#ESPspotlight Review: 'An Evening with Soneni And The Soul, with Special Guest KOF!'

There's a good reason why I allowed Soneni and The Soul to remain atop the Groups section of my UK Favourites list, where they firmly ensconced themselves a few years back now. 

I mean sure, they're ridiculously talented, nice people, really rather entertaining individually, but a smash hit wonder collectively, and all that good stuff, but none of that was it. If I'm honest, I can't actually remember what it was. I'm sure it wasn't (just) because their lead singer slightly reminds me of a little black fairy in 4D, that would fly into any open orifice and beat me from the inside out, with her actual backside, in syncopated rhythm, until I complied...Pretty sure. I mean I think it wasn't. More about Soneni's posterior later - it's officially a 5th member that earned it's own mention after it's buttline performance at Chalk Farm's The Monarch last Wednesday night.

'An Evening With Soneni And The Soul with Special Guest KOF (and Zimbabwe's Best Foreign Asset)' was the latest stop on the self-described 'Afrosoul' band's UK tour, where they're introducing the Country to Funk from The Soul, with acoustic aplomb.

Always one for a family outing, I brought the Jamerican One out to enjoy the night with me, showing Lekhem my appreciation for his attendance by sticking him on camera duty for the night. Hey, he likes it! Why withhold the joys in life that make him such a happy little bunny?!

As well as leaders of the beat, Soneni and Bass/Keys Player and Producer Elmo, also split hosting duties, successfully warming the crowd with quickfire quiz games at each interval; right before DJ Jekyl incited bestial behaviour with what I entitled 'Killer Fillers' early on. The man was responsible for many a female whining their waists; shapes were thrown, teeth were gritted and bared, DMX-style growls were repeatedly heard...Until Lekhem eventually took me aside and had a word. First Lady of Disney, yes. Maybe even a cheeky musical. But Eve I was not, and I was warned in no uncertain terms that if I couldn't control myself, the head rubbing and my Master P-style "Uhhhhh's", there would be NO MORE HIP HOP IN PUBLIC FOR ME. I had never been so insulted. Not since the last thing he said to me anyway...

Tamed and permitted to rejoin the crowd if I promised to behave; Hip Hop Poet Nego True was just getting comfy enough with us to strip. Clothing, nerves...the East London native broke the ice by removing the nerve barriers that stood between him and his audience. Very funny and down to earth; True brought a healthy mix of natural comedy to his set, which worked perfectly to break up the sombre severity of his topics.

Hip Hop Spoken Word Artist, Nego True

'Starts Early', was a powerful piece about London's 'postcode wars' and the far-reaching scope of it's fallout across family, friends and more. 'Dear Mr. Racist' was an eloquent open letter to the David Starkeys and (still breathing) Charlton Hestons of today's world. 'Sometimes' was a break up ode based in confusion that still seemed a little raw, judging by the stumbles off his game during his delivery. When he paused the piece with a reassuring "Don't worry, I still remember it!" You had to wonder if those were really 'stumbles' after all, or an intentional part of his relatable game plan.

A quick 'Getting To Know You' chat with Soneni and Elmo tied Nego True's performance up in a neat little bow. Another quickfire quiz round was followed by more DJ Jekyl fire; when the warning face Lekhem shot me from across the room quashed the mini shapes I wasn't so much trying to 'throw', as scatter gently and quietly, into empty air pockets in the near vicinity. He was really quelling the joy in my existence...

The night's special guest really needed little to no introduction. I just so happened to notice the females in the room gravitate to the front en masse, for unobscured views of the stage. Can't say I blamed them; I secured my spot way back in the first quiz round - because I wanted to see the show of course - no other reason...

Liverpool Singer-Songwriter KOF

KOF's cheeky charm has become way more pronounced since I last caught him live. His stage presence was commanding before but, clearly seasoned now, he's got the whole thing down to Scotch Bonnet hoT, with a capital T (Google it non-hued people). Proving it's all natural, no rehearsal time necessary, his rapport with The Monarch crowd was immediate; just as his ability to connect in jest as well as song, was effortless. His words echoed from a few weeks back, as I remembered him talking about coming out of his shell on stage, because he was among friends. 

I can't imagine that not one female, across any of his shows, has ventured an answer to the questions posed in opening track 'Lookin At Me' (I know I have a few suggestions)...Fully aware of the answers to his own questions; KOF still used the icebreaker to draw his audience into banter, mid-song. The Liverpool Lad's rendition of his 'Thugs Mansion / Smells Like Teen Spirit' mashup was my equivalent of watching lab rats during a clinical experiment - in the nicest way possible. Go with me on this one...You see, half the enjoyment of KOF's set, was watching what he does on wax, translate to what he gives in a live setting. A talent that far too few performers have the ability to master, in my humble opinion - it was interesting to watch a case study in action, as he maintained the swagger (for want of a more apt, less annoying description) at exactly the right level to keep the ladies entranced, but without offending the lads, instead keeping them onside with both relating to his every word. If that's not the makings of a future great, I don't know what is.

Giving us something we could feel...KOF put the work in

A nice little cliffhanger of a track about his being 'alright in his Soul' (which we were all very glad to hear), preceded a stellar performance of 'Fire On The Mountain'. But it was that cover of D'Angelo's 'Brown Sugar' that was the standout performance for Yours Truly. Purely because of the delivery and singalong interaction with Soneni and a few other ladies in attendance, you understand; and not at all because the Young Sir fulfilled that Valentine's surprise he promised me a few week's back. That had nowt to do with it - I swear on the horsemeat burgers I no longer eat. I mean really, do I look like the type to be swayed by mischievous eyes and sexy serenades (*ahem* video attempts are accepted via email, though. For professional purposes only, of course)...

The serious nature of 'Child of the Ghetto' grabbed everyone's  attention back to the music after the steam...I mean jokes of 'Brown Sugar'. Soneni and Elmo's mini interview with KOF post-performance proved the rapport between the artists was a brilliant starting point for the joint tour that the headliner's hinted at very 'subtly'. Done with almost equal diplomacy as my saying if that goes ahead, there's not a security guard in town big enough to keep me from the front row, never mind the building. Disney First Lady my sweet round...

Speaking of which, remember earlier when I said we would be discussing the band's 5th member? Well when Soneni and The Soul returned after the final interval, their First Lady having changed into a gown full of splendour, all in the building felt the change in electricity sure, but my, were they (me) in awe of what that little Madam did with her South End.

SATS Lead Singer Soneni Nkomo

Before we talk setlist, I need to talk franchise options. Because I'll tell you something for nothing right now - if by some freak force of nature this 'band thing' doesn't work out, that Diminuitive Diva has a career LOCK on a New Year DVD workout series and I want IN on it - you all see you're reading about it here first! Davina you better watch your spot, love; Soneni's backing up...literally.

Kicking off with 'Cloud 9', the track was the perfect opener since it was evident they were already floating from the first note. You didn't need to have caught them live before to know, that this was obviously not these guys' first time. They didn't need a second to get in sync; they came together and flowed effortlessly in every way that you want to see from a live band.

There are few better equipped to tribute 'Summer Days' than this lot. Even under bright stage lights on a ruddy freezing London winter night, I still see them in fields of sunshine in the summertime. That's pretty much their own fault though. Have you seen the video for 'We Can Go'? I own no blame. A cover of Sizzla's 'Thank You Mama' had us all emosh. I'm pretty sure I caught the biggest dude in the room swiping tears as he rang his Mum and blubber undying love and devotion at the sound of her voice. I was moved to gift mine with my Dairy Box quiz winnings. It's Real Love out here people. One's up to the Mamas.

SATS Guitarist Andrew 'A-Train' Pearse and Drummer Boukie

Now, if you caught my review of the 'Million Miles Away' EP, you'll remember what I told you about that drumbeat from Boukie on Spoken Word track 'A Place Called eKhaya'. What someone neglected to warn me, was that Camden traffic is far too heavy for actual spirit walks; The Highway Code does not account for those and a rewrite should be considered. The band also might want to think about including a PSA of some kind for any unsuspecting listeners prone to hypnosis. Law suits are only good to the tailors fitting you up, my friends - tink bout it...

The 'Ziyahamba' buzz word used throughout the quiz rounds finally made sense to those unfamiliar with the EP. Bringing the house down James Brown style, when that Soneni chick kneeled in those heels to let the track breathe, she made me want to throw my coat around, and aid her on her glitter-heeled journey to the Promised Land.

The Reggae twist on funk-enthused tune 'The Zone' took everyone  to a new destination, deep inside the title. As the band broke it down for the bridge, it proved to be the official spotlight moment on how tight Soneni, Elmo, Boukie and Andrew, aka A-Train really are. You experienced what the greats talk about in their VH1 Behind The Music specials. If you bodyswapped them with one another, once the initial shock of Soneni's rear end on one body, whilst it's personality took over one of the boy's wore off; I'm pretty sure you would find that rest would have perfect command of each other's talents. The (pun-intended) bottom line is, that the well-rehearsed fusion showed why when it comes to their compositions, the gents really are The Soul in their dynamic...

If the latter is the boy's moment to shine, then 'Million Miles Away' is Soneni's, to trample the message of core talent, home. Stripped of all other distractions, with only A-Train for backup, the singer let her vocals fly for a performance as sweet as she is. The cherubic innocence didn't last long though. Using DMX's infamous 'Ruff Ryders Anthem', mashed up with Nas and Lauryn Hill's 'If I Ruled The World' to introduce the band in a jam session so epic that Soneni failed to notice her bangle fly off in a fit of enthusiasm. I don't know if it landed with the same impact as an Arrow from Cupid, but it was replaced afterwards by a willing fan / courtier / prospective husband, judging by the delicate look on his face, as he gently adorned her wrist...

Soneni And The Soul need NO help getting the party started...

'We Can Go' aka 'My Azontoing In A Field a la Soneni, With Some Elmo Shades On' song, will never disappoint! A full on party in the place by this point; I had to self-impose some calm as I remembered that while Soneni had endless cause, excuse and justification to sweat out her last hair curl - I did not.

Where some may call 'Fly So High' Soneni And The Soul's encore, for me to describe it as anything less than their 'Proud Mary' equivalent would be an insult to music. All that was missing in that Acappella intro, was Soneni throwing in a little "Slow, and EEEAAAAASSSSYYY..." in a Tina voice, before Boukie started beating on those drums like his name was Ike, returning from beneath the ground to settle one last score with Anna Mae in the back of the limo, IMmortal Kombat style...

The Donae'o twist of 'I'm Fly' on the track's end was like a lit match on the paraffin-doused set. All that was missing was an impression of the North-West London Performer/Producer by Elmo to lace that final note: "And we done - FINISH".

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If you want to see Soneni And The Soul Smash Down another venue, you can catch the next stop on their tour here.

Visit the EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. Facebook Page for Lekhem's photos from the event.

As always, connect and engage with all of the artists on the line up via their Social Media Catalogues below:

Soneni And The Soul:

Twitter: Soneni, Elmo, Boukie, A-Train / Facebook / Mixtape Download /

Mixtape Review by Yours Truly

KOF:

Twitter / Facebook / Website

'Soul:Series' EP Review / Interview ...also by Yours Truly

Nego True:

Twitter / Facebook / YouTube

If you enjoyed what you read here, then please do tell a friend to tell a friend that reviews are available for purchase. Get in touch for quotes!

#MarchMusic in the #ESPspotlight doesn't stop here, stay tuned to the blog for Music Specials and competitions everyday this month!

Until tomorrow...

ES ;)

#ESPspotlight Valentine's Interview with KOF!

Ladies...Didn't I promise you a Valentine's treat? And haven't I delivered?! Super sexy *ahem* SOULFUL Singer KOF is everything that we need to be hearing when we feel like a dose of manly interaction, is he not? Alright, I confess - it might also sort of, kinda be a little bornday present to Yours Truly also...hey - your gift, my gift, we all got a gift!

The Liverpool-native is fresh off supporting US Neo Soul Singer, Songwriter and Producer, Ryan Leslie on his nationwide tour; but even amidst his travelling, he heard that my original 'Valentine' had callously deserted me and gallantly stepped in to save the day. Yes Girls - KOF is an original GENT. My gift to all of you is a Triple G: A Gorgeous, gifted gentleman - Happy Valentine's!

I take absolutely no offence in the knowledge that you of course have absolutely no further interest in anything I have to say, so let's go straight to the good stuff, shall we?

Welcome Sir, thank you for gracing my blog! Busy man that you are, I'm very grateful for you stopping by amidst the whirlwind that is your life now! Normally I would try to keep it short but, being that this is a Valentine’s Special and you’re my gift to the readers, it wouldn't be right if I didn't give them the chance to enjoy you in all your glory, SO...

1. Listening to you, there’s a blend there that your listeners can’t help but be intoxicated by; you’re a fusion of styles and genres within yourself. Who are some of the influences that inspire you?

Liverpuddlian Singer-Songwriter-Producer...and Hottie KOF

Thank you, I draw influence from so many different artists for so many different reasons. Artists who are able to capture a feeling and make it connect to my own. My favourite album is 'World Outside My Window' by Glenn Lewis. As well as the smooth vocals and vivid storytelling it also reminds me of the time I first started getting into Soul Music. When you're really young and you listen to music, you don't take it in, you like it but you might not know why. This album made me understand things much better. It transcended me from being someone who just enjoys music to someone who really listens and wants to be involved in creating it.

Bob Marley is another who inspires me. A musician who was able to bring a higher consciousness and message to the world. I love House and Old Skool garage too. I remember going to school in the morning having arguments with people on the bus because my headphones were too loud. I'd be blasting Sincere by MJ Cole or Nicole's Groove just to get me ready for the day. I'm also a big Kanye West fan. Creatively he's fearless. I'm into music for different moods and that's the music I try to create. It's always from the soul and my vocal tone lends itself nicely to mid tempo, Soul-inspired songs but when I'm creating I'll mix that with other genres I love and listen too.

2. There's a part in your rendition of D'Angelo's 'Brown Sugar' where you talk about kisses and honestly, it just made me think of how your voice kisses the mic – where did you learn your craft? Did you develop your style through any type of training?

Haha thanks, I can feel the Valentine's love from you already!

I haven't had any formal training although I've just started to have a couple of vocal sessions to improve some aspects of my voice. I learned to sing standing in front of the TV watching Michael Jackson concert tapes on repeat and constantly singing my favourite songs whilst in the shower. It was kind of like home schooling...

3. From the first time I saw you perform, to your larger than life instrument on wax (...or mp3), I'm always taken aback by how quiet and laid back you are in person! Aside from the quiet, what other big misconceptions do you find most people have about you?

I don't know, I've always been a quiet, reserved person until I really get to know people. When I'm on stage though, it's like we go way back. I'm comfortable, I'm amongst friends, we're sharing good music.

One of the biggest misconceptions I get is from girls who think I'm a player just because I sing. They always ask me about groupies and stuff but I'm not the type to get involved if it's too easy.

4. One of the main things that gets everyone who listens to you, is the ability you have to carry people away in your story when you sing. You could make a shopping list sound like it was written with a broken heart. How difficult is it to put experiences like ‘My Child’ out there for the world to hear and do they ever get easier to perform?

I have a sweet tooth so a shopping list song might not be too bad. A lot of cakes, sugar and ice cream, haha!

'My Child' is taken from 'Soul:LIFE' available now

All of my songs come from personal situations or feelings that I have. I've found that these songs are the ones that connect best with the audience. They are easier for me to write because I can recall real events firsthand and they will just seem to flow out of the pen.

'My Child' is a very real and personal song that I know many people relate to. The instant I heard the piano play, it got to me. It  slowed things down and unlocked things that I didn't realise I had going on in my head. I didn't think about how the song would be received until I finished recording it and then I had the dilemma with myself whether or not to put it out because it was so personal and because there are other people involved who might not want me to speak about it. The other option would be for the song to just sit on my computer and not be heard or be given the opportunity for other people to take something from it whether good or bad. I haven't ever performed that song live though. I don't know if I will.

5. Your ‘Soul:Series’ feels like an extension of ‘An Alternative Soul’; what was the biggest difference to you, going into the writing process?

I was really starting to find my sound with 'An Alternative Soul', letting people who may have previously heard me rapping, hear me try something new and a lot more fitting to where I was creatively with my music. The 'Soul Series' was a chance for me to reinforce this and give something free to the people who supported 'An Alternative Soul' and for the people who might have heard of me, that wanted to catch a vibe of what I'm about. It was another chance for me to express myself from the writing and production, to the artwork and direction and editing of the music videos along with some other Creatives who's work and ideas I respect.

Fire On The Mountain - KOF (Video) from Kofmusic on Vimeo.

6. All of your lyrics feel very raw and soul-baring; can you talk about your most personal track to date and the inspiration behind it?

It would probably be 'My Child' or 'Get Out'. Both are very personal. 'Get Out' is really that situation of the relationship that doesn't want to end but has to. It's crazy to see the range of people that feel that song. This dude approached me once and I thought he was gonna try and move to me but he was like, "Are you KOF?… Yo i'm feeling that 'Get Out' tune, it's real tings!" I was shocked because it's my break up tune. The sensitive one, haha! 

7. You've just finished touring with Ryan Leslie and I know that you really loved it. After a year filled with some seriously massive highlights, what’s been the most memorable, standout moment?

Yeah I loved playing along side Ryan. I didn't really know all of his songs but he's passionate about his music and you can really see that when he performs and he doesn't fail to put on a good show. He brings you into it all.

The highlight of my year was playing in Cannes. We flew out to the South of France to perform at the Midem Music Conference but I also had a private performance in the villa we were staying in. Before the show we were just chilling, rehearsing and Stevie Wonder's manager came in and just chilled with us. He was telling us stories about when they were touring and I sang a couple of songs for him. It was a cool experience. He gave me some bits of advice and we had a great night. I met David Guetta there also. Although at the other end of the music spectrum, it was pretty cool too.

8. Obviously the Grammys just occurred and the BRITS are on the way. We’re not doing too badly on the UK representational front. You’re already being recognised in the US (Congrats, by the way); is it your goal to break those same markets as Ed and Adele or are you looking to carve a different route? If so, what are your aspirations and how do you plan to achieve them?

I just want as many people as possible to hear my music, regardless of where they are from or their background. The goal is to do that and have fun doing it. I've performed in many places around the world but nowhere near all, which is something I definitely want to have a go at. I just have to keep making good music, get better at my craft and work with people and artists who can elevate and inspire me creatively. I have a couple of shows in New York next month so I'm planning to hop up with some people out there so I can continue and add to this journey I'm on. I'm currently working on my début album entitled 'The Beautiful Struggle in Pursuit of a Dirty Love'. It's about life and the things we go through to make it what we want. The highs and lows of the thrill of the chase.

9. Now being that this is a Valentine’s Special; you had to know you weren't going to escape without a couple of questions on ‘matters of the heart’! You have an EP devoted to ‘Love’, so I think you’re qualified enough to advise those in need of a little help:

• What are your Top 5 Tips for the Fellas who can’t serenade the object of their affection the way that you can? How should they romance their ladies ‘Alternative Kof-style’?

Haha, well I'm far from an expert, but I'd say...

I doubt a serenade would hurt!
(Photography by David Zinyama)

Be cool and respectful in your approach. The first impression is key. 

Don't walk over when all your boys are standing there egging you on. You don't want them shouting things over when your trying to drop game, ha!

If it's somebody you already know, then you've just got to set the mood. maybe put on some good music, spark some candles...Make her feel relaxed and comfortable. Maybe a nice massage. If you can cook something then do that or at least try. If it doesn't work out then you can try and make it up with dessert, haha.

• On the flip side, please guide the ladies on what a Gent wants – how should we approach you, but still ensure we receive that all-important first-date invitation?

If a woman is approaching me, I like her to be confident but over-confidence is a turnoff. She's got to be able to hold a conversation and know what she's about.

I love women who dress well and can look cute but then flip it and just be totally sexy. Like when they're walking around the house with just your t-shirt on. That kind of stuff drives me crazy!

10. Lastly, I'm sorry (alright, I'm not really), but I gotta ask – who’s getting your Valentine today and what sort of romantic and creative things can the oh so lucky lady, expect?

Well I was hoping that you would be my Valentine today, so I don't want to tell you what to expect before you get it, haha!

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Alrighty, who's fanning themselves? Just me? Well it's allowed after that, don't you think? I have to say a massive Thank You to KOF for his time and graciously allowing me to serve him up to you all, garnished on a silver platter. We enjoyed you, my friend!

Read my #ESPspotlight Review for KOF'S 'Soul:Series', the final selection in my '7 Days, 7 Mixtapes To Set The Valentine Mood' Series before downloading the EP...

If you still want more KOF - and let's be honest, why wouldn't you - connect with the Sexy Scouser via his Social Media Catalogue:

Twitter / Facebook

Bandcamp / Soundcloud / Vimeo / YouTube

KofMusic.com

Visit MyFlashTrash.com to get your 15% off before midnight

If you left it far too late to bag those Valentine baubles, make up for it with something good quicksmart! Head over to MyFlashTrash.com and take advantage of my Brand Ambassador Code before it expires at midnight!

It would seem that I'm now a tad late for a Valentine's date but; make sure you come back tomorrow for Part One in my super-sized, London Fashion Week Special. I've got an absolute LEGEND getting 'Frank' in the #FindOutFriday hotseat...

Share the (Soul:) LOVE, enjoy your night and I'll see you on the morrows!

ES ;)

#ESPspotlight Review: '7 Days, 7 Mixtapes To Set The Valentine Mood' 1. 'SOUL:SERIES' by KOF

Though diverse and not all of a romantic nature, so to speak; the ménage à trois of topics and raw emotion combined within Kof's 'Soul:Series' make for some pretty vulnerable and thus enticing 'love time listening'.

The cubic package is a triple set of themes with three tracks a piece giving insight into the Liverpool-native's thoughts, feelings and fears for society.

'Soul: LOVE' is available as a Free Download

'Soul:Love' is the perfect place to kick things off with 'Fire On The Mountain' letting go of past relationship. I'm not going to talk about the insanely hot video that take the vocals to a whole other place, since this feature is about the sounds - you'll have to catch that in another post coming later today. But I almost feel sorry for the poor ex that inspired this; you (quite rightly) want to hate a man who doesn't just tell you he's "tired of" and "can't stand to be around you" (Ouch), but actually sings about it (Game Over). The problem for the typical female heart is that he sounds like that while he's doing it! On behalf of females everywhere: could you not at least hit a bum note as you break a heart? Sound at least slightly less appealing - try to have a little mercy and quit seducing the next while you drop out the ex over your dubstep, would you please? It's the Christian thing to do. Just saying...

Moving swiftly on...Literally; 'Last Night' recounts tales of naughty (but clothed...I think) activities with a new friend. The mellow, funky house vibe that evokes visions of coming back to chill after a night of raving and spending what's left of the  early hours doing...whatever you feel to with a cheeky charmer armed with a dimpled smile. Somewhere around that first chorus, you realise that Kof is one of those innocent-looking, undercover bad boys your Mummy started warning you about way back in the day; when you first started noticing how Ken slicked his hair back for Barbie...but you kinda don't want to listen. Temptation is a hell of a drug; right Girls?

'Riding Round The City' is that reflective moment about the ex he's still thinking of and you realise that maybe 'Fire On The Mountain' was more about lashing out and bravado to cover a heart just as broken, than cruelty towards another. There's not a poor cow that stands a chance as he croons invitingly about finding "the right road that leads to you". Who knew that it would only take 2:52 of mic love over a funky house beat to discover the reason that chastity belts were invented...

'Soul:LIFE' is available as a Free Download

Things get serious for 'Soul:LIFE', as life trials take centre stage. 'Never Sober' is the war cry of a forgotten, unwanted nation aspiring to heights beyond their government class and the evils they need inner strength to battle. This is one of those strong award contenders that will resonate with anyone not born with a silver spoon strategically placed.

'Runaway' implores that young, struggling one to stand strong against the difficulties that might seem too hard to face. An uptempo, motivational moment more suited to daily play in schools (at least it should be), than the bedroom. The only restraints inspired by this are for an unruly younger sibling in need of straightening out; go strap them to a chair, slap on some headphones and stick this on repeat. Yes, I am available for babysitting.

'My Child' is the soul-wrenching letter to an unborn child that would thaw the frostiest heart. I doubt there's a female alive that isn't choked up by the time Kof arrives at the chorus. Never an easy subject for anyone to tackle; you have to commend men who are willing to address the topic of abortion and its consequences from the male perspective and breech the edges of their emotions. A sudden, controversial end to this chapter; you're left feeling unsteady and drowning in someone else's open wound.

Just as well then, that the final chapter takes you to that other thing this amazing singer does best. You've been charmed, you've been challenged, it's only right that you're comforted with 'Soul:Live' - the final instalment that focuses solely on what Kof can do in twelve and a half minutes if given a mic and a spotlight.

'Soul:LIVE' is available as a Free Download

I remember when I first heard 'Thugz Mansion / Smells Like Teen Spirit' performed on Trevor Nelson's Live Lounge (BBC 1Xtra) almost 2 years ago. It was one of those 'stop in your tracks, drop what you're doing, pause the outside world' type of moments, where you realise that something BIG is on the verge of happening. You remember what you were doing, the time of day and the snapshot of everything else about the event - they're that rare. Second only to seeing him perform live for the first time, if you never listen to anything else that this ridiculously talented man does (and why would you not? Are my words not registering?) THIS is the rendition that proves the man is, as 1Xtra's Mistajam describes him, "The Future" of acoustic Soul.

'All Falls Down' is an original spin on the Kanye classic that can't help but entice. This is the track that mixes the messages of the first two sets and serves them up afresh. Slow and seductive in the mellow delivery, the messages about acting without thinking ahead keep the social consciousness that Kof has become known for, alive and well. The modern day, male take on Lauryn Hill's 'Doo Wop (That Thing)'; this makes you want to put a call in for a living room performance...conveniently forgetting that you don't own a piano (my nephew has a mini-Casio - will that work?)

Then he has the gall to finish with a cover of D'Angelo's 'Brown Sugar'. Ladies...He's really not right for this one. It's actually an insult to your draws. Just be glad he's only coming through your speakers. For those of you actually catching him live though - remember those aforementioned chastity belts? Hand someone stronger than you the keys. HEED MY WARNING! That's really all I can tell ya... 

And that's it! '7 Days, 7 Mixtapes To Set The Valentine Mood' delivered straight to you, with a breakdown on each and every one. In case you missed them (firstly, errr where have you been), here's a rundown from 7 to 2, click each title to go get your download:

7: 'Grandeur Pulse' by Lekhem

6: 'Human Condition: Doleo' by Wynter Gordon

5: 'Happy 2 Year' by Malice and Mario Sweet

4: 'Look Up' by Kiah Victoria

3: 'Born II Sing, Vol. II' by Eric Bellinger

2: 'L' by Drassick

And just as an extra special something to you Ladies...hold on to your drawstrings, I've got an #ESPspotlight Valentine's Interview with the super sexy, I mean, um...supremely talented Kof coming for you shortly! Sorry to mess with your Valentine's plans Fellas, but I'm giving Females everywhere my own gift of love. You should all adore me. Ok maybe not the guys so much. (Not) Sorry - the way too sexy...music made me do it.

Damn I love...music.
ES ;)