Diamond D- Rap Life (feat. Pharaohe Monch) (official video)

Diamond D, the hip hop legend and self-appointed "best producer on the mic", just dropped the official video for the track "Rap Life" from his upcoming The Diam Piece LP.  Serving as the album's lead single, the track features one of the "best emcees...period", the one and only Pharoahe Monch, holding down the rhymes while Diamond shows how his classic diggin' in the crates sound has successfully transitioned into the modern rap era. Dope work.

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Trio Valore- Crazy (single)

Brand new music from the deep funkateers Trio Valore. Listen to the band give Gnarls Barkley's smash hit single "Crazy" a groovy, Hammond-B3 fueled makeover. The track is from the groups upcoming limited edition #LiarsAndCheaters EP, which can be pre-ordered now directly from the label RecordKicks. Perfect soundtrack for those of you that are just starting your manic Monday routine:

This is fabulous, what they have done with Crazy is exceptional. Guys it is good to have you back you have been sorely missed! 

-Craig Charles from The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show 

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EOM- Battery Eater (instrumental)

I didn't get to check out the album ForAllWeKnow from producer EOM when it first dropped back in August of last year. But if this newly released "Battery Eater" instrumental is any indication of what that album has to offer, then I guarantee that I'll be giving it a listen real soon. The crazy thing is that for all the low-end heavy, trunk-funk goodness that this track has to offer, this is one of the beats that DIDN'T make the album's final cut. Man...definitely gotta give that album a listen. Download it, press play, and let this one bump loud people.

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Jazz Spastiks- Move (feat. Apani. B) (single)

Just bought the single "Move" from the Jazz Spastiks collective, and believe me when I say that it was money well spent. The track is the latest single from the talented production team and features some standout verses from acclaimed emcee Apani B. The transatlantic collab between the U.K. producers and the Queens lyricist results in a bouncy track that seems to glow with a jazzy, sun-drenched vibe. All around niceness that's a welcomed change of pace from the stark moodiness that seems to be so prevalent in today's hip hop music. Dig the sounds.

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Bop Alloy- Writing My Wrongs (feat. Justis) (single)

Bop Alloy recently leaked a track from their soon-to-be-released Another Day in the Life of... album. Full disclosure time...I've really been sleeping on these guys up to this point. However, if this "Writing My Wrongs" single is any hint of what these guys have in store for new fans, then the sleeping stops today.  With a hard hitting, no-frills beat from producer Marcus D. and a soulful, H-town influenced chorus from lyricist Substantial, the duo creates a bouncy, southern-style hip hop track that's tailor made for rattling your sub-woofer. In fact, the track has such a laid-back vibe, it's easy to overlook the rather serious tone of the lyrics, which addresses regrets and trying to make amends for past mistakes. The track also features a standout verse from Seattle resident Justis, who definitely adds to the overall dopeness of the track. Press play and check it out.

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DTMD- Who's Next (feat GodlyMC & Cortez) (official video)

DTMD just dropped some fresh visuals for the single "Who's Next" off their recently released extended player, the 3 & Out EP. Classic material from the duo, with featured verses from Godly MC and Cortez. Check out the video then head over to DTMD's Bandcamp page (here) to get your copy of the digi-EP

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Wheel On- The Magic Fog (feat. Nate Salman) (single)

Before I write anything else, I want to give a shout to Nate Salman (from the group Waterstrider ) for posting a link to this new single "The Magic Fog" by the group Wheel On.  For the most part, I try to avoid comparing up-and-coming artists to larger, more established names in the game. But I gotta tell you, I really got a late 1970's, Aja-era Steely Dan vibe from this song as soon as the Fender Rhodes and drums came into play...which is certainly a good thing. Spirited playing from the entire band and stand-out vocals from singer Nate Salman really add to the throwback jazz-rock feel of the track. Scroll down and press play to check out this amazing piece of music from the Berkeley, CA based band for yourself  

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Fire Moth- Oil Paintings & Gold Chains (LP)

Here's a album that's a little bit of a change of pace for the blog, but something that surely fits on the site.  Lately I've been checking out more and more music from groups that fall into the blues rock category. And while most of my recent finds are revered as classics and were recorded decades ago, I occasionally run across something really good from a (relatively) new group on the scene. Enter the band Fire Moth, a blues rock trio from Texas that has that all-killer/no-filler approach to music making that makes the genre so appealing. Their debut album is entitled "Oil Paintings & Gold Chains" and it's filled with tons of heavy low end, fuzzy guitars, and bluesy vocals. Nothing but hard hitting heaters from the opening chords to the closing cymbal crash. Mellow?..no.  Laid-back?...not really.  Soulful? Absolutely!

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Jay Bishop- One Good Morning (instrumental)

Well it's about 1 minute to midnight, which means we are hours away from the start of another weekend. And while I'll be slaving away at work for most of it, I'm still in a celebratory kinda mood. Some of this may be due to the fact that people are actually checking out the blog, while the rest of the credit goes to the vibe that I'm getting off of this "One Good Morning" beat from producer/beatmaker Jay Bishop. The track is built for the dancefloor and is perfect for shaking off any blues that happen to be doggin' you. Dope work Mr Bishop.

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Airlocke- Dusk till Dawn (LP)

Finally got a minute to dig into some new music and I'm glad I placed this Dusk till Dawn digi-LP from producer/beatmaker Airlocke near the top of my "to-check-out" list.  While the project only clocks in at about 16 minutes, the album doesn't feel rushed or too short. Plus the music makes for the perfect jazzy-hip hop soundtrack to play while kicking back at the end of the workday. Also featured on the project is a vocal number featuring poet/vocalist Lena Very mellow stuff that has just the right amount of hip hop grit to make it a welcomed addition to the playlists of my fellow beat junkies out there. Check it out. 

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Moontroop- Glitch (Figub Brazlevic rmx) (official video)

Check out the trippy visuals for the track "Glitch" from the Moontroop collective.  The video is for the remix single from the groups most recent album The Triple Star Tape. Strap yourself in for 3 minutes of real live psychedelic imagery and hard-hitting music (which may be ill-advised for those of you who suffer from photosensitive epilepsy). And whether it's intentional or just great minds thinking alike, the video definitely raises a red cup of firewater to the Beastie Boys groundbreaking video for "So What Cha Want". Dopeness indeed.

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CoryaYo- Soul Vibe (instrumental)

I just happened to stumble across this live beat from producer/beatmaker CoryaYo while checking out my Soundcloud feed this morning.  It's a short but very soulful number called "Soul Vibe" and believe me when I tell you that it absolutely lives up to its name.  I'm not sure what the source material is (though it seems sort of familiar), but the samples are pieced together in such a way as to give the track that "band-jammin-in-a-small-club" kind of feel. Maybe it's just me. Either way, press play and dig the sounds. 

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Flamingosis- Good Morning (feat. K.Raydio) (single)

Got some more midday smoothness for you with this new track from beatmaker extraordinaire Flamingosis. The song is called "Good Morning" and it not only features some really mellow, jazz-funk sounds from the young producer, it also has some really soothing vocals from singer K.Raydio. Another excellent collaboration between two talented artists that are making moves on the independent scene. Dope work. And if you haven't done so already, check out Flamingosis' latest project, the self-titled Flamingosis album.

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Vainsmith- California Parkway (single)

Here's a really chill track from Virginia-based lyricist Vainsmith. The song, which is called "California Parkway", features the young emcee spitting her signature laid-back flow over a jazzy instrumental from producer Omito. I've been keeping tabs on the rising star for a minute now and I gotta say that her work just gets better and better with each outing. I'm really diggin' this collaboration. Hope to hear more dope music from this pairing.

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Crowns- Lips & Teeth (instrumental)

The latest session in the Future Funk Friday series, an instrumental track entitled "Lips & Teeth" dropped yesterday. This time around, the mind behind the boards is Keats Collective representative CROWNS.  In the spirit of full disclosure, I have to admit that I don't really know too much about CROWNS. So far I've been able to establish 2 things: 1) he is a graphic designer who has done some of the cover artwork for past Keats Collective  releases. And 2) he has a knack for making outstanding tracks that have just the right amount of lo-fi grit and futuristic glitch. Take a listen for yourself and make sure you keep tabs on the Keats Collective 

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Stik Figa- Tuco (single)

Just came across this bumpin track from Mello Music Group affiliate Stik Figa. The single is called "Tuco" and it's a dope head-nodder that (as of this post) will not be featured on the Kansas-based lyricist's upcoming album/mixtape The Pookey Tape. Razor sharp lyrics and a souful beat by producer Arkutec make this one a must-add to the weekend playlist. Listen.

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DTMD- 3 & Out (LP)

Here's some more new music to help liven up your Spring cleaning duties this weekend.  Low Budget crew affiliates and Mello Music Group signees DTMD have just made good on their recent Facebook promise to drop a new project entitled 3 & Out. While the release is only 4 tracks deep, fans are sure to keep the album on repeat as the duo have clearly chosen to stick with a "quality-over-quantity" approach to music making. Dope work with featured appearances from Godly MC, Cortez, and DJ Ragz. Dig the sounds.

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Eagle Nebula- Call Me Nebs (EP)

I hope it's beginning to feel a little more Spring-like in your neck of the woods. It's a little better here in Chattanooga, but I'm not putting away my coat just yet. As if to help welcome the impending arrival of brighter days and warmer whether, LA-based emcee and positive-vibe spinner Eagle Nebula has just released a 3-track EP of newly discovered music. Check out what the lady herself has to say about the release then take a listen for yourself. Enjoy.

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DJ Rahdu- Honey Molassess: Jill Scott Remixes & Covers (mix)

Apparently tomorrow (March 20th) marks the first day of Spring here in the U.S. However, you wouldn't know it from taking in the dreary view from my office window at this moment. No flowers blooming, no sunshine, it's kinda chilly outside...same ole winter blues. So if you're like me and you could use a little reminder that brighter days are just around the corner, check out this sweet mix from DJ Rahdu featuring the incomparable "golden" lady herself; Ms Jill Scott. The mix is entitled "Honey Molasses: Jill Scott Remixes & Covers" and it showcases  songs, features and covers from the sunny voiced singer whose music has always reminded me of Spring time.

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S.Chu- Closure (feat. Terri Walker) (live session)

How nice is it to wake up this morning and run across this video of London-based producer S.Chu and singer Terri Walker performing their new single "Closure"? Get your fill of subtly stated but very soulful house music from the duo. A great track and a really great performance. Gotta give a shout to the people over at SBTV for making this happen.

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Esta- Carousel (instrumental)

Producer Esta, along with the entire Soulection family, has been killing it on the beat-scene for a minute now. Everything the man touches seems to be immediately devoured by fans of his futuristic-soul sound. And rightfully so as his music tends to go beyond the glitchy, trap-influenced beats that seem to define today's beat scene and fills the listener's ears with pieces that are large and cinematic. And it's this same expansiveness that greets fans on his latest track, "Carousel". Esta's use of large synthesizer washes and booming lo-fi rhythms almost guarantees that you'll be hearing this track on tons of podcasts and mix shows in the coming weeks. Listen and enjoy.

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Eli Muro- Dreamtime Hunter (instrumental)

Vancouver-based producer Eli Muro recently posted an unreleased production entitled "Dreamtime Hunter" on his Soundcloud page. It's a futuristic track that bubbles with a kind of dream-state vibe that makes the title that much more fitting. But there's also touches of electro-soul and hip hop that seem to rise to the surface on occasion, giving the whole thing a really laid-back, funky vibe. Simply put, the track is kind of hard to describe, but definitely worth checking out. Dig the sounds.

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Klim Beats- Visions (LP)

I distinctly remember being so impressed with Klim Beats music that I once bought a whole album after only hearing 2 tracks. I mean the dude can chop up samples and stitch them into new gold with the best of very best of  'em. Yet I still somehow managed to let his name fall off of my radar and let a couple of beat-tapes slip past me in the interim. So it seems fitting that my return to blogging about music is also met with a brand new beat tape from the master beatsmith out of Russia. On his latest beat-tape, producer Klim Beats creates a jaw-dropping collection of choppy, sample-driven instrumentals that would make the legendary D.J Premier proud. But don't just take my word for it. Check out the whole LP below and be prepared to shell out a little loot.

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Pete Flux & Parental- Traveling Thought (LP)

When it comes to new artists making throwback, golden-era influenced hip hop, the results can be hit or miss. Many of us grew up on the sort of music that many consider "classic hip hop". And all too often younger artists create nostalgic pieces that seem bland and fall short of recreating that spark that made the original music so dope. Instead of paying tribute, it often comes across as overly done and a little artificial. However that's not the case with the duo Pete Flux & Parental.  On their new album Traveling Thought, the pairing clearly draws from the raw energy that symbolized 90's boom-bap hip hop, but still manage to create music with a unique feel.

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Keymono- "Bubble in a Trouble" Live @ The Finsbury 3/13/14 (live session)

Watch a recent performance from the Lithuanian band Keymono  performing their hit single "Bubble in a Trouble" live at the The Finsbury venue in London. 8 minutes of handclapping, swing-jazz influenced dance music that's guaranteed to get you moving no matter where you are. Niceness.

Shout to LostInTheManor.co.uk for sharing the goods.

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Siji- Lagos Lullabye (single)

In the past, whenever I had an opportunity to check out music from singer/songwriter Siji, I've always managed to drop the ball somehow. I mean, I've always been impressed by the occasional track that I've come across in the past. Still, for whatever reasons, I've never taken the time to really get into his music. But today is a new day and with it comes a new single from Siji's soon-to-be-released Home Grown album. Get your fix of afrobeat rhythms and soothing vocals now by checking out the new single, "Lagos Lullabye". Enjoy.

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Revisited: Charli Madison- 7 Days (single)

Even though my taste in music has expanded over the years, soul music will always hold a special place in my heart. While many of today's R&B artists seem to be solely focused on the sleek "rhythms" of the genre and shy away from its grittier "blues" roots, there are still some artists out there who manage to balance the two traditions fairly evenly. On the track "7 Days" singer/songwriter Charli Madison creates a straight-no-chaser soul number that definitely shows modern influences from artists like Mary J Blige and Angie Stone.

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Bilal- Fast Lane (feat. Dr. Dre & Jadakiss) (D.A.C rmx) (single)

Producer and Darker Than Wax affiliate D.A.C. Beats fires up his samplers and synths in order to give the remix treatment to Bilal's "Fast Lane" single from his classic debut album 1st Born Second. Were the original remix features gritty, G-funk influenced production from no other than Dr. Dre, D.A.C Beats production takes a more melodic turn with it's expansive keys and funky basslines. Solid effort from the young beatmaker. Check it out below.

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Various Artists- We Are Friends (LP)

Gotta give a shout to the folks over a ParisDJs.com for sharing this new We Are Friends compilation of deep-funk, soul and afro-beat music. 12 freshly laid tracks from various artists across six different labels. Sure it's Monday, but that's no reason not to enjoy some funk grooves for the low, low prices of $ FREE.99.

Welcome to the “We Are Friends”! 

Friends, that is the six labels who respect themselves and love each other’s music. That’s why we joined forces and give all you people out there a free compilation of fresh tracks from all these labels. some unreleaed, some exclusives and some remixes. 

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Teri Tobin- "Free" Live @ The Indie Lounge West (live session)

I was just checking in on one of my favorite up-and-coming soul singers, the super talented Teri Tobin, and I ran across some live performances that she decided to share with her fans. I will always support this sister in everything that she does because I think she just that damn good. Watch as she performs an original piece entitled "Free" (from her Love Infinity album) and then effortlessly segues into the Deniece Williams classic of the same name.

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ShunGu- The Pisces Tape (LP)

So, it's been a long day. I finally get a chance to sit down at the computer and put some finishing touches on my "Recent Buys" post (here) for the blog. I post it, crack open a Heineken, and decide to chill for minute while listening to the "Radio Juicy vol. 92 (Positive.vibration by ShunGu)" mixtape/podcast that I downloaded a few days ago. And as I'm listening, I'm noticing that I'm really diggin the tracks produced by ShunGu. So I check out his Facebook page in order to symbolically pat dude on the back by giving the mixtape a "Like", when I quickly notice that he JUST dropped a new project. I mean like just a few hours ago.

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Recent Buys- 03/01/14 to 03/16/14

This is just a quick list of some of the albums/singles/etc that I've spent loot on over the past week. Check em' out for yourself and maybe spend a little loot too....

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Castle- Todd Shaw (feat. Has-Lo)

Castle, the Mello Music Group signee and all-around dope emcee, is set to release his Return of the Gasface (The Has-Lo Passages) album this Tuesday (March 18th). On the upcoming project, Castle revisits his critically acclaimed Gasface LP and invites emcee/producer Has-Lo along for the ride to handle remixing duties. As a fan of the original I'll admit I've been a keeping this project at arms length so far. However, after hearing the duo do their thing on this "Todd Shaw" track, it seems I'll have to change my position and give this album a listen. Dope work from start to finish fellas.

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Panoram- Everyone is a Door (album)

So here's a project that's a bit of a break from everything else that I've been posting on this blog. It's the first release from Firecracker Recordings artist Panoram and it's entitled Everyone is a Door. The label describes the project as "..experiments in evocative soundscapes, minimal rhythms and mood", which is pretty much on point. The emphasis of this album is on creating expansive songs that are deeply rooted in the works of jazz-fusion artists like Billy Cobham and the group Weather Report. Very cerebral but also very enjoyable, Everyone is a Door may take a moment for the modern music fan to fully get into, but it's definitely worth the effort.

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Space Gang- Goon Spirit (instrumental)

Right now you've probably come up with some idea of what you think this track will sound like. I'm guessing the beat is chopped and screwed, and there's someone with a heavy southern accent saying "yeah!" over and over again.

Well you're wrong.

Instead of creating yet another anthem for the Trap Gods all over the world, producer Space Gang decided to chop up Les McCann's "The Morning Song" to make a rather laid-back, spacey tune that's more Roc Marciano than it is French Montana. Dope work. If you dig what you're hearing, head over to Space Gang's Bandcamp page (here) and check out his latest release Unreleased

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DJ Nobunaga & L33- Bitches Boogie (mix)

For those of you who need a soundtrack to accompany weekend plans that involve something more lively than doing yard work with the Mrs and collapsing on the couch for a few hours, here's a bumpin' boogie-funk mix from DJ Nobunaga and producer L33 (aka Lee Funksta) entitled "Bitches Boogie".

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Velben- Pull Through (single)

Man, the Future Soul Society doesn't get nearly enough recognition for their contributions to the cause of keeping good music alive. Or maybe they do and I'm just hanging out on the wrong music websites. Now, this may be old news to some of you, but it's new to me and I think it's only right to share. FSS member Velben has a ton of tracks on his Soundcloud page (here), with one of my favorites being the song "Pull Through". The song features some real jazzy, positive vibes that are just as appropriate on a sunny Spring day as they are on a dreary morning headed to work. Press "play", enjoy the sounds, then head over to the Future Soul Society's Facebook page (here)and press the "Like" button. I mean, it's the least you can do with all the music these ladies and gents give to you.

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MecsTreem- Practice (live session)

Check out this dope little video of beatmaker MecsTreem getting live on Native Instruments Maschine production system. And keep in mind that there's no quick cuts, no editing, no re-takes...none of that. This is just practice.

...We're in here talking about practice. I mean, listen, we're talking about practice. Not a game! Not a game! We're talking about practice!*

-Allen Iverson

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This,That & the 3rd- Summer in Vienna (LP)

Here's a wicked bit of randomness for you.

Philly based producer/emcee/all-around-big-move-maker Hezekiah just put the world onto a collaborative project between himself, Mystic and Dave Ghetto that was recorded back in 2007. The albums called Summer in Vienna and it was conceived while the trio were touring Europe in support of Ghetto's Love Life album.You can read more about the of the project and why it's only just now getting a worldwide release below. And of course there's a streaming link for the music. So enjoy.

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Carpet Patrol- Indian Slap (official video)

Gotta give a shout to Melting Pot Music for always supporting dope artists that make dope music. Watch the official video for the track "Indian Slap" from the Carpet Patrol (aka Suff Daddy & Torky Tork) production team's self titled debut album. If you dig what you're hearing, download the track for free from Melting Pot Music's Soundcloud page (here). You can also buy the duo's debut album Carpet Patrol when it hits digital outlets on March 28th*.

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Ernst Jr- All My Love (instrumental)

I've been meaning to check out some of the the past entries in the Future Funk Friday series from the Keats Collective but my real job has been robbing me of any and all free time lately. But I've managed to steal away a few days so I'll be checking it out while working on the blog. But until then, I'll just check out the latest entry, entitled "All My Love" from future-funk upstart Ernst Jr. And if you want to hear more from the series, check out some videos from past Future Funk Friday entries courtesy of the Keats Collective and Monikard Films over on Monikard Film's YouTube channel (here).

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Mike Baker the Bike Maker- Oh, Alright (feat. Von Pea) (single)

See, this is why it pays to follow other blogs. You get put on to new tracks AND it makes you feel as though your in the "getting-those-exclusive-joints-before-everyone-else-club". Just followed some links from J-Live's Tumblr page and got hipped to this new track from Mike Baker the Bike Maker featuring Von Pea. Check out the official word from Mike below and then dig the sounds for yourself.

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Colonel Red- Redlight (single)

Just came across this new track from U.K. singer and producer Colonel Red via my Bandcamp feed. The single has plenty of futuristic electro-soul in the same vein as Amp Fiddler or Vikter Duplaix. You can really hear some George Clinton/P-funk influences swirling in the arrangements and vocals as well. Plus, the brother seems to be a fan of the clavinet, which is always a plus. Good stuff all around. Also make sure to pick up the full-lenght Redlight project when in drops on March 28th. Until then, press play and enjoy.

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Planet Asia- Reflections (Apollo Brown rmx) (single)

Listen to producer Apollo Brown's unique take the track "Reflections" from the Planet Asia/Gensu Dean collaborative project Abrasions which dropped on Mello Music Group last year. Kind of a minimalist approach from Brown as the remix places a lot of focus on Planet Asia's rhymes by opting for silence where Apollo's signature crackling drums would normally fill the air.

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Tryezz- High Tides (feat. Girl is Tough) (single)

Tryezz has been killin it on the future funk scene for a minute now. His latest gem is called "High Tides" and it features the young keyboardist's signature sound with vocal support from singer Girl is Tough (new name to me). Enough from me, check out what the man himself has to say about the single then press play and dig the sounds!

(words courtesy of Tryezz)

"Check the #Newness: The weekend is here, and Spring is around the corner. Warmer weather and magic nights ahead. Featured here is a groove with that throwback vibe featuring vocals and lyrics from Girl is Tough. Bump this one with the windows down on a warm day, evening, or night. I hope y'all can dig. If not...it's all goood. With Respect...Stay Cool."

Check out more from Tryezz ...

| Amazon | Bandcamp | Facebook | iTunes | Last FM | Official Site | Soundcloud | Twitter | YouTube |

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Matas & Edo Lee- Waking Nights EP (LP)

Brand new instrumental project from beat-makers Matas and Edo Lee, who make up 2/3rd's of the Budo Kiba production team. 5 tracks that feel like they were constructed by the duo during a late night vibe session in a basement full of records and blunt guts. Expect to hear laid-back beats with a heavy jazz influence (sorry trap-music fans).

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Jay Electronica- Better in Tune with the Infinite (feat. LaTonya Givens) (single)

Honestly, I had all but given up on checking for new music from Jay Electronica. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not trying to take a jab at the brother. But it should be clear to any one that is even vaguely familiar with his music that the man takes his art very serious and, as a result, doesn't let the world rush him. And that's cool. Plus, it's plain to see that if and when he drops new music, the entire interweb will loose its mind and start posting said music everywhere.

...you know, kinda like I'm doing.

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Tall Black Guy- Sade's Taboo (Sweetest Taboo Blap Up) (single)

"...Some newness to say happy friday to all of the people who have supported me  :)"-Tall Black Guy

Honestly, you had me at "..some newness." New music from the man himself, the one and only Tall Black Guy. Now go enjoy the weekend damn it!!

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Bosco- MPH (single)

Singer (Britanny) Bosco perfectly capture that "late night/early morning, still-charged-from-the-party-I-just-left feel" that I miss so damn much. Ahhh, to be young and barely employed...... and young. More than a throwback to 80's pop music on nu-wave funk (that's a genre, right?), it's just a dope track to vibe out to. 

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