Urban Thought Collective

One of the albums that I have had in constant rotation since it was released in October 2008 is Foreign Exchange’s second release, “Leave It All Behind.” Foreign Exchange is a duo that consists of Phonte Coleman who you may know as half of the North Carolina-based hip-hop duo Little Brother and Dutch super producer and composer Nicolay Rook who has four albums of his own under his belt.

Their first album, “Connected,” was released in 2004 and is considered to be a classic by non-mainstream hip hop lovers. It’s hard to believe that the entire album was recorded without the two ever having met in person. They first connected on the Okayplayer message boards back in 2002. Nicolay would produce a beat over in the Netherlands and send it to Phonte via Instant Messenger in the States to lay down the vocals. Then Phonte would return the track to Nicolay to master. Thus, the name Foreign Exchange was born. They wouldn’t meet until they began touring in support of the album.

I have to admit that although I’ve long been a fan of Little Brother and of Nicolay’s beats, I had to cop a serious late pass when it came to Foreign Exchange. If you’re on the late bus with me, “Leave it All Behind” is the perfect album to get your feet wet.

This album was a departure from “Connected,” which disappointed a lot of fans. A rant about that would require a whole other column. Connected featured Phonte rapping over Nicolay’s beats (along with guest appearances by other hip hop artists including the other half of Little Brother Rapper Big Pooh, Joe Scudda, Kenn Starr, and Oddisee). Soul singers Darien Brockington and Yazarah (who will both be featured here in the future) smoothed out a couple of tracks. However, the album had a decidedly alternative hip-hop flavor.

“Leave It All Behind” showcased Phonte getting his croon on along with strong re-appearances by Darien and Yazarah. This time, they also added Muhsinah to the mix, a DC based artist who you’ll also be hearing more about here. Phonte and Musinah made beautiful music together on “Daykeeper, the first single released from the album. Many people count it as their favorite track. When I first listened to it, before I acquired the full album, it was one of the tracks that drew me in. Muhsinah’s unique sound was a perfect match for this track.

They recently visited DC for the second time, performing in front of a sold-out crowd. Check out their performance of “Daykeeper.”

It truly is hard to pick a favorite song on this album. I managed to do it though. I love what Phonte calls the “swing jazz sound of the next century.” When it starts playing, I can’t do anything but sit and listen…and feel.

Check out their performance of “Sweeter Than You”

The second single from the album is the upbeat, feel-good “Take off the Blues,” which has gotten me through many a moody day. They are currently shooting a video for it. Looking forward to that!

Meanwhile, check out this live performance and watch those blues disappear:

In between songs from “Leave It All Behind” and the first album, “Connected,” Phonte interacted with the crowd as only he can. He entertains to the point that at times you feel like you’re getting a music concert and a comedy showed in one.

As usual, I have this entire show as well as their last DC appearance in November 2008 over on my You Tube channel. You can also download a free sampler of the album before you buy it.

Foreign Exchange may soon be in a city near you. Keep your eye on this page as dates are added periodically. This is not a show to be missed – bringing alive a must have album for any real music lover.

Danielle “Vivrant Thang” Hatchett is a freelance writer and blogger living life like it’s golden in the DC Metro area. She is the creator of Songs in the Key of Life, a music blog (with the occasional personal element) that spotlights underrated soul artists who “don’t be gettin no airplay.” She also maintains a companion You Tube channel where you can view footage of all of her concert adventures. Vivrant Thang has a regular spot here on Urban Thought Collective, and can be contacted at vivrantthang8@gmail.com.