John Blake - Your Light (Let It Shine) ft. Elisa Polanco

From John Blake comes this next submission for the show. It's a highly positive message in the music. John Blake and Elisa Polanco give an extraordinary performance on this track. The song is about everyday life and seeing your way through the hard times and staying positive in order to change your circumstances and surroundings. This is inspired music and is a fresh change from the usual bravado of today's music.

So EZ - "Up and Down"

So EZ is a rap duo from Atlanta, GA and their sound is uncharacteristic of most Atlanta artists. The vibe on their song, "Up and Down" is a real, late night, smooth, slow jam. The lyrics detail the complexity of a relationship that's dealing with infidelities and conflict and offers the mature suggestion that the couple should call it quits. The video itself is directed by Dre Cannonz and is not a cliched bling and boast fest, but instead shows a more urban and cosmopolitan side of Atlanta rap. So EZ is comprised of Nalij and Q Barrels. Their styles and flows compliment each other and they make a good team with an obvious shared vision of their future in the industry. I personally enjoyed this track and its mellow approach and I'm happy they reached out to me with this quality music. So EZ can be reached on at the following Twitter accounts: Artist @TheRealSoEz Filmed & Edited By @DreCannonz Supporting Label / Submitted By: @Tru_Brilliance

Strange Paths - "Success"

I received this submission from the group, Strange Paths. I have to say that the message is overall positive. The production quality can use improvement but it's obvious that a lot of effort was put into this video. In doing some research, I found that Strange Paths is from Alaska. You don't hear too much from Alaska and it was refreshing and interesting to be able to hear something new from the northernmost state. It was hard to categorize this sound but maybe it's a sound that's not meant to be categorized. It's a rap/soul fusion. That's about as close as I can get to labeling it. The song itself seems to be pretty successful as evidenced by the video view count, likes and comments singing its praise. People really seem to like this song. Big thanks to Strange Paths for the submission! Keep hustlin'!

Hugo Castejon - "Dance La Noche"

Hugo Castejon is the newest artist to submit music to me and I have to admit, I like this stuff. The video, " Dance La Noche" is an uptempo club hit guaranteed to get the bodies moving. Hailing from Madrid and Miami, Hugo definitely has what it takes to acquire mass appeal. I could easily see his music finding an audience in the U.S. market and worldwide. No Spanish is required to be able to enjoy the universal sound of Hugo Castejon. This is the kind of music that just makes you feel good while listening to it and it doesn't demand any extra attention from the listener. Club DJ’s take notice and put this man in rotation. Hugo Castejon is on his way. Learn more about this exciting new artist by visiting: 

Official Website: hugocastejon.com 

Facebook: facebook.com/castejonhugo

Twitter: twitter.com//HugoCastejon

Minister G - "Rules of Engagement"

I received this submission from Minister G for his single from his upcoming release slated to drop this summer titled, "Church fo' da Thugz,". "Rules of Engagement" comes off as a throwback to the days when rap artists actually told stories in their rhymes. The song is about the consequences of a robbery and the video is well produced with just the right amount of editing by director Michael Jacobs. Minister G's approach to rap includes what I would consider an almost Gospel sound. He's not a rapper that just raps. His singing skills can't be ignored on this track. He really takes it to church with this one. Originally from Miami, Minister G now represents Montreal Canada with a southern accent that remains very prominent in his songs. He's an obviously talented artist that I hope to hear more from. Watch the video and see for yourself. You can follow Minister G on twitter at twitter.com/MinisterGonline, like him on Facebook at facebook.com/therealministerG and see more of him on his website at www.ministerg.com

Teni - "Your Love Is The Key"

This is an interesting submission for the show. It's not often that I get to hear African pop artists and this is the first show submission from one. Teni has a very rich voice that has a relaxing appeal to it. Her video for, "Your Love Is The Key" was shot in the country of Ghana and the song is the premier single for her debut album entitled, "Afrodisiac". The song has a deep, consistent bass line but there is something very Caribbean about the song. The feel of it almost makes me want to call it a sort of electronic reggae. The vocals are solid and the video was stylized to pay homage to early 80's music. I would say that Teni has succeeded in recreating the feel of that era and her music is quite promising and well put together. Her debue album, "Afrodisiac" can be purchased online at iTunes, Amazon MP3 and Spotify. You can also keep up to date with Teni on both Twitter and Facebook at: facebook.com/Tenimusic and twitter.com/TeniMuse

Pia Dean - Clarity (is what I need) feat. Nikki Dine-Hart

What's better than a minimalist approach? Piano, strings and a gorgeous voice make for great music. This video submission from Pia Dean uses the perfect approach to achieving a truly delightful musical experience. The song is performed by Nikki Dine-Hart and her classical beauty compliments the simplicity of both the song and the video. Pia Dean is a songwriter from the UK and her music is nothing but refreshing in the age of over synthesized facades. Her list of musical influences include Amy Winehouse, Sade, James Morrison, Marvin Gaye and others that are regularly recognized by the world as true musicians. Visit her Reverb Nation page to enjoy more of her great music at: www.reverbnation.com/piadeansongwriter