#ESPspotlight Review: '7 Days, 7 Mixtapes To Set The Valentine Mood': 2. 'L' by Drassick DIGITAL

Now if you ask lil young me, the best love songs are the ones composed with that special someone in mind. Whether a sensitive crooner, or the hardest rapper out there, when it comes to affairs of the heart, what you wear on your sleeve never goes out of fashion.

'L' by Drassick DIGITAL out tomorrow

When you just so happen to know the inspiration for one of those love song personally, well; expect your heartstrings to fray quickly. When I heard that Drassick DIGITAL was gearing up for his next EP by releasing a 'Valentine's love letter' to his fiancée and mother to their beautiful 13-month old, even though it's not out until midnight tonight; there was no question that 'L' would find itself firmly ensconced within this series.

It's been almost a year since Drassick popped The Question under Tokyo's city lights. It was always going to be a tad hard to top that come tomorrow, so telling the world about your continued adoration ever since in 'Good Life' was never going to be a bad way to start. With the help of Stirra on vocals, this 'celebration of us, we've made it this far' moment is perfect for the lover's occasion. Will you collectively "Awww!" with me please?

'Just For You' features Noble and Charley Healey. A declaration of love from both MCs, wrapped in the big red bow that is Healey's infectious hook; both guys successfully manage to deliver this ode to love without losing manly credibility - quite the opposite in fact. The perfect blend of what every woman wants, a protector who's grown enough to show a sensitive side that's reserved just for her, this is the kind of contemporary track that should be owning radio right now. My personal fave of the bunch.

'Let This Go' comes courtesy of group 1ofEach; otherwise known as Stretch and CP (or Drassick's little brother in that latter case - gotta love a family affair). Produced by Morfius, the premise of this one is that it's not all about hearts and flowers, there are rough times that love can't always overcome, especially when one is more infatuated than the other. Whilst the intention to present new artists is a good and commendable one, this track would be better suited to the follow up project, as it's theme is not in keeping with the mini-EP's goal, thus confusing the overall message of the project.

A very good return to form after a brief hiatus; 'L' is mostly successful in setting out clear intentions. The only way this could have been bettered (aside from the exclusion / replacement of that last track) would have been a solo effort to cap the entire set. Apart from that, well done Drassick - earned yourself a B+.

Download this 3-track 'romancipation' from www.DrassickDIGITAL.com at midnight tonight...

Then connect with the multi-talented Romeo via his Social Media Catalogue:

Twitter / Facebook

Soundcloud / ReverbNation / YouTube

Website

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Inspired to put a ring on it? My Special Brand Ambassador Code from MyFlashTrash.com is still valid for another 24 hours - better get in there quick!

Fancy a recap from 7 to 2? Oh alrighty then! Click beneath each cover to go straight to the review:

7. 'Grandeur Pulse' by Lekhem

7: Lekhem provided some Soulstramental Love in the shape of the massive 'Grandeur Pulse'. 12 tracks of throbbing Hip-Hop Soul, it's a "bit of a sexy tape" In. Deed...

6. 'Human Condition: Doleo' by Wynter Gordon

6: Wynter Gordon's Sade-like, Trip-Hop sensuality took heat to the MAX and gave new meaning to all of our bodily reactions with 'Human Condition: Doleo'...

5. 'Happy 2 Year' by Malice & Mario Sweet

5: Married couple with the mostest, Malice and Mario Sweet paid tribute to one another in pure Bossa Nova, NeoSoul style and devotion with 'Happy 2 Year'...

4. 'Look Up' by Kiah Victoria

4: Kiah Victoria made Rooftops at Dawn sound oh so very appealing with her Indie-soul snapshot, 'Look Up'...

3. 'Born II Sing, Vol. 2' by Eric Bellinger

3: All about the...exercise, Eric Bellinger turned up the R&B heat in the bedroom, shower and kitchen with 'Born II Sing, Vol. II'...

'L' by Drassick DIGITAL

2: Hip Hop MC Drassick DIGITAL proposes love and affection, always and forever in 'L' his dedication to beautiful fiancée, Luz...

1: ................??????

You'll just have to come on back tomorrow to see who's rounding off the '7 Days, 7 Mixtapes To Set The Valentine Mood' selection! It's all about the ladies tomorrow (Fellas - I'll get you next year!) With a mixtape review AND Interview to wrap the series up nicely! My ONLY hint Girls, is that I'm keeping it UK HOT.

You DON'T want to miss it!

See you in 24!

ES ;)

#ESPspotlight Review: '7 Days, 7 Mixtapes To Set The Mood' Valentine's Special: 3. 'BORN II SING, VOL. II', ERIC BELLINGER

Eric Bellinger is a hitmaker that you may not know that you already know. Yes, you read that right. Justin Bieber, Selena Gomes, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, JLS, Chip. All of the above and more have benefited from the penmanship of this Grammy-nominated songwriter; some with #1's in constant rotation on your music players.

With a voice that could rival all of the above combined and two mixtapes proving he more than has the goods to stand tall amongst them under his belt, Eric Bellinger aka 'Eric B.' is a rare specimen of R&B at it's finest. Remember the 'good ole days' of 90s Artists making quality music? That Ladies and Gents, is what this Los Angeles native is all about.

After a 2 year hiatus to work on projects for everyone and their cousin; 'Born II Sing Vol. III' is set to drop any day now. We're going back to the last in though in this review - for those unfamiliar, let me introduce you to 'Born II Sing, Vol. II'...

'Freakin You' is exactly what you R&B heads would expect from the title - a cover of the Jodeci original. Whilst a good rendition, with some serious vocals showing on this boat, when it comes to these big guns, there's no way that you can escape being compared with the original - and found wanting 3 to 1. 'B fans' will know that his back catalogue is strong and thus keep listening, if not move straight to a more worthy track.

'Navigator' is that track. Featuring Mario and J Doe, the three blend well in this promise to their ladies. "Here to save you" is the hook, in lyric and theme, while harmonies from Eric and Mario are a dream. By the close, listeners cannot help but agree with the claim that "Clearly, this n***a was born to sing". Apart from the 'N' part. We don't like that word. Nice young gentleman - let's go with that.

Since this is about the sounds for your night and not the video, then it's thumbs up for 'Love & Lust' all the way. The melodies are out of this world; I, for one, would buy a concert ticket based on just the vocal acrobatics displayed in this track. The topic isn't rocket science, our leading man poses the question how can he tell if he's in love, or in love with some bombarse booty. On behalf of females everywhere Mr B (and every other male asking): if you have to ask, then We (the collective females of the World) can promise you - it's the latter. Problem solved.

Now if I'm honest, I went off Christina Milian some years back but, in 'Ride It' she reminds you of the promise that she once held. This isn't 'Dip It Low' Christina on this track, in other words, when she was at her mainstream best; this is the 'Get Away / Spending Time / Highway' version - in other words, at her absolute finest - no distractions, just great music. All about the bedroom battle, my money's on her, Mr Bellinger is owned in this one. Considering the stakes, it doesn't sound like you should be too sympathetic, I think he'll survive...Just.

'Cheater' is sexily misleading, as he's only feeling adulterous because he's been working on the mic, instead of his Mrs. For that he can be forgiven. Slow and sexy; fellas this one will help if all of your billable hours have been clocked in the board and not the bedroom. Consider it your warm up.

A tribute to the preggo, engaged ex that downgraded; 'Sarcastic' calls on British mate Chip (when he was still a 'munk'), to help avoid the 'drastic' response he's holding back from demonstrating, while still driving the point on home. Hot beat and those riffs...Ohhh, those riffs. The song doesn't even need lyrics if he's going to keep doing that. Who on Earth did she leave him for? If he doesn't run vocals like a Casey twin then I do not respect her. I doubt any of the ladies listening will disagree.

'25 to Life' is an interesting way of appreciating the female form... "If looks could kill then baby you'd be locked behind bars for eternity - 25 to life" You sort of want to be disgusted; if someone walked up and dropped that line in real life, it absolutely would not impress, but there is something about it being sung at you in a slick vocal arrangement that stops you vomiting over the forward button on your remote. I'm embarrassed to admit it works a little...much.

When I first read the title of 'Green Eggs & Ham' it immediately made me want to hop a plane, bound for my nearest iHop. I don't think I've ever actually seen green eggs (we're British, here that would probably just signal Salmonella or something); but after receiving the unique introduction in the form of that special bedtime story...well I think it's safe to say that most ladies end up keen to try some. The eggs sound good too...

In 'Such A Tease', you don't need to be told where and what this one is all about. A nice enough track, but after the sultry, hungry heat of  'Green Eggs & Ham', this is a 'spent' comparison and thus relegated to a 'take it or leave it' kind of track.

'Could've Had It All' is all about the silly female who didn't tell the truth about her relationship status and as a result, forfeited the world with a good man. Short and (sadly) sweet, this is Bellinger's most endearing track of the mixtape so far. Scoreworthy.

Now first of all, I want to go on record as saying that it's absolutely CRIMINAL that there is no video for 'Get It All' featuring Tank and Kevin McCall. Why would you deprave the female nation that way? Back to the track though and I think it's obvious that this is a pure ladies delight. Tank fires Cannons as always - this is most definitely what you need in your arsenal, gentleman. If you fail to hit the target with weapons like this, well...all metaphors aside, maybe you shouldn't be in battle. Ok, all bar one more.

Picking the pace back up, 'Fan of Me' Mann, this one goes toe-to-toe with the male competition. More suited to your car ride than your bedroom fairground, the ladies aren't really required for this. The bass will sound hot in your system, but in no way does it rev your motor...

Finishing fast, 'Help' featuring Chief waKiL, is something of a Superhero moment. Sent to "save the day", the beat is nice - yep, that 'N' word again - and it's a good track for ambience in the daytime, but I'd leave it off your 'Operation Flag Plant' playlist this Thursday.

From what I've heard on Eric's #InTheMeantime Soundcloud playlist, his teasers for 'Born II Sing, Vol. III' are infinitely superior to this overall strong body of work. I had the channel on repeat for hours on Saturday gone. Until that drops later this month however, employ these very strong tools at hand and download 'Vol. II' now...

Click to Download 'Born II Sing, Vol. 2' now...

Then connect with Eric via his Social Media Catalogue and be the first to hear all that 'Vol. III' news...

Twitter / Facebook

Soundcloud / YouTube

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Now Ladies and Gents alike, you're running out of time to benefit on those pretty trinkets and baubles from MyFlashTrash.com using my Special Brand Ambassador Code - what are you waiting for?

Have you got a favourite from the selection so far? Let me know in the comment box below, along with your thoughts on today's pick!

See you tomorrow for the last but one selection before the BIG Valentine's Review AND Interview this Thursday...Ladies - you can't ever say I'm not good to you...

Nitey-nite!
ES ;)

#ESPspotlight Review: '7 Days, 7 Mixtapes To Set The Mood' Valentine's Special: 4. 'LOOK UP', KIAH VICTORIA

Kiah Victoria is a 20-year-old Singer-Songwriter hailing from Manhattan. By way of Nairobi. By way of PG County. By way of Berlin. You could say she's well-travelled...

Swayed by those Broadway City lights at the tender age of 10; Kiah enjoyed success as the young lead in The Lion King, before going on to study at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music in NYU's Tisch School of Arts. You'd never guess her self-described passion for 'twerking' from 'Look Up', the 4-track EP I've chosen for Day 4's Soulful selection in the '7 Days, 7 Mixtapes To Set The Mood' #ESPspotlight Series.

Picture opening your eyes in dawn's early hours and having your vision settle on the face of someone special. At that exact moment you realise you're in love. As the weight of that realisation illuminates your thinking along with the weight of all that comes with it; pause the moment and hand the remote to Kiah, who will take the entire experience, condense that wash of emotion into 3:35 and entitle it 'Sunlight'. 

If you've ever seen the film August Rush and been swept up in the romance of Kerri Russell and Jonathan Rhys in their early scenes, then you fully understand what  'Rooftop' is all about. That mesmerising, heady intoxication that comes with instant chemical attraction will most definitely set your night up nicely - remember, namesakes are welcomed come the end of the year...

By 'Rise', I officially declared the 'Look Up' EP cuddle music. Even though this is actually a post-break up song about doing exactly what the title says after being crushed by your previously intoxicating love. It makes those in love want to cling tighter while those who relate...well this one makes us want to lay on the floor and just 'be' for a moment.

The vocal range really soars for 'Home'; which is a pretty amazing feat, considering Kiah manages not to overpower the song in anyway. In fact the power fits like the glove you should be wearing if my namesakes aren't the goal and objective this Thursday (PSA Alert). 'No glove, no love' people; "Settle for a Melody" instead, like the Lady herself says...

Short but sweet, this intimate snapshot is the perfect audio tool for a night that's destined to be memorable.

Download Kiah Victoria's 'Look Up' EP from her bandcamp page:

Download Kiah Victoria's 'Look Up' EP from bandcamp now

Connect with Kiah via her Social Media Catalogue, let her know your thoughts on her mixtape and let me know what you think about my take on it!

Twitter / Facebook

Bandcamp / YouTube

If 'Look Up' leaves you contemplating rings or some other gift to commemorate the occasion, make sure you take advantage of my Special Ambassador Code at MyFlashTrash.com...

See you in 24 for my Day 3 Selection!

Nitey-Nite...

ES :)

#ESPspotlight Review: '7 Days, 7 Mixtapes To Set The Mood' Valentine's Special, 5: 'HAPPY 2 YEAR', MALICE & MARIO SWEET

If music be the food of love, then feed me a married couple making 'sweet' music about their blissful love. No really. They exist. They're called Malice and Mario Sweet and they celebrated their Valentine's Day by releasing a joint mixtape - to each other!

'Happy 2 Year' is my Day 5 choice not only because of the backstory of a couple so devoted that they would actually release a project like this and have it actually be good and not remotely annoying; or because I want to help them spread the word and raise much needed funds for their follow up project 'Enjoy: Like: Love' via Indiegogo (more about that later). It's because the conversational concept reminds me of one of my favourite 90s albums by a duo that I always assumed were in a relationship, but was never quite sure of...R&B Heads, do we remember 'Mars/Venus' by Koffee Brown?

Back to Mr and Mrs Sweet who intro with 'Happy 2 Year'. It's a grimy Hip Hop open that gives you the stinkface. You know that kind of dirty beat that makes you want to squoosh your face and go "urrrrrrgh!" As you bop your head, preferably with a gold grill? Yeah, not at all what you would expect. Love it.

'Speed of Light' is another left-field swerve that you instantly warm to. Fast-paced, energetic and full of the joys of electronic love; Mr and Mrs sweep you on their journey without choking you in their loved up fog. Everyone stays buckled in for this ride, leaving no singleton behind.

'Date Night' is like that first sip of the best cocktail you've ever had. You know that moment right when the flavour explodes on your tongue? This is where they hit what you would expect from a Soul mixtape paying tribute to one another, but the result is everything you're hoping it wouldn't be. At no point do you want to vom from the love overdose. Instead, you want a continuation. A win-win for the ladies from start to finish, with Malice's open talking about that date shoe game that every female can relate to, while Mario brings his Musiq Soulchild game and that my friends, will always be a winner with me.

"My turn, your turn, our turn, it's give and take..." The first solo offering is a personal pledge of love in a ode to continued commitment, which is probably why 'Malice' is titled after it's namesake. A genuinely 'Sweet' vibe.

'Love and Friendship' is SMOOTH. I don't think you understand; with the sexy french jazz twist on some funky, but laid back neosoul, this one tells a tale about spending time with your love. You can just picture the anniversary trip to Paris as they talk about spending quality time just enjoying each other. A real life glimpse into what most match.com'ers are aspiring to - this is Love.

'Happiness featuring Choklate' is a nice little burst of early 00's R&B Dance. It actually sent me on a fruitless hunt for the late 90s/early 00s track it reminds me of throughout, the name and UK singers of which is plaguing my brain - suggestions in the box below if you hear it too, ease my mental torture please!

Back to the current and you're once again surprised at the high-energy in a mixtape that if you're honest, you're not expecting much from beyond a lovefest so mellow it's horizontal. Choklate adds a nice filling, ensuring this slice stays Sweet to the last bite (I remain forever unapologetic for every single one of those puns).

Next up it's the turn of Mr 'Mario' for his 1:56 of devotion to his Mrs. I do feel sorry for the pressure some of you fellas are put under by AllStars like this. You may want to start warming up those chords now...Grab a triangle if you can't croon...Something. Check out the visual that's embarrassing your plans for Milk Tray and roses on YouTube:

Practice Gentlemen, PRACTICE.

'Living Life featuring Geo (Blue Scholars)' is 80s electro-R&B and I love it. It makes me want to rock bright pleather, shoulder pads and jheri curl the life outta my hair til Pepsi endorse me. For what, I don't know, but it needs to be in neon lights. When Malice throws that little 'Control'-era Janet moment in there, it fully cements fandom for life. Every time. Get it Girl! Very nice sprinkling from Geo.

'Date Night (Remix)' is an extended mix of the earlier smoothness with extra vocals. The vibe between Malice and Mario really is love spilled over into song. Love it, love it, Love. It.

'Happiness (Bboy Mix) featuring Choklate' does exactly what it says on the tin - gives the track the early rap style treatment courtesy of  DJ BlesOne. Can't say I love the addition, it's the only one I could take or leave, so unless it's for betterment or fresh flavour, I'm never a fan of this type of remix. Sort of like Jagged Edge's 'Promise' remix or Mariah's 'The One' (both the fault of Jermaine Dupri) - you can't better perfection, so why bother trying?

This is such a sleek, beautiful project that overall, the last bump isn't enough to blemish this truly excellent body of work that almost two years old, leaves you antsy for the next.

On that topic, you may remember my mention of the couple's follow up at the start. 'Enjoy: Like: Love' is, according to the 'Sweets' Indiegogo campaign, en route to being complete, but they need a little help. Halfway to their funding goal to cover the rest of the recording process, visit their page before the Valentine's Day deadline if you feel like giving the lovers the gift of a little Sweet Love...

Did you catch the little announcement at the end? Are these two not just too cute for LIFE? Congratulations Mr and Mrs Sweet!

Download 'Happy 2 Year' from The Sweets bandcamp page now:

maliceandmariosweet.com

Then connect with the toothache two via their Social Media Catalogue:

Twitter / Facebook

Bandcamp / YouTube

Click to visit MFT and get 15% off your total order

And if the sweets from The Sweets have left you inspired and in the mood to shower with gifts of affection, don't forget that you have 4 days left to take advantage of my special MyFlashTrash.com Brand Ambassador Code. Make someone feel lovely!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for my Day 4 selection, I've got goodies planned for you all the way up to the big day, with the bonus of a little something special for the ladies this Thursday...Let me know if you're liking the selections - comments in the usual place (box below)!

Until tomorrow...

ES ;)

#ESPspotlight Review: '7 Days, 7 Mixtapes' Valentine's Special, Day 6 - Human Condition: Doleo EP, Wynter Gordon

Now I'm not going to pretend that I knew who Wynter Gordon was before I chanced upon her Stimela video earlier this morning...

She's a hottie, right? Immediately mesmerised by the steamy sensuality, I went on an instahunt for the Doleo EP that the track hails from and discovered an audio and visual candyland.

Clearly she's the perrrrfect choice for the first girl to step up to the plate in my '7 Days, 7 Mixtapes to Set the Mood' Valentine's Special - I mean you see her and you hear her, right? I knew you'd understand! Ok so about this mixtape...

What struck me about Giving In on my first play, was how much Wynter (I even love her name - and if you know me, then you know I hate the cold with a passion; it's a mystery that I'm even British...) takes me back to the first time I ever heard Trip Hop. Literally. The very first time. I remember where I was, my brief obsession with it and everything. The second standout was a floating Sade moment in the back of my mind. Hours later, I still can't pinpoint the exact connection for me, but there is definitely something.

Wynter Gordon's 'Human Condition Part 1: Doleo' EP

Now I don't know about you, but it's very rare for me to have one lightening bolt moment, listening to new music.

To have two, within seconds of  the other, during track one...well that's when you start throwing salt over your left shoulder and trying not to speak in tongues, as far as I'm concerned. Yes I like this one. Just in case that wasn't clear.

The aforementioned Stimela is really just too hot for words. I don't know who 'Trevor' is, but you can't blame the poor bloke for not leaving her alone, this song is as hypnotic as it's singer. The big range Wynter exercises is used to perfection and doesn't overpower the track's tempered pace. I have no idea what half the lyrics translate to, or even what language they're in, but my ears are glued to her every utterance. Hot. Just hot. Seriously.

Waiting is a big Rock track that weirdly isn't out of place in the epic bedroom moment that is this mixtape. Lamenting over the  tale of age-old wayward partner emotionally absent from the relationship; you really can't help wanting to slap the unseen offender upside the head for his actions. I mean has he not seen her?

One of my favourites of the project, you can't help loving Kids but being weirded out by it, considering the subject matter is not bedroom material at all - far from it. Angrily talking to the childhood friend who's gone off the rails leaving those who care most about her to pick up the pieces, if you pay close attention to the story that unfolds, it's actually extremely dark and painfully told.

"I was your mistress, top of your hitlist, I was your girl..." You fully believe Wynter does many a Bad Thing in this self-depricating story but somehow, you know that you'll like every one of them. Another dark one, she sings about being the toxic bad girl that you just know all the good boys fall for, breaking all the good girls' hearts because they just can't stay away from her allure. Think a modern day Carmen Jones. I need another word for the level of heat...Fireball. Let's go with that...

No Hush is my second favourite. More uptempo than the rest of the set, but still keeping the steam levels slow and sensual, she's not the only one in need by the time she gets to that second plea to "tell me that you love me or I just can't give it away...". Fellas, it's not nice to keep a girl waiting to that degree. All that's missing is one of those counter top bells that you hit to ring and Wynter calling out "Service Please"!

Don't Waste Your Time is a sexy slow rap sing-song about the fool that let this gorgeous girl slip away. Foolish, foolish man - she's never coming back, she's too far gone, don't you know...

The closer is my final favourite of this set. Nervous featuring Travie Scott brings the whole EP full circle in a potent Trip Hop, meets Hip Hop meets R&B blend that is just smothered in hot sauce. With teasing vocals designed to drive you to the edge of self-control ("You know I'm the bomb, I'm like candy on your arm, when I play, I play for keeps"); that Carmen / Lolita persona comes right back to close things out with just enough bad girl neediness to leave those good boys convinced she's a wild one they can tame. Something tells me they'll soon find out the hard way; falling for that old chesnut is how this lady ensures she always wins the game...

Download 'Human Condition: Doleo' by Wynter Gordon from bandcamp now...

Click to Download from Bandcamp

Connect with Wynter via her Social Media Catalogue:

Twitter / Facebook / YouTube

Bandpage

Click to get 15% off your order...

Now Ladies, if like me, your 'Independent Woman' fire has been fuelled more than usual by the fiesty cold of Wynter; don't forget that my special, MyFlashTrash.com Brand Ambassador code works for you too; you can buy something pretty for the Mr or, gift yourselves like I did...

Well now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to indulge in Wynter's 'Human Condition Part 2: Sanguine' EP; you can too from that very same bandcamp page above!

Nitey-nite....!

ES ;)