Algee Smith “Look”

Multi talented singer/rapper/songwriter Algee Smith releases the new single ‘Look” from his forthcoming EP The Art Of Attraction due on January 15th. On this new track produced by J.Eley, Algee taps into his lyrical side as he talks about what he knows best, women. He affectionately and playfully says “Look…I’mma put you in a new class.” Algee gives his fans and music lovers the best of both worlds on this record as he taps into both his singing and rapping talents as he rides the track.

If Algee looks familiar it’s because he has been seen on Nickleodeon, Disney and Lifetime. Now he is focused on his musical dreams.

Algee Smith (@itsalgee) Talks New Single, New EP and Love For Music

Algee Smith is a newcomer to be on the look out for. He has been seen on TV and will soon be gracing the big screen but his first love is music.  Algee is both a singer and rapper and he does each with a precision and execution that is bound to make the industry take notice. As he prepares to release his first EP, The Art Of Attraction, he took a few minutes to talk to us to let us know who he is, why the world should take notice and what we can expect from him musically.

 

For those people who do not know you, please tell our readers who you are.

What’s going on everyone my name is Algee Smith! I’m a Rapper, Singer, Songwriting, & Actor. I’ve been on Disney’s “Let it Shine”, Nickelodeons “How to Rock”, and Lifetimes “Army Wives”. I have a single out on iTunes right now by the name of “She Say” which you all should definitely go grab! And a new single called “Look” that we just released.

Listen to “Look” here:

Your career began with acting. Was acting your first love or have you always been a musician first?

I actually began with music first which most people don’t know; but when it comes to being known on an international scale, acting definitely led the way. However music was always my first love!

How were you first exposed to music?

My dad (and main producer) actually exposed me to the music scene. From taking me to the studio with him whenever he’d go to work on a major artist’s record, to putting me behind the mic at a young age.

Do you remember the first time you performed? Where was it and what was it for?

Wow (laughs) I actually do remember! The first time I performed was at a church event. I was about 10 years old and I was scared out of my mind (laughs). I kept my head down the whole time and was mumbling the words. I guess you can say I’ve came a long way

Tell us about “The Art Of Attraction.” What can we expect from it sonically?

“The Art of Attraction”. Lets see where do we start? This project is something I’m extremely proud of. It’s my first actual body of work that I can say was put together exactly the way I wanted it to be. It’s an EP but it feels like it should be an album. Sonically it’s very refreshing. You have hip hop, r&b, a little feel of house, just all around refreshing; but it also makes sense.

What is your recording process like?

Recording process. Now this is a question I used to always want to ask my favorite artist, and honestly, I can say that it just depends. Although 9 times out of 10 I need to hear the music loud before I can even think of a melody or any lyrics. I’ve gotten to the point now to where it feels uncomfortable to write on paper. I have to feel the music, and then I can start writing in my head; which then leads me to the mic.

Watch Algee take on T.I.’s “I’m Back:

 

When you are in the studio, how do you know a record is made for you?

I can tell a record is made for me when I can feel it. When the melody and the lyrics come like they were already pre-written for me to sing or rap. To me those are the best ones! Or as my partner Tmah would say, “that’s one of them boys!” 

Who are some artists you would like to work with in the future?

Definitely Jay Z, Beyoncé, Drake, Nas, Q-Tip, Andre 3000, & Chris Brown. That’s just to name a few.

What do you want the world to know about you and your music?

This is probably one of my favorite questions that I’ve been asked! I first and foremost want people to know that I love Jesus! I wouldn’t be anything without him. I want people to know that I’m just like them! I’ve just been blessed with a gift that’ll allow me to make a large impact! My music is clean and fun! Sometimes it’s going to make you want to turn up, and other times it’s going to make you want to cry. I always refer to it as refreshing. 

How can everyone keep in touch with you?

You can follow me on Twitter  @itsalgee or reach out to me on my website http://www.algeesmith.com

Fresh Interview: Singer/Songwriter Jermaine Crawford (@Jermzcrawford) Talks to SA2Fresh

Jermaine Crawford is no stranger to the spotlight. At the tender age of 12 he was playing “Dukie” on the legendary TV show, “The Wire.” While he made huge headway on the the TV show, his first love has always been music. Now at the age of 21, Jermaine is more than ready to show people who he is an an a musician, an artist and a man. We caught up with Jermaine who was gracious enough to answer a few questions about his craft, his beginnings and his new project. The project may be called Underdog (which is available on datpiff NOW) but he is not an artist you should underestimate.

For readers that do not know you, please tell our readers who you are?

My name is Jermaine Crawford, I’m a singer/actor born in Prince George’s County, Maryland. A lot of people are familiar with my work from The Wire on HBO, however it’s time to show the world a completely different side of me.

Most people who do know you remember you from “The Wire,” how did you transition into singing?

Well honestly I was a singer first. My dad was a deacon in our church growing up. He was also the leader of praise of worship, he’s a phenomenal singer. I definitely got my gift of song from my father. It’s through music that I fell in love with acting. I began doing musical theatre around 6 or 7 years old. In musical theatre, if you didn’t sing dance and act, you probably didn’t get casted. So I learned at a young age how to flip the script.

Tell us about your first exposure to music.

My first exposure to music would definitely be my experiences growing up in church; performing on stage, dancing in the church aisles, harassing the band players to let me hop on the drums or the keys. Keep in mind I was 4 – lol

When did you start writing original music?

I began writing my own original music around 3 or 4 years ago. I’ve always written poetry growing up because it was such a great way to express myself. I didn’t have many friends growing up so I would always write. It wasn’t until about 4 years ago that I began honing the actually skill of writing and producing records.

Do you remember the first time you went on stage? Where and what was it?

I honestly was way too young to remember my first time on stage, but I’m told it was pretty cool lol. I do remember my first solo performance outside of the church choir. I performed at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington D.C. I performed the song “Who’s Lovin’ You” by the Jackson 5. That will always be one of the greatest moments of my life because it was then that my addiction for performance was ignited.

Talk about your first single “Janet.” What was the inspiration behind that?

Well of course Janet Jackson lol. But more specifically her phenomenal production that I’ve been inspired by over the years. My favorite producers are Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, so my single Janet was a tribute, an ode to the style of music they created and that I love. Of course there was some personal influence regarding a woman I just couldn’t get over but whatever I’m 21. Sh*t will always happen, it’s just my job to write about it. *laughs*

Explain the title of your EP “Underdog.”

I named my first project Underdog because I believe it was the closest thing to a self-titled project as possible. I feel so looked over at times. I know that I have a gift that can impact music. I believe God placed a serious gift inside of me. Sometimes in you’re the only one who will see or get the vision. This project is for anyone who feels similar. Anyone who is fighting for their dreams, anyone who feels misunderstood. This one is for the go getters, the loners, the cool kids. You see: there is an underdog inside every single one of us.

Musically, who are you listening to write now?

I listen to anything that’s substantial. Specifically: Drake, Kendrick, Kanye, Jay-Z, TGT. Recently I’ve been playing a lot of Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston for some odd reason, I’m just in a ballad kind of mood these days lol

Given that most people do know you as an actor, what do you want people to know about you musically?

I want people to know that “I am here”. I want people to know that I’m next.

What are your goals for your music?

My goals for my music are to impact and change the entire world.

Fresh Artist To Watch: BK Brasco (@BKbrasco) feat. RaVaughn “Every Bag” (Video)

There is a lot of noise coming out of the NYC, particularly Brooklyn which is where BK Brasco hails from. This new artist is the WAVE!! He sings, writes, raps and among other things and he is truly talented. He also has the Timbaland stamp. We are looking forward to hearing more from him and his forthcoming EP 18th Floor: The Thompson Hotel Edition. But for now we can get into this  groove with him and RaVaughn below:

Fresh Cover: Lana Flame (IamLanaflame) “Thinking About You” (Frank Ocean)

We are kind of new to Lana Flame but we love this cover! Sang it Lady!!! She is definitely an artist to watch.

Fresh Sounds: BeBe Rexha (@BebeRexha) Covers Drake’s “Hold On We’re Going Home”

We are just catching on to Bebe Rexha and we are very impressed with her vocal ability.Bebe took on the latest Drake single “Hold On We’re Going Home” and her acoustic take on on the record gives it it a breath of fresh air without overshadowing the original. Take a listen below.

Fresh Sounds: Moko (@ThisMoko) “Don’t Walk Away” (Cover)

We love discovering new artists and new music! Our latest discovery is Moko! This London based newcomer has a beautiful, smoky alto that is literally entrancing! We are absolutely in love with her cover of Jade’s classic New Jack Swing record “Don’t Walk Away.” Moko takes her own liberties with the track and the delivery and it works PERFECTLY. Listen to it and tell us what you think!

 

Fresh Looks: Mayer Hawthorne (@mayerhawthorne) “Her Favorite Song” Video

We are definitely fans of Mayer Hawthorne. He is just…FRESH. He recently released a visual for his record “Her Favorite Song.” While it is a little different, we are are feeling everything he does until he proves us wrong…

Fresh Sounds: Elbee Thrie (@ElbeeThriebeats) “53,000”

Phony PPL is sooo talented. As a whole they are musically unmatched and the same goes for each individuals. Elbee Thrie has just released his own mixtape “53,000.” 18 tracks full of colorful rounds and melodies that keep you entertained and bobbing your head from beginning to end. We especially like “Troublin’,” “Nice To Meet Me,” “Knew Lipsce,” and “Mediation” but we are sure that you will find your own favorites.

Fresh Sounds: Baiyu (@Baiyumusic) “This Feeling”

 

We are feeling artist Baiyu! She release a brand new record today called “This Feeling.” We could right several things about this heat she dropped, but we will let Baiyu say it in her own words:

“Recently I tweeted “love is the only high that I’ve ever chased.” It is the glow that you get, akin to the comfort of being under a soft blanket; along with the exhilaration; the passion; the selflessness; the tenderness. As much as love is indescribable, the volume of words that go along with it is extremely vast. That is the high that I chase. Even if I’m just meeting someone for the first time, blood rushes to my cheeks and all I can think about is this feeling.”