Listen to “It Ain’t Fair” by Craig Marker on SoundCloud

"It Ain’t Fair" is inspired by a friend of Markers and is a story of resilience and resolve that says adversity doesn't need to define us. Marker went through college with him without knowing the friend's entire experience, which made it easy for Marker to come to his own conclusion about his friend's actions. When his friend eventually told him, the Seattle musician was inspired to share his friend's story. Marker says it was a big reminder and revelation that someone’s story is more than meets the eye.

Meet Alternative Singer "Angelica Collado" from Brooklyn, New York

Songwriter and singer from Brooklyn New York, following her dreams of music! Her goal is to create music that will promote individualilty and true expression! 

Stream & Purchase "Clay" EP by Ella Haber (R&B)

The only woman featured on Worldwide FM’s Sydney broadcast, and having recently produced her first old out all-femme-identifying showcase featuring musicians, visual artists, poets and DJs, 20-year-old Ella Haber has worked toward her debut for 15 years.

Shocked by a hushed crowd reaction at her first public performance, Ella’s realisation her voice could halt and occupy an audience’s thoughts bleeds into all aspects of her life. With early demos of her debut EP, CLAY, reaching the ears of Brisbane-raised, London-based musician Jordan Rakei, the recent Ninja Tune signee - impressed with her vibrant songwriting and compositions - lent his production chops to the project, arranging and recording live instrumentation at Old Paradise Audio in London, while Ella worked on vocal recordings in Sydney.

Stream & Purchase "DAWN" album by Emma Donovan & The Putbacks (Soul)

Acclaimed indigenous vocalist Emma Donovan and Melbourne rhythm combo The PutBacks come together to bring you Dawn – an LP of hard hitting and heartfelt soul songs telling stories of grief, struggle and redemption. Dawn is a gritty, uniquely Australian record, simultaneously classic and contemporary. The songwriting is in turns optimistic, angry and melancholic, and on occasions bruisingly honest. The music is fluid, live and raw, recorded in one room on eight channels of analog tape and the electric connection between Emma and the band comes through in every beat.

Dawn takes some cues from the burgeoning soul revival, but it’s a far looser interpretation than many releases in the style. This is no attempt at reviving a bygone era. There’s no horn section. There’s more rock in there. There’s more country in there. There’s more, in Emma’s words, “blackfella music” in there. The songwriting is more akin to classic Aboriginal bands like Coloured Stone than it is to Sharon Jones. The sentiment is personal, for both Emma and the band, and forward looking, rather than revivalist. Shades of every soul record you ever liked sneak through: Al Green’s Hi Records era? Check. Aretha’s Classic Atlantic recordings? Check. Stacks of Stax? Check. It’s all there, but all different. Dawn is it’s own thing, indigenous Australian soul. From the ferocious opening salvo of Black Woman to the sweet and gentle comedown of Over Under Away, Dawn is above all a journey through Emma’s life written in song.

Stream & Purchase "Stay Tuned" album by Dominique Fils-Aimé on Bandcamp

'Stay Tuned!' is Dominique Fils-Aimé’s sophomore album, the follow-up to her debut full length 'Nameless', part of her trilogy that brings to center stage the resiliency of mankind in the face of adversity and oppression and pays homage to Afro-American history and culture.

In this second recording, containing 14 original songs, Dominique delves into the civil rights movement of the 60s and explores several significant socio-political events which deeply affected the course of black history (Lincoln Hills Country Club, Little Nine Rock, Emmett Till). She honours unsung heroes of the civil liberties movement as well as historical figures of the time such as Rosa Parks, Joséphine Baker, Lena Horne, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King.

The album combines elements of soul, jazz, gospel and blends vocal harmonies, double bass, piano and trumpet over stirring and permuting grooves. Stay Tuned!’s lush vocal arrangements bring out Dominique’s voice as a stand-alone instrument, giving prominence to the words and the message she carries. Part rebellious and fiery, part sentimental and intimate, Dominique embodies afro-american music from then and now, all the while highlighting its defying power in a violent and divisive society. Breaking away from the standards of traditional compositions, the singer and songwriter presents a body of work focused on liberated musical forms hinting at the spirit of jazz.

Moving on from the blues-tinged 'Nameless'—which boldly confronted historical silences and sorrows—'Stay Tuned!' is both a call for and reminder of revolution expressed with the fury of red-hot jazz.

Listen to "The Journey" album by Rippy Austin on Bandcamp

Every once in a while, a rare individual arises on the landscape who exudes an exceptional level of artistic achievement and integrity. That individual is an artist who sets the pace, and whose name and work are synonymous with the term, “Renaissance.” Such an artist is Los Angeles-based designer, musician, rapper, singer and producer Rippy Austin, a “Renaissance Man” in the truest sense. Rippy is a 23-year-old artist who is passionate about creating music that is true to who he is.

R Kelly freed, after anonymous benefactor clears child support bill

R Kelly has been released from jail again after over $161,000 in unpaid child support was paid off on behalf of the musician by an anonymous benefactor.

Kelly was jailed last week, after he failed to make the already very overdue child support payment by a court ordered deadline. According to his publicist Darrell Johnson, Kelly had attended court offering to pay up to $60,000 and expected the judge to do a deal. However, given that the star was first ordered to hand over this money over a decade ago, the court came down harshly, saying that he would be jailed until the full amount was paid.

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Read "GRADUATION" album review by Ockley (R&B From A Wider Perspective)

Listen to GRADUATION album by Ockley

In this new era it feels as if there’s no solid boundaries anymore. In many aspects, that can be a good thing, at the same time it can leave the landscape feeling rather confusing. In music for instance, our entire generation has come up hearing certain genres and recognizing them right away whereas now, the artists are willing to experiment with their sound. As a result many acts we consider rap actually sound like a fusion of 70’s rock, soul and pieces of neo soul. While risky, it does open the doors for something new, but it begs the question, what defines R&B these days?

I grew up listening to groups from the 1950’s all the way up to the 90’s and fell in love with the music and how it had evolved. Each decade building upon the foundation the previous generation paved for it to thrive and change with the times. I’d be lying if I said I knew which R&B acts stand out today because at this point every genre, from hip hop to country seems to borrow from one another leaving only the artist interchangeable, the songs themselves sound very similar to me. Over the last few years there’s been acts who have carried the R&B mantle for only for a short time. While all of them are good in their own right, there seemed to be something lacking when it came to the projects overall connection to the audience. Not saying that there’s any quick answers here, but knowing this leads me to the next step which is digging a little further and seeking the raw vocals I’m looking for to ease this dilemma.

With that being said, I was fortunate enough to come across this album being streamed titled “Graduation” by a singer named Ockley. From the first track, “100 Everyday” his melodic voice comes across with a particular sincerity accompanied by a fierce determination to get his message out with every note. The thing that sets Ockley apart in my mind is, that even though his sounds sound like a throwback to what I feel has been missing, he himself was born in Lusaka, Zambia. Thus the bonus for the listener comes with hearing R&B with an international viewpoint. That is made clear as he sings in what I assume is his native language on the track “Tikondane” and while I don’t know what he’s singing about, I feel that song in a way I can't quite explain. On songs like “Singla Mama” “She Told Me” and “Tikaonana” it’s his story telling ability that I am drawn to. These songs stood out to me because it allowed me to escape and reflect upon my own experiences through his melodies. The go to tracks for me are “Africa” “Time Flies” “Amanda” and “Show Me Some Love” as they all have their own unique sound to them.

What I love about this album is that the content is completely unexpected and at the same time, exactly what R&B needs to energize itself. This is an album that you can just put on ands listen to whether you're heading to the club on a Friday Night or just going for a drive and looking for a soundtrack. If this is a graduation, I’m curious to know what Ockley has in store for the next stage.

Stream & Download "Graduation" album by Ockley on Apple Music & Spotify (((AUDIO)))

Ockley, whose featured on the cover of ThaWilsonBlock Magazine Issue65, releases new album "Graduation"

Listen & Download "CLOSER" song by BinX (((AUDIO)))

Download This Song

This is a song I wrote when I was temporarily living in Los Angeles. It’s about being near lots of people but not really being with anyone. It is a relaxed invitation to come in, be real and be human.

Stream "How to Fight" song by Maya Barragan & Sam Clauer on Spotify (((AUDIO)))

A simple acoustic song written about a young girl moving on from heartbreak, and learning “how to fight” for After being cheated, lied to, and deceived by someone close, she learns the complicated nature of self love and satisfaction with ones being without the need for a romantic companion. Played with one acoustic guitar by Sam Clauer, and vocals by Maya Barragan, this quaint singer songwriter pop song brings light to the complicated emotions and typical struggles of young love and growing as a person. 

Watch "Give It A Try" music video by Kam Corvet (Song Produced by Gavin Brown)

Artist: KAM CORVET
Producer: Gavin Brown
Song Title: "Give It A Try"
Available Version: Radio
BPM: 86 kbps: 320 Genre: R&B

Attention DJ's.....New R&B Alert! Climax Ent. delivers an amazing new single by R&B Artists/Musician, KAM CORVET titled "GIVE IT A TRY" produced by Gavin Brown.

DJ Feedback is Appreciated!

Contact: David Still @ 856-495-7138

Label: Climax Entertainment
Location: Atlanta, GA

Download "Summer Vibes EP" by ThaSoulCrooner {{{WilsonBlock100 Media Exclusive Digital Release}}}

Download Mixtape (156mb)

1. I Can Tell You Want It
2. I Wanna Take My Time
3. Come to Bed with Me
4. Dreamy Music
5. Go to Gaia ft. FK MysteriiFroffst
6. Closer To Your Love
7. I'm Waiting for You
8. Who R U
9. Come Home with Me
10. Baby Put Your Clothes Back On

Listen & Download "Best Wishes" by Chendra Kary (((AUDIO)))

Download This Song

Chendra Kary. 18. Portland Native. Has been writing songs for almost 10 years. All music was written on her own. Each song is from her own experience in life.

Watch "Medley" music video by Ockley (Controlla, One Dance, Don't, Say It & One Dance)

A cool music video from thawilsonMAG Issue65 Feature Cover Artist, Ockley!

The Queen of Soul Returns To Claim The Throne (by Jhantu Randall)

Article Written by Jhantu Randall

After reports came in saying phrases like “gravely ill” and “Surrounded by family and friends,” the country awoke to news of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul’s passing. At 9:30 this morning, at her home in Detroit, a voice that spanned 6 decades gave us all a final bow.

I’m not going to speak too deeply on this icons personal life as I have never even remotely crossed her path. For me, the mention of this icons name triggers memories of younger, seemingly more innocent days where I can recall her music being blasted on my parents radio during trips. Her voice always had the power to cut through any monotony of the day and uplift your spirits even if it only lasted 5 minutes or so.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee to a preacher father and a mother who was an accomplished piano player and vocalist, Ms Franklin relocated to Buffalo, New York and Detroit Michigan by the age of 5. Contrary to popular belief she was not abandoned by her mother as she states she saw her

frequently before her passing just before Aretha turned 10.

Shortly after that, Aretha started singing solos at the New Bethel Baptist Church debuting with hymn “Jesus, Be a Fence Around Me.” Soon after that she signed to JVB Records and released a Gospel album entitled “Songs of Faith.” From there she travelled with The Soul Sisters. She toured with Dr. Martin Luther King at the age of 16, and in 1968 she sang at his funeral.

At the age of 18 she informed her father that she aspired to follow in the footsteps on Sam Cooke and make pop records. Helping her record a 2 track demo, she garnered the attention of Columbia Records. Her debut single with Columbia entitled, “It Won’t Be Long” peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. During this time she recorded in a diverse array of genres spanning from standards to vocal jazz from doo-wop to R&B. By the end of 1961 she was named “new star female vocalists” by DownBeat magazine. She found commercial success 6 years later after signing with Atlantic Records and hitting number 1 with her rendition of “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” in 1967. Her signature song came later that year when she recorded a version of Otis Redding’s “Respect” which shot to number 1 on both the R&B and Pop charts. This lead to a string of hits including “Baby

I Love You” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” which elevated her debut album to go gold.

Her reach expanded in the 1970’s with hits like “Spanish Harlem” and “Rock Steady” as well as receiving critical acclaim for her albums “Spirit in the Dark, Young Gifted and Black” and her Gospel Album “Amazing Grace.” Later meeting with Quincey Jones, her album bombed and by 1975 she was no longer a top seller. After leaving Atlantic, she signed with Clive Davis and had a career that constantly ran from 1980-2018. During that time she worked with everyone from George Micheal to Lauren Hill. In 2003 she released the album “So Damn Happy” which featured her grammy award winning song “Wonderful”.

To a woman who has reached the souls of countless people from all walks of life with her one of a kind power while influencing every subsequent generation that proceeded her, I just want to end this by saying rest easy. Answer the call and go reclaim your throne. Wear that crown you so rightfully earned and know that your time on Earth can be summed up in one word…Wonderful.

Watch "By Myself" music video by ANNIE-O

Camp Loyalty recording artist and Detroit native, Annie-O, embodies the spirit of the gun slinging, sharpshooter Annie Oakley. She uses this representation to emphasize her ability to deliver aggression through her music; "a woman’s strength and aggression is a compliment to her sexuality." Her latest single "Myself" displays her lyrical talent as well as her creative flow and is steadily gaining traction.

Get to Know ANNIE-O

Follow Annie-O on Twitter   ///   Instagram   ///   YouTube

Since moving to Atlanta, Annie’s career as an artist has skyrocketed. She has released several mixtapes, including "Loyalty Over Everything" and "Hands Over Fist", along with visuals such as "Smashed On Sight". Her involvement in music has branched into fields such as music production,

videography, and audio engineering for herself and other independent artists. “I want to be considered the rose that grew from concrete, that one who made it against all odds and after everyone said I was just a typical female rapper, I really have no limits. I want to take this as far as life will allow. The grind to be the greatest is never over.” To see and hear more from Annie-O, follow her on social media.

Listen & Download "P.Y.H" by Siahh (((AUDIO)))

Download This Song

This song represent how we as humans keep guards up when regarding our love lives. Due to either past relationships or things we've witnessed in our adolescent years. And I am one who has experienced this so I decided to put my experience in the form of music.

Download "CHIKONDI" by Ockley (((MP3 DOWNLOAD)))

Download "CHIKONDI" by Ockley (((MP3 DOWNLOAD)))

Ockley was featured on the cover issue of ThaWilsonBlock Magazine Issue65