"21st Century Girl" - Willow

You might want to take a minute and stop whipping your hair back and forth to listen to Willow. She is no doubt the next Rihanna! With the access she has to some of the best people in the entertainment industry, Willow is hard at work to create her sound! It would not surprise me to see "21st Century Girl" top the charts around the world...this 10-year old girl is about to take over!

21st Century Girl by Willow Smith

Official Video: "Born This Way" - Lady Gaga

Lady G just released the official video for "Born This Way!" Just...wow. Only Gaga.

"Crystalised" - The xx

The xx are an UK indie pop band that formed in London in 2005. The group's debut album, xx, was met with critical acclaim and placed on many lists of the best album of the year in 2009. I find the dark and melancholy feel of The xx so interesting; the fact that this kind of music reached #3 in the UK is astounding.

The band was nominated for 'Best British Album', 'Best British Breakthrough' and 'Best British Band' at the 2011 Brit Awards held on February 15, 2011 at the 02 Arena in London, however, did not win in any of the categories.

"Cupid" - Lloyd

R&B crooner, Lloyd, teams up with super-producer, Polow Da Don for the new single from his fourth studio album, King Of Hearts.

The mainstream track has dance appeal, knocking percussion, and loving lyrics as Lloyd delivers a post Valentine's day ode to "Cupid" doing it again.

"I Don't Want To Care" - Lupe Fiasco feat. MDMA

I am so excited to show you guys this song! "I Don't Want To Care" is one of the songs off Lupe's upcoming album Lasers. The beat and flow are so sick!

"Make You Feel My Love" - Adele

Oldie but goodie. Adele's timeless cover of Bob Dylan's heart-wrenching song off her debut album 19. One of my favorite songs off all time.

"I Like To Dance" - Hot Chelle Rae

I have no idea why Hot Chelle Rae has not received the attention the band's music deserves. "I Like To Dance" is pure pop/dance and is so freakin' catchy that you'll find yourself tapping along.

The second song is their newest single "Tonight Tonight." It shows a much softer and less dance-heavy side to Hot Chelle Rae. I have a feeling they did not choose to change in this direction...which sucks. "Tonight Tonight" is a cute pop song and I'll probably listen to it from time to time, but it really could have been sung by anyone. 

Twitter!

Hey readers! 

I just started a Twitter! Follow me! I'll be posting links to some of my posts here, breaking news, interesting articles, songs, and even posts about my personal music life! Whatever it is...it will all be music related! Check it out and enjoy!

G.O. Tirado

"What Are Words" - Chris Medina

 

He may not have made it into the top 24, but American Idol contestant Chris Medina’s has had a new song written especially for him! Inspired by the story of Chris’ fiancée, Rodney Jerkins wrote “What Are Words” and Chris has already released a video performing the new song!

Chris became an American Idol favorite after he shared the story of how his fiancée was severely injured in a car accident just before they were going to marry. He’s stood by her side and his story was so inspiring that his music career has already soared despite not making it on American Idol!

Chris told PopEater of “What Are Words,” “It’s a song about making promises and fulfilling them, about telling someone you love that you’ll be there and having them be able to count on you because you said it. Because the words that you say really mean something. It’s a powerful song.”

The single was released a day after his "Idol" elimination via 19 Recordings/Interscope records.



Reporting by 'OK! Magazine.'

"Just Be Good To Green" - Professor Green feat. Lily Allen

Professor Green is an MC hailing from the UK. After having fortified his name storming through the hip-hop battle rap circuit, he released his debut album Alive Till I'm Dead on July 19, 2010.

The second single from his work is "Just Be Good to Green" featuring the bad-mouthed and personal favorite, Lily Allen.

Green should be rapping... "just be good to Lily," as she is an established act that gave him creditability; the song would be nothing without Lily's distinct sound on the chorus.

"Part Of Me" - Katy Perry

"Part Of Me" is a song recorded by Katy Perry during the Teenage Dream sessions. It is not found on her album but may be released as a B-side!

"Dance About It" - Paper Tongues

Paper Tongues is an American Rock band from Charlotte, North Carolina. I really like this band's sound as they mix genres to create a hybrid sound. Their music is described as fusing rock n' roll melodies with hip hop beats, and includes elements of funk, rap, and soul.

They ran into American Idol judge and famous producer Randy Jackson. After hearing their sound, Randy became their manager. 

"Dance About It" is not found on their debut album but on their EP Ride To California.

"Blow" - Ke$ha

This song will be your drug.

Two New Original Songs from Glee!

Glee, one of the biggest shows on television, has just released the two new songs that will be featured on their March 8th episode! They are not covers but original songs specifically written for the show. "Loser Like Me" sounds like a song P!nk would sing. I'm impressed!

"Get It Right" - Lea Michele


"Loser Like Me" - Glee Cast

"Electric Twist" - A Fine Frenzy

Alison Sudol, known professionally as A Fine Frenzy, is an American singer and songwriter. Her second album, Bomb in a Birdcage, was released on September 8, 2009 in the US and reached #28 on the Albums Chart.

Her artist name, A Fine Frenzy, is taken from a verse in William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream (Theseus, Act 5, Scene 1: "The poet's eye, in a fine frenzy rolling, doth glance from heaven to earth, from earth to heaven").

I lover her whimsical language and her genre-pushing music. Is is soft Rock, Pop, or Alternative...even New Wave Dance? There is so much texture to her music. Check out "Electric Twist" -- the third single from her latest album.

"Rolling In The Deep" - Mike Posner

Amazing! I love this!

Mike Posner does a very unique cover of Adele's hit single "Rolling In the Deep." It's so ill!

Rolling In The Deep - Mike Posner by TheListenerLabel

"Every Little Part Of Me" - Alesha Dixon feat. Jay Sean

Alesha Dixon is a UK-based Pop artist who uses influences from Dance and R&B music.

"Every Little Part Of Me" sees Alesha teaming up with UK urban singer Jay Sean. It is the third single off her sophomore effort titled The Entertainer.

It's an okay pop song. It is nothing too special but nonetheless catchy enough.

"Looking For Paradise" - Alejandro Sanz feat. Alicia Keys

This bilingual song by Latin superstar Alejandro Sanz featuring American superstar Alicia Keys was released in 2009. It quickly became one of my favorite songs of the year for its simplicity and for the terrific pairing of these two artists.

During the week of November 21, 2009, the song went to #1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart. This feat made Alicia the first African-American of non-Hispanic origin to reach #1 on the Hot Latin Tracks Chart!

"Lights On" - Katy B

"Lights On' is the second single from UK Dubstep/House artist Katy B's debut album On A Mission. The album will be released on April 4, 2011 in the UK! Featured on this track is Ms. Dynamite, but I feel she takes away from the song.

Katy B adds a feminine flavor to the male-dominated dubstep scene -- where she has been accepted with open arms. Her velvet voice spread over sub-bass beats makes me want to hear more women sing dubstep -- Leona Lewis?

Katy B is set to head out on tour with Tinie Tempah!



UPDATE: I realized that "Lights On" is not very dubstep and doesn't show the best of Katy B's skills. So here is the song that first brought her fame in the UK, "Katy B On A Mission." Very dubstep.

"Words I Never Said" - Lupe Fiasco feat. Skylar Grey

One of my favorite rappers has released his second single, from upcoming album Lasers, "Words I Never Said" featuring up-and-coming artist Skylar Grey. The outspoken MC unleashes a provocative sociopolitical rhyme and it's clear he is not happy with the current state of the world.

Lupe Fiasco takes shots at President Obama, predatory lending practices, 9/11 controversies, the decline in American educational institutions, and laments the unhealthy nature of manufactured foods. He urges listeners to be proactive in search of solution. Listen to his latest song that's sure to stir up some controversy!

"Safari Disco Club" - Yelle

Yelle, a feminized acronym of YEL meaning “you enjoy life,” is a band formed by Julie Budet, a French singer from the town of Saint-Brieuc, France. They began performing in 2005 and rose to fame through MySpace...when it was actually cool. The band is a composed of three musicians but they decided to keep Yelle's name as their own.

Yelle's second album, Safari Disco Club, will be released on March 14, 2011 in France. The title track was released for free on their website in January 2011. Even thought I do not understand anything being said in this song, I love it. It has a very "hipster" feeling.

Fact: Yelle will open for Katy Perry on select dates of the "California Dreams Tour" in the UK. 

Safari Disco Club

"Bow Chicka Wow Wow" - Mike Posner feat. Lil Wayne

The official music video for "Bow Chicka Wow Wow" -- from the man who is 'cooler than you' -- was released today featuring his buddy Lil Wayne. It's the third single off his debut album 31 Minutes To Take Off.

"Why Don't You Love Me" - Beyoncé

"Why Don't You Love Me" is a retro 50s throwback written by Beyoncé, The Bama Boyz, and B's sister Solange Knowles. Although "Why Don't You Love Me" was not released as a single, it managed to top the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart for the week of February 13, 2010.

This video, which was released a year ago, is so aesthetically pleasing; the color schemes, cinematography, and themes, are all perfect to the T. The song can be found on I Am...Sasha Fierce (Deluxe Edition).

"21st Century Girl" (Teaser) - Willow

Willow Smith, who is now going with the one name moniker "Willow", gives us a preview of her next single "21st Century Girl." From the 15 seconds of the song, I can already tell this will be one massive hit. I loved "Whip My Hair" but this song has a much more pop and radio-friendly sound. Superstar in the making!

"Radio Lover" & "Lonesome" - Gavin Creel

Gavin Creel is a Tony Award nominated actor and singer. He's been in a number of Broadway shows including Thoroughly Modern Millie and Hair. His charming debut album is called Goodtimenation. When I first stumbled across it on iTunes, I thought it was one of the best indie pop albums I had heard.

On Goodtimenation, Creel mixes his musical theater roots with a refreshing pop sensibility, a balance that he has worked hard to maintain. "Since I'm a fan of all different kinds of sounds and styles, I wanted to make a record that takes people on a varied musical journey," Creel says.

He recently released his second album, a six song EP titled Quiet. Upon release, Quiet climbed the iTunes charts snagging No. 41 in albums. In addition, for the first time, Gavin entered the Billboard "Heatseekers Albums" at No. 44.

"Radio Lover" is from Goodtimenation and "Lonesome" is from Quiet. 

Radio Lover

Lonesome

"Stuck" - Lauren Pritchard

Lauren Pritchard is probably my favorite newcomer to the scene! Her soothing and emotional voice laid over soulful tunes is irresistible.

"Stuck" is the first song found on her album Wasted In Jackson and her vocals shine on this retro-soul track. It is the oldest song, Lauren says, on the album and is the only one that makes her feel overly emotional. 

Check out the just released official music video below!



Wasted In Jackson was officially released in the US today!

The Real Ke$ha?

I have to say that I am happily surprised with Ke$ha. Most people either love or hate her, but the songs below might blur the lines a little. These three songs are sans autotune and are stripped back. Ke$ha's voice comes to the foreground and you are able to hear her real voice without all the production. I'm pretty impressed with what I hear...for Ke$ha standards. See for yourself!

"Goodbye"


"While You Were Sleeping"


"I Hate You (Don't Leave Me)"

"Waiting Like A Dog" - Jasper Erkins

"Waiting Like A Dog" is the second single from Jasper Erken's debut album, The Brighter Story. This Belgian 18-year old singer has a beautifully raspy voice that somehow manages to sound both fresh and weathered at the same time.

In March 2010, Jasper auditioned at the BRIT School in London and was offered a place in the number one talent factory over the past decade where Amy Winehouse, Adele, The Kooks, Leona Lewis, Jessie J, and many other great performers all got their start. In a couple years, Jasper might be added to the list of successful alumni! 

"Casualty of Love" - Jessie J

If you've read my blog since the beginning, you know of my huge admiration (aka obsession) with Jessie J. I truly think she is one of the most talented and versatile artists the world has seen in years! Since last posting about her, "Price Tag" featuring B.o.B. entered the Hot 100 chart at #88!

"Casualty of Love" is Jessie J's next single and is released on iTunes today! It shows a softer side to Jessie J than seen before. Her powerhouse vocals shine on this track as do her songwriting abilities. I just hope that this a promotional single and not a single released to radio because I do not think it is hit material. It is way too tepid for the pop charts, but it would be perfect for Jennifer Hudson's upcoming album!

Casualty of Love

Below are small snippets of each song found on Jessie's debut album Who You Are. It will be released this Friday in the UK and April 12, 2011 in the US.

Who You Are Album Sampler

"All of the Lights" - Kanye West feat. Rihanna & Kid Cudi

Probably one of the worst music videos for one of the best songs off of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. It's just so bland and it's clear most of it was done on a soundstage. That's been done time and time again.

BORING!

Fact: Vocals by Fergie, Charlie Wilson, John Legend, Tony Williams, Alicia Keys, La Roux, The Dream, Ryan Leslie, Alvin Fields and Ken Lewis.

"Need You Now" - Adele & Darius Rucker

Adele and country star Darius Rucker sing a fantastic rendition of "Need You Now." I love seeing the faces of the members of Lady Antebellum sitting in the audience; they were probably in awe of how much better the song sounds with Adele and Darius.

"Sticks & Stones" - Jason Reeves

Jason Reeves is a successful singer and songwriter who's newest single, "Sticks & Stones," finds him leaving his folk roots towards a more pop sound. Jason has had more success as a songwriter with credits including Colbie Caillat's breakthrough hit "Bubbly." I really like Jason's flow on this soft-pop song! Check it out below!

"Someone Like You" - Adele

This angelic-voiced songstress's most recent album, 21, went to #1 in 17 countries. A feat that most pop superstars could only dream of reaching.

No choreography.

No half-naked backup dancers.

No auto-tune.

No backing track. 

No flashy costume.

No pyrotechnics.

Just Adele and her God-given gift of a voice. There's no words to describe how truly beautiful Adele's voice is. I even dare to say that Adele is one of the best artists of all time.

Here is the Grammy Award winning artist performing her second single "Someone Like You." It deals with coming to terms with a failed relationship and seeing one's lover move on.


If you want to skip the intro, start at the 1:20 mark.

"Inside Out" (Teaser) - Britney Spears

From arguably the top producer in the industry, Dr. Luke, comes a 15-second snippet of Britney's new song "Inside Out." The clip has been heard 378,294 times since being posted yesterday, which should be a very positive indicator of the hype Femme Fatale has. 

It seems as thought Britney's staying with the light dubstep heard on "Hold It Against Me" and I got to say it sounds pretty great!

Brit Teaser.... :-) by drluke

"White Flag" - Ashlyne Huff

Ashlyne's first foray into pop music may be called "White Flag" but it's not about giving up, she says, but rather giving in "to awesomeness." Ashlyne explains, "Some guy, like, likes you, tries to get your attention, you don't necessarily blow him off, you just don't notice. And finally, you take a second and you decide, 'OK, I'm gonna give this one a shot. What do I have to lose?' and then it ends up being kind of awesome. The good kind of surrender — it's good for you not to control every moment of your day."

It is the first single from her debut album Let It Out, which is slated to hit shelves in May. Working with her is Evan Bogart, who wrote on Beyoncé's "Halo" and Rihanna's "S.O.S." This song is very promising!

"Perfect Storm" - Brock Zanrosso

Brock Zanrosso is a 16-year old Canadian who just released his newest single "Perfect Storm." He was the first runner-up of the widely popular tv show, The Next Star, a televised singing competition in Canada for teens under 15 years of age. "Perfect Storm" is pure and unabashed pop! It reminds me of Adam Lambert and Britney. I guess that is why this outrageously infectious and extremely catchy song has become my guilty pleasure! Could be a future pop star in the making...

 

"Love The Way You Lie" - Skylar Grey

This singer made her Grammy debut, performing her featured vocals from Dr. Dre and Eminem's "I Need a Doctor" during their set at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday.

Skylar Grey, born Holly Brook Hafermann in Wisconsin, used to go by simply Holly Brook. She released a solo album in 2006 called Like Blood Like Honey but lately has come to prominence thanks to a number of high-caliber songwriting gigs with A-list rap stars. Hotshot producer Alex Da Kid, who has produced tracks for the likes of Nicki Minaj ("Massive Attack") and B.o.B. ("Airplanes"), signed Skylar to his Wonderland Music imprint last year. Since then, she has co-written and/or appeared as a featured vocalist on songs including Eminem and Rihanna's "Love the Way You Lie," Lupe Fiasco’s "Words I Never Said," and Diddy Dirty Money's "Coming Home."

I hate the Eminem and Rihanna version but Skylar's version is so poignantly beautiful. It almost seems like a different song altogether. Skylar is working on her new album, with Alex Da Kid helming production. I believe that if the album is released this year with the right artists featured, Skylar will be one of the breakthrough successes of 2011!


Second paragraph taken from MTV.com

"Loca" - Shakira feat. Dizzee Rascal

From the girl who told you hips don't lie, comes a proclamation that she's actually crazy. "Loca" is the first single from Shakira's most recent album, Sale el Sol. Helping out the Colombian superstar is one of my favorite rappers, Dizzee Rascal!

Fact: Shakira did not get the "okay" from the Spanish town this was filmed in to make her music video there. It created hysteria having Shakira strutting around the town in rollerblades and a bathing suit.

"Champion" - Chipmunk feat. Chris Brown

"Champion" is a song by UK rapper Chipmunk featuring Chris Brown from Chipmunk's forthcoming, second studio album, Transition. It was released as the second single from the album on February 6, 2011 in the UK. I really like this song and if it wasn't for Chipmunk's heavy English accent, I'd say this song could have a chance for success here in the US. It also doesn't help that his name is Chipmunk; a name many would never cease to bash here.

"It's All In Your Head" - Kid Meets Cougar

Kid Meets Cougar is an “electro-organic” music collaboration between Las Vegas couple, Brett Bolton and Courtney Carroll.

During live performances, Courtney and Brett multitask on multiple instruments, trade vocal duties, and trigger videos to accompany their special brand of tuneful, loop-friendly electro-pop. Though they tend to switch instruments frequently, Courtney usually plays drums, keyboard, and auxiliary percussion, while Brett plays guitar and a set of home-made sound-triggering devices.

In order to visually enhance their music during live performances, Kid Meets Cougar also often treats video as another instrument to be played, triggering custom made videos with their music as it is being created.

Their first album, For Breakfast, was written, produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Kid Meets Cougar themselves in their home studio over the course of a year (roughly June 2008 to June 2009), and has recently been chosen as as one the of top 10 albums of 2009 by the magazine, Las Vegas CityLife.



Bio taken from official KMC website

Artist Spotlight: Rebecca Ferguson

I was a bit apprehensive to write an "Artist Spotlight" on someone who has yet to release original music but I had no choice. Rebecca Ferguson is going to be a worldwide superstar! Her look, her voice, her persona, her class, everything. She has all the qualities of a star and I believe she is one in the making. 

Hailing from Liverpool, she came in second place to Matt Cardle on X Factor. I love Matt but I believe Rebecca has a better chance of achievement worldwide fame because the music she will record will have a larger demographic. Her voice is both beautiful and universal; it is exactly what listeners of Amy Winehouse, Duffy, and Adele want. It's been proven time and time again that artists who pay homage to more classic/soul styles find more acceptance through different markets across the globe.

It was announced on January 21, 2011 that Rebecca has signed a record deal with Epic, a subsidiary label of Sony and the same label as fellow X Factor alumni JLS and Olly Murs. This deal means that the last four remaining contestants on this past series of X Factor have all being given deals by Simon Cowell and/or Sony. For the top four contestants to be given contracts is something out of the ordinary, but the talent was there so I could see why Simon signed them. Rebecca has the chance to successfully cross over into international markets because of her music's more universal appeal. I just hope her music is sent in the right direction because Rebecca has the platform to succeed big time!

"Just Like A Star"


"Beauitful" with Christina Aguilera


"Feeling Good"

If you want to hear more from Rebecca Ferguson...

"I Can't Stay" - The Killers

The Killers is an American rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada, that formed in 2001. The group has enjoyed continued mainstream success since then. I have only known about them for two years, when I began to explore music beyond the Hot 100. The Killers quickly caught my attention with their original sound, artistry, and Brandon Flower's (Lead Vocalist) killer voice.

Their third and latest album, Day & Age, was released on November 25, 2008 and has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. "I Can't Stay" is my favorite song from the album!

"Hold It Against Me" - Briney Spears

The official video for Brit's #1 hit "Hold It Against Me" has arrived after much anticipation! I think the video is very creative and I especially like the dark twist at the end! This video was talked about so much because many claimed that it would show Britney dancing like she did in the beginning of the millennium. I failed to see any substantially difficult choreography but it does not deter from the fact that this video is fantastic!

Fresh Face: "Every Step of the Way" - Heather Russel

Heather, her mother, Simon Cowell, and Rob Fusari

Stunned.

I am absolutely stunned at the talent that Canadian 10-year old, Heather Russell, has. I cannot believe that voice comes out of this little girl's body. Her voice is far beyond her years. It is magnificent and she holds more talent than many artists currently in the industry. Simon Cowell reportedly signed her today as the youngest artist he has ever had. Personally, I think she is way too young but there's no denying her immense talent.

Her Bio off of Robfusari.com

Born: August 10, 2000

Hometown: Toronto, Canada

Heroes: Mom, Dad, & little brother Robin

Musical Influences: Prince, Justin Timberlake, Queen, Alicia Keyes

Favorite Food: Pizza, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cheddar Cheese

At 5 years old she had a vibrato; at 8 years old, Heather wrote her first song on the piano called "Beautiful." At 9, Ashton Kutcher tweeted about her to Demi Moore, Ellen DeGeneres wants her on the show and Grammy Winning Music Producer Rob Fusari takes her under his wings. Stay tuned for more on Heather.

I will definitely be staying tuned. 

"Fresh Face" posts will spotlight music by brand new, unsigned, and/or raw talent. This is my first time giving a post a topic so I'm not sure how I feel about it, but stay tuned!

"Skinny Genes" & "Pack Up" - Eliza Doolittle

Eliza Doolittle, born Eliza Caird, is a quirky pop singer and songwriter from the UK whose debut album reached #3! Eliza is one of my favorite newcomers, who resembles Lily Allen in many ways. She uses samples masterfully to create mischievous, yet bouncy, songs coupled with melodies that stick at first listen. Eliza fuses retro-modern sounds with Jazz-Pop; it is hard to explain so just take a listen and see what I mean!

"Skinny Genes"


"Pack Up"


Fact: Eliza co-wrote every single song on her album. Very impressive.

"Heartbeat" - Enrique Iglesias feat. Nicole Scherzinger

"Heartbeat" is one of my favorite tracks off Enrique's Euphoria album. This song has been out for some time, but I wanted to feature it because I don't think it got the attention it deserved. It also doesn't hurt to have the extremely talented Nicole Scherzinger (Pussycat Dolls)!

"E.T." - Katy Perry feat. Kanye West

Katy and Kanye during the video shoot for "E.T."

Off Teenage Dream, which I believe is one of the best albums of the year, comes the fourth single "E.T." by Katy Perry featuring Kanye West. I think "Last Friday Night (TGIF)" should have been released as the fourth single instead.  My thoughts don't really count as this song will hit #1 just like Katy's first three singles, a feat to be proud of. It was extremely smart of her to get Yeezy on this track as this song would not be successful without his name attached. Listen to the futuristic lovers below!

"Your Song" - Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding is a UK singer and songwriter that is about to make the move across the pond here to the US! Already a huge star, she is hoping to have the same success here! Read more about her here! "Your Song" is a cover of Elton John's song. It reached #1 on the UK charts.

Sidenote: I find it really interesting and cool that a song like this, meaning no dance beat or the like, could make it to the #1 spot. It says a lot about the taste of the UK public versus the taste of the US public. I could never imagine it making it to the top spot on the US chart.

"Wanted" - Jessie James

No. Not Jessie James as in Sandra Bullock's hated ex-husband but as in the Country/Pop star. I'm not sure why Jessie James hasn't been more successful; her music is actually really good. Her sound is pop with country leaning and after Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, the doors have opened for Country-Pop crossover success. This song is about two years old and should have had much more attention. Although, it did reach #40 on the Hot 100 Chart. Check it out below!

"Make You Crazy" - Brett Dennen

Brett Dennen is a pop and folk singer from SoCal. Actually Northern California but saying SoCal sounds cooler. Anyway, Brett's music is full of strummed calls to social consciousness. He reminds me of the sunny eco-folk of Jack Johnson. "Make You Crazy" was released in 2008 off his album Hope for the Hopeless and showcases his warm, yet rough, vocals. I love this song.

"Temptations" - Gorilla Warfare Tactics

Gorilla Warfare Tactics is an up and coming hip hop group based out of New York City. The trio met while studying at NYU. Their music is heavily influenced by the feel of old school Hip Hop, as well as the new wave of dynamic artists such as Kanye West, J Cole, and Jay Electronica. With a smooth and fitting sample of “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” by the Temptations rocking the background and a lyrical delivery being spot on, Gorilla Warfare Tactics might be one of underground Hip Hop's groups to watch out for!

"Get Over U" - Neon Hitch

Neon Hitch, yes...that's her real name, is a UK singer and songwriter who has had a really unique upbringing. After her house burned down as a child, her family became gypsies; they made and sold clothing and jewelry as they traveled throughout Europe. For some time she was part of a circus and then moved to India to work on her songwriting skills.

Through the help of her management, she signed a publishing deal with EMI. In early 2010, she was signed to Warner Bros. Records by Kara Dioguardi after a writing session with her. Hitch is currently working on her debut album, Beg, Borrow, and Steal.

"Get Over U" is her first single and is co-written by Australian artist Sia. At first listen I hated this song, but Neon's rich and organic sound has grown on me.



Fact: Amy Winehouse was her roommate for some time and serves as her confidant in the music industry.

"Beautiful People" - Chris Brown feat. Benny Benassi

Chris Brown is ready to hang with all the the "Beautiful People." The track, which was produced by Benny Benassi, is the third single from Brown’s upcoming fourth studio album, F.A.M.E. (Forgive All My Enemies) which is being released on March 22, 2011 through Jive Records.

I really like this song but I don't think it is "hit" material.

"Little Lion Man" - Mumford & Sons

Just off their amazing performance on the Grammys yesterday with Bob Dylan, Mumford & Sons is finally getting some much deserved buzz. They were nominated for Best New Artist and Best Rock Song but left empty handed. I would argue that the exposure from their performance was worth more than winning. This UK folk band has been gaining fans for three years as a lyric-centric group with a unique sound and may finally have gained big attention in the US. We'll have to just wait and see!

My personal favorite, "Little Lion Man."