Full Circle // D'Angelo in Paris

Oh my sweet gerkins!!!!! One of my fav neo-soul singers is back!

 D'ANGELO!!!!! *faints*

I found this jewel on World Star Hip Hop & was instantly revived and rejuvenated! He sounds (and looks, MMM!) good as ever performing his staple LP "How Does It Feel". I'm really hoping he puts out some new music for 2012 cause I think he would have an awesome slot to fill. PLEASE come back to us D!

YahZarah // Love Come Save the Day

Remember how geeked I was when I posted YahZarah's video for Cry Over You?  Whelp, guess what, I'm super excited about Love Come Save the Day, too!!  Purple St. James has done it again, creating a simple and beautiful video that expresses the love of her unborn child!  She looks stunning preggers!  (And let me just say that her hair cut makes me want to pull out the scissors!) 

Congrats on the love of your life, YahZarah!

Double Dose: Soulful Sunday // Lil' Mo - Dotted I (I'm Not Perfect)

This past week, a close friend thanked me (along with a few others) on being his influences to giving his life to Christ.  It actually shocked me because, even though I know my relationship with God, I didn't realize that "my light shined" that much.  After he explained his reasons to me, I couldn't help but still feel less than the compliments he'd given me.  I guess it's because I know that I am nowhere near close to perfect.  I know that there's still alot that God is working on in me. 

Everytime I hear Lil' Mo saang this here song, it brings me back to reality, reminding me that I will never be able to "dot every I and cross every T" but God is still in control and He's helping me every step of the way.  Now, can I get an amen!

From her, Pain and Paper Album, Lil Mo sang this here song!  Man I love her, anywho.. enjoy!  And have a blessed week CS! 

Here Comes Another One.... Jillgasm!!!

Just when I start to come down from my Light of the Sun, Jillgasm, I find out that Hidden Beach Records will be releasing The Original Jill Scott from the Vault Vol. 1, which drops Aug. 30^th!  *insert 13 year old screams*

 The album will be released in two versions, a standard 11-track edition and of course, a Deluxe Edition (which is what I always opt for).  According to Hidden Beach, The Deluxe Edition, will include special silver foil packaging, two live bonus tracks and a twenty page booklet with full lyrics and producer notes!  Exciting, right?  As long as Jill's voice is blasting from the stereo, I'm good!!

  Click Here to PRE-ORDER

But, here's the actual treat... Just click on the pic below to listen to the first full track from the album,

Wondering Why (You Don’t Talk to Me)

Enjoy!

Where art thou to bring forth melodiuos music?

*If you cannot readily identify ALL the royalty in this pic, consider yourself dead* (Ok, maybe the bald guy may be a bit obscure, but you can find out. LOL)

You should know these righteous folks. 

Ok, maybe not should, but knowing of their existence will definitely enrich your common life that much more...I was thumbing thru a few of my old saved emails when I stumbled on my old faithful neo-soul site. The featured article of the day happened to be about my Soulaqurians. This pic was there and it just made me nostalgic and recall the airtight production team that had the Midas touch & took traditional neo-soul to a new & refreshingly unique level.

 In the late 90s to early 2000, they were a producing force to be reckoned with. The Soulaquarians are responsible for classic CDs such as D'Angelo's "Voodoo" & Bilal's "1st Born Second."(such a sleeper!) And most importantly, introduced me to my love of all things J Dilla. The team never put out a collective LP , but the lasting imprint they placed on the ever evolving genre will definitely be felt.

So my question is...where are they now? Individually, between real life & tragedies, the group sort of dissipated. But honestly, how dope would it be to get a word of a CD from them?!?! I myself would sell my spleen to get a project from the group. I know it would be high quality mursic!!  

What are some production people/teams that you would like to hear some new projects from?

 

I'm Getting Closer.... Won't Be Long...

Mmmmmm.... Raheem does something to my spirit!!

So, I'm 9 weeks from returning home, and I decide to tease myself by listening to Raheem DeVaughn's mixtape, "Heemy Taught Me," I promise, I forgot the impact he has on me!!  Lol!  Anywho, yeah, this here song will definitely be on my personal "Honey, I'm Home" mixtape.  I did a little research and realized that this song is actually from one of his (before he blew up) mixtapes, The Street Experience Vol 5.  Download it HERE for free.  I just did! 

Now, excuse me as I put this song on repeat another 21 times....   and um, yeah..

 

 

Enjoy!

~Cash

AudioGasm // New Jill!!!!!!!!!

If you don't know, take a sip on bleach and have a long nap! CS Idol Jill Scott drops her newest CD "The Light of the Sun" on 

June 21, 2011. 

OMG, we can NOT WAIT!!!!!!

Until then, take her 1st single off the LP, "So In Love" feat. Anthony Hamilton and GET INTO her laid coif!!! Jill can do no friggin wrong! *school girl sighs*

Turn Up the Radio, Raheem!

Just because its been a while, since I've posted on Raheem, doesn't mean a thing!!  He's still "my" man!  (in my mind)  LOL!

Today, I received a pleasant message via Yahoo that my honey, will begin airing his live radio show on Bliss FM straight from the 202! 

Too bad I won't be waking up in the middle of the night to tune in! 

Click HERE to tune into The Raheem DeVaughn Show!

Be sure to let us know your thoughts on the show, too!

~Cash

Soulful Sunday Feature // Deitrick Haddon: Church on the Moon

Yeah, I know I may be a little late in visiting "Church on the Moon" but it's never too late to fall in love with music!  Deitrick Haddon's Church on the Moon has been in constant rotation on my iPod for the past two weeks! 

The mix of uptempo beats, autotune, and rap features are sure to grasp the attention of young people and the young at heart!  Trust me, it's okay to dance for God.  However, mixed into the new school tracks, Deitrick cleverly pulls you back to traditional gospel roots with praise and worship songs such as Mighty God, Touch Me and Well Done.

Here are a few of my favorites from the album: 

Forgiven

Reppin the Kingdom

(Featuring J. Moss, Canton Jones, Tye Tribbet, T. Haddy)

Mighty God

Save Somebody

(Featuring Mrs. Haddon)

and last, but definitely not least...  

Power:

Enjoy and have a great Sunday wherever you're at!

~Cash



I'm In Love....

With Kierra Sheard that is...  since my break from the site, I've decided to only listen to gospel music.  I've been going thru alot lately and even though I LOVE all types of music, I just don't think Kanye, Erykah, and not even, my boo, my main squeeze, my numba one, Raheem DeVaughn, could keep me encouraged the way gospel music does.  Gospel has been keeping my mind focused on what's important in my life right now.

Take a moment to groove with me to KiKi's "Love Like Crazy" from the Bold, Right Life album. Looking like her momma in the pic above, I've got to get all of her music in my collection!  That girl has such a powerful voice and the message she's singing equals nothing but pure awesomeness!! 

Far Away // Marsha Ambrosius

This is why I absolutely love Marsha. I already liked the song, but upon watching the video, I LOVE it. I know one person in my life that took their life the very same way when dealing with the pressures and stress & torture from others just for being gay. This just hits home for me and I can truly appreciate where it came from.

What are your thoughts on it??

Who I'm Listening To: Lola Monroe

Yeah.. it was real hard coming up with a title! LOL! Whatever to that, though... I've been on this Lola Monroe kick for the past couple of days, watching her YouTube videos and after listening to several of her mixtapes, I have to admit that her rap skills have definitely improved over the past couple of tapes (as they should)!

Now, I'm not one to get into debates about who's a better rapper (Lola vs Nicki - just ain't me, so don't even go there), however, I do choose to show credit where credit is due, and Lola has my support!

I've had my eye on her Ms. Monroe for a while, every since I found out she was from "home" inside joke a couple years back so, I am determined to get a CS interview with her in 2011! Just trust me! I have faith that it'll happen!

Anywho.. I've been on my "sexy gangsta" after listening to her new mixtape, Boss Bitch's World 2: Batteries Not Included all evening.

Trust me, I'll be bringing you more news about Lola. As for now... get into this track, Louis, Gucci, Fendi... now!

New Jamie!!

Tis the season for good music, I tell ya!

Jamie Foxx will be releasing his new album, Best Night of My Life on December 21st!

The pic above is a behind the scenes photo from his "Fall For Your Type" video shoot.

And if you haven't heard this song, yet... take a listen. The song was originally written for Drake, but Jamie because he's a real singer that can really sing purchased the song from Drizzy (featuring him on the track) and, of course, Mr. Foxx made it his own!

Enjoy!

RDV // She's Single (& I'm...)

*stares at laptop with jaw dropped, grabs popcorn without eyes leaving the screen*

Oh my, Raheemy! Ok ya'll...*gulp* I'll insert more words here when my Vickies dry up. Gimme a few hours alone please.

Pure Cash Excitement!!

Don't even pull it!! You already know I'm a lover of music! I am super excited for the Minaj-Ye Day! Both Nicki Minaj and Kanye West will be releasing their highly anticipated albums, Monday, November 22nd. Nicki's Pink Friday will hit shelves the same day as Kanye's My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted Fantasy.

And, yes, I am proud to say that I will be hitting the lines at Target to purchase both albums!

I know these two artist get a lot of poop thrown at them, but honestly, I love them both. No matter how annoying Nicki's hair and outfits may get.. or however many BF's (think White Chicks), Kanye may throw, I remain a fan!

Good & Plenty

*In my finest Kimberly Jones voice* I've been gone for a minute but I'm back with the POST OFF!

What's upper CS!?!? Well I'm still busy as a flippin bee, but I had to come thru and get my post on cause I miss it so! I won't be back as frequently as I was before because I'm studying to get that next rank!!! I gots to be on the list next year (aka needs that mon-nay!)

Anywho, I've been up since 0530 on a SATURDAY. Not happy, but since I have a mild case of insomnia, you get to get some of it!

I've been in a BIGGIE SMALLS state of mind all week, so I had to put up some of my songs that have been in my head so I can get em unstuck!! *sigh* Now let's not get into the whole Tupac/Biggie debacle today, cause honestly, I like both of em. So, enjoy the Notorious and don't forget to share you're favorite cuts too!

"It was all a dream..."

Let's Ride!



Damn, why they wanna stick me for my pay-puh??



Ha, ha, ha, ha!

Heart Flutters: Picture Perfect

Let's rewind backwards to the CS interview with Elion the Great... we asked Elion if he would be mixing his singing abilities into his music, as he's a rapper by trade. He answered that he would be incorporating his skills in the music soon based on what his fans wanted. Well, I guess the fans have spoken and we now have a mini ballad from Elion, titled Picture Perfect!

Here's a little snippet of what he's offering, ladies:

I wish I knew, just/how you do, that/
thing you do, you make me wanna get next to you/
But, I don't so I'm curious about you lady/
and where you been hiding, baby/
I would like to take you out tonight/
to wherever you'd like to/
It's all up to you, It's all up to you..
Girl, you're picture perfect..

From the look of it, Elion may be featuring this on his upcoming mixtape, The Elion Show Two. Hopefully! My vote has already been cast! Obviously, from the title, I Simply Cherish this song! Keep up the great work, El!

So, let us know what you think of Elion's 1st ballad by voting!

Do you Simply Cherish or is it a Complex Perish?

Sensual Tunes // RDV's Bedroom

My boo has done it again!!! Yaasssss, baby!!!

*insert bells, whistles, 13 year old screams, whatever you want here*

Raheem Devaughn is back with a new video for his latest single, “Bedroom” from his album, The Love and War MasterPeace. I'm not saying this just because I'm his biggest fan, but I think it's due time that people start giving this man the credit he deserves! He's such a great artist, on the CDs, as well as live in concert! All that talent balled up into that little man.. Hmmph, hmph, hmph!!

Anywho, the super sexy, black and white video was directed by, rapper, Tabi Bonney. After watching and falling in love with most of Tabi's videos, I'm convinced that he needs to stick with making his signature, ultra hott, videos instead of rapping because they just keep getting sexier and sexier! I live!!

Great job, fellas!

A Pause for the Cause

So my CS friends, I have decided that I need to take a few weeks off.

*insert audience "Aww"*

NO, this does not mean I am not coming back, but really taking a look at the more important things in my life and dedicating my time towards such things. Being a single, military-working mother of 3 is probably the hardest thing I have done. But I feel that lately, my focus has been off. So for me, re-prioritizing my family AND myself is my drive. Working on the things like school, my business and spending the QT with the fam is what I need to do so that I can be the best mother\Air Force member\ME I strive to be. Completely.

You know we like to keep it real here, so I had to let you all know that it is ok to take time for yourself and identify that you wanna make yourself better than what you are now. I urge you if you are stuck in a rut in your life to take a step back and see what all you have accomplished and what it is gonna take to get where you WANT to be.

Pray for me as I get things in order. See you guys in a lil bit! Love ya!

It's a Celebration!!!!

As the title states, ComplexSimplicity is celebrating our 100th post for the site! We are super excited to be reaching this number as we've only been blogging for about 2 months now! In the past 2 months, we've gained some avid followers, made a few blogger buddies, and we've shared with you some tidbits, hobbies and random thoughts of our lives. We've received alot of constructive criticism, some words of wisdom and even a little haterade but we promise we will keep doing, what we do!

It took a while, but for about 2 months, Liv and Cash went back and forth about starting a blog together. One night, while surfing Facebook, Cash notice a term that caught her eye, "Complex Simplicity;" and at that moment, the light bulb decided to flip on! The term was the perfect description of our lives and that is why we embraced it! Liv and Cash then invited close friend, Pooh to join the team and BAM! There you have it, Cash, Liv and Pooh: the Three Amigos of ComplexSimplicity!

Below are just a few of our fav memories. Plan on more posts of our wild, crazy and super funny times as we continue to grow and share our simply complex lives with you! We truly love you all and thank you for the support & love you've showered on us young bloggins'.

And to assist in our celebration, ComplexSimplicity, has chosen this ever so classic song, by CS Fave, Jay-Z to add to the occasion!! Feel free to visualize us partying it up with Hov and guest! Ayeee!!