BLENDS | BetePete- Mellow Orange Presents: Vinyl Session vol. Two

The newest Mellow Orange team member, a Berlin based DJ and vinyl nerd by the name of BeatPete, began DJ'ing and collecting vinyl a decade ago - and to this day he remains dedicated to vinyl only. His crates include hip hop & instrumental hip hop, funk, soul, jazz, and library music… And being a true fan of the pieces that he collects, BeatPete doesn't just let his collection sit around collecting dust- he make sure that his vinyl gets spun on a regular.

Read More

VIDEO | G.Grand- Sparkle

Check out this new official video from Ontario based lyricist G.Grand. The track is credited here as "Sparkle" but fans may recognize it as the track "Shine On 'Em" from Grand's most recent album, Grand Design, which features some dope production from frequent collaborator (and Mighty Burners write-up regular) Jeepz. For the video, G.Grand keeps it simple, using city lights and a darkened street as his backdrop, the rising emcee spits his lyrics live & direct for viewers to savor. Slick lyrics and late-night vibes bring give this joint a really dope throwback hip hop feel. If you dig what you're hearing, check out the links below and get a copy of Grand Design.

PURCHASE:  Amazon | Audiomack | Bandcamp | Beatport | CD Baby | Dusty Grooves | eMusic | Google Play | Grooveshark | iTunes | Juno Download | Rhapsody | 7 Digital | Spotify | UGHH |

Read More

NEW RELEASE | Furns- Furns

Warm vocals and lush arrangements define this stylish debut album from the Scandinavian soul-pop group Furns. The group consists of singer/songwriter Monika Faludi and producer/arranger Mathias Dahl Andreasen, who together have been making some really silky, down-tempo pop music. Yes, I realize that collection of labels may look like a mess on paper, but I promise you that these two make it work in the studio. Throughout their self-titled debut, Monika Faludi treats listeners to delicate lines and ethereal singing while Andreasen expertly conducts an airy collection of electric pianos, synthesizers and samplers to compliment his partners engrossing vocals.The Furns album isn't so much "blue-eyed soul" (à la Michael McDonald) as it is 21st vocal jazz (à la Micheal Franks) with an slight electronica twist. Listen...I clearly suck at putting a label on this group's sound so I suggest you just check out some of my favorite cuts from the album for yourself down below (sorry, I haven't figured out how to embed a Spotify player in a blog post just yet). Enjoy.

Read More

LIVE45's | Cassow- Ride

While October may be drawing to a close, Cassow still continues to release new heat for his fans courtesy of his "GODTOBER" series of releases. A couple of weeks ago, he gave fans the well received single "MAjik". And now on the newly released single "Ride", Cassow and producer TYuS slow things down a bit to give listeners a new late-night, ride-out track. Dig the sounds. 

Read More

NEW RELEASE | DOC Mastermind- Uyuni pt 1

After his first solo album with the label Laruche Records, the acclaimed 1985 LP, the Parisian based beatmaker DOC Mastermind is back with a brand new and exclusive 2-part project entitled Uyuni. The label recently released the first half of the project, entitled Uyani pt 1 while the second half will be released by the Manchester based record label Expansions Collective.

The Uyuni project is full of the funk-fueled signature beats that DOC Mastermind has built his reputation on, with searing lead lines and sliding moog basslines throughout. As he did with 1985, DOC Mastermind once again put a lot of effort in this project. Rest assured, if you liked 1985, you will appreciate Uyani pt 1 even more !

Read More

LIVE45's | AllenANALOG- Inner.Rflxns [Jennifer]

A sweet and funky little neo-soul groover from producer AllenANALOG. The track features a really tight and snapping drum-kit, rumbling low-end, and slick vocal samples that feel very familiar (Roy Ayers perhaps?).  A mellow soul cut that feels like a chilled-out "B-side" instrumental from a 70's jazz 45. Press play and enjoy.

Read More

BLENDS | Roughsoul- Roughsoul Presents: The Electrique Summer mix

Do yourself a favor and check out this recently shared "Electrique Summer mix" presented by producer Roughsoul. Enjoy 40+ minutes of feel-good, soulful house music and nu-disco cuts as mixed by the man himself. I realize that for those of us in the northern hemisphere, the summer season is over and autumn is in full swing. And while some of you may think it strange to share a "summertime" mix this late in the year, I personally feel that a dope mixtape remains a welcomed addition to most people's playlist no matter the season. I wish I had a tracklist to share with you all, but I haven't been able to locate one so far. Regardless, press play, turn up the volume, and enjoy the vibes. 

Read More

LIVE45's | CoryaYo- doZn

Not surprisingly, I'm really feeling this laid back heater entitled "doZn" from producer CoryaYo. Channeling some really smooth 70's jazz kinda vibes, my man puts together a warm and jazzy cut that wins on so many different levels. I would love to hear someone like Voice or Natalie "The Floacist" Stewart do some spoken word-type hip hop to this one. More dope work from CoryaYo. Dig the sounds. 

Read More

NEW RELEASE | Maxx Julian- REDRUM

More dope sounds from producer Maxx Julian with his recently released REDRUM project. If the eerie cover art doesn't clue you in ahead of time, you should know that the sounds on REDRUM are a bit darker than those showcased on Julian's last release INTENT. But don't let that sway you from checking this one out as Maxx still brings that bumpin', boom-bap sound and never fails to give listeners live beats that bang. Sinister sounds that touch down just in time for your upcoming Halloween festivities. Standouts include "Mind, Body & Soul (REDRUM INTRO)", "The Theme", "Smartphone" and "Bubble".

Read More

VIDEO | Betty Ford Boys- So Fine

Even a non-smoking square like myself can appreciate this new video from the Betty Ford Boys (Brenk Sinatra + Suff Daddy + Dexter). The visuals are for the track "So Fine" which you can find on the production trio's just released Uppers/Downers EP. The 6 track project is a nice little treat that the fellas put together for their fans to coincide with their Retox Tour (which wraps up on November 1st). You can head over to the group's Bandcamp page to get a copy of the EP digitally since the vinyl version has already sold out. And for those of us whose finances are "in flux", you can download a free copy of "So Fine" by following the link below. And remember, the teams new full-length album, titled Retox, hits your favorite music spot on November 28th.

"So Fine" - download link

Read More

NEWS | Asheru & Team Bangladesh head to Dhaka as Hip Hop Ambassadors

| ARTICLE LINK |

Next Level, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is an international hip-hop diplomacy and exchange program. In November 2014, Next Level will bring a team of artists to Dhaka, Bangladesh to use hip-hop as a tool for cultural diplomacy and exchange. A team of four artists—a beat maker/producer, a DJ, a hip-hop dancer, and an MC/rapper—will spend 2 weeks in Dhaka teaching and performing hip-hop.

Read More

NEW RELEASE | Cole Nibbe & Howie Wonder- Immemorial

Following up on the buzz created by the bleary and noir-ish single "Forgotten Dreams", the duo of Cole Nibbe and Howie Wonder now unleash their gritty debut album Immemorial on the world. As a unit the two man team have mastered the art of making visceral-yet-introspective hip hop music that bangs. Listeners looking for care-free rhymes over breezy beats, take note: Cole Nibbe's withering delivery and Howie Wonder's nocturnal boom-bap production  may  will feel menacing at first. However, taking the time to delve into the great deal of concepts and ideas being laid out on this album really pays off in the end. On Immemorial, Cole Nibbe & Howie Wonder construct an impressive set of raw-edged hip hop tracks and push the genre forward in the same way that acts like Cannibal Ox and Qwel & Maker did with their debut LP's. Standout cuts include "Forgotten Dreams", "Since Time Immemorial", "Repeat" and "You Ain't in Love".

Read More

NEW RELEASE | Various Artists- Pragmatic Theory Presents: Synaesthesia

A brand new collection of dusted-digital beats from the good folks over at Pragmatic Theory. Featuring some of the best and brightest on the beat-making scene today, you can expect to hear a wide array of sounds and vibes on this one. Every thing from dusty sample-based pieces to spacey future-funk tracks is represented on this monster of a set. An impressive roster of musicians, which includes names like Chief, Question, Keor Meteor, Twit One, DJ Sapien, Ben Bada Boom, and Brock Berrigan, have laced this album with nonstop champion sounds. And while the names listed above are acclaimed producers, let me be clear: EVERYONE involved with this project brought something amazing to the table. Listen..just stop reading this, skip to the album below, press "play", and enjoy.

Read More

LIVE45's | Fatima Patrice- Nostalgic Infatuation

Check out this catchy bit of goodness from a rising Cali-based emcee by the name of Fatimah Patrice. The track is called "Nostalgic Infatuation" and it has this really chilled-out,head-nod vibe going for it. As an introductory track, Fatimah displays a lot of skill as emcee on this one. Not only does she give listeners a brief but oh so sweet verse, her conversational delivery perfectly matches the track's sleek, feel-good energy. Press and play and dig the sounds for yourself. Enjoy!

Read More

VIDEO | Average Thought- Robot 24

Long Beach, CA based emcee/producer Average Thought lays out some slightly surreal visuals for the track "Robot 24". Dude drops the perfect type of flow for this track...which makes sense considering he's handling both the beats and the rhymes. I try to avoid comparing artists to one another, but fans of Moka Only and MF Doom will really dig this joint. Enjoy!

Check out more tracks from Average Thought by hitting the links below

| Facebook | Soundcloud | 

Read More

LIVE45's | Dirty Art Club- 5th Dimension

Heavy drums, foreboding organ lines, and hazy electric guitars rule the day on the newly leaked "5th Dimension" single from Dirty Art Club's upcoming Basement Seance LP.  The production duo of Matt Cagle and Madwreck have been blurring the lines of rock and hip hop music for a while now, most notably on their 2013 release Vermillion. With this latest release it seems fans can expect to hear the fella delve even deeper into their psych-rock & prog-rock crates to create even more fuzzed-out, mind expanding beats.

Read More

LIVE45's | Dday One- Yesterday's Over

Meditative and spiritual sounds from Dday One's upcoming album Dialogue With Life (available October 29th). While the track was created using samples and vinyl, the end result is a moving piece of classical jazz given an ambient, down-tempo makeover. Enjoy a calming bit of cinematic jazz music and get your mind right for any and all stress that the coming week may bring. Dig the sounds!

Read More

LIVE45's | The Fresh Air Fund- Join Me pt 2

Brand new music from Butta Verses and D.Schwartz, who are making moves collectively as the duo The Fresh Air Fund. The track is called "Join Me pt 2" and its a bumpin' joint from the pair's soon-to-be-released Haunted Mansions project (which drops October 31st). While you wait for the full-length to drop, enjoy The Fresh Air Fund's subversive rhyme stylings over a feverish "wall-of-sound" track from producer Araab Muzik. Dig the sounds.

Read More

NEW RELEASE | LTGL- Mountain Peaks and Temple Shields

With his newly released album Mountain Peaks and Temple Shields, musician LTGL (aka Living The Good Life) really makes the most of the title "electronic music" as he experiments with sounds and textures in a way that I haven't really heard in a long time. Over the course of 5 tracks LTGL constructs a deeply layered and colorful musical display, accenting highly melodic soundbeds with frantic bits of audio and amped-up electronics. Tracks that initially feel somewhat choppy soon become picturesque as the entire scene begins to come into focus. Nothing feels off limit as LTGL manages to incorporate a wide array of styles and genres into every song on this EP, while still maintain a sound uniquely his own. Standouts include the cinematic opening track "Power" and fusion-jazz-meets-trap-muzik- heater "Synchronized, not talking".

Read More

LIVE45's | Yummy Bingham- Why Me

A really spirited offering from singer Yummy Bingham and frequent collaborator NyceHitz. On the just released single, the pair create a soul-uplifting cut with an almost gospel-type feel to it. The track is a memorable one, making the most of Yummy's unique voice and church upbringing while still building on the rousing, mainstream soul sound that the hardworking singer refined with her recently released No Artificial Flavorz mixtape. Dope work from a duo that really work well together. 

Read More

LIVE45's K15- When Doubt Seeps In

Musician K15 hits us off with a nice bit of cool, piano jazz with a subtle broken-beat rhythm gliding beneath its surface on his recently released "When Doubt Seeps In" instrumental. A live little instrumental that is short, sweet and 100% infectious.

Read More

NEW RELEASE | Various Artists- Omega Supreme Records Presents: Is This The Future? vol. 1

Flashy boogie-funk and dance-floor driven grooves take center stage on this latest release from Omega Supreme Records. Each track is filled with shimmering keyboard leads and stocky drum-machine based rhythms, which gives the entire set an authentic 80's club funk feel. This first volume in the ...Is This The Future? series spotlights some really dazzling work from the Mofunk Records roster, which includes rising modern-funk whiz kids Moniquea, XL Middleton, Eddy Funkster and Diamond Ortiz. The entire selection is a super solid dose of Mtume/Kashif inspired synth-funk for fans of post-disco soul and R&B. Standouts include "F-Zero"', "Bumpin", "Racin' To The End", "Can't Let You Go" and the cover of the Cherrelle classic "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On". 

Read More

VIDEO | Tryezz- The Quest Continues/Cooler Side

From the single "The Quest Continues/Cooler Side"

Read More

LIVE45's | Donny Goines- Psalm 51:5

Acting as the audio companion to his recently issued "Psalm 51:5" audio/visual art collection, NYC emcee Donny Goines shares an introspective track that shares the same name as the mixed-medium art piece.

Read More

VIDEO | Yamin Semali- Land of Passion

From the album "Yen Dollar Music, vol 2: Senior Dues

Read More

LIVE45's | JVNTG- Sweetest

JVNTG puts together a trippy piece of soul on this new "Sweetest" instrumental. Reworking a classic track from the one and only Lauryn Hill, JVNTG takes the chilled out feel of the original and expands it into a really wavy, electronica-tinged area. Dig the sounds.

Read More

AKTR- I'm in Love Again (Side B)

AKTR drops another batch of outstanding tracks with his most recent project I'm in Love Again (Side B). Standing as a continuation of the cosmic sounding boom-bap instrumentals drafted on I'm in Love Again (Side A) (which landed back in August), this 9 track selection displays AKTR's forte for making dusty vinyl samples feel like newly laid down electro soul arrangements. Standouts include "Streamline", "Get it Up", the sparkling jazz number "Nightchaser", and the bubbling synthesizer-funk gem "Sunday Video City".

Read More

LIVE45's | S0ul Unreal- RightOnTime

S0ul Unreal re-edits a soulful, house-music flavored classic from the duo Zhane' into a great bit of dancefloor soul. Really diggin the rollerskating-jam vibe flowing from this one. Dig the sounds.

Read More

NEW RELEASE | Offbeatninja- Late.Night.Bump$

Offbeatninja always comes up with hypnotic new sounds to keep fans of easy-going, late-night hip hop instrumentals satisfied, and his latest release is no exception. On his newly dropped beattape, entitled Late.Night.Bump$, Offbeatninja lays out a bundle of thick, soul & jazz infused instrumentals that more than live up to the albums title. Standouts included the disco inflected "Glo", the smokey jazz club slow burner "ginTama", "IluvHer", and the catchy neo-soul re-edits "Klapp Klapp [OBN edit]" and "Mxwell". 

Read More

NEW RELEASE | Ashlyn- My Time

Here is a great set from a singer by the name of Ashlyn Carr, whose vocals have a graceful and classic sound that really meshes well with the album's smooth soul production. For her debut project, Ashlyn touches on a wide range of issues related to being in love, navigating the in's and out's of being in a relationship, and living life in general. One of Carr's greatest strengths as a singer is her ability to steer through a song's heavier subject matter with a sort of composed worldliness- a talent that you would expect to hear from a singer with a lot more years and life experiences under her belt.  And while My Time definitely showcases a more mature and sophisticated style right from the start, Ashlyn's rich voice and classy delivery makes everything  feel natural and effortless. A solid debut from a talented young vocalist. Standouts include the album's lead single "The Trill", the bluesy sounding "Crown", the uplifting hip-hop/soul number "Good Days" (featuring King Ace), and my personal favorite "Gold Pieces".

Read More

NEW RELEASE |Ahwlee- F8~

Here's some deep and somewhat spiritual sounding instrumental work from Ahwlee. What initially looks and feels like a pretty straight-forward beat-tape almost immediately gives way to a meditative remix/refix project as classic hip-hop and R&B verses are given warm, 70's-style jazz-funk canvases to shine against. Ahwlee uses warm keyboards, thumping drum kits, and bubbling basslines to interconnect each cut, making the transition from a Floetry & Mos Def remix ("Closer[Tighter]") into a Bad Azz & Snoop Dogg remix ("Elastic_Step[Vigor]") feel unbelievably natural. With F8~, Ahwlee seems to easily create 16 tracks of really inventive, and supremely dope head-nod music for hip-hop and jazz music fans to get into. Standouts include "Closer[Tighter]", "HoFbrew", "Psalm_Trees", "Pz_mom.[Al's_jawn]" and "Soulist*".
* ...Now I know she's not everyone's cup of tea, but I really dig Yummy Bingham. And you have no idea how much I wish she would work with cat's like Ahwlee. 

Read More

LIVE45's | Element Rhymes- Dead Presidents Again

Newly released single from Inglewood, CA wordsmith Element Rhymes

Read More

VIDEO | Bilal- West Side Girl (Live @ The Breeding Ground

From the album A Love Surreal

Read More

LIVE45's | Stu Bangas- Something About You

Newly leaked head bangin' track from Stu Bangas soon-to-be released album Straight Death 3

Read More

NEW RELEASE | Lucille Ghatti- Mess In My Head

Singer Lucille Ghatti has constructed an instantly inviting collection of songs on her newly released Mess In My Head album. For this latest offering, the young singer/songwriter perfectly complements her steamy (and often tongue-in-cheek) vocals with  a string of stripped-down-but-still-atmospheric productions that bring out the best in Ghatti's warm tone and intimate style of singing. The result is an easy-flowing 7 track opus that deserves to held in the same esteem as other acclaimed "alternative R&B" acts making waves today. Standout tracks include "Extra Highs", "Mess In My Head" and "Reaching".

Read More

LIVE45's | Gas-Lab- Monday Collage

New (?) music from Buenos Aires based beatmaker and multi-instrumentalist Gas-Lab.

Read More

LIVE45's | Blakk Soul- That Kind of Love (feat. Aaron "AB" Abernathy)

Brand new single from soul singer Blakk Soul!

Read More

LIVE45's | Cassow- MAjik

Brand new track from L.A.based/Portland bred emcee Cassow.

Read More

NEW RELEASE | Jeepz- /I'L(L)-Go-Rhythm/

On /I'L(L)-Go-Rhythm - the just released follow-up to his Duende beat tape- producer/beatmaker Jeepz offers up a rock solid set of instrumentals that have a noticeably energetic and spirited feel to them when compared to the heavier raw-soul feel of his previous outing. While Jeepz remains true to the jazzy, boom-bap sound that fans have come to expect from his work, this latest offering has less of a "blunted in the basement" feel to them and more of a "don't stop the body rock" vibe running throughout its 13 tracks. But rest assured, it doesn't matter if you're an emcee looking for some live beats to rhyme to, a b-boy/b-girl looking for some beats to dance to, or a fan looking for something to bump during your daily commute, /I'L(L)-Go-Rhythm has just what you're looking for. Dig the sounds.

Read More

LIVE45's | STB- Illusion

Did somethin' different this time. Put together this beat last night, put up a preview on Instagram (stanthebeatjedi), then decided to post it here. Might be too soon though. Ah well.Enjoy."

Read More

LIVE45's | K.Raydio & O-D- The Back Wall

The new album from K.Raydio & O-D, entitled "One Drop", will be released on November 4, 2014. -K.Raydio

Read More

LIVE45's | Honey Larochelle- The Deepest Soul

"This song was recorded in 1998 or 1999...I just found it and had to share it!" -Honey Larochelle

Read More

LIVE45's | Professa- Egyptian Bump

"If the ancient Egyptians had synths, this is what I imagine it would sound like."- Professa

Read More

NEW RELEASE | DirtyDiggs- Gold Digger

The production duo DirtyDiggs (JR and Noy) drops a brand new project entitled Gold Digger which features 15 original productions and collaborations from the two man beatmaking team. Expect live appearances from fellow Gold Chain Military members Planet Asia, Killa Kali, Tristate, Montage One as well as verses from Rasco, Lyric Jones, Hus Kingpin, and more. Standout cuts include "Off the Turf", "Island Wreck", "Beverly Hills Villians", "Never Change", and the throwback soul burner "Echoes on the Wall".  Dopeness for the people.

Read More

BLENDS | Various Artists- Tout Tape vol 1 (mixed by Mr. Vtage)

Here is a lively mix of bright electro and upbeat retro-funk tracks as mixed by the one and only Mr Vtage. This blend, which is entitled "Tout Tape vol. 1" was made for the Bogota, Colombia based clothing line Tout Clothing. Yes, I realize it's autumn and the time for summery sounds has passed. And yes, I realize the weekend is drawing to a close. But who cares. Good music and good times will always be in the moment. Hit the jump for 30 minutes of nostalgic, dancefloor-driven funk from AutoReverse, Breakbot, Para One, Chateaubriand and Knight One. 

Read More

LIVE45's | Roughsoul- Source Direct

Roughsoul

Source Direct

from the album |  N/A

Read More

BLENDS | Winter Inter- Live Worldwide on SoulCircleRadio.com (mix)

A great mix of styles and sounds from producer Winter Inter. If you've had a chance to listen to his Equal Moving Parts album - which I waxed poetic about (here) - then you have had a taste of the futuristic funk vibe that Winter Inter brings to the table. While I don't have an official tracklisting, expect to hear some original and unreleased cuts from the man himself as well as dope tracks from like minded nu-funk aficionados. A really dope set indeed.

Read More

LIVE45's | Philippe Edison- Fall

Explore the unique sounds of Philippe Edison, a live multi-instrumentalist producer from Houston TX. Vibes from the skies."

Read More

LIVE45's | Grand Ear- Lone Tonite

Retro-electro vibes from Grand Ear!

Read More