Raashan Ahmad - 2010

Raashan Ahmad is already ready already for the New Year and has dropped The Big Beat on all that don't recognize. He also enlists Crown City Rockers band mate Headnodic for a remix that you can get HERE


Raashan Ahmad - 2010

Jesse Boykins III - Itis (Official Music Video)

Yooo, here's the latest joint from Jesse Boykins III's The Beauty Created to get the video treatment

Reflection Eternal - The RE: Union (Download)

Rare gems and classic tracks featuring Mos Def, Styles P, Royce Da 5′9″, J. Cole, Jay Electronica, Kool G Rap, Erykah Badu, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Dion, Busta Rhymes, Ghostface Killah and Nas. Download HERE

What if Lucy Pearl Had Not Broken Up??? - DJ Rahdu

When your favorite group breaks up, it conjures up feelings of anger, concern and ultimately disappointment. Comfortably confined in thoughts of what might have been, the dejected forget the great talent that is exposed or that emerges from the disassembling of a group. Just think about the outstanding songwriting ventures of Lionel Richie or the clever and game changing production of Erick Sermon’s “Music.” Sometimes though, the crew reassembles and either it’s business as usual or its never quite the same again. There are however, exceptions to this rule; sometimes groups compiled of ex-members are created to everyone’s shock and delight. Lucy Pearl, the brainchild of singer/songwriter/producer Raphael Saadiq and frequent collaborator D’angelo is one such exception. D’angelo ,as many don’t know, was supposed to be a member of the group but was unable to commit due to scheduling issues. Now there’s a “what if?” for you. Read More HERE

Reggie B & Miles Bonny - My Sunshine

I've been championing Reggie B and Miles Bonny for quite some time. They make dope music. Period! The two have combined for an upcoming early 2010 release titled Doin Our Thang. If you've been keeping up withe these two then you know that they do their thing well! Doin Our Thang showcases Reggie B on songwriting duty and Miles on the beats. This is a sure shot win/win for anyone with ears and a brain. Want a sneak peek? OK! Watch these two make your headnod in 3, 2, 1

Reggie B & Miles Bonny - My Sunshine

Shouts out to Applejac for the heads up. His remix of the title track also appears on the album. Get Doin Our Thang from InnateSounds Jan 2010

Favorite Line: Whoever came up with the term "Patience is a Virtue" must have been dating you.
Reggie B - The Only One

Medina Green - Party Done feat Mos Def

Mos rejoins his old rhyming partners on this joint from Medina Green's upcoming album, Save the Children


Medina Green - Party Done feat Mos Def

F.A.M.E. - Truthpics (Download)

The 4ONEFUNK family proudly presents F.A.M.E.'s first free download, "Truthpics"
which is 12 unreleased tracks produced by F.A.M.E. (Teeko, Max Kane and Malaguti)

Enjoy early catalog selections taken from a pool of tracks originally intended for F.A.M.E.'s upcoming debut full length "Come With Us" (dropping early summer 2010 following Teeko's highly anticipated second album "Light Up The Darkness").

Lightly sweetened with tasteful turntablism and delicate vocal subtleties, this collection pays light to characteristics of truth using a wide range of styles and feels. Resulting in a colorful variety pack of future funk and hip-hop soul.


F.A.M.E. - Focused
Download Truthpics HERE

"Free All Minds Everywhere"
"Father And Mother Earth"
"Frequencies Always Moving Energy"

Skillz - 2009 Rap Up (CDQ)

Y'all already know how this goes down! If it was worth talking about this year, Skillz places it in the rhyme. If you missed the Rap Ups from 2006-2008, you can download those HERE. Tell ya friends.


Skillz - 2009 Rap Up (CDQ)

Reflection Eternal - Come Around (REUnion Version) feat Termanology & Royce Da 5'9";

If you're still geeked off of the Reflection Eternal banger, Just Begun, we hipped to, you'll be excited to know that The Re:Union mixtape is dropping this Thursday. It will be filled with new music plus unreleased tunes all hosted by Statik Selektah. For now, feast on this


Reflection Eternal - Come Around (RE:Union Version) feat Termanology & Royce Da 5'9"

Bilal And The Witness Protection Program – Baby Since I’ve Been Loving You/ Everything In It’s Right Place / Sometimes (Live)

Bilal is one artist I'm looking foward to new material from in 2010. His energetic and eclectic performance and delivery never disappointments, and he drops heat on every song, even on covers. Bilal covered Led Zeppelin’s 'Baby Since I’ve Been Loving You' and Radiohead’s 'Everything In It's Right Place' and easing into his classic single 'Sometimes' for Okayplayer’s Happy Chakakhan Celebration. The live instrumentation provided by the strange titled band 'The Witness Protection Program' featuring Cap’n Kirk on Guitar, Tuba Gooding Jr on Sousaphone, Owen Biddle on Bass, James Poyser on Organ, Robert Glasper on Keys, and ?uestlove on Drums. This is too ill not to pass up! Bilal’s Untitled upcoming project will be released on Plug Research in 2010. Peace to Moovmnt for the hookup!

Bilal And The Witness Protection Program
Baby Since I’ve Been Loving You/Everything In It’s Right Place/Sometimes (Live)

The Diamond Soul XXXperience (Classic) Episode 5

What do you get when you throw J-Live, Que D, Jazzy Jeff & Slum Village and N'dambi together? In this instance, you get another great installment of The Diamond Soul XXXperience (Classic). Nu Soul and Hip Hop from around 2004-2006 is coming thru your eardrums as soon as you hit play.

"Do it!" - J Dilla


The Diamond Soul XXXperience (Classic) Episode 5

Space Invadas (Steve Spacek & Katalyst) - Follow the Signs (Download)

One of my longtime favorite singer/producers, Steve Spacek and producer Katalyst form the group Space Invadas. To promote their upcoming album Soul-Fi, they have put together the Follow The Signs mixtape. The funniest thing is, when I saw the video for Original featuring Buff 1 and RuC.L via JKim, I kept thinking that was Spacek. Oh well, here you go

Listen to NEW Silhouette Brown tracks HERE

We told you about the new Silhouette Brown (Bembe Segue, Kaidi Tatham and Dego) album, Two, HERE that will be released Feb 10, 2010. Check out some of the tracks that will be on the release below

Two moves Silhouette Brown into a relaxed head nod soul experience with some songs leaning towards a hip hop sound. An obvious example of that is Get With It which features a guest performance from Brand Nubian’s Sadat X on a song about uniting and progression. Many subjects are sung about on ‘two’ such as suicide on ‘Leave A Note etc. All this whilst Dego and Kaidi push a warm sumptuous melody driven groove in a way that they only know how. Also check out the guest appearance of the M.D Akwasi on ‘Strawberries in Vinegar an instant boogie anthem.

NOTE: if the player isn't working, Go HERE

Count Bass D and DJ Pocket - In The Loop (Download)

This album is a collaborative effort by Count Bass D and his long time friend DJ Pocket, who has recently decided to add MCing to his list of musical endeavors. Both Count and Pocket are Djays & producers but, they chose to let their selections do the walking on this LP. "In The Loop" is one of many albums that are set to be released between the two of them, as they pride themselves on "ACTIVITY" being their motto in 2010
Download HERE


Count Bass D and DJ Pocket - Cash on Delivery

Count Bass D and DJ Pocket - Everyday Ritual

Gaslamp Killer - A Decade of Flying Lotus (Download)

"Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone. As we’re approaching this new year, I felt it was time to let go of some things that have been gathering dust. Some old things, and some new things, I tried to pick out tracks that I know yall haven’t heard yet so there should be surprises around every turn.
can’t believe i’ve been making tracks for over 10 years now..That said, there’s so much to learn still.
I hope you all enjoy this mix. Thanks to the Gaslamp Killer for doing an incredible job on this.
Can’t wait for you all to hear my album ‘Cosmogramma’ coming out April 20th 2010 on Warp Records. Enjoy"
- FlyingLotus

Gaslamp Killer - A Decade of Flying Lotus (Download)

Download HERE

Miles Bonny - Words (I Love You)

New Miles Bonny from his upcoming album Incense and Wine. Download HERE


Miles Bonny - Words (I Love You)

J*DaVeY - Boudoir Synema: The Great Mistapes

Download the new J*DaVeY Mistape HERE y'all

Carlitta Durand and Vaughn Garcia - The Doug and Patty EP (DOWNLOAD)

You may know Carlitta Durand from her numerous Justus League appearances and countless duets w/Phonte and you're more than likely familiar with Vaughn Garcia from M1 Platoon. Well these two have teamed up to bring you The Doug and Patty EP. Download HERE

Carlitta Durand and Vaughn Garcia - Lost Love feat Jabee

The Revival (Video)

The Revival(Europe, 2009, 17 min) Directed by Invincible, Produced by EMERGENCE Media and Iqaa the Olivetone The Revival gives a candid glimpse into the first meeting of legendary Hip-Hop pioneer Roxanne Shante and veteran Philly emcee Bahamadia, as they trade stories of their struggles and triumphs in the industry over their long careers. It also shows the exchange of lessons between them and up and coming artists DJ Shortee, Eternia, Stacy Epps, and Invincible. This short documentary, a collage of performances and behind the scenes footage, was filmed and directed by Invincible while on the road in Europe as part of We-B Girlz all women in independent Hip-Hop tour. The largest all female Hip-Hop tour of its kind, it spanned over three weeks, six countries, and featured dozens of female artists who performed for tens of thousands of supporters. Full 16 minute film viewable at EMERGENCEmusic.net and TheFembassy.com
TheFembassy.com will also be featuring weekly interviews with the artists from The Revival.

The Revival (Snppet)

Mamas Gun - Let's Find a Way (DJ Mitsu the Beats Remix)

I dig Mama's Gun's album, and it's one of the things I'm thankful to twitter for turning me on to; What's up @SoulUK? I got my hands on the Japan release of Routes to Riches and my eyes were drawn to DJ Mitsu's name that was listed as the remixer of Let's Find A Way. I must admit I was expecting a hip hop based remix, but am very pleased that he stayed true to the feeling of the original. This track sounds like some vintage, antique, undeniable SOUL music! Enjoy


Mamas Gun - Let's Find a Way (DJ Mitsu the Beats Remix)

Ayo - On Aime, On Aide CDS

Ayo dropped a France only single, On Aime, On Aide sometime this year containing the tracks Piece of Joy and Love and Hate. We may be named BamaLoveSoul, but we're international baby! Love and Hate is my favorite of the two although both guitar driven tracks are terrific. Check out Love and Hate and go to your favorite int'l site to get On Aime, On Aide!


Ayo - Love and Hate (Home Acoustic Version)

Reflection Eternal feat Mos Def, Jay Electronica and J.Cole - Just Begun (CD Quality)

Here's the CD Quality version of the gem that's getting Reflection Eternal's name back on every one's lips! Happy Holidays
Download HERE


Reflection Eternal feat Mos Def, Jay Electronica and J.Cole - Just Begun (CD Quality)

Vikter Duplaix - Electric Love (Nicolay Remix)

Here's the remix of Vikter's latest single, Electric Love, which is produced by the now-Grammy nominated Nicolay! Download HERE


Vikter Duplaix - Electric Love (Nicolay Remix)

LIVE Bilal Performance Dec 2009 (Video)

Bilal performs new tune at Plug Research 2010 in L.A. Enjoy! Stay on the lookout for his new album dropping first quarter 2010

Iman Williams New Single "ORDINARY LOVE"

 I'm so excited about releasing this joint as a single. It's  from my new project Stupid Human|Trick which consists of nothing but dope ass production from Pittsburgh,PA producer BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble. The album will be released early 2010 and will feature some cool artists; so please stay tuned. As an early X-mas gift, I want to share my song "Ordinary Love". Let me know what you think BLS fam. Happy Holidays!

Iman Williams- Ordinary Love ( produced by: BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble )

Maxwell - Help Somebody (Remix) feat. Nas

This is the second collabo between Maxwell and Nas, if you didn't know. The first one being "No One Else In The Room" from 2004's Street Disciple. The original version of Help Somebody appears on Maxwell's BLACKSummer'snight album, but the remix has Nas' bars added on at the end. This track is available for purchase at (RED) WIRE, with proceeds going directly to the Global Fund for African AIDS programs.

Maxwell - Help Somebody (Remix) feat. Nas

Speaking of collaborations, I'd love to see Nas do anything with any of the producers from Illmatic especially the oft-talked about Preemo project. Here's an upcoming Nas collab project w/Damian Marley, Distant Relatives

N'Dambi - Can't Hardly Wait (In The Dark Remix) feat Devin the Dude

N’dambi is a songwriter with emotional purpose and rare honesty. The striking vocalist, pianist and composer from Dallas, Texas, known for her signature afro and fiery style, possesses the intuitive perception and powerful creativity that ensures an essential contribution to modern R&B and soul. On this record, N’dambi ingeniously distills soul-deep inspiration into a sensual style of elegance and power, making her a fundamental new addition to the Stax legacy.
Check out her latest remix of ‘Can’t Hardly Wait’ featuring her hometown homie, Devin the Dude!


N'Dambi - Can't Hardly Wait (In The Dark Remix) feat Devin the Dude

Statik Selektah - I'm Wit It feat Talib Kweli & Cory Mo

This is nice mid tempo headnodder brought to you courtesy of Statik Selektah from his Pre Game Ep which hit itunes on Dec 15th. Kweli and Cory Mo have a nice back and forth but Im still geeked off of the Untitled (Radio Rip) <---- Reflection Eternal banger featuring Jay Electronica, J Cole, and Mos Def.


Statik Selektah - I'm Wit It feat Talib Kweli & Cory Mo

Mojoe - Strange Revival (video)

The new album, Dirty Genes, by Mojoe signals the Return of that Classic Ghetto Soul. To announce its Return to the world, the crew has released a video for the single, Strange Revival. Strange Revival was produced by the phenomenal Symbolyc One (S1), a founding member of hip-hop soul trio Strange Fruit Project as well as Erykah Badu's Cannabinoids. Both Mojoe and featured artist Bavu Bakes performed with full bands alongside Wayna, Maya Azucena and more in the 2009 South by Southwest Soul showcase. This is a nice combination of soul and hip-hop with a very clean high quality video shot outside the Victory Grill, a Chitlin Circuit venue where B.B. King, Ike and Tina Turner, Louis Armstrong and even Janis Joplin played.

Full Crate & Mar - Conversations With Her EP Promo film

Producer Full Crate and singer Mar are two young musicians from Amsterdam. They fuse soul music and hip-hop with a sound design that - excuse the cliché -is best described as futuristic (think Flylo and D'Angelo falling in love with dubstep b-lines while writing the score for a remake of 2001: A Space Odyssey). Conversations With Her offers five deep and musical love songs including one track with Eric Roberson." Their Conversations with Her EP drops digitally January 8th and worldwide January 15th!

'Conversations With Her' Promo Film from Full Crate on Vimeo.

The Grammy Awards 2010 - Junior Star's Picks

I haven't kept up with the Grammys for a number of years, but to receive a nod/nomination is definitely an accomplishment and much needed in order to keep balance of this whole music thing..I won't get into the politicks of it all, but I will shine a light on some folks I am rooting for..
(More nominees and honorable mentions on pg. 2)

Best Rap Album
The Ecstatic
Mos Def

Best Solo Rap Performance
Casa Bey




Best Rap Album
The Renaissance
Q-Tip







Best Urban/Alternative Performance
Daykeeper
The Foreign Exchange, Feat. Muhsinah
Album: Leave It All Behind


Check out their Grammy nod video here

BLOKHEDZ Animation Trailer, Book + More

Set in the mythical, gang-ridden streets of Empire City, BLOKHEDZ is the animated story of teenage rapper, Blak. With the help of his crew, "G-Pak", Blak fights off temptations of the streets and dreams of making it big in the rap game. But when he gets caught in the middle of a crime-lord-turned-media-mogul's plan to control the city, Blak discovers his rhymes have supernatural abilities. Will Blak stay true to himself and use his magical gifts for good? Or will he be lured into using them for evil? The fate of Empire City hangs in the balance.

This discovery may be deserving of a "Late Pass", but I had to share anyways..This comic book turned animated series is pretty slick. The graphics and story are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, featuring the voices of Talib Kweli, Bobbito Garcia, RZA, Affion Crockett, Mayda Del Valle, Lauren London, and DJ Khalil on the beats. Go to MissionG.com to check out the 3 part animated series and Blokhedz.tv to go to the store (if you haven't already), complete with books, action figures and more. Hey, better late than never right?

Linn and Freddie - Waiting for Spring featuring Anthony David

"A mix of natural soulfulness, headier boom bap and club soul from Linn & Freddie -- the team of Freddie Cruger/Red Astaire and Stockholm based jazz & soul singer Linn Segolson -- plus guests Anthony David, Kent Segolson., ADL & Mad Midget! The opening duet between Linn & Anthony David sets the stage for an unpredicatable, but always soulful and real batch of tunes. Linn's vocals are front & center as they should be, with backdrops from crackling hip hop soul, to sputtering electronics. The duo's earlier 10 inch single had us looking forward to a full length, and it doesn't disappoint" - Dusty Groove America


Linn and Freddie - Waiting for Spring featuring Anthony David

Fields of Grain - In Hats (Download)

Fields of Grain have finally finished their new EP: In Hats. This one is only available digitally, for free, as a christmas gift for you all. The three songs, Stay, At Work and Incompleteness Joy, were written and performed a few times during spring, and then recorded in the summer. Download HERE


Fields of Grain - Incompletness Joy

Kaimbr - Kapitol Punishment (Download)

The Low Budget Crew drops another holiday goodie on you. This time member, Kaimbr drops a mixtape tribute to Big Pun. Download HERE


Kaimbr - PDA

Beatnick & K-Salaam ft. Bun B, 88-Keys, & Colin Munroe - Don't Die (Video)

I've been feeling this track ever since the project dropped this summer, so I'm happy that they chose this to make a video of. Not to mention that Colin Munroe & 88-Keys have been faves of mine since '08. Peep the vid, hope you dig it...

Beatnick & K-Salaam ft. Bun B, 88-Keys, & Colin Munroe - Don't Die

Coleman - Hear The World: A Mochilla Mix

VTech and Mochilla would like to say thank you with an exclusive and very special free download.
Between August 2008 to August 2009, Mochilla and VTech brought you an exceptional array of musical events that pushed the boundaries of today's music. Ethopian jazz, Colombian Funk, Brasilian Folk, Jazz, fusion and Hip-Hop - where elders met with youth, where every idea is good, where mistakes are just part of the process and where the audience is the judge.
In "Hear the World," Eric Coleman (Mochilla), mixes the very best musical moments of the year into one completely exclusive mix CD taken from the recordings made.
Features exclusive music from the
Suite for Ma Dukes Orchestra, Exile, Madlib's Jackson Conti project, Karriem Riggins, Mulatu, Arthur Verocai, Azymuth, Quantic, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and more.


VTech Presents - Hear The World - A Mochilla Mix By Coleman
Download HERE and Get Tracklisting HERE

Slum Village - Da Night (Video)

Villa Manifesto EP is out now via itunes. If you dont have it go cop that. In just a few short weeks, January 12 2010, the full length Fantastic v.2.10 will be released which sees the whole Slum united. Who's not excited about that? Here's a short video for the Young RJ produced Da Night from the Villa Manifesto EP to keep your mouths watering

Kwanzaa Gift from Georgia & Dudley

Exclusive new free download mix/podcast from Georgia Anne Muldrow & Dudley Perkins. Includes tracks from all of Georgia & Dudley's latest releases as well as exclusive sneak peaks from upcoming releases on their E1 Music imprint, SomeOthaShip Connect
Download HERE

TRACKLISTING:

1. Georgia Anne Muldrow - Idlozi
2. G&D - Time
3. Darryl Moore - Sundaze
4. Quazedelic as Stan Sly feat. Snoop Dogg - Hold On (chopped & screwed) (prod. Quazedelic)
5. Darryl Moore - Dream Girl (prod. Derrick Allen)
6. Georgia Anne Muldrow - Slice It
7. Rickie Byars Beckwith - The Love Song
8. Dudley Perkins - Run It Down
9. Quazedelic - Searchin'
10. Georgia Anne Muldrow - King's Ballad
11. Ms.One - If So
12. Dudley Perkins - Sally
13. Rickie Byars Beckwith - Radiant Light
14. Georgia Anne Muldrow - Uhuru Flight

all songs produced by Georgia Anne Muldrow aka Ms.One except where noted

Dubs, Reworks and Remixes

The first remix that comes to mind that I recall being completely different from the original, and I'm sure I've forgotten some, is Jay Dee's remix of Busta Rhyme's Woo-Ha! It was then that I became increasingly interested with seeing how one producer could have a completely different interpretation of one song from another. It's interesting that I mention Dilla, because he had some of the illest interpretations of songs; he'd take a R&B track and make it a straight up hip hop banger! Dilla of course was just one popular hip hop remixer, Pete Rock has to be included, and The Roots remixes, which have all dried up, were really great!

As I transitioned into soul from hip hop, I noticed that some of the hip hop producers that I was listening to were remixing the nu soul artists, DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Ummah, The Soulquarians, A Touch of Jazz, 9th Wonder and so forth. Madlib's remix of Bilal's Soul Sista is still one of my favorites. As time went on, I was finally exposed to and began to appreciate house music and was turned on to beautiful reworkings of soul and hip hop tunes by Masters at Work, Lazy Dog, Osunlade and this list can go on & on...

Today I bring to you, 3 remix/reworks projects from 3 different sources that take songs and "add a little to" or completely alter a song. Jose James' Black Magic gets the Dub treatment from Simbad.
Simbad sez, "This was supposed to come out on Brownswood Recordings but they probably had nuff remixes of the same tune, Untold, Joy Orbison, DOP and 2 Izmabad mixes (Karizma + Simbad)... So here you are... Play late, loud & in da dark... ;-)"

Next up is Greymatter, dropping some really great dance mixes of some pretty diverse stuff on his Greymatter Edits And Reworks v.1. Everything in the kitchen sink gets the remix treatment, Angela Bofill's version of People Make the World Go Round to The Rolling Stones and even Azymuth. You can download his batch of goodies HERE.

Last but not least, here's Astronote's The Remixes Volume: One. I first got hipped to Astronote, when he dropped The Blue Album, his version of Jay-Z's The Black Album. He remixes Jay's Ignorant Sh!t on The Remixes Volume: One but he also adds some soulful flavor by remixing Erykah Badu and Mayer Hawthorne amongst others. Enjoy these treats by downloading HERE


Jose James - Black Magic (Simbad Dub)