Back in March, iSHE and Hezekiah put the word out about their collaborative project entitled iSHE + HEZEKIAH PROJECT, which released yesterday. What initially started off as a EP, evolved into an album after the two started masterly crafting tunes together. With iSHE being from the West Coast, it’s no surprise that the  PROJECT brings in some of that 80s two-step p-funk with haunting harmonies. The album is a mix of smooth soul, that pulls in from the 80s, and also with 70s undertones especially in how iSHE‘s harmonies softly caress the tracks. While listening to the PROJECT, I couldn’t help but want to hear Bilal sing a tune with her, maybe because Hezekiah‘s sound complimented Bilal‘s voice also. This in no way discredits the duet with Range da Messenga, on “Pressure,” where their call and response flow match the song where two people at odds but not to the point of wanting to walk away. The summery feel to “Paradise” reminds me of a mellow and soulful take on Prince‘s “Strolling“ — it’s the kind of tune you’d want as your soundtrack while you drive or while you’re sitting in a park or if you’re fortunate enough to look out at an ocean. The PROJECT is a groove-based album, with songs about relationships and life. Check out the tunes below, then head over to purchase a copy of the iSHE + HEZEKIAH PROJECT!

Yes, this project sounds nothing short of FRESH! Philadelphia native, HEZEKiAH (emcee, producer, and songwriter) who has worked with a slew of Illadephia artists, has teamed up with San Diego native singer/songwriter, iSHE for what was initially supposed to be an EP, but once they started working together, they decided to do a full album. Scheduled to hit June 1st, and every two weeks starting today, they will post a taster for us to chew on. “Stand Guard” is the first appetizer, with iSHE‘s no nonsense delivery — you better back off because her man “ain’t no captain save a hoe,” she’s standing guard; he’s worth it! Check it out below. Looking forward to hearing the finished project.

STAND GUARD by iSHE’

I first heard Jackson, Missouri Mississippi native 7even:Thirty on the track “Get Up,” and was hooked, looking forward to hear more music from him. Swedish beat conductor, Erik L, teamed with 7even:Thirty for Rhyme Travelin (Soularp Records) — a great union as 7even:Thirty cannot do the run of the mill type rap. At times his style reminds me of cool cats from the 70s with a CampLo rattle, and ho, hum, flow. Rhyme Travelin also brings in some solid guest appearances from Swedish artists — Paul Mac Innes, Stray, French producer Fulgeance, then Philadelphia native, producer and MC Hezekiah. Erik L‘s dark and sinister, yet sleepy grooves overlaid with 7even‘s flow is a treat to the ear. Watch this space for more!

Check out “Time Travelin,” and let me know what you think! Rhyme Travelin can be purchased at JunoDownload or Amazon.

“Time Travelin” feat. Paul Mac Innes

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Here’s a taste of one of the things that excites me for 2010 – Bilal Oliver! In this video Bilal and rapper Hezekiah work and talk about the meaning of the song “Think It Over.” The song is produced by 88-Keys, and the album will be released on the Plug Research record label (his label mates include Om’Mas, Shafiq Husayn, Flying Lotus, and Exile). He definitely is around friends and family for this release. Based on this teaser, all Bilal elements will be present — stellar vocals, beautiful but yet real lyrical content against some hard hitting Dilla-esque beats, mixed in with some jazz and my kind of R&B. I can’t wait! Enjoy the video below.

Thanks to Put Me On It for bringing this video to our attention.