Strange Fruit Project "A Dreamer's Journey"

Been a minute since we heard from the Dallas dynamic trio Strange Fruit Project. Now Myone, Myth & super producer Symbolic 1 are back at it. Bringing that neck breaking, soulful & funky hip hop they're known for with their new album "A Dreamer's Journey" releasing September 1st on iTunes. Check out the 5 track sampler.

Goapele "Play"

It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years since Goapele debuted & 6 years since her last album. At long last, the Bay Area based, South African singer is gearing up for the release of her 3rd album "Break Of Dawn" releasing Oct. 25th. The 1st single "Play" sees the singer moving her sound into a more electro-pop territory all the while retaining her soulful sexiness. NuSoul enthusiast don't fret. She still got it. She's gonna flaunt it a little.

   Goapele "Play" by SOUNDROTATION

Robin Hannibal "Bobby"

If you're not familiar with the name Robin Hannibal, you should be familiar with his work. As one half of the groups Quadron and Owusu & Hannibal as well as 1/5 of the group Boom Clap Bachelors, the Danish singer, songwriter, producer has been quite busy. He recently has been in the studio with artist including Raphael Saadiq, Leon Ware, Sa-Ra & new darlings KING. Last year he released this stellar ep "Bobby" that was only available in limited markets overseas. Thanks to the good people at Plug Research, this ep will see it's worldwide release Sept. 6. To celebrate & prepare, the label has put together this stunning podcast of his work, including a couple tracks from the ep, some unreleased joints, & a few from his recent tune with various groups. 

   Robin Hannibal - Plug Research Podcast #12 by Plug Research

Kaidi's 5ive

The next installment in the Jazz Re:Freshed "5ive" series comes from producer, keyboard wizard & broken beat / nujazz pioneer Kaidi Tatham & it is every bit of the killer fusion of jazz, funk & the hint of boogie that has been synonymous with his name since the early days of Goya & his days as core member of Bugz In The Attic. The world wide digital release is Sept. 11 but you can purchase an early download for a limited time below or purchase a physical copy on their website.

KING "Supernatural (MdCL RMX)"

One of my favorite future soul/ broken beat/ house producers of all time remixing my FAVORITE song of the year by the breakout group of 2011. KING + Mark de Clive Lowe = OMG!
  

 
 

Cherri Prince "Just Wondering" (Video)

Riding high on the buzz of her glorious single & video "Misery", UK soul siren "Cherri Prince" return with her second single & video from her upcoming project. This time hooking up with beatmaker Chief for a smooth jazzy soul end of summer ride. The full project is slated for late fall. Until enjoy!

Carlitta Durand "Songs From Carli"

NC based singer Carlitta Durand released a fine collection of 21 old, new, remixes & faves from her vaults including some of the Doug & Patty sessions. This collection features a wide range of grooves from hip hop to electro-pop tinged soul.

Oddisee "Rock Creek Park"

Oddisee is definitely one of the most positively consistent producers in the game & the madness continues with this OMG of a project.  The production is masterful with clever sampling & live instrumentation that brings it all to life making this tribute to D.C.'s famed "Rock Creek Park" a beatastical hip hop affair that leans heavily into jazz funk fusion territory. Get a free download of the only vocal track on the project featuring his fellow Diamond District member yU & order the full project on iTunes!

Theresa Payne "This Love" (produced by Black Spade)

A BANGER of an electrosoul track from the St. Louis underground. Produced by Black Spade, introducing the fresh tones & jazzy harmonies of singer Theresa Payne. Haven't been given any info as to a full project or date. I DEFINITELY wanna hear more.

   Theresa Payne "This Love" (produced by Black Spade) by SOUNDROTATION

Phonte feat. Elzhi "Not Here Anymore (prod. 9th Wonder)"

It seems that hip hop enthusiast prayers have been answered with the release of Phonte aka Tigallo's 1st single from his upcoming album "Charity Starts At Home". "Not Here Anymore" sees Tigallo  returning to where it all began, spitting over a neck breaking beat by his former Little Brother / Justus League compadre 9th Wonder with Elzhi (formerly Slum Village) adding bars. Get the free download here & get ready forthe album releasing 9/27.

Colonel Red "Keep Walkin"

The stellar 3rd album from UK soul man Colonel Red is defines the past, present & future of his music. Bringing his sound back to his organically soulful past together with the experiences of his present with traces of futuristic influence. Lyrically, he is always on point with his messages of freedom, life & relationships. There's also an outstanding appearance from famed poet Ursula Rucker.  Get a free download of the title track below & purchase the full album from Tokyo Dawn's website!

Applejac Presents: Playin' Favorites

After a few peaks, leaks & killer remixes, Apple Jac aka Uncle Shecky has now unleashed hit debut EP. Inspired by his years of crate digging & just being an all around music lover, "Playin' Favorites" sees the producer / dj taking on & putting his modern futuristic jazzy hip hop & soul spin on some of his favorite tunes from past to present enlisting help from some of underground soul's most talented including Carmen Rodgers, Reggie B, Tonya Dyson, Rogiers & more. The cd version will have 2 bonus tracks but you can get the digital as a free download below.

Jazmine Sullivan "Boy Why"

Nice one from Ms. Sullivan with her sultry tones riding a pulsating slow grooves questioning the uncertainty of a relationship. Seemingly about her guy, but one can question if this is her song to the music industry after her sudden unofficial announcement on Twitter earlier this year about leaving the industry. 

Eric Roberson - Picture Perfect ft. Phonte

It has been a busy week for the king of underground soul, merging a deal with Purpose Music Group, (who also has Anthony David & Kindred on their roster), releasing a video for "Summertime Anthem" with Chubb Rock & releasing this awesome new single produced by Aaron Hardin & Slimkat 78 (of Low Budget Crew). Taken from his upcoming album "Mr Nice Guy" releasing Oct. 11th. An affinity for a woman is the order of the day with Phonte (who seems to be everywhere lately) bringing his illustrious emcee flow making this piece of art "Picture Perfect".

   PICTURE PERFECT (FEAT. PHONTE) by BlueErroSoul

J. Mitchell "Love Kills The Demon"

A great 10 track collection from singer J. Mitchell, who's been making quite a name for herself on the LA scene & global underground for years. A blend of acoustic tunes & future hip hop soul including her popular recordings  with Exile & Ta'Raach & The Lovelution.

Nicholas Ryan Gant "Over Us"

After a stellar debut in 2009,  features & songwriting credits on projects of artist including Jesse Boykins III, Fresh Daily, Zo!, Roddy Rod & Mabanua (of Japan), & releasing a couple of free mixtapes, Phoenix born, Brooklyn based singer Nicholas Ryan Gant is gearing up for the release of his 2nd official album. "Promises" is slated to release early fall & will feature production from his longtime friend & fellow Howard alum Muhsinah. Check out the breezy electro-pop tinged 1st single produced by NY producer Phantom Lover, then purchase it on iTunes!

   Nicholas Ryan Gant "Over Us" by SOUNDROTATION

The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby (Ahmed's Cold Remix)

Another killer random joint from producer, musician Ahmed Sirour. This time taking this Beatles classic, adding some more drum programming & organs that almost gives the classic a Zero 7 meets The Police kinda vibe. Check it out & download.

Stimulus & Chris Dave "Full Grown" ft. Bilal & Renee Neufville

A killer collaborative effort between NY dj, emcee Stimulus & internationally known drummer Chris "Daddy" Dave (Robert Glasper, Q-Tip, MeShell NdegeOcello). This is the 1st single from their "mixtape" titled "3rd 1st Impression" releasing Sept. 12th. Jazzy bombap-ness featuring Bilal & Renee Neufville (of Zhane) on the vocal duties. Available as a free download. Enjoy!

Lalah Hathaway "If You Want To"

Lalah Hathaway released her new single this week as a free download when your sign up on her website. It's a nice uptempo jam with a little 2 step & of course, those gorgeous sultry tones. Check it out below.

Trackademicks "Halfway" feat. Phonte & Carlitta Durand

A bouncy & soulful electro-pop party jam from Bay Area producer & Honor Roll crew member Trackademicks & the 2nd single from his highly accalimed album "The Champagne Room". Featuring Phonte & his TFE affiliate, singer Carlitta Durand, this tune is definitely for getting a s 2 step on the floor or crusing with the windows down.

   Trackademicks presents Halfway feat. Phonte & Carlitta Durand by The Honor Roll 

Saturn Never Sleeps "Yesterdays Machine"

After joining forces in 2009 in 2 performances paying tribute to the music & sound of Sun Ra, putting out an EP in 2010 & opening for artist including TV On The Radio, producer King Britt & singer Rucyl has finally released their debut album. "Yesterday's Machine" is a fine piece of experimental cosmic soul with samples, layers & electronics & Rucyl's beautiful & sometimes haunting tones that sits somewhere in between Sade & Liz Fraser (Cocteau Twins). Available on iTunes.

Label Love Vol. 3

Another fantastic & diverse installment in the Label Love series. A great batch of soul, funk, afrobeat, hip hop & beyond plucked from the current & upcoming roster of artist from record labels Stones Throw, Decon, Wah Wah 45, Fat Beats, One Handed Music, Tru Thoughts & Wax Poetic.

Georgia Anne Muldrow "Owed To Mama Rickie"

November will see another stellar full length release from cosmic funk goddess Georgia Anne Muldrow. The songs are inspired by & a tribute to her mother Rickie Byars Beckwith & the 1st single features a guest appearance from Bilal.  Hear snippets as well as pre-order the album for a low price of $6.99 here!!!

Erimaj "Conflict Of A Man"

Last month, NYC jazzy funk unit Erimaj lead by drummer Jamire Williams released a killer new tune. Great modern soul with vintage 60's modal undertones featuring the velvet tones of singer (& SOUNDROTATION fav) Chris Turner. Today sees the release of the stunning visual to accompany the song in the manner of an excellent video directed by singer Tiombe Lockhart. Check it out below & don't forget to cop the single on iTunes.