Fink - Pigtails

Here's sumthin different yet fly. It's my man Fink with Pigtails from his album, Sort of Revolution. It's a nice stripped down joint with a nice bounce to it, or maybe I just like the opening lines:
"One too many girlies in the DJ booth/really make your headspin..."
although, there are never any girlies in my DJ booth..it's little kids demanding to hear Swag Surfin'...well, some of the time


Fink - Pigtails

Lee Fields and the Expressions - Ladies

I have been seeing Lee Fields and the Expressions ads EVERYWHERE. Being the noconformist that I am, I decided to ignore them...until my curiosity got the best of me. Boy, was I depriving myself! Please please please Pick up My World, the album is the perfect bridge between 70s funk and the present. Although he brings some serious FONK, the album NEVER sounds dated and if you're a Bobby Womack fan, he definitely takes you there. Don't believe me check out Ladies below and Honey Dove and My World HERE. Pick up My World at Truth and Soul Records

Lee Fields and the Expressions - Ladies

Blaq Poet - Stretch Marks and Cigarette Burns

For the past few months Queensbridge emcee Blaq Poet has been feeding the fans - songs, exclusive remixes, videos, behind the scenes... the works. All that hard work pays off today with the release of Blaq Poet's new album, Tha Blaqprint. To celebrate the album release, Blaq Poet is unleashing a new, never before heard track from the new album, "Stretch Marks and Cigarette Burns" featuring Panchi of NYGz and Imani Montana. Blaq Poet's reputation as one of the East Coast's most hardcore rappers is solidified on the track, as the emcee raps about the harsh reality that is the life of a struggling stripper, while guest artists Panchi (of the NYGz) and Imani Montana lay down verses that help to reinforce Poet's precedent of hardcore boom-bap. A gritty, straight-ahead beat serves as the foundation for the emcees, and a sample of N.W.A.'s "Gangsta Gangsta" fits the mood of the song perfectly. Blaq Poet's new album Tha Blaqprint is now available in stores and online everywhere.


Blaq Poet - Stretch Marks and Cigarette Burns feat. Panchi & Imani Montana

D.Black - Keep On Going

D.Black, a Seattle, Washington-based emcee, is proud to announce the release of Ali'Yah. The album, D.Black's sophomore effort, which features production from Jake One and Vitamin D, will be available September 15 via Sportn' Life Records/MYX Music Label.
For D.Black, an emcee many first heard on the track "God Like" from producer Jake One's White Van Music, that defining moment is now, and it comes in the form of the emcee's sophomore album, Ali'Yah (Hebrew for Ascend). Praised for his polished rhyme flow, D.Black's new record, and the sound he self-describes as "deep-rooted soul with heavy slapping drums," will help define him as an emcee and a person. D.Black says, "I began recording a different album almost 2 years ago. In the midst of creating that album, I realized it wasn't for me; I was making music contrary to my inner person. Ali'Yah captures me in the midst of a spiritual journey that has altered my way of being even in my physical life." The result, an album inspirational both musically and conceptually, is finally ready.
Check out "Keep On Going" from D.Black's new album, featuring and produced by Vitamin D. The beat was also recently taken by 50 Cent from an old Vitamin D beat CD and used for the track "London Girl," which is featured on 50 Cent's War Angel LP:


D.Black - Keep On Going feat. Vitamin D

Lady Alma + Mark de Clive Lowe - Michael Jackson Cover

Jazzy, broken beat goodness is Lady Alma's cover of Michael Jackson's I Can't Help It over a Mark de Clive Lowe beat. Mark sez, "we lost a true gem and a goliath in his prime. i don't really have ample words to pay homage and full respect to MJ and his passing... so i'll hand it over to some music. lady alma and i recorded this a while back but this seems an appropriate time to share it with everyone... feel free to share and vibe outtttt :) rest in peace MJ"


Lady Alma + Mark de Clive Lowe - Michael Jackson Cover

BTW Lady Alma recently dropped her Let it Fall 12". Check out the Harlum Remix


Lady Alma and The Rainmakers - Let it Fall (Harlum Mix)

M64 - Rhythm of the Drum

I've been seeing this around and finally got paid decided to pick it up. M64 consists of vocalist Ragen Fykes and producer and emcee Ohmega Watts. Another Recordbreakin joint so you know it's dope. My favorite on the 7" is the title track. Moovmnt posted In the Pocket and you can check that out HERE. Also check out FRESHselects for more tunes/downloads from Ragen Fykes!!!



M64 - Rhythm of the Drum

Guilty Simpson - Acquired Taste

Guilty Simpson an Acquired Taste? Nahhhhh! Well, at least not for me. I've been a fan since Don't Nobody Care About Us. Press play and watch him grab you at the first line. Guilty Simpson = my favorite Detroit spitter.

Guilty Simpson - Acquired Taste

Dotmatic - William Baskerville

When I saw the RecordBreakin headphones on this album I knew it was going to be official...and I wasn't let down AT ALL. Dotmatic's The City album is the stuff that STILL makes me nod my head and give passersby the ugly face. He opens the album by giving props to Dilla and this song reminds me of a Love Movement, Dill-era, ATCQ joint. I can just hear Tip flowing over this one. The whole album is dope, filled with jazzy hip hop instrumentals, so make sure you cop The City which is available as a physical and digital release!!!


Dotmatic - William Baskerville

New Music from Kurious. Don't Sleep!!!

Kurious' album II drops tomorrow. The album had some nice gems, and is similar to Grand Puba's Retroactive with its 90's Hip Hop vibe. My favorite joint is Benetton which features MC Serch, MF Doom and Kadi Amin. Listen below and pick up II tomorrow!


Kurious - Benetton feat MC Serch, MF Doom and Kadi Amin

MORE: Peep the video to Sittin In My Car

Camp Lo 'Summer Love'

This is it WHAT Luchini pouring from the sky, lets get rich WHAT. blah blah blah blah something something and get lit WHAT. I think everyone knows that song or at least that hook. And that's about all of the music that anyone probably remembers from Camp Lo. Not exactly one hit wonders, they've consistently been making music since the days of Luchini which was actually apart of a pretty good album Uptown Saturday Night. But they haven't really been on my radar since then, that is until I heard this track. Capitalizing on the summer buzz and flippin' the same Sylvia Striplin sample that Junior Mafia used on 'Get Money' Camp Lo has captured my interest again. With nice headnodding lyrics and a smooth hook provided courtesy of Tyler Woods, this is sure to be the next Camp Lo Track to remember.

Camp Lo 'Summer Love'

The BET Awards/MJ Tribute...I call Bullsh*t!

I must admit, as a general rule, award shows don't do it for me any more. I used to get excited about the AMA's or the VMA or even the BET Awards but the truth is, in the era of youtube, seeing your favorite artist perform isn't the rarity it once was but seeing your favorite artist on an award show IS a rarity now-a-days. This year was the exception. Because of the loss of Michael Jackson, and the fact that BET announced that this year's award show would change gears and be a "tribute" to MJ, I made sure I made it home in time to tune in to the 2009 edition of BET's Award show. If you watched it, you probably already know where this is going...if you didn't, allow me to hold your hand while we stroll down memory lane.

First of all, let's talk about "the red carpet". How does CNN have better coverage of BET's red carpet than BET? I'm watching Pleasure P [of Pretty Ricky fame] tell me how he'd love to be some woman's sloppy seconds while Don Lemon is interviewing Pappa Joe Jackson! WTF?!?!?!? This was my hint that maybe the producers and executives at Viacom's "black sheep" my not have placed the proper importance on what could have been considered important to Michael Jackson fans...but let's see how deep the Rabbit hole goes.

What a great start! The complete group New Edition with Bobby Brown & Johnny Gill is on stage doing what they do best! I'm dancing, singing and am so looking forward to the rest of the show!

Jamie Foxx is a true talent. Let me say that. He comes out in every "young" MJ outfit he can find starting with Beat It! Hilarious! The 30 foot moon walk attempt...classic tv. From this point, there were some really good parts & some definite highlights...but I'm not hear to talk about the the "good" stuff....

I love Soulja BoyTell'em...for what he's accomplished and not so much for his music (even though it can be quite catchy *slight admission*), but just because you got on a MJ t-shirt don't make it a tribute performance. I KNOW this kid can dance...we've seen him "superman ho's" all over the nation! I would have really enjoyed watching Soulja Boy with any one of those Jamie Foxx outfits on and dancing to Billie Jean or something. Have some fun with it and pay homage to the greatest...but alas...he turn't his swag on and off and jumped on the bed he had rolled out on stage. This would have been an over-lookable offense but this was the top of a steep hill of "wtf moments" we were beginning to roll down.

Beyonce did good to me. She sang Opera. She was graceful, she was beautiful but she didn't change one thing she had planned to do in honor of the man that was being "honored". She did thank him when she picked up her award but her performance...well, it was all Beyonce and no MJ. I ain't mad at her but she's like the biggest female star in music right now...it would have meant a lot to her fans and maybe more importantly the the hurt family that made it out, to see someone of her stature, do something special in Michael's honor...but maybe it's just me.

So now it's time for Jamie Foxx's performance featureing T-Pain. Like, when T-Pain was in the jewelery store did he just pick this necklace charm out or did he have it made...hmmmm, I wonder. "Big ASS Chain"...WTF was he thinking? How coon-a-licious of you. People who don't "normally" watch award shows, partially because of sh!+ like this, will be sure to continue to watch now! How impressive! A rapper using autotune with a "Big ASS Chain" on...how can I be down?

Jay Z was good, the O'Jays were great, Keisha Cole and Monica looked and sounded nice, Trey Songz was too timid, Johnny Gill over sang (as usual), Tyrese represented and Don Cornelius got really old when we weren't looking. And who ever's job it was to control the "5 second delay" fell asleep at the switch...all night. Maxwell had on a really nice suit and made the ladies swoon and Jamie "moist"and then... the Drake, Lil Wayne & friends performance complete with really young "women" surrounding the ACL-less Canadian. Note to performers..."just because you toss in a "give it up for mike" in the middle of a misogynistic, vulgar, offensive, egotistical, self-promoting song don't make it a tribute to Michael Jackson!"

I was on twitter and facebook the entire show and was glad to see that I wasn't alone in my feelings. Last week I heard a friend of mine say the revolution is being "cell-o-vised" [i.e. cellphones with social networking]. I hope that it is and that we can influence the powers that be (major media conglomerates) to get better or die. Let's not let this be THE only major tribute from our people, by our people distributed by Viacom...

I'm Thed Weller and I approve this message.

Vinyl? Check! #34: I Know I Am...

If you don't know anything about the Curtom record label, I can tell you this much. The first 4 letters comes from its founders first name, Curtis, as in Curtis Mayfield. LeRoy Hutson got his start singing with The Mayfield Singers which included Donnie Hathaway with whom he co-wrote The Ghetto! Hutson II is his fifth album and is filled with the live instrumentation that is regrettably missing in today's music. I Think I'm Fallin In Love is just ONE of the great examples of the lush instrumental bedrock of the majority of the songs on Hutson II which was arranged & produced solely by LeRoy Hutson. He also plays
the Steinway Grand Piano, Fender Rhodes, Clavinet & Synthesizer on this project and sings of course. Dope, dope album...if you see this one laying around, Pick it up, Pick it up!


Leroy Hutson - I Think I'm Falling In Love

Chester Gregory :: Breakbeat Karaoke

Honestly, I haven't listened to this in it's entirety yet, but what I've heard so far is worthy enough to share. With throwback beats a la Dilla... tracks paying homage to Jay Z, Gangstarr, & De La Soul, and vocals from Ledisi, Farrah Burns & iRala; Chester made a good one. Annnd it's for the free free! It's a nice set really, and it flows nicely. It might be the soundtrack to your summer. It's throwback babeee!

Download Breakbeat Karaoke pick up his album, In Search of HIGH Love HERE

The Very Best - Warm Heart of Africa feat. Theophilus London

When I got this track in my inbox I was a little geeked! I'd never heard of The Very Best, so I searched and searched and finally found something good here! Found out that they're a duo, Esau Mwamwaya and Radioclit. [I was sold b/c of the the latter's name and Had to check it out!] lol. I'm a day one fan of Theophilus, and I trust his collabos, so I figured it'd be good. I also found another site that had a link to their mixtape and thought I'd share. The track is pretty catchy, and if you're into the BLK JKS you should dig this track.


The Very Best - Warm Heart of Africa feat. Theophilus London

Drop us a Love Note, whatcha think!?

Little Dragon - Blinking Pigs

Everyone seems to have caught on to super underground group Little Dragon waaaay after their album was released in 2007. So I am happy to be able to let everyone know that there is a new album scheduled for August 2009. Here is a track from their first single from the new album. Go HERE to hear Fortune and for the downloads, yay! Shouts out to Trees for Breakfast


Little Dragon - Blinking Pigs

Atjazz - I Forgot You (Fred Everything Lazy Remix)

Nice soulful house from Atjazz! This makes me miss nights out at an old Birmingham house music haunt, The Juniper. Ah, the memories...Enjoy!


Atjazz - I Forgot You (Fred Everything Lazy Remix)

Various ArtDontSleep Artists - A Love Supreme

Mark De Clive Lowe sez, this is "something very special from the LA underground featuring artists from Sa-Ra, Suite for Ma Dukes, Breakestra alongside MdCL and more... put your cosmic free jazz headphones on..."

ArtDontSleep's AM Sessions Los Angeles is bubbling right now, ArtDontSleep, amongst many others, has been championing this blossoming sound for the last 5 years. Giving artists a place to freely create, innovate and build with one another. No distractions, just music. This is the first of many Jam Sessions to come.Thank you to Blu for lending us his studio to do this right.From the June 16th 09 jam there are 5 songs that have been chosen for free release. This is the first of the bunch. A spontaneous 25 minute rendition of "A Love Supreme". The next round of releases will have vocals featuring, Zap Mama, Nia Andrews, Novena Carmel and Neha Kent. For now, enjoy this small offering.

Miguel Atwood-Ferguson - Viola
Todd Simon - Trumpet
Andres Renteria - Drums, percussion
Pablo Ygal - Electric guitar
Shafiq Husayn - Juno, drums
Mark de Clive Lowe - Keys, mpc
Computer Jay - Rhodes, keys
Brian Martinez - Acoustic bass, electric bass
KenBts. - Effects
Benjamin Tierney - Recording engineer, mixing engineer
Azul213 - Photo


Various ArtDontSleep Artists - A Love Supreme

Dwele - Blueprint of a Michael Jackson Tribute!

Vinyl? Check! #33: How Much Is It Worth?

This third album, Come As You Are (1976), by the storied singer/songwriter /producers is a testament to their abilities in each of those fields. However, there is one sing that I enjoy the most, the funkiest song on the album, Sell the House. It's got that Motown feel to it, although this album was released on Warner Brothers. Check it out


Ashford & Simpson - Sell the House

Addendum: The more I listen to this album, the more songs I like...glad I ripped this from the vinyl. To the iPod you go!

DJ JS-1 - Murder

DJ JS-1's latest release, a 21-track, 40-plus guest-featured onslaught of hip-hop, turns to a violent page for the track "Murder." Chino XL, Sean Price, and Killah Priest each lay down a verse over a beat that blends old school West Coast bumpin' with a new school dark consciousness. Even the rappers, in the midst of their own braggadocio rhymes, give it up for the ferocity with which JS creates this groove. Chino XL raps, "First of all if may / Explain the many ways JS will murder a DJ the way I murder wordplay / Hip-hop is dead, in a state of dismay / I desecrate you favorite emcee while JS digging in the crates." By this point, anyone can tell that JS-1 is killing it.
JS-1 had this to say about the track: "This was a beat I had recorded a demo track on with my friends, but I knew Chino would kill it! He did, and then I got Sean Price and Killah Priest next. We kill phonies with words and scratches, but judging by Chino's biceps, he might strangle a few people here and there too! I like that all of these emcees have been known for their 'I don't give a fuck, I'll say what I want to say' attitudes. I am kinda like that myself, and I can relate to that aggressive style. I'm quick to call out cornball djays, so I love a good braggadocios."
Pick up No Sellout HERE


DJ JS-1 - Murder feat Chino XL, Sean Price, and Killah Priest

MORE: DJ JS-1 Live on Regis & Kelly

Osunlade - Michael Angel

On Losing Michael Jackson"such a sad reality as we lose one of the most celebrated artists of our time..he will be missed and remembered for the great influence he delivered"~Osunlade Ceo Yoruba Records


Osunlade - Michael Angel

Frank Nitt - Hollywood

Frank Nitt, well known as half of Detroit duo Frank'n'Dank, has recently been hanging out in L.A. with John "Illa J" Yancey, younger brother of legendary producer James "Jay Dee aka J Dilla" Yancey. As Delicious Vinyl readied the release of Illa J's Dilla-produced debut LP Yancey Boys last year, Frank started playing Delicious Vinyl boss Michael "Mike Floss" Ross a smattering of new tracks.
"Frank's incredibly prolific," says Floss. "He was playing me songs he'd recorded in the past six months, and when I heard 'Love' I knew it was a song I wanted to put out. Combining Terrace's sparkling West Coast sound with the perspective that Frank brings as a native Detroit MC, topped off with a beautiful hook by J.Black and you got yourself a party starter. The song is also getting major mixshow play on west coast stations like LA’s Power 106. The fact that this cut is for the ladies just shows we got our priorities straight!"
Floss isn't the only one to fall in love with "Love." When producer Terrace Martin played the unfinished song to West Coast legend DJ Quik, Quik quickly volunteered his mixing and mastering skills as well as contributing a verse to the finished version. Because sometimes you can only beat the heat with more heat. Though it helps to have a swimming pool too. Pick up the single HERE We let you check out L.O.V.E. HERE a while back, listen to the flip side Hollywood below.


Frank Nitt - Hollywood feat Bad Lucc

'Got To Be There' R.I.P. Michael Jackson

One of my earliest childhood memories was going to some kind of event as a toddler with my mother. I didn't know what it was at the time, just that my mother had taken me to some dark place with what looked like a million other people and they were all screaming and yelling. I had no idea what was happening, but was amazed by it all. Then high on the ceiling there was a projection. It was a sparkly white hand pointing, and the screams got louder and louder and even though I was so young and probably at that point covering up my little ears from fear of going deaf I knew I was in the midst of something special. Like everyone else I was a huge fan of Michael Jackson, I mean HUGE. I was the neighborhood kid that walked out of the house wearing a red and black Member's Only leather jacket and one white glove. And I got the childhood photos to prove it, but I'll never show you! I spent hours upon hours trying to get my Moonwalk down and I was mesmerized by Moonwalker.

While other kids my age were afraid of Thriller I sat up waiting for MTV to play it again and again and when the Black or White video came out I danced along with the extended version, crotch grabs and all. I may have banged on some cars too. Sufficed to say I loved Michael Jackson, just like the whole world loved Michael Jackson. This is a melancholy time for me. Every generation has their idols that that they look up too and Michael was one of mine. He was simply put a genius. His catalog and range was spectacular, he didn't know how not to make a hit song or give a eye popping performance. He captivated everyone with his talent and was truly the King of Music. And say what you want about the controversy surrounding his life, that's not up for us to judge. I just pray that his spirit is resting in a better place now, and his legacy will forever live on in the world.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson...

Michael Jackson 'Got To Be There'

Lushlife - In Soft Focus

Figuring out what the boy Lushlife is all about isn't a piece of cake. With a look more Vice Magazine than The Source, a production style that sounds like DJ Premier chopping up Brian Wilson and Burt Bacharach, and a flow to make you think there's a VERY worn copy of Illmatic in his past somewhere, the Philly emcee/producere isn't easy to pin down. But that's part of the fun, isn't it? A perfect example of these intersecting aesthetics, "In Soft Focus" takes a pastel-colored golden-era-influenced beat with a sample taken from lo-fi indie rock champ Ariel Pink and fuses it with Lush's own flow, and then goes for the win with a verse from rising star and Slum Village member Elzhi. Sound too ambitious to work? Not on your life.


Lushlife - In Soft Focus feat Ariel Focus & Elzhi

Get to Know Reggie B

SINGER & PRODUCER Reggie B is one of THE most underrated soul artists around. This Topeka, Kansas born Kansas City, Missouri resident represents true quality. Call it Future Soul, we call it Now. Reggie B has two new releases on INnatesounds: Get Down With Me and Musical Joyride. Enjoy the taste of his vocal side on Get Down With Me, and Spread the word about his instrumental project Musical Joyride. Support and consistent play from great DJs such as BBC's Benji B, Gilles Peterson, Jay Scarlett + more.Don't be afraid to get on board. These joints ARE as good as you think they are. Reg is the man, listen to theses tracks from his latest albums and you'll agree!


Reggie B - Real Love (from Get Down With Me)


Reggie B - Beregged (from Musical Journey)

Wax Poetics Sundays - This Sunday, June 28, 2009!

1nce again! This Sunday 1pm-6pm at the city's #1 vinyl and magazine showcase, Wax Poetics Sundays, with DJ Rahdu, Don Johnson, Jubal John, and Junior Star.
Shout out to JayTeeDee who won't be able to make it out due to his photography show at Malcolm's Reading Room, so..why not make a BamaLoveSoul afternoon of it and check out the show, then slide through Charlemagne (or vice versa)??
Expect to hear the usual/unusual collage of sounds that has made this one of the most eclectic deejay sets around town. Thanks for your continued support.

We still have a few discounted back issues left so grab them while you can!

Charlemagne Records is located at: 1924 1/2 11th Ave S, Birmingham - (205) 322-5349
http://waxpoetics.com/

Photo courtesy of Wax Poetics Japan

Reel Beats #2 Orfeu Negro (Black Orpheus) + Trailer

What more can one say about Black Orpheus? I discovered this film in the 90's and it has remained in my top five films and soundtracks of all time. The people, colors, landscape, music, and even the main character's guitar, contribute to the wonderfulness of this Brazilian adaptation of the Greek mythological story of Orpheus as well as the original play, Orfeu da Conceição.

Also known as Orfeu Negro, the story takes place in and around 1959's Rio de Janeiro and in the favela of Morro da Babilônia. Directed by Marcel Camus (France), Black Orpheus captures the essence of the streets and countryside during Carnival, while unfolding a tragic love story drenched in the sun, with beautiful people, and bossa/samba rhythms unlike anyone had ever heard at the time of its release (it's still considered the international debut of bossa and samba music to the world). The film went on to win the Palme d'Or at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival, the 1960 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and the 1960 Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film.

Starring Marpessa Dawn as Eurydice, and Breno Mello as Orfeu, its as if you can see and feel the love and innocence between the two as well as the energy and magic of Carnival that literally seem to jump out of the screen. What also adds to the surrealism of the main characters is that Dawn (Paris, France) and Mello (Porto Alegre, Brazil) both passed away last year, 42 days apart, both of heart attacks (RIP).
On another character note, Zeca (aka Carlinhos Pandeiro de Ouro), the little boy playing the pandeiro and guitar, is still playing his beloved instrument, alive and well. That pretty much made my day today when I found that out *lol*. Click his name link to check him out..

Teaser: If things seem to get sad towards the ending, the very last scene will have you dancing around singing..

Finally the music..When I first saw the film and heard the soundtrack, I was a newbie to Brazilian music. To this day I'm still enchanted by the percussive fluidness of samba and bossa nova, as well as the many other sounds of Brazil that I come across in my discoveries, but to be introduced by way of this film made it extra special. Written by legendary bossa king, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfá, you will not be disappointed in this album, even for collector's purposes. Trust me.

Last note: This post is for those who know and love this film like myself, my wife, friends we've watched it with, as well as those who are waiting to see one of the most beautiful films ever made.

And lastly, I'll end with a trailer, narrated by none other than Orfeu's guitar..

You can pick it up here or grab it from your local library.

The Roots - How I Got Over (Video)

Here's the video of The Roots new song, How I Got Over, from their upcoming album of the same name which premiered last night on The Jimmy Fallon Show.

GB Free Downloads!!!

peace this is gb, writing to inform you of various free downloadable albums on my web site, http://www.giftedandblessed.com/ as of late, i am advocating the expansion of free music through my site. lots of material which i haven't released otherwise. "gb interprets his contemporaries" is the first of these free downloads, which includes remixes i've done for flying lotus, muhsinah, a race of angels, little dragon, exile, and the beach boys. also on the site are two other albums, "birthmark between eyebrows" (recorded in 2006) and "beats by gb (2001-2004)."there will be lots more free music available in the future in a wide variety of styles. several dance 12"s, productions with others like j*davey and a race of angels, more straight ahead beats, and tonal compositions. hope you all enjoy.
peace,gb@giftedandblessed.com

GB - 208 Strings

Pseudo Slang - Chill Out $

Pseudo Slang's "Chill Out $" is a track that lives up to its title, both lyrically and musically. Tone Atlas, the production half of PS, has created a beat charged with soothing and transient electronic jazz chords, rhythmically supported by crackling vintage drums. Over this Emcee Sick, along with guest emcee A.L. Third, spit laid back flows about taking a chill pill every once in awhile. Pseudo Slang are at the top of their game on this track, providing us with intelligent rhymes and a joint that we can all chill out to. Pick up the album, We'll Keep Looking HERE

Pseudo Slang - Chill Out $ feat A.L. Third

Amy Serrata - Rooted

Amy Serrata features a seamless musical blend of soul, hip-hop and jazz, tied together with Amy’s signature vocals, and uplifting approach to songwriting. “I hope people can listen to my songs and relate to the messages or be touched by them. I wanted to give a message of confidence to others its ok to be scared by life sometimes. But to let fear stop you in life is not ok.”
“My music is meant to heal and bring people together because the words are positive and they make us see that we are only human. We all go through similar things but we can all be better and inspire each other to be our best.” She also tackles serious subject matter such as child abductions on “My Baby My Child.”Look out for Amy performing various dates around California, including opening for Aloe Blacc, as well as collaborative performances with Bay Area MC Niamaj.


Amy Serrata - Rooted

Nicolay presents Off The Shelf #4: Moon Baker - Stay

Nicolay sez, "Around 1995, I was playing bass in a Dutch P-Funk outfit called Groovin' Pict. It would be an understatement to say that I could write a book about the many adventures of this group and its various formations, but that is a different story altogether. Back then, one of our rival bands had a new female singer called Moon Baker, who was both gorgeous and incredibly talented, and after hearing and seeing her in action, we all knew that we had to get her to join our ranks. To our delight, we were eventually able to persuade her to come sing with us, and Moon and I ended up playing music together in different configurations of the group until around the year 2000.

Fast forward to 2004. Moon called me up one day and told me she was at long last going to start working on her solo debut, and she wanted me to be the album's main producer. Over the course of two years, we worked on and off on writing, arranging and recording her album, titled "ABC Of Romance". It was released in 2007 by Supertracks Records, and knowing that, the term 'Off The Shelf' should not be taken literally in this particular context. However, I think that the release was limited to The Netherlands, Germany and Japan, so I don't think you'll mind if I drop one of my favourite songs that we did together, "Stay". If you like this track, you can find the full Moon Baker album "ABC Of Romance" on iTunes, Amazon and CD Universe.

Not only is she a phenomenal singer, but Moon is an amazingly humble, down-to-earth and sweet person. In my opinion, she hasn't yet gotten the full recognition that she deserves. I'll continue to do whatever I can do on my end to change that. If you dig the music, make sure that you spread the word! As always, thank you for listening."

Go HERE to hear ABCs of Romance (Nicolay Remix) feat Kay

Moon Baker - Stay (produced by Nicolay)