Who loves that jazzy Hip Hop? I got something for that you’ll sure enjoy all weekend long. Jazzy progressive Hip Hop masters Panacea graciously released an 9 songs free EP on rare remixes,unreleased tunes and album cuts. Raw Poetic’s flow over K Murdock’s production should fulfill all your good music needs this weekend.

Listen/Download Here

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My absolute favorite jam band from Southern California, Casxio, are heading to New York for C.M.J. Fest and would share their showcase dates with you.

October 7 - The Shore - Hermosa Beach, CA
October 18 - Cinespace - Official Release Party
October 20 - Piano’s - Music Slut CMJ Party - 158 Ludlow St. NY 10002 (Casxio @ 6:00pm)
October 21 - Southpaw - The Rumble CMJ Party - 125 5th Ave. 11217 (Brooklyn) (Casxio @ 9:30pm)
October 22 - ASCAP Official CMJ Showcase - 285 West Broadway 10013 (Casxio @ 8:30pm)
October 23 - Norwood - High Rise/The:Hours Meet & Greet - 241 West 14th Street 10011

Inspired by the soulful falsetto balladry of classic icons as diverse as Curtis Mayfield, and Hall & Oates, Casxio’s aim is to “be more than just a friend to you” -Bringing the intensity and emotion back into a world where pop has become stagnant and disposable, this West Coast four-piece revives the timeless soul and funk feeling we’ve been long since waiting for.

Here is the new video for “Seventeen” - it’s oddly compelling…

“Seventeen” will be available digitally October 20, 2009 (The:Hours)

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I’ve been waiting for this for a few months and now it’s here.

Producers Beatnick & K Salaam (of Common Remixed fame) has finally released their collection of remixes of classic Motown tunes. From Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour” to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” this eight song free download is good listening front to back.

1. Michael Jackson – I’ll Be There Remix (Prod. By Beatnick & K-Salaam
2. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Prod. by Beatnick & K-Salaam)
3. Stevie Wonder – My Cherie Amor Remix (Prod. by Beatnick & K-Salaam)
4. Michael Jackson – Never Can Say Goodbye Remix (Prod. by Beatnick & K-Salaam)
5. Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On Remix (Prod. by Beatnick & K-Salaam)
6. Stevie Wonder – Uptight Remix (Prod. by Beatnick & K-Salaam)
7. Michael Jackson – ABC Remix (Prod. by Beatnick & K-Salaam)
8. Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get It On Remix (Prod. by Beatnick & K-Salaam)

Listen/Download Here (69 MB)

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Here is a great compilation of tracks that former Floetry member Marsha Ambrosius appeared on or in case of Alicia Keys “Go Ahead” she wrote. Complied by the producer formally known as Focus now known as the Real Focus this is perfect for those not aware of the music of the talented Marsha Ambrosius.

Tracklisting
WMAA
Butterflies - Michael Jackson ft.Marsha Ambrosius
Get You Some - Busta Rhymes & Qtip ft.Marsha Ambrosius
The Light 08 - Common ft.Marsha Ambrosius
Cocaina - Busta Rhymes ft.Marsha Ambrosius
Cry Me A River - Justin Timberlake ft.Marsha Ambrosius
Why You Hate the Game - The Game ft.Marsha Ambrosius
Go Ahead - Alica Keys
Start From Scratch - The Game ft.Marsha Ambrosius
The Art Of Storytellin - Outkast ft.Marsha Ambrosius
Freakin Me - Jamie Foxx ft.Marsha Ambrosius
Getting Late - Floetry
Say Yes - Floetry

Download Here (Zshare 55MB)

 

 The Light '08 - Common ft. Marsha Ambrosius [3:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 The Art Of Storytellin' - Outkast ft. Marsha Ambrosius [2:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Yep this was an exciting weekend. We had pre-season NFL Football  and the return of both Roy Jones (vs Jeff Lacy) and Gina Carrano (vs. Christine Cyborg) to ring. Well to extend this great weekend a little further here is a little something to enjoy on this Sunday afternoon. Supa Qool DJ Uncle Q (from “the Best Of Raphael Saadiq” fame) has put together a great mix of Maxwell tunes. With the release of Maxwell’s new album “Black Summer’s Night” this is sure to help you realize the goodness that is Maxwell.

Download Here (85 MB Sharbee)

 

 Ascension (Live) - Maxwell [5:11m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Where my Dilla fans at? I got something special for all you JD Fans. DJ Rasta Root of XM/Siruis show Classic Example has released a mix featuring his favorite J Dilla tunes.

“I didn’t want to do a Dilla mix just because he had passed away. I always seem to include a Slum [Village] or Dilla produced track in my dj sets, so I felt like it was time to put all my favorite tracks on one disc that I would listen to. It just so happens that I am able to share that with the world.”
Rasta Root

This mix is especially for all those who despite all Dilla tribute mixes floating around the web are still unaware of the soulful Dilla sound.

Enjoy the tunes and the greatness that is James “J Dilla” Yancey.

Download Here (Zshare 119 MB)

See tracklisting HERE

 

 Love - J Dilla ft. Pharoahe Monch [3:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Baby - J Dilla ft. Madlib & Guilty Simpson [3:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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I gotta admit so far this is the best release of 2009. Former Jurassic 5 member Charles Stewart aka Chali 2na  has finally released his fist solo album (in stores July 7). Not counting the 2004’s Fish Market , which was more a collection of Chali 2na’s guest spots other peoples’ tunes than an actual solo album.

This album is pretty solid from beginning to end.

The collection of tunes on Fish Outta Water covers a combination of diverse (but yet coherent) musical styles. From Reggae to Memphis Soul to a touch of hipster hop and of course California underground Hip Hop.

One problem to note is  I didn’t much care for the collaboration between Chali and Stephen & Damien Marley on “Guns Up“. It did not match the goodness of the collabo of Chali & Beenie Man on “International“.

The other problem on this release is the addition of Talib Kweli on the track “Lock Sh*t Down“. The song is pretty stellar however Talib’s lackluster performance on song is so disappointing and unexpected. He should have been asked to redo his rhyme of be taken off the track. Talib what happened to you? That is not the Kweli we know and love.

The track “Graf Time” which is an ode to Graf writers has a reggae style to it which on surface would seem not to work but amazingly it does.. and does very well.

The song “So Crazy” which features a Rick James sample and an electro/hipster beat works delightfully well too.

Unfortunately another disappointment (though not unexpected) is no guest appearances from J5 members with the exception of DJ Numark with the tune “Comin Thru“.

The big surprise of the album has to be the last track entitled “4 Be Be“. It is Chali’s tribute song to the memory of and about the death of his cousin Bianca “Be Be” Ferguson. Who tragically died in E2 stampede in Chicago in 2003.

The song features an incredible  surprise of the vocal talents of Ming Xia from the group the Spooks. Whom Chali worked with on 2003 Spooks’ song “Faster Than You Know“. Along with Adriana Evans Ming has be one of my favorite singers and I’m sure will be yours too after hearing the track.

Another pleasant surprise is  the best song on the album “Don’t Stop” featuring Anthony Hamilton. The combination of Chali & Anthony voices go together so smoothly.

J5 fans I’m sure will love album and people new to Chali 2na will definitely become fans of Chali after hearing this release. A solid collection of great music.

 

 So Crazy - Chali 2na [3:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Don't Stop - Chali 2na ft Anthony Hamiltion [3:11m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 4 Be be - Chali 2na ft. Ming Xia [4:52m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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The Neo-Soul great Maxwell is back on scene with release of his new album in 7 years entitled “Black Summer’s Night“(in stores July 7) .

The album for the most part is pretty much what you’ll expect from Maxwell. Alot of cool laidback jazzy soul. It is not as upbeat as Maxwell’s previous albums. The majority of  the 9 songs (yes only 9 songs) are more the style of Lifetime than upbeat style of Cococure.

The Maxwell faithful will probably enjoy this release more than someone new to Maxwell’s music. For some the album  may be a disappointment for those seeking a more grandiose entry back onto music scene from Neo-Soul King.

Although I enjoyed his previous albums more I think this is  still a decent release from Maxwell and from somebody who has been absent from the musical landscape for a number of years.

Though the album may be more on the slow side it does have hints of that feel good upbeat soul of Maxwell of previous years.

The track “Fistful Of Tears” is reminiscent of 1999 ’s “Fortunate”. The song “Help Somebody” is classic Maxwell in the vein of “Sumthin Sumthin”. And the track “Love You” is  indeed Maxwell redux….Maxwell for a new generation of Neo-Soul listeners. If this what Maxwell has planned for the future, and I believe he does, we will hearing more great music from Neo-Soul master we know and love.

All in all it’s great to have Maxwell in back in action. Hearing his voice on Alchemist’s Smile I’m sure brought back many good memories  for those who remember Maxwell back in day. Now we have this nice 9 song album to create new memories to.

 

 Stop The World- Maxwell [3:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Love You - Maxwell [3:35m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Aqeel surprises the unsuspecting listener with a bionic ode of funk and hop lacing a truly unique sound, juxtapose to a party in a distant galactic hemisphere. Los Angele’s native Aqeel keeps it fly with Space Station ready “Milk train”. Working with veterans such as Dr.Dre and Erykah Badu Aqeel has been writing and producing behind the scenes for a minute. “Inside The Mind Of An Afro-American Angel” is out now.

Check out the Myspace

 

 Aqeel | Milk Train: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Aqeel | Oh America : Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Raheem Devaughn aka “Radio Raheem” is out with a new mix tape “Art Noise”  and to no surprise the mixtape is all quality. Some of my favorites being “Piece of Clay”, and “Hennessy Joint.” I’ll warn you though there is a feature from T- Pain for all you auto tune haters. Once you get past that, the other records are a melodic delight. Recently receiving a Grammy nomination for best Male R & B vocal performance, it is nice to see Raheem Devaughn is beginning to receive the recognition his music deserves. His last album “Love Behind the Melody” is a must have and in stores.

DOWNLOAD THIS MIXTAPE

 

 Raheem Devaughn- Back to Your Heart : Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Raheem Devaughn- Piece of Clay : Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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