Farewell Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou
(April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014)
It really saddens me to post about the passing of Maya Angelou (born Marguerite Ann Johnson; April 4, 1928). For many years, Mrs. Angelou has been one of my heroes whose books that I've read, recited some of her pieces at poetry sets, watched movies that starred her, and played several of her poems over instrumentals during some of my DJ sets.

Noted to be one of the greatest wordsmiths of our time, who is also multi-lingual, an activist, organizer, poet, songwriter, mother, sister, friend, and many titles to name. She was a figure of true womanhood and an example of how humanity can be. An inspirational person to many across the world.

As in life, and with your transitioning, we continue to salute you Mrs. Angelou. May you rest in everlasting peace and power. Your legacy and words will live on. Ase'!

Sonic Diaspora Vol.10

Here's the latest mix from the Sonic Diaspora crew, which consists of Itzi Nallah, Punchuashen, Itch13, Afroqbano, and my homie from Philly, Brotha Onaci. These guys are amazing party rocking DJs who also produce and remix tunes that they toss into their mixes. This is a free download to help celebrate three years of Sonic Diaspora. For more info and other goodies, follow SD on Soundcloud.

Happy Birthday: DJ Blaknificent

Happy Birthday to my brother and partner on the wheels, the "Masta Teacha", "Da Truth From Da Boot in da Booth!", DJ Blaknificent! [echo fade] A dope DJ who's very knowledgeable in music, a producer, MC, husband, father, musician, and the recipient of "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the NOLA Underground Hip-Hop Awards. I'm so very glad to have this man as a best friend and wish him many more years of continued blessings. Til we rock together again bro!

The very last track in this mix is a DJ Blaknificent creation titled "Jeff Lorber Shit". Fast forward and check it out. Enjoy!

Hip-Hop, Be-Bop: The Jazz Cocktail by Djkoolemdee on Mixcloud

Friday Flashback: Kuumba Freeque

I'm feeling a bi super for this Friday. So we're gonna take you back to the sounds of Houston's own Kuumba Freeque [K'Monte Allen & Tresa Jerrel] with their unique funky style of rock n' soul. "SupaHero" is the lead single taken from their critically acclaimed debut REZUREKSHUN (2011), written and produced by Kuumba Freeque.

I got word from K'Monte personally that there are only a few copies left. Rush on over to KozmikOasis.com to get this amazing, thought provoking album that you can listen to from start to finish.

Underground Merger x AntLive Studio: The Return of Real Hip-Hop Houston

For those living in Houston and surrounding areas, we would love for you to make plans to join us for The Return of Real Hip-Hop Houston, hosted by Underground Merger and AntLive Studio at Taqueria La Macro, a nice little restaurant located just north of downtown. May 9th marks our second set at this new location, which is next to the light rail.

Every set is a celebration of the culture of Hip-Hop for all ages, complete with live DJs [including myself], B-Boys/B-Girls, emcees, and graffiti artists painting live. There's an open mic to test your freestyle skills, as well as scheduled performances. While you're being entertained, grab a bite and some brews from the bar and kitchen. Taqueria La Macro was voted as the Houston Press Best Taqueria Houston 2013 and Best Breakfast Tacos Houston 2013. Admission is free, but you can always drop something in the tip jar.

DJ Wonji: Ready To Drop

It's been awhile since we've posted new music from DJ Wonji, one of our favorite DJ/producers. For the last few days I have been bumpin' his latest tech-house creation titled "Ready To Drop", that's reminiscent of a track from the 1990s, yet updated. The intro of the tune seems to make it automatic for you to grab a partner and make way to the dancefloor.

Wonji has been making way around several venues around Houston to rock spots with his fresh mixes. He's offering this track for free, however, it's always helpful to be supportive on a monetary level. Follow Wonji on Facebook to find out how to show your support.

Nappy G: Bembe Gente (Tito Rock Muy Caliente Mix)

Nappy G has earned the right to be called legendary. A founding member and front man of Groove Collective, a 10 piece band that helped pioneer the Acid Jazz sound in the U.S., percussionist and DJ for Turntables on the Hudson, an MC, and just an all-around party rocker who has traveled to all parts of the globe to move masses of people on dancefloors and in front of stages.

As we gear up for the summer of 2014, Nappy G, with the help of longtime producer Tito "Rock" Ramos, gets us ready by releasing another tropical groove that is "muy caliente". "Bembe Gente (Tito Rock Muy Caliente Mix)" goes on sale this Friday, May 9th on Juno, iTunes, Bandcamp, and other fine digital outlets. Follow him on Facebook for a handful of free downloads and a schedule of upcoming events. Enjoy!

Eric Lau & Tawiah: Favourite Truth feat. Kaidi Tatham

For all my music junkies and vinyl heads alike, UK producer Eric Lau has teamed up with British vocalist Tawiah on a collaborative project titled Love Call EP, which will be Eric's sophomore project set for release on May 12th on Northern Shore Limited. The first single "Favourite Truth" also features veteran multi-instrumentalist Kaidi Tatham of Bugz In The Attic/2000black. Not only is this a music project, there will be a special bundle you can purchase that will include a digital download of the EP, stickers, a t-shirt, and a 5x7 inch postcard flexi-disc of the "Favourite Truth" single. To pre-order and get more info on this project visit their Bandcamp page.

Fracture: Loving Touch

In January of this year OM Unit hosted a segment on Rinse FM that featured a lot of forthcoming releases. One tune in particular that grabbed my attention was by Fracture, with his future bass remake of Ralphi Rosario's classic house tune "You Used To Hold Me" (1987). Not sure on a release date, but I for one am waiting patiently for it to drop. For those who haven't heard it yet, here's a sneak peek.



[LISTEN] OM Unit Rinse FM Podcast [Jan28th]

DJ Kool Emdee: Bass Mechanix

Here's another banger for all my bass heads out there. This mix features some future bass, footwork/juke, and some footwork jungle by Congo Natty, OM Unit, Moresounds, Slick Shoota, Sam Binga, and more. Enjoy!

Bass Mechanix by Djkoolemdee on Mixcloud

Estère: Estère

I've said many times before about how artists from New Zealand seem to keep the soul game on lock with their unique approach. Thanks to a share on social media, I checked out one of the latest, greatest by the name of Estère, who has released her self-titled debut on Bandcamp. Her music weapon of choice in an MPC, who she fondly calls "Lola". Together they produce what she calls "Electric Blue Witch-Hop".

This young blossoming musician from Wellington proves that there is still plenty of good music for people to enjoy without getting caught in the web of mainstream cookie-cutter clutter. Her smooth vocals and production style is evident that she has studied many greats of the present and past. Keep posted on upcoming developments and appearances by following her on Twitter and Facebook.

Estère: Estère [free download]

Friday Flashback: Jewel Brown

You can't deny the vocal talents of the legendary Houston native Jewel Brown. The clip below is her performance of "Jerry" on the Goodyear Jazz Concert television broadcast from April 2, 1962 with Louie Armstrong.