[MP3] Jay Alexzander – I’m Ready (Prod. by DviousMindz)

New track by Toronto producer, DviousMindZ. Not bad but the dude singing, Jay Alexzander, sounds like a mix of The Weeknd and Brooklyn vocalist, Razah.

[MP3] Brendan Philip – Shadow Ceremony

Excellent new track from Toronto electronic/alternative soul singer and friend of the Kitchen, Brendan Philip.

Previously on the Kitchen:

– Three Tracks from Brendan Philip’s sAvidA Project

– Brendan Philip – Feryouh / Wild Side [MP3]

– Brendan Philip x sAvidA – NewMyrrhEl$ [MP3]

[MP3] Saun & Starr – Hot Shot

More new ‘old’ music from Daptone Records. Here’s their official plug for the track:

It is our distinct pleasure to present the debut release by two women who will forever change the Soul game: Saun & Starr. Like a two-headed Phoenix rising from the ashes of a bygone era when the duets of Sam & Dave, James & Bobby Purify, and Marvin & Tammi danced upon the airwaves, Saun & Starr have redefined the possibilities of what a great Soul duo can be. Though they each posess a tone and style that commands attention, together their voices compliment each other perfectly, lifting their sound to elevations neither could reach alone –– harmonies and phrases playfully intertwining to form the architecture for a soulful fortress of vocal prowess. This is obvious to anyone who’s heard them backing up Miss Sharon Jones (on stage or on record) under the loving pseudonym “The Dapettes.”

Though they are currently in the studio putting finishing touches on their debut full length album, two of their tunes have thankfully been committed to seven inch wax. The A-Side, ‘Hot Shot’ is a feel-good shaker that features the inexplicable range of Miss Starr Duncan Lowe, backed staunchly by the “Baddest Band in the Land”, The Dap-Kings. The flip, ‘Gonna Make Time’, showcases Saundra “Saun” Williams’ smooth, smoky vocal, atop a bed of deep low-rider soul. If this 45 ain’t your bag, please go lay down on a busy street. There’s no hope for you.

Pre-order the single HERE.

[MP3] Pharrell & Justin Timberlake – Brand New

BANGER from Pharrell‘s new album, GIRL [US only stream via Rolling Stone] with Justin Timberlake. BTW: I went back and listened to his last solo joint, In My Mind. Great album, SUPER underrated.

Related: Controversy over the GIRL album cover | Pharrell responds [USA Today]

[MP3] Kanye West and The Weeknd both remix Beyonce & Jay-Z’s “Drunk in Love”

Kanye remixes Beyonce and Jay-Z‘s controversial single “Drunk In Love” for Valentine’s Day. He’s impressed that Kim can do ‘reverse cowgirl’, what they want for that, a cookie??! What happened to “Yeezy Taught Me”?? And why dude gotta be so (allegedly) extra for Valentine’s Day?

On a more positive note, do you remember when Kanye managed to change the game and wasn’t a jackass? 10 years ago this past week, he released his classic debut album, The College Dropout. Take a look back.