Allen Stone - Unaware (Live Video)

Heard this joint while listening to 22tracks and had to inquire about dude. Shocked to see who the singer was, but nonetheless Allen Stone has a soulful voice that can't be denied. I appreciate that fact that this is so organic - live from his mother's home and it plays just as beautiful as the recorded song itself. "Unaware" comes via his sophomore effort - Allen Stone. Some pretty nice tunes provided the preview on itunes. It's been added to my wish list. Check it out for self.

Daru Jones - Rusic Soul-Hop Records Vol. (Remixes)...

Since the early nineties, remixes of records specifically in hip hop and R&B has become a very popular task. Some of the best producers would work their magic - most times on a joint that's already pretty funky only to make it even funkier. Well, a lot has changed within the music, but the tradition continues on and my dude, drummer/producer, Daru Jones does a pretty good job remixing some of my favorite joints on his Rusic Soul-Hop Records Vol. 1 "A Spirit & Soul​-​Hop Sampler '11 Prelude." Daru takes on artists such as Dwele, Sa-Ra, Bilal, Beyonce, Usher, Ameri and others, placing his creative live production to their vocals creating a sound so very different from the original. This project serves as a prelude to where Daru left of in 09' with Spirit & Soul Hop Sampler, so if you don't have that, you already know what to do. Check out two gems from the project below. I can't even front on how he reworked that Faith joint. Crazy! Sounds like something James Brown would've got up on. You killed it sun! 

Faith Evans - You Gets no Love (Sonny mix)

Beyonce - Broken Hearted Girl (Paradise mix)

Balance and Traveling Sound - Won't do (J Dilla tribute)

All Dilla fans should agree -  this right here shows pure respect and love. Los Angeles based band Balance and Traveling Sound does justice with this live rendition of one of many personal favs by J Dilla, Won't Do. This is the first gem off their upcoming album Departure dropping Sept 13th (next Tues). BTW, this is not their first. Peep 09's Travel Guide Vol.1 to get better acquainted. Another one to add to the gotta get list. 

Jose James - Park Bench People ft AllSaints Basement Sessions (Video)

Minneapolis-born jazz singer and composer, José James is again taking on a new direction with his music. From his 08' traditional jazz debut The Dreamer to his more experimental sophomore project BlackMagic (2010), Jose doesn't seem to stick to any format. This video clearly illustrates what he is capable of and fans can only expect the smooth baritone crooner to deliver another record of varied appeal to the market. Currently, his latest single, Trouble is only available overseas. Not sure when it will hit the states, but when it does, make sure to support. Also, here's another gem entitled "Vicadin" he shared via his soundcloud page.