Love is just a word…until someone gives it meaning…

Music lovers, it’s been a minute (okay nearly an entire year) but it’s once again that time for a MESH. mixtape featuring a compilation of some of the hottest jams and grooves there is to offer.

What is love? Why do we obsess over it so much? When we question love, we tend to question ourselves. It’s the greatest mystery, the greatest comfort, the greatest hurt, it is Love’s Query. MESH‘s latest mixtape has the R&B/Neo-Soul lover in mind with soothing vibes and tracks all about the enigma that is love. With “Love’s New Image” the mixtape explores recent tracks about the ins and outs of love while also dabbling into love’s greatest relative–lust. “Love’s Old Soul” brings it back  as the neo-soul tunes effortlessly caresses the deepest thought of love, live, and learning. Discover some new songs and many classics from some of your favorite artists like Drake, Bilal, Tweet, Jill Scott, Maxwell, Beyonce, Aaliyah and more. This mixtape is sure to relax your mind and take you on a journey of question, doubt and understanding…..a journey of love.

Download MESH. The Music Vol. IV- Love’s Query Mixtape HERE

Let me know how you like it…

Cj..

MESH.

The rasp-jazz songstress, Erykah Badu, takes us back to her musical roots with this captivating new single. The highly-anticipated “Window Seat” from her upcoming album New Amerykah Part Two: The Return of the Ankh is just the soothing cut I’ve been waiting to hear from her. The lyrics are executed perfectly alongside its smooth production. I wasn’t a huge fan of New Amerykah Part One: 4th World War, so hopefully this is reflective of what to expect from the sequel. The album is expected to drop on March 30th.

[ Erykah Badu - Window Seat ]

Aisha

Promotional cover for the upcoming New Amerykah Part Two: The Return of the Ankh

The “maybe” is hilarious. She’s serious about not releasing it if it leaks prematurely.

Cj..

The title says it all, after hearing this song that’s the first thing I had in mind, I Like It. The former Missy Elliot protege, Nicole Wray, famously known for her ’98 single “Make It Hot“, has decided to make a comeback and i’m not mad. “I Like It” has a very old school vibe, especially it’s production. Her vocals are reminiscent of a mix between Fantasia, Chrisette Michele, and Erykah Badu. I know, but trust me it’s good. This track is the first single off of her upcoming album Ms America. Let us know what you think !

[Download - Nicole Wray - I Like It]

- Aisha

Underrated \??n-d?(r)-?r?t\-to not be aware or take account of the full abilities or potential of.

Take that definition in. I’ll wait for it to marinate in your mind a bit. Ready? Okay, here we go.

The music industry is known for many great artist and talents. It’s also known for several individuals attempting to reach a certain caliber of respect and celebrity. In this fight for true recognition, there can be a mixup of who receives deserving attention and whose talents are almost blatantly ignored. The artists who produce quality music and don’t receive the attention they deserve via sales, awards, or any other type of recognition are referred to as ‘underrated’ artists. Now, we’ve all got our own ideas of who deserves the most attention in the music industry and the following is mine: 

Only a few of the popular artists of the time truly deserve the attention they garner (i.e. Beyoncé, Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne, Usher, etc.) while others not so much (Rihanna and others of her kind).

There is a odd disconnect from quality music and attention. Although I’m glad a vast majority of the better artists in the world do not have their works tarnished by ‘going mainstream’, I do feel that certain artist should gain more recognition for their musical genius.

Here is a list of  the twenty recent most underrated R&B artist (in my opinion). No particular order.

1. Tamia

2. Anthony Hamilton

3. Raheem DeVaughn

4. Bilal

5. Kelly Rowland

6. Lloyd

7. Mario

8. Solange

9. Dwele

10. Sammie

11. Jill Scott

12. India Arie

13. Tiffany Evans

14. Cherish

15. Amerie

16. Joss Stone

17. Raphael Saadiq

18.  Musiq Soulchild

19. Tweet

20. Erykah Badu

Cj

Let me know who I forgot or your favorite ‘underrated’ artist.

It’s time for a vintage (okay not vintage) but throwback video. This edition features two videos from the same artist. Erykah Badu‘s “Bag Lady” and “Love of My Life” are classic videos in her neo-soul, funk genre. One a tale of emotional baggage while the other a ode to hip hop and love, Erykah Badu’s music has always had an interesting take on emotion, politics, art, and life. 

Enjoy.

-Cj