Special Edition
This is the HEY LOVE special edition of The Low Playlist. Valentine's is this weekend and there are live shows all Friday night. But we are focusing on the exceptional lineup of the Shameless Plug HEY LOVE show ---> Bilal, Foreign Exchange, Jesse Boykins III, Zo!, Darien Brockington, and Yahzarah. This playlist cannot just hold ten tracks of the greatest music from these artists, so there will be 15 songs and 5 videos!!!! Instrumentals are on deck. So realize, appreciate, and support what these artists are giving ya'll.
Interviews will follow all this week. Get your tickets to the show from Ticketmaster or Centerstage. No excuses. Check playlist dolow.
1. Foreign Exchange - All That You Are
2. Darien Brockington - Can We Fall In Love Again
3. Jesse Boykins - Come To My Room
4. Zo! feat. Phonte - My Flame
5. Bilal - Home
6. Darien Brockington - I Need You
7. Foreign Exchange feat. Yahzarah - If This Is Love
8. Bilal - Soul Sista
9. Zo! - Holding You, Loving You
10. Foreign Exchange - Brave New World
11. Jesse Boykins - I Wish
12. Zo! feat. Sy Smith - Crazy
13. Nicolay feat. Carlitta Durand - Lose Your Way
14. Solange feat. Bilal - Cosmic Journey
15. Jesse Boykins - Pantyhose
Bonus Videos
Foreign Exchange - I Wanna Know
Bilal - Love It (Serious Throwback!!!)
Foreign Exchange feat. Darien Brockington - Take Off the Blues
Yahzarah - Tickler (Love this joint!!!)
Jesse Boykins - The Itis
Riddim of the Week - Seasons
Man I love this riddim. This riddim is just automatic think about love type ish, for me anyway. Anywho, check dolow for all that great stuff from the boys at JamRid and catch the mix for a listen.
Claimed riddim of the year in 2005, producer Donovan 'Don Corleon' Bennett created a riddim that birthed some the best reggae tracks of that year. Artists that went in on this riddim include Alaine, Gyptian, Jah Cure, and Mr. Easy.
In 2005, vocoder voices(Kingston Studios) were very popular on reggae tracks.
Seasons Riddim
