This is a blog used to help promote DJ Kool Emdee and dedicated to GOOD music and those
who love good music, be it old or new school. Any music or links posted are for SAMPLE PURPOSES ONLY. We wish that you would support all artists by purchasing their bodies of work.
Happy Birthday to DJ Spinna, a real kool cat i've respected for a long time and have much of his works on vinyl as part of my personal music collection. Since we're a couple of days away from what many consider "The Month of The Man", February being the month that J-Dilla was born, here's Spinna's tribute to the G.O.A.T. that features Phonte' on vocals.
A few days ago, the world said farewell to Etta James, also known as "Miss Peaches" and "The Matriarch of R&B". Starting her music career in the 1950's, her style of music spanned multiple genres and she is regarded as having bridged the gap between rhythm and blues and rock and roll. She gained fame with hits such as "Dance With Me, Henry", "At Last", "Tell Mama", and "I'd Rather Go Blind". James was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001, and the Grammy Hall of Fame in both 1999 and 2008. She is the winner of six Grammys and 17 Blues Music Awards.
Hers is another amazing voice that will be missed, although we can still enjoy her recordings. She was an influence to many.
An amazing Jazz trombonist based in Houston who has played for Disney, with Winton Marsalis, Betty Carter, Roy Hargrove and many other notables in the music world. His gospel influenced style of playing has been compared to the late great J.J. Johnson.
One of my top favorite vocalists from out of London known for his hits "Space Rider" and "Days Like This". He's also a gifted songwriter, disc jockey and actor, earning a nomination for the Laurence Olivier Award for the Parade stage play. He was also cast in the West End production of The Lion King, playing the role of Mufasa, as well as their other productions; Les Misérables, Smokey Joe’s Café, Tommy and Mama I Want to Sing.
Rated by many as one of Houston's top voices who's gradually making himself known more on the nationwide music circuit. A man I call my brother and have shared many good times and stages with. He brings great energy to every performance he brings light to, seamlessly belting out soulful melodies, to a wicked emcee and topping it off with thought provoking poetry.
A couple of weeks ago I did a previous post on Gas-Lab, a super dope producer from Bueno Aires, Argentina. To my surprise, he sent me a comment about that post that contained the link to his new video for "Shining" off his Teoria Instrumental Vol.2 beat CD, that blends Jazz, Hip-Hop, Soul, Blues and some good old fashioned Funk. He's offering this single for free, however, i'm sure I can speak for him by asking you to buy this recommended album to help in him continuing to spread some musical love. Enjoy!
Karega Ani...many good things can be said about this brother, a friend of mine i've been knowing for nearly 10 years, after first getting a taste of his lyrical machine gun vocals that took you to distant galaxies, yet kept you down to earth with the same level of communication and impact that Malcolm X had on those who listened to him. A gifted producer, family oriented and just a man of great taste who wears many other hats.
I'll have to dub him as a general, because with his latest release Concentrated Substance: The Chronicles of a Hopeless Optimist, it deserves 5 stars and nothing less. My favorite off the album is the title track which features Def Poet Sunni Patterson and Michele Thibeaux on vocals, along with a legend is his own right, Amp Fiddler tickling the ivories. Overall, the whole album takes you back to the days of purchasing material from your favorite artist and them delivering a product where you enjoy all of it over and over again. A highly recommended must have to add to your collection. Cop it, fasten your safety belts and get ready to go on a fantastic voyage.
My most favorite deep and soulful house producer is none other than the legendary Osunlade. The way his music flows just seems to make everything he touches and instant classic even before critics can have mention. Below is a deep house track by Miguel Migs that came out at the end of last year i've been vibing to when I want to relax my mind. On vocals is multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello who uses her gift to make "Close Your Eyes" sultry. Go ahead and press play to get your eargasm now.
Hey folks! The year 2012 has brought about another milestone for the Record Realm blog. As with any celebration, you want it to be fun and explosive. To help create the vibe, here are two dope remixes by two producers who have become fast favorites in my list of top producers/remixers.
First up we have Tall Black Guy of the Motor City who uses Camp Lo's "Luchini" to put his spin on it to really make you say "This is it. Whaaaat!"
Shade Cobain uses "Kick In The Door" by The Notorious B.I.G. as his weapon of choice to give you some serious head nod action.
We say THANKS again for your continued support to help in keeping this blog and other projects moving forward.
His natural chemistry in working with producers, MC Zulu has a ragga punch to make an instrumental into a big tune. His current strike is the "Make It Happen" single with Brooklyn based DJ/producer Yellowtail, who previously collaborated with Eska, Jose James, Alison Crockett and Monday Michiru. Remix contributions are from SoulParlor, Phuture Motion and Silverback, and Yellowtail tops it off with another single titled "Refuge". If you're ready to get rowdy in a good way, press play!
Mark your calendars for March 25th. Multi-instrumentalist EMiL, a young lad from ye merry olde UK has geared up to release Deadwood, his debut LP on this date. By listening to the title track, his sound is as if he's influenced by Michael Jackson, melding into the acoustic sounds of the 1960's with beautiful string arrangements to match. His facial features and "abstract afro" makes me think that he could be Benga's little brother. Now it's time to open your ear holes and pay close attention to an artist who is sure to make waves for a long time. ENJOY!
On my last post I mentioned about a breakbeat being used for many genres. Now, I have some sad news about an incredible artist by the name of Jimmy Castor (The Everything Man) who passed away yesterday. A crew of musicians called The Jimmy Castor Bunch, he released a string of hits that helped provide sounds used in many Hip-Hop records, mainly his title track, "It's Just Begun" tune recorded in 1972 that is one of the biggest B-boy anthems. That album also included the heavy sampled "Troglodyte (Cave Man)" known for the opening line; "What we're gonna do right here is go back...". Also releasing "Bertha Butt Boogie", "E-Man Boogie" and other hits.
Before delving into the world of Funk music, Castor started as a doo-wop singer, wrote and recorded "I Promise to Remember" b/w "I Know The Meaning Of Love" for the Wing imprint with Jimmy Castor and the Juniors in 1956. Castor would later replace Frankie Lymon of The Teenagers in 1957. For now, the cause of his passing is unknown. Will update with details as they become available.
We've heard this "Amen Brother"(1969) break by The Winstons time and time again, which also is nearly the same pattern as Clyde Stubblefield's "Funky Drummer"(1970) pattern as recorded by James Brown. The following video is posted on Youtube and it breaks down the history and use of the "Amen Brother" 5.2 second drum break in the middle of the song, which was a B-Side to their "Color Him Father" hit. Watch and learn...
I owe much to my good friend Elliott Keith a.k.a. RealNess who i've been knowing for nearly 20 years. My how time flies. Had to take you guys back to a Houston classic by the name of "Run" which dropped some years back. This guy has put in some work behind the mic as well as behind the production boards to create his material. Now-a-days he rocks stages with his band called E.K. Sound from the U.S. all the way to Japan for a massive set blending Hip-Hop, Soul, Reggae, Rock and more to smash all boundaries. I'll be posting new music real soon, so keep it locked!
Literally, moments ago I met Mikey Shanley on Facebook through DJ Irene via a discussion on a certain "celebrity". Anyway, I go to check out his fan page and am really liking what I hear. Already, the one tune he's released that struck a chord with me is "Freak P*ssy", a deliciously funky House track that will get you moving to its heavy bass licks. Grab your glow sticks, your dancing shoes and let's take a magic carpet ride. ENJOY!
Last month I posted about Blacktivity (read more...), the Hip-Hop duo from the Mid-West who released their debut album at the end of last year. Now they follow up the release with their "Knuckle Sandwich" video. Peep it, get a few laughs and support! Now cue the fanfare...
As many of us are preparing to hit Austin, Texas for SXSW in a couple of months, here's some feminine flavor that dropped earlier today from one of the hometown artists, Monarchs, the "alt-soul love child" of singer-songwriter Celeste Griffin. I have to give it to this young lady for keeping it short and sweet, and her delivery over tracks by Jake One, Javelin, MF Doom, Clams Casino, Reggie Coby and the late great J-Dilla. Hit up her Bandcamp page to get the whole enchilada.
Like many other artists i've come across, I got my first taste of Shigeto from a mixtape a DJ did a couple of years back. Since then, I have been bumping his tracks ever since. With Lineage, his upcoming mini LP, it's explained where his moniker as a producer stems from. It just so happens that Shigeto(means "to grow bigger") is his middle name and also the name of his great-grandfather, who's pictured in front of his home in Japan in the cover art. Lineage becomes available on January 31st on Ghostly International. You can get a preview of the album and a digital download of the title track here. ENJOY!
Georgia Anne Muldrow gives true definition to soul music. Not just in the sense of simply belting out a song, but to display emotion behind lyrics that have meaning. THIS is what I would consider "grown folks music", as well as music like this to be played for children. Considering the times and the way the world is currently, we need to plant "Seeds" for progression. I really dig this old school 70's funky vibe the vocals are set to.
Seeds is the name of the upcoming album by G.A.M. coming out March 27th via SomeOthaShip Connect by way of LP, CD and digital album. A 7 inch (that's a 45 record, for those who don't know) and digital single is scheduled for February 14th on Fat Beats. Big respect to Madlib for conducting the orchestra. Enjoy!
"I'm not sure what I was thinking when I named this song."; are the words from producer TOKiMONSTA speaking on her "Swine & Burgers" track posted at the end of last year on her Soundcloud page, which was done in 2009, previously unreleased officially. After soaking this tune in some more, I think i'm pretty much going to make this a day for the ladies in music. Stay tuned for more...
This new year is already starting off on a good note and Atlanta based emcee Lyric Jones makes a huge impact for the sisters in Hip-Hop by teaming up with Jazz vocalist/bassist Esperanza Spalding, for a "leak", of sorts, with her new single titled "Loss On Repeat". Production credit goes to DJ, producer, emcee & Berklee College of Music educator Raydar Ellis, who instantly gets your head nodding from the first few bars. This is the final release leading up to her debut album Jones St. due on February 7th.
Akai Pro rang in the new year by introducing one of their newest products called the MPC Renaissance. I got the alert on this product by email, then clicked the image sent to take me to their website, only to be disappointed by a lackluster video that was reminiscent of a mainstream rap video. I didn't know who these "producers" were and it had no mention of how this product works or it's capabilities (which is why I chose to NOT post the video here). Personally, I would have liked to see someone who's notable for using the precursors to this, like Pete Rock, Jeremy Ellis or DJ Mitsu.
Enough of my ranting. They don't give a whole lot of info, but it does say (after READING) that you are able to switch to vintage modes accessing sounds from the MPC 3000 and MPC 60. Just check out the product details below and visit their site. They will also be present at NAMM 2012 featuring this product and conducting demos.
Nothing like some good old fashioned Jazz music to help lift your spirits. What's better is to hear tunes that will make you want to hit the dancefloor and boogie. KOJATO & The Afro Latin Cougaritas make that type of Jazz, that's fun and soul soothing. I'm really fond of the title track, "All About Jazz" that kicks this album off. Then they move on with a tribute to the late Fela Kuti with "Everywhere You Go Now, Kuti" that features some heavy Afro-Beat influence. Overall, this is a great album to have part of your collection because of their blend of Jazz music with African rhythms. All About Jazz would also make a great soundtrack for a road trip or to grab a partner to cut a rug with. A vinyl and CD release is scheduled for worldwide purchase, although you can get it as a digital download now by way of their Bandcamp page. The digital download also comes with bonus material, so don't be afraid to help yourself.
iSHE' grabbed my attention quickly after hearing her smooth vocals with Philly emcee HEZEKiAH for their iSHE'+ HEZEKiAH Project and also on a single produced my Hassaan Mackey called "Genesis", which both dropped last year. She hits us again with a new single released on her Soundcloud page that was a collaboration with producer/drummer Reggie B. called "Come Close". The combination of her sultry vocals, along with the production style of this track, they make you want to do as the title says. What more can you ask for during these winter months? Enjoy!
By recommendation from dnbradio.com, here's a nifty Drum n' Bass mix by DJs Shonze and Kicbea. If you like it like I do, download it. Make sure you grab Podcast oo1 too. Enjoy!
A month or so ago I posted the new single from Eric Lau featuring Guilty Simpson called "The Mission", which is a banger, by the way. Hours ago he posted "Yesterday" that features Guilty Simpson lending his vocals again, along with Fatima and Olivier Day Soul. All I can say is, classic combination. He also announces that The Mission EP drops February 3rd, although you can pre-order it now via Kilawatt Music. Head on over and get electrified.
Just moments ago, the Record Realm reached 100,000 page views by readers like yourself from all over the globe. I know the hits counter to the right says a lesser number, but according to my actual stats, we have reached the 100,000 page views milestone. I would like to thank all the readers, artists and record labels who helped to provide music and other material for us to share with the world. We are looking forward to more things to come. Happy 2012!
Being unfamiliar with Gas-Lab, i'm wondering how is it I didn't know about him sooner. I came across his Bandcamp page, pressed play and my heart started fluttering. This cat sure can tap the pads on his MPC-1000 and make it "sing" beautifully. Enough of my ranting, just check out his remix of "El Mundo Entero" by Velcro. Kudos to Buenos Aires for producing this prodigy. Enjoy!
You can surely see the impact that J-Dilla has left on many producers. Mecca:83 of Manchester, UK is one who draws inspiration from this master of sounds who left us a number of years ago. I'm not exactly sure how I came across Life Sketches Vols 1 & 2, then to see that my homie Buscrates 16-Bit Ensemble is tickling the keys on "Detroit Twilight", which is featured below. Help keep this young producer doing his thing by purchasing his bodies of work. Enjoy!
A little while back I connected with a real cool cat by the name of DJ Ilias DK from Greece and have been exchanging tunes with him. For the new year he sent me the link to this killer Trip-Hop mix he did days ago that really has my engine running. He has a great ear for music and see that a good number of people enjoy seeing his display of skill live. He tells me that part two of this mix will be coming soon. For now, grab this FREE download and groove.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming, highly anticipated album from Robert Glasper called Black Radio set for release on February 28th. From what i've seen so far, it's proving to have an impressive line-up of guest features. He and Erykah Badu have taken the liberty to revamp Mongo Santamaria's "Afro Blue" and have put a spin on it to claim as their own. The first official single released to digital retailers is "Ah Yeah", which features Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michelle. However, the one tune that's gaining much attention is "Move Love" featuring newcomers to the Soul game, KING. "Move Love" is available as a FREE download via his website, where you can also pre-order the album.
OneofUs is really impressive with their blend of Jazz fusion that crosses many boundaries of music on their Disengage album. The duo consists of singer/songwriter/musician Kitty Wong of Sydney, Australia and producer Nathan "Sinitus Tempo" Peters who hails from Maryland on sampler, drums and bass. Both name many of the greats in Hip-Hop, Jazz, Funk and popular music as influences for their unique sound. Although they are giving away this wonderful album for FREE, i'm one to definitely purchase future projects from them, as well as attend their shows. Just get a load of their uptempo tack "Summer Nights" below, which has a touch of the eastern sound, Jazz and heavy beats, then rush on over to their Bandcamp page and grab the album while you can. I'm sure you'll be just as delighted as I am. Enjoy!
Sarah White is sheer dopeness. I think I seriously need to take more time to research many artists when they are brought to my attention. Space Madness was released in October, which lets me know that i've been "sleeping" for that long. A definite must have for your music collection if you're the type that likes an eclectic blend of multiple styles on one album that flows flawlessly. As far as production, these may not be your everyday names, however, they are proven to be top notch. Guest vocalists include Nicholas Ryan Gant and Cecilia Stalin.
There's just something about "Reaching Up" that grabbed me and is already my favorite track. This is a great tune to have started the album with. I look forward to more music from this Brooklyn bombshell. By the way, I really dig the cover art. Enjoy!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! And many thanks to all my readers for taking the time to visit the Record Realm. To start you off on the right note, here's a massive Electro House mix by Austin heavy hitter DJ Eric Adams to get you pumped up. As many of you probably made a resolution to make your health better, this is an excellent workout mix. It's available as a FREE download for a limited time. Make sure you share it with friends. Enjoy!
