Anyone familiar with the tunes of Blitz the Ambassador expects a certain level of creative craftsmanship. The crispiness of fresh rhythms, energy and emotion he pours into his lyrics makes something of the listening experience. After two EPs (Soul Rebel and Double Consciousness) and one studio album, (Stereotype), the Ambassador brings it home full [...]

  This summer, Ghanaian-born artist Kae Sun released his new EP “Outside the Barcode.”  This album, like Kae Sun’s other creative pursuits, is hard to classify and almost impossible to succinctly explain.  With musical roots that extend from traditional Ghanaian folk chants to American hip-hop, Kae Sun is known for songs that masterfully blend the [...]

  Ghanaian-born rapper Blitz the Ambassador aims to bring American hip-hop back to its roots, away from the focus on bling-bling, hoes, fast cars, and money. Blitz’s music is far removed from the hip-hop usually played on radio airwaves.  He rhymes about the struggle of people of the inner city without glorifying murder, drugs, and [...]

  Mainstream music may have overshadowed reggae on conventional radio, but this seems to have no bearing on its dynamism. Perhaps it explains why “Download the Revolution” from Rocky Dawuni’s latest reggae-toned CD strikes a chord with listeners. The lyrics undoubtedly suggest the insurgence of a more conscious kind of music.   The 11-song album, [...]

  On a grassy knoll in Central Pennsylvania stands the house in which I had some intimate encounters with Miriam Makeba in my college days. Rafiki House, as it is still known, was the place all African students would take retreat and to it bring all kinds of food, games, humor and music. Those among [...]

  While Take Back the Mic, Soulfège’s latest album, echoes their usual afrofunk, reggae and hip hop melodic style, it evenly represents each genre. The new release, compared to their previous record, Heavy Structured Plus, better demonstrates their eclecticism while staying as musical and educational as usual.   The 11-track album features a collaborative song, [...]

    I have a very eclectic taste in music. My CDs range from the Tarzan and Lion King Soundtracks to the latest Alicia Keys and John Legend albums. I love the variety and diversity of music. It is no wonder, then, that I have taken a liking to Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo’s latest album [...]

  Snakeskin Violin is a rich composition of Malian traditional rhythmic blues fused with that of Mississippi’s. Markus James’ newest 15-track album beautifully captures the essence of blues music from worlds of crossed paths: America and Africa.   This collaborative work with several Malian master musicians: Hassi Sare (njarka violin), Mamadou Sidibe (calabash, vocals), Vieux [...]

  A newbie he is, but one with potential. Mekka Don’s 23-track mix tape sure does give a taste of what he brings to the world of hip hop, but with most of his beats pulled from past hits, it leaves you wondering what his debut album is going to sound like.  The bright side [...]

  The smooth, gentle yet powerful tones of The Return is both pacifying and empowering. Euphonic tunes with words hopping on strings of traditional African rhythms are simply a foretaste of its beauty.   The album is a fitting demonstration of Sali’s aptitude – the soft, gentle flowing sounds can be said to represent one [...]