Emeli Sandé 'Kill the Boy' Acoustic

And so the unhealthy obession continues.......Check out this live acoustic performance by Ms Emeli Sandé, one of the most exciting new talents in the UK.  Having already featured on several hit singles (Diamond Rings, Never be your woman, Kids that love to dance), this soulful songstress is certain to be a star in her own right.  Her debut album CANNOT come quick enough.  That said, I'm glad it's not being rushed simply to capitalise on her success with Chipmunk and Wiley.

Watch her acoustic performance of 'Kill the Boy' below and love it:

Sunday Songs

On a Sunday (the only day I seem to have any free time) I like to dig out some music I might not listen to regularly and reignite my appreciation for it.  So I thought i'd share some of my Sunday highlights.

This unreleased Solange track titled "wanna go back" features Marsha Ambrosius (of Floetry) and Q-Tip.   With Solange's airy voice and soulful melodies this is definitely one of her best efforts.  Still bemused as to why it didn't make her last album.  That said, it makes me excited for what the new album might hold in store.

I have a secret penchant for Nigerian hip hop music and this man here is my favourite.  A friend introduced me to M.I. a few years ago and I was so impressed by his flow and sick metaphors.  His flow is a cross between Lil Wayne and Kanye West and his word play is ridiculous.

Remember Kano?  He seems to have got lost in this UK grime resurgance but Kano was one of the first to experience mainstream chart success in the genre.  As Chipmunk, Tinie Tempah and Wretch 32 take over the UK scene, don't forget this man.  "London Town" is one of my favourites from his spectacular second album of the same name.

Kobi Onyame "Congratulations"

Check out this new track from Ghana born, Glasgow based rapper Kobi Onyame.  The track features Mista L and is taken from his debut album 'Green green grasses'.  Looking forward to big things from Kobi in the coming year.  Hip hop coming out of Glasgow, it's a new era people.  Watch "Congratulations" here:

Lupe Fiasco 'Lasers' Album Review

Almost four years since 'The Cool', Lupe Fiasco has finally returned with his long awaited third album, 'Lasers'.

Lupe has never been your cliché rapper, concerned with money, cars, and booty. His witty, intelligent and articulate bars are both enlightened and thought provoking and this album is no different.

A rapper with a social conscience, Lupe addresses many important issues on this album. He salutes the independent woman of this world on the inspiring “Coming Up”, a rap song that talks about woman in a positive light- there's an anomaly for you.

Lupe outlines his disgust with some of the worlds ills “Words I Never Said” (w/Skylar Grey), he even has some words for the American President: “Gaza Strip was getting burned, Obama didn't say shit.”

“All Black Everything”, sees Lupe explore an alternate reality, one in which slavery never existed. In this new world, global politics and religion are skewed. He talks about a world where: “Fox News reports live that Ahmadinejad wins the Mandela peace price.” The haunting use of orchestral music makes this all the more intense.

Despite lapping up much critical acclaim since the release of his debut album, “Food and Liquor” in 2006, major commercial success has escaped Lupe's grasp so far. This is something he addresses in “Till I get there” where he mocks his label and their desperation to make him a famous money maker by 'prescribing him a publicist'. Perhaps a dig the label for delaying the release of this album.

It's not all intensity on 'Lasers' though, Lupe lightens it up a little with the smooth“Out of my head” (w/Trey Songz) which sees the pair swoon over a girl they can't forget about. Here, you can't help but wonder if this was included simply to appease the label, who are yearning for more commercial success. While it's not a bad track, it is a little out of place on this album.

Electro banger, “I don't wanna care right now” shows a more playful Lupe dabbling with autotune and an infectious hook that should make it a chart shoo-in.

This is a thought provoking piece of work where Lupe takes on the role of a rap philosopher taking his listeners on a journey. A little less 'cool' than his last album, but much more inspired in places.

With the album set to top the US Album Chart this week, Atlantic records can breath a collective sigh of relief that they didn't shelve it.

Standout Tracks: Words I Never Said, All Black Everything, Beautiful Lasers (2 ways)

My verdict: 8/10