The Urban Gentleman

Lupe Fiasco: Solar Midnite

For those of you who haven’t seen it yet. This is the newest video from Lupe Fiasco for “Solar Midnite”, it’s a bonus track to the New Moon soundtrack.

Lupe’s third album Lasers, is expected to be released early next year.

Kid Cudi Pursuit of Happiness Video

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Kid Cudi.
Pursuit of Happiness. 2009.
Featuring MGMT and Ratatat.
Video Cameos: Drake and Consequence.

Video Throwback: Boyz II Men “Motown Philly”

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When are we going to have another Boyz II Men?

Mayer Hawthorne: He Makes the Girls Go Wild

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I won’t call it blue-eyed soul, that’s cliche’… plus his eyes aren’t even blue. What I will call it however, is panty-throwing soul music, lol. Too crude? I hope not, but that’s exactly what Mayer Hawthorne will possibly have the ladies doing in due time. Drawing his inspiration from Smokey Robinson, Curtis Mayfield, and the legendary songwriting and production trio of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, and Eddie Holland Jr. this retro soul singer just has it. Yes, it- that special something that few new artist have embodied these past few years.

Press Play:

(listen to about 30 seconds then continue reading the rest, with the song playing).

Would it be too much to say I have impeccable taste in music, hmmm I think not… I just sorta have that indiscriminate ear for the best, eh, what can I say (as I dust my shoulders off), lol. No but seriously, very few artist make me fall in love with their music after only listening to a singular track, but Mr. Hawthorne somehow became one of the hand full of artist who left me that mesmerized. I was introduced to the new era soul singer not too long ago by Urban Gentleman Fan Robert (aka Russ), and, well, Mayer Hawthorne has been on repeat in my itunes player ever since. Did I mention how much I love urban gent fans? well I do, you guys are best.

When listening to his music, it feels like he’s an old pro. But actually the Detroit, Michigan native never ever planned on making an album full of soulful- doo wop- finger snapping hits, he was actually a DJ and if anything would have emerged on the scene as a hip-hop artist. Then one day his “on the side, playful, sort of a joke” Mayer (his middle name) Hawthorne (the name of the street he grew up on) material got into the hands of DJ and Stones Throw Records head Peanut Butter Wolf. To say the least, Mr. Wolf went wild, especially when he learned Mayer played most of the instruments on his tracks, wrote the songs, and of course sung it all like he was beamed in straight from Detroit circa 1969.

Has this unsuspecting soul singer began a movement that will put Hitsville, USA back on the map? Well… I darn sure hope so, anybody who’s somebody knows Motown is #1, so a return to those classic sounds would only bring happiness to these hard (recession) times.

His debut album, A Strange Arrangement drops September 9th, that’s right 09.09.09. Pick it up at record stores near you or online at Stones Throw Records.

the answer is yes. yes that is a heart shaped vinyl. Mr. Mayer is a vinyl collector so he wanted to make sure his first album was sort of a collector’s edition for DJs and vinyl connoisseurs.

Check out more Mayer Hawthorne:
Official Label Page: http://www.stonesthrow.com/mayerhawthorne
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mayerhawthorne

Mayer Hawthorne: Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out (Official Video)

Mayer Hawthorne: Maybe So, Maybe No Video (*Official Video)

One of the best songs, if not the best song, on his album is sort of like an ode to his native city. “Maybe So, Maybe No” is a cover of Motown’s legendary Detroit group The Holidays. The original song is one of Mayer Hawthorne’s favorite songs (ever).

He also has a song on the album entitled, “I Wish it Would Rain”.
Which I’m sure is inspired by David Ruffin and the Temptations.

Mayer Hawthorne’s “I Wish it Would Rain”

Soooo, what do you guys think?

I’d love to see Bobby Ray (B.O.B), Mayer Hawthorne, and Janelle Monae on a track together that’s partially written and produced by Andre 3000... that’d be crazy hot. And then if they made a video together? Omg… craaaazy. There could even be a remix of the track with Adele or Kate Perry…. sick-o-ning. I’d love it.

B.o.B – Put Me On (Reebok Classic Remix ’09)

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When I wake up from a full night of sleep
I put my best foot forward indeed
And as the colors begin to sing
They seem to say to me “Come On”
You gotta put me on (4x)

Ever since I first arrived here
I’ve been on the run like an eye tear
And it took me a while to get my life steered
But now I’m in the moment, while I reside here
Yup, that’s why I coordinate with my gear
So you can feel the feng shui as soon as I’m near
Yeah, and people have the nerve to say that I’m weird
But you just in a box, so get your mind cleared
Yeah, yeah, that good music man we got it here
So we can get the vibe high like a light gear
Or maybe, fly high like five deer
Call me Santa Claus, when I come through I gotta put ‘em on

When I wake up from a full night of sleep
I put my best foot forward indeed
And as the colors begin to sing
They seem to say to me “Come On”
You gotta put me on (4x)

Well ever since I was eleven
I have found heaven in my self expression
Huh, no, my childhood I never left it
Yes, I’m still a big kid though I never stress it
Yet, memory is evanescent
So I make moves with a special method
That allow my dreams to be manifested
So you’re past the promised land, no I can’t accept it
This life I live is a very blessed one
So, that’s why fans have many questions
Yet, I still leave many guessing
I’m an artist, so I gotta have a bad collection
I put ‘em on

When I wake up from a full night of sleep
I put my best foot forward indeed
And as the colors begin to sing
They seem to say to me “Come On”
You gotta put me on (4x)

Behind the Scenes of the Video:

Reebok did good with this one. Whoever it was that chose to remake A Tribe Called Quest’s Bonita Applebum with B.O.B as the artist should get a raise…. because the video actually makes me want to buy a pair

Two Thumbs up Reebok.

Don’t you just love how this song makes you feel so relaxed, great music for a Friday. As I listen to the song I keep thinking “Bonita Applebum you gotta put me on, bonita applebum I said you gotta put me on, Bonita Applebum you gotta put me on, bonita applebum I said you gotta put me on bonita bonita bonita bonita”. lol- gotta love late 80s/early 90s hip hop… and I think A Tribe Called Quest sampled this song from Stevie Wonder, not sure which song though.

For more Bobby Ray aka BoB go here.

Video Flashback: Pharrell “Frontin”

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one of my favorite videos.
with two of the prettiest chicks in our generation
(probably more like the hottest to you guys)
lanisha cole, lauren london.

plus the song is relaxing, and chill
nice for a calm summer day.