To view this notification widget you need to have JavaScript enabled. This notification widget was easily created with NotifySnack.
Collectors Item - Music, Art and Life
Northern Exposure Newcastle Presents Early 90's Masta Ace, KRS-One, Cookie Crew, Caveman & Others


Some gems from the VHS collection of a UK Hip Hop head. Check out a couple TV programs from this European region featuring interviews with both UK and US legends. Masta Ace appears on a TV program about safe sex in the face of AIDS back in '91. Multiple US Hip Hop legends appear on a documentary about the foundations of Hip Hop in '94 on The South Bank Show.

 

Escape To The Cosmos With The '78 Fusion of Mikio Masuda's "Moon Stone"

By JR on 4:43 PM

comments ( 0 )

Filed Under: ,


"Moon Stone is a gem of Japanese jazz-fusion that finds Masuda gliding between smoky cool and electric groove with plenty of charm and confidence. Comparisons to Bob James and Ramsey Lewis are obvious but apt as this is polished, warm crossover jazz with serious chops behind it. Highlights include the Latin-tinged 'Mickey's Samba' and the funky swagger of 'Funky Wav', while the title track drifts beautifully into mellow synthesiser territory. The supporting cast is stellar as Kazumi Watanabe's guitar adds real bite and Motohiko Hamase's bass keeps everything grounded. A welcome reissue of an overlooked delight for anyone with an ear for 70s jazz-fusion." - Nippon Columbia Japan

Music Is Life As Brian Jackson & Guests Live For The Moment on "Now More Than Ever"


This one is quite special, especially from my perspective of discovering and drawing life out of music. Whether or not you're already familiar with these classic songs, you are likely to leave "Now More Than Ever" feeling invigorated with life. With an all-star cast of soulful talent, Brian Jackson brings us on a journey of reimagined and revisited songs from his revered catalog. As a collaborator with Gil Scott Heron, Brian has enriched generations of listeners with the rhythm of life. Black Thought, Rahsaan Patterson, Josh Milan, Moodymann, Omar, J. Ivy and more join in this celebration, each blessing the album with their unique experiences. 

With Masters At Work on production, Brian's legendary catalog receives a whole new life. ‘Now More Than Ever’ is a testament to music that is capable of transcending time based on the universal desire to achieve a brighter tomorrow and get down in the process.

Jay Dee Lives On As Kilroy Creative, Valtteri Laurell & Ricky-Tick Big Band Have "Visions Of Dilla"


Imagine Dilla's music as the thrilling soundtrack to a film as Valtteri Laurell & Ricky-Tick Big Band bring his sound into new and exciting musical territory. On "Visions Of Dilla", you've got another chance to fall in love with an enduring sound of music. The musical essence of Jay runs throughout each arrangement for instrumentals that are intriguing as the various moods of cinema. Enjoy as this unit project their unique sound to enhance the emotion and distinct groove of the late Detroit legend.

Kilroy Creative are known for their bold and colorful illustrations that capture the likeness of musical greats. Below is their J Dilla Pop-Art enamel pin which captures Jay using a color spectrum you've probably never seen him in before. Visit their eBay shop here to view more music portraits (As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase).



Embark on An Epic Journey of Jazz-Dance Fusion With Joaquin 'Joe' Claussell & Emanuele Cisi


When the vibrant sounds of Spiritual Jazz and Soulful House merge, the result is epic in the music of Joaquin 'Joe' Claussell & Emanuele Cisi. Like the excitement of discovering a new beginning, this duo shine like the dawn of a new day. Upbeat rhythm meets dazzling instrumentation in the celebration of life that is the "Pharoah's Message". So press play and rejoice in another day as these musicians draw from a divine source to find happiness.

Brand Nubian Release "One For All" Anniversary Boxset and Perform In '91


Revisit one of the most powerful representations of beats, rhymes and black unity with the classic debut of Brand Nubian. The Afrocentricity and supreme knowledge of this Hip Hop masterpiece endures as Tommy Boy release a special reissue to celebrate it's 35th anniversary. For the first time you get each song on 7" vinyl, which is certain to offer a warm and robust sound like you've never heard. 

Get yourself a copy of this collectors item here at Juno Records or here at Amazon while you enjoy a '91 performance by Brand Nubian below I also posted the full instrumental version of "One For All" here in case you missed it before.
 

In '92, Sylk Smoov, Q-Tip & Phife Rock The Mic at The Wake Up Show


In Wake Up Show style, Sway & Tech unite regions of Hip Hop for and outstanding moment of rhyme in the year of '92. Lend your ear to these poetic psychos who drop mackadocious lyrics over funky beats. 

MF Doom's Rhymes Meet The Funky Sound of Tatsuro Yamashita


If you enjoy the sound of DOOM over raw 80's Boogie Funk, remixer Tanda takes it to another level with this mashup project. MF DOOM X TATSURO YAMASHITA shows just how funky Japan can be and the reason why many of the illest crate diggers swear by the region 'til this day. ON this remix of "The Herbaliser's "It Ain't Nuttin'", DOOM fits like a glove to the funky bass riff and rhythm of Tatsuro Yamashita. The result is an infectious Hip Hop jam that is sure to tear the roof off ya bumba-rass-clat like a native of the Jamaican isle.




A 90's Tape Explores Never-Before Heard Instrumentals of Big Daddy Kane & Kool G Rap


This instrumental fiend is back at it again with classic Hip Hop beats from the early 90's. Check out his YouTube channel for more instrumentals from "It's A Big Daddy Thing", "Wanted Dead Or Alive" and "Live And Let Die".

Using stem extraction technology, A 90's Tape does a decent job of capturing these instrumentals that weren't officially released. On some of these ones by G Rap and Kane you can hear some of the washy effect of audio extraction. I'll send him my article on the subject to see if it helps his work in engineering these instrumentals. 
 

Experience The Psychedelic Afro-Funk of Reebop Kwaku Baah On The Reissue of "Reebop"


The 1972 self-titled album by percussionist Reebop Kwaku Baah demonstrates the power of African music to not only move your body but be cinematic. It's quite an exciting listen even if you don't understand the language because Reebop delivers thrills with each song. The Funk is with this drummer who lets loose while maintaining a strong presence of African rhythm throughout. The result is a high energy trip through The Motherland by a drummer who shows exciting range and versatility.

You can get a copy of the Korean 2026 CD reissue of "Reebop" here on Discogs or here at the Funk section of my eBay Storefront (disclosure: As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase). 

The Beatles' "Yesterday" Gets Re-Vibed by Vibraphonist Warren Wolf


The reassuring vibe of Warren Wolf is bound to set you at ease as he soothes your soul with a timeless tune. Paul McCartney's "Yesterday" has never felt so good in a cover version that discovers a new place of happiness. A combination of magical mallets and majestic vocals drive McCartney's songwriting to a new dimension, leading the way to a promising tomorrow. 

Producer Rawtechnic Delivers The '93 Raw With Remixes of Black Moon & Pudgee Tha Phat Bastard


In 2026, Rawtechnic makes heads nod and captures a sound that is a throwback to cassette singles, VHS tapes, Jordan sneakers and SP1200s. Enter a sound that vibrates the culture of Hip Hop in numerous ways, from the raw analog sound to the thumping drums and layers of samples. His remix of Pudgee Tha Phat Bastard's "Checkin' Out The Avenue" is bound to put you on edge. It's reminiscent of the feel you'd get of hearing an early-90's b-side remix where the sound went from light-hearted to ruff and rugged. The Black Moon remix fits Buck's flow well, with it's laid-back soulful vibe.

For more of Rawtechnic's music plus rare 90's Hip Hop uploads in the vein of his throwback sound, check out his YouTube channel.
 

Set Flight with Moyses Dos Santos, Lynda Dawn, Arthur Verocai & Theo Croker on "Saudade"


The sounds of Brazil serves as your vehicle to touch the sky in this majestic moment of soulful songwriting. Join Moyses Dos Santos who unites with remarkable talents for a tune that allows us to achieve new altitudes in music. A thrilling duet between violin and horn along with Lynda Dawn's lovely voice propels the listener into the stratosphere on "Saudade".

 

On "Autonomy Song", Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science Represent Black Femininity & Divinity


Within a dreamy moment of music, we bear witness to one of the greatest creations Earth has ever produced. Terri Lyne Carrington is the musical vessel which represents the beauty of the Black woman and does so to outstanding effect. Joined by an all-star cast of musicians, "Autonomy Song" projects femininity and divinity with a gentle and inviting touch. A combination of spoken word and singing combines for an ode to the mother of all humanity and a powerful statement of self-respect. So press play and enjoy the serene and meditative vibrations which Terri Lyne creates. 

Photographer Jackson David portrays the beauty of the African woman in his series of captures here at Behance.
 

Stax & Motown Go Head-To Head With A Collection of Demos & Instrumentals


Let yourself get all souled out like Pete Rock & C.L. as two titans of Soul music present rarities from their legendary catalogs. "Written In Their Soul: The Stax Songwriter Demos" is a 7-hour look into the magic of Stax music. This collection offers numerous songs in their raw form, but extremely soulful nonetheless. "The Break Down: Motown Instrumentals 1960-1972" is an upbeat journey through Soul classics as hip-shaking grooves tell the story of a legendary label.

 

The Collectors Item Newsletter

* indicates required