Prince ‘BlkMagic’ Damons

Didn’t think it was possible, but you finally got tired of those 2,000 songs on your iPod. You listened to so much Ledisi that her voice prances about your dreams and ran through every song Common ever made. You would turn to the radio but what’s the point? Even a nice cut loses its pizzaz after hearing it 20 times every day. The new videos on BET aren’t “bangin” as advertised and do nothing to sooth your crave. So, what do you do? Where does a bona fide junkie turn for his or her fix of hip hop soul? Traditional record stores are all but extinct and the internet has not yet reached everyone, and for those who do plug-in, they are susceptible to viruses and other corrupt files. The quest for good music just might seem hopeless, but it gets a lot easier when you know where to look.

Take it to the Streets

With retail stores being scarce and the internet out of the question, one must be very strategic in order to find music that satisfies their tastes. There are many routes you can take to get your fix and it starts with hitting the streets - literally. Depending on your area, this could be difficult or incredibly easy. Inner cities throughout the United States are filled with aspiring artists waiting to unleash a fresh, familiar sound you’ve never heard before. It isn’t uncommon to find emerging artists selling their work at the local bus stop, gas station or just strolling down the block. The key is finding one who specializes in the type of music you’re into. If soul and conscious hip hop are your thing, you may want to inquire within an African American bookstore or coffee shop known for hosting spoken work functions. Many of these facilities distribute gems for local soul artists and have been known to expand the floor with open mic night. This could be a great way to discover your favorite new artist live and in person.

Get Social Wit It

The iTunes Store and other online outlets may have crippled traditional music stores but the social scene is almost guaranteed to remain prevalent, be it a night club or smoky hole in the wall. You’re sure to catch a lead on new jams wherever people are huddled together, socializing and listening to music. Give your favorite old school-themed bar or local jazz lounge a shot. Get bubby-buddy with a DJ who spins your type of flavor and you just might unleash the key to hidden treasures.

Find out What Friends are For

Your collection of soul is impressive while your library of hip hop classics is unparalleled. Be that as it may, you’re down on hard times, desperately seeking a hit of musical adrenaline. When this is the case, it may be time to reach out to a friend or two. Soul junkies typically run in packs, so if you’re looking for something new, your pal might be too. Check and see what they’re doing to cope during this musical depression. Who knows? They could be holding out and sitting on a nice stash.

Good, quality music is definitely harder to find these days. You may have to invest a little more time into your quest for worthy tracks but after landing on that certified jewel, you’ll be glad you gave the effort.