The Audacity of Dope

New visuals by Gil Green for the lead single from John Legend and the Roots’ collaborative project covering classic soul records.  The old school shots in this one look great…as does Melanie Fiona, but you already knew that.

I don’t post up too many single joints these days, but when a collaboration like John Legend and the Roots comes along, it’s cause for a celebration.  Plus the homies at Columbia specifically asked and I’m hoping for some inter-office label drama between the old “internet is dead” Prince style execs and the ones that actually understand the new model.  Be on the lookout for a possible appearance from JL & ?uest on SNSS soon!

John Legend & The Roots ft. Melanie Fiona & Common – “Wake Up Everybody”

As much as I like interviewing my favorite MC’s (most of which are dudes), it’s always a much appreciated change of pace when we bring a talented female into the Sound Session studio.  A while back, the lovely Melanie Fiona came through to chop it up with us and play some records from her upcoming album, The Bridge.

While the album’s release has been delayed until August here in the States, peep the interview to hear her discuss the motivation behind the music, why it’s universal to everyone, and how she’s hoping it helps kill off ringtone singles.  She also talked about her Canadian/West Indian background, the process of crossing over to America’s music industry by signing with Steve Rifkind’s SRC label, touring with Kanye West, and more.

You can watch the interview above or download the audio below.

Melanie Fiona on Sound Session – http://www.mediafire.com/?2m4glq2znej
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/62326399c6288270/)

Be on the lookout for The Bridge dropping soon…y’all haven’t heard anything yet, trust me.

Super busy tonight, but y’all know the drill…be sure to peep the full interview with Melanie Fiona!

Show #214 (7-5-09)

1. Bishop Lamont ft. Xzibit – “Hallelujah”
2. The Kid Daytona ft. Bun B – “Air Born”
3. Royce The 5’9” – “Gun Harmonizing”
4. Slaughterhouse – “The One”
5. J. Cole – “Grown Simba”
6. Fashawn – “Life As A Shorty”
7. **INTERVIEW WITH GRYNCH, PT. 1**
8. Grynch ft. One Be Lo – “Chemistry” (Local Music)
9. Wu-Tang Clan ft. Ghostface Killah & Tre Williams – “I Wish You Were Here”
10. B.o.B – “Do You Have The Stamina”
11. The Physics – “I Just Wanna Beat” (Local Music)
12. **INTERVIEW WITH GRYNCH, PT. 2**
13. Major Lazer ft. Mr. Vegas & Jovi Rockwell – “Can’t Stop Now”
14. Mayer Hawthorne – “When I Said Goodbye”
15. **INTERVIEW WITH MELANIE FIONA (SNIPPET)**
16. Melanie Fiona – “You Stop My Heart”
17. **INTERVIEW WITH GRYNCH, PT. 3**
18. Mycle Wastman – “As Long As I’m With You” (Local Music)
19. Consequence ft. Kanye West & John Legend – “Whatever U Want”
20. Alchemist ft. Eminem – “Chemical Warfare”
21. Chali 2Na ft. Elzhi – “When Will I See You Again”
22. The Freshmen ft. Nio Tha Gift – “Hello There”
23. K’Naan – “Wavin’ Flag”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?0dmtmztji0i
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/62326051304d4363/)

Link to download the full interview with Melanie Fiona – http://www.mediafire.com/?2m4glq2znej
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/62326399c6288270/)

If there are any problems with the links or if you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.

Melanie is gonna be a star.  The album cuts I heard are even better than the single and she’s real cool people too.  Be on the lookout for her on Sound Session real soon.  Need proof?