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Collectors Item - Music, Art and Life
DJ Epik Sends Love To Ya With Regrooved Classics by Zhane, Q-Tip & Others


Like myself, this is one crate digger who refuses to let you forget the meaning of groove with the music he presents. In a fine blend of classics from the crates, DJ Epik stocks his Bandcamp with a an irresistible collection of jams. Your bound to feel like cruising when the 80's groove of The Whispers meets the rhyme of Q-Tip. Zhane's heartfelt songwriting is renewed with a groovy remix of "Sending My Love". Let your mind be free with these remixes that offer a moment to press play and feel better than before.

Digital downloads of these Epik remixes are available via his Bandcamp, but if you'd like to get them on 7" vinyl visit his collection here at Juno Records.

 

"Shimmy Shimmy Ya" Gets Reissued To Blue Vinyl, Ol' Dirty Goes Buckwild on Radio in '95




Revisit one of the most buckwild debuts in music that shows how Hip Hop even in it's most outlandish form is capable of rocking the party. This 2025 Record Store Day reissue of Dirty's smash single features the Extended Version, Stripped Version, Instrumentals, Acapellas and the Lord Digga Remix. This one is out of stock in many online merchants but you can still get your copy here at eBay from a number of dealers.

Below is some certified on-air foolishness courtesy of Russell Jones aka Ol' Dirty Bastard. Enjoy a recording straight from my cassette deck as Dirt raises hell live on the Martin Moore and Mayhem Show. This maniacal episode took place during Dirt's promo run for his debut album "Return To The 36 Chambers".

Real Love Endures For Life With The Music of DoomCannon & Kindred The Family Soul


Don't search for love because love will find you when you press play on the moving sounds of DoomCannon & Kindred The Family Soul. Between Jazz Fusion and R&B, each of these remarkable bands carve their niche in heartfelt songwriting. Like the impact of a Bond score to tug at the heartstrings, DoomCannon's "Real Love" is a somber ode to reflections of the heart. Husband and wife duo Kindred The Family Soul make you wanna get up in the name of love as they unite with Chaos on the remix of "For Life". This is real life, grown up vibes and the best of times thanks to the power of music.
 

"The Library Archive, Vol. 4" by ATA Records Delivers Funk, Breaks, Drama & More


"An honest and forthright homage to the golden age of library recording, this new release is no exception – with nods to David Shire, Roger Webb, 60s/70s Hollywood, early anime and golden era video games.

Hammond & Farfisa organ, soul flute and vibraphone are joined by the Baldwin electric harpsichord, alto flute and trumpet, all colouring the usual high-end rhythm section of drums and bongos, electric bass, piano and guitars. Moods range from the dynamic The Galata Extraction to the whimsical Travers and the romantic Redford in Sheepskin, from the brooding Tatsuya, the Sword to the sensual Dunaway’s Eyes. Walter in Gabardine and Sutherland fly the ATA library flag of 70s-era NYC soundtracks – and both A Dilemma for Holbrook and Roundtree are drenched in soul flute so funky, it should be on the cheese counter.

Now four volumes (and a couple of singles) in, The Library Archive will eventually stand as a testament to the love the ATA producers and artists have for the original composers and performers of the great music libraries of the past." - ATA Records

Now available on vinyl, MP3 and CD here at Amazon.

In '92, Lord Finesse Interviews Fresh Off The Release of "Return Of The Funky Man"


Veteran radio host Billy Jam is always a source of classic Hip Hop interviews, and this meeting with The Funkyman is no exception. Revisit the year of '92 in this talk with Lord Finesse who's fresh off the release of his sophomore album "Return Of The Funky Man". Finesse shows he has a lot on his mind regarding present and future goals, showing the calculated approach of an Underboss at a young age. Add this one to your enjoyment of this album, one of which is the most explicit and punchline-packed ever.

Above, enjoy "The Remixes - A Midas Era Retrospective" which features some remixes of songs from "Return Of The Funky Man" plus the instrumentals.

 

Producer Wilke$ + Singers Offer R&B That's Flavorful on "WHO MADE THE MAC & CHEESE?"


No matter the day or occasion, Wilke$ offers a time to be thankful to the tune of some outstanding R&B tunes. "WHO MADE THE MAC & CHEESE?" is an offering of songwriting that is catered to the essence of family, being around your loved ones and good food made with love. Like a hot plate cooked by your relative, Wilke$'s grooves not only offer flavor but inner peace and fulfillment of the soul. From the atmosphere created by the autumn leaves, to the taste of a home cooked meal, this is a diverse and vivid expression of time through music.

Saxophonist Gary Bartz Blows Magic Upon R&B/Soul Classics on "Damage Control"


There are certain musicians who have a knack for making you feel good in their own unique way. The music of Gary Bartz is like receiving a warm embrace from your elder relative, one which leaves you feeling invigorated and enriched with life. From the man who's saxophone tone left an indelible imprint on A Tribe Called Quest's "Butter" and more classics. Gary Bartz bets on himself with Damage Control, released September 26, 2025 via OYO Records. Here's what the label has to say about this outstanding project:

"The NEA Jazz Master releases his first studio album in 12 years, produced by Om’mas Keith and featuring a boundary-blurring mix of soul, pop, and Black American music tradition.

In 2023, Gary Bartz made a bet. At 83 years old, the iconic saxophonist cashed out his 401k, went on sabbatical from teaching at Oberlin Conservatory, and made a record - not for a label, but for himself. The result is Damage Control, his first studio album in a dozen years, and one of the most heartfelt projects of his career, released September 26, 2025 via his own OYO Records."

Mic Handz, Oh No & Friends Represent Power Over Everything In Hip Hop


Like a stroll down the alleyway at night in a feature film, Mic Handz, Oh No and friends create a drama-filled moment of audio. Nod your head to this tri-state Hip Hop affair as skilled rhyme writers unite on this thriller. Dark and aggressive sound travels as powerfully as a bullet exits the chamber to satisfy your thirst for the impact of Hip Hop music.
 

Witness Some De La Soul Collectors Items As You Enjoy "Cabin In The Sky"

By JR on 11:24 AM

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De La Soul does it again as gatekeepers to the doors of Hip Hop heaven with their album "Cabin In The Sky". So embrace the divine beats and rhymes of one of the most prolific groups of all time who return to offer sunshine in musical form. 



The collectors items inspired by visual artists who follow De La Soul's esteemed career represents a trio who have brought color to Hip Hop like none other. As a result, we witness a musical and cultural phenomenon, spawning attractive artwork, messages of life and sounds of celebration. 

For the gamer in you, Game Changer Mods on Etsy presents the De La Soul Gameboy

Act Two gives as reason for you to maintain your musical sanctuary with a De La door hanger

The 1994 Buhloone Mind State-era Hip-Hop Flyer is on sale here at nowski45's eBay store


The rare figures set collab between De La and PNB clothing is available here on eBay courtesy of daikichi358
 

Lance Ferguson Reminds Us Of Heaven on "Rare Groove Spectrum, Vol. 3"


"Rare Groove Spectrum, Vol. 3" is heaven in musical form to those who receive solace in obscure rhythms. The fine selection of reworks of classics by Lance Ferguson demonstrates his command of the groove and dedication to 70's Jazz-Funk tradition. Press play and you'll feel like you're floating on a cloud driven by the groovy influence of labels such as Blue Note, CTI and Flying Dutchman. My favorite: the Latin rework of Eddie Harris's "Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong".

It's Time To Get Ill With The Instrumental Version Of The Beastie Boys Debut


Here's something to remind you of the rawness, edge and fun personality that early recorded Hip Hop music is known for. In '86, The Beastie Boys and Rick Rubin are the definition of ill in their approach of blending Rock, Funk, Latin and more to achieve their hard-hitting sound. After listening to "Licensed To Ill", you'll understand why the word ill is so aspirational in Hip Hop. The Def Jam debut of the Beastie's is one of the best examples of what it sounds to have a ball while being utterly sick on the beats and rhymes.

The '73 Jazz Fusion Gem "Perception" by Catalyst Arrives Remastered


The 1973 album by Catalyst’s remains a digger's delight from it's outstanding approach to fusion and sampling by Heltah Skeltah. "Perception" is a showcase of the band’s effortless mastery in dancing in the groovy sonic space between avant-garde jazz and moody fusion. Your perception is sure to shift once you press play and allow these dreamy arrangements to take over your soul. Other than this album being used by Ruck and Rock, another one of my favorite flips of "Urizi" is by Triflicts.

This 2025 remaster of "Perception" has been cut from the original tapes (AAA) by Kevin Gray. Available on streaming platforms and mp3 download from Bandcamp or Amazon.

Previously-Unreleased Funk by Roy Ayers Emerges on "Secrets Of The Sun"


Feel the warmth once again of the late great Roy Ayers on a posthumous project that goes back to his funky sound of the mid-70's. "Secrets of the Sun" is a new compilation album by Roy Ayers featuring four previously unreleased tracks and four new reinterpretations of his classic deep cuts. Released in November 2025, the project includes new mixes by Dennis "ROC.am" Jones and is available on limited edition vinyl with a gatefold jacket. The previously unreleased songs are "Pathfinder," "Pleasure," "Intermission," and "Dragon's Nest".
 
Available on mp3 download here at Amazon and on vinyl here at UDiscover Music.
  • Album Content: The album is a mix of entirely new and re-imagined material.
  • Previously Unreleased Tracks: "Pathfinder," "Pleasure," "Intermission," and "Dragon's Nest".
  • Reinterpreted Classics: New "ROCMIX" versions of "Moving, Grooving," "You Came Into My Life," and "Don't Let Our Love Slip Away".
  • Release and Format:
  • Release Date: November 2025.
  • Physical Format: Limited edition vinyl LP.
  • Special Features: Includes a gatefold jacket and a lithograph.
  • Production:
  • Mix Engineer: Dennis "ROC.am" Jones.
  • Immersive Mixes: Some of the new mixes were created for immersive audio playback. 

The Voices Of East Harlem's "Right On Be Free" Arrives Remastered With Bonus Tracks

Bear witness to a very inspiring moment in music history as The Voices Of East Harlem bear their hearts on behalf of inner city people. This uplifting blend of Gospel/Soul/Funk is bound to make you want to get up no matter what walk of life you're from. As a Harlem resident, I'm always intrigued by this and many works of art which were created this tumultuous period of the community during the 70's. Decades later, we now have the remastered version of this cult classic which includes 11 bonus tracks. 

Above, The Voices Of East Harlem perform in concert footage from Sing Sing prison back in 1972. The Voices Of East Harlem were a community choir that grew from an inner city action project in 1969.


The Voices Of East Harlem's "Right On Be Free" Remastered With Bonus Tracks is also available on mp3 and CD here at Amazon. An original 1972 print advertisement from Elektra Records is available here on eBay.


Music Offers The Ultimate Victory on Ethel Lindsey's "Your Winner"

By JR on 10:20 PM

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If you're looking for the feeling of being victorious in music, this is it. Ethel Lindsey's "Your Winner" is propulsion in musical form with a tune that overflows with happiness. Like the album cover, the vibe is akin to groovy early 80's R&B jams which resonate in your mind well after the song has ended. Throw this song into a mix with Earth, Wind & Fire, Average White Band, Alicia Myers etc. and it would fit right in. Ethel represents hope and joy to the fullest in a musical message which conveys great faith in humanity.