Dope Ish You Need To Know Too!

Have you ever had that moment when you just hear a song or two that makes you mind come to a stand still? I mean really just pause and focus on the lyrics, the instrumentation, the beat and syncopation? Well, tonight rather this morning my mind was blown by a lot of music that I just heard for the first time. I have been in a rut as far as writing has been for few months. The pressure of writing my first novel and trying to maintain a blog can keep a man on edge. But tonight I've been inspired by some new talented artists. I'm really digging this starlet out of the Bay area by the name of Kehlani. She's only 19 years old but she fire! I had to do some research because here face looked so familiar and my detective work led me to the fact that she was once on "America's Got Talent" back when she was in the 8th grade. Man, has she grown!

I've heard about this versatile singer/rapper by the name of Tink out of Chicago, but I never really heard anything from her until tonight. Yes, I know I'm late to the party but shit I rather be late--than to never come at all. This gem has got some substance behind her delivery. Could she be the artist that can pick up the torch that Lauryn left before she went wayward? Time will tell. I can assure she is a lot better than a lot of the female MC's out right now, sorry Nicki.

So do yourself a favor and get your mind engulfed in some great new music from some very talented artists out there right now. Open your ears for a much needed "eargasim" courtesy of your boy Stretch!

Hidden Gem Found!

So here it is a rainy summer evening in the DMV, and I'm listening to this young lady sing like the most precious canary you have ever heard. She first came to my attention from the radio station that I work at on the weekends in DC, 93.9 WKYS(Plug! Listen to me Saturday 9am -10am and Sunday 6am-10am). We had this contest looking for the next star in the DMV set to blow. Well, this young lady took that literally to heart cuz' she can blow for sure. Ladies and Gentleman let me introduce you to Ari Lennox! When I first heard her she reminded me a lot of Chrisette Michelle, with her raspy tone and distinct delievery it is very captivating. The self-proclaimed rock, soul, afro-jazz artist wowed everyone during the "Next DMV Star" competition, thus allowing her to win and grab a recording deal with Koch Records. This past weekend she killed at the Russ Parr Splash Bash. The same stage that held the likes of Destiny Child's Kelly Rowland. So if you haven't heard of her now is the time to get on board and ride the wave with this sister.

Peep out her performance of "Random Heartbreaks" with another bad dude David James from the group Ndelible.



Congrats, to you Ms. Lennox! May you continue to blow and shine bright like the star you are! Get familiar with her folks! She is dropping her first EP/Mixtape in August. Be sure to catch her on BET's "106 & Park" on August 24th! Spread the word on this talented lady.

http://www.arilennox.com/

Twitter: @arilennoxmusic