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
RJ Payne & Guests Receive The Soul Injection of OVRHAUL on "Know Payne" Mixtape

By JR on 10:14 AM

comments ( 0 )

Filed Under: , ,


With this dangerous combination of beats and rhymes, you're sure to know the definition of Payne once you hit the play button. In 90's mixtape style, OVRHAUL creates a moment of Hip Hop to remember on "Know Payne". From beginning to end, RJ Payne and guests entertain with rhymes to captivate your mind like a motion picture. The soulful production of OVRHAUL supports these deadly rhymes, driving the cinematic power of each bar. The result is a look into a leader of lyricism as Payne inspires a new generation to weaponize the mic.

'74 Funk & Soul Gem "Don't Fight The Feeling" by Sound Experience Arrives Remastered & Expanded


"Sound Experience was a tight, hard-driving funk ensemble with a flair for uptempo grooves and aggressive, mind-bending guitar work drenched in fuzz and wah-wah effects. Composed of lead vocalist Arthur Grant, Leroy Frailing, Johnnie Foreman, Gregory Holmes, James Lindsey, Melvin Miles, Anton Scott, and Reginald Wright, the rather large group formed at Baltimore's Morgan State College in 1970 and quickly built a local following. During the early '70s, the group hooked up with producer Stan Watson and his Philly Groove/Soulville labels, and moved to Philadelphia to record with him. 

Early sides like "40 Acres and a Mule" and "Blow Your Mind" displayed the influence of early Funkadelic, but by the time of their first album, 1974's Don't Fight the Feeling, their sound was a bit smoother around the edges. The title cut was a minor hit, and "Devil with the Bust" became an oft-sampled breakbeat classic in the years to come; other singles included "You've Broken My Heart" and 1975's "Boogie Woogie." 

Although their recorded output was limited, Sound Experience enjoyed an enduring cult following among funk collectors; Collectables issued the career overview The Soulville Collection on CD in 1994, and acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson used the track "J.P. Walk" in his adult-film saga Boogie Nights." - Reservoir Recordings

For 2026, Incognito & MF Robots Show Us The Way To Happiness

By JR on 11:19 AM

comments ( 0 )

Filed Under: , ,


Like the dawn of a new day, Incognito & MF Robots shine the light of optimism with music that paves a path of promise. Let these bands show you the way to your hopes and dreams with positive messages driven by upbeat rhythm and soulful fusion. "Show Us The Way" by MF Robots is a powerful ode to Mother Nature's will. Envision the beauty of nature as this thumping groove supports the sweet symphony of vocals which sing us toward the future. "Zahra Smiles" by Incognito is sure to lighten your mood as Bluey orchestrates feelings of joy upon humanity as if he were The Sun itself.
 

Bobby Digital Presents: Juice Crew + Craig G Freestyles With The Fat Boys In '89


Witness the power of two Hip Hop super crews as Wu-Tang sound supports rhymes by The Juice Crew. For 2026, "Bobby Digital Presents: Juice Crew" is a revisit to legendary Hip Hop lyricism driven by the blunted Soul of The RZA. The lead single presents The Kingpin Craig G kicking life lessons for a powerful story of redemption. The raw edge of Hip Hop is apparent through this project and the radio rip from the Mr. Magic "Rap Attack" show below. On 107.5 WBLS radio November 5, 1988 Craig G and the Fat Boys kick a freestyle to end the broadcast of Mr. Magic's Rap Attack show.
 
 

In '78, Flutist Dave Valentin Provides The Bounce For Madskillz & Hi-Tek


Whie digging through the crates recently I was pleased to discover this gem of a Jazz Fusion project. If you're a fan of the carefree and cinematic sound of Hubert Laws or Dave Grusin in the 70's, "Legends" is just as pleasant. David Peter Valentin was the first musician signed to GRP Records, a label founded by Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen. Over time he recorded with Noel Pointer, Patti Austin, Lee Ritenour, Chris Connor, David Benoit, Eliane Elias, and Nnenna Freelon.

Kick back as this flutist sends your mind on cloud 9 with the magic he brings to woodwinds. Dave Valentin's "Legends" demonstrates the timeless and distinct sound of the flute and it's range of emotion. In addition, we get the sample source for Madskillz & Hi-Tek's "Y'all Don't Wanna" on Dave's cool Latin cover of "Afro Blue".
 

Dr. Dre Drops "The Chronic" Instrumentals + 25th Anniversary Reissue of "2001"


Revisit the smoke-filled inner city drama of Dr. Dre's solo masterpiece as it's label releases the official instrumental version. This 2025 release by Interscope/Death Row/Aftermath Records present the sonic of The Doc for an added experience of "The Chronic". If Hip Hop were a blunt, this would be the grandaddy of them all as your street pharmacist Dr. Dre serves up an addictive dose of beats. So inhale on an aural note as the vibrations and energy of the Compton streets pierces your eardrum. 

You can get a copy of "The Chronic" Instrumentals here at Discogs, but it ain't gonna be cheap! Thanks to the Rap Rarities YouTube channel for the upload from which I playlisted the instrumental album stream.

Below, Dre & Snoop catch wreck on Arsenio back in '93 to promote the release of "The Chronic". For 2026, Interscope presents yet another treat (pictured above): the Limited Edition, 25th Anniversary Edition, 5th Anniversary Edition Double vinyl LP of "The Chronic 2001". You can get your copy of that here at Amazon.

 

Escape To Another World With The Progressive Soul of Atjazz & Luxury Soul 2026


Universal love flows throughout this musical movement as R&B/Soul explores new territory of rhythm and emotion. Like the wonderous extensions of the galaxy, Atjazz & Luxury Soul 2026 shine brightly with spectacular entries to 2026. Witness the future of Soul as vets and newcomers bless your eardrums with the finest grooves, setting the mood for escapism and togetherness.

Featuring: Ernesto & the Basement Gospel, Fred Everything, Jorge Bezerra, Nathan Haines, Sarai Jazz, Dwaine Hayden, Audrey Powne, Karizma, Amalia Townsend, LyricL, Peacey, Si Tew, Pete Simpson, OVEOUS, Kaidi Tatham, Clyde Beats, Octavio N. Santos, Natasha Watts, OMAR, Erin Buku, Rona Ray, Aart Iveson, Rudi Iveson, Charles Webster, Sio, Max Beesley, Josh Milan, Ziyon, Osunlade, Clara Hill, Imaani and more!

 

In '92, Das Efx Chat With Downtown Julie Brown & Drop "Dead Serious" Instrumentals


Fresh of the success of "They Want Efx" is Dre & Skoob who talk about their moves in the summer of '92 on American Dance Traxx. Unlike today, the music industry was smaller and as a result you could end up with interesting moments like this of grimy MCs being on mainstream TV. Das Efx represent straight from the sewer and explain the meaning of the name, which Julie Brown gets a kick out of. 

Below, is an unofficial and obscure instrumental album of Das Efx's debut. This release has some songs that weren't on the album and is missing a few from the album. If you're interested in a copy of this instrumental LP, you can find it for sale here at my eBay Partner Storefront. By purchasing it or any other music there, you'll support the blog since eBay pays me as their affiliate.

 

The Music Of Talking Heads Enters Dreamlike Territory With BBE Records


Taking upbeat Pop-Rock tunes and transforming them into laid-back dreamlike compositions, aja money and EBBA pay homage to Talking Heads. The result is a time to sit back and relax as their soothing vibrations ease your mind like therapy. EBBA's take on "Uh-Oh Love Comes To Town" is like an ascent to heaven with it's delightful blend of upbeat rhythm, positive images and sweet vocals. On "The Book I Read", aja monet dreams from beginning to end as she reframes this song as a soulful and reflective journey of life.

These are a couple of my favorites from BBE Records' 2025 compilation which showcases emerging talent who cover Talking Heads. Lend your ear and let the days go by to the sounds of a project that's Once In A Lifetime.
 

Snarky Puppy & Brad Allen Williams Harvest The Fruit Of Life with Adrenaline-Fueled Fusion

By JR on 10:35 PM

comments ( 0 )

Filed Under:


Embrace the life-giving power of fusion with the exciting sounds of Snarky Puppy & Brad Allen Williams. These tunes are bound to make you want to get up as each band deliver energetic arrangements driven by hope, faith and desire. Vocalist J. Hoard drives the powerful message of "the fruit" with a striking performance that resonates with life. You'll be thankful to be "Only Here and Nowhere Else" as Snarky Puppy and Metropole Orkest's inspiring instrumental fusion rejuvenates your soul.

There's more good vibrations in store on the 2025 albums "Somni" by Snarky Puppy & "light rivers vol. 2" by Brad Allen Williams.
 

Good Times Await With The Instrumental Funk of Mal Waldron & Movement in the City


Like a plant as it receives sunshine, these style of lively Funk fusion sets the mood and provide audible nourishment when I'm at the crib. Highly recommended for a nice and enjoyable listen when you're lounging at home. "Movement in the City 3" is Volume 6 in a series of compilations and previously unreleased recordings from As-Shams Archive that include Tete Mbambisa's "African Day" and Kippie Moketsi's "Hard Top". In an electrified meeting of minds, "Candy Girl" is a lost 1975 session by jazz pianist Mal Waldron, recorded in Paris with core members of the mighty Lafayette Afro Rock Band.
 

Love Is The Realest Thing on "Something Always Happens" by Thomas Wenglinski


With attractive fusion to make you fall in love like the sight of your crush, the music of "Something Always Happens" speaks to the heart. Thomas Wenglinski finds his sweet spot on the vocoder to lead you on a journey of uplifting songwriting. Let yourself go to this 13-track escapade into happiness by a musician who delivers warmth and affection with each note.

Shylow x Method Man Are A Deadly Combo on "Blue Sky" (The Meth Lab Remix EP)


On "Blue Sky", Method Man spits flames to the sounds of Shylow for a dangerous concoction of beats and rhymes. With Shylow at the steering wheel of this neck-snapping project, we receive the potency of Hip Hop in pure form. Produced, Mixed/Mastered and cuts/scratches performed by Shylow. Featuring RJ Payne, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck and KRS-One.

Much Rewind Revisits Throwback Interviews With NaS, Biggie & Other Music Greats


The Canadian music video show known as Much Music has created a new YouTube channel dedicated to their archived interviews. These are just a couple of gems from their remarkable run of speaking with music royalty. Enjoy as Much Music catch up with Nas and Biggie during their mid-90's breakthrough, plus more throwback footage with music legends at their channel. 

 

Endulge In The International Drum Breaks of Delirious Music & Gumroad

By JR on 8:25 AM

comments ( 0 )

Filed Under:


From Latin America and Italy to Japan and more, the Soundcloud page of delirious music is an extensive look into international rare grooves. With 200+ tracks of funky music and counting, this crate digger shows no sign of slowing down. This is one of my favorite SC streams and always surprises me by what their able to find.

The International Breaks imprint is over 20 volumes and counting, with punchy kicks and snares of a wide ethnic variety. Head over to Gumroad to hear the international flavor they offer, with downloadable drum kits and sounds spanning the globe. This popular sound pack features drum sounds recorded from the original vinyl records in high quality WAV format.