the chal banz blog

Featuring lush orchestration, pop sensibilities and a flawless voice with a nearly unheard-of five-octave range, Angelica’s Remember Who You Are brims with a confidence rarely found in a debut release. The album’s nine original tracks – including the new single & video You’re My Reflection ( www.bit.ly/igeBhL ) – are written and produced by Angelica; a welcome anomaly for a genre where outside songwriters and producers are often the norm. In a truly unique innovation, accompanying the CD is Remember Who You Are – The Story Behind the Song, a beautiful 130-page book that provides an in-depth narrative background on each of the songs and the life experiences that formed them. The book also serves as a heart wrenching autobiography. Angelica’s personal back-story is in stark contrast to the diva lifestyle often associated with female pop-classical singers. Born and raised in communist Romania, her family lived in extremely modest conditions, under constant threat of government persecu...

Stemming from a family line of international music industry trailblazers Hedley Jones Sr. and DJ Deadly Hedley comes Miles Jones, who dropped his worldwide debut single "Never Wrong" on October 12th. “Never Wrong”, produced by Drake’s super-producer Boi 1da, comes from Miles Jones’ debut album Runaway Jones, released exclusively in Canada and recorded on Mojo Records & Publishing with URBNET Records (Moka Only, D-Sisive, DL Incognito). Not only loved and appreciated by the underground hip hop heads, one of Toronto’s main music publications, Now Magazine, says "Runaway Jones demonstrates what a breakout hip-hop album should sound like. Jones’s unique voice and delivery make him one to watch in coming months." Hailing from a long line of reputable musicians, Miles’ grandfather Headly Jones Sr. from Jamaica started Studio and was arguably the first to invent the electric guitar. His father Headly Jones Jr aka Deadly Headly was a DJ on CFNY and an early Toronto Club...

It's been awhile since I heard anything from Chicago's own Shawnna. I take it that this track; "Take It There" is new and possibly from an upcoming album or mixtape. It was produced by GL. The track in question is provided for you all to listen to in snippet form. Make sure you check it out! Main(Snippet) http://limelinx.com/files/96ab7dd53622192cff1bfdc8a8807efe Instrumental http://limelinx.com/files/e950f4ed7b1620a00768001a612a15ea We might all remember that Shawnna was originally apart of Ludacris' "Battle Of The Sexes" album but for whatever reason the album was reconstructed. I remember hearing her voice on some of the tracks but they might of went uncredited.

Ghanaian musician Kae Sun is proud to announce the worldwide digital release of his stunning debut full-length album, Lion On A Leash on November 9th. Lion On A Leash was previously released exclusively in Canada on URBNET Records (Moka Only, D-Sisive, DL Incognito). Hailed by the National Post as “a powerful, free-flowing party with a message”, Lion On A Leash effortlessly captures the attention of both Canadian and American music listeners, paving the way for his international crossover. As a teaser to the album, Kae Sun will release his timely and unique interpretation of Bob Marley’s “Natural Mystic” as a stand alone single on October 12th. Incorporating elements of neo-soul, traditional folk and reggae roots, Kae Sun has created a distinct, hip-hop inspired sound that has caused leading music journalists to take notice. Influential urban music site Okay Player said that Lion On A Leash is “a definite must hear for heads looking for diversity in their hip hop” while adding that “t...

The Artist Spotlight is on up and coming songstress Lola Bleu. Below you can familiarize yourself with this budding talent. Don't forget to check her out the links provided below! Janell McCracken p/k/a Lola Bleu is a truly unique talent. The beautiful 22-years-old songstress has been singing all of her life and it shows on her debut album Love Will Find A Way. Released in early August on HSP Music, the album is the story of Bleu getting out of a relationship, dealing with the breakup and finally finding the person she wants to be with. Produced primarily by David Sanders II, Love covers various genres from soul to hip-hop to mid-tempo grooves with the one constant being Bleu’s smooth soulful voice. Recorded over a two year period, Bleu put her heart and soul into the album. “Recording the album matured me a whole lot with my voice and how I sing and as a person,” she says. “I learned and am still learning more about myself musically every time I sing each song.” Though she is only...

Jazzy is back! This time she takes on Trey Songzs' hit single, "Can't Be Friends" which is a favorite of mine. So listening to Jazzy's remake is very interesting and she flips it strictly for the ladies. Check out the link below. If you like what you hear, check Jazzy out on Twitter and download her latest mixtape below. Jazzy - Can't Be Friends http://limelinx.com/files/5467ef9fa38b651ddad944b3d1fc959b Jazzy on Twitter http://www.Twitter.com/OhJazzy Beauty And The Beat Mixtape featuring Melanie Fiona, Kandi Burruss, Eric Roberson, and CoCo & Breezy. www.IamJazzy.com/Music/BeautyAndTheBeat.zip

Eternia performs in Toronto with two of her favorite rappers Maestro Fresh & Tona. Check it out! ---------------- Now playing: Marsha Ambrosius - Hope She Cheats On You via FoxyTunes

On November 16, Rihanna will release her latest album, "Loud!". The album will feature her first hit single, "Only Girl(In The World)" which is currently the #3 single in the country. In addition to that she appears on the #2 single in the country the Eminem single, "Love The Way You Lie". Seeing Rihanna's name in the upper echelons of the charts is no longer a surprise. Year after year she has turned out a multitude of hits that has resonated with America and beyond. Thanks to her unique sense of fashion and hit making sensibilities Rihanna has become a superstar. With her new single impacting and new album on the rise, the buzz for Rihanna has reached a fever pitch. Sporting a brand new red hairdo, Rihanna is poised to take over once again. Are you ready? ---------------- Now playing: Mario - Stuttering via FoxyTunes

The members of the trio Naughty By Nature are back! Check out these two exclusive videos from the famed Hip Hop trio! Naughy By Nature - I Gotta Lotta Produced by Lady & A Tramp Naughty By Nature feat. Bilal - FLAGS

For those of you who follow the blog regularly, I profiled rapper KM awhile ago. Now he is back with some new music, he wants to share exclusively with the readers here at Cigna's Sights & Views. Make sure you check out the new music as well as the links provided below to further acquaint yourself with this upcoming star! Main http://limelinx.com/files/e7d03af6d3a80719a558287b8bb7cb39 Instrumental http://limelinx.com/files/3eb60bf863717bbd89b52014d86cf2c5 Listen on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRK1a5OAbA4 Check out KM at the following links: http://myspace.com/KMthaOriginal http://facebook.com/KMthaOriginal http://twitter.com/KMthaOriginal http://youtube.com/YungKM1989 http://kmthaoriginal.blogspot.com

Audio Push also known as The Push is a musical group from Inland Empire, California, known for the West Coast hip hop dance, Jerkin'. The group consists of Oktane (Julian) and Pricetag (LJ). They recently were signed to Interscope Records.[1]. The duo had their first hit single with "Teach Me How To Jerk." Audio Push emcees Oktane and Price Tag might be young guns in the rap game, but they are approaching their careers with the swagger of elder statesmen. The rappers from the Inland Empire section of Southern California are forerunners of the fast rising "jerk" movement, boasting the sub-genre's first tribute record, "Teach Me How To Jerk. Their skilled energetic jerk style bares similarities to '80s Ska mixed with rapid skipping, squatting and popping movements. But the former crump battle dancers can also spit. They write their own rhymes and possess impressive confident conversational flows. Produced by Kadis and Sean of Roz Music Entertainment, ...

Natural Habitz is a Hip Hop quartet straight out of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This raucous quartet is electrifying audiences everywhere with their insightful rhymes and dazzling stage presences. The quartet comprises of Dice, Doughboi, Meda, and Kunstruct. Check them out at the links provided below: myspace.com/naturalhabitz http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=63942 http://www.youtube.com/naturalhabitz

I did a spotlight on Jazzy awhile back. You can check my blog pages for more info on her. In this interview Jazzy talks about her influences, working with Busta Rhymes, and Keri Hilson. Currently Jazzy doesn't have a recording deal but she tours all around the world. She performed in Kanye Wests' "Glow In The Dark" tour and was featured as a background vocalist for Melanie Fiona. Follow Jazzy on twitter ! ---------------- Now playing: Sylk E. Fyne - Romeo & Juliet via FoxyTunes

Faith Evans is back in the limelight thanks to a new upcoming album, "Something About Faith" which will be online and in stores on October 5. The album's first single, "Gone Already" has been well received and recently debuted on the R&B charts. For the new album, Faith Evans started her own label, Prolific Music Group which is being distributed by E1 Records(formerly Koch Records). The upcoming album features many collaborations including Keyshia Cole, Raekwon, Redman, Jessica Reedy(from BET's "Sunday Best"), Kelly Price, Estelle, and many more. The buzz on the new Faith album has recently reached the boiling point. With album trailers and news on a rumored arrest, Faith has everyone talking. A singer who has spent a lot of her career in the shadow of others is truly ready to break out on her own. With strong determination and ambition Faith Evans is ready to rule the R&B and Pop airwaves. The Artist Spotlight is on Faith Evans.

Eternia is a female rapper who hails from Canada. She recently released her EP, "At Last". The EP contains appearances from some of Hip-Hop's most celebrated luminaries including [Lady]Rage, Rah Digga, Joell Ortiz, Jean Grae, and Ras Kass. Check out Eternia as she rocks the crowd in true Hip-Hop fashion as she performs "At Last", a celebratory acapella, and stuns the crowd when she joins them...in the crowd. Eternia's fiery and honest demeanor makes her a rarity among female rappers. Eternia is all about the impending debate regarding the state of female rappers. Where are they? Check out the video for the single, "Goodbye".

For over 15 years, Foxy Brown has been one of the most controversial female rappers of all time. She is known throughout for her numerous arrests and sometimes bad attitude. Foxy Brown is one of my favorite artists and she will always be. Recently Foxy was arrested for interrupting a protective order. It was filed against a neighbor of hers who Foxy famously attacked with her BlackBerry in 2007. While Foxy was getting ready for her performance at New York's BB King Bar & Grill, Foxy's neighbor claimed that Foxy cussed her out and mooned her. Certainly Foxy is no stranger to lewd behavior but she's managed to keep herself out of trouble over the last two years. Foxy rebounded from her arrest after her performance last night. She performed many of her singles over the years including "Candy", "Get Me Home", and "Stylin". Foxy also brought out rappers AZ, Cormega, Spragga Benz, and more. Foxy also promised us that her long awaited album, ...

On his latest mixtape project, “Tha Bailout,” GR King Louis flows with a confidence that will leave the audience clamoring for his upcoming LP “The Biorhythm.” The combination of eclectic lyrical content with immaculate production by Jon E Quest gives a unique presentation that blurs the line between being boisterous and confident. The mixtape reflects GR King Louis' affluent lifestyle, while it is also a reflection of a man that is so complex, he could be labeled by many as a paradox. Although GR delivers his vocals with a swagger and confident manner that is his own, he writes on a multitude of different subject matters. “Tha Bailout” is a lyrical sandbox for GR to promote his upcoming album “Biorhythm.” It includes subject matters that not only reflect his lavish lifestyle as a headlining act in major clubs, but also describes everyday struggles with building and keeping relationships, and overcoming the challenge of taking care of major responsibilities while involved in an ind...

Hello all! Up and coming artist Ashaya is the subject of today's Artist Spotlight. Check it out! Singer/songwriter Ashaya is set to release her debut EP titled “Jukebox Remedy” September 2010. “Jukebox Remedy,” an eclectic, edgy, story-telling piece that showcases and displays Ashaya’s ability as a singer/songwriter embodies a broad range of musical styles and influences ranging from R&B, Pop, Hip Hop, and Jazz. Ashaya Robinson, native of Atlanta, Georgia, and recent alumnus of Howard University, executive produced, arranged, and wrote the entire album. The R&B singer describes her debut EP as “a rollercoaster, taking the listener through every emotion from the good, bad, and ugly.” Ashaya first graced the music world in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia as a classically trained dancer/singer. Combined with her love of dance and singing, the young performer started her recording career at the age of fourteen. From recording, Ashaya performed on various sets in Atlanta and Wa...

LA-based band Standing Shadows is set to host a 7” Vinyl Release Party at the renowned Origami Vinyl Record Shop in Echo Park, CA. The party will celebrate the release of a special edition 7” vinyl, which will feature tracks from the band’s debut full-length album ‘FIVE YEARS OF DARKNESS’. The event will take place on July 23rd, amidst of a series of tour dates that the band will be playing this July and August throughout California. Most recently, Standing Shadows performed for packed audience at one of San Francisco’s premiere music venues, Rockit Room. Standing Shadows first introduced music listeners to their signature “electro-obscura-shoegazer-rock” sound with the January release of their ‘High Rise’ EP as well the March unveiling of ‘FIVE YEARS OF DARKNESS’. Since then, the band gained further exposure through touring the Southwest region of the US, and having their songs featured on hit television shows such as ‘90210’, ‘The Shield’, ‘Harper’s Island’, and ‘The Cleaner’, and on...

IreneB, is a R&B/Soul singer from Barcelona (Spain). At the age of 18 she started studying music at the Aula de Música Moderna y Jazz del Liceo where she studied the art of music for 7 years, while keeping her agenda busy both live and in the studio. IreneB has since then been blessed with eight years of touring in venues such as the Razzmatazz, Jazz Room and Vic Jazz Festival with an array of jazz, blues, and R&B music. In 2005, her first independent release entitled Mi Realidad proved to be a breakthrough record in Spain. But IreneB's achievements didn't stay in her home country, between 2005 and 2006 she was crowned one of the most independent podcasted artists in the world and captured a very faithful audience in the indie R&B scene worldwide. In 2006, due to the success of the Mi Realidad release, IreneB was introduced to the idea of Platinum producer Frankie Biggz (50 Cent, Eminem, Kanye West, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Madonna, etc.), and after sever...