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

DJ Roddy Rod: Oakwood Grain II (Solid English Oak Edition)

I've been spinning DJ Roddy Rod joints for about 2 1/2 years now and this brother never ceases to amaze me with his styling. I first heard him and the beautiful Muhsinah together and was mind-blown by their collaboration. It's safe to say that I pretty much play their tunes like crazy. Anyway, here's more food for your soul called Oakwood Grain II (Solid English Oak Edition) which dropped only 5 days ago and is the follow-up to Oakwood Grain instrumental LP. There's also bonus material and a PDF art booklet that comes with your digital purchase. Enjoy!

Get "Leviathan" as a FREE download courtesy of DJ Roddy Rod!

Blacktivity: Ill-Tone + Shade Cobain

I can see Nas' point of mentioning and making music to say that "Hip-Hop Is Dead", however, when you have groups like Blacktivity (MC: Ill-Tone & Producer: Shade Cobain) helping to preserve the culture and sound, I would say Hip-Hop is definitely alive. I came across their music on my usual browsing of Bandcamp. After giving them a listen and liking what I heard, I had to switch from my computer speakers to my studio monitors to get the full sound. This IS a bump worthy album. Hurry up and grab it for FREE on their Bandcamp page while you can. I can imagine what they have in store for the near future. Keep up the good work guys!

Follow on Twitter: @_Blacktivity_


While you're on Bandcamp, make sure you grab Shade Cobain's TEARS

Jeremy Ellis: Master of 16

Jeremy Ellis continues to step up his game while performing live and in the studio. Hailed as one of the top finger drummers, he shows his skills on Native Instruments' Maschine in this Youtube video that I came across recently. It's a bit old, yet still fascinating. Be sure to visit his website and just vibe.



Jeremy Ellis Music

Shape of Broad Minds: Raiders of the Lost Mix by DJ Jamad

If you've never heard of Atlanta based DJ Jamad, then you're missing out. This guy tears it up on the Hip-Hop and Soul music scenes with his wicked mixing skills and clever remixes. Now he's how you can get up on what he does. In 2007, he put together this 25 minute mix of the big homie Jneiro Jarel's Shape of Broad Minds that he recently made available for a FREE download. This mix was centered around the Craft of the Lost Art album that was released that same year, which was also the cover mount CD for the Hip-Hop Connection magazine in the UK.

More info: Lex Records Releases

R.I.P. Cesária Évora

Cesária Évora
(August 27, 1941 – December 17, 2011)
Another legend in music has left us to transition to the ancestral realm. Known all over the world by those who love her rich voice as the "Barefoot Diva", for performing without shoes, and affectionately known by her close friends and family as Cisa. Cesária Évora was born on the Cape Verde islands off the coast of Africa. She got her professional start as a singer by performing on Portuguese cruise ships in the 1960's.

Évora's international success came only in 1988 with the release of her first album La Diva Aux Pieds Nus recorded in France. In 1992, she released her Miss Perfumado album which sold over 300,000 copies worldwide. She garnered broader international success and a Grammy nomination in 1995 with Cesária. n 1997, she won KORA All African Music Awards in three categories: Best Artist of West Africa, Best Album and Merit of the Jury. In 2004, her album Voz d'Amor was awarded a Grammy in the World music category. During her career, she would gain the title of the "Queen of Morna", which is a blues-like style of music and dance native to Cape Verde.

Visit: Cesária Évora Official Website

Plug Research Podcast #14: Tensei

No, this is not the Tensi anime or video game. However, their music is worthy of being featured in either. The united music powers of Simple X and Midas Wells form this duo that will be releasing material on Plug Research in the near future. To give you a taste of what to expect, PR has a podcast available for FREE download on their Soundcloud page, that features some older tunes made by the two.

In case you want to keep up with Tensi, to stay abreast of what's to come, log on to the Plug Research website. In case you don't know, PR is home to Bilal, Quadron, Hawthorne Headhunters, Exile, Sonny Moon, Szjerdene and a few other artists with some great talent.

Dezaray Dawn: B​-​tween​-​the​-​Lines

I'm really diggin' the latest track from Dezaray Dawn titled "B​-​tween​-​the​-​Lines", where she flexes her production skills a little for a laid back, soothing feel. A nifty track in time for winter while you're sitting by....ehhhh...let's just say your favorite source of heat. For those that celebrate this holiday season, she has it for FREE for all to Enjoy! Her way of saying thanks for being fans and listening.

R.I.P. Special One of The Conscious Daughters

CMG & Special One
I found out from one of my homies on the west coast that Special One, born Karryl Smith of The Conscious Daughters (TCD) has passed away. I met the both of them in the late 90's and had a real good time hanging out with them, because they were real cool. My condolences to the families and fans affected by her transition. She will be greatly missed.

Diamond District: Streets Won’t Let Me Chill (Maverick’s U Street Remix)

DJ Maverick banged out this sweet remix of "Streets Won't Let Me Chill" by Diamond District (Oddisee, X.O. & Y.U) on his MPC after Oddisee hooked him up with acapellas. Even sweeter is this being a FREE download. Get it now!