ClassicBeatz - Ntale's Groove

ClassicBeatz hit me last week in response to a tweet I wrote. So glad he did! I'd heard the brother's name before courtesy a remix he did of Bilal's - Robots, but the personal introduction put me on to his latest project Ntale’s Groove. A 4 track instrumental project which makes an attempt to trace his African roots through music. The overall vibe is very afro-beat and world centered, but also pulls from hip hop, soul and funk as well. It's uplifting, and the live instrumentation heard throughout shows Classic's ear for musicality. Sample the project below, and peep another gem from the project yet to be released - Kampala Hustle.  

J. Nolan - Get Out The Game

For a minute now I've been receiving emails from J. Nolan introducing me to his music. Honestly, I wasn't to hip to the first few joints he sent, so I set him to the side with hopes he'd drop something I could feel.  Well, the ATL based emcee did just that. "Get Out The Game" goes in rapid fire aiming at "hoe" rappers over some ill production from Frontier. Peep it below and also check out his latest, "Corazon" produced by Yung B Da Producer.    

J. Nolan - Get Out The Game

Pharoahe Monch - Clap (One Day)

I first heard "Clap" last year when it premiered in London via Kiss 100's Hip Hop show. Then I had the opportunity to see Pharoahe perfom live back in October on the Duck Down 15 year tour. Pharoahe effortlessly lured his audience to the stage and went in on the M-Phazes produced banger. The album W.A.R (We Are Renegades) is scheduled for a March release with production from Exile, Marco Polo, M-Phazes, Fatin...and lyrical features from Jill Scott, Styles P, Citizen Cope, Jean Grae and more. Keep your ears tuned in cause this is to be Pharoahe's greatest work to date.  

Pharoahe Monch - Clap (One Day)

Rhian Benson - Be

  

It's been 8 years since Rhian Benson dropped her debut Gold Coast. Leading the album was the infectious groove, "Say How I Feel" that was adored by many of fans of the then "neo-soul" movement. Well, fresh for 2011, the Ghanain born beauty is back and loaded with a whole new sound. Rhian has teamed up with  Denmark production duo Jonas Rendbo and Daniel Fridell to give the electronic vibe to the new album Hands Clean. Her soulful roots are still very much present so don't be swayed. Peep the single "Be" ft Jonas below, make sure to get your free download of "Better Without You" Young RJ rmx and support Hands Clean when it drops on February 14th (Valentine's Day).

rhianbenson.com

  

Geno Young - Shoulda (Video)

Sometimes you miss out on the possibilities of a great relation for simply not saying anything upon first opportunity. Soul crooner, Geno Young defines this sentiment well with the video for "Shoulda," one of many gems off his highly slept on sophomore album Ear Hustler. 

Yung B Da Producer - Cold Chillin'

Last year I was introduced to a new joint from Jersey based emcee/producer, Yung B Da Producer. Now in 2011, he delivers again another banger from his forthcoming album The Last Poet. "Cold Chillin" showcases the ill production (the horns are crazy) and rhyme skills of this raw gifted soul. Given his first two efforst where easily accepted, I'm looking forward to the album with expectations of pure dopeness. Respects to you Yung for keeping hip hop alive.   

Yung B Da Producer - Cold Chillin'

Malice & Mario Sweet - Speed of Light

New music from new found artists -  hailing from Seattle, Wa, husband and wife team - Malice & Mario Sweet prepares us for their upcoming Happy Two Year Ep with this high energy Tall Black Guy produced gem. Everything about this track says greatness. The vybe reminds me of The Foreign Exchange, and the production is very different from previous works from TBG. Get into this joint and, make sure to build with them on twitter.    

Malice & Mario Sweet - Speed of Light