X/COKE

Killer ep from emcee, DJ, beat scientist Melo X & singer Cheri Coke that came out of a late night session at X's Bermuda home studio in Brooklyn. The grooves range from bass & synth laden electro to spacey & ethereal including the their fresh take on the Portishead trip hop classic "Sour Times". Amazing that this greatness is available for free. Get it below!

Sean Haefeli "Rise"

After 5 years, Chicago based musician & poetic singer Sean Haefili is putting the finishing touches on his upcoming album "Rise". The week he released the jazzy title track the grooves with just keys & African like drum beat. Check it out.
 

Little Dragon "Sunshine" (Video)

Swedish electropop darlings Little Dragon teamed up with Absolut vodka to launch their new song & video while also launching the new Absolut Punch. The video find the quartet dealing with the desert heat & sunshine. "Sunshine" is in classic LD new wave electro fashion & can be purchased on iTunes.

Amma Whatt "Maybe"

NY based singer & HU jazz alum Amma Whatt finally released her debut EP this week. There's no "Maybe", she nailed it on this sweet & soulful affair. Acoustic in nature with heavy guitar & percussion that at times bring forth a world music vibe & a little beatboxing that bring out a hip hop element. Add her oh so beautiful tones floating effortlessly & we have a winner. She also get great guest accompaniment from singers Vinx, Nicholas Ryan Gant & flautist Monet. Cop it!

Brazilian Soul Crew "You & Me" ft. Jessi Colasante (Video)

Nice video from the production trio Brazilian Soul Crew. The video is for their soulfully uptempo tune "You & Me". Featuring the summer like vocals of singer Jessi Colasante, the video find her in an Amazon like setting recollecting the awkward way her & her love interest met. Check it out & purchase the track here.

Medline "People Make The World Go Round"

As it get closer to the July 6th release of the "Where The Wild Creatures Meet" compilation, Melting Pot Music is offering another free downloadable gem from it. This time it's the 21st century electro jazz fusion take on The Stylistics classic "People Make The World Go Round" done by French producer, musician Medline. Hotness!

Alexis Davis "The Lift"

Two countries. Two time zones. Three DJ/producers. One MC. Alexis Davis are DJ/Producers Mecca:83, Simon S, Spinnerty, and MC Replife joining forces with their unique styles to create a fresh blend of futuristic jazzy & soulful hiphop. Their upcoming project "3" releases on July 13th. Check out the first single.

Tokyo Dawn presents The Move

Tokyo Dawn Records present this killer comp featuring their biggest artist remixed by some of the global dance underground elite including Amalia, Vindahl of Boom Clap Bachelors, Colonel Red, Om Unit, Atjazz, Andreas Saag (Swell Session),  Gregory Porter, Opolopo, Kissey Asplund, Alex Barck of Jazzanova & many more. All designed for you to "move" & groove. The comp releases world wide on July 16th but you can purchase an advance download thru their website.

Roane Namuh & Reva DeVito "Cloudshine EP" & "Frozen" Video

DJ, producer Roane Namuh & singer Reva DeVito team up & come with this lovely bit of soulfulness. The Portland based duo's "Cloudshine" ep is what a true union of producer & singer is made of. Classic beats, some sample, a little jazziness & eclecticism with DeVito beautiful voice melted over it. The duo release a fun video for the tune "Frozen" which contains a sample made popular by Digable Planets. Check it out below & purchase the EP at a name your price option.

Waajeed "Big City"

Detroit DJ / producer Waajeed (PPP) has been unleashing a gang of unreleased gems from his vaults on his Bling47 website. Check out this instrumental joint he originally recorded for an album that was to come out on Universal UK. "Big City" is all original, no samples but plays like a true old school funky break with a full live string arrangement that make the joint sound like modern day Barry or Isaac. Get a download below.

Electric Conversation "Fly Away"

After setting the globe on fire with their blazing debut album Communication back in 2007, the Parisian outfit Electric Conversation are back and offering a peak into their upcoming EP with the single “Fly Away“, a mid-tempo electrosoul meets minimal tech banger. Check it out!

Little Dragon "Crystalfilm" J Boogie Edit

Sf based veteran producer, DJ J Boogie steps into a new realm with an exclusive edit of Little Dragon’s "Crystalfilm". Blurring the lines between deep house, moombahsoul and techno, his version bumps along at 111 BPM with sexy percussive accents, big boom toms, and a Detroit 909 feel. Check it out!

Yumi & The Weather "Not Again"

Excellent futuristic grooves from Ruby Taylor of the UK alternative dub band Tin Roots. This self produced & performed electro soulful pop tune is a winner with its rolling synths, staccato drum pattern, finger snaps & an almost Hawaiian style guitar riff underneath that complete the track making it catchy & edgy. Check it out & download it.

Emma Shaheen "Sun Will Shine" (Tall Black Guy Remix)

Niceness from UK singer, songwriter Emma Shaheen formerly of  the nujazz band Today's Mathematics. "Sun Will Shine" is the second track from her upcoming "Heart Cries" ep slated to release next week. The track gets a killer broken-beat-nu-jazz rework courtesy of the man of the hour & SOUNDROTATION fav Tall Black Guy & is available as a free download. Check it out!

Moonchild "Be Easy"

Big ups to musician, writer Philip Clark for turning me on to this awesome LA based jazzy soul trio Moonchild. Comprised of musicians Andris Mattson, Max Bryk & singer, musician Amber Navran who met at USC as students of Jazz studies. Their debut album, "Be Easy", is true to jazzy soul form with warm keys, sexy horns (played by all three) & rimshots for a laid back, finger snapping feel with Navran's Billie inspired vocals that conjure up a bit of Badu & Yukimi Nagano combined. Check out the video to the first single "Back To Me" below & purchase the album here.

Jessie Ware "What You Won't Do For Love"

UK sensations singer Jessie Ware & producer, singer Sampha seem to be a match made in heaven with all the beautiful music the two have created together. While we await the release of both of their separate projects, check out this awesome sparse electrosoul rendition of the Bobby Caldwell classic. The track is available as a free download in exchange for a "like" on Jessie Ware's facebook page. Get it here.

Visioneers "Hipology"

UK producer & music pioneer Marc Mac return with the long awaited follow up to "Dirty Old Hip Hop" from his live band project Visioneers. Picking up where the last left off, "Hipology" is the producer's tribute to the music, the origins & the culture of hiphop. On "Hipology" he chose some of his personal favorite soul, jazz & funk breaks, beats etc. that served as a great influence on his varied styles of production with not a sample in sight. A few guest appear on the album including John Robinson, TRAC, Luke Parkhouse & Ariya horns. Check out the visual for the rendition of the Sterolab joint "Come & Play In The Milky Night", that was put on the map when Dilla sampled it for Busta Rhymes’ "Show Me What You Got". The album is available in all formats on BBE's website.

Label Love Vol. 4

At last, the next installment in the Label Love series. Like the previous, Volume 4 contains killer selections of classic, as well as unreleased & exclusive eclectic soul, funk, afro-inspired & electronic gems from around the globe taken from the catalogs of elite indie record labels All City Records, BBE Music, Brownswood Recordings, Daptone Records, Kindred Spirits, Now Again, Record Breakin’, Tokyo Dawn Records, Tru Thoughts Recordings, and Ubiquity Records available a free download.Get it below!

Diggs Duke "Is It Love" ft. Vaughan Octavia

SOUNDROTATION fav Diggs Duke is back again blowing up the blogosphere & podcast with more hotness putting his touch on a song that seems to have become fused with his DNA. Not content with imitating, the singer & multi instrumentalist teams up with violinist Vaughan Octavia to take the Thundercat & OmMas Keith original "Is It Love" on a classical meets boom bap ride.  The string arrangement adds a lushness to the composition. Duke's horns & piano lines add the right amount of jazziness while spaced out reversed lines bring out the cosmic flavor making this a truly refreshing take on the tune. Check it out!

iSHE' "Eye See You"

Nice 2 step groover from singer iSHE' (Hezekiah & iSHE'). "Eye See You" find the singer in streetgirl mode as she addresses an issue with unwanted side eye action from another female across the room. This track was to originally appear on the upcoming BamaLoveSoul comp "On Deck", but because of an issue with the Al Green / Willie Mitchell sample, it couldn't appear so iSHE' & BLS are giving it away as a free download. Get it below!

B.jamelle "Cry No More"

After introducing herself to the world with releasing six killer tracks over the span of six months, DMV chanteuse B.jamelle is now putting the finishing touches on her official ep "Memoirs From The Thick Of It". Check out the first single "Cry No More", her tale of love at first sight, lust and lost sight & loss in hindsight. Produced by Slimkat78 (Mello Music Group) & Dre King.

Samuel Yirga "I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun"

Nice debut from Ethiopian pianist Samuel Yirga . Having toured with the Ethio-fusion band Dub Colossus, the young player developed great appreciation for music both of his homeland as well as around the globe. Check out his killer cover of the Charles Stepney / Rotary Connection classic taken from his upcoming album "Guzo" releasing in July.

Faraji Heritage Ensemble "A/R/T"

Introduction of an exciting project consisting of musicians, beatmakers, dj's and singers orchestrated by Moroccan musician, producer Faraji ibn Hussein. The "A/R/T Ep" consist of 3 amazing covers paying tribute to three of Faraji's musical heroes, George Clinton, Freddie Hubbard & Stevie Wonder. Tastefully done with a modern funky acid jazz hiphop approach. Check it out!

 

Sherry Davis "Ain't That Love" (Video)

Nice & smooth joint on the nusoul tip from UK sensation Sherry Davis. The beautifully shot in black & white video follow the singer as she ponder on her feelings of love. Also in the video, you see her perform with her band that include a stellar line up of UK soul elite including pioneers Don-E & Omar Lye Fook (now Sir Omar) who also produced the song. Check it out!

Stacy Epps + Astronote = Rakotep "2"

Nice work from French beat craftsman Astronote & NC based singer, emcee Stacy Epps. The two first collabed in 2005 on Epps' track "Tha Won". Now they join forces & bring this killer 2 track single of futuristic hip hop soul from their upcoming self titled project under the name Rakotep.

 

LifeNotes Sound System "Babylon"

DJ Barry King & singer, musician Erik Rico return to their Jamaican roots as LifeNotes Sound System. "Babylon" plays like vintage roots music with its heartfelt outcry about the social injustices in the world & the war on our youth. The track is available as a free download by subscribing to their website here.

Cecilia Stalin "Step Like A Giant Alternative Takes"

Without a doubt, with its 21st century style tribute to John Coltrane, Cecilia Stalin's "Step Like A Giant" (featured in January) is one of the best albums of the year. Now the singer has released a few alternative versions from those recording sessions, featuring Replife & Daz-I-Kue, as a free download.

Dre Kay "From The Vaults"

With the anticipation around their collaboration project builds, Producer, musician Dre King (Sy Smith, Raheem DeVaughn) & singer, musician K'Alyn (Meshell NdegeOcello) offer us a tease from the vaults of their blend of funk, hip hop & jazz inspired soul. Check it out!

 

Modlee & Vlooper "Sunwalk EP"

After the stellar & trippy "Analog Love" in 2010, Quebec beatmaker Vlooper & wife, singer Gabrielle Modlee, return triumphantly with a new ep pushing the limits of futuristic soul music. Less trippy this go round, the 'Sunwalk" EP's production is more hiphop in its drums with plenty cosmic & sometime quirky keyboard embellishing with Modlee's Badu-esque vocals completing the groove. The ep is available at a name your price options so don't be cheap for this greatness!

Anthony Valadez "Just Visiting"

After having his single "Under Water" blow up the podcast & blogosphere, producer, DJ & KCRW radio host Anthony Valadez now comes with the full length "Just Visiting", his second album & first for the Plug Research label. With a stellar guest line-up that include SOUNDROTATION fav Miles Bonny, rhythm section The Park, Def Sound & singers Mar, Joya Mooi & Anna Wise of Sonnymoon, this album is full bodied. Soulfulness that can be cosmicly jazzy to acoustic guitar driven gems that are almost ambient in nature. To celebrate the release of this album, Valadez is giving away the track "Walking Away" that features Plug Research alum Damon Aaron. Get the free download as well as the links to purchase the album here.

Bennetrhodes "Sun Ya" (Preview Mix)

Japanese pianist, composer, producer Kan Sano brings forth his jazzier hiphop tinged soul filled with plenty of groove & headnod with his vocal project Bennetrhodes.  The first album "Sun Ya" releases digitally in July on Wax Poetic Japan. Check out the mini preview.
     Sun Ya / Bennetrhodes (preview mix) by Kan Sano

Cherri Prince "Loves Leftovers"

Last year we featured three stunning videos from UK soul sensation Cherri Prince while awaiting her full project. The wait is over! The singer releases "Loves Leftovers", her follow up to her 2009 debut "Listen Hear". This 8 tracker is perfect for this spring / summer with its sun chilled out blend of nusoul & jazz including the three singles from the videos.

Bobby Womack "The Bravest Man In The Universe"

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer & soul music legend Bobby Womack releases his first album of original material since 1994. Following the evolution of music, the legend teamed up with Damon Albarn of the Gorillaz & Blur and Richard Russell of XL Recordings for a different approach. Having already collaborated with Albarn on the Gorillaz hit "Stylo", Womack step boldly into this millenium with "The Bravest Man In The Universe". His voice raspier but strong, he delivers his songs of love, life, pain & redemption effortlessly & in tune with the electronic & ambient production. If you can recall the remixes of his classic "Across 110th Street", you almost there. My fav from the album is the almost broken beat tune "Dayglo Reflections" featuring singer Lana Del Ray.  Check it out below & get a listen to the full album here.

Freddie Joachim "The Joachim Remixes Vol. 5"

Mellow Orange artist, producer Freddie Joachim released another collection of remixes from his vaults. Check out the tracklist & get there free download here.

01. Corinne Bailey Rae - I Would Like To Call It Beauty (Remix)

02. Erykah Badu - Telephone (Remix)

03. Little Dragon - Twice (Remix)

04. Q-Tip - For The Nasty feat. Busta Rhymes (Remix)

05. Floetry - SupaStar feat. Common (Remix)

06. Freddie Joachim - Make Love Interlude

07. Telepopmusik - Brighton Beach (Remix)

08. Jill Scott - Golden (Remix)

09. Slakah The Beatchild - Bare Naked (Remix)

10. Toro Y Moi - Freak Love (Remix)

11. Freddie Joachim - Be Cavalier Interlude

12. D’Angelo - Left & Right (Remix)

13. Talib Kweli - Hostile Gospel (Remix)

14. Telepopmusik - Breathe (Remix)

15. Lauren Santiago - Just A Little Bit (Remix)

16. The Free Design - My Brother Woody (Remix)

17. Stevie Wonder - For Once In My Life (Remix)

18. Freddie Joachim - Morena

19. Freddie Joachim - Sweep Away My Sorrow

Stanley Bloom & Mike Ro Wave "Pacific Shore"

After two Private Beats mixtapes, DJ Stanley Bloom &  musician Mike Ro Wave come forth with their official album. Inspired by the Parisian's journey as they drove through sunny California, "Pacific Shore" conjures up the beauty  & eclecticness of  Cali with its blend of soul, hip hop & jazzy pop. Canadian singer Sarah Linhares appear on two tracks as well as NYC based emcee Ellementt & Jazzy Bazz of Paris.

BamaLoveSoul Presents Y’all Feel That?: Erykah Badu Remixes, Flips & Covers

My good homie DJ Rahdu of BamaLoveSoul put together this killer mix in tribute to the undisputed queen of "neo" soul's 15 year ride in the industry. Featured are rare remixes & reworks of some of Badu's classic & goodies done by artist including My Morning Jacket, Jesse Boykins III, The Electric, Add2, Bonobo, Freddie Joachim, Osunlade & many more. Get the download below.




1. My Morning Jacket – Tyrone
2. The Electric – Didn’t Cha Know feat Add2, Qwazaar, Wes Restless & Yarah Bravo
3. Jesse Boykins III – Mystery of Iniquity (BaduBoykinsHill)
4. Durand Bernar – Flipside of the Game
5. Erykah Badu – Love of My Life (Shelltoes Remix)
6. Erykah Badu – Love of My Life (Kaytradamus Remix)
7. Erykah Badu – Real Thang (maTic’s cold crush remix)
8. Erykah Badu – Window Seat (The O Remix)
9. Erykah Badu – Southern Gul (Nonagon Remix)
10. Mark Ronson – A La Modeliste (Bonobo Remix) feat Erykah Badu
11. Melo-X – Gone Baby feat Paul McCartney & Erykah Badu
12. Collette – Orange Moon
13. Erykah Badu – Honey (Lawrence Wiggins Remix)
14. Show Tufli – Stand Out Girl
15. Erykah Badu – I Want You (Rancido’s Deepersoul Edit)
16. Erykah Badu – On & On (Kero One Remix)
17. Erykah Badu – Soldier (Sam Champ Remix)
18. Erykah Badu – Telephone (Freddie Joachim Remix)
19. 9th Wonder – 20 Feet Tall feat Erykah Badu & Rapsody
20. Erykah Badu – 20 Feet Tall (Yoruba Soul Remix)
21. Erykah Badu – Honey (Glenn Underground Remix)
22. Eryah Badu – Back in the Day (Chopped & Screwed)
23. Vlooper – The Healer feat Modlee
24. Erykah Badu – Bag Lady (J Finesse Remix)

Paola Jean "Relativity" (Video)

LA based singer Paolo Jean finally released a video for her latest single "Relativity" produced by Hawthorne Headhunters producer I,Ced & Fantastic Machine. The video follows a couple seemingly headed in different directions. Can the memory of love keep them together? Check it out!

Byron the Aquarius "Aquarialistical Seduction Vol.1"

Producer Byron The Aquarius is back again with new hotness as well as a few familiars from his soul production vaults. Headnodding action & funkiness is in order as you listen to his collabs with Olivier DaySoul, Oddisee, Porsche Smith, trumpeter Farnell Newton & more. Also included is his bumping remix of Flying Lotus & Ahu and the classic "Fly Shine" from singer Yolanda Johnson.

Carlita Durand "Blown Out"

NC based singer Carlitta Durand is preparing to bless the world a her full length project "I'll Be Gorgeous When I Die". This week she released the first single "Blown Out", a futuristic 808 & synth laden jam. Check it out.

Def Sound - Birds I View feat. Nikko Gray

LA based rapper, artist Def Sound steps forward with this killer new tune & video. "Birds I View" is produced by his fellow IllaV8r crewmember Brook D'Leau of J*Davey & features singer NIkko Gray. The video is a stunning & twisted beauty in distortion. The song is available at a name your price option on his bandcamp page. Don't be cheap.

Picninctyme "Horizons feat. A.Dd+"

Producer, emcee Picnic of the Cannabinoids bring the second tune in his "Sirens" collection. Co-produced by yesitsfiasco "Horizons" is a slow cooker with killer guitar licks & a funky down south groove that features Dallas hip hop duo A.Dd+ & vocals from one Mz. Fortune. Get your free download.

Isaac Aesili "New Zealand Soul Family Mix"

Ever since the likes of Mark de Clive Lowe & Electric Wire Hustle took the world by storm with their brands of future funk, electrosoul & beyond, the veil has been lifted on the bubbling soulful music scene of New Zealand. To catch us further up to speed on the vastness, producer, singer, musician Isaac Aesili of the duo Funkommunity, crafted this glorious mix of some of the finest artist on the Kiwi scene including Joe Dukie, Sola Rosa, Ladi6, EWH, Julien Dyne & more. Also included is a few tracks from Funkommunity's upcoming album "Chequered Thoughts". Check it out!

01. Joe Dukie & DJ Fitichie - Midnight Marauder

02. House of Shem - Sweet Love 

03. Isaac Aesili - With You in My Bed feat. Aaradhna & Buff1 

04. Isaac Aesili & LA Mitchell - Things We Do 
05. Ladi6 feat. Scribe - More Then Fake 
06. Sola Rosa - Turn Around feat. Ive Lamkum 
07. Electric Wire Hustle - Perception 
08. Christoph El' Truento - Armadillo Meat Funk 
09. Funkommunity - Start Again 
10. Funkommunity - The Light 
11. Julien Dyne - Layer feat. Mara TK 
12. Funkommunity - What You Give 
13. Lord Echo - Thinking of You 

Computer Jay "Savage Planet Discotheque" ft. Shafiq Husayn & Jimetta Rose

Electrofunk beat craftsman Computer Jay of Mazter Blaster will release a new ep,"Savage Planet Discotheque", at the end of July that will serve as the first in a series of four. To get the party started, check out the funky, gritty & sci-fi wackiness of the title track featuring Shafiq of Sa-Ra & singer Jimetta Rose. Get the download here.