So of course you all already know that I am in the business of promoting spoken word artists globally, right? Well about two weeks ago I was in a chat room at someone’s online radio show when a poet whom I have come to respect and enjoy his poetic works made mention that he was preparing for an album release and was running pre-sales; well I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to check out the works of this Oklahoman Poet. Mannie the Poet was just preparing for his sophomore project “Reinvention” and he makes good on his commitment to do so as this is a transformation from his debut album “Openly Crying” which was released under the moniker “Defiant Sun”. Now Mannie is no new kid on the block when it comes to the spoken word thing; he has left his words on stages from the NY to the big O.

So let’s get to it. I spent the better part of a week slowly listening to Reinvention; track by track, breaking down the poetry, studying the music, and letting it swish around a little bit before swallowing it whole like a shot of good bourbon. Let me say, I called Mannie several times every time I found something new that caught my mind and to talk about what I was listening to. This project is filled with pain, love, suffering, overcoming, and struggle….life! It is laced with beats that you can ride to and some you can chill with, but all compliment their story. As indie artists—particularly in poetry—this is really important and I think Mannie and his engineers got it!

My Take

Arrangement and Engineering: From beginning to end this CD is well arranged; it has continuity, good transitions, and a full storyline from track one to eighteen. Oh yeah, eighteen tracks with some bonus stuff for those who buy the hardcopy. From poetry enthusiast to those who like the hip-hop beat, this is a project that will indeed leave you happy.

Lyrical Depth & Value: I find that the storytelling and poetic message that Mannie provides in this project to be relevant and even the most well versed individuals can learn a lesson or two from the messages in and between the lines of this poet. I expect to hear more of his work hitting podcast shows, and poetry circuits.

Edutainment Factor: This project both entertain as well sustains thought for the listener to ponder and reflect on life and world issues. The one thing I noticed about this project is that there are no comedic poems, so it tells me that this poet has something serious to say and that it is no laughing matter. So, prepare to be moved mentally and spiritually. Contains: Politics, Love, Sensuality, Consciousness, and Erotic contents.

Replay Value: High, I have listened to this CD 5 times in the past week and it is currently in my car waiting to be fired up again as I drive to work tomorrow.

Price: at $12.99 (CD format) this is a decent price value for this amount of work.

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Have a listen to "Because of You" (one of my favorite tracks thus far)


*Note. the reviews are based on personal value and opinion, and is non-biased. FVC receives no benefits for its reviews and are not designed to sway artist sales.

Ok, so I met this sister on twitter just this morning where she decided for some good reason to follow me, and in reciprocation I did so in kind to only find that she is an independent artist who has just released her album. So, you guys know me, I am a sucker for indie artist and I love supporting GOOD music. In a few clicks of her myspace page I was hooked and I clicked on over to my favorite site for indie music, CDBaby and purchased her new album “Walk with Me” as a download, and not knowing what to expect on such an impulse buy, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found inside this package delivered by Rachel Walker.

You know what it’s like walking down the street finding $5 at feet just at the moment of deciding on how to pay the bills and needing something to eat? Maybe not, but I do and I think you get the idea. I was absolutely and presently ignited as I listed to the melodic rhythms of Rachel’s work, I mean I found myself humming the lines of “Beautiful Memory” which reminded me of that feel-good and soulfulness of a Karen White, Chante Moore, or even the 411 days of MJ, but she has a pizzazz that makes her stand out from the two.

What I love so much about “Walk with Me” is that it covers and praises love, life, and pain without being to cumbersome on the soul, but rather a refreshing touch that you will easily be singing the hooks in your car and around the house and alone I hope.

My Take
Arrangement and Engineering: From beginning to end this CD is well arranged and professional, it even has that polish of a major label, but is of course from and indie artist. In all I think you’ll be left wanting to rewind and repeat this album.

Lyrical Depth & Value: In these times of lyrical dilution and auto-tune it really hard to listen to music without cringing or getting irritated a little. Well “Walk with Me” is a definite relief to your pain. Song-to-song the content is very captivating and is perfect for the car and office.

Edutainment Factor: This album is a spinner and the work has far more than entertainment to it, it contains material that touches the emotions and proves to be delectable to the soul.

Replay Value: Extremely High, I have listened to this CD 4 times in just the few hours I have had it today.

Price: at $8.99 (download) this is an awesome value for this quality of work.

BUY NOW

Have a listen to "Beautiful Memory"



*Note. the reviews are based on personal value and opinion, and is non-biased. FVC receives no benefits for its reviews and are not designed to sway artist sales.

EARTHOLOGY is sort of a doxology for the mind and spirit. As a recent student of Floyd Boykins' work I expected something uplifting and educating, but what I got was an explosion of high spirited DOPE that has me hooked to this composition of work which is Floyd's third cd release. From beginning to end I was captured by the truth and anecdote that describe his view of the world around him. In this 13 track body of work Floyd and his collaborators take you from one place in reality beginning with the explosive piece "Fantasy World" to "Build Me A World" featuring the awesome and international poet Tantra-Zawadi, and you are left feigning for yet another injection of this DOPE project.

My Take
Arrangement and Engineering: From beginning to end this CD grabs the attention of even the most least attentive listener and will leave you wanting to rewind.

Lyrical Depth & Value: The artist involved indeed put together a great piece of work and knew the scope of the project. Song-to-song the content is very relevant and necessary in these times. A great deal of thought and study went into this body of work...just listen!

Edutainment Factor: This collection of work has far more than entertainment to it, it contains material that is relevant to our time and is something that can be passed on to later generations.

Replay Value: Extremely High, I have listened to this CD 7 times in the past week.

Price: at $9.99 this is a great value for this quality of work.

Have a listen to "She Could Be My Wife"


Other's Take:
Aaron Johnson - You will want to listen to this album over and over. As I listened to it for the first time, I couldn't wait until the end so I could listen to it again from the beginning. The positive message that runs throughout this album is powerful, inspiring, and uplifting. The music - well, it is just rock solid. The underlying theme is RESPECT. Floyd Boykin, Jr. challenges us to respect ourselves, our families, our brothers, our sisters, our community, and our world. Let's accept the challenge.


CHILL - This is the best "compliation" poetry CD I have ever heard. It's kind of like the "mixtape for spoken word." The rhythms, vocals, and messages are all on point!

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*Note. the reviews are based on personal value and opinion, and is non-biased. FVC receives no benefits for its reviews and are not designed to sway artist sales.

Today I had the wonderful opportunity to check out a phenomenal body of work for a sista that I have the opportunity of knowing and can call cousin. Now of course she is not a blood relative, but in this art we are all family.

Sherri "Blaque Athena" Branson hailing from Baltimore, has quickly grown into a respected poet amongst her piers who began as a written poet and fan of spoken word artist such as Sekou tha Misfit, Taalam Acey, Komplex, Ursula Rucker, Nikki Giovanni, and other renaissance poets.

"Liquefy" a debut project for Sherri, starts off with the track "Naked", which really drew me in, from the raw question "Can I Undress In Front of You?" to the grungy keys that set the melody for the remainder of the album. A collection of poetry laced with melodic tracks that add to the scenery that Sherri creates with her words. "Liquefy" is a giveback/appreciation project for the fans of her work, which she shares at every open mic she can drag herself to. What I love so much about the project is the fact that I have listened to many indie artist and their debut albums which had a lot less polish.

My Take
Lyrical Depth & Value: In "Liquefy" Sherri challenges the listeners with thought provoking lyrics filled with consciousness, love, sensuality, sexuality, and self appreciation. This body of work was adequately titled for she puts it all on the line; honest and naked and at times funny...I love it!

Arrangement and Engineering: A good arrangement and collection of poetry that’s sure to tantalize your mind on the first listen.

Edutainment Factor: This collection of work has far more than entertainment to it, it contains material that is relevant to our time and is something that can be passed on to later generations.

Replay Value: moderate to high, I have listened to this CD 3 times in the past week.

Price: at $9.99 is a good value for this collection of work.

Have a listen to "Naked"


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*Note. the reviews are based on personal value and opinion, and is non-biased. FVC receives no benefits for its reviews and are not designed to sway artist sales.