Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Mannie Fresh On New Orleans Bounce Music (Mini-Doc) [Video]

The Lonely Island f. Kendrick Lamar & Adam Levine: YOLO [Video]

Mr. Muddbird: San Francisco 45ers [Mix]

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Mr. Muddbird laid down one hell of a set at The 45 Sessions earlier this month. Inspired by the event, he quickly compiled several short stacks, resulting in a 45 minute mix of originals, edits and rarities.

STREAM San Francisco 45ers

Sparkle Motion: Miracle Blends [Mix]

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Let's be real - this mix would have had to have been pretty poor to NOT get a post. A moniker like Sparkle Motion (for those that know where the name stems from) is awesome enough in its own right, but the duo's Miracle Blends are even better. Mixing 90s mainstays SWV, Heavy D, Biggie and many more, DJs Tobes and Yoda take us back to when tapes were actually tapes.

DOWNLOAD Miracle Blends

Toro Y Moi: Studies (en Mouv'Session) [Video]


Menahan Street Band: Keep Coming Back [Video]



We can't help but to Keep Coming Back for more Menahan. The Crossing, one of our Top Drops of 2012, is available online and in-stores now.

MC Melodee: Ain't My Style [Video]



If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Melodee melds best with Cookin' Soul, as evidenced in her first visual from her second project with the duo, My Tape Deck, due at the end of February.

Talib Kweli: Upper Echelon [Video]



Grab your funky frames to glimpse the lead visual from Prisoner Of Conscious, coming soon.

Alexander Nut: WUTANGISFORTHECHILDREN [Mix]

WUTANGISFORTHECHILDREN by Alexander Nut by Oki-Ni on Mixcloud


From Alexander Nut:

I've wanted to make a Wu-Tang mixtape for years. Since the age of 12 the Wu have been shaping my musical tastes, inspiring me creatively, broadening my mind on the subjects of philosophy, religion, world history, cosmology, science, love and, of course, street life.

I think I can honestly say I learnt more from Wu-Tang than I ever did in school. Strange as that may sound and as inadvertent as it may be, that's the truth. Musically, the sound connected with me in an instant... the old soul samples, the Kung Fu references, the comic book characters and alter egos.

I remember walking into Mike Lloyds Mega Store in Wolverhampton (where I'm from) and seeing 36 Chambers for the first time, I probably remembered it so clearly because my initial thought was "what the hell is this scary looking thing...

Whilst my favourite Wu emcee has shifted over the years, the presence of the RZA as a constant source of inspiration and enlightenment hasn't. A decade later and the importance and relevance of the Wu-Tang Clan is as strong as ever. Trying to cram a selection of my favourite Wu Tang tracks into some kind of cohesive running for a mix that lasts just 60 minutes was hard. So expect more to come, this is just volume 1! Wu-Tang Forever.

Mick Boogie & Slum Village: Dirty Slums 2 [Mixtape]

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Slum Village stick with Mick for the follow-up to Dirty Slums, this time featuring freestyles from Rapper Big Pooh, Joe Scudda and more. The project also includes the standout single, Decadence.

DOWNLOAD Dirty Slums 2

Jernts With Spitta: Grape Fanta [Video]

Jernts With Spitta: 5 Minutes [Video]

Monday, January 28, 2013

The 45 Sessions (Diamond D) [Recap]



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The Jazz Jousters present Lovely & Sweet: The Jazz Jousters Play Ahmad Jamal [Album]

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From The Jazz Jousters:

'Lovely & Sweet: The Jazz Jousters Play Ahmad Jamal' is the result of a long overdue project as the Jousters pay homage to Ahmad Jamal, ‘Lovely & Sweet’ off his 1961 'Alhambra' album.

This session features production contributions from Es-K, DJ Mentos, Gadget, Bones The Beat Head, RickMal, B3NBi, Skinnista, Blue Buttonz, Erik Jackson & Mr. Moods, Jaze Baqti, The Specialists & FloFilz. Artwork by DJ Mentos.

DOWNLOAD Lovely & Sweet: The Jazz Jousters Play Ahmad Jamal

The Hedonist: Hedonist Jazz (2013/05) [Mix]

Hedonist Jazz - 2013/05 by The Hedonist on Mixcloud

Bama Love Soul presents (Some) Jazz 2 Compilation [Mix]

BamaLoveSoul.com presents [Some] Jazz 2 (Compilation) by Bama Lovesoul on Mixcloud


If you missed (Some) Jazz, grab it here.

Flea Market Funk presents Change In Rhythm: A Celebration of the Drum [Mix]

Change In Rhythm: A Celebration of the Drum by Fleamarketfunk on Mixcloud

Lee Fields f. Lady: Still Hanging On (Acoustic Version) [Video]

The Canary: Nowhere To Be Found [Video]



McKenzie Eddy and Kat C.H.R. let loose of the lead visual from their self-titled debut, due January 30th.

Media Gasface presents Synthetic Substitution: An Interview With Wilbur Bascomb [Video]


Brown Bag AllStars: BRWN (J57 Remix) [Video]

Scion presents Open Mic: An Interview with Jonwayne [Video]

Cookin' Soul: Diggin' (New Waves Golden Vibes, Episode 1) [Video]



From Cookin' Soul:

Welcome to 'New Waves Golden Vibes' an audiovisual experience
directed & produced by Cookin Soul. New waves of audio instrumental 'dopeness' inspired by the golden era of hiphop. Check out the first episode shot entirely on iPhone 5 in the beautiful snowy streets of Amsterdam, diggin' in legendary record store Waxwell Records and the vintage clothing shop Episode.

Nate OG: The GOS Bonus Batch [EP]

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Nate pays tribute to the Godfather of Soul in his latest Batch of beats.

DOWNLOAD The GOS Bonus Batch

00Genesis: Monday Blues [EP]

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Red Bull Music Academy Grad 00Genesis has a cure for the Monday Blues made for "raw beat lovers."

DOWNLOAD Monday Blues

Miss Special presents Make You Feel [Beat Tape]

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Miss Special had one hell of a year in 2012 - sitting down for intimate interviews with Jansport J, Maticulous, Rufio and many more music makers. To celebrate the 4th Anniversary of her Sunday show, she is offering several Special beats from those she has worked with for the low price of free.

DOWNLOAD Make You Feel


Ten Million Sounds: Finding Time [Album]

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Although imperative, Finding Time is hard to do these days. However, Ten Million Sounds has a solution. Hopefully these nature-infused sounds from Ta-Ku, 0hbliv, Poldoore and more help to heal after a long day.

DOWNLOAD Finding Time


Friday, January 25, 2013

The Legend of Cool "Disco" Dan (Trailer) [Video]

DJ Junior: Straight No Chaser [Mix]

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DOWNLOAD Straight No Chaser

Sound Colour Vibration: Douglas Records 1967-1970 | SCV Podcasts Vol 151 [Mix]

Douglas Records 1967-1970 | SCV Podcasts Vol 151 by Sound Colour Vibration on Mixcloud

Potholes In My Blog presents Ain't That Good News: A Tribute To Sam Cooke [Album]

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From Potholes In My Blog:

To honor the life and music of the King of Soul, we reached out to some of our favorite producers to pay homage to his legacy on our latest instrumental compilation. 'Ain't That Good News: A Tribute to Sam Cooke' partially shares the name of Cooke's final studio album, which houses arguably his most powerful and important song of all, 'A Change Is Gonna Come'. I can personally remember that track hitting me like a ton—nay, 10 tons—of bricks when I first heard it as a teenager. While I could never understand the pain and tragedy he experienced, Cooke's longing vocals and resonating words struck me to the core.

We've presented a number of instrumental compilations in the past, including the autumnal 'Robot Soup' last October, but 'Ain't That Good News' is our most poignant to date. It features the likes of Scoop DeVille and Two Fresh reinterpreting prisoner anthem 'Chain Gang' while Phil A and Poptartpete deliver beautifully constructed pieces derived from interview clips. Elsewhere, ILLINGSWORTH and IMAKEMADBEATS provide piano-laced bursts of caffeine and Swarvy takes 'Mean Old World' to another dimension.

DOWNLOAD
Ain't That Good News: A Tribute To Sam Cooke


Converse presents Rubber Tracks: Havoc [Video]

Atmosphere: Millenium Dodo 1 & 2 [Video]



Slug and Ant two-part tape the visual for Millenium Dodo 1 & 2. The Family Sign, out now.

Smoke DZA f. Joey Bada$$: Gotham Fucking City [Video]

Justin Timberlake f. Jay-Z: Suit & Tie [Video]



If it took JT six years to come back with music that sounds this fresh then he can take all the time he needs. Although this lyric visual is sans Hov, he remains on the official single.

Yuri Jones: Strange Times [Video]



New Orleans pain but they say Big Easy and we gon' branch out like a big ol' tree...

Damn straight.

We could relish in the guitar riffs of Yuri's Coco Dank-directed visual for Strange Times, presented by the Polyphonic Congress, Ruff Yard Projects and Velvet In July.

Prince: Screwdriver [Video]

Nefarious!: Marinate [Mix]

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Nefarious gives food for thought, mixing music from his own catalog with that of LAKIM, Trebles & Blues, Jansport J and more into one medley for fans to Marinate on.

DOWNLOAD Marinate

Ackryte: Lifted Transmissions [Beat Tape]

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If there were ever a GTA: Twin Cities (or Lake Cities or something similar), this would be its soundtrack. Its tranquil tempos and soft synths leave the listener lulled yet Lifted.

DOWNLOAD Lifted Transmissions

Vapor Eyes: Strange Places [Album]

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From Vapor Eyes:

The road of life takes us to strange places. My journeys led me to some unexpected destinations in 2012, regions and positions I never thought I'd get to see or experience. This album was inspired by my physical and mental travels over the last year.

Thank you to all who aided me with their time and energy in completing this project and the elements it took to put this together. Paths mysteriously cross, hands reach out, magic happens. Find inspiration in everything.

DOWNLOAD Stange Places


Thursday, January 24, 2013

Flowback Fridays: Born To Be A One-Track Mind [Video]

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Diamond D: Sally Got A One-Track Mind (Showbiz Remix)



Jack Bruce: Born To Be Blue

Fuse presents Crate-Diggers: Lord Finesse [Video]

DJ Jazzy Jeff: Vinyl Destination (Episode 2) [Video]

Third Root & DJ Chicken George: Mind Elevation [Mix]

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Third Root teams with DJ Chicken George for a grown and sexy mix to run down your spine and stimulate your mind.

DOWNLOAD Mind Elevation


Ayatollah: Me, Myself & Akai [Mix]

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DJ K.O. digs into Ayatollah's discography to deliver some of his most potent production to prep fans for his upcoming LP, Avant Garde, slated for March 2013.

DOWNLOAD Me, Myself & Akai

Life + Times presents Decoded: Joey Bada$$ & CJ Fly (Hardknock) [Video]

Locksmith: Transitions [Video]



Locksmith joins Jamla producers Khrysis and Eric G for the 9th Wonder-devised Transitions.

The Bee Shine Interviews ?uestlove [Video]

THURZ f. Jarell Perry: Keep Livin' [Video]



THURZ drops off the lead visual from Blood On The Canvas, coming soon.

Solange Knowles, Oliver Sim & Dev Hynes: Make It Hot (Nicole Wray Cover) [Video]



Admittedly, we are not necessarily fans of Solange. Although over the course of the last year or so, her DJ and her live sets have raised the bar, and this cover of Make It Hot further evidences her progression.

Asher Roth: The Reading [Video]



Ash combs his catalog, creating a clever visual for 2009's The Reading.

Brother Ali On KEXP (Seattle) [Video]

Zion I: Shadowboxing [Video]



After Instagramming several on-set shots, Zion I unveil the video for their title track, Shadowboxing.

Slim K: Young CHOPions [Mixtape]

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DOWNLOAD Young CHOPions

DJ Soul: FILA X TMNT [Mixtape]

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DJ Soul delivers a mix of old and new - including Schoolly D, ATCQ, Raekwon, Kendrick Lamar and more - to commemorate the sneaker collaboration between FILA and TMNT being released tomorrow.

DOWNLOAD FILA X TMNT

Chris Read: Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde (20th Anniversary) [Mix]

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Chris Read cuts Pharcyde classics into one Delicious Vinyl mix to celebrate the group's 20th Anniversary.

DOWNLOAD Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde (20th Anniversary)

Tres Records: Nueve [Beat Tape]

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Several CFUNK favorites flood the 9th Anniversary compilation from Tres Records, including Blu, House Shoes, Tranzformer, and our buddy Beatnick Dee.

DOWNLOAD Nueve

Jernts With Spitta: Cahsville, TN [Video]

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The 45 Sessions (Diamond D) Ticket Giveaway

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If you have plans this Friday, cancel them. Diamond D, the brains behind the boards of classics such as Outkast's SouthernPlayalistiCadillacMuzik (Remix), Fugees' The Score, and Mos Def's Hip-Hop will be demolishing the decks in his first appearance at a special edition of The 45 Sessions at MightySF alongside Shortkut and Platurn.

LIKE CFUNK AND THE 45 SESSIONS ON FACEBOOK FOR A CHANCE TO WIN TWO TICKETS.

THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED THURSDAY, JANUARY 24TH.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Dust & Grooves presents Ben Blackwell: Motor City Blues [Mix]

Ben Blackwell - Motor City Blues by Dust & Grooves on Mixcloud


Dust & Grooves continues their in-house (literally) sessions with various vinyl collectors from around the globe with Nashville's Ben Blackwell, who serves up a set of sounds featuring The White Stripes, Nirvana, Beck and many more.

Scion presents Strata Records Guided Tour [Video]



Click here to listen to more from Strata Records, compiled by The Hedonist.

Ta-Ku @ Boiler Room (Australia) [Video]

Flying Lotus & Lilfuchs: Moog Sub Phatty: New Machine For Living [Video]

Ali B: Oh Shit! (Commonwealth) [Mix]

Ali B - Oh Shit! (Commonwealth) by Ali B on Mixcloud


Ali B splices select singles from some of our favorite music editors - including Jim Sharp, Whiskey Barons, J. Rocc, Mark Ronson and more.

Laid Back presents 72 Soul: Fools Play (Love Games) [Mix]

72 Soul - Fools Play (Love Games) by Laid Back on Mixcloud


Featuring Hi-Tek, Slum Village, Ta-Ku, and even two new joints from Jose James.

Professor Eddy: Driving Souls & Funky Cars [Mix]

Driving Souls & Funky Cars by Professor Eddy on Mixcloud


Professor Eddy puts together a Drive-inspired mix, revved up by Steely Dan, The Supremes, Grace Jones and more.

DJ Pari: Soul Talkin' [Mix]

Soul Talkin' by Dj Pari (Soulpower) on Mixcloud


We have to agree with DJ Pari that sometimes we should let the records speak for themselves...

Nature Sounds Music Interview Masta Killa [Video]

Droppin Science: Buckwild [Video]


Montreality Interviews Method Man [Video]

UGHH Interviews Camp Lo [Video]

Def Dee & Zar: Zulu Delta [EP]

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Longtime collaborators Def Dee and Zar come together for Zulu Delta, a brief but beastly EP "intended to show that there still exists classic lyricists." Check for our personal favorite, Hadouken.

DOWNLOAD Zulu Delta

DJ Diagnosis: From Beats To Breakups [Mix]

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DJ Diagnosis prescribes a perfect mixture of Foreign Exchange, Amy Winehouse, Jamiroquai, Jill Scott and more.

DOWNLOAD From Beats To Breakups

Crykit & Technicolor: Sounds of Liberty [Mix]

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DOWNLOAD Sounds of Liberty

RQ Away: Lagniappe [Mix]

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RQ Away cooks up his first mix of the new year, spicing up his set with James Brown, ATCQ, The Blackbyrds and even newcomers DeepNSpace. The rest, as we say, is just Lagniappe.

DOWNLOAD Lagniappe

Friday, January 18, 2013

Flowback Fridays: Keep On, Liberian Girl [Video]

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MC Lyte f. Xscape: Keep On, Keepin' On



Michael Jackson: Liberian Girl




Spit Gold Under An Empire (Documentary) [Video]

Young Guru: Piracy & Invention [Video]



Young Guru tackles the touchy topic of piracy in relation to production, illustrating the "fine line between art and piracy" by explaining that "if we go back and study all piracy, we see that most things that were created in the world are a remix of something else.”



B-Side Anthems: Audible Doctor [Video]

DJ Moar: Enjoy My Funky Stuffs [Mix]

Enjoy My Funky Stuffs (Short Mix Version) by Dj_Moar on Mixcloud

Spin Doctor: You Know What Love Is, Parts 1 & 2 (J Dilla Tribute) [Mix]

You Know What Love Is Pt 1 - J-Dilla Tribute Mixed By Spin Doctor by The Doctors Orders on Mixcloud


You Know What Love Is Pt.2 - J-Dilla Tribute Mixed By Spin Doctor by The Doctors Orders on Mixcloud

DJ Flash Gordon Parks: Flying Lotus [Mix]

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DOWNLOAD Flying Lotus

Dazed Digital presents Thom Yorke (Exclusive) [Mix]

Thom Yorke – exclusive Dazed Digital mix by Dazed Digital on Mixcloud


From Dazed Digital:

There have been a lot of whispers and rumours about Thom Yorke's Atoms for Peace project since the band formed in 2009 to play The Eraser live. In the new issue of Dazed & Confused, the fabled frontman clears up the speculation surrounding Amok, his first group album outside of Radiohead, with one of his most in-depth interviews to date.

Stay tuned to Dazed Digital over the next fortnight, as we'll be enrolling 14 of today's most innovative producers, including Actress, Machinedrum, Flying Lotus and Arca, into 'The University of Yorke'...

Until then, we thought we'd get you in the mood by asking the man himself to make us an, ahem, A-Thomic mix of some of his favourite tunes. Little did we realise that he would go into the studio with Nigel Godrich and emerge with 25 minutes of unreleased solo material and remixes. Enjoy!

Jernts With Spitta: Shameka [Video]

Numonics: What The Lick Read [Video]



Numonics nets a GTA-esque visual for the hard-hitting What The Lick Read.

Jernts With Spitta: New Jet City [Video]

Raekwon: Came Up [Video]



Lost Jewlry, out now.

Dead End Hip-Hop presents Various Artists: Beezy Gets Beats (Vol.1) [Album]

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Analog | Division, Audible Doctor, CGMUZIK, Oh4Re△L?!, http://clusterfunkcollective.blogspot.com/search/label/tall%20black%20guy, and many more contribute to this compilation of beats from Beezy, the "beat head" of Dead End Hip-Hop.

DOWNLOAD Beezy Gets Beats (Vol.1)

Count Bass D: Promises [Beat Tape]

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DOWNLOAD Promises

Austin Brown: Highway 85 (Vol. 1) [Mixtape]

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It seems likely that there was/is no alternative for Austin Brown. The nephew of Michael and Janet Jackson and most recent Prince protege is currently managed by Jermaine Dupri. Blending familiar elements of his family's brand with newer synths and sounds, the 27-year old seems bent on paving his own path, and the first installment of Highway 85 is a damn good first step.

DOWNLOAD Highway 85 (Vol. 1)

Dyme-A-Duzin: Portrait of Donovan [Mixtape]

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Dyme-A-Duzin delivers his newest project, complete with production from Harry Fraud and Plain Pat. Check for the standout single, Swank Sinatra, alongside Pro Era members Joey Bada$$, CJ Fly, and the late Capital STEEZ.

DOWNLOAD Portrait of Donovan

Alexander Spit: A Breathtaking Trip To That Otherside (Short Film) [Video]



Like clear skies without chem trails...

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Black Simon & Garfunkel: Diamonds (Rihanna Cover) [Video]

Splash Mag Interviews Dilated Peoples [Video]

Oh No f. Blu & MED: Jones's [Video]

Falside: Wintermentals [Album]

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Warm-up with 10 new instrumental innovations from Falside.

DOWNLOAD Wintermentals

Raekwon: Lost Jewlry [EP]

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Raekwon reclaims twelve Lost gems produced by Statik Selektah, Buckwild, DJ Thoro and more.

DOWNLOAD Lost Jewlry

Strange Famous Records presents Strictly Scientific [Mix]

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Aupheus has arranged an array of remixes from Stetsasonic, Kool G Rap, Fat Boys and more into one Strictly Scientific set.

DOWNLOAD Strictly Scientific

Harn Solo: Journey To The Sky [Album]

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Our hometown homie Harn Solo delivers his first album of the new year, fitted with production from Prospek and Coco Dank plus features from Suave, Wes B, and Tha Cartel. Also, don't miss the lead visual for Monumental, below:

DOWNLOAD Journey To The Sky

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Akalepse & Bling47 Break Down The Last Donut [Video]

Bama Love Soul presents (Some) Jazz Compilation [Mix]

BamaLoveSoul.com presents [Some] Jazz (Compilation) by Bama Lovesoul on Mixcloud

The Hedonist: Connoisseur Selection [Mix]

Hedonist Jazz - Connoisseur Selection by The Hedonist on Mixcloud

Breakin' Bread presents Vintage Sounds New Pressings [Mix]

Vintage Sounds New Pressings by Breakin Bread on Mixcloud

The Bee Shine Interviews Brother Ali [Video]

Locksmith f. Olamide Faison: Livin' Loaded [Video]



Locksmith lets loose of the first official visual from The Green Box, coming soon.

Out Da Box TV Interviews Robert Glasper [Video]

Chuuwee: Wake Up/Live From '95 Side [Video]



Chuuwee knocks out two birds with one stone -using his latest visual from Wildstyle (Side A) to showcase his upcoming single, Live From '95 Side.

Fuse Interviews DJ Muggs [Video]

Public Enemy: Everything [Video]



One of the best (translation realest) visual to come across our monitor in a minute - PE put it down on this one.

2DopeBoyz Interviews Evidence [Video]

Toki Wright: No Gimmicks [Video]



Toki taps Adam J. Dunn to direct the fourth official visual from FADERS.

Brooklyn Radio presents The Stick Up: 100% Redman [Mix]

The Stick Up - 100% Redman by Brooklyn Radio on Mixcloud

Cocaine 80s: The Flower of Life [EP]

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The Flower of Life offers more than just the last several singles strategically released over the last several days, but the trio also include their three previous projects - The Pursuit, Ghost Lady and Express OG - as a bonus.

DOWNLOAD The Flower of Life

Paper Tiger: Come Correct [EP]

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Pre-order Paper Tiger's newest EP, Come Correct, or hit the download link (below) to cop a package that includes a 7" vinyl copy plus a poster. The project premiers January 28th.

DOWNLOAD Come Correct

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Friday, January 11, 2013

Bones Brigade: An Autobiography (Trailer) [Video]

Kendrick Lamar: Swimming Pools (Platurn's Tender Edit) [Single]

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DOWNLOAD Swimming Pools (Platurn's Tender Edit)

Francis Chiser: Tom's Summer [Mix]

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To celebrate the launch of his new website, Francis Chiser (fka DJ Franchise) lets loose of new mix featuring Lykke Li, Empire of the Sun, Fiona Apple, Santigold and many more.

DOWNLOAD Tom's Summer

Laid Back presents Viktor French: Afro Groove [Mix]

Viktor French - Afro Groove by Laid Back on Mixcloud


From Laid Back:

A selection of 70’s grooves from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Zambia, Benin & South Africa mixed with modern bands like Analogik, The Budos Band, The Soul Jazz Orchestra, The Whitefield Brothers and Womia Collective.

Audible Doctor: The Winter Tape [EP]

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Audible Doctor has unveiled the first in a 4-part EP series, the first of which features the standout single On The Rocks alongside Has-Lo.



DOWNLOAD The Winter Tape

Ta-Ku & Kit Pop: #EATS [Mixtape]

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Ta-Ku and Kit Pop spice up Kendrick Lamar, Aaliyah, Janet Jackson, Kaytranada and more for a set of #EATS.

DOWNLOAD #EATS

Bryan Cain-Jackson Interviews MC Lyte [Article]

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Former colleague and friend, Bryan Cain-Jackson, had an opportunity to chat candidly with the legendary MC Lyte. The two touched on topics ranging from the origin of her name to her philanthropic organization. Read on...

The Lyte can be seen and heard. While she's being heard, it can be said that it's an experience. An experience that serves as a reminder of a time where many argue that hip-hop had its greatest moments of relevancy. Hip-hop is still here, and it is still relevant.

MC Lyte is a reminder of the music genre's relevance. She epitomizes what we long to hear when hearing much of today's sound. Lyte shines not only in her musical accomplishments, but also in her voice-over work, acting and most of all in philanthropy.

Recently, I had the pleasure of conversing with the woman of hip-hop. We talked about the past, present and future. Read on.

Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today, Lyte.

Thank you as well, Bryan.

When did you first fall in love with hip-hop? Did you ever know that you would one day be this big of an influence for our generation and many generations to come?

I first fell in love with hip-hop very early on listening to Treacherous Three, Kurtis Blow and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. I spent a lot of time in Harlem at my cousin's place, which is where I got to hear all of this music that wasn't going on in Brooklyn. That's when I first fell in love with hip-hop. Did I know whether I would be an inspiration? That was my goal; I set out to be an inspiration. So, I guess in some ways I made it part of the plan, and it still very much is for me to remain an inspiration to folks. That's very important to me.

We all look back on our lives because we know that the past is pivotal towards the decisions that we make today and tomorrow. As you reflect on your life from a personal and a professional standpoint, how do you, MC Lyte, reflect on your own life? What is your process for reflection?

Oh boy! I am enjoying where I am now. So, I guess that means that whatever I've done before turned out to put me in a good place where I'm comfortable being -- that is being highly regarded in the hip-hop world from what it is I've been able to give in my past years and my participation within hip-hop. When I reflect, it feels good. I don't think I'm done yet. There's much more work to be done, definitely in the realm of helping others realize what it is that they want to do within hip-hop.

That brings us to your work in philanthropy. I understand that you have founded a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young ladies looking to break into the hip-hop world.

Hip-Hop Sisters is set up like a network so that women can get the answers that they need to somehow be affluent in a business that doesn't necessarily make a great pathway for them, so they have to trail blaze, knock out boulders that are in the way because that terrain has never been walked.

That is a phenomenal resource that wasn't available when you first came onto the scene. You being a woman, the first in an industry dominated by men; you came onto the scene and decided that this is what you're going to do. What was the reaction you were met with?

Some people were extremely accommodating and others didn't understand it. I guess it's just like anything, once you show people then it makes sense to them. They don't always get the full picture by you just expressing what it is you like to do, you have to show them. These young women will meet the challenges that I did, but they'll have the tools to deal with those challenges.

Where does the name "Lyte" come from? How did you arrive at that specific name?

Well, "Lyte" just being a very positive word, the truth is the "Lyte" and the truth shall set you free. All of this coming from the impetus of "Lyte," I just felt like it was everything positive that I wanted to have be ingrained in who I am, the lyrics that I write and create and what it is I give to the world.

You were born Lana Michelle Moorer, we know you as MC Lyte. The perception that people tend to have of those in the business of music and show is that the public persona is different than the real person. Is there a difference between Lana Michelle and Lyte?

No, you're definitely dealing with the same person here. I believe that's why I've been able to last in this business for as long as I have is because there is no pretending. It's extremely real. There's nothing I have to pick up or put down when I'm me. There's no form of acting, it's just who I am. My lyrics portray what I believe. I'm just me, one and the same.

We all know that all of your songs are an extension of you and who you are. I believe strongly that's why we all feel that we know you. Of all the songs in your career, which would you say is the most unique and personal to you and to who you are?

They're all my songs, they're all personal. I've written them all, except for "Cha Cha Cha." I didn't write it, but I feel I have a personal connection to that song because I rapped it, when I hear it I know that's my voice, when I see the video I realize that I was present for that. Those are not necessarily my thoughts. But, to name one song, there's no way I could possibly do that. There are certain songs that I like performing more than others, but overall I'm connected to them all, I've spent time with them all. They're like my little babies.

Can we expect a new album anytime soon?

I don't know. I'm working on some stuff. I've learned to except that I'm not always able to finish things as soon as I would like to. I'm not quite sure when I would have that available.

You do quite a bit of voice-over work. Your voice is so powerful and so distinctive and I feel like I hear it everywhere. As far as the performing arts are concerned, personally I would love to see you do more television and film. Can we expect anything else of that nature from you in the near future?

It just takes time. It really does. For all the time that it takes to prepare to pretend to be someone else, I'm doing so much with just being me. (Laughs) Being me is very fulfilling.

We may stop and think that MC Lyte is Lyte as a Rock, but with her contributions to hip-hip we'll always know her to carry much more weight.

Follow Bryan Cain-Jackson on Twitter: @WrittenbyB

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Fuse presents Crate-Diggers: Diamond D [Video]

Life + Times presents Decoded: Kendrick Lamar (Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst) [Video]

Bilal: Back2Love [Video]



Back2Love will be available on Bilal's next studio album, A Love Surreal, due February 12th.

KrazieCharlez presents Soul Searchin' II: The Motown Sound [Mix]

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DOWNLOAD Soul Searchin' II: The Motown Sound

The Bum Rush Bros. present The Beat Junkies: World Famous Joints V1 Side B [Mix]

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From The Beat Junkies:

Happy 2013 Everyone......

This is our first mix post on our Mixcrate page for 2013. 2012 was a pretty busy year for us because of our 20 year anniversary, so we haven't had time to really post any old or new mixes up. Well, for 2013, we'll try to do better this time and be consistent on putting up classic mixes and of course, new ones.

Our first mix to post up is a classic cassette mixtape by the Bum Rush Brothers aka J.Rocc & Babu, entitled 'World Famous Joints' Volume 2. This is made during the mid-late 90's era when the Golden Era of Independent Hip Hop was going down; when mixtapes were litterally still made on 4-tracks, vinyl, & cassette tapes. This is also during the time that Babu, J.Rocc, Rhettmatic & Nu-Mark (Jurassic 5) were still working at the Fat Beats LA store on Melrose. A lot of classic artists & groups were featured on this mix, such as KRS-1, DITC, Gangstarr, & as well as future classic artists: Dilated Peoples, Lootpack, & Slum Village.

Peep out this classic mixtape to get that classic raw vibe of the 90's. This mixtape is purely for the real Beat Junkie fans & hip hop afficinados......Enjoy.

DOWNLOAD World Famous Joints V1 Side A

DOWNLOAD World Famous Joints V1 Side B

The 45 Sessions & DJ O-Dub present 7 + 1 Covers [Mix]

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As if opening the year with a Soul-Sides edition of The 45 Sessions is not enough, now the 7 + 1 Covers Mix is available for the low price of FREE via Mixcrate.

DOWNLOAD 7 + 1 Covers

Adventures In The Dollar Bin (J Scienide) [Video]

Trek Life: Wouldn't Change Nothing [Video]



DOWNLOAD Wouldn't Change Nothing

Chuck Inglish & Ninjasonik (In-Studio) [Video]

First Light (Opio & Pep Love): Lighters [Video]



Opio and Pep Love join fellow Hiero heavyweights Del Tha Funky Homosapien, Casual and A-Plus for the first official visual from Fallacy Fantasy, in stores March 13th.

DOWNLOAD Lighters

Evolve One: Less Is More [Album]

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DOWNLOAD Less Is More