Two months ago, Eddie “Stats”, Okayplayer’s editor-in-chief, asked  James Tillman about the singer’s future plans to which Tillman aptly replied, “Graduation, then take over the world.” This was two months ago when it was still relatively cold outside and most of us were wondering if winter would ever be over. But that was two months ago when Tillman was in the process of completing his BA/BFA double-degree program at The New School. School is finally out and the recently graduated singer can resume his plans for taking over the world. The first step in his Pinky and the Brain take-over is this solo rendition of “Love Within,” which was shot and directed byReally Nathan.

Tillman was first introduced on OKP’s First Look Friday column where OKP’s editor-in-chief explained that Tillman’s record came to him by way of “okayafrica contributor and homie Chief Boima, who caught James’ show at The New School and then ran into him again in Brazil for a Rio recording session.” Luckily for us at Revive, one of our writers (me) attended New School with Tillman and was able to arrange a video session with the crooner at his lovely Bushwick apartment.

Although school might be over and Tillman is free to pursue his desire to take over the world, he might be scaling back at the moment to figure out how to handle his email messages. “Now that I’m finished with school, I’ve been following up on all the buzz from the EP,” the singer explains. “My inbox has been overflowing since the release, so now I am finally catching up on everything.”

Scroll down to watch Tillman’s solo rendition of “Love Within” and be sure to check out his debut EP, Shangri LA.

Author: DanMichael

Photo Credit: Really Nathan

On May 26^th, we celebrated Miles Davis’ 88^th birthday in the best way we could possibly imagine– with about 1,000 people on the street of his former residence. It wasn’t just any day. It was the day. It was even as if the sky knew it. On a beautiful afternoon with nothing but blue skies and gorgeous weather, 77th Street off West End Ave was renamed Miles Davis Way.

One of the last bills to be signed by Mayor Bloomberg before he left office was an ordinance to name the street for the legend, Miles Davis, an effort spearheaded by local resident Shirley Zafirau. Davis’ nephew, Vince Wilburn, coordinated the extraordinary event, which happened as a true come-together in honor and celebration of Miles Davis’ life and legacy. Not only that, we loved how much the spirit of community was a part of the occasion with loving remarks and personal stories shared by those who knew and loved him well. One after the other, participants such as Jimmy Heath, Wallace Roney, Jimmy Cobb, Cicely Tyson, John Amos, T.S. Monk, Lenny White, Melba Joyce, and more shared personal testimonies and rare moments-– some of which were also absolutely hilarious-– in tribute to the man and the music.

Judging from the loving remarks and personal stories that were shared, the consensus was that it has always been “Miles Davis’ Way”– and now we all know it. As the great Jimmy Heath put it, “They are naming this Miles Davis Way. And he did get his way.”

There is so much that has been said (and will continue to be said) about what is jazz, what it was, and what it can or will be, but we know one thing, for sure. No matter what, jazz is a community and we are grateful to have been present for such a historic moment in such great company. It was certainly a great day on Miles Davis Way.

Author: Aja Burrell Wood

Gospel singer Breezy Mckenley is getting ready for yet another major event as he has been selected to be one of the opening acts for the El Debarge concert happening this summer in Kingston, Jamaica. The event is being produced by Reggae and R&B Promotions and it is slated to take place at Kings House Lawn on August 9^th. Larry Graham is also scheduled to be on the show.

When asked about the event, Breezy Mckenley simply stated that the promoters were impressed with his performance at the Percy Sledge show so they invited him to be a part of this event.

For those not familiar with Breezy Mckenley, you may check out two of his recent videos at the following links.

“We’ve got to love”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IW47sy16v4

“Tribute to Tessanne Chin”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JmmPw_QtD4

Canadian underground artists Keon Love and Tha Vor recently got together to record a track centered on the struggles they have had to endure in their life. On what many would consider a real hip-hop beat, the two lay out lyric after lyric covering everything from dealing with hypocritical friends to the need to reconnect with God. The song is called “in my life” and though the verses are arguably hardcore, the chorus is very melodious, as Keon Love sings; “in my life the sun ain’t always shinning bright, pressure on my head through the day and night”.

Listen and Download “in my life” here:

http://www.hulkshare.com/7musicpromo/tha-vor-featuring-keon-love-in-my-life

When it comes to the art of making music, Larger Than Life Records uses a method that is simply natural.  Their inspiration is organic, their studio process is organic and the lyrics that come from the artists is organic too!

Today, the crew at LTL Records has released their brand new riddim called Simply Natural which is a reflection of the way they make music.  The riddim is beautiful and one I know you and your listeners are going to love; what’s more, all the artists give great performances, especially Chino McGregor!

Using the lyrics of Dennis Brown, Chino takes us back in the day when the Crown Prince gave us the lyrics “so long Rastafari call you / so long!”  For those of you who are older, and for those of you who have a degree in Reggae, you know the significance of these lyrics (hail Jah Chozen from TreaJah Isle Records).  For the younger DJs, this chune and all chunes on the riddim will touch you!

Download the riddim here:

http://www.mediafire.com/download/i0d49xtkzgql7sx/Simply_Natural_Riddim.rar

https://app.box.com/s/v7hjxyqc5s9n8uwu7e0t

Preview Chino McGregor’s “Rastafari Calling” here: http://www.mediafire.com/listen/8557bft3o4a3x7f/01_RASTA_CALLING.mp3

Kabaka Pyramid’s newest music video project links his homeland of Jamaica with the streets of London and hip hop beats. “Liberal Opposer” is taken fromLead the Way EP (Bebble Rock Music) and is one of the stand out tracks off Green Lion Crew’s Rough Road Riddim.

Music video director: Jason Lannaman / Arawak Studios

“Liberal Opposer” is produced by Green Lion Crew