Most of us RnB fans love to debate who’s the best in the game, who’s had the most seminal album and who has been most influential in the scene! In light of the recent Jodeci comeback Phonte (of Foreign Exchange / Little Brother) joins podcast crew ‘The Music Snobs,‘ to debate all of the above and in particular, Jodeci’s impact on the landscape of RnB.

Phonte and The Music Snob’s all seriously know their stuff when it comes to RnB! They talk about how they feel Jodeci switched it up with Phonte claiming that they made, ‘RnB acceptable for men’, they discuss the genius production skills of DeVante and Al B Sure and ask the all important question, is the Jodeci comeback a good idea?

But these music gurus don’t just discuss Jodeci, they go on to talk about the greatest one hit wonders of all time and share stories behind their music memories. Phonte is hilarious and full of passion as always and I would challenge any RnB fan not to be laughing and wanting to join the debate after the first couple of minutes!

Clink the link below to enjoy and leave your comments on Jodeci’s impact, whether or not they should have returned and who is the all time greatest RnB one hit wonder!!

@CarlyMond

https://soundcloud.com/themusicsnobs/episode-037

It was good news for Mariah Carey fans worldwide when she announced early this year a new deal with Epic Records and a reteaming with the legendary L.A Reid on the production of her forthcoming album.

Today she dropped the only new recording from her new upcoming Greatest Hits album (set for release 18th May) entitled, ‘Infinity‘. We all love Mariah for her incredible vocal runs, her authentic soulful ballad sound and her classic break up lyrics, all of which can be found on this new track!

With L.A Reid on production, this track really does sound like the signature Mariah sound from the 90’s is back. The question is – are the lyrics a dig at ex-husband Nick Cannon? Take a listen below and decide for yourself…

Mariah Carey – Infinity

@CarlyMond

Whilst Drake fans everywhere have been hopefully waiting on a new album or mixtape, it seems that he has been busy with another project which he debuted online today; a short film directed by Karim Huu Do entitled, ‘Jungle‘.

The film is a quiet, reflective and revealing journey into Drake’s world, including some early VHS clips of him rapping and singing as a child. With Noah ’40’ Shebib on the score and a couple of new tracks from Drake being teased in the background, it is a captivating watch, although no doubt some might find it over-indulgent.

Take a step inside Drake’s Jungle below and decide for yourself…..

@CarlyMond

https://vimeo.com/119416353

It’s been a while since we have heard any new material from Frank Ocean, then yesterday he broke his musical silence with an enchanting cover of The Isley Brothers classic, ‘At Your Best (You Are Love)‘, which he has expressed is a tribute to the late Aaliyah on what would have been her 36th Birthday.

The cover is stripped back, understated and hears Frank Ocean’s vocals sounding hotter than ever. There is no word of any other new recordings from the artist as yet, however he did sign under new management last summer so hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for that much anticipated follow up album to ‘Channel Orange‘.

@CarlyMond

Frank Ocean – At Your Best

Over the past two weeks not one but TWO incredible EP’s have dropped in the world of RnB! Raleigh Ritchie who has been blowing up the UK RnB seen over the past year, has collaborated with American Neo-Soul group The Internet on a new EP entitled, ‘Black and Blue Point 2‘. The EP features hot remixes of tracks from Ritchie’s previous EP as well as a new song, ‘Chased‘ showing his lyrics and vocals are as on point as ever. This is a great collaboration and another fantastic EP for Raleigh Ritchie fans to add to their collection – lets hope to hear more from this team in the future! You can buy ‘Black and Blue Point 2’ now on Itunes.

The second EP comes from unsigned American artist Gallant entitled ‘Zebra’. Gallant has teamed up with producers Felix Snow and Maths Time Joy to release this incredibly unique EP, at first listen I became an instant fan – the style lies somewhere between RnB, Neo-Soul and this new electronica soul coming from artists like Sampha and SZA. Gallant’s vocals are stunningly distinctive and at times haunting (in a good way!). His lyrics are rich and emotive and scream wisdom years beyond his young age of 21, if the music industry has any sense this guy won’t stay unsigned for long! If you are a fan of Maxwell and Frank Ocean or just want to hear something enticingly unique you can buy ‘Zebra‘ from Itunes.

With this level of talent being brought at the start of their careers I can’t wait to hear what Raleigh Ritchie and Gallant will be bringing in the future – these two are definitely ones to watch!!

Carly – ann (@CarlyMond)

Gallant – Jupiter Grayscale
http://youtu.be/iE5VqTY9t3c