Kwanza Jones Makes Billboard Charts (Again) And Drops Hot New Video

If you don't know by now that I am madly in love with everything Kwanza Jones does, then you haven't been paying much attention to this site. For those who need a catch up, Kwanza is a singer-songwriter turned EDM goddess. She dropped her debut album "SUPERCHARGED" in February of last year, and has been going strong ever since. Now she's amping up her new single "Turn It Up" and it's already splashing it's way onto the Billboard Charts!

Although when first listening to "SUPERCHARGED" I didn't see "Turn It Up" as a single track, it actually worked out very nicely. It has that kind of club energy that you'd come to expect from Kwanza over the past few years, and it's video has that same high quality that is a regular from this artist.

Speaking of the video, I like it for some surprising reasons, the main being that we get to see a softer looking side of Kwanza. By this I mean in most of her video's she's got crazy outfits, hair, and makeup to fit the vibe of her song. This time, she's wearing softer makeup and in most of the video toned-down outfits showing a more "normal" side to the pop diva. Also, she continues her tradition of having ridiculously hot guys as backup dancers.

And that's another amazing thing about this work. The dancing is so tight and spot on, and most of it is done on stairs. I can't think of too many music videos that have entire choreographed stair dances. That must have been a hassle to get together and to practice beforehand. This alone deserves recognition.

"Turn It Up" did make it onto the Billboard charts last week. It came in at a kind of low number, 47 on the Dance Charts, but it also hasn't been supported for long, which means in the coming weeks, I can see it climbing far beyond that. This isn't Kwanza's first time at this rodeo either. She has had five other songs chart in the past, so she knows what she's doing. I'm sure this track will only help her career and her Billboard presence.

You can get the song on iTunes today.

Video Review - Kwanza Jones + Pollo Del Mar "Made U Look"

It has become tradition in the past two years to review the videos that talented vocalist Kwanza Jones releases. Why stop now? This time around she has paired up with famous San Francisco drag queen Pollo Del Mar to bring us the video for "Made U Look", a bonus track off of her newest album "SUPERCHARGED". This video is like nothing you've seen from Kwanza before. Brace yourselves. She is indeed going to make you look -- probably twice.

Album Review - Kwanza Jones "SUPERCHARGED"

It is finally here. After literally years of waiting for this album to surface, Kwanza has finally delivered. "SUPERCHARGED" has arrived and is already making waves. This album is sexually charged, and ready to make everyone get up on their feet. If you listen to this album sitting down, you are definitely doing it wrong. Let's get this party started, shall we?

Universal Conquest Awards: The 2012 Winners

The time has finally come! The polls have been down for a couple of days, but getting anything done over the Christmas holidays is nearly impossible. Finally, after a bit of help from a friend and resourcefulness on my own end,  the UCAs have come to a close. The winners are below, but first, I would like to take the time to be a little sentimental and sappy.

This year, I exceeded my goals not only once, but twice. Last year, I only received around 150 votes. This goes to show you how far things have come over the past year. This time around, my goal was to have at least two hundred votes for Song of the Year -- and I doubled it. Thanks to you, the readers and the artists who Facebook, tweeted, and called up their relatives (yes, it happened), the song of the year category alone got over 400 votes, and if you were to tally up all the votes from all the categories, TOTU scored over 1,000 votes. I cannot express how grateful I am for  your continued support and love.

Now for the winners -- some of them may surprise you.

Video Review - Kwanza Jones "Supercharged"

It has been soooo long since I've done a video review. Lately, there either haven't been videos that have really caught my eye with their visuals or story, or I have been incredibly lazy and just announced when the videos come out. It's your choice depending on how well you think of me, ya know? Anyway, a video finally has come forth that I really love, and I think it's about time to bring back my old style of reviewing music videos -- lots of pictures with cheap ass jokes! Check out Supercharged!

Song of the Week - Supercharged

I have been waiting oh, so patiently for this single to come out. The song has been up online for weeks now as she's been pushing it to be played on radio stations across the country, but the official release had been just out of our grasp until now. Behold in wonder and amazement - "Supercharged" by the beautiful Kwanza Jones.

"I'm a gladiator in a thong. Applaud when I come on." This may very well be the best lyrics of all time. No, seriously. Just walk up to someone and shout this at them. Watch the reaction. Regardless, the song is still very catchy, and I have been obsessed with this track for countless weeks. You guys know I love me a good girl-power pop track, and this song takes it to the next level. "Supercharged" goes far beyond "Time To Go", which itself was a benchmark.

What I really love about this song is that it balances talent with having fun. She is able to show that she can really sing, and even break down a rap segment, but it's not overly serious. There are a few vocal effects thrown in to get the listener more into it's electro-pop vibe, adding to the more fun side of the song. Even it's lyrics bounce back and forth between serious and funny, keeping it from swaying too far in one direction.

This song may be coming into the game a bit late, but it is definitely one of the best songs of 2012. It justifies all the setbacks that have happened along the way, as well as the lengthy gap in between "Time To Go" and this track (although we did get to hear much of Vicious, another track from the album).

You can buy the song for a dollar on her official BandCamp page, or if you are feeling generous you can give her more. The track is not yet on iTunes. Be sure and check back later in the week for another "Supercharged" surprise.

Kwanza Jones Remix Winners + New Contest

I embarrassed myself enough by entering Kwanza's rap contest, and without the proper equipment, I was left no choice but to keep away from the remix contest as a competitor, but thankfully other talented people kept in the race. Tons of people competed to have the best remix of her new smash track "Supercharged", but only three prevailed on top of the rest.

Recently, Kwanza announced the top three winners in order of third to first. Third place went to Alex Lewis' "CHOON remix". Second place was awarded to Crysis. This left Cliffhanger as the winner with the "Cliffhanger VS LightniX Remix". All three of these are solid, but I have to say I was impressed the most by Alex (maybe it's just my thing for supporting the underdog?). I am still excited to hear the song is it's original glory, as I missed the contest page where she gave everyone a sneak peek, but these remixes are certainly doing it for me for now. Check out the top performer below.




The race was close, and there was a bit of an upset when fan-favorite DJ Shellshock did not win the contest. He was instead awarded a "fan favorite" title, but no word yet on if this holds any bearing in regards to a release.

Once again keeping her title of Contest Queen, she has wasted no time in devising a new contest for her fans to prove they got what it takes. This go around it is much more accessible for the every day fan (as opposed to the musical genius fans she obviously has already showcased). Kwanza is calling for her fans to make their own videos to Time To Go. The title says a "Lip Sync" contest, but from the description Kwanza gives in the video below, it sounds like she's looking for something a bit more creative than a girl singing into her hairbrush in front of a webcam.




So yeah, this is definitely a contest I am considering entering. The first prize is one hundred dollars, and the winner will also get attention from Kwanza.  This might be another time I go out on a limb and make myself look like a total derp, but it will all be in good fun. Maybe I can put what I learned in school to good use! Give me some ideas, people!

Music News: Kwanza Jones On Billboard Dance Charts!

The buzz this week has been all about Adam Lambert breaking ground with his very gay number one album, and I am really happy for him, but I think there is another special artist who deserves some recognition. Before you jump down my throat, loyal Glambert readers, I really recommend you check her out. Kwanza Jones definitely deserves some time in the spotlight.

 

Kwanza is a great friend, and an equally amazing artist, so I have to say that she deserves her spot on the charts. This week, all of her hard work promoting, touring, and tweeting (Hey, now, Tweeting is hard work!) has payed off. "Time To Go" has landed on the Billboard Dance Charts at number 47! I've done my best to support her over the past year or so, and I know that many others have her back with remixes, contest entries, and blog posts. It's been a long time coming, and I know we can push this track even higher on the charts.

And quickly, if I may, I'd like to leave a public, yet personal message directly to Ms. Jones:

I am so proud of you, Kwanza. I know you work hard, and I know you are genuinely sweet. I can't wait until we can speak again, work together again, and maybe even see you on tour! You know that crazy squeal of yours is what I live for. Seriously, I'mma need that as my text ringtone.

Check out the crazy video for "Time To Go" below. Keep spinning it, keep pushing it, and tell all your friends to buy it, because I'm sure you already own a copy, right?

Video Review - Time To Go

Oh, Kwanza Jones how I love you so much. You never disappoint me. You made me wait and wait, and then even wait some more for this video, but it was totally worth it. If you haven't heard this song yet, then this video is the best way I could possibly think of to introduce you to the new Kwanza.

New Years Resolutions? Think Again!

Ok, so it is kind of a bad pun. I didn't get a chance to blog about Kwanza Jones's smash song "Think Again" because it was already out for a while by the time I got my blog revamped and ready to present to the masses. I just wanted to make one last post this year, showcasing this amazing song and video, because when the album comes out, this very song will be completely different!



2012 is going to be an amazing year. I already have a lot planned for the new year including interviews, an exclusive new song preview, some new reoccurring features, and guests posts (both friends writing for my blog and me writing for others). It's gonna be a busy year and I hope everyone continues to to support me in my efforts to spread the love and joy of pop music to every corner of the universe -- before I take it over, that is.

On a side note, I am taking a mini-vacation this weekend. I threw this post together quickly (obvious, no?). But never fear, I will return Monday with the Song of the Week. I hope you all have a great New Year's Eve and New Years Day. Don't drink and drive and stay safe both physically and sexually! Love you guys!

2011 Universal Conquest Award Winners

Welcome one and all to the reveal of the winners for the first annual Universal Conquest Awards. This is my attempt to give the new guys, or maybe just the ones who haven't had enough attention, a bit of recognition. The music industry is a cold and cruel place. I hope that through these virtual awards, I can give recognition to those who I believe are not only doing it right but also doing it well.

Exclusive Interview - Kwanza Jones

Oh. My. God. Let me tell you, I recently got in contact with one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege of talking to. Kwanza Jones is not only a singer, but also a songwriter, and an ambassador for equality. This future pop icon and role model took time out from her busy tour to give me the details on her next moves in the music world, as well as her stance on other serious issues.

Song of the Week - Time To Go

This week, I chose a very special tune for Song of the Week. Kwanza Jones is an amazingly talented singer. She has released quite a bit of material, and is starting to build up some notoriety. Why haven't I chosen one of her songs before? This is the first single she has released in quite a while, and my blog is still pretty young. Let me introduce you to Kwanza Jones.

This song shows a definite new direction for Kwanza. Her last single, Think Again, was more of a rocker track, while this is much more in line with the current electro-pop scene going on. Versatility is one of greatest things an artist can have up their sleeve, and this song is just further proof that she can do almost anything. The cover for this one is also quite different and exotic compared to past looks from her. I hope this is something that sticks around, because she looks spectacular here.

The track is all about pushing everything to the limits and exploring all possibilities, until it is time to go of course. I feel like this is her most radio-ready single so far, at least considering the current state of pop music, and it really excites me that I may be hearing her on my radio some day (So I don't listen to the radio now, but if she were on the radio here, I would!).

You can buy her new track on iTunes. Please support this amazing artist, and keep checking back for something special involving Ms. Jones in the near future.