Breeze Embalm- Fresh Pepper (single)

In anticipation of the release of his upcoming Embalming Fluid mixtape, Bronx emcee Breeze Embalm recently leaked a new track entitled "Fresh Pepper" directly to the people. Over some fully-charged electric guitar riffs and a rising tide of crowd chants, Breeze adds fuel to the track's already fiery feel by spitting line after line of amplified lyrics. The young lyricist skillfully makes the most of the brief, but brilliantly executed, single by gripping his listeners by the collar and refusing to let up on his lyrical barrage until the last note has sounded. "Fresh Pepper" is a dope combination of sharp rhymes and a high energy track that should definitely place the name Breeze Embalm firmly on the list of hip hop's rising stars.

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Croup- Cry Inside (feat. Animal Pak) (single)

In my opinion, a producer-driven album either succeeds or falls short depending on how much of a sincere collaboration there is between said producer and the vocalists that he or she chooses to work with. Although I have no special insight into how much back-and-forth occured between producer Croup and the duo Animal Pak during the making of the track "Cry Inside", the end result  has the feel of an authentic back-and-forth between artists trying to make something meaningful. On the track, lyricists Praverb and Don Streat seem to lay down any and all guards and proceed to pour their hearts into the microphone as Croup's sobering production helps to set the scene. Piano keys tumble, ambient strings rise and fall, and drums vanish then reappear to help punctuate key lyrics. "Cry Inside" is the sort memorable music that results when emcees and producers really collaborate and treat the art of making music as more than just a PayPal transaction.

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Third Coast Kings- Just Move (official video)

The Detroit deep funk combo Third Coast Kings hits the scene with new music after their heavily acclaimed 2012 self titled debut album. Their new LP is entitled West Grand Boulevard and to help spread the word about it's impending release, the Kings brought some cameras into the studio and shot a video for the single "Just Move". Watch as singer Michelle "The Belle" Camilleri lets the groove take over as the fellas back her up with their signature sound. Enjoy the visuals and make sure to cop that West Grand Boulevard LP when it hits the streets on May 19th!

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Repost: Spinnerty- Sound Traveler Series #4 (mix)

"As Bob James alludes to in the little intro to this mix, these are some of the records that have been strewn around the timeline of my own life as a listener, maker, and lover of jazz music over the years. Jazz has taken many forms and evolutions - it's vibe is the common thread that pops up its head thru most of the records I find myself gravitating towards. In the spirit of the genre, this mix is improvised - relying on some ideas that have been floating around in my head along with a bit of luck!"

-Spinnerty

(sending a big shout to Spinnerty and the entire crew over at Record Breakin' for putting together this amazing mix!)

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Midnight Runners- Shifted Dreams (instrumental)

I'm kinda amped-up to hear that one of my favorite production teams, the duo Midnight Runners, just released a new single entitled "Shifted Dreams". Just as the pairing did on their 2012 EP, Overdive, the Runners draw from their mutual love of 80's boogie funk and disco music to construct a track that clearly pays homage to the past while remaining firmly entrenched in the future. Expect to hear tons of airy synthesizers washing over stocky electro rhythms on this one. Modern funk music at it's finest. Let's just hope that this is just the start of a wave of new music from the duo.

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William Rose- Keep it Real (single)

On the single "Keep it Real" 17 year old emcee William Rose successfully straddles that fine line between "giving the people what they want to hear" and "giving the people what they need to hear". If you're the type of listener that just wants something to vibe out to, Rose has you covered as he doles out an impressive display of witty, street smart rhymes over the song's soulful boom-bap production. But for those fans that are willing to give the song more than just a surface listening, Rose uses his earnest flow and fiery rhyme style to address a broad range of social issues, all while avoiding the sort of preachy stance that is quick to turn off many of today hip hop fans. Dope work from the rising lyricist out of Maryland and a extra shout out to producer Vanilla on the beat. These two really work well together*.
* Normally, I don't like to do this sort of thing but...am I the only one who got a real Skyzoo & 9th Wonder  type vibe from these two on this song?

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SaiR- Wonderer (single)

Portuguese funk enthusiast SaiR shares some glowing summer-time boogie funk on his newly released track, "Wonderer". With plenty of warm synthesizers and dancing drum machine rhythms, the cut is guaranteed to inspire nostalgia in those of us old enough to recall warm summer days when the airwaves were filled with 80's boogie funk. SaiR decided to share the track with his fans as they patiently wait for his new album, the follow up to his 2013 EP Sunfield. So whether your scenery is filled with bright days or dreary overcast evenings, play "Wonderer" and let a little summer sun into your life.

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IAMNOBODI- Dearly Beloved (LP)

Only a few months after linking up with the Soulection movement to release his critically and commercially successful debut album Elevated, German producer IAMNOBODI takes his fans on another adventure through sound with his latest release, Dearly Beloved. The new album continues to give fans that expansive, groove-heavy vibe that made IAMNOBODI's debut such a success. But where his debut album largely showcased a sound that highlighted the trap-musik-esque rhythms that have become synonymous with the L.A. beat scene, Dearly Beloved also manages to raise its red SOLO^® cup to the jazzy R&B and neo-soul sounds of the late 90's and early 2000's. Melodic, soulful, and broad in its scope, Dearly Beloved is forward thinking soul music as realized by one of today's brightest new stars. Dig the sounds. 

For Fans of... Elevated by IAMNOBODI | Mood by Evil Needle | Analog Starship by B.Bravo

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News: Heineken Presents: Beat Society w/ Pharoahe Monch (event)

Beat Society double-header in Philly & NYC - both featuring a performance from Pharoahe Monch!

Both shows hosted by Hot97's Peter Rosenberg & SiriusXM's Torae

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Polyrhythmics- Cabbage Alley/Thanks You (single)

This week, the group Polyrhythmics will be doing a couple of shows at the 2014 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (click here for the band's tour dates). To help celebrate the occasion the fellas decided to share an previously unreleased track with their "...generous fans and the Crescent City [itself]".So enjoy some heavy, Clavinet driven Nawlins funk as the Polyrhythmics cover the classic track "Cabbage Alley" as made famous by the legendary band The Meters!

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Stanley Ipkuss- Wrapps (single)

Bay-Area emcee & beatsmith Stanley Ipkuss drops a brief but memorable slice of hip hop on his newly released single "Wrapps". Over a swaying, left-field track that's filled with stoned guitars and lo-fi drum samples, Ipkuss uses his distinctive voice to spit a steady barrage of intricate rhymes and ill lyrics. I'm diggin' the track for its dope combination of Stanley Ipkuss' commanding mic presence and the trance-like experimental vibes created by producer Ewonee Thee Beatnik. Dope work.

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News: New music from Crunch 22?

While my  inability to speak more than one language has hampered by desire to keep track of all the latest news surrounding some of my favorite international bands, Google has been able to translate a few bits of news here and there. For instance, the Israeli deep funk band Crunch 22 just posted an interesting pic on their website that hinted that the band may be coming out with some newness fairly soon.

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Repost: Cloak Dagger- Noc Boots vol 2 (LP & mix)

(words courtesy of Cloak Dagger & Noc Boots Recordings)

The ever soulful Noc Boots bootleg, edit and remix series run by NYC's own Cloak Dagger has returned with yet another lusty installment. In-line with the series sensuous debut compilation, Noc Boots 2 brings that tropical disco infused heat just in time for the looming celestial spring into summer. Featuring the reunited maestro collabo of Cloak Dagger and Basement Love and their lusty new joint "Take Me There". The project also includes Brother in Arms, the bay area alliance of J Boogie and Deejay Theory with their thumping summer anthem "Jamaican Gyal". Fast rising Mexican producer BRONX also contributes to the vibes with the sensual and alluring "Sundays". Finally, the mix is capped off with the sentimental heater "Eighty Seven" by UK Benny & Gain co-conspirator Emil Rottmayer. Looks like somebody's Noc'n them Boots!

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Calibro 35- "100 Guests" Live @ French Culture (live session)

Italian funk outfit Calibro 35 recently shared this video of the band  performing live at French Culture a few weeks ago...

Look, I'm gonna be honest with you...I don't know anything about this video. English is my first and only language, so I'm unable to discern even a small amount of background info in regards to this session. What I do know is this: It's Calibro 35 performing a cinematic funk piece that sounds like it was ripped straight from some 70's movie soundtrack. Just a little something for my fellow funk fans and crates diggers. Enjoy.

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"...Buy The Album When I Drop It!" (April 21st, 2014)

A round-up of new music that I'm feeling and want to share with the world ...but may not have been able to write about on the blog.

Including new releases from producer STB, the duo i.deals, Tim Love Lee & Shawn Lee, and more

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Midaz the Beast- Gotta Get Ova (single)

Midaz the Beast's latest entry in his "New 52" weekly single series is just monstrous man! The track is called "Gotta Get Ova" and it showcases Midaz passionately spitting over a classic sample that's filled with tense strings and ghostly vocals. Midaz uses every part of this track, from his opening growls to his closing lines, to give the song that visceral, in-your-face feeling that fans have grown to love and expect from the Florida-based emcee. While on the surface the cut is all raw aggression and bragging rights (which has made for some really dope hip hop music), Midaz' talent for constructing intricate, multi-layered rhymes soon reveals itself with repeated listenings. Raw rap music for your listening pleasure. Dig the sounds!

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Repost: JVNTG- Cry 4 U (instrumental)

(Reposted from the Svnset Waves site)

"British sample master JVNTG released a new single called "Cry 4 u". The emotional and vibey feel of the song pulls you in right from the start. This is the perfect song to listen to while cruising down the strip late night with a car full of friends. "

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Scarface- No Problem (official video)

New video from Scarface!  What else is there to say? If that first sentence didn't make you press play, then leave my blog immediately and never come back.

.....I'm dead ass serious.

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Lyric Jones- Love's Trail Mix (EP)

After giving fans a taste of her new work with a single here and a video there, emcee/musician/world conqueror Lyric Jones finally releases her latest project, an EP entitled Love's Trail Mix, to the world. On this project Jones makes inroads for claiming the title of "best-storytelling-raps-in-the-game"  as she gives fans a brilliant selection of cuts centered around love, lust, infatuation and the world of emotions that falls in between those three. The beauty of Love's Trail Mix is how clearly Lyric Jones is able to write and recite verses that play out like scenes from a movie in the mind of the listener. I mean, if you can listen to "Off Limits" and not see Lyric fighting the allure of crossing

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Electroom Accostap- Black Host (LP)

When I first heard about Electroom Acoostap's (one the many monikers for DJ/multi-instrumentalist Orlando Diaz Corvalan) plan to put together an album of beats built around gospel funk/religious jazz samples, I thought to myself "...finally". At the height of my crate digging frenzy, I spent many hours wading through the virtually  untouched "gospel" sections of my favorite vinyl spots, discovering some real sample-worthy gems along the way. With his newly released Black Host EP, Electroom digs deep into his crates and uncovers some real burners to use as the starting point for 6 funky headnodders. This isn't some cut-and-paste job either folks, as it's damn near impossible to tell where the original samples end and Acoostaps' original instrumentation begins. Simply put, this is one soulful project that has more in common with 70's spiritual jazz than it does with a 2014 beat tape. Get into it and spread the good news.

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Unda- Gwan Nasty (instrumental)

This past winter was an especially harsh one for yours truly. Many of my days were spent shivering in my car while driving to and from work. Fortunately my copy of the Off The Cuff EP from producer Unda made a lot of the trips much more bearable. So it should come as no surprise to hear that I was more than a little amped to hear that the Switzerland based beatmaker recently released some brand new heat in the form a free instrumental called "Gwan Nasty". Tons of warm sythesizers, bass heavy rhythms, and reggae flavored vocals fill out the beat and give it a bright, springtime feel. Put this one on repeat in the ride and enjoy.

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Memorecks- The Body Bag Lean (mix)

Producer Memorecks drops a 30+ minute mix of unreleased beats and remixes on his new "The Body Bag Lean" mix. This is an impressive showcase of Memoreck' filled with bumpin' futuristic tracks and uptempo, trap influenced beats that will no doubt make even the most uptight listener want to get up move. All killer, no filler! Dig the sounds.

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Ensilence- Buddha Smoke (single)

While I'm relatively new to the works of lyricist/writer Ensilence, I absolutely count myself as one of her fans . After recently hearing the young wordsmith doing her thing on a track with singer Iman Williams, I found myself on a hunt for more tracks to check out. What I soon discovered is that this young lady has been busy making music (and more) for a while now. And although I haven't really had time to really dig into her catalog, I'm not about to let that keep me from spreading the word about her most recent effort, a new track called "Buddha Smoke". The song features an appropriately tripped-out beat from producer  Katrah-Quey, who reworks a classic sample into a swirling cloud of sound and seamlessly lays it over a thumping drum loop. And though the production is dope, it's Ensilence's elaborate rhymes and engaging voice that makes this track a standout. The song's lyrics are intricate and demand more than just passive listening, but Ensilence never comes across as being complex just for the novelty of it. Dope stuff from a relatively new name that's definitely worth noting. Dig the sounds.

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Klim Beats- Bong (instrumental)

I guess with it being 4/20, it's almost fitting that my first post of the day is entitled "Bong". Producer Klim Beats dropped this chill little number a few days ago and it has been getting love from his fans ever since. The instrumental is comprised of tight drum chops, funky guitar notes, and a few trippy vocal samples to give the whole thing a laid back, hazy feel. Do yourself a favor and make sure you're keeping tabs on Klim Beats because the man continually makes dope music. Don't believe it? When you get a minute, check out his most recent LP, Visions, and judge for yourself. But for now press play and enjoy a hit from the....you know what..that's too easy.

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The Myele Manzana Trio- Montara (cover)

Musician Myele Manzanza, who many may know as the former drummer for the group Electric Wire Hustle,  and his band The Myele Manzanza Trio recently wrapped up a tour that saw the group travelling to Sweden, Hungary and Germany. At some point during their travels last month the trio (which includes bassist Matt Dal Din and the legendary Mark de Clive-Lowe on keys) had a chance to visit a studio in Prague and record a beautiful cover of Bobby Hutcherson's "Montara" from his 1975 album of the same name.  I'm not really familiar with the original, but I can't imagine this version doesn't do it justice as the fellas simply sound amazing during this 7 min session. Wish I knew more, but that's all I got people. And honestly, what else do you need?...enjoy the sounds.

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CoryaYo- Unknown (instrumental)

CoryaYo, a beatmaker and DJ from Iowa (that has been featured on the blog before), just put out this funky little instrumental entitled "Unknown" that is one of the livest head-nod beats that I've heard in a minute. What makes this track a winner is it's bouncy, low-end heavy groove which CoryaYo creates with dusty kickdrums, a neck snapping snare sample, and a trunk rumbling baseline that bubbles throughout this 2 minute jam. Add some Fender Rhodes keys on top of that and you have heater with a nice Ummah-like vibe to it . So press play and get ready to nod to this.

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Digi Crates Radio- Something For 420 (mix)

Listen...I do NOT smoke weed. I'm not even about to pretend like I get down like that. However, if I did smoke weed* I imagine that I would really like to hear something like Bob Marley's Legend album or some Al Green while I was getting high. But, according to this new "Something For 420" mix from Digi Crates Radio, I'm clearly waaay off base. It seems that some grimey, NYC hood shit is the move to make when it comes to getting smoked out. This mix is 35+ minutes of straight up hip hop from rhyme makers such as Prodigy (of Mobb De...hell you know who I'm talking about), Smoovth, Rozewood, Milano (of D.I.T.C. fame), Hus Kingpin, Mayhem Lauren and many more. Admittedly, the vibe still remains kinda chill with names like 9th Wonder, The Beatminerz, and Roc Marciano on the beats. So regardless of how you plan to celebrate April 20th, this is a real live mix that should get spins all year long.

* if I get picked for a "random" drug screening at work next week I'm shutting this site down!

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STB- Sexyways (Bump) (instrumental)

Beatsmith Collective representative STB (aka Stan the Beatsmith ) just dropped a stunning new track called "Sexyways (Bump)" that most likely won't be featured on his forthcoming concept album EX3. The beat layers a winding maze of warm synthesizers and 90's (?) R&B vocal samples over a rock solid foundation of trap-influenced drums. If you dig what you're hearing, then make sure you get yourself a copy of STB's EX3 project when it drops this Sunday (April 20th...or 420 for those of you who enjoy taking in the greenery). Short, sweet, and definitely bumpin, "Sexyways (Bump)" is a "must add" to your Soundcloud playlist. Dig the sounds.

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News: Westsound Recording Co. posts a bunch of new music on their Soundcloud page

And just like that (!), the folks over at Westsound Recording Co. just posted about 10 new heavy funk & soul instrumentals on their Soundcloud page (here). Take a listen while you can cause there's no telling how long these tracks will be available.

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Ville- Feel It (official video)

All too often young rap artists trying to make a name for themselves are met with resistance from fans my age. The reasons may be varied, but they often stem from the older generation's deep love where hip hop culture has been and our unwillingness to accept where hip hop is going. I'll admit that I'm not the biggest fan of many of today's rap stars, but I certainly try to listen to all music with an open mind. And that willingness to hang up my hang ups really paid off when I checked out the video "Feel It" from Atlanta based lyricist Ville. The 20 year old emcee spits earnest lyrics in the 5 minute video, giving viewers a glimpse into the life of a young man chasing a dream against all odds. Shot with a guerrilla art-type feel, Ville makes his case for deserving a shot while pacing the streets and rooftops of Atlanta. I'm diggin' the video's honest approach and the way the beat ebbs and flows with Ville's lyrics.  Dope work little brother...keep on keeping on.

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Sons of the Sweet Potato- Awakening Exp.02 (LP)

The record label/beat making collective known as Sons of the Sweet Potato really know how to put together a  beat tape! On their new full-length project Awakening Exp.02 the production crew gives their listeners an impressive selection of jazzy, sample-heavy hip hop instrumentals that ranks alongside some of the genre's biggest names. While other group-themed beat tapes have been released to the public with varying degrees of effectiveness, the Sons of the Sweet Potato crew successfully manages to display the diversity of their individual sounds while still creating an album with a consistent and flowing vibe. From the 70's jazz funk feel of Luviia's "LongRoad" to the minimalist approach of Conehead's "鐘擺 Pendulum" the Awakening Exp.02 LP has something for every member of beat loving community. Check out the sounds for yourself then head over to the Sons of the Sweet Potato's Bandcamp page (here) to get a copy of the album for yourself.
For Fans of... The Dusty by Night Swimmers | P2P Feelings EP by Luviia | Refined by The Stuyvesants

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Siji- Lagos Lullabye (official video)

After going on a bit of a hip hop music bender for the past couple of days, discovering Siji's new video for the track "Lagos Lullabye" yesterday was a nice change of pace. The single (which was featured on the blog last month) is dedicated to the frantic pace and sleepless energy of the city of Lagos, which holds the distinction of being Nigeria's most densely populated city and one of Africa's fastest growing. Enjoy the Scorsese-inspired visuals for the single and get the single, for free, if you haven't already done so.

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Revisited: Shabaam Sahdeeq- Do You (single)

I missed this single when it first made the rounds about a year ago as the B-side of the single "Motion Picture". The cut is called "Do You" and it features one-half of the legendary Polyrhythm Addicts, - namely Shabaam Sahdeeq and DJ Spinna. There's no surprise that the song is a burner that showcases killer lyrics from Sahdeeq and some high spirited intergalatic funk from the one and only DJ Spinna. The track is enjoying a new found buzz as it will serve as a bonus track on Shabaam Sahdeeq's upcoming Keepers of the Lost Art album (out April 22nd). So whether your revisiting the single's spacey boom bap or listening to it for the very first time, press play and vibe out.

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Bahamadia- I Confess (Ka-Yu rmx) (single)

Producer Ka-Yu recently shared a remix that he whipped up for the Bahamadia track "I Confess". I believe the track is from an upcoming project that the young Holland-based beatmaker is planning to release through the label Art In Melodies but I came across it while checking up on the folks over at Darker Than Wax. This remix is some really smooth stuff with it's touches of classic piano jazz and 90's head-nod hip hop. Dope work.

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Memorecks- Skyline (Live Beat Set) (live session)

If you follow producer Memorecks then you've most likely had a chance to catch one of his amazing live beat set videos. On his most recent video, "Skyline (Live Beat Set)", Memorecks fires up his Maschine MK2 Controller and sequences a couple of live beats while taking in the city lights of Toronto (?) at night. Everything from jazzy hip hop to futuristic electro soul get represented in this 8 min set. I love watching these things. Make sure you subscribe to Memorecks' YouTube channel (here) to keep up with his latest videos. Enjoy.

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Stik Figa- The Pookey Tape (LP)

Admittedly I slept on rapper Stik Figa for more than minute. That changed, however, when I was exposed to the clever lyricism the Mello Music Group artist has shown on his recent works. I recently featured his single "Tuco" on the site and mentioned the impending release of a full mixtape from the Kansas-based emcee. Well Stik Figa, along with the music hub DJBooth.net, and Kansas City's Peddlers & Pushers Clothing recently made the The Pookey Tape project available for free download.  Being a mid-west based artist probably explains why it's hard to pin Stik Figa's sound in a neat little box as his music seems to draw from everything from Southern slick-talk to East Coast big talk. Still labels and genres matter little when the music is dope, and The Pookey Tape is definitely dope. Listen for features from Reggie B, Irv Da Phenom, Feezi Cash and memorable production from music makers Tony Gaines, Surgeon General, and Chiarosoul. Dig the sounds.
For Fans of... As Himself by Stik Figa | Return of 4eva by Big K.R.I.T | Home is Where The Art Is by Substantial

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Blakk Soul- No Love Lost (LP)

I know this blog is relatively new, but I feel like I'm unable to feature soul music on here as often as I would like to because.... well... because I'm not really feeling too many of the artists making "soul" music today.  For better or for worse, modern R&B and soul music has more pop music leanings than I'm comfortable with. That's not hate, I just know what I like. But all hope isn't lost as there are many artists out there who successfully manage to mix their modern sound with classic inspirations. Enter singer/songwriter Blakk Soul and his new LP No Love Lost. This album is filled with earnest and soulful cuts that are not only steeped in tradition but also manage to blend in touches of hip hop, jazz and funk. From the driven rhythms of it's opening tracks "This World (MarvIntro)" and "Move On" to the laid-back, organic notes of the closing tracks "No Doze" and "Bad Guy", this one album no soul music fan should overlook.
For Fans of... Music Fan First by Eric Roberson | The Red Clay Chronicles by Anthony David | Luvanmusiq by Musiq 

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Dutchmassive- The Up Root (No uFcks given) (instrumental)

Producer Dutchmassive delves into the realm of atmospheric downtempo vibes on his latest instrumental "The Up Root (No uFcks Given)". While the track 's foundations are firmly planted on a lo-fi breakbeat that seems to move at a slightly detached pace, the majority of the beat is a swirling cloud of haunting pianos and trances-like samples that give the whole creation a very hypnotic feel. In describing the track, Dutchmassive claimed that this is the last beat that he was able to make before saying "...goodbye to comfort". And as a fan of music, and art in general, I will always support an artist's decision to push themselves beyond their comfort zone. So press play, open your mind, and listen as Dutchmassive colors outside of the lines.

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Ikebe Shakedown- The Offering (official video)

Today (04/15/14) marks the official release of Ikebe Shakedown's new album, Stone By Stone. And while the taxman just took a HUGE bite out of my music-buying loot, I can still afford to enjoy at least one track from the album courtesy of the band's new video for "The Offering". Watch as the fellas bring their high energy, afro-funk sound directly to the people in this 4 minute ode to horn driven, deep funk grooves. And be sure to pick up the album Stone By Stone if you're not too busy scrambling for cash before the taxman cometh.

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Diamond D- Superman (clean) (single)

Respect to Diamond D as he readies his new The Diam Piece project. Only a couple of weeks have passed since the D.I.T.C. founding member dropped the video for the track "Rap Life", yet a new track recently popped up on D's Soundcloud page.  The single is called "Superman" and it features Diamond spitting rhymes in his signature NYC-bravado style over a triumphant, brass-filled track from the almighty DJ Scratch. Classic material from two of the best to every do it. Press play and dig the sounds.

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i.deals- Knew It (single)

The delivery date for the collaborative album from producer IV the Polymath and emcee Jondis, collectively known as i.deals, is only a few days away. To celebrate, the duo is streaming a new track from the LP on Soundcloud. The track, which is entitled "Knew It" showcases just how well the two artist mesh when it comes to making music. With every line Jondis' lyrics flow effortlessly over IV's bouncy production, making for a lively track that begs for repeat spins. Take a listen for yourself and make sure you check out that i.deology LP when it drops on this Thursday (04/17/14)

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SicknessMP- Shoot Out! (instrumental)

This new "Shoot Out!" instrumental by producer SicknessMP really takes me back with it's punchy drum chops and Pete Rock-like horn samples. This is a really dope, head-nod type of track with some impressive cuts and scratches thrown in the mix just for good measure. I can almost hear someone like Malev da Shinobi or Bumpy Knuckles doing their thing on a beat like this. Plus, you gotta dig the 90's throwback vibe that this track captures. Keep checking in on SicknessMP as this is just the opening salvo from his soon-to-be-released 12 track LP.

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Sean Rosati- Round 1 (LP)

After releasing the single "Russell" just a few days ago, rapper Sean Rosati and his label Digi Crates Records just dropped his Round 1 mixtape online. The project features Rosati spittin his signature street-level lyrics over some bumpin head-nod beats from producers Hue In Esque, Burnt Bizkits, Al Dai, The Deli, KSG, and Dapt Beats. Classic boom bap hip hop with a laid back, jazzy edge. Dope work indeed.





For Fans of... Marci Beaucoup by Roc Marciano | Cats & Dogs by Evidence 

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Jazz Spastiks- The Product (LP)

The Jazz Spastiks production team have put together a classic blend of jazz and hip hop on their latest full length project entitled The Product, which drops today. While the lion's share of the album is dedicated to the team's instrumental work (which draws heavily from vintage jazz music) the LP also features vocal appearances from a venerable list of emcees that includes Apani B Fly, Count Bass D., Sach (from The Nonce), Moka Only, and Ladybug Mecca. I highly recommend buying this album as The Product is a solid collection of classic cuts that fluidly flow from the first sample drop to the last snare snap.

For Fans of... This is How it Should Be Done vol. 1 & 2 by Damu the Fudgemunk | Amongst The Madness by The Nextmen | The Weight by The Creators

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VLXL- Rappity Rap Raps (The Mixtape) (LP)

Let me send a shout to the site 1 Big Hip Hop for putting me up on the crew VLXL. I've been sitting here listening to their latest release Rappity Rap Raps (The Mixtape) and wondering how I managed to alllow these guys to fly under my radar. I'll admit, I'm not tuned into every artist that's making waves on the indie scene, but these guys should be getting more shine on my favorites music sites as their sound is live as hell. The group, which is made up of emcee Via Linez and producer Lyve have put together a solid project with this mixtape which features plenty of bumpin tracks from the duo's past works. As the mixtape's title suggests, the group uses the tried and true formula of pairing sharp lyrics to soulful, sample heavy beats to make some real heaters. Simple and plain, this is some real dope work from the group VLXL. Get familiar.

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MNDSGN- Bed (Abnormal's Simple But Dope rmx) (instrumental)

Just stumbled upon this really mellow beat while visiting the Soundcloud page of producer Abnormal. The track is actually a remix of MNDSGN's "Bed" and it is an awesome spaced out number filled with relaxing Fender Rhodes lines, some haunting strings, and a host of ghostly samples* that weave in and out of the foreground. Where the original beat lacked a real rhythm track, Abnormal adds some chopped up drum samples and a few other elements that (in my opinion) improves on the original. A great instrumental whose only shortcoming is being only about 2 1/2  minutes in length. Enjoy.
* I swear I can hear an owl "hooting" in there somewhere

Made this awhile ago. I wasn't sure about it till I got to play it for @MNDSGN when he came to St.Louis and he gave me his blessing.

- Abnormal 

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Dirty Art Club- Native's Blood (instrumental)

New music from the production duo Dirty Art Club. The cut's entitled "Native's Blood" and it's a somber bit of psychedelic-influenced hip hop for the people. Definitely something to give some spins in the late night hours. The track is from an album that the guys are still working on (?) and seems to follow in the same dusted, trance like vibes of their 2013 release Vermillion (which contains the hazy masterpiece "Sun Burn"....never heard it?...check it out here). Just a little piece of strange for your lazy Sunday.

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JuSoul- Quince & Soda (LP)

Man I'm glad to see that this project finally dropped! For a minute now, producer/beatmaker JuSoul has been dropping quick snippets of various beats from this Quince & Soda instrumental album, and yesterday the full length digi-LP became available for download. There is nothing but burners on this tape. Soulful samples, jazz-funk influenced keyboard work, dusty drums, heavy low end....just funky isht from start to finish. Not too much else to say except BUY THIS ALBUM!

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Sean Rosati- Russell (single)

Just discovered some dope new music from Boston resident and wordsmith Sean Rosati. The track is a slick, sample-driven cut called "Russell" that features Rosati giving listeners sharp edged, street lyrics over a laid back track. Live sounds from the Digi Crates Records affiliate. The single is off of Sean Rosati's upcoming Round 1 mixtape, which drops tomorrow (4/14/14). So check out the sounds and get that mixtape when it drops tomorrow.

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Westsound Recording Co.- Live @ The Westsound Get Down (live session)

While checking up on the deep-funk outfit Polyrhythmics, I came across this recording of a MONSTER jam session from an event called "The Westsound Get Down" that was held back in February. The recording includes amped-up, extended versions of two tracks called "Scarlett Fever" and "Potato Cakes" as performed by members of Polyrhythmics, the group The Funk Revolution and other musicians from the Westsound Recording Co record label. Shout out to label founder Lucky Brown (aka Joel Ricci) for sharing this killer session with the fans. Check out the music below and then head over to the Westsound Recording Co.'s Bandcamp page to hear even more heat from the label (here)

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