Lost Soul: Aaron Hall "Don't Be Afraid (Sex You Down Some Mo' Version)"

Aaron Hall "Don't Be Afraid (Sex You Down Some Mo' Version)"

"Don't Be Afraid" was originally released for the "Juice" movie soundtrack in 1992 as an uptempo "Jazz You Up" version. The original version of the song did very well on the charts and its well known as a classic New Jack Swing jam. In 1993, Aaron Hall re-released "Don't Be Afraid" for his solo album "The Truth." Not only he included the "Jazz You Up" version, but he also gave us the amazing "Sex You Down Some Mo'" side of the song. Aaron does an excellent job in showcasing his vocal abilities in the slow version of the record. To listen to the original version of the record, please click here. Enjoy!

New Joint: Aaron Sledge "Keep Lovin U"

Aaron Sledge "Keep Lovin U"

Rare Gem: Smooth "Undercover Lover"

I knew Smooth as the female rapper that used to ride with Marques Houston's group Immature in the 90's. Thanks to today's request from @musicmelb, I know now that Smooth sang as well. Not sure what Smooth is up to nowadays but this song does her justice. To see Smooth display her MC skills, click on the link below. Enjoy!


Immature Feat. Smooth - "Watch Me Do My Thing"

Lost Soul: Mariah Carey "Babydoll"

Mariah Carey "Babydoll"

I always felt like this Stevie J produced track was like the long lost cousin of Aaliyah's "One in a Million". Both songs were written by Missy Elliott, had crazy harmonies and had similar production (with the double stuttering beat and all). Nevertheless, this song is still a jam to this day and should have been released as a single.

Lost Soul: Mario "Directions"

Mario "Directions"

Here's a nice slow jam from Mario's second album "Turning Point". The song sounded very generic to me at first, but I found myself listening to it more and more for some reason. It's just easy on the ears. Saint Nick (the producer) and Harold Lilly (writer) definitely put together a great song for the very underrated Mario.

Exclusive: Jon B. Reveals His Top 10 Favorite Songs He's Recorded to YouKnowIGotSoul

It's a pleasure to present to you here on YouKnowIGotSoul a top 10 list from personal favorite artist of mine Jon B. Although he's never seemed to get the attention he deserved over the years, you can't deny the fact he's consistently put out good music for the past 15 years. For that reason, I was very interested to see what he would have on his list, and of course it comes with its share of surprises. How does his personal list compare to yours?

Here's a brief introduction to the list from Jon:

The list is pretty spur of the moment joints. Its hard when you have 7 albums to mentally sort through(Good Problem!) Realistically they're all important to me for individual reasons..

One joint though that comes to mind that should be on that list is "What do you Want"(bonus B side Pleasures U Like). That song was very much influenced by hearing Static's style with the group Playa. They were a great RnB group.

Jon B.'s Top 10:


10. Burning for You (Bonafide)

9. Keep it Real feat. Jay-Z and Coko from SWV (Hav Plenty soundtrack)

8. Through the Fire feat. Scarface (Stronger everyday)

7. Someone to Love feat. Babyface (Bonafide)

6. Az You (Stronger Everyday)

5. Finer Things feat. Nas (Pleasures U Like)

4. Cool Relax Remix feat. Guru (Greatest Hits)

3. Lonely Girl (Pleasures U Like)

2. R U Still Down feat. 2Pac (Cool Relax)

1. They Don't Know (Cool Relax)

Top 10: Favorite Jon B. Songs (Guest Editor)

When it came time to choose the guest editor for the Jon B. feature, I knew exactly where to turn. Due to my big support of Jon B. since the inception of YouKnowIGotSoul, I've gained a large following of Jon B. fans who visit the blog regularly and maybe the biggest of those is Carmen. I had faith she would come up with a good list for us as a guest editor, so without further adieu here is her list:

At first, I thought that this was going to be an easy task to pick my favorite Jon B., songs NOT. There's so many remarkable and astonishing songs to choose from, that are timeless and well written. I, so wanted
to add Cool Relax and Sof'n Sweet( just putting it out there lol).

1. In Too Deep: One of my top favorite songs from the Helpless Romantic Album. I love the way Jon B. expresses the way someone can feel about a new relationship letting go of the past and becoming united, with that person.

2. Are U Still Down: This is one of the songs that I listen to just about everyday. Great production with the legends of Tupac and Johnny J., the song speaks for itself there's no need to explain. CLASSIC

3. They Don't Know: The first song, I ever heard from Jon B., every time I hear this song a smile comes across my face. This is another song that will remain a classic and something, he will be remembered for. The songs speaks the truth.

4. Lately: As soon as I hear this track, I get pumped every time. The introduction, the beat, the chorus, the harmonies...all those questions you want answered," lately have you thought about me ....I'm still buggin' on it lately."

5. Patience: This is the first track that Jon B. , has ever rapped on an album and he kills it. One of my favorite songs from that album, that I can listen to on repeat.

6. Thru The Fire: This album has a lot of strong tracks and this is one of them. The verse that gets me every time," I walk the block running up the streets looking for a way out ..."

7. Pleasures U Like: One of my favorite songs from, Pleasures U Like album :D. This song puts me in a good mood and is my alarm that wakes me up every morning! A good song to start your day. Reminds me of a blend of Marvin Gaye's songs "Got To Give It Up " and " I want You."

8. Overjoyed: Great collaboration with Faith Evans. Strong vocals and all of the instruments combined together to make a beautiful song, especially the strings! A 5:36 song turns into a 10 minute song Lol

9. Helpless Romantic: Another one of my favorite tracks from that album another consistent repeat. I love the line " pimpin is over rated compared to makin love to my baby."

10. Shine: Great first track to start a classic cd! Love the whole vibe and lyrics that come across in this song. A song that you can close your eyes and listen to.

Click Here to read Jon B.'s list.

*Updated* Lost Soul: Teedra Moses "Get Yours" featuring Raheem DeVaughn

Teedra Moses "Get Yours" featuring Raheem DeVaughn

*Edit* So after nearly a year of searching, I was able to finally come up with the non-skipping version of this song! I know many including myself were stuck with the version that appeared on Teedra's mixtape where Raheem's part would skip, but now that has all changed. Regardless of the version, this is a great song and amazing collaboration. In fact, I like it so much I had to ask both Teedra and Raheem about it in interviews I did with them.

Click Here to read my interview with Raheem DeVaughn

Click Here to read my interview with Teedra Moses

New Video: Raphael Saadiq "Radio"

New Joint: Ginuwine - Break (Snippet)

Here is a promo video of Ginuwine's new CD "Elgin". The song playing in the video is "Break" which will be Ginuwine's second single. The track was written by Dianne Warren and produced by Bryan Michael Cox.

Ginuwine "Elgin" Promo from CBG on Vimeo.

EDIT: I have just found out that Franie J actually recorded this song and released it as a bonus track on his 2006 album "Priceless". Check it out:



Hopefully Ginuwine knew this song had already been recorded by Frankie J...

Marsha Ambrosius Live Concert Footage at Dingwalls' in London UK 12/27/10 (Reader Submitted)

After receiving all the positive feedback for the different activities that we have been implementing on the site making it more accessible, interactive, and fun for our followers; we want to keep the vibe flowing, and bring to you Live concert footage submitted by one of our readers from London, UK. This footage includes Marsha Ambrosius performing some of her biggest hits, her new material, and beautiful tributes to both Michael Jackson and the late great Teena Marie. I was very impressed by how "up close & personal" Marsha's show was with the audience. Big shout out to Miss Birmingham for providing us with today's Live Footage. Please make sure you follow Miss Birmingham on Twitter @musicmelb. For YKIGS' interview with Marsha Ambrosius, please click here. Feel free to submit ideas, music, requests, footage, and any other material related to the site to djslam@youknowigotsoul.com or hit us up on Twitter @TheDJSlam, @Buddha_YKIGSoul, or @SGBIZz. Enjoy!

1) Marsha Ambrosius - "Butterflies" (Michael Jackson Tribute)
2) Marsha Ambrosius - "Yes Indeed" (Teena Marie Tribute)
3) Marsha Ambrosius - "Far Away"
4) Marsha Ambrosius - "Say Yes/Freak'in Me"
5) Marsha Ambrosius - "Hope She Cheats On You (With a Basketball Player)"

Josh Xantus Performing "I Need a Girl" Live at B.B. Kings in NYC 12/16/10

Footage I took of Josh Xantus performing "I Need a Girl" live from B.B. Kings in NYC on 12/16/10. He was the opening act for Vivian Green that night.

Classic Vibe: Jodeci "Love U 4 Life"

Here is the classic slow jam "Love U 4 Life" by Jodeci. If you pause at 1:19 in the music video, you will notice a young Ginuwine, Timbaland, Magoo and Playa (RIP Static Major) standing beside Devante Swing.

Lost Soul: Brandy "Love Wouldn't Count Me Out"

Brandy " Love Wouldn't Count Me Out"

Brandy completely shines on this song as she showcases her vocals like never before. I know a lot of people are more interested in Brandy's complex harmonies (and believe me when I say I love them as well), but I don't think anything can compare to when Brandy just SINGS her heart out. The beautiful and slightly haunting piano in the back really adds to the song and makes it one of my favourite songs of all time by Brandy.

Brandy is currently working on her next CD, which unfortunately does not have a tentative release date yet. Stay tuned though as we will post any news regarding the album when it comes out.

Shout out to @4everannie for the recommending this song.

Lost Soul: Karina Pasian "Slow Motion"

Karina Pasian "Slow Motion"

"Slow Motion" was definitely one of my favourite songs of 2008 as it showcased the beautiful vocals of the young and mega-talented Karina. I am not sure what Karina is up to these days, but hopefully an album is in the works because her first CD, "First Love", showed a lot of potential.