Korey BowieLife and Love Vol. 1-Songs of the Heart
In the time it takes to listen to Korey Bowie’s “Life and Love Vol. 1-Songs of the Heart” one could eat an appetizer, full course meal, dessert and make it to the car to drive home, but what he lacks in brevity he more than makes up for in creativity. To see him perform live, as I have had the pleasure of doing at Youth 4 Healthy Hearts, you really get the full force of his energy and creative flow and this project delivers those same qualities. Starting with the opening jam and my favorite “I Made It” who’s happy, uplifting, “feeling fine” vibe makes the serious lyrics of loosing a loved one and making it through that tragedy with the faith of God so easy to consume. You have to bump your head and snap your fingers to this grove and shout “I made it…I made it…I made it!” Love it! Next is the “Top of the Hill” another feel good joint that encourages us to keep climbing to get to the top of the hill. Other tunes to note are the high energy “Be Free”, the pensive “So Hard” and the love ballad for his wife “I Vow” a beautiful tribute to his bride. A great start from a gifted and talented man…I can’t wait to see what he creates in the future. Check out Korey Bowie at www.myspace.com/koreybowie

Promise Rapid Change
I first met this artist at my friend Joe Pope Jr., honor program. She came up to me and blew my mind when she said “Candace Walker at Bellaonline….you are the reason why I am in Christian Hip Hop” it was then that I learned she had written to me and asked about breaking into music and I told her, as I tell all readers who ask this question…click on the link on my website Links for New Artists. There she saw the production company of Lazy Catz records and that started it all. (Guys I need my referral fee! LOL) So people the links can work. With her statement to me so began a great friendship that culminated in her performing at the Youth 4 Healthy Hearts concert…the event that raises funds for my son’s The Clinton Ron Walker Foundation. On her latest project “Rapid Change” she opens up with the hard hitting “Oh God” which speaks of living a disobedient life and wanting God to help her get back to the right state of living. With a rapid fire delivery Promise flows with ease and one can’t help but be impressed with her skills. Next up is the hottest joint on the entire project “Keep Pressing” spitting out lyrics almost like my girl Mc Lyte, Promise delivers a wicked flow that urges all to “keep pressing, keep pushing” to keep praising God no matter what. I love this song and it stayed on replay all day in my car. Now when she attempts to sing on the Beyonce remake “To the Left” where she has changed the lyrics to reflect a spiritual tune, I can only say…stick to rapping Promise…this is not her forte...love ya girl but I got to be true. Overall “Rapid Change” is a great debut project and I look forward to what Promise has in store for us all. To learn more about Promise log on to www.myspace.com/promiseofgod


Michael Norman Eternity
Michael Norman may be the best kept secret on the Miami scene. For years he has been quietly behind the scenes working on the productions of others including creating the music for his wife’s Francina Norman’s show “Francina and Friends” his signature jazzy, breezy sound has resonated with her audiences for years. Now with the release of Eternity he is poised to step out front and shine for the entire world to see. Opening with the free flowing jazz tune “Come with Me’ Norman delivers a feel good drive tune for you to just pop in your car’s CD player and just ride. Next up is the high fusion groove “Fan-fair” whose space age synthesized horns infused with a Latin flavored drum line take this joint on an almost Ramsey Lewis via Earth Wind & Fire journey. Other songs to check out are the finger snapping “Inside Out”, the elegant “Endless Devotion”, the smooth spoken word “Ps. 23”, the big band swing song "To the Utmost" and the classic Bill Wither's tune "Lovely Day." This is a wonderful project and if you love jazz you should pick it up for sure. You can learn more about Michael Norman at www.michaelnormanmusic.com