TAGS : phonte

YahZarah recently dropped her latest album, The Ballad of Purple Saint James, and, damn, let me tell you it doesn’t disappoint. The entire project is an extremely well-produced trip through funk, soul, R&B, and even rock that can get your booty shakin’ or eyes cryin’. From ballads to foot-stompers, YahZarah has you covered on this record. The lead single is actually a fine representation of that fact, too, as “Why Dontcha Call Me No More” features a huge hook, moody breakdowns,  and driving production. I wasn’t sure how the track would translate visually considering all the directions that could have been taken, but godDAMN did they choose the right route with this one. Matt Koza, who shot previous Foreign Exchange videos, takes us back to the ’80s with ridiculous wigs, insane make-up, and outrageous outfits.

Hit the skip to check out the video and I dare you not to laugh at Nicolay and Phonte. Good luck.

There are not many albums that have dropped in the past few years that I have played as much as the Foreign Exchange’s Leave It All Behind. Sure, a big reason for that was I was going through a rough break-up and could easily relate to all of the sentiments expressed through the LP’s lyrics. But it went beyond mere relation to the emotions expressed both vocally and instrumentally. Phonte and Nicolay with the help of YahZarah, Darien Brockington, Muhsinah, and others created  what was, to be blunt, a beautifully crafted, nearly perfect R&B/soul album. And while the Grammy’s are kind of a crock, the awards committee still makes some fine choices now and then. Most notably, they nominated the Foreign Exchange’s “Daykeeper” for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. While they lost to Maxwell (who also deserved the nod), hopefully next year they will bring the gramophone trophy.

Hit the jump to watch a mini-documentary outlining just how the Foreign Exchange got to the Grammy’s along with an acoustic performance of “I Wanna Know” and “Daykeeper”.

Stones Throw just released the new Strong Arm Steady video for “Best Of Times” (Feat. Phonte). The track is featured on their album In Search of Stoney Jackson produced by Madlib. Please check it out and let us know what you think.