British singer/songwriter Seal is back and has business to tend to. That is the business of making smooth music. Seal is about to release his cover album Soul 2 in the United States this month. Already on shelves in the UK and Europe, the album will receive a proper U.S. release on January 24th and features the artist delivering his renditions of soul classics from the likes of Teddy Pendergrass (“Love T.K.O.”), Rose Royce (“Wishing On a Star”), Bill Withers (“Lean On Me”), and more old school favorites. Joining the ranks of Tina Turner, Boyz II Men, and Robin Thicke, Seal has even decided to try to cover Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together”.

We want to know what you think. Does Seal do Al’s song justice? Listen to the song and take our poll.

Is Seal’s Version Of Al Greens Song Smooth Or Shabby?

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Yaves the Street Pastor: The Sky is the Floor

Gather 10 people, in any city in the world; it’s almost a guarantee that 7 of those people are rappers or at least aspiring to be. So in a genre that seems to be oversaturated and full of monotony, how does one break the mold; it seems that Midwest native Yaves the Street Pastor has found the formula.

His shear longevity alone is one to be commended, with over 15 years in the business, and a catalog to prove it, Yaves has not only made an impact stateside but now has a buzz ringing internationally. Recent collaborations with Netherlands DJ Bruce O’Brien landed him rotation in some of Amsterdam’s nightspots and many appearances on UK Mixtapes. Fresh in his 20’s the young veteran is just getting started.

Just this year alone Yaves has added another milestone to his career, as one of the first Independent Christian Rap artist to be granted their own Pandora station. Fans can now listen to the custom Street Pastor channel on their cell phones, laptops, home computers, and just about anywhere that internet is accessible. In June of 2010 his record label Sling Shot Media Group LLC which he owns and operates with his business partner and DJ; Delayne Whiteside; received a national nomination for Best Independent Gospel Label by the YGEA of Atlanta.

Off the stage he is actively involved in rebuilding the landscape and social fabric of his community. His work with the Columbus Urban Leagues SOS program serves as a ministry tool to work with first time juvenile offenders who have been granted a second chance. As public affairs director of Radio One Columbus, he is actively involved in initiatives and cause marketing campaigns that help bring awareness and solutions to the social ills of today’s society .

Its clear that Yaves the Street Pastor is a force to be reckoned with, he’s an adept student, a flash of cleverness, a humble genius, a servant and king, all wrapped in one. Check his catalog on ITunes, Amazon.com and everywhere that music is being sold. His new album Favor Over Fury is schedule for a late 2010 release.

For more information check www.SlingShotMovement.com

Follow him on twitter @TheStreetPastor

JE Artist Management ph 702-530-7468 email booking@theslingshotclique.com

“Dreams never run out, thoughts never dumb out.”

Poitier finds himself at the middle of a musical heterogeneity – plucking characteristics from late 80s dance to modern indie hip hop. Also deriving influences from house and prog he adds new elements to rap, fusing his lyrical abilities with his keen ear for beats and sounds. His songs grant you welcome to his life, spilling secrets and verbalizing his perspective on pop culture and politics. Sample and synth heavy, his music is fun – a complicated mesh of flow and heavy bass; all evidence of the passion, drive, and even humor that comprises Poitier.

This artist will one of the few that break barriers for Columbus bread MC’s.

Lee Debro, better known as LeeDebonair, is a hip-hop artist originating from the east side of Columbus, Ohio. His clever wordplay, savvy metaphors and profound articulation gives LeeDebonair a distinct sense of style. Power 107.5, a local Columbus radio station said, “Local MC on the rise Debonair is becoming a regular stand out in the local Hip Hop scene and is getting National recognition at the same time.” On his exponential rise from local talent to national exposure, LeeDebonair continues to challenge himself by rhythmically expressing his compassion for music and everyday experiences.

LeeDebonair has just finished his third mixtape titled “Cruel Summer”, which is to be released June 2010. Although classified as a mixtape, “Cruel Summer” consists of more than two thirds original music, including the hit singles “24 Hours” and “Standing on Couches”. In efforts to promote his latest project, LeeDebonair has performed at numerous venues throughout Columbus, and will continue his shows across Ohio and the Midwest this summer.

The art of music and the keen sounds of hip-hop gravitated to the ears of LeeDebonair at a very early age. Taking a liking to emcees such as Slick Rick and Redman fueled his desire to learn to rap. Ironically, it wasn’t until 2002 when LeeDebonair fully discovered his potential to write and recite lyrics. He spent the next several years honing his craft and released two volumes of mixtapes, respectfully titled “In a Class All By Myself”. “Cruel Summer” boasts the growth and respect that LeeDebonair has for music and his listeners. In addition, the platform that has been created has allowed LeeDebonair to begin to reach his ultimate goal of simply being heard.

Undoubtedly, the efforts of LeeDebonair and his team have not gone unrecognized. The attention from the media, dj’s and fans surrounding “Cruel Summer” has generated a great momentum, which LeeDebonair will continue to energize. Throughout all his hard work and dedication, LeeDebonair has established his own identity, one that will soon have the masses taking a liking to him.

The Liquid Crystal Project calls their sound Jazz Hop because it blends the old school be bop of jazz legends like John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and George Duke with hard hitting drums of Hip Hop influences like J Dilla, A Tribe Called Quest, DJ Premier and Pete Rock. A Liquid Crystal Project performance includes everything from Giant Steps by John Coltrane to Gettin Up by Q-Tip. That is why their fans from Europe to Columbus love the uniqueness and versatility each musicians beings to the table.

LCP, as they’re called by their fans, have toured Europe twice and played venues across the U.S. The have hosted many shows including tributes to John Coltrane & Miles Davis (featuring trumpeter Pharez Whitted and emcee John Robinson), Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Guru and Motown’s 50th Anniversary. Collectively and individually they have played alongside Roy Hardgrove, K’Naan, Eric Roberson, Ghostface Killah, Rick Ross, Dwele, Raheem Devaughn and Isaac Hayes. They can found regularly playing at some of Columbus’ finest venues and festivals including Vonn Jazz, COMFEST, The Columbus Arts Festival, The Columbus Jazz & Rib Festival among other places.

Band members J Rawls (producer/deejay), Brandon “B Jazz” Scott (keyboards/producer), Rob Riley (drummer) and saxophone players Eddie Bayard and Charles Cooper, rotate special guests including DJ Krate Digga, singers Talisha Holmes and Tia Stewart, emcee Speak Williams and guitarist Brandon Chapman for a distinct sound every time they play. They have released two albums collectively, The Liquid Crystal Project and The Liquid Crystal Project 2 and are working on a third album this summer. Well sought out as producers and sidemen, the musicians have also continued to produce individual projects for many local, national and international artists.

This summer, the band is teaming up with the Columbus Jazz Arts Group and Godman Guild to teach teenagers about the fundamentals of the Jazz Hop sound, music production and performance.

For updates and performance dates, friend request the Liquid Crystal Project on Facebook or visit myspace.com/TheLiquidCrystalProject .

Can Hip-Hop evolve any more????????? Do emcees still have something to say???????? This five member crew out of Columbus, Ohio screams Yes, we have to! Rashad, Pa.Flex, Co City, Shakes and Blaksmif, also known as The 3rd, has been a work in progress since they met in middle school. But like P.A. says, something so special takes time to germinate. Supa Soul music is what they make, and all they do is Elevate. With influences from The roots, Outkast to Stevie Wonder, The 3rd (pronounced three-are-dee) is indeed the future of music.

Columbus, Ohio is not just located in the middle of the country, it is truly The Heart of it All. The capital city is a melting pot of every culture that you can imagine. This explains why The 3rd can’t fit their music into a box. Supa Soul Music is what they make, and all they do is Elevate. By saying that we make Elevator Music, Rashad boasts, we put pressure on ourselves to create great art. Every song is better than the last. Co And Shakes agree, it gives us something to aim at. In this Godless age of music, it’s reassuring to see some up and comers wanting to add to the culture.

Next up for The 3rd is a classic LP entitled 1979. With songs like Marlee, Escalade, Hip-Hop (pt.1&2), it is beyond evident that the next level has been got. When our album is released, Rashad predicts, the whole music world will stop and look, not just hip-hoppers!

Music as we know it is about to change. Elevator Music and The 3rd have the missing link to the chain that brings us all together. When we get to the next floor, you should always expect more, Blaksmif explains. That is the motto we live by. Get ready for a new day. Supa soul music is what they make, and all they do is Elevate. NEXT FLOOR, EXPECT MORE!!

1979 was a long time ago. But ever since that time we have heard every kind of flow. Some will stay, some will go, but what you should know?? The test of times are written just so we can grow. From bible scriptures to the life that we live everyday, The 3rd is the voice of the people that get pushed away. From back streets to big stages, battle tested and war ready.

Check out The 3rd’s video for ESCALADE

The 3RD “Escalade” from Palestra Creative on Vimeo.