This month we will be exploring all of the exotic sounds that reside outside of the United States. From Afrobeat to Brazilian to Reggae/Dancehall we’ll be traveling sonically with our musical passport. But it’s only proper to share the new album from Foreign Exchange’s own Phonte Coleman. Make sure you don’t miss the “Foreigner Edition” of Straight No Chaser

The Flat
1701 Commonwealth
8p – Midnight
No Cover

Written by: Terrance Lathan
Fotos: Xphaqtor

By the time the first act hit the stage, the audience was already on a musical journey initiated by DJ Flash Gordon Parks, DJ Cruize Control and King MC. Turning a Sunday evening crowd of people who probably have to go to work in the morning into a room full of rhythm-swept bobble heads is no easy task but the tone was well set. From jump one could see this was a crowd that not only loved music but was also very knowledgeable about it. No matter what song from whatever decade or genre was spun, the crowd didn’t miss a beat. With an audience this sonically intelligent, the performers would have to bring it and attendees were confident they all would.

The charismatic, Houston hip hop collective, HISD, took to the stage first and showed why they are so respected in the community. Unfortunately, it was during their set that the only downside of the night 1st became evident and that is the issue of poor sound quality (An issue that occurs all too often in Houston venues). The fellas still rocked nonetheless!

After much anticipation, word spread through the crowd that the F.E. had arrived and it’s members, Phonte, Nicolay, Darrien Brockington, Sy Smith & Zo! began filing in covertly through the back. Then it was showtime again and the group took us on a little trip through some of their most beloved tunes. The spotlight shifted quite a bit between Phonte, Darien and Sy, who are all exceptional artists in their own right and each performed lead on The Foreign Exchange songs as well as their own material. This type of seemingly egoless collaboration between already established solo artists references a time when the desire to do something musically interesting overrode the desire for immediate super stardom. Hopefully their success will not just start a trend but create a shift in the music industry all around towards collaboration, originality and musicianship.

It was the kind of raw show that unfortunately only happens when a band is just beginning to make it’s mark, before the veil of celebrity falls on the Funk. One of the biggest highlights of the night came at the end with the group covering some classic 80s jams, i.e. Prince’s Crazy You (Who all recognized that track from P’s debut?) and The Rude Boys’, “Written All Over Your Face.” An audience whose cups were already musicallly full, were spilled over and done by the end of the night. Sound issues aside, this was a showcase of talent those who attended will be talking about for quite a while.

Ideas Unlimited, Taste of Class Ent. & Urban Limelight Marketing present The Soulcial Series……a concert series bringing you the Foreign Exchange, Sy Smith, Darien Brockington, and Zo! to the great city of Hueston. You definitely don’t want to miss this showcase.

For more information click here

The Foreign Exchange camp is back at it folks. Delivering the goods courtesy of Zo featuring Eric Roberson, Darien Brockington, and Rapper Big Pooh. Check out the first single from the upcoming LP, SunStorm (7/27)…

Spotted at OKP

The Foreign Exchange – ”I Wanna Know” from The Foreign Exchange on Vimeo.

The Foreign Exchange feat. Muhsinah – “House Of Cards” from The Foreign Exchange on Vimeo.

The Foreign Exchange feat. Darien Brockington – “Take Off The Blues” from The Foreign Exchange on Vimeo.

Its new year’s eve, its at midtown, its wine and champaign, its music u won’t hear on the radio, its FREE ALL NITE LONG, its a vibe, its mature, its Leavin it all behind, its bringing in 09′, Its all on you.