The spaced-out Jazz fusion sound on "Wings" by Union really blew my mind upon the first listen, it's interesting to hear such a futuristic and melodic interpretation of Hip Hop sound. Elzhi does his thing lyrically on this track, although their is so much going on in the instrumentation that it almost sounds like it's overpowering his vocal performance. That's not necessarily a bad thing though when you have such stunning sounds of production as Union does, to have an MC on a track like this sounds like a redefinition of Hip Hop sound.

Union's debut album Analogtronics unleashed in the Fall of 2011 on Fatbeats Records.

Bio from Fat Beats Records:

"Union consists of two Parisian producers whose otherworldly approach to analog-driven, melodically abstract, sample free hip-hop inspired Fat Beats Records to extend a label invitation immediately. When a mysterious, monolithic, glossy black package arrived at FBHQ with nothing more than a cryptic note and an unlabeled CD inside, the staff wasn’t sure if Stanley Kubrick had risen from the dead to make mixtapes or if their lives were about to be transformed forever. Luckily it was the latter, and today the legendary label is poised to unleash Union’s debut album Analogtronics on an unsuspecting Earth in the Fall of 2011.

Union was born when OJ, a Dilla-obsessed beat junkie with an unhealthy obsession for science fiction, met Gold, a jazzhead whose vast collection of vintage keyboards and synths left little room in his flat for trifling vanities like clothing and kitchen appliances. Though both shared a parallel vision for the music of tomorrow, they each occupied opposite corners of Paris’ electro underground when their worlds collided in 2009. OJ, upon catching a flash of Gold’s keyboard prowess at a Belleville loft party, approached the funky technician immediately in hopes of applying his melodic touch to a nearly finished beat tape. Gold loved what he heard, and thus two unique creative energies become one distinct Union.

In preparation for the Autumn release of Analogtronics, Fat Beats Records is leaving no promotional stone unturned and no marketing avenue unexplored. A series of free downloads, bi-monthly music videos, and micro-press vinyl singles will accompany the launch of a brand new interactive website to herald the unprecedented arrival of Union. Let it be known: the future of hip-hop is here."

Astronote returns with heat on the boards for "The Raw Tape". On this instrumental collection the sound does appear to be a bit more raw than his usual approach to production, "The Raw Tape" brings the boom-bap essence in displaying Astronote's futuristic sound using dirty drum sounds and samples composed with a level of character, simplicity and grit reminiscent of analog drum machine-style production.

Although his production tends to be elaborate, it's clear Astronote knows the value of drum breaks, evident samples and the essence of what provokes the head to nod. He gets down to the basics of Hip Hop sound on The Raw Tape" while showing the skills and new ideas he has up his sleeve.

Check out the nice sunlit stage footage of Talib Kweli performing @ Red Hook Park Summer Stage in Brooklyn 6.21.11. His band is Yuki on Keys, Brian Cockerham on Bass, DJ SpinTelect and Daru Jones killing it on the drums as always. If you've got good summerstage music performances going on near you, definitely be there because the outdoor summer music experience can leave you with memories to last you for years.

"Samurydas" by Raekwon, Kurrupt, Kojoe reminds me of a song I might have heard on Future Flavaz back in the late 90's, it's got that straight-up, uncut sound designed for the die-hard heads on the underground. From the lineup of Seasoned veteran artists, The Academy LP looks like a return to gathering high-standard talent for one compilation of underground Hip Hop sound in the vein of The In Control and Soul Survivor albums. Read more about this up coming project below, this might be something you want to look out for.

This is a dose of truth that is needed in these days and times, coming from the revolutionary mind of Jelani. On "Race Matters" produced by Durkin, Jelani examines tough issues of social obstacles faced daily by the African-American community. With a strong determination in speaking his mind he takes you through history to the present in the tradition of educational, socially conscious Hip Hop. His song is inspired by and entitled after Dr. West's book, "Race Matters" and presents modern day views of race relations in an entertaining way. I can definitely relate to this song as a West Indian from Harlem NY, Jelani's message about lifelong struggles to overcome various degrees of racial oppression on "Race Matters" are sentiments shared by me, people across the nation and worldwide.

In the face of social or economic struggle, strengthen your backbone, confront and find a way to overcome it as Jelani demonstrates on this powerful song.

This third installment of Wizard's "Chill Pill" instrumental series showcases his collection of synthed-out, melodic vibes of Hip Hop production. This time he has gathered his Louisden family of producers to contribute to the project, bringing more diversity on the boards than before but with an overall cohesive sound and similiar musical sense from track to track.

This project has collaborations with Jack Flash, Kelakovski, S-Type, Pete Cannon, Apatight, Evil Needle, Kosyne, Scizzahz, Myke Forte, Budgie, Shears, Jeeks, Sivey and Dockmini who bring a variety of smooth chord progressions, synth/sample compositions and drum heavy rhythms to the table. "Chill Pill 3" is available for free or with a donation from Wizard's bandcamp.

www.twitter.com/wizardbeats
www.osbz.bandcamp.com
www.soundcloud.com/wizardbeats
www.youtube.com/wizard505
www.facebook.com/people/Joshua-Kindlan-Mulvey/581150330

One of my favorite sample mixes from the creative art of mixing DJ Riz uses in a journey through sampleland. Even though I've heard these breaks many times and own the majority of them, as a mix I still can't get enough of listening to it. Hopefully this is as addictive to you as it has been for me since the day I recorded it off FM radio in 1995.

I love conceptual lyricism like this. AWAR literally becomes a weapon of mass destruction on "Nuclear", a dark cinematic tale of an MC who is set to destroy all in his path. With and ALC on the boards, I think AWAR is set to re-define the sound of threatening, war-themed Hip Hop on this one.

"Nuclear" is a leak from AWAR's upcoming "Nature of the Beast EP". Nuclear prod. by The Alchemist! The Nature Of The Beast is coming soon, featuring The Alchemist, Sid Roams, Joe Budden, Frank Dukes, Vanderslice, Travis Mccoy, and more

BCC fans stand up! Here are 15 performances from the Random Axe/Smif-N-Wessun show at Highline Ballroom, NYC on Tuesday, 6/21/11. The set starts off with Tek and Steele doing some of their classics from "Dah' Shinin'" and "Enta Da Stage", then newer songs by Sean Price, Black Milk and Guilty Simpson as the dynamic trio Random Axe. Much respect to toneriggz for his work in capturing great Hip Hop performance footage from NYC.

Back from a long hiatus, JB d'Mulatto and Spider Jerusalem return with a new episode of The HedRush, this time selecting rare Hip Hop gems of the West Coast Gangsta era from their stash with the finest of scrutiny. As always the two take time between sets to speak on the social significance of songs based on their experience in absorbing classics over time as die-hard Hip Hop heads. Their commentary is as interesting as the music and I'm sure if you're a 90's head like me you will be able to relate to their thoughts.








Playlist:

Kurupt f/ Nate Dogg - Girls All Pause
CPO f/ MC Ren - Ballad of a Menace
Ice-T - Girls L.G.B.N.A.F.
- break -
Ice Cube - My Summer Vacation
Da Lench Mob - Guerillas Ain't Gangstas
Threat - 4-Deep
The D.O.C. - The Formula
Penthouse Players Clique - Explanation of a Playa
- break -
Hi-C - Punk Shit
Boss - Process of Elimination
Above the Law f/ 2Pac & Money B - Call It What You Want
DJ Quik - Tonite
Dogg Pound f/ Snoop Dogg & Nate Dogg - Big Pimpin'
- break -
Nate Dogg - One More Day

This track is short, but gets right down to the raw essence of beats and dope rhymes for a display of skill using 2 turntables and a microphone. It's good to hear Prince Po back who delivers a hot verse.

"Pound For Pound" is from the album “Double Helix DNA” by DJ Optimus, out now. Listen to snippets here at Amazon, the album features guests appearances by El Da Sensei, Maylay Sparks, Rasco, Braille and others.

Tokyo Dawn Records - The Heart Volume 2 by Tokyo Dawn Records

"'The Heart' compilations are a musical homage to the iconic heart symbol which refers to the core of the human being, representing love and passion worldwide." - Tokyo Dawn Records

These are some deep grooves that put me in a zone, Tokyo Dawn definitely has an ear for original and soulful music. On "The Heart Volume 2" the talented collective of musicians at Tokyo Dawn return to tackle the theme of love in music with an album of high class R'n'B, Jazz and Soul. This is cutting-edge musical talent that doesn't conform to any particular mainstream trend, the Tokyo Dawn collective are simply here to please your ear drums and ease your mind with some of the finest in soulful grooves.

The second installment of the series holds even more previously unreleased love bombs than the first, presenting songs which resonate with great depth and forward-thinking ideas in conveying heartfelt emotions through soulful music. "The Heart Volume 2 is a look into a collective of emerging talent who are hear to touch your soul and change the game with a futuristic sound which pays homage to the classic sounds of Soul.

Amongst the songs to discover are highlights of forthcoming TDR albums from no others than Colonel Red, Vindahl and Portformat, besides the winner of TDR's recent Amalia Remix Contest, B. Kun. Further artists featured include Canadian jazz superstar Diana Krall, Danish vanguard soul collective Boom Clap Bachelors, Marc Mac of 4hero fame and Tupac producer Erik Rico amongst many other standout musicians.

Tags: MTV Shows

The 25th anniversary concert event of "Paid In Full" not only celebrates a landmark album of lyrics and beats, but one generation of Hip Hop sound meeting another for a great performance. Rakim comes from the era of Hip Hop when samples were the source of the beat, but fans finally had the chance to hear his classic rhyme flow against the sounds of a band. On Wednesday night, in honor of the 25th anniversary of his debut album "Paid in Full", Rakim performed his seminal classic in its entirety with Philadelphia group The Roots providing all the backing instrumentation.

MTV News caught up with "The R" and the Roots crew's Black Thought at legendary New York jazz club the Blue Note, where the show went down, to discuss the two acts linking up and hip-hop's embrace of live instruments.

I took a little while to create a post for Tall Black Guy's "Hollyweird" just because the unique and unordinary nature of the music makes it a bit harder to describe than the average instrumental project. Nevertheless, this project hit me as one which comes from the mind of a producer who loves Hip Hop and is able to use the sound in new, innovative ways.

On Hollyweird, Tall Black Guy Productions takes you on a journey through dark compositions of sound which are works of art in their brilliance of execution. Each track presents a deep world of imagination in merging an array of electronic musical influences and great use of effects with the sound of traditional boom-bap for music which is truly mind-bending and unique. Tall Black Guy's outstanding ability for composing sound combined with his ear for Hip Hop makes "Hollyweird" a memorable listen.

You might need a few spins to fully digest this project, but on the first listen I'm sure you will be able to recognize "Hollyweird" as a project from a producer who has heat in store for your ear drums in he form of skills and creativity to enlighten your ear for music.

It's great to see Hip Hop culture go from the streets of New York to achieving more exposure in a professional areas of journalism such as The Smithsonian Channel. Their documentary focuses on "the hip-hop beat, from its roots in the Bronx 30 years ago to its journey to cities all over the world". I haven't seen a full video episode for this online yet, but hopefully it'll become available.

Here is a description from The Smithsonian Channel:

"Hip Hop has evolved from a musical genre into one of the most influential movements of the 21st Century, affecting the way people dress, speak, and even think. Follow the journey from its birth in the Bronx in the '70s, to the time when rap, DJ-ing, break dancing, and graffiti took over New York City and defined a generation. See how the music and its message expanded to inner cities all over the world, including Paris, Berlin, Dakar and the Palestinian territories, and how it became the universal language for people who didn't have a voice."

This track by Evil Needle is smooth as hell and uplifting. I especially like the bass groove but every element works well together to make this track a delight for the ear drum.

The snippets sound funky! Listen here at iTunes to get a taste of what Now-Again records is offering in the first of their rare Funk and Soul anthology series "True Soul: Deep Sounds from the Left of Stax Vol. 1".


From Now-Again:

Over thirteen years in the making, this anthology – presented over the course of two volumes of CD/DVDs and one four-LP box set – seeks to establish True Soul’s rightful place within America’s funk and soul pantheon.

As much as this anthology is about the adventurous, always-funky and oh-so-rare recordings that True Soul made possible, it is also about True Soul label owner Lee Anthony. His is a true American “up-from-the-bootstraps” story, one in which a frontiersman’s entrepreneurial spirit and vision remains undeterred as he sets up black-owned businesses in a post-Jim Crow South.

True Soul’s story intertwines with the renowned Sam Philips – an early mentor and patron – and Memphis’s Al Bell and Willie Mitchell – with whom Anthony collaborated as he cultivated Little Rock’s funk and soul scene under the shadows of Stax and Hi Records. The Gap Band’s genesis is but one sub-plot, as Anthony’s recordings of a stranded funk ensemble make their way to Leon Russell and lead to the formation of one of the decades’ best-known showbands.

This comprehensive anthology not only carries the rare distributed funk and soul 45s that led the likes of renowned collectors DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist to Lee Anthony’s door in search of Anthony’s fabled “treasure chest” but also includes previously unreleased boogie, disco and party rap recorded in True Soul’s early-80’s twilight.

CD/DVD. 2011. NA 5079. (This anthology will be presented in two volumes of 56-page full-color, hardcover book/CD/DVDs and in a deluxe 4xLP vinyl box set.)


www.nowagainrecords.com

Here is a mix of 60's Soul tunes by Canadian DJ’s General Eclectic, Splattermonkey and Double K from their "Shindig" party, Toronto’s original Rocking’ Rhythm & Blues, Northern Soul, Motown and Rockabilly all vinyl night. The Greasers mix is representative of their regular set list from the party, but with a greaser, 60's twist. The Parkdale Funk Show is known for excavating a variety of rare Soul music gems and creating a unique vibe with their sets, so enjoy this mix.







Playlist

General Eclectic
01. Ventures – Tall Cool One
02. Booker T & The MGs – Big Train
03. Tommy Raye – You Don’t Love Me
04. Shirley & Lee – Let the Good Times Roll
05. Dominoes – Sixty Minute Man
06. Royales – Think
07. Otis Rush – Keep on Loving me Baby
08. Joe Lutcher – Ojai
09. Jimmy McCracklin – Let’s do it (chicken scratch)
10. Elvis Presley – Baby Let’s Play House
11. Rockateens – Woo Hoo
12. Chuck Berry – I’m Talkin ‘Bout You
13. James Brown – Night Train
DJ Splattermonkey
14. Champion Spark Plug Radio Ad
15. Bo Diddley – Say Man
16. Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock
17. Wanda Jackson – Let’s Have A Party
18. Dora Hall – These Boots Are Made For Walkin’
19. Bobby Wayne – Long Lean Baby
20. Hank Mizell – Jungle Rock
21. Chuck “Tequila” Rio – Denise
22. Jerry Lee Lewis – Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On
23. Teddy Redell – Brain Clowdy Rock
24. Mickey Hawks & The Night Raiders – Screamin’ Mimi Jeanie
25. Rockin’ Denny & The Real Gone Guys – Bop Boogie
26. Glenn Honeycutt – Rock All Night
Double K
27. Budweiser Radio Ad
28. Albert Washington – Ramble
29. Freddie King – Now I’ve Got A Woman
30. Billy Garner – Little School Girl
31. Little Willie John – I’m Shakin’
32. Bumps Myers – I’m Clappin’ And Shoutin’
33. Anna Cole – Got My Mojo Working
34. Classie Ballou – Crazy Mambo
35. Roy Montrell – That Mellow Saxophone
36. Ray Charles – I Don’t Need No Doctor

http://parkdalefunk.com/blog/

I can't get enough of this song, I'm glad to hear this standard of Soul music in today's marketplace. I think this is a different version of The Cure, with different sequencing and changes than before. This is a free gift from Slakah's "Something Forever" Special Edition album which is now in stores.

It is inspirational to witness Rakim's humble outlook on his life and craft, he appears to realize his gift and appreciates the opportunities it presents for him. In this 1990 feature, Rakim explains how he followed a path from the streets to finding religion and becoming the Microphone Fiend, a rare talent of MCing and landmark figure of urban art and culture.

This is a true example of Hip Hop heroism and monumental aura, Rakim stands out like a star as he walks through the streets of New York with the rest of his entourage. One of the highlights of this interview is when Ra kicks a live accapella from "The Punisher", one of my favorite of his rhymes from "Don't Sweat The Technique".

Ayatollah assists on the boards with a bass-heavy production for "The Verdict" featuring Guilty Simpson, the latest single off Vast Aire's album "Ox 2010: A Street Odyssey". The vibe of this song reminds me of RZA's production during Wu-Tang Forever in the raw sound Ayatollah provides for Vast and Guilty's unorthodox rhyme styles.


From Fat Beats:

"In between skate parks and street corners is where you will find the music of Vast Aire. A NYC native whose influences range from Comic Books, Nintendo Games, Japanese Anime and the Metaphysical Sciences. An artist who has been influenced by a variety of music and has affected a new generation of musicians. Cannibal Ox’s “Cold Vein” is considered a modern classic album not just in Hip Hop but in all musical genres. Vast Aire, who was responsible for much of the creation and development of that album, has now made another classic. “Cold Vein” which was released in 2001, is now followed up by “OX 2010: a street odyssey”. The feel is both spacey and epic and explores a new style for Vast Aire called “Simplex” which is simple ideas but explored in a complex manner. Much like the Kubrick masterpiece about the darker side of mankind, Vast Aire explores the darker side of himself. The writing for this record pushes Vast Aire into new territories, with deeper more profound ideas and codes to keep listeners and critics decyphering. It is rare for an artist to follow up to a classic album a decade later. With “OX 2010,” Vast Aire certainly has returned. "

"Ox 2010: A Street Odyssey" now available on Fat Beats Records at iTunes and Amazon.

Year Round Records artist Khaleel joins Panchi of NYG'z for some lyrical exercise on his song off DJ Premier's "Get Used To Us" Compilation. Listen to the whole album below and pick it up if you haven't already, it's a great listen that has stuck with me since it's release in December of 2010.

"Turn It Out" has a bounce designed for live stage performance with the witty and clever wordplay Tame and El have been known for since '94. If you're an Artifacts fan I think you'll like this, they show signs of growth and a return to their chemistry as a duo.

"Spliff Lifta" by Catchwreck & Retrospek touches upon the raw essence and imagination of Hip Hop that you are most likely to catch from free-thinking artists on the underground. Catch Wreck and Retrospek of Cool Collective Reps draw inspiration from Nas' "It Ain't Hard To Tell to present an apocalyptic sounding track produced by Rah Intelligence.






http://retrospek.bandcamp.com

The lead single off of Apathy’s "Honkey Kong" prod. by Evidence speaks from a Hip Hop perspective for those of us who are coping with the latest economic times on a tight budget.

Honkey Kong drops August 23rd and features production from DJ Premier, The Beatminerz, Vanderslice, Stu Bangas, and more. Guest appearances on Honkey Kong include Xzibit, Slaine, Vinnie Paz, Esoteric, Ill Bill, Celph Titled, Action Bronson, General Steele (Smif N Wessun) and Mad Lion. Sounds like an album to definitely look out for..

"The sound of The Budos may be challenging for some to describe, but to the band, “Staten Island instrumental afro-soul” means internalizing such seemingly disparate influences as the Cairo Jazz Band, J.C. Davis, Mulatu Astatke, and Black Sabbath and coming together to form a mind-bending combination of rhythm and melody. The unique and signature sound of The Budos has become a favorite for music supervisors to use in TV, film and video games, as well as producers who have sampled The Budos on numerous hip-hop tracks."

This is a look into a musical movement you might want to pay close attention to for years to come. If you love original sounds of Funk fusion by top-notch musicians, you will want to check out this episode of Solid State Deluxe Radio which features and interview with bassist and guitarist Dan Foder & Tom Brenneck of The Budos Band.

The two musicians break down their history in recording for a number of excellent New York record labels such as Soul Fire and Daptone as part of a large collective of artists from Brooklyn New York which includes The Menahan Street Band, The Dap Kings, El Michels Affair and Antibalas. Their involvement in Hip Hop has been a blessing, having recorded a cover album of Wu-Tang Clan songs and played live shows with some of their members. Dan and Tom share their appreciation for Hip Hop sound and also give some insight into their recording technique which relies heavily on using analog rather than digital to achieve the vintage sound you hear in their songs.

The Afro-beat influence and rhythms on this bonus track by Oddisee is really nice, showing his versatility as producer goes beyond proficiency in boom-bap and into ethnic music compositions. "Al Mawrada" is a track from the bonus 7" record that comes with your purchase of the Odd Seasons vinyl. It's titled after a neighborhood in Omdurman, Sudan.

"Oh No" sheds some light upon what's really real in life as only Hip Hop can, emphasizing how to discover your true self and inner wealth rather than using materialistic things to validate who you are. This song is off Tall Black Guy’s new EP entitled “Hollyweird 2.0”.

This is an inspirational piece of Hip Hop music which manages to portray one of it's most common subjects of everyday struggle of ghetto life in a way that is fresh, bringing beauty to what is normally seen as harsh reality of life. On "Ashes" Will Vill lays down his stories of personal struggle and perseverance over an excellent Lord Finesse production.

Both MC and producer's skill sets compliment each other very well on Ashes to convey stories of the ghetto, Will Vill projects heartfelt memories of the past with honesty and vivid lyrics while Lord Finesse provides a sound as the re-definition of Soul-based Hip Hop production in his high level of skill and execution on the boards.

First single from the New Jersey MC's forthcoming album which is also titled "Quarter Water Kids". Solo For Dolo definitely represents for the tri-state region's indie scene as an emerging wordsmith with true to life lyrical content and seasoned skills.

http://solofordolo.tumblr.com/

Chino is good at fitting a lot of verbal imagery into his delivery, that seemed to be a large part of his  ability as an MC during his debut which you'll hear in this mid-90's episode of The Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito show.

Pete Rock sounds busy and focused as ever in this interview with Freedom Radio in which he outlines his thoughts on Hip Hop and society. He is on his grind to make a positive difference in the culture with new music projects for 2011. Pete's collaborations include new work with AZ, Slum Village and a full length duo LP with Supernatural. The Supernat project sounds like an interesting one, in this interview they both break down the creative concept of the album which draws inspiration from classic comics and it's heroic figures.

In addition to the good news of Pete Rock's upcoming music projects, it's reassuring to hear him explain the important social aspects and influences behind music in this interview. It's definitely inspiring to hear his thoughts as someone who is responsible for adding greater positive expression of life to Hip Hop, a style of conveying messages through music which is still reproduced by artists of today.

From Fowl's Live From The D project are authentic hood visuals to a verbally powerful song "Ambassador Bridge" produced by fellow Detroit native Black Milk. This Detroit MC has got a young energy about him in his delivery and persona that you might have felt you've been missing in Hip Hop lately. On Live From The D FowL shows a standout quality as an up & coming artist in collaborating with producers such as J Rawls, Madlib, Black Milk and Origimoz.

Presented by Roy Johnson of Scratch Reaction is a high quality recording of Pos, Dove & Mase rocking the stage in a 1989 Philadelphia performance of songs from their debut Hip Hop classic, 3 Feet High & Rising. This is a great addition to the albums you probably already own from De La's catalog, 'til this day they are known to rock a show like no other act in Hip Hop and recordings of their performances are collector's items in their own right. Be sure to visit Roy Johnson for much more Golden Era goodness.





Setlist:
1. Introduction
2. The Magic Number
3. Chat
4. Plug Tunin'
5. Chat
6. Plug Tunin' Continued
7. Potholes In My Lawn
8. Chat
9. Jenifa Taught Me
10. Chat
11. Transmitting From Mars
12. De La Orgee
13. Eye Know
14. Say No Go/Tread Water
15. Chat
16. Chat
17. Me, Myself & I

The Beatnuts and Tha Alkaholiks collaborating on one project sounds crazy! Hip Hop could use their energy, outlandish personalities and humor to show the current generation how to be truly original. Stay tuned for their project and more from the Splash Hip Hop festival in Europe.

This is an ear-opening matchup of talent of contemporary Soul music. "Take A Look Around" is here to strike a chord of perseverance and hope in people dealing with the current struggles of society, through a strong message of music by talented artists. Kindred the Family Soul team with Bilal & BJ the Chicago Kid to bring a refreshing dose of reality and inspiring musical vibes for your soul.

"Love Has No Recession" by Kindred the Family Soul hits stores on June 28th.

The Art Of One Mind duo of !llmind & Symbolic One meet Naturel for "Helium". Feel the futuristic party bounce of this song, these long time collaborators have built up a chemistry in songwriting that is bound to make you move.

Listen to Naturel - “Helium” at soundcloud

Originally from the UK and now residing in The Netherlands, Beat Butcha has worked with alot of the bigger underground names in the UK hip hop and grime scenes including Klashnekoff, Ghetto, Roots Manuva, Jehst, Stig of the Dump and more. Beat Butcha is currently working on collaborations with Brad Strut and Jehs from The UK, and U.S. artists Ransom, Killah Priest, lil e, Ty Nitty of Infamous Mobb, Block & Metaphor of Brooklyn Academy, All Elements Crew and many more.

www.beatsociety.com/producer/BEAT%20BUTCHA.aspx

J Smooth and the collective of musicologists known as The Underground Railroad have deep appreciation for important African American figures throughout history as a show which provides education, social awareness and a great ear for music. In this episode they come together to express their appreciation for the life of Gil Scott-Heron, highlighting his achievements in a legacy which sought to uplift others from struggle through poetry and music.

Enjoy the audio below courtesy of my favorite radio show in New York, they provide top-notch DJ skills and social commentary which is educational and entertaining.

DJ Premier describes his love and appreciation for the music of Pete Rock & Smif N Wessun from the standpoint of a producer, student and fan of Hip Hop. If you were fortunate to live through the eras of Marley Marl's In Control Radio Show up until now like Preemo I'm sure you can relate to his feelings about albums like Mecca & The Soul Brother, Dah Shinin' and others.

The sounds of this mix by Karl Hector of Karl Hector and The Malcouns are culturally enlightening as an assorted plate of Jazz fusion from different parts of the globe. Try this out, it's good to give your ears a break from the sound of your particular world region once and awhile and see how other cultures interpret sounds, ideas and rhythms in music.



“Jazz Modal Du Monde” Mix is a look into the sound Karl and his band The Malcouns are inspired by and provide on their recently released project on Now Again/Stones Throw, the "Tamanrasset EP". Tamanrasset is a mosaic of Eastern and Northern African folk music, Western psychedelia, jazz and funk.






Tracklisting :
01. Nadi Qamar - After Glow
(from 'The Nuru Taa African Musical Idiom: Played on the Mama-Likembi' album, 1975 / Folkways)
02. East New York Ensemble De Music - Mevlana
(from 'At The Helm' album, 1974 / Folkways)
03. Art Blakey - Obirin African
(from 'The African Beat' album, 1962 / Blue Note)
04. Sun Ra - Mayan Temples
(from 'Of Mythic Worlds album, 1980 / Philly Jazz)
05. Okay Temiz / Johnny Dyani - Sark Gezintileri
(from 'Witchdoctor's Son' album, 1976 / Yonca)
06. Claude Delcloo / Arthur Jones - Africanasia (Part 1)
(from 'Africanasia' album, 1969 / BYG)
07. Bilal Abdurahman - Tone Poem Mysterioso
(from 'Innovative Rhythmic and Tonal Textures for Developing Creative Motor Skill Activities' album, 1976 / Folkways)
08. Maffy Falay / Sevda - Tamzara
(from 'Jazz I Sverige '72' album, 1972 / Caprice)
09. Toni Esposito - Processione Sul Mare
(from 'Processione Sul Mare' album, 1976 / Numero Uno)
10. Lloyd Miller - Hue Wail
(from 'Oriental Jazz' album, 1969 / East West)
11. Mulatu Astatke - Kulunmanqueleshi
(from 'Mulatu Of Ethiopia' 1972 / Worthy)
12. Girma Bèyènè - Ene Negne By Manesh
(from 'Enken Yelelebish' 7 inch, 1969 / Amha)
13. Sun Ra - Aiethiopia
(from 'The Nubians of Plutonia album, 1966 / Impulse)
14. Munir Bechir and his Quartet - Iraqui Dabka
(from 'Babylon Mood' album, 1972 / Parlophone)