Listen: Still - @Olawumiii (Prod by @CloudAtrium)

#thefeels has come to an end.

Olawumi dropped the concluding track to her #thefeels series. The song is titled Still and goes back to her more melancholic moods through prose and rhythm. The track is produced by Cloud Atrium and is one of his best productions yet. I can't wait to hear Ola drop an LP and the different emotions conveyed through her music. Until then, I need yall to feel this. Still below after the break.

Listen: Lost - @Olawumiii feat. @SorryKhary (Prod. by @CloudAtrium)

Olawumi and Cloud Atrium together add one more to their musical ménage, Khary Durgans.

I always speak about growth when it comes to Olawumi. Olawumi has clearly found her sound and style, but as time has gone she's grown as a artist and perhaps a person. Lost is her most lyrical thusfar and the deepest dive into her thusfar from all of her releases. Khary comes in at the end reflects on his own rendezvous with love. Lost is track four in her thefeels series. Word on the street is she's cooking up a new EP titled Emote which could arrive this year. In the meantime listen to Lost after the break.

Listen: Clouded - @Olawumiii feat. @CloudAtrium

Maplewood songstress Olawumi links up with Cloud Atrium once again for a new jam.

This time around Cloud not only makes the beat but adds a rap verse of his own which really surprised me. I've always loved the brand of music these two frequent collaborators put together. This is the first time that I can remember him rapping, I want to hear more from him. Until then listen to Clouded below. This seems to be a loosie and not part of the feels series Olawumi has presently been promoting.

Listen: Mess - @Olawumiii (Prod by @RecklessG4B)

Last week Olawumi celebrated her birthday with a brand new release.

Her newest single is part three to her #thefeels series. The song is titled Mess. This time Olawumi goes back to work with a frequent collaborator in Reckless. Recently she's been doing work with NOVA but it's nice to hear her old sound again. Listen for yourself.

Listen: Places - @Olawumiii

#thefeels installment continues today with Places by the SoulTrap queen, Olawumi. 

dropping this love jam today to properly introduce the cold cuffing weather.

— ola-gloomy. (@OLAWUMIII) December 1, 2015

Well like she said it's that time of the year were just want to sit inside with a glass of wine, memory foam, and bae. So what I need you to do is dim the lights, blast the heat, and fade in your speakers with this new Olawumi playing. Soul is always a good listen especially when it's cold and wet like today. Places follows up Understand as far as the EP goes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your lover's arms. Olawumi's Places after the break. We look forward to the rest of #thefeels and CROWNS.

Listen: Understand - @Olawumiii (prod by @SOUNDSBYNOVA)

Track one of Olawumi's #thefeels released yesterday.

The Queen's newest NOVA produced song is titled Understand. These two always make awesome music together and the trend continues. This song was the unknown track I mentioned in the Editor's Picks lasts week. You can really see her progression and growth as a singer and songwriter. Less repetition, great song structure, and vocal development will make Olawumi a force to be reckoned with for a long time. Listen to Understand after the break and stay tuned for her next releases.

Listen: @Olawumiii - Hate Me (Vol. 1)

Been awhile since we've last heard from Olawumi. In our last meeting we were talking about a new video and the CROWNS EP.

Last week Olawumi blessed us with a different offering, Hate Me (Vol. 1). Upbeat but still a somber sounding two track offering. Volume one suggests we can expect another addition to the series soon.

"I wanted to have a proper comeback.. it's been about four months since I released music, and a lot of things were changing in my life; What people fail to understand is that absolutely nothing is stopping me, not even a broken heart. I couldn't have started off the series any better than I did." says Olawumi. Hate Me Now is fully produced by frequent collaborator and now Seattle Native, RecklessG4B. That's word to Uptown Toney.

Stream the first installment of the Hate Me series after the break. We have a lot to look forward to. We can expect to hear at least a volume two and the anticipated CROWNS EP as the summer progresses, but for now Hate Me Volume 1 below.

Watch: Queen Shit - @Olawumiii

A few weeks back Olawumi blessed us with the visual to Queen Shit.

Queen Shit is the first single for her upcoming EP CROWNS. We can expect to hear that later on in the spring. Something nice to anticipate along with the weather. In the video we see a different side of Olawumi we aren't used to seeing. Don't mistake the confidence as cocky. It's nice to hear something upbeat showing versatility in the crooner. You can really see her growth as an artist since listening to Noir. I need yall to feel this, watch Queen Shit below.

 

Editorial Feature: @Olawumiii - Short Stories, A Stroll, and Preview of #CROWNS

"Hey, I'm outside."
"Where the hell are you, I'm outside too?"
"Oh man, my bad I see you down the street wrong number same street."
"Aight"

I remember Olawumi when she was just Hillary. Circa Fall 2011 first day of classes I step foot into my media writing course. Michael Salfino was the professor, a writer for Yahoo Sports and the New York Times. Anyone that knows me knows if I actually do go to class I go early and usually in a tie where everyone else rolled out of bed in sweatpants. 30 minutes goes by and Mr. Salfino is talking about his experience in the industry. In walks Hillary. Dark skin tone, Military Jacket, Janet Jackson high waisted jean shorts, flannel, and purposely ripped stockings. Stylish, like anyone I've seen on my tumblr dashboard. I was a little dazed because I generally pick what girl I'm gonna flirt with the entire semester in the first class.


"Does anyone know what a lead is?" Asks Salfino. Everyone just looks around, I was staring at Hillary like a creep. She raises her hand.

"Isn't that like the beginning of the article." 

"Correct, kinda."

After an assignment or two, a few conversations about previous writing experience with blogs and magazines, and one occasion where I saved a classmate from Olawumi's fury we clicked. In fact, I remember our professor holding us after class telling us we were the only good writers that has a shot at doing this for a living (to be specific, "You guys are the only ones that are good, everyone else sucks").

That was four years ago. I don't mean to put her in a box but I was into hipster chicks who liked going to thrift shops and finding new music like me. She curved me a week later because I put her in a box and called her a hipster. That's a different story but I know we'd work on a professional tip after that. It's now 2015 and we are countless releases and a couple EPs later waiting for a new one and I got the privilege of a short conversation and a car ride to campus. Check that out below:

What's the Movement: What can we expect for your next project? You got a drop date yet?

Olawumi: I can't spill too much but I'm aiming for spring as far as time frame goes. It's called CROWNS. But I'm on my Queen Shit man, like Queen Shit. Like seriously. And not on no Beyoncè stuff, like bow down though.

WTM: Queen Shit and Crowns. I get it. In comparison with Noir and MANGO what kind of sound will it have?

Olawumi: Same producers, you know my Boi-1da and 40 with Cloud Atrium and RecklessG4B. There's a few new sounds and a couple new producers on there but it's not as dark. I feel like it's my coming out. You can listen to the story in Noir and tell that I was in a dark place. CROWNS is different and I can't wait for you all to hear it.


WTM: Any Videos? Are you continuing your trend of visual EPs. If so who shot them, Kalani did an amazing job on the 5 video.

Olawumi: Yeah there's gonna be multiple videos on this project. I would show you like I did last time but only thing I got on my phone is the music. You know what I'm gonna let you hear it. Well the beats and Ima sing it to you cuz it's just instrumentals. I'm sick tho so let me not.


WTM: Nah let's hear it. It's fine I know you can sing plus studio mixing and mastering I don't wanna wait. You know we always do a listener early.

Olawumi: (smiles) Aight word, lets do it.

For the rest of the snowy and traffic filled car ride. Olawumi serenaded me personally. I can tell you straight up from the live (and sick) version you need to keep an eye out for the EP. Point Blank Period. Word on the street is her visual for Queen Shit drops this week as well. Anyways, we have a lot to look forward to in the near future. I hope this satisfied your hunger, til then Stay Tuned.

#WTM's Ten Acts to Watch in 2015

We're two months into the new year already and I thought it would be nice to compile a list of artists to look out for in 2015. Just a few Unsigned acts from Jersey that you need to pay attention to in no particular order. This write up was inspired by GSHH's list on the matter last year. Check it out.

Zewdy - Originally made popular from her youtube channel singing covers, she's broken out as a solo artist. The Jersey songstress now resides in Atlanta furthering her career. She released a crazy dancehall meets R&B single Drumma Boy which she later removed to release at a later date, bummer for music fans. She has all the intangibles to be the next big thing. Keep an eye out. Peep Into the Night from her soundcloud below.



Despite.Our.Parents.Expectations - I write about these cats a lot I get it. It's for good reason. Per their snapchats and twitters
we all know they've been in studio cookin up crack and performing at shows round the way. Last fall we expected to hear their next project Foreclosure but it got pushed back for various reasons. What we did get to hear was their first single Flatline which killed in the summer. Re listen to that below.



Trav Kennedy - Alright, many people know he can handle the rock but not many know how good he is with the microphone. The Neptune emcee is a fresh face on the music scene but I expect nothing but good things from him. No word or a project coming soon but he has been heard on his collective's mixtape from his camp 1010. Stream We Aint Taking Breaks 2.5 below. As well as his feature on Ja Money's Murder She Wrote.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Dougie F - As I said earlier today Dougie F had a gigantic 2014 and we could expect the same for him in 2015. Back Up On It produced by DJ Fire made a ridiculous amount of noise on a national level. He hasn't been content with that success as we know he's been in studio working on more. What intrigues me most is his ability to incorporate club, house, and party music into hip-hop much like A$ap Rocky did on the Skrillex produced Wild For The Night. Like I said before, hip-hop is changing. It's nice to hear it while at the same time he stays true to his Jersey (club) roots. If we're lucky we might be able to see a project this year. One could only hope. Listen to Back Up on It after the break.

Fetty Wap - While we are talking about national success you have to mention Fetty Wap. The Paterson rapper made famous from his radio murdering Trap Queen. You can't help but put this track on repeat. He's recently been seen on interviews and shows everywhere. He even performed with Kanye at the Roc City Classic during All Star weekend. Fetty recently signed to 300 Entertainment alongside Young Thug and Migos. You can hate him all you want but reaching number 35 on Billboard's top 100 is no easy feat for anyone. Listen to Trap Queen below.



Rav. P - A feature with Black Thought, A feature from Smoke Dza. That's aside from the project we could possibly expect to follow up Immaculate. Passport Rav has been to work for himself and as a producer. Not much more needs to be said that hasn't already been said either by me or any other blog. Listen to Achievements below.



185 - The songstress duo formerly known as Tymes II is a group you really need to look out for. Yoqueri and Diamond can flat out blow. Their vocals are crazy on any track whether it's on something with Lefty, the rest of their camp, or on their own. From what I hear they are to be featured on a song with D.O.P.E. I'm curious to see what else they put out as solo artists this year. Stream their self titled EP. Feel this.




Olawumi - Within the group Olawumi is probably the most consistent as far as releases go. Personally, I know how hard she grinds to just get in studio let alone have it mixed, mastered, and so on. Her team and manager really know what they are doing as far as promotion goes as she's been seen in Solange's St. Heron and just about every other big name blog around. The lady crooner has an EP expected to be in headphones everywhere soon titled CROWNS. Expect to hear Olawumi's name for a long time but until then listen to her newest single Queen Shit below.

SOULFULL - The New Jeru Native just released his first ever project titled HOMEMADE. I wish I got to write this up sooner so I could explain why you need to keep an eye out on the filmaker turned rapper. How bout this? You listen and form your own opinion below, HOMEMADE.

Feli Fame - I met this guy awhile back passing out flyers with his team. We chopped it up really quick and he said he was having a show powered by Power 105.1 FM and DJ Envy was hosting. I shrugged it off because lot of artists talk the talk. He then hands me tickets to the event. The guy was no joke. I do my ritual. Google my own research at home and eventually turn on the TV. I turn to MTV Jams to find Feli Fame's The Bleachers on my 52 inch, go figure. Haven't spoke much of the emcee but definitely kept an eye on him, I suggest you do the same. Listen to The Bleachers below.

Listen: Queen Shit - @Olawumiii

Bow down, no Beyoncè.

Olawumi released a new track recently titled Queen Shit. Perhaps this is what's to come on her next EP. With titles like Queen Shit and CROWNS it would only make sense. I'm not gonna spill too much. You're just gonna have to find out the rest later. I got to sit down with Olawumi for a preview which you can check out soon. Stay tuned. Til then stream Queen Shit produced by NOVA below.

Listen: OVER - @Olawumiii @xtraordinaryann

I normally have more to say about Olawumi when I do a writeup on her. You're just gonna have to wait for the long read I have planned.

I hope a new track will do. OVER featuring Maryann is one of the first of many new Olawumi releases we can expect in the new year. Not sure if it'll be on the next EP titled CROWNS but in time we all will find out. OVER is produced by her "40 and Boi-1da," Cloud Atrium and RecklessG4B respectively. Press play.

 

Watch: He Said - @Olawumiii

Late but always on time.

Below is the promised visual for He Said by Maplewood songstress Olawumi. A little trippy, lots of double exposure, and color filters compliment the complex sounds of the music. The video was shot and edited by Sticks and Stones own, Brittney Briggs. Peep that below. Enjoy.

Listen: Mango - @Olawumiii

Fresh off Noir, Olawumi drops some new sounds for the fall.

If you haven't been reading Olawumi is always moving. Her latest project, MANGO is a two track EP you can dive into below via her soundcloud. More upbeat, new stories, same art, hope you enjoy the way I have.



Side Note, She confirmed a visual for He Said (off Noir) set to be released September 15th.

"He Said" video off of my debut EP, #NOIR drops on SEPTEMBER 15th! be sure to tune in! (shot by brggs)… http://t.co/AsgZT5jQlh
— MANGO. (@OLAWUMIII) September 2, 2014

Watch: Tryna Be Heard - @KhalilJibran_

Khalil Jibran dropped a brand new visual for Tryna Be Heard off his Rain On a SUNday mixtape. The video includes a snippet of his Versace freestyle and features DJ Frosty (the host of the tape). Tryna Be Heard also features Olawumi on the hook. The visual was shot by BMar Famous Films. Soulful, Hungry, and Authentic. I guess you can figure that out for yourself. Watch Tryna Be Heard after the break, and be sure to download Rain on a SUNday via soundcloud.

Editorial Review - #Noir by @Olawumiii

There's really only one way to listen to new music. Sit in your room, turn off your lights, TV, Laptop, and Cell Phone. Turn on your speakers or headphones, and just listen. That is the only way to ensure a complete new musical experience.

You have to attack Olawumi's Noir the same way. For a debut project this is ahead of it's time. As an artist, the Jersey songstress sounds like she's been here before, that's why there is so much potential waiting to be developed. I've heard way too many bloggers and music listeners say the same thing about Olawumi. I'm here to set the record straight for the bloggosphere (yeah I just created that word). They say "She is a cross between Jhene Aiko & SZA." The styles and genres are similar but that's about it. R&B as a whole is changing with the times (this is an entire article waiting to be written). As time goes on R&B has changed into Pop, Hip-Hop, and back into Jazz, then as of recently has just gotten eerie. Producers are taking a different uncanny feeling into their compositions with lots of reverb use. Singers are adding lyrics of love, or sex, or desperation to it. If I had to compare Olawumi to a mainstream artist, I'd say she's Frank Ocean meets The Weeknd and far from Jhene and SZA (maybe it's because she is female).

Anyways, I have an EP to review. I think this is the anthem to my 16 year old self. Noir is a story of Girl meets Boy. Girl loves Boy. Boy disappears. It's Over? It's Over. Oh Well. Time to move on. Anyone who has ever loved and been hurt, and could relate that's word to 500 Days of Summer.

Track One: He Said (Prod. by Cloud Atrium)

Boy meets girl. I imagine this is what women feel like when they first meet a guy they like. When they realize they like him they cling to his word.  He has an aura, a glow even. He said let's go, and she followed. She's telling her friends about him. What I love most about this track is it takes on two parts kinda like how Timbaland likes to do in tracks like in "What Goes Around Comes Around" if you catch my drift.

5, Olawumi shot by Kalani (photo edited by Jonathan Ramsey)

Track two, Dear Boys (Prod by Cloud Atrium)

Acoustic guitars usually signify love of some sort, I think? Well it does in this song. It's short but the message is clear. She is in love. Everything she told her friends in track one is confirmed. She's in love.

Track three, 5 (Prod by Cloud Atrium)

This track released about a month ago. The video for it can be found here. Like I said then, it's repetitive. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes you have to be clear to get your point across. 5 in the morning, she's looking for him. Where is he?

Track four, Soul (Prod by Ambl)

Time has passed. Feelings of love and desperation are gone. She looks down at her phone and he's still in her contacts. She reflects on what happened, "He said he loved, but he really don't. I can't complain." Oh well right? But why did she call him and reach a disconnected number? Perhaps there are feelings still there that contradict what she said. Good ole story of Heart vs. Brain huh? Regardless it's time to move on as she continues to reflect on what he said on a plane it seems. He said "she's the one" but it seems futile now. He just said it "To try to get you some" Then she calls again. No answer.

Track Five, Speeding (Prod by Cloud Atrium)

This one wasn't easily deciphered. I'm not sure if it's an ode to another man or if he came back to love her. She raps more things he said to her on his track, she takes them seriously but she has learned. "You can't speed for love."

You can tell Olawumi was in a dark place in her life when you listen to Noir. I mean Noir is the french word for black if you didn't already know. There's hope though, this was only one story in her life. I love Noir. I would make love to a woman to this EP (which is kinda awkward to say aloud). It portrays a beautiful story I think we all could relate to or have at a point in our lives unless your name is Summer Finn and have a gaping hole where your heart is supposed to be (god I hate her character, and Zooey Deschanel for that matter) and leads straight to your genitals (sorry about that (and all the other parenthesis too, it's just my writing style)). Olawumi has a far way to grow and I cannot wait to watch it take fold. This is an amazing debut EP from start to finish. Production was perfect for her voice. I would like to hear her with more producers in the future. A track produced by Sango or Jeremy Rose would be an awesome match for her. Noir gets 4.15 of 5 Stars on the Ramsey Rating Scale. You can stream it via her soundcloud. Hope you listen and enjoy like I have.

Watch - 5 by Olawumi

Olawumi dropped another visual for her EP, Noir coming out soon. This video is for her new song, 5 (Produced by Cloud Atrium). A bit eerie, and it circles and loops around the same thought. "It's 5 oclock in the morning," and where is her man? Nuff Said, check it out after the break. Shoutouts to the producer Kalani of Afrolombian Films.

Listen: FAME - Olawumi

Brand New Music from Olawumi

Her newest song is called FAME. Be sure to check that out after the break. Also keep on the lookout for her EP Noir. You heard it first right here on WTM.

Hip-Hop Soulcase Recap

And all the white girls can suck my what???

I guess you had to be there to understand that line but all and all the event was beyond dopeness. I cannot continue this review without saying this first: Huge shoutout to the first lady of WTM Ashanti Jones. She is the VP of S.A.B.L.E at WPUNJ and the event was completely her doing. I have watched her slave for months and work her behind off to make it the success that it was.

Okay lets begin. Unorthodox but the headliners of the event went first. Striver's Row members Miles Hodges and Alysia Harris tore the stage up. They spit some new pieces were read but they spit some of their own classics like Cab Rides and the Morning After and Harlem. Next up were the promised performers and an open mic. The Hip-Hop SOULcase never had a dull moment. Students from Willy P showed their stuff whether it be poetry, hip-hop or even neo-soul. MotaRaps, Olawumi, D.O.P.E, Khalil Jibran, & Sir Moore kept the crowd entertained throughout. There was nothing but good vibes when they all hit the stage. The crowd really responded to a freestyle by Khalil Jibran and you can see below.

Shortly afterwards, Conway & Mayday (D.O.P.E) got the crowd hype with their live performance of She Likes (off Orientation), and Sir Moore finished off the show with songs of the August Rush EP over the classic Fugees song, Killing Me Softlyinstrumental. All in all, this was a dope showcase and everyone really enjoyed themselves. Keep on the lookout for the next event and clips from this one. Always remember where you heard it first. Right here on What's the Movement?!

Your Editor,

A Poetry & Hip-Hop SOULcase 2/25

Tonight there won't be a broadcast of WTM as I have said in recent weeks because of an in-studio concert held at the radio station. So now that you won't be tuned into my show you can head to the Multipurpose room in the student center of WPUNJ. The event features poets Miles Hodges & Alysia Harris of the Striver's Row poetry group. I don't know if you have heard of them but these guys are legit. The event is also an open-mic for those of you who want to showcase their skills, poetry, or just have something to get off your mind. DJ Nix in the Mix will be on the wheels of steel.

There will be performances by a few artists including : Sir Moore, Khalil Jibran, Mota Raps, Olawumi, & D.O.P.E. All of whom have been in studio on What's the Movement. There will something for everybody, poets, dancers, singers, rappers - just pure, chill hip-hop vibes, that's word to Ashanti Jones. Shoutouts to her, the women of SABLE, and the brothers of Iota Phi Theta for co-sponsoring the event. Hope to see you there, you don't want to miss out on this one.