Amin Payne x Blaze: The Groove

Just a copy and paste of the message from the Laruche Records family:

In order to celebrate our 2 year anniversary and with that Christmas time, we thought that some gifts should be required. We always wanted (and will always want) to thank all the people who believe in our journey and show us any kind of support and love. We're glad to share with you guys, this special Christmas free download track, courtesy of our good homie Amin Payne and the French beatmaker Blaze, and hope you will appreciate it as much as we do! Enjoy your holidays and Merry Christmas fam! <3

Stram: Unused So Far

It's sort of a lazy Sunday afternoon here at The Record Realm headquarters, and the relaxing soundtrack that's being played in the background on repeat is the recent release from Montpellier, France based producer STRAM, titled Unused So Far. This is one of the hottest beat albums out right now and it's been in heavy rotation bumping through my monitors for the last few days. There's an excellent remix of Aaliyah's "Rock The Boat" that gives a much different twist, in comparison to other remixes of the song. Hit up his Bandcamp page and get this offering as a free download. He has other projects for purchase, so make sure you check those out. They are just as amazing. Enjoy!

Marvin Gaye: Funk Me (Nelson Leeroy Remix)

Digging and searching for music clearly pays off. During my usual browsing I came across this clever nu-disco remix by French producer/singer Nelson Leeroy, of Marvin Gaye's "Funk Me", taken from In Our Lifetime, which happens to be one of my favorite albums of all-time. Get into a feel good vibe by pressing play, then repost the song on Soundcloud. He's planning to offer the track as a free download when it reaches 100 reposts.

Meemee Nelzy: James Bond Girl [14 KT Remix]

Parisian songstress and producer Meemee Nelzy and Michigan bred producer 14 KT have dropped a remix of Meemee's deep House groove "James Bond Girl". And guess what. It's a complimentary download! Get it fast on her Bandcamp page. Show your continued support for indie art by purchasing her other works of art.

Célia WA: Di Yo

Here's more Parisian soul music from flautist-songwriter Célia WA from her debut EP released a few days ago called WA. WA in itself boasts some impressive instrumentation, along with the work of Buddy Sativa on Rhodes/piano and Nicky Lars on the MPC programming for tracks 2 and 5. The most interesting track for me was the opener "Di Yo". The flow of the track is delightful. Not to mention the melting pot of musical styles ranging from Reggae, Salsa, Jazz and African rhythms. Stop by her Bandcamp page to get the EP and check out her other sounds on Soundcloud.

MeeMee Nelzy: Moon Reflection EP

I would use "spirit music" to describe Parisian songstress MeeMee Nelzy's Moon Reflection EP that has everyone over here at headquarters abuzz. She took full creative control on the opening track "James Bond Girl", which she wrote and produced, that has a melodic, deep house feel. The return of beat-maker Saneyes, who worked with her on her Kréyòl Seasoning LP from 2011, has put his skills to work to create the magical love anthem "Lanmen Lanmou" [means 'love's hands']. The last track, "On Favè" has that signature sound from Diggs Duke that you can pick out even if you're blindfolded. All the songs are that good to where it was hard to pick out a song for this post. So, just purchase all three at a price that's a steal and ENJOY!

William DeVaughn: Be Thankful For What You Got (FKJ Remix)

For all my Soulful House heads, get a load of this timeless remix of the classic "Be Thankful For What You Got" by William DeVaughn from French producer FKJ. Yes. Another freebie from a talented artist. Spread the love!

Evil Needle ft. Freddie Joachim: Vibin'

Some music collaborations are thought to be epic before you press a play button. Here's the case with both Evil Needle and Freddie Joachim, who both aren't afraid to let their atmospheric snares rattle like a snake getting ready to strike. Evil Needle takes you on another musical journey with his latest release titled Qualia, which happens to be out now. Delight your mood by grabbing a copy from HW&W Recordings: Evil Needle: Qualia

Evil Needle: Falling Leaves

Fresh is the word, once again for Evil Needle, a producer who crept into my list of favorites. His latest downtempo scorcher "Falling Leaves" appears on the Robot Soup Compilation presented to you all as a free download, courtesy of Potholes Music. Listening to this one makes me wish I was out on the countryside of Vermont or Connecticut to see all the bright colors of fall. While you're getting this, make a contribution to charity by purchasing a limited edition poster, where all the proceeds go to music education.

Bibi Tanga & The Selenites: 40° of Sunshine

If I were to pick two words to describe the sound of Bibi Tanga & The Selenites, they would be feelgood funk. The Parisian crew dropped their 40° of Sunshine album just last month, and after listening to a few of their tracks, their tunes put me in a good mood quickly. With the summer already sizzling from the heat (no doubt) and some amazing artistry by our indies, this is a perfect addition to your playlist for your cookout or party. Order your package of big tunes via their website and stay in the loop for upcoming shows.

Stacy Epps + Astronote: Rakotep

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012


Atlanta based singer Stacy Epps, a superwoman who does everything, has been in the lab focusing on a new project with French producer Astronote, which is a self titled album they call Rakotep that's coming soon. After listening to the "2" singles uploaded to their Bandcamp page, I don't have the slightest doubt the whole project is breathtaking. ENJOY!

Happy Birthday: Josephine Baker

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012

JOSEPHINE BAKER
(June 3, 1906 – April 12, 1975)

Josephine Baker, a multi-talented lady of class and elegance, nicknamed the "Bronze Venus", the "Black Pearl", and the "Créole Goddess", was the fist black woman to star in a motion picture, to integrate an American concert hall and to become an international entertainer. A social and political activist who put forth efforts to aide in the civil rights movement, as well as becoming a spy for France during World War II. For her services to gain intelligence from opposing forces, Baker was awarded the Croix de Guerre, the Rosette de la Résistance, and was made a Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur by General Charles de Gaulle.

Evil Needle: Warp Drive

It's been a minute since i've posted anything from Evil Needle. This time he's featured with other heavyweight indie producers on the HW&W Vol.1 FREE compilation provided by Los Angeles based HW&W Recordings which dropped on 420 day. For those who missed the herbal festivities, go here for the chance to take a musical toke to get that perfect high. INDULGE!

Akalé Wubé: Mata

Akalé Wubé (meaning "my beautiful" in Amharic)is a quintet of musicians based in Paris, France who have been inspired to play "Ethio-Jazz" after drawing inspiration the Ethiopiques and other Ethiopian Jazz groups of the "golden age" throughout the sixties and seventies. They simply have taken older tunes to put a more modern contemporary twist by fusing in funk, tango, reggae, pop and other styles of music, already being an aesthetic in Ethiopian music, to help create their own unique sound.

Mata is the title track for their upcoming album by the same name, which will be available through their website on March 26th, 2012.

Akalé Wubé Official Website

MeeMee Nelzy: Kréyòl Seasoning

[horn fanfare w/ court announcer speaking] "It is hereby granted from the Emperor of the land of The Record Realm to grant Madam MeeMee Nelzy permission to smack the sh*t out of the Emperor for not being aware that she released an album at the end of last year. That is all"

Does that sum it all up for you, as to how lame i'm feeling right now? [LOL] Yes indeed folks, this beauty with a French Caribbean creole accent has graced us again with another chance to hear her voice through music. Kréyòl Seasoning is as flavorful as its title. A melting pot of innovative beats by a host of producers like Saneyes, Jim Juice, KN7JAZZ, Purpro, Phonie, PAKO From TAK, EXXÒS METKAKOLA and from MeeMee Nelzy herself.

This is the quality of music I love to make part of my collection, as well as spin at my sets. The swing of "On Ti Fanm Kon Mwen" took a huge grasp of my attention. Though not being a "copy-cat" artist, the style is reminiscent of a blend of Mary J. Blige (if she spoke French) and Zap Mama. This album is pretty damn enjoyable, even if you can't understand the language. Good thing Rosetta Stone is out there to help you catch up. The lyrics are available for each song by clicking on the track names. As always, show your support! ENJOY!

Massive Suits Quartet: Wonderland

Some of you may know that i'm gearing up for my Sunflower Jazz live set for the upcoming year. Recently I came across a heavy cat named Dandy Teru who hails from France and is the founder, art director and music producer at BCR-Music. One of the projects under his umbrella is the Wonderland EP by Massive Suits Quartet, which is on a Jazz vibe that's excellent to add to my sets. Be sure to support all his projects. Enjoy!



DandyTeru.com

G'Ny: Fanm Isi (Vidéo Officielle)

Giving you a taste of Africa via France from an artist by the name G'Ny I just got hip to with the help of MeeMee Nelzy. Although I can't understand everything in the lyrics, it's still a great song that moves me. From what I understand, this is the first single from her upcoming album that's dropping on October 27th. I hope to learn more about this artist and post more music from her in the near future. Enjoy!

MeeMee Nelzy: Comme Un Lotus [Buscrates 16-Bit Remix]

This is a tune I must put on my next installment of Soul Blendz in the next few days. MeeMee Nelzy, who hails from Paris, France, blesses us with her lovely vocals "en Français". The original version of "Comme Un Lotus" [means "Like A Lotus"] appears on her Âme Nouvelle album. The track for this remix is courtesy of Pittsburgh pad pounder Buscrates 16-Bit Ensemble. Enjoy!

MeemeeMusic.net

Beat Torrent: Skrillex vs Noisia vs Busta Rhymes

I got hipped to this wicked tune by Beat Torrent via my friend from France named Skeezo Phonik after he posted it on Facebook. My comment on his page was; "Will somebody help me find my mind? I just lost it." An incredible mash-up by an extraordinary DJ crew who also represents France. Vocals are crafted by a well versed (pun intended) Hip-Hop emcee, none other than the lyrical machine gun Busta Rhymes. After your ear holes take this in to create massive brain waves, you'll understand why I commented as I did. Fasten your seat belts and Enjoy!

Evil Needle: Cirrostratus

Some head nod goodness from French beat maker Evil Needle. For a limited time you can get the Cirrostratus full length as a FREE download via his Bandcamp page. Here are two of my favorite tracks from the LP. Enjoy!