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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.
The last time I did a Drum'n'Bass mix was 2009. Guess I was long overdue to mix another one. So...here we go with one for 2012. Hope you like Liquid with a dash of Neuro. ENJOY!
Tracklist:
01. Moving Fusion - Attention
02. Blueprint - I Wanna Be
03. Override - Take Your Time
04. Southbound - Ripcord
05. SpyHill - With Me
06. Maldini & Sylo - Oceanic
07. Ms. Dynamite - Neva Soft (Nu:Tone Remix)
08. Cycom - Snowstorm
09. Soul Method - Can't You See
10. Logistics - Fibreglass
11. Bladerunner - Feel For You
12. Symmetrik - Can't Go On
13. Rollz - Don't You Know (It's You)
14. Future Signal - Trident
15. Optiv & BTK - End Run
16. Prolix - No Pressure
17. Sub Zero - Protection
18. Royalston - Heisenberg
While listening to Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite yesterday and reminiscing about friends of the past, some of whom aren't with us anymore, and my days of spinning at gigs where the vibes were tremendously good, I decided to put together this mix of smooth grooves to help bring people closer, hence the title. Something that's well needed these days, especially when we are so divided in many ways. Hope this helps. ENJOY!
01. Maxwell - Lonely's The Only Company
02. The Isley Brothers - Footsteps In The Dark
03. Barry White - Playing Your Game, Baby
04. Total - Kissing You
05. Xscape - Just Kickin' It
06. Tony, Toni, Tone' - It Never Rains
07. Jodeci - Come & Talk To Me (Remix)
08. Patrice Rushen - You Remind Me
09. Mary J. Blige - Be Happy
10. DJ Jazzy Jeff ft. China Blacc - Touch Me With Your Hands
11. Bilal ft. Mos Def - Reminisce
12. Jill Scott - Slowly, Surely
13. Whitney Houston - One of Those Days
14. Zhane' - Vibe
15. Wajeed & The Jazz Katz ft. Marvin Gaye - I Want U
16. Erykah Badu - Window Seat
San Francisco based collective known as Afrolicious, who doubles as a 10 piece live band and DJ duo, has just uploaded a new track to their Soundcloud page called "Never Let No One", which will be on their Pleasuretime EP coming March 20th. Reading the description for the track, I take it this is a tune composed by one of the members' mother...
"Never Let No One" was written to a young boy when he was still in the womb. This song is an uplifting message to all to stay on the path and continue to thrive, despite what anyone else says or does. With a mix of Afro-beats-disco-house-soul this track features explosive horn melodies, and a strong vocal performance by Fresh is Life imparting his wisdom on the world!
There's no slowing down or wavering when Elaquent is at the controls cooking up batches of tunes. Now to add a dash of the laid back lyrical flow of Mr. Brady, and now you have an insatiable hunger thanks to this wonderful creation that I consider "ear food". Be on the lookout for the Sayin' Somethin' EP making it's appearance on March 8th for all to enjoy.
Pragmatic Theory just released this hot new beat tape in tribute to the late Curtis Mayfield, who was the brains behind the Curtom record label that housed some memorable Soul artists. I haven't listened to the whole compilation as of yet. However, after listening to Ta-Ku's "Trip" via his Soundcloud page, I have to say that it's the illest flip of "Trippin' Out" i've heard. Yup...it's teeth grinding nasty. Can't wait to listen to the rest. So take the cue and follow me to their Bandcamp page and take advantage of this FREE download. Be sure to help spread the word.
Bola originally released his Volume 7 on CD and cassette tape in 2009. Now, Awesome Tapes From Africa has taken the reigns to remaster and re-release this classic that has pushed the envelope of traditional African sounds. Bola plays the kologo, a two-stringed lute with a calabash gourd resonator, traditionally used for griot-style storytelling, fusing it with new age electronic instrumentation with a popular twist, which takes Ghanaian music to new heights.
"Abayetidu Ma" is the first single from the album that will hit retail on April 3rd on limited edition cassettes, CD and LP. Although I don't know what the title means (and I have looked it up), doesn't mean that it didn't make my entire being want to get up and move to the rhythms. I'm really looking forward to purchasing this on vinyl and rockin' it during one of my sets. Kick off your shoes, press play, then be prepared to let your spirit soar. ENJOY!
On this Tuesday, February 28th, Nigerian native Nneka will release her third full length album titled Soul Is Heavy on Decon Records. She been getting a lot of buzz over the past few months leading up to this well anticipated release. Coki of Digital Mystikz, a gifted Dubstep producer from the U.K. lent a hand in creating a flavorful remix of her "My Home" single that is one of the hot topics on the internet. Thanks to Fader Magazine, you can get a FREE download of this remix on them. Click here to watch the official video of "My Home".
For March U.S. and Canada Tour Dates visit Nneka World
"I Will Never Change", the brand new single by Benga uploaded to his Soundcloud page just hours ago, seems to be a statement to let his fans know that he will always stay true to himself and for Dubstep. Word is, an official release for this single is set for March 3rd, so save up your lunch money to empty the shelves.
Veteran Jungle and Drum n' Bass producer DJ Aphrodite uploaded this wicked studio mix yesterday for FM Radio Play. There's no stopping this guy anytime soon, because he's naturally gonna represent as a heavyweight in the game does. The only sad thing about this is, it's streaming only.
To take from the words of LL Cool J..."Don't call it a come-back, I've been here for years.."; the same can be said of veteran vocalist Robin S who topped the dance charts in the U.S. and U.K. with her smash single "Show Me Love" in the early 90's. After taking time off to focus on her personal life, she teams up with DJ Roland Clark for their current release "All of Me" that will drop on April 2nd on Delete Records.
With the deep musical arrangement, with a far east twist from Roland, along with Robin's hallelujah style vocals over the track, this duo gives it reason to be called "Deep House". "All of Me" will seep deep down into you to move more than just your feet. Another prime example of the classics never ceasing. As of now, you can purchase a digital download of this tune via Traxsource before the official release date. ENJOY!
Previously on Tokyo Dawn Records, there have been contests to remix tunes by Colonel Red and Amalia. Currently, they are running a contest for producers to remix "Head Over Heels" by Vindahl, co-founder of the Boom Clap Bachelors collective, that features guest vocalist Coco of Quadron. The track is featured on his Serendipity album and The Heart compilation, both released on TDR.
Deadline for entries is March 4th, which gives 11 days left to get your remix version in to be judged. For more details on rules and to download the sample packets, go to Tokyo Dawn: Vindahl Remix Contest.
Today would have been the 79th birthday of The High Priestess of Soul, Nina Simone if she was still here with us in physical form. Although she has passed on, we can still enjoy her music presently. May we always pay tribute by saluting this pioneer in modern music.
On my usual quest for music, I wondered if there were any artists still doing 2 Step/UK Garage music because I sort of have been out of the loop, as far as this genre of music is concerned. Then I stumbled upon this Esse B remix of "Bound For Love", the debut release by South African vocalist Mickaela Fay, who now resides in London. I have to say that this version sounds more fun, light and of course upbeat, in comparison to the original, which is more along the lines of "boogie". The original version is written and produced by Namibian songwriter/producer Nappy Vendetta. "Bound For Love" is available digitally on iTunes, Bandcamp and other online stores.
This year marked the 6th anniversary of our brother J-Dilla making his transition to the ancestral realm to go back to the creator. In honor of his music and legacy, a group of gifted producers who are influenced and greatly appreciate Dilla's genius got together based on an idea of screenprinters Do The Right Print, the collective at Food For Ya Soul and Feelin’ Music, to create a collaboration of remixes in his honor and to also continue in the preservation of his legacy.
There was a massive event on Saturday, February 11th in Brussels. For more info on what happened, log on to the Feelin' Music Bandcamp page to get all the details. Just like they did at the event, they are offering this project for FREE. ENJOY!
Moments ago Sir Hezekiah Davis III hit me up to let me know that the Johnny Popcorn project he's been working on for quite some time with producer Tone Whitfield is finally done. The Crow is geared up for release on March 20th and looks to be very promising for fans of his music and classic Rock music, laden with heavy Funk grooves and gritty, soulful vocals. Hezekiah sent the link for snippets of the album and it takes me back mentally to the time reminiscent of the super groups and artists throughout the 70's to the 90's that made memorable tunes to last for years and years to come. This time around, Heze lends his vocals in a different light. You just have to listen to find out.
Below is the first single titled "Hello To The Bad Guy", which speaks on the issues we tend to go through in life that makes us lose our cool and friends (on occasion) because this other persona rears its head. Visit their 3Crates Bandcamp page for a pleasant surprise and other cool stuff. ENJOY!
Brittany Bosco continues to show how well rounded of an artist she is wither her Bosco Band, as they take us on a flashback journey into the 1960's with "Joker", from their upcoming Let Go of Me EP set for release on March 6th. To help aide in promo, she's letting us get this tune for free and a limited time via Hello Bosco. ENJOY!
The new year has already brought about some massive releases, and it seems to get better and better with each album that comes out on the indie artist scene. If you're familiar with Sa-Ra Creative Partners, then you should be well aware of Shafiq Husayn. After releasing his impressive En'A-Free-Ka album in 2009, he's getting ready to drop The LooP on us shortly. Here's a sneak peek into the lab with Shafiq, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and Om'Mas Keith working on "Trios Amigos". I'm patiently waiting on this one.
Tis the season for more good music as M▲GGZ™ presents the Soundscapes: Winter Selection on his Bandcamp page. Since we are at this icy time of the year, it gives a whole new meaning to the term "ultra chilled" vibes. He's offering limited edition hard copies of this solstice on CD, where he's done all the cover art, which I think is pretty sweet. Digitally, he's offering it at a "name your price" steal of a deal. Show your appreciation by making a donation. By the way, "Cold Mornings" is already my fav. ENJOY!
Many DJ's will agree with me, i'm sure, that they are thankful to get promo material sent to them, especially when it's spin worthy. In this case, Brooklyn bred, and now Houston based DJ Wonji sent me a bag of treats that feature tracks from his new Keep Rising EP that will be released soon on Kiss My Beat Records. It was hard to choose a favorite, although "My World of House" featuring H. Membrano really grabbed me. I can't wait to toss these tunes in the mix at my next House set. Visit his Soundcloud page for more music and some FREE downloads. ENJOY!
Recently, I reconnected with Mike Naus a.k.a. Vertigo Blue, a brother who is mean on the synths with his personalized brand of Electro-Pop. By having a good conversation about music, I've learned a lot more about synthesizers than I've know before. As Vertigo Blue (VB), Mike has done hundreds, upon hundreds of shows around the country, and shared stages with the likes of Nitzer Ebb, Peter Murphy of Bauhaus, The Georgia Satellites, John Lefler of Dashboard Confessional and Deep Ella, just to name a few.
On Friday, March 2nd at Dean's, 316 Main, in the heart of downtown Houston, VB will be hosting Electro Rocket and celebrating his birthday with a huge bash and performance. DJ WYNNDE, DJ London and DJ Paul James will be on hand to provide tunes to keep the dancefloor moving. The festivities will resume with an after party at The All City Underground 111 Milam, also located downtown. Be sure to show your support by purchasing his Evolution (2011) and Area 51 (2005) albums at the show or on his website.
Justice Allah of The 144 Elite follows up his critically acclaimed Justice Served with a healthy dose of his new album which dropped today titled Y.E.T.T.: Yesterday's Eternal Tomorrow Today. The tradition of storytelling and raising awareness to socio-political issues continues with his current project, in hopes that all who listen will wake up and smell the Bullsh8.
"Feel The Fire", the first single and video has power packed lyrics like his previous projects. However, on the music end, there was a different approach with the way the production of the track mixes a live band along with electronic programming and also having an old school punch. Video production credit goes to FatBoi Filmz. Be sure to Listen to Optimo Radio for music from the Houston underground rap scene.
Many of us look forward to the Modern Groove Assembly monthly podcasts that feature the best of the best in traditional Jazz sounds, as well as introducing us to the modern sounds of NuJazz. Here's another one from the mastermind behind the MGA...Mr. Steve Catanzaro. ENJOY!
I finally decided to make a mix of Dubstep tunes I usually bump in the car or on my mp3 player while i'm out and about. I've also tossed in a demo track that I have been working on that kicks off this set. Hope you like!
Whitney Elizabeth Houston
(August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012)
After waking up and making a snack, I turned on the tele and flipped through a few channels and stop at VH-1 to see "How Will I Know" by Whitney Houston from the 80's. At first I thought they were just going to show a few videos from that era by many artists, only to continue to see more videos of her as if they were doing some sort of tribute. My thought was; "Seems like they only do that when someone has passed away.", and I ended up blowing off the idea thinking maybe they were going to pay tribute on the upcoming Grammy Awards.
While on a commercial break, I flip through channels again to see on one of the national and world news stations that Houston had indeed passed away. Talk about a shock to see another iconic figure taken away so soon. Of course I can go on and on about her accomplishments during the course of her career and her trials. Fact now is, this is one of the biggest voices in modern recording history that is no longer with us in person. Mrs. Houston, we salute you!
Something wicked this way comes. By all means, I don't mean it in a bad way, it's all good. Judging by the video that's giving a sneak peek of the new posthumous release from J-Dilla called the Rebirth of Detroit, the command for you to "TURN IT UP!" will aide in keeping your head nodding to the great one. The project is being overseen and made sure to maintain the integrity of the project by none other than Ma Dukes herself, along with the family at Yancey Media Group. Big respect to my man DJ Butter for being a part of this massive project. Keep your eyes and ears peeled by checking the official website for updates on the project.
Apparently this tribute podcast from the Mystery Channel out of the UK has been out for nearly three months. It's hosted by Ma Dukes and features clips from various interviews about J-Dilla. What I also like about this mix is, they touched on a few tracks that I even haven't listened to in awhile. This is a FREE download folks, so giddy up and grab it. ENJOY!
You know I couldn't leave out Houston native and Jazz pianist Robert Glasper who created a timless work of art with "Dilla Shine" from his In My Element album. I never was sure who Zynzelay is, however, she worked magic with her vocal stylings and execution on this tune. As you can see in the photo, Glasper also pays tribute by wearing a t-shirt with a drawing from last years winner of the Art4Dilla contest.
Keeping on in the spirit of J-Dilla, here's an amazing and thought provoking tribute track from Manchester, UK's own Mecca:83, who dropped this on us just in time for J-Dilla's birthday a few days ago. I've blogged about this cat before, so take a look back at previous posts and give him more listens. I personally want to thank this brother for his contribution to the legacy of J-Dilla and kudos for the sound clips he incorporated into the production of the track to add the icing on the cake. ENJOY!
DILLA DAY is being celebrated today all over the United States and in multiple countries around the world in honor of J-Dilla/Jay Dee. Today marks the 6th anniversary of this legendary producer's transition into the spirit realm. Tonight, we will be hosting our 6th anniversary of doing tributes to J-Dilla with our own celebration of Dilla Day 2012 at my friend's bar here in Houston.
Today there will only be posts in relation to J-Dilla. At tonight's tribute, we will kick it off with a video presentation of the Still Shining documentary that was produced and directed by Brian "B.Kyle" Atkins of Gifted Films Inc.
Here's Dallas, Texas native Erykah Badu speaking at the Red Bull Music Academy on how she came about writing "Telephone", the tribute song to J-Dilla, which is featured on her New Amerykah: Part One album.
James DeWitt "J-Dilla/Jay Dee" Yancey
(February 7, 1974 - February 10, 2006)
As many J-Dilla fans consider the month of February as "The Month of The Man", we take this time to celebrate the day that Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey gave birth to the G.O.A.T. I tell many people that J-Dilla is the dopest cat they probably never heard of because I still hear quite a few people say that they either never knew that he produced so many songs they like or they never heard of him at all. Either way, we as true fans salute the greatest to ever touch the pads of the Akai MPC. Rest In Peaceful Power Bro! We miss you.
Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley
(February 6, 1945 – May 11, 1981)
Today is the day the King of Reggae was born in Nine Mile, Jamaica in 1945. Marley is highly reverend as a performer and the most widely known Reggae artist who took the Rastafarian movement and the music to a worldwide audience. His best-known hits include "I Shot the Sheriff", "No Woman, No Cry", "Could You Be Loved", "Stir It Up", "Jamming", "Redemption Song", "One Love" and, "Three Little Birds", as well as the posthumous releases "Buffalo Soldier" and "Iron Lion Zion". The compilation album Legend (1984), released three years after his death, is reggae's best-selling album, going ten times Platinum which is also one Diamond in the U.S., and selling 25 million copies worldwide.
This is a remix project I put together in 2009 as a tribute to both J-Dilla and Michael Jackson after being inspired by "Time: Donut of the Heart" that contains the sample of "All I Do Is Think of You" by The Jackson 5 from J-Dilla's Donuts beat CD. This mix is FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is in no way intended to infringe on copyrights or any illegal activity. If there is any violation or a request to take this down by either family, please contact me by email and it shall be removed.
After listening to a preview of Robert Glasper's Black Radio that's set to drop soon, I have to say that it will be one of the most explosive albums of the year and a hard act to follow. Currently, Indaba Music is hosting a remix contest for the "Move Love" single that features KING. This is Decatur, GA based producer DJ Applejac's submission for the contest. Head on over and vote for your favorite rendition of this tune before February 20th. Good luck to the contestants.
Here a special post for all my vinyl junkies out there. Tall Black Guy (TBG) has quickly climbed the ladder of being one of my favorite producers and right now he's pushing his new 7'' release titled the Mini Therapy Chops, containing "Sweet Europe" and "Love To The World". Both tracks gained a lot of steam after he posted them on his Soundcloud page. Now you can own your piece of Detroit Hip-Hop history by purchasing your copy at Crosstalk International. After you purchase, talk a picture of yourself holding a copy of the vinyl and send it to densonfloyd[at]gmail.com to get an exclusive TBG instrumental.
For those who are die-hard fans of D'Angelo and soul music in general, here's a mix i'm sure you will all love that's presented by the good folks at Okayplayer. This hip mix was compiled and faded by Brooklyn DJ/Producer Sam Champ who remixed "Left & Right" by D'Angelo back in 2010. This mix is available to download here, courtesy of Okayplaer.
I'm sure everyone has an alter-ego dwelling somewhere inside them. Some of us suppress it and some let it all hang out. Here's Slakah The Beatchild's version through a project he calls The Slakadeliqs, stylings that I haven't quite heard in his music before. The Other Side of Tomorrow is from several years of writing and experimenting, now we finally get to listen to the results of his feel good fusion of pop, folk and soul, sprinkled with the psychedelic acoustic sounds of the late 60's. Feel free to show your support and make a donation or grab it for free. ENJOY!
Just a couple of days ago I met Robbii Rose, a beatmaker from Johannesburg, South Africa through my friend Duane Powell who heads the Sound Rotation blog. After listening to his tracks, the world has more flavor added. "Journey To Love" is reminiscent of a Stevie Wonder and Minnie Riperton collaboration in an instrumental sense. He'll be flying in to Houston in a couple of days, so stay tuned for updates and appearances. For now, feed your hungry ears.
Soul and R&B singer David Peaston has passed away on yesterday. Peaston quickly became an audience favorite on Showtime At The Apollo's amateur competition in the late 80's after initially singing a rendition of "God Bless The Child" and went on to win several competitions on the show.
Peaston was the brother of Fontella Bass, who is famous for her hit tune "Rescue Me" and the son of Martha Bass, who was a member of The Clara Ward Singers gospel group.
Berlin, Germany based Suff Daddy first caught my ears in 2009 and since then, i've been like the drug addict on edge waiting for his next release. Come February 24th, Suff is set to re-release his classic +EFIL4FFUS EP from 2008 on Melting Pot Music. This time around, he's added a couple of more tunes and some new cover art. Get this boom-bap goodness on vinyl LP, CD and digital download via his Bandcamp page. ENJOY!
Nyoka Ny-D is a talented young lady you have to salute and give respect to. With her latest project, Magical Fruit Project she caused a bigger explosion by stepping up her game (which wasn't bad at all before) and displaying far more than just being a vocalist. Oh yeah....you best believe the lady has skills. I love the emotion that put into this album. I'm wondering who pissed her off.[LOL]
The title track "Magical Fruit" is one of those feel good tunes to just vibe to. Then she back doors it with a socio-politcal statement with "Hiipower Freestyle (Ny-Power)", that pays tribute to Troy Davis (October 9, 1968 – September 21, 2011) and those lost at the hands of the American justice system. I hereby declare this as a must have in your collection. She's offering this great album for FREE via her website, but I feel that we can all chip in some cash to help insure future releases. Please support and ENJOY!
Donald Cortez "Don" Cornelius
(September 27, 1936 – February 1, 2012)
For the last couple of months I have been catching reruns of old Soul Train episodes on Bounce TV. Just the other night I was watching one from 1993 and laughing like crazy because it seemed like everybody who were guest performers on the show did New Jack Swing and all the dancers were dressed like New Yorkers and Londoners, and did the hottest dances of the time. Then today, I get the sad news that the beloved man, Don Cornelius, the mastermind behind this pioneering show that lasted for more than 4 decades signed off. Today, Soul Train is the longest running television series in the history of television.
As I try to type this, the words are sort of hard to come by, because I grew up on this show. To eagerly wait Saturday afternoons for the show to air to hear the infamous SOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUL TRAIN as the train came chugging down the tracks and then the fabulous and cool Don C giving his classic intro to let you know that it was time to boogie. The memories of the scramble board, the style, trivia and more importantly, the history of our people and culture that continued to help give us a sense of pride. Let's not forget the long list of our favorite artists that spanned various genres who, in most cases lip synced their own tunes, with the coaching of Mr. Cornelius.
The climax of the show was the even more infamous SOUL TRAIN LINE. A genius idea that swept the country and maybe even the world. It was the chance for dancers on the show to display their best moves. And for those who watched, it could double as a source of comedy and to learn the latest dance crazes. Latter episodes has all the women and men together in their own separate lines. Earlier episodes contained the classic style that's still practiced today where the ladies are on one side of the line, while the men are on the other, and a single man and woman would come down in pairs to do it til they're satisfied.
The video below is one of the episodes with Mr. Cornelius interviewing Mary Wilson of The Supremes. After the interview, they both get together and cut a rug after she mentions that she wanted to get her shot at joining the line on the show. I never knew that Don danced in the line and could actually get down.
As always, the closing of the show was as classic as it gets. The well wishing catchphrase to everyone in ear-shot, that also at this point can be used as his farewell;
"And you can bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!"
This is another case where I dropped the ball and should have posted this sooner. I'm hoping i'll be forgiven for my tardiness. Then again, as BAD as these ladies are.....ok....delete wicked thoughts. Anyway folks, feast your eyes on the official video for "BAD", produced by N.O. Joe, with the video being shot, edited and directed by DJ Young Samm. In case you haven't caught my previous posts, this is NOT a remake of a Michael Jackson tune. This is all original, with plenty of flavor. Time for the world to keep their eyes and ears out for these seasoned ladies known as Sydnee Jane & The Jane-ettes. Enjoy!
Here we are at that time again where we celebrate the life and works of the G.O.A.T., James DeWitt Yancey, better known to the Hip-Hop and Soul community as J-Dilla/Jay Dee. Many hardcore fans around the country have dubbed February 10th, his homegoing date, as DILLA DAY. On next week, we will host our 6th annual tribute to the memory of this Detroit legend. His music will live on and in our hearts. We miss you bro!
Here's a tribute mix I originally recorded in 2007, then added a few more tunes to the end of it in 2009, then uploaded it to one of my podcast pages. It's a FREE download. Enjoy!
My apologies for some of the posts appearing late. I have been having a few problems with my blog lately and haven't been able to post anything (even have a few problems as we speak). Apparently, there have been issues for other folks as well since December. I take it it's from all the new features they've added, along with other updates. Hope they get it worked out.
