Statik Selektah - Do What I Believe feat Bahamadia

Statik Selektah will drop The Pre-Game EP on iTunes December 15th to hold the fans over until his album, 100 Proof (The Hangover), drops February 2nd. The first single features him lacing one of my favorite artists, Bahamadia to excellent results!

Statik Selektah - Do What I Believe feat Bahamadia

In case you missed it, picked up my tribute mix to Bahamadia HERE

Res – Black.Girls.Rock! (Download)

New music from Res! 10 tracks to be exact, I've been waiting on this since How I Do. Yeah we got Party Robot (download HERE) but I've always been a fan of the individual effort. Download Black. Girls. Rock! HERE


Res - Sunday Nite

The Diamond Soul XXXperience (Classic) Episode 2

An exciting mix of Soul,Jazz, House and Hip Hop as only DJ Rahdu can bring it! Artists include Jill Scott, Aaries, Foreign Exchange and LIVE Dwele audio.
Get your day started off right with this Classic Edition of The Diamond Soul XXXperience radio show that was first heard 3-24-04 on Digital-Djs.Com's Fusion iRadio and WMOC radio!


The Diamond Soul XXXperience (Classic) Episode
Download Podcast HERE

J*DaVeY - Outta The Window

Christmas is looking really good with the music slated to drop this season. I'm personally excited about Boudoir Synema: The Great Mistape, J*DaVeY's upcoming album that will be dropping on Christmas Day! Outta The Window is an alternative upbeat electronica type track that'll be rocking many New Years parties I'm sure. The duo doesn't disappoint with Brook's production & Jack's seductive vocals. Check it out...


J*DaVeY - Outta The Window

Aqua Island - Crispy

Remember the days of fun hip hop tracks over soulful beats? Think ATCQ, De La Soul and later Slum Village. Aqua Island carries on this tradition with their keys laced single, Crispy, which is produced by Cello Brown who also rhymes with the group. Expect a video from Aqua Island first single, Crispy soon


Aqua Island - Crispy

Ski Beats x Mos Def - Taxi

On Nov 27th CreativeControl.tv will be unveiled to the public . The network founded by Chike Ozah, Coodie Simmons and Damon Dash will be a repository for premium and original web content covering music, fashion lifestyle and entertainment. One of the many series premiering on Creative Control will be SkiBeatz profiling the world famous producer Ski, the man behind such Classics as Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt and Camp Lo’s Uptown Saturday Night. The weekly program will profile the beatsmith as he ventures into new projects with notable artists such as Jay Electronica, Curren$y, Mos Def and emerging rock group Voodoo Farm.

With the communal aspect of Dame Dash’s DD172 space new media is created on a daily basis. In an organic space where creativity and camaraderie come together recorded works of art become the byproduct. Produced, recorded and filmed at Ski’s in-house studio at the DD172 space, This visual representation of organic collaboration is a snippet of a new song by Ski feat. Mos Def, “Taxi” off of an upcoming Ski full length project. More content will be available as CreativeControl.tv launches on Nov 27th.

Georgia Anne Muldrow - King's Ballad (February 2010)

King's Ballad is a celebration of creativity and uniqueness, things that are necessary to a meaningful life expression. Slicing pop n’lock-friendly funk with gospel and gracious soul Georgia Anne Muldrow is shining as a true West Coast original. The seeds of early experimental releases are now blossoming as her trademark scattershot beats and adventurous deep jazz melodies have grown to become the backbone for fully crafted songs.

Left to her own devices on Kings Ballad, she has come up with what her partner (MC and producer Dudley Perkins) describes as her most “pop” record to date (READ: more easily accessible and digestible). If only all pop was this free-spirited and barefaced. With aspirations to be a modern-day Quincy Jones, Muldrow is truly a renaissance musician. She is always looking to take her craft to a higher ground. She channels her unstoppable creativity into music that is commercially viable but does not lose sight of her essence as an artist who challenges the norm.
Listen to and PreOrder King's Ballad HERE

Erik Rico - High

We shared Erik's reworking of James Brown's Make it Funky HERE. He has continued with several reworking since then which include Sade's Sweetest Taboo and Stevie Wonder's High.
Download that trio of tunes HERE and look forward to another FREE download Dec 1st that will include Erik's versons of Marvin Gaye's I Want U, Prince's Ballad Of Dorothy Parker and Al Green's Still in Love With You


Erik Rico - High

Common - Strange Fruit (Unreleased)

There are many things I dont understand about the album creation process but there are 2 that haunt me most often:

1. I dont understand how artists cant tell that beats they've selected are wack
2. I dont understand how songs that sound better than the majority of an album are left off to be unreleased

Luckily, this track doesnt suffer from #1 but it is a victim of #2. Check out this Kanye produced gem from the Finding Forever sessions, Strange Fruit, with John Legend on singing duty. Kanye even chose a NEW Nina Simone sample for this one!
Nevertheless, it's been unearthed so enjoy

Common - Strange Fruit feat John Legend (prod. by Kanye West)

Daniel Drumz 'Electric Relaxation, Vol. 2'

As they say 'round some parts it's better late than never. Well I was real late on this treat because this dropped in June unbeknownst to me. But I'm so glad I found it now, and it's my pleasure to present it to you. Daniel Drumz is one of the best DJ’s inPoland. He’s known for mixing funk, soul, post-ATCQ hip hop, afrobeat and dancefloor jazz. Electric Relaxation, Vol. 2 is the follow up to his acclaimed first Volume. It's a mix so smooth, and soulful that you have to hear it to believe. Our treat to you while you mellow out and chill on this Turkey Day. Check out the preview video and cop this now, you will be highly satisfied. Happy Thanksgiving!


Download: Daniel Drumz 'Electric Relaxation, Vol.2'
Download: Daniel Drumz 'Electric Relaxation, Vol.1'

Lupe Fiasco - Enemy Of The State (Download)

New mixtape by Lupe and word is Christmas will bear another mix! Props to Shake for the artwork which is way better than the original.
Download HERE


Lupe Fiasco - Enemy Of The State

Magic Heart Genies - Closer

Myka 9, JtheSarge, and DJ Drez Are Back as Magic Heart Genies. The group was founded in 2006 after Myka and Sarge met in Aracata, CA, at a show. The pair collaborated on a few tracks and the chemistry was so natural, they decided to make an entire album together. Both emcees bring something very different to the table, which make Magic Heart Genies such a compelling trio. Myka 9 has been spitting his often-imitated, but never-duplicated lyrical style since the early 90s as part of the seminal group Freestyle Fellowship. Production on Cardiac Arrest is shared by Myka 9 and JtheSarge, along with Mr. Aeks, Fat Jack, Josef Leimberg, BSmash, Allen Pettsinger, and GMG.

Magic Heart Genies - Closer

Le Da Soul: 20 Years of De la Soul (Download)

Inspired by 20 years of greatness from hip-hop’s most consistent group (and our personal favorite), De La Soul, this project unites the cream of the crop in hiphop… including old school legends (Phife, Camp Lo and Skillz), current hitmakers (Talib Kweli and Kardinal Offishall) and future stars (U-N-I, Tanya Morgan and Tabi Bonney) to remake their favorite De La classics.

Mick Boogie and Terry Urban worked with your favorite artists and producers to create an astounding 20 remakes! One for every year of De La history!

Download HERE

Asheru - Ego Trippin

NEW DISCOVERY: SMOOTH TUTORS "Drag Tide" feat. Jody Perigo (BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble Remix)

 I felt like this song was dope enough to share with the BLS Fam. The group is called Smooth Tutors and they hail in the city of Pittsburgh,PA. BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble put me on to them while I was recording there with him. He actually plays keys for the band. I'm not sure when Smooth Tutors will release a project but I do know that they have songs available at myspace for you to check. While majority of the songs are more experimental, this remix of their song "Drag Tide" feat. Jody Perigo by BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble has a more electronic/hip-hop sound. Check it out. Let me know what you think.



Smooth Tutors- Drag Tide feat. Jody Perigo (BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble Remix)

Feel Good Videos :: Camp Lo :: Panacea :: Blackalicious

Just watching videos the other day & these reminded me of back in the day when videos were enjoyable & you wouldn't have to shooo the children out the room because of tits & ass all over the screen...

Camp Lo - Coolie High

Follow Camp Lo on Twitter

Panacea - Starlite

Panacea on Myspace

Blackalicious - Make You Feel That Way

Blackalicious on Myspace

Athletic Mic League ReReleases their Catalog!

For those who don’t know, the Athletic Mic League (aka AML) is a 7-man collective that eventually lead to the solo-careers of Buff1, 14KT and Mayer Hawthorne. Despite the recent success of those solo-endeavors, AML is still a collective, a family, and they plan on releasing an album in 2010!

To end 2009, AML has decided to release their complete catalog digitally over the next few weeks. Beginning today, AML has released both “Feel Good EP” and “Isolation” into the digital world. Feel Good EP –Originally released in 2002, this EP served as a segue into the release of the full-length album Sweats & Kicks -- released earlier this year on iTunes. Isolation EP –Released in 2005, Isolation was a project where each artist decided to showcase their skills on the solo-tip. Also includes the posse cut “I N Team” Here's a track from each project. “Feels Good” from the Feel Good EP and Buff1’s “Go ‘Head” from Isolation


Athletic Mic League - Go 'Head


Athletic Mic League - Feels Good

Next week look for the digital release of Jungle Gym Jungle as well as an unreleased AML video from the vaults…AND Buff1's project "It's a 1derful Life" dropping Wednesday, December 2nd! Which happens to be Buff1's Birthday!

Deep Thinkers - Mid West Flambay

New music from Leonard Dstroy and his group Deep Thinkers.
This month Deep Thinker’s dropped an all new LP – “Make It Quake.” This is the groups 4th album. If you don’t know, Deep Thinkers are MC The Brother of Moses and producer Leonard Dstroy. The album is available on iTunes, Amazon.com and soon in retail stores. Check out Mid-West Flambay, which I can see becoming a mid west hip hop anthem.Dope!


Deep Thinkers - Mid West Flambay

Kelis - Acapella

So I'm gonna have to play Good cop, Bad cop on this one. DJ Rahdu isn't feeling this new Kelis track, but I am! Maybe it's cuz I'm a girl and I like to shake my ass, but Acappella gets me going. I can see non stop dance floor action for this. Produced by UK DJ David Guetta; beat is banging, lyrics & her voice on point!

Kelis - Acapella

I should've had an idea that her new album would be disco-esque from the Crookers track. Yet another synth filled dance floor magnet... Electronica @ its finest! Found a radio rip for ya ears...

Crookers ft. Kelis - No Security

JayTeeDee presents The Love Mix: Revisited

Just dropping a short mix revisiting my one of my old series. Enjoy...

Track List

Dr. Manhattan Intro
Goapele - Different
Vikter Duplaix - Electric Love
Sam Champion - In My Mind featuring Kissey Asplund
Aqueel - The Bone Song
Bilal - Hands of Time
Peter Hadar - Staple Me
Jill Scott - I'm Not Afraid
Electric Wire Hustle - Waters
Georgia Anne Muldrow - Run Away
Mark de Clive-Lowe - Quintessential featuring Abdul
J*Davey - You Are

Download Here (Right Click + Save As) | Podcast

Porsche Smith: LOVELAND EP

 I have to write up on this chick everytime she drops something because not only is she family but she is one of the most talented female singers I know. Born and raised in Oakland,CA, Porsche Smith has an undeniable gift. She is a musician/songwriter/ singer who's voice is smooth, raspy, and sultry. She also is apart of a dope all-female band in Dallas, TX by the name of Beauty and the Beats who you will hear from very soon. In 2007, Porsche released her debut album About Life which is still available on iTunes. About Life told a story of every day life and is a very inspirational album. It was also an album that was full of soul with hints of jazz. Nowadays, Porsche is moving into a new direction. Her latest ep LoveLand is a more Electronic/Pop/R&B project which is totally left field from what she is known for; however, Porsche still remains soulful with her vocal style and range, unlike other artist who change their complete style in order to fit in with today's crowd. LoveLand consists of three tracks and it tells the classic story of Prince Charming and love. Please support indie, and download a copy of Porsche Smith's LoveLand today. Available on iTunes.

Porsche Smith via Twitter
Porsche Smith via Myspace

Porsche Smith- Honorable Mention (from the LoveLand EP)

 Porsche Smith- Daydreamin' (from the About Life LP)

Wax Poetics Sundays - Back Issue Giveaway - Sunday 11-29-09!

Wax Poetics just dropped their new double cover "Soundtrack Issue" #38, right on time for this month's session on Sunday, November 29 at Charlemagne Records. Slide by to hear local djs spin some of your favorite soundtrack masterpieces at your #1 favorite vinyl shop. We'll be giving away a free back issue, as well as extending our $1 off back issue special for you holiday gift buyers so pick them up while they last.

Oh, and in case you didn't know, you can listen to and purchase the soundtrack to this issue here at Wax Poetics Digital.

Charlemagne Records is located at 1924 1/2 (upstairs) 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL
(205) 322-5349‎ (ask for Jimmy)

Jesse Boykins III - Chanel (Body Language Remix)

JB3 sez, “Body Language” is a dope group & production team residing in BK. I hung out with these cats the other day , and we talked about the upcoming tour w. Zero 7 & working with Niia. Gave them a go at the Chanel stems. and here is the out come. Super Dope Remix!!!

Check out and download the other TBC remixes HERE


Jesse Boykins III - Chanel (Body Language Remix)

Angie Stone - Unexpected

Unexpected is a GREAT title for Angie Stone's 5th album as I was "expecting" something better than this. The album drops tomorrow on Stax Records

Angie Stone - I Ain't Hearin' U

..:::Blackroc Listening Party :: Birmingham, Alabama::...

Saturday Nov 28, 2009 5:00 PM
To promote the upcoming Black Keys hip-hop LP, Blakroc-- featuring Mos Def, RZA, Raekwon, Q-Tip, Ludacris, Pharoahe Monch, and more-- there's a making-of video series currently underway on the Blakroc website leading up to its release November 27. (Via Done Waiting.)Frigid Records will be selling copies of the record and t-shirts.This event is free and runs from 5-7pm.

Visit the Black Roc website for more videos, pix and music

Peep Dame Dash, yes that Dame Dash, speaking about his brainchild

..:::Little Dragon Peformance :: B'ham, Alabama:::..

Little Dragon, who opened for TV on the Radio, in May, is coming back to Birmingham, Alabama. If you missed them the first time, this Swedish electronic band, fronted by charming Swedish-Japanese Yukimi Nagano, makes remarkably agreeable electronic synth-pop.

Doors at 8 pm/ Show at 9 pm / Tix $10 / 18 and up

Check this out, they're not going to Atlanta but are arriving from NC and leaving Bama for Texas. Go HERE to purchase tickets from The Bottletree website for JUST $10

Clck the links on this post or go to their website for more info and to hear more from the group

4-Ize - Illuminated Animals (Download)

What happens when ultra emcee’s collaborate with a generous dose of realness? You encounter "Illuminated Animals!" 4-IZE and fellow beast emcee’s are shining new light on Hip Hop with the "Illuminated Animals" project.

“Everybody has a beast laying dormant inside them” says 4-IZE. “Illuminated Animals was created to shine light on that beast inside of us all. Waking up that sleeping monster takes conscious effort and knowledge of self. That’s exactly what everyone on the project does with hopes to inspire all those who listen to do the same – Wake up their inner monster!”4-IZE is joined by fellow emcee’s Señor Kaos, Punchlyne, and 4-IZE’s brother Number 2. Lending their soulful essence are vocal artists Anthony David, Scar and Yirayah.The entire project is produced by Floyd the Locsmif and DJ Rasta Root. Download at http://www.4ize.com/.

The Diamond Soul XXXperience (Classic) Episode 1

An exciting mix of Soul, Jazz, House and Hip Hop as only DJ Rahdu can bring it! Artists include Slum Village, Rahsaan Patterson, to Bob James and Pete Rock. Also includes some unreleased Q-Tip (and I'm not talking about the Roy Hargrove tune either)! Get your day started off right with this Classic Edition of The Diamond Soul XXXperience radio show that was first heard on WMOC radio and Digital-Djs.Com's Fusion iRadio! Original air date 4-6-2004

The Diamond Soul XXXperience (Classic) Episode 1
Download HERE / Get Podcast HERE

4-Ize - Dat Ain't Gone Ride

This is the first Official Single from 4-Ize's "Illuminated Animals" album which will be available for FREE download Monday Nov. 23, 2009 at http://www.4ize.com/
Dat Ain't Gone Ride features Señor Kaos & Punchlyne and is produced By Dj Rasta Root

4-Ize - Dat Ain't Gone Ride

BTW, those who have been looking to hear more from Anthony David will wanna scoop Illiuminate Animals up which features production largely by Floyd the Locsmif

Fes feat Blackbird - To Live

Shouts out to the BMU crew! They just sent over this track produced by Fes (010Spaceman) ft Blackbird that they describe as "soulful jazz/nu.soul/house" and I describe as plain old good music. Download HERE

Fes feat Blackbird - To Live

Shafiq Husayn (SA-RA) Video EPK #6

Here is the 6th installment of the Shafiq Husayn EPK video series. This time, we sit down with Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, master arranger/composer and strings player, who provided Shafiq Husayn a majority of the string arrangements for Shafiq's recently released album, "Shafiq En' A-Free-Ka." Both Miguel and Shafiq talk about the process of working together and their mutual respect for each other on both a creative and personal level.

Some may remember Miguel Atwood-Ferguson from his work on the Suite for Ma Dukes project, where he arranged various music from J Dilla that was eventually performed in Los Angeles earlier this year as part of the Timeless event series.

Dominique Larue - End of Regulation (Download)

End of Regulation is 17 original tracks filled with enough lyricism and classic production to make any hip hop head have a cardiac. Dominique Larue does nothing but exude her passion for music in each song with her raw delivery and cunning storytelling. She is on a mission to let the world know that female emcees still exist and are alive and well. If you feel like hip hop has been lacking a woman's touch then this tape will bring all hope back in a special way.

Dominique showcases her ability to rock any given track with her trademark raw elegance. End of Regulation is meant to show the world how she is putting in overtime to end mediocrity in music, this most definitely raises the bar. Ms. Larue's new album "From Ohio With Love" is available on iTunes/Amazon right now. Also lookout for Dub MD and !llmind as they return with Volume 4 of the "Blaps, Rhymes & Life" compilation series this December

Download End of Regulation HERE and peep the single Fall '96 HERE

Dres of Black Sheep - Forever LuvLee Video

Dres, of the legendary Queens outfit Black Sheep is proud to announce the first of two brand new Black Sheep projects to be released in the next several months. The Native Tongues veteran is gearing up for his first full length since 2006, the forthcoming From The Black Pool Of Genius. Before the album is released in Spring 2010, Dres has decided to whet Black Sheep fans' appetites with From The Black Pool of Genius: The Prelude, a five song EP to be released on December 1st, 2009.

The Prelude finds Dres showcasing his extraordinary skills without appearing to break a sweat. He manages to sound effortless while walking a lyrical tightrope- wielding his uniquely bouncy flow while addressing serious, deeply thought-out issues. Dres, one of the most experienced and insightful voices in hip-hop today, is using the album as a means of communicating what he believes the meaning of hip-hop truly is.

As for the title of the album, Dres explains that, "'Black Pool' doesn’t refer to black people. It refers to the color black's unique ability to absorb light. This deep, vast pool of soul, of artistic insight; although it's not always understood, the light it reflects back to the people is necessary."
From The Black Pool of Genius: The Prelude on December 1st, and From The Black Pool of Genius full length in Spring 2010.

We blessed you with the audio HERE, now check the video below

Adriana Evans' Nomadic sees Re Release

Who is Adriana Evans? Her self titled debut from the spring of 1997, alongside Erykah Badu's, "Baduizm" helped usher in what would later be dubbed the "Neo- Soul" movement. Praised by the most discerning critics, it sold 75,000+ units even with poor promotion and distribution.

No longer signed to a label, her second album, Nomadic was previously only available at shows or on her website. It is a departure from her first album in that it draws its inspiration from many genres of music including samba, reggae, rock, hip-hop and jazz but all very soulfully composed - an extremely unique sound that defies description and can only be truly understood when you give it a listen.

Fast forward to the present and Animatedcartunes is proud to announce Nomadic will now be available to all retail and the CD enhanced with a music video for the song, "7 Days." Adriana is a pioneering force of the neo-soul movement, still alive and kicking with a hungry fan base starving for music rich in substance.

I've been bangin Nomadic for years and I'm glad to see that it's finally getting an official release. I've always loved 7 Days and it's interpolation of Willie Bobo's Fried Neckbones and Some Homefries. You can purcahse it HERE


Adriana Evan's - 7 Days

JD McDonald's - Boogaloo Santa Claus

If you're anything like we are, the constant barrage of adult contemporary schlock that passes for holiday music can get a little much around this time of year. It's supposed to be party music after all, no? With celebration in mind, Strut has compiled at collection of holiday themed jams that will be sure to keep your spirits bright this season. JD McDonald's "Boogaloo Santa Claus" is raw funk of the highest order, telling of an encounter with a Santa who knows how to get down on the good foot. Along with the rest of In The Christmas Groove, it should heat up the hearth as well as the dancefloor.

We told you about this HERE, now here's a tune to really get you excited about this compilation

JD McDonald's - Boogaloo Santa Claus

Goapele - Milk and Honey Tiger's Milk Remix

Here's another remix of Goapele's Milk and Honey by the co-producer of Closer, Mike Tiger. Check out other mixes of Milk and Honey HERE and HERE

Goapele - Milk and Honey Tiger's Milk Remix

Keys N Krates - Live Re-Mixing 101

Keys N Krates release their new mixtape entitled Live Re-Mixing 101, presented by Urb Magazine. Live Re-Mixing 101, presented by Urb Magazine is the the history of hip-hop and dance getting ripped apart and rebuilt in real-time, resulting in one of the most exciting, connective and participatory experiences in live music today.Comprised of an award-winning DJ, Jr Flo, Matisse on keys and Adam Tune on drums, Keys N Krates have a communal arrangement that allows a manipulative diversity unprecedented in DJ culture. Showcasing KNK's party-rock performances, Live Re-Mixing 101 includes their signature deconstructed compositions of:Mos Def's Ms. Fat Booty, Tribe Called Quest favorites, The Fugee's Fu-Gee-La, Talib's Get By, Dr. Dre's Next Episode, Simian Mobile Disco's We Are Your Friends and more. Shouts out to K Fresh for the heads up


Keys N Krates - Live Re-Mixing 101 Snippet
Download FULL Version HERE