Tag Archives: Novel
Non Hip-Hop Songs That Should Be On Your iPod
Don’t take the picture above to serious, because let’s be clear: We live and breathe this rap shit. Sometimes it’s good to take a little break from all the rappitty-rap that we obsess over every day and listen to some stuff out of the box, though. We try to do this as often as possible, but sometimes it’s hard to keep up with other genres AND the rampant amount of releases rappers put out. It seems like mixtapes/projects/ep’s/albums/videos/singles drop at a never ending speed now. Like the faucet that never turns off.
Luckily, we took a timeout throughout the past couple of months and ventured into new acts and bands, and came across a couple that were too good to let them go unnoticed.
So for those who have an ear for shit other than hip-hop, maybe we put you on to some dope acts. If we missed anything or if you have any other picks, please don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments.
Novel – Red Wine & Ambien [Mixtape]
After giving us a couple songs and a video last week, OnSMASH favorite Novel, releases his latest project Red Wine & Ambien. The interesting part about his latest album is that its a double disc mixtape. One side represents the Red Wine and the other is the Ambien. Like 2 sides to a coin, but both crucial in the grand scheme of things.
Production comes from Novel himself, as well as Dallas Austin, Muzi, T. Reyes, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Statik Selektah and appearances from Teedra Moses and more.
Tracklisting and link after the jump.
The Weekend Playlist (6)
Back with another week of music, mixtapes & EP’s. We saw more projects this week than usual, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s just more music to stomach through. Some up & comers definitely brought fire & veterans showed love to the rising talent.
If you missed anything this week, let us catch you up.
OS REWIND: The Weekend Playlist (5)
Novel – Video Games
We haven’t heard too many Lana Del Rey “Video Games” covers, but Novel tackled her Internet smash and added his own spin to it. This will be featured on his upcoming Red Wine & Ambien album he will be releasing for free real soon.
After hearing Grant Me Serenity, we’re excited for what he’s got next.
OS REWIND: Novel – Walk On By (feat. Charlie Clips)
[Download]
Novel – Walk On By (feat. Charlie Clips)
Producer: Mick Boogie
Album: Red Wine & Ambien
Label: Lost Poets Music
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/calligraphy/id481737275
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, one of our favorite R&B artists out, Novel, releases his new collaboration with Charlie Clips on “Walk On By.” The track really takes it back to the ’90s and speaks on what it feels like when a cute shorty walks by.
Stay tuned for Novel’s upcoming project titled Red Wine & Ambien to drop soon.
[Download]
Spree Wilson – King Sh*t (The Answer) (feat. Novel)
Spree Wilson has been in the studio for the last year working on his groundbreaking debut project The Spark. He has now re-emerged with his first offering “King Sh*t (The Answer)” which features his frequent co-conspirator Novel. Spree recounts the road he has taken during his new career to get him where he is, and where he sees himself tomorrow over an epic cinematic orchestrated track layered with drum and bass elements.
[Download]
Joell Ortiz & Novel – Body Down Pt. 2
We told you the sequel to last year’s Defying The Predictable mixtape was on the way, and today we get the first preview of what Novel and Joell Ortiz are cooking up. This track was originally found on the very dope Grant Me Serenity LP.
If you slept on the collaboration project the first time around, you better not this time.
[Download]
Novel – Easy To Love 2.0 (feat. Stacie Orrico)
Singer/producer/director Novel is back with this unreleased track that has a really summer vibe, featuring Stacie Orrico on the background vocals. The song was supposed to be featured on her album, but it was never released in the States. Do remember, his upcoming album Calligraphy is on the way.
We also got word his Defying The Predictable collaborative project with Joell Ortiz is already in the works and should see part 2 real soon.
[Download]
Joell Ortiz – Night Train (Remix) (feat. Novel, Bun B & Tech N9ne)
Joell Ortiz remixes his single “Night Train” and adds the likes of Bun B and Tech N9ne to the mix. Look out for The Life And Times Of Sebastian Rios which is coming soon.
OS REWIND: Joell Ortiz – Love Story (feat. Masspike Miles) (Prod. by Nottz)
[Download]
Cri$tyle – Pinch Me
Producer:
Album: N/A
Label: Blackground Records/Interscope Records
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pinch-me-single/id444996631
If Cri$tyle’s name sounds familiar, it might be because she’s often collaborated with OS Favorite Novel on several tracks. She’s branching out and starting things on the solo tip after songwriting for some of the best in the business. Her new single “Pinch Me” just hit iTunes, and it should be a preview of what’s to come.
As bonus, we added her remix to Novel’s “Vanilla Sky” from the Grant Me Serenity LP.
OS BONUS: Cri$tyle – Vanilla Sky (Remix)
Novel – Grant Me Serenity [LP]
Continuing his independent run, Novel releases his latest LP Grant Me Serenity, which is a middle finger to labels and a therapeutic album for the R&B crooner. This will serve as a prequel to his upcoming Calligraphy album, which is due out soon.
His vulnerability is apparent on tracks like “I’m Not Drunk” and “Celebrate” as he sings about heartbreak and keeping a sober mind through the stress. Covering songs like Thom Yorke’s “Eraser,” Novel shows his wide range in music as well as showcasing his production skills alongside the likes of Shoden!1 and Muzi.
Tracklisting and link after the jump.
Novel – Eraser 2012
Producer: Novel
Album: Grant Me Serenity
Label: N/A
iTunes:
Doing covers is always touchy (tell that to hardcore Radiohead/Thom Yorke fans right now), but Novel has a certain vibe to bring to the table when he flips certain songs. His vulnerability on wax and being a producer himself, adds a dimension that stands out (wait until that beat drops!) where some artists would drop the ball on occasions like these.
This track will be found on his upcoming Grant Me Serenity LP dropping later this month. We hope he takes those video skills to the small screen and shoots something for this cover too. His voice seems to be a perfect fit.
[Download]
Novel – Get You High
Novel has beena bit quiet lately, but fans shouldn’t be worried. It’s because he’s been locked inside the studio putting the finishing touches to his album Calligraphy. Not only that, but he has crafted another album he is going to throw out for free, called Grant Me Serenity. Stay tuned for that to drop soon. In the meantime, this is the first taste of the upcoming free99 album.
[Download]
Novel – Sunset Unlimited
Producer: Novel, Shoden1, MUZI
Album: Calligraphy
Label: N/A
iTunes:
In one of the darkest records we’ve heard from Novel, he’s definitely airing out some issues on the track. For certain artists, it’s therapy. This is the perfect example of true life expressed through music. His upcoming album Calligraphy is due out later this year.
This record was also co-produced by MUZI.
[Download]
Novel – Hood Chick (feat. Rapper Pooh)
Producer: Novel, Tony Reyes
Album: Caligraphy
Label: Lost Poets Music
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/we-got-it-bad/id392365873
“We Got It Bad” brought a lot of attention to Novel’s upcoming album, and he’s hoping to keep it going with a new leak for the ladies just in time for Valentines Day.
[Download]
