TOTO productions + Urban Street Soul Orchestra | Unreleased Tracks

After being locked in a vault for around 15 years we’re finally getting to hear more of what London UK’s TOTO productions recorded back in the early + mid 90′s. TOTO which created Urban Street Soul Orchestra (Daz-I-Kue, Don Ricardo, Hil St Soul, Steven Ville, Julie Smith and Paul ‘vibe’ C) originally produced a catalog of material that was never released, and after USSO went their separate ways the tracks stayed locked away until the group eventually rejoined in 2011 and started to release their back catalog.

The first to surface was the long over due Spice Of Life album originally recorded in 1997 which finally saw an official release in December 2011.
Here are two more unreleased joints from the USSO vault.. the killer “Grapevine” features Stevie Ville on vocals who joined TOTO Productions in the early 90′s + also featured on the “Slice of Life” lead single with Don Ricardo. “Never Had A Love” is another quality track featuring vocalist Jennifer Phillips.. It’s good to know they’re currently working on new material which could hopefully get a release later this year..
In the mean time, enjoy these vintage gems.

Filed under: Indie Soul, R&B, London, R&B, Soul, TOTO productions, UK, Urban Street Soul Orchestra

Sleepy Brown | “We Run The Night” | New Music

At last, some new material from Organized Noize co-founder Sleepy Brown  and a good sign that his new “Sex, Drugs & Soul” album won’t be far behind! No doubt the single will be getting full support here..pick it up now on iTunes

Filed under: R&B, R&B, Sleepy Brown

Morris | “U Make Me Say” | New music 2012

Armed with one of the most unique and compelling voices to grace the music landscape in a long time, MORRIS is an artist that definitely needs to be heard. Aside from establishing himself as an incredible writer, he has collaborated with production powerhouses THA STUNTMEN (J Moss, Anthony Hamilton, Vanessa Bell Armstrong), Jon Pierre, UK phenom SILKY and recently, the east coast’s very own Paris Toon (mothersfavoritechild). Morris is the featured vocalist, arranger and co writer on the latest project – Paris Toon feat. MothersFavoriteChild – “Baptism By Fire” and is also putting the finishing touches on a brand new EP, as well as his debut project “Unofficial”.

He has his sights set on bringing back the kind of music that makes you feel every word and speaks to the everyday lives of people, as well as the heart and soul of the avid music lover. With a wide range of musical influences that range from Pop, R&B, Gospel and Jazz, Morris is poised to take on the task of ushering another great era of music into the industry. Pick up his single “Let It Ride” for free HERE

Filed under: Indie Soul, R&B, AZ, Morris Alan, Phoenix, R&B, Soul

Brother Ali | “The Bite Marked Heart” | Download

Brother Ali offers up a free 7 song EP for your listening pleasure. The Bite Marked Heart features Phonte (Little Brother, Foreign Exchange) Stokley Williams (Mint Condition), Singer/songwriter Nikki Jean and Aby Wolf. Beats provided by Jake One and Ant. Ali is currently putting the finishing touches on his 6th studio album Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color. Follow him HERE

Filed under: DOWNLOADS, Indie Soul, R&B, Singles, Brother Ali, R&B, Soul

Joyce Sims | “Back In Love” | New music

Some hot new music for 2012 from 80′s star Joyce Sims of “All and All” and “Come Into My Life” fame. She has some UK tour dates coming up this year with new music releases to follow.

Filed under: Indie Soul, R&B, Joyce Sims, R&B, Soul

Blacktree Music Presents | “Soul Seeds, Vol. One”

More hot new music for 2012! Following on from the two leaked promo singles earlier this month Blacktree Music have just delivered the goods again today, releasing the full compilation “Soul Seeds, Vol. One”. Amongst others, it features new music from Metropolis, Chanel, Roxy5000, Bianca Star, Natasha Watts more!! Buy it HERE

Filed under: Indie Soul, MUSIC, R&B, Blacktree Music, R&B, Soul, Soul Seeds Vol. One

Ter’ell Shahid | “Cornbread” | New album

An artist who’s been getting a lot of support here and love from our listeners is Ter’ell Shahid, who has also just released his new anticipated album entitled “Cornbread”.  By no means new to the music scene, Ter’ell is an artist who’s been working the (Austin, Texas) live circuit for a good number of years. A multi talented artist in his own right who not only has a back catalog of his own albums under his belt but also writes, produces, mixes, and masters music for many other well known local artists. Previously, he has also managed local night clubs for two decades, Sat on Austin Music Commission for two years and recently appeared in ABC TV as well as being cast for major film roles, plus had his own music used for TV , Radio and Film.. Few!!!

Ter’ell performs in many different situations with a variety of bands making him very versatile, professional and comfortable on stage. He is Co- Founder and lead vocalist in Austin funk cover band “The FunkMob” , Founder and Lead vocalist in “NeckBone”, Back up Vocalist/ producer in “Overlord”, “Bavu Blakes” and “D Madness Project”. He is also CEO of Urbanian Entertainment LLC and of course not forgetting Lead vocalist in his solo project Ter’ell Shahid. The first single from the new “Cornbread” album is called “Beloved” which can be viewed on ME Televsion, The Austin Music Foundation music video channel and here on Youtube. Visit iTunes and pick up his new album here > itunes.com/cornbread. See related post on previous albums HERE and HERE

Filed under: Indie Soul, R&B, Austin, R&B, Soul, Ter'ell Shahid, Texas

Ashley Guin | “Rushin” | New music

Another upfront release from Blacktree Music‘s “Soul Seeds” Vol.One .  The new single from Ashley Guin is out now on iTunes HERE.  More quality R&B for 2012.  (“Soul Seeds” Vol.One – in stores Jan 31st)

Filed under: MUSIC, R&B, Ashley Guin, Blacktree Music, R&B, Soul Seeds Vol.1

Groove | “The Weekend” | New music

More new music supported here on the Meltdown show.  The hot new R&B joint from GROOVE is out now on iTunes HERE and taken from the upcoming Blacktree Music Presents: “Soul Seeds” Vol One.  Jan 31st

Filed under: MUSIC, R&B, Blacktree Music, Groove, R&B, Soul Seeds

Gianna Charles | “Oh My” | prod.by Mez | Download

Shouts to Bipolar Soul who featured this a few days back.. Vienna soul/ gospel/ R&B singer Gianna Charles linked up with the up-and-coming Austrian producer Mez on this slice of back-in-the-dayz flavoured R&B!
After some releases at the beginning of the millennium she seemed to go a little quiet. However, she has been recording and toured with several producers/projects including Parov Stelar and Supermax through the past years, i believe she has a few tracks in the pipeline due to be released in 2012, lets see what comes along.. Grab the download HERE

Filed under: DOWNLOADS, R&B, Singles, "oh my", Austria, Gianna Charles, mez, R&B

Ter’ell | “Love, Truth & Audiotape” |

More Southern Soul/R&B from Ter’ell Shahid out of Austin TX.  His 2003 “Love, Truth & Audio tape” album was a 16 track digital release from Urbanian Entertainment, which amongst others included such highlights as “LoveThang”, “Hip Hop Soul” “P.I.M.P Game” plus the two cuts here “We Can Get It On” and the funky Soul/R&B joint “Queen”.. See related post for more.

Filed under: MUSIC, R&B, "Love, Austin TX, R&B, Soul, Ter'ell, Truth & Audiotape"

Ter’ell Shahid | “Chocolate City” |

Hailing from “The Live Music Capital Of The World” in Austin, Texas. TER’ELL SHAHID continues to make a respectable name for himself in the R&B/Hip-Hop community as a prolific artist, producer & composer. His previous album, “Chocolate City” showcased Ter’ell’s irresistibly soulful voice and infectiously smooth grooves that are sure to cure any sweet tooth looking for a taste of decadent ear candy. For a preview of Chocolate City and other Urbanian Entertainment artists, go to urbanianentertainment

Filed under: Indie Soul, R&B, Austin TX, Funk, Hip Hop, R&B, Soul

Jodeci | “Freek n’ You” | Soulpersona Freeky Nasty Remix | Download

To celebrate his first remix of 2012, Soulpersona turns his attention to a cut from his favorite 90′s R&B group – Jodeci. This wicked remix of their “Freek n’ You” joint is comin as a free download so grab it now…  HERE !!

Filed under: DOWNLOADS, R&B, Singles, "Freek n' You", Download, Jodeci, Soulpersona Freeky Nasty Remix

Urban Street Soul Orchestra | “Slice Of Life” | Out December 30th

Uncle L, founder of TOTO Productions returns with the group he created in 1992... Uncle L built TOTO on a philosophy of integration and unity and has used the same philosophy to create Urban Street Soul Orchestra, “A collective of urban – minded people with a soulful message to the world.” The album “Slice Of Life” tells the story of how their shared love of music helped them through the hard times of the 90’s. U.S.S.O songs and productions are timeless and relevant, blending the soulful influences of past greats with the unique sounds of USSO – “Rare groove meets New Soul”. The musical family who grew up together, left home and are now “Back together again”.
V’Essence – Former producer of Hil St Soul and Blak Twang, produced and recorded this amazing cover of the Mtume classic, “Back Together Again” at TOTO Productions studio in Brixton. A talented producer/songwriter who has worked with a number of artists from Whitney Houston, Brenda Russell, Roots Manuva to  Hil St Soul and Beverly Knight.  The long over due album “Slice Of Life” is available from December 30th HERE

Filed under: R&B, London, Slice Of Life, Soul, Urban Street Soul Orchestra

Gods’Illa | “You Don’t Have To Be A Star” ft. Maimouna Youssef (Official Music Video)

We finally get to see an official music video for Gods’Illa’s hit single and Meltdown show favorite “You Don’t Have To Be A Star”. Lifted from the CPR BlendTape hosted by Dj Lo Down Loretta Brown aka Erykah Badu (July 2011). Download it HERE

Filed under: HipHop, R&B, CPR BlendTape, Gods'Illa, Maimouna Youssef

Tyrese Ft Faith Evans & Rick Ross | “Stay” (Remix)

Tyrese recruits Faith Evans and Rick Ross for the official “Stay” remix. The original joint was nice but this remix is most definitely Hot! Tyrese “Open Invitation” is in stores now.

Filed under: R&B, Faith Evans, Open Invitation, Remix, Rick Ross, Tyrese

Delasha | “E.P. Collectible” | 2010

Delasha, is a recipe. With a mixture of refreshing R&B, marinated soul, dipped in Jazz, with just enough of a Hip Hop twist to produce a collection of totally dope tracks. Recently road tested here on the Meltdown show, the debut “E.P. Collectible” is a solid example of why you need to get to know Delasha. The four members (LaNard Davis, Sean Alan, Darrell Brown and Nat Burnz) crossed paths in summer 2009 and what emerged can best be described as a Rhythm and Blues delicacy. The vintage falsetto of LaNard Davis, blends perfectly with the soothing voice Sean Alan, and the soulful baritone of Darrell Brown. With the addition of native New York rapper, Nat Burnz, Delasha is complete to deliver an experience that leaves you wanting more every time. Pass by their website HERE Pick up the album HERE

Filed under: HipHop, Jazz, R&B, "E.P. Collectible", 2010, Delasha

JoiStaRR | “Rain” | Download

Pick up the free download from R&B songstress JoiStaRR – one of a handfull of free tracks she’s been giving away via her website. “Rain” see’s her doing her thing over A Tribe Called Quest’s “Electric Relaxation” and is taken from her upcoming album.. Get the download HERE

Filed under: DOWNLOADS, HipHop, R&B, Singles, Download, Hiphop, Joistarr, R&B, Rain

Antoine Dunn | “Can’t Forget” | New Single

A killa new slice of new R&B taken from Saturday’s Meltdown show playlist. Antoine Dunn, (who got tapped to open for R&B Crooner Anthony Hamilton on his Woo tour) just dropped his new single “Can’t Forget” which is taken from the upcoming album written and co-produced between himself and Grammy winning producer, Tony Nicholas and released via Elite Music Group. Antoine has taken his time to let us know why he is the next big thing and this single is what we can expect from him in the near future. Download it HERE

Filed under: R&B, "Can't Forget", Antoine Dunn, new single, R&B

Christopher Williams | “The Way We Feel” [prod. 9th Wonder]

9th Wonder produced soulful banger from Christopher Williams (2010) written by Tyler Woods and featured on recent Meltdown shows..

Filed under: R&B, "The Way We Feel", 9th Wonder, Christopher Williams