Shiwan, Hip Hop artist from Conneticut, drops his 19-tracked album "Quikstrike II" -  packed with fire addicting flows laced on a mix between old and new school-styled hip hop instrumentals that will have heads bumpin and waves flowing'. Feel the beat bounce and listen to his words though!!

-----

Help fund this project

so Shiwan can continue making music and spreading his word.  

Madam West Tour Schedule

Madam West on Spotify

Madam West on Bandcamp

“The neo-soul is STRONG with this quintet — watching them onstage (and they're definitely a live band) is an education in peristalsis as each of them extracts nutrients from the sound. Their fundamental affection for Elliott Smith and Wilco shines through in both the steady-eyed, phrase-conscious songcraft and the lid-bursting turns of filigree. More often than not, however, the ensemble kinks into hyperspatial, cardinal modes: D'Angelo (harmony like roux; telepathic rhythm), St. Vincent (secret, sur-pop dance; pedaled leads that nonetheless feel absolutely naked), and many more. Together they declare a project in psychedelic soul, a chamber concern with no small share in the sincere. Hear their debut album “Loves You” at Madam West.” - Pete Longofono, BIG FIGMENT _{(Source: Madamwest.com)}

 Madam West on Twitter

Madam West on Facebook

Madam West writes driving, tightly-arranged songs from the intersection of mind and gut. Here are grooves to match your exquisite hips to, and characters to love or hate with equal parts gusto. If you listen closely, you'll detect odd chords to nod in or out of accord with, shiny synths and loops to wrap your brain around, and a few vocal leaps of faith.

The debut LP "Loves You", the EP (not pictured), and a compilation of singles are available for purchase and download at Madam West's Bandcamp. _{(Source: Bandcamp)}

2.95 million to be exact, are free to download here.  Business Insider choose 21 of their favorite so far. Which one is yours? Click through them here in the ASTER Gallery, and include your favorite in the comments below.  

XKEYZ on Twitter

XKEYZ on Facebook

XKEYZ on Instagram

-Burgeoning singer, songwriter and music producer Xavier Keyz has no intention of redefining R&B. On the contrary: It is his passion for classic soul that continues to make the artist a standout among so many gimmick-ridden acts currently pervading the airwaves.

For those looking for proof in the number, Keyz’ recently released melodic pop/R&B single “Clap” has garnered more nearly 9,000 hits in under a week. Adding fuel to the fire, he is set to release his full-length album “Monday Thru Sunday” on December 4th.

Born and raised in Chicago, Keyz (a.k.a. Cameron Frazier) began singing at age 2(!). He recalls, “It was Faith Evans’ hit ‘Soon As I Get Home.’ I sang it out loud to my parents and friends and they all gave me this look of surprise. I was just learning to speak and yet I was delivering verses and choruses... and they were in tune!”

From that point on, there was little doubt that music was destined to become the major force field in his life. He took to the piano as if he had played it all of his life—playing any song by ear. And thus was born his lifetime moniker: Xavier Keyz.

Ever working to increase his talent, Xavier Keyz was in the right place at the right time, joining Chicago’s Children’s Choir, and then a cappella sextet the Harmony Brothers at Kenwood Academy during high school. They sang at basketball games and other local functions around Chicagoland area, hoping to make a name for themselves.

After downsizing to four members and then to two (as J2), Xavier Keyz and his partner released a full-length album, “Another Level” in 2012. It was three months later when Xavier realized that his best shot at notoriety was as a solo artist. Meanwhile, he was wise enough to fortify his talent with college studies in Television Production and Communications at Kennedy King.

But music remained Priority No. 1: Keyz’ first official step into the solo music realm was single “Trip To Mars” in the fall of 2013, which was followed in February 2014, by love song “Nobody Else but You,” a collaboration with songstress B.Lin. That became the game-changer for Keyz, creating massive buzz in the Midwest—and then beyond—including positive press on USAToday.com, thisisrnb.com and Youknowyougotsoul.com.

“I’m the perfect example of someone that knows that if you believe in yourself and never allow your vision to be diminished by circumstances or the negativity of others, success will find you. I know I have what it takes to shine in a crowded field. It takes perseverance, of course, but this is where I belong. Next year by this time, I have a strong feeling that my name will be known!” (Source: Facebook)