DJ Applejac: Summer Madness v.1

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012

A little earlier DJ Applejac hit me up on Facebook to let me know he had a new mix uploaded online. What a way to close out Black Music Month 2012 with this dope mix by DJ Applejac courtesy of Soul Bounce. Thing is, you have to visit Soul Bounce to listen to the stream and to download Applejac's Summer Madness v.1. By the way, Applejac also contributed a tune to the Tall Black Guy presents: Tempo Dreams compilation. Don't forget to order your copy.

Friday Flashback: Big Daddy Kane

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012

With the mediocre rappers in the mainstream these days, "How You Get A Record Deal?" is one sure fire tune by lyricist Big Daddy Kane that should be brought back into heavy rotation. Big Daddy Kane, considered one of the greatest MCs of all time, was part of the prominent Juice Crew collective of the 1980's and 1990's, headed by DJ Marley Marl, that was part of the "bridge wars" rap battle beef, aimed mainly at MC Shan and Marley.

Crates Remix Fundamentals v.1: Jill Scott

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012

A new remix compilation series from Hidden Beach entitled CRATES: REMIX FUNDAMENTALS will come rushing out the starting gate on June 26th featuring remixed and re-grooved classic Soul tunes from Jill Scott for their first volume. DJ Jazzy Jeff who worked directly with Scott to add his "Touch of Jazz" by producing her multi-platinum debut, has his redux of "A Long Walk", along with veteran House producer Ron Trent helping to pay homage to Minnie Ripperton with his remix of "Spring Summer Feeling". Producers Teddy Vee and B-Sharp, along with a few others contribute on the music end for this project.

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!

Ravi Coltrane: Spirit Fiction

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012


On this past Tuesday, saxophonist and composer Ravi Coltrane, the son of Jazz saxophonist John Coltrane and pianist Alice Coltrane, released his Blue Note Records debut titled Spirit Fiction. Being produced in its entirety by label mate Joe Lovano, who also doubles as a guest saxophonist on two tracks, several of the tracks feature his long-term quartet Luis Perdomo on piano, bassist Drew Gress and drummer E.J. Strickland.

Currently, Ravi is on tour in the U.S. and Europe. Below is a list of cities he will be visiting along the way. Treat yourself and a date to a show and the album. Here's one of the videos from his recent show at the Birdland in New York City.


TOUR DATES:
May 29-June 2 — Birdland — New York, NY
June 22-23 — Bohemian Caverns — Washington, DC
June 29 — Fort of Wolfisheim — Wolfiseim, France
June 30 — Festival Jazz de La Defense — Paris, France *
July 2 — Jazz a Vienne — Vienne, France *
July 4 — Centro Cultural de Belem — Lisbon, Portugal *
July 6 — North Sea Jazz Festival — Rotterdam, Holland *
July 7 — Comblain Jazz Festival — Comblain-la-Tour, Belguim *
July 21 — Black Sea Jazz Festival — Batumi/Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia
July 25-26 — New Mexico Jazz Festival — Albuquerque, NM
July 27-28 — Dazzle — Denver, CO
July 31-August 1 — Jazz Alley — Seattle, WA
August 2-5 — Catalina Jazz Club — Los Angeles, CA
August 6-7 — Yoshi's — Oakland CA
August 11 — Richmond Jazz Festival — Richmond, VA
September 27-30 — Jazz Showcase — Chicago, IL
October 2-7 — Village Vanguard — New York, NY

*With McCoy Tyner

Fela Kuti's "Lady" Remake For Charity

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012



Released on June 1st via (RED) + Red Hot Organization to fight AIDS.

Today, the first single from the forthcoming album (RED) Hot + FELA debuted exclusively on the iTunes music store. The track - a remake of Fela Kuti's "Lady" - features Angelique Kidjo, tUnE-yArDs, Akua Naru and Ahmir '?uestlove' Thompson and was recorded with producer Paul Heck at Converse Rubber Tracks studios. The album, (RED) Hot + FELA, will be released on Knitting Factory Records and pays homage to the music and spirit of Fela Kuti. It will be the first collaboration between (RED) and the Red Hot Organization, creators of a long running line of musically original compilations that benefit AIDS organizations, ranging from 1990's Red Hot + Blue (which featured U2 on Cole Porter's "Night And Day") to 2009's Dark Was The Night (produced by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National). (RED) Hot + FELA, to be released this fall, is the follow up to Red Hot's successful 2002 album, Red Hot + Riot, on which artists ranging from D'Angelo to Sade covered songs by Fela Kuti.

(RED)Music is a centerpiece of the inaugural (RED) RUSH TO ZERO campaign (June 1-10) to raise funding and awareness to help deliver an AIDS Free Generation by 2015, a critical milestone in the fight against AIDS. The virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV is part of the eight Millennium Development Goals, which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS by the target date of 2015.

Proceeds from the single will be donated to the charity. Purchase the single here.

Portformat: Entropy

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012



If you want more sheer dopeness, then here's your chance to get familiar with Senegalese electronica producer Portformat. For those who are familiar, you know this guy packs enough bangers to match a fireworks show. Coming fresh out the gate to get the jump on summertime he gets our necks working with his latest beats and lyrics machine titled Entropy, that's scheduled for digital and CD release on June 12th. On the vocal end, this album boasts some of the best indie artists from around the globe. Visit Tokyo Dawn Records website for more info on this hot release.

Lenny Williams: Still In The Game

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012



Legendary singer Lenny Williams shows that he's not going anywhere soon and is in for the long haul, making the statement that he's Still In The Game. Currently, his new single "Still" is in the spotlight and he shows that he hasn't lost his vocal abilities since his days with Tower of Power, and a solo career that brought forth the classic "Cause I Love You" ballad. Click on his name to go to his website and to purchase the new single. ENJOY!

Dwele: What Profit

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012



Lately, Dwele has been in the studio recording for his sixth studio album that's due for August. "What Profit", produced by Mike City, is the first single from his upcoming album that I don't have the title for as of yet. For those who may not be familiar with this Detroit native, he has collaborated with J-Dilla on several projects. I'm guessing this to be Dwele's effort in contributing his share in the Rebirth of Detroit. This single is available now on iTunes.

Happy Birthday: Prince

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012



A happy 54th birthday to Prince Rogers Nelson, known internationally simply as Prince. As talented as this guy is, I can go on and on about his skills and contributions to the world of music. If you're not familiar with him, crawl from under that rock and start your search. You're missing out on a living legend.

J-Dilla: The Rebirth of Detroit (Limited Edition CD)

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012



June 12th is the day that J-Dilla's The Rebirth of Detroit will officially drop. I'm excited and ready to get my copy of this limited edition CD and vinyl that's already available for pre-order via Official J-Dilla Merch. Let's make this day huge by purchasing copies and keep Twitter on fire by tweeting about the album. Ma Dukes and the family will appreciate it.

REBIRTH OF DETROIT (OFFICIAL TRAILER) from OfficialJDilla on Vimeo.

FELA! On Broadway

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012



I have to start out by saying that the FELA! On Broadway musical is ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL! Last night for opening night, me and my other half had the privilege to go see it, thanks to the tremendous efforts by our friend Sis. Akua Holt of Pan-African Journal, which airs Sunday evenings on KPFT 90.1 FM-Houston. With me being a huge Fela Kuti fan, I almost shed a few tears while watching the production. Although I have never been to the Africa Shrine, the entire cast made us feel like we were actually there. It felt like the spirit of Fela was in the theater. If you are one of the remaining cities on the tour, you HAVE to go see this musical. Tickets are very reasonable and I have to note that this is the final run. Go and ENJOY!

Here are a few snapshots of the production taken w/ my camera. I had to get memories.

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.

Friday Flashback: Chuck Brown

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012





In memory of another one of our fallen soldiers in music, we are continuing the tribute to the "Godfather of Go-Go", Chuck Brown. Lately, with all the financial woes of many around the country, I thought this classic go-go tune would be the perfect tune to post. I'm happy to have this 12 inch as part of my vinyl collection.

Black Music Month 2012

Every year in June we have celebrated Black Music Month as decreed by President Jimmy Carter in 1979. In honor of the celebration, there will be numerous features for the entire month to those who have made it all possible. Verizon Wireless has put together a series called "In Their Own Words", which chats with various artists who give their take on what BMM means to them. Here are Goapele and Robert Glasper with their spin.