[New Album] The Cranberries-In The End

Gotdamnit, it seems like everything has had a solemn undertone over the past few months. I LITERALLY had to pause the title track in order to write this post as I could feel my emotions welling up within. Lead singer Dolores O’Riordan passed away early last year, leaving fans heart broken all across the world. She had a powerful voice and ultimately was a staple for women in rock…specifically in the 90’s. This is the band’s final album, and absolutely the end of an era. Give In The End a listen, and let The Cranberries take you away one final time. The music lives on!

[Interview] Catching up with Soul Singer Amahni Philly

Peace family! I know its been a while. I’ve been on the prowl, searching for new talent, and I found it in Baltimore neo soul artist, Amahni Philly. Amahni has been breezing up the coast with his new single “Forever”, but he’s no stranger to the scene. He has been performing up and down the east coast, promoting his sophmore album Forever Golden. Philly was able to take a break from his busy schedule and chat with us about the project. 

Dropajewel: What made you begin writing music? 

Ahmani Philly: Well I’ve always had the passion to write. I always felt it was easier than speaking. Initially it allowed me to release my emotions, personal feelings, visions and thoughts during a time when I didn’t feel heard. During my younger years I was very verbally introverted  and when it came to being vulnerable it was sort of like expelling everything I hold within through pen . I even now find myself sometimes speaking in song, rhyme scheme, metaphor or parable.

DJ: Who are your biggest influences?

 AP: This is a great but extensive question. My biggest influences are artist who are iconic from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. From the instrumentation of Brothers Johnson, Earth,Wind & Fire…to vocals of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, The Emotions, Patti Labelle, of course on this album Johnnie Wilder Jr.  Today’s artist span from TANK, Tweet, Brandy to a more recent Frank Ocean, Jay-z, SZA, Daniel Caesar.

DJ: How does Forever Golden differ from your last album Home?

 AP: Home was a very weird place for me vocally because of multiple health and life issues. Home was a push album that half the time my voice was gone…I could barely sing and had so much to say. Meanwhile, I wasstill hiding my true yearning in my heart to be completely transparent about where my heart should’ve been. It birthed music from me trying to harness my thyroid health and figure out how to turn what I viewed as a curse into a pathway toward the falling place of my blessings; hence the Title Home. This led me to the Goldenheart and that’s where Forever Golden came into fruition. Forever Golden was the first time I could speak fully from my heart and soul without holding back, and being overly cryptic or without dark emotions of no hope. This is about a real life love of someone. I call him “the Goldenheart” or “Twin Flame”. Since I love numerology and the zodiac and the artistic connotations I used representations of 2 and 11 life path since I am both. It’s in everything from the art work, to the number of tracks on the album. Especially releasing the album in 2018, a universal 11 and year of spiritual partnerships (Forever Golden).We must overcome challenging early lives (Home), to prove to the world that love never gives up! The number eleven is about double beginnings and two is about the combining of the two separate entities to move forward in a new beginning with peace love and understanding(Forever & Golden).

So This project holds hope in life and a sense of permanent position within me in every aspect of my life moving forward. Forever Golden all about complete truth and being naked and literally comfortable in my skin as I step into the New beginning. As you can see my music comes from deep rooted intimate real life and spiritual experiences. Home was the story to get back to the Forever Golden (Kansas) just like the wizard of oz.


DJ: What do you want people to take away from this album? 

AP: I want people to always have hope in love, learn transparency & growth. Take time to redirect, find & never compromise yourself. Remind yourself how much you love [you]. Learn from mistakes or lessons and move forward never backward. Don’t ever stand still and become a victim of your circumstances. Take responsibility and care for yourself. Then the Divine will bring you a heart and the balance that will adore all that you already are and love within yourself.

DJ: What do you think of the soul/r&b game right now?

AP: Well, I think I’m beginning to really love millennial soul as it’s now called. However, I’m not to keen on the fact that hip hop and R&B are lumped together as Urban Music. It’s disappointing. Mostly because R&B is not always “URBAN” technically. Unfortunately, you have to roll with the punches. 

DJ: What can fans expect from Amahni Philly in the near future? 

AP: In the near future more transparency, visual content, and whatever is laid before my path toward the manifesting of the vision. I would love to do a few collaborations. Who knows? I’ll let the Divine guide me.

Visit https://amahniphilly.com/ for more on information. Show your twitter love @dropajewel and @amahnimusic  and don’t forget to check out the album Forever Golden, everywhere you can find good music. #DoItNow   #HappyFriday

 

[Album] Thievery Corporation- The Temple of I and I

Peace! This is the album you need to hear if you want something fresh. Thievery Corporation is known to blend all different types of music giving you authenticity every time. Go ahead and check this joint out and show your support by getting it on itunes here. Show your twitter love @ThieveryCorpDC and salute the whole DMV. #LetsGo

[Video] Bell Biv DeVoe-I’m Betta

Bell Biv DeVoe is back with I’m Betta, a single from their new album, Three Stripes. I grew up on New Edition’s music, and I am still on a musical high from the 3 day BET movie on the group.

Show your support and cop the album here

{New Album Alert} Geechi Suede-0.9 NyteLife FM

Since I’m ALWAYS the last to know the dopeness in the hip hop world, I figured I’d ‘drop a Jewel’ and put you on with a new album from the legendary Geechi Suede. Suede is one half 90’s rap group, Camp Lo, who has done a mighty fine job of keeping the culture alive over the years. Check out the single Limozini and cop the new album 0.9 NyteLife FM, available on itunes here.

Countdown To Metallica’s Hardwired…To Self Destruct

Ah Yes! The moment you’ve all been waiting for is almost upon us. Metallica, in my humble opinion, is one of thee most creative and consistent heavy metal bands of all time. Their tenth studio album, Hardwired…To Self Destruct will be dropping officially tomorrow, but the band has been leaving us bread crumbs to enjoy the countdown.

According to the website, videos have been dropping like hot cakes! Go ahead and get you some metal for your workday, and don’t forget to cop the album on itunes tomorrow. Salute Fellas!