The Self Contained One

I won't even front - I'm brand new to the varied styles of Erik Rico. A man of many talents: DJ, producer, writer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Erik has been blessing the music scene for over the past decade. His clients include Tupac, Q-tip, Talib Kweli, Lady Bug Mecca (Digable Planets) and a myriad of other artists across the globe. Listening to Erik, at times I envision Toronto's, Glenn Lewis; then again, G.L sounds like a young Stevie Wonder to me, and Erik doesn't. That's no dis to Erik by far, just making an observation. In all honesty, his voice switches up so often there's truly no pinning his sound. Either way, I'll be supporting his past efforts (Journey Back To Me & A Higher Frequency EP), and enjoying his gift of music for years to come. Sign up for his mailing list and receive your free download of his new The Reworks Project - his re-interpretation of 6 great songs by artists that inspired him. Peep the Marvin Gaye classic below. Support this incredibly talented artist.

www.myspace.com/erikricomusic
www.lifenotesmusic.com

Erik Rico - I Want You

The New Retro Soul

A Strange Arrangement is the debut album by Stones Throw recording artist, Mayer Hawthorne. The Ann Arbor, Michigan native sets a new standard with his "retro" sound of soul reminiscent of the days when Smokey Robinson, Curtis Mayfield and Barry White held down the scene. Mayer immediately caught my attention with this video, which I spotted on Soundnexx a month back. That led me to buy his CD, which I purchased for the low price of $7.99 when I ordered it at Amazon. Upon receipt of the disc, I was very much pleased by the talents of this 29 year-old. He wrote, produced, and played every instrument on the album. That's a great feat for such a young man to take on, and definitely says a lot about his love for the music. If you're a fan of the early Motown sound, Mayer Hawthorne will fill the void and provide you with a groove you can play without having to pull out the vinyl or cassettes. Continue to support good music.

www.stonesthrow.com/mayerhawthorne
www.myspace.com/mayerhawthorne

Mayer Hawthorne - Make Her Mine      

The Afternoon Delight

I've been a fan of DJ Jaycee ever since I peeped his Eargasm mixtape on TSS almost two years ago. He's a beast on the 1's and 2's, creating the finest mixes I've heard from any DJ thus far. You can hear the Detroit native working his magic on Atlanta's V-103, Middays with Elle Duncan. Peep the tracklist below. 25 minutes of pure delight. DL - DJ Jaycee - The Afternoon Delight

www.myspace.com/djjaycee


Tracklist
Donell Jones "I'll Go" 

R. Kelly "Step In The Name Of Love"
Ladae feat. Chubb Rock "Party 2 Nite"
Horace Brown "Things We Do For Love"
Lost Boyz "Renee"
Wu-Tang Clan "Method Man" (Crazy C's Southern Fried Remix)
King Just "Warrior's Drum"
A Tribe Called Quest "Hot Sex"
Keith Murray "Get Lifted"
Craig Mack "Get Down" (Q-Tip Remix)
Jeru Tha Damaja "Ya Playin Yaself" (instrumental)

Daru Beats Got Next!

Drummer/producer, Daru Jones is no secret to the web. Like many of artist have done this year, he follows suit using the internet to his advantage and creates a name for himself and a slew of other talented artists. Back in 96', he founded Rusic Music, a well sought out production company to promote and work with the rising unsigned talents yet to be heard by the masses. Early this year, he delivered the solid,  A Work In Progress with singer AB along with Producer's Luv Tribute featuring his sister Rena. Currently residing in N.Y., the Michigan native stays on the grind working on a host of other projects and drumming for the likes of Talib Kweli, Slum Village and Black Milk when on tour. Enjoy the sampler, which is really like two albums in one. DL it here, and keep your ears tuned to the Soul-Hop of Daru Jones. 

www.myspace.com/darubeats

Daru ft. Aischa & Coultrain - Edge

Daru ft. Monica Blaire - Confused

En'A-Free-Ka

Shafiq Husayn, one third of the musical collective known as SA-RA, released his first solo album En' A-Free-Ka via Plug Research this past October. For those familiar with the innovative & futuristic sounds of the group, you will not be disappointed with En'A-Free-Ka. Content wise, Shafiq is ethereal in comparison to the groups more wild and freaky themes. Delivering messages of a free spirit: love, justice & freedom over African rhythms combined with layered synthesizers, live horns and strings, you are in for an audio experience. Get it here or here. Support the artist. Check out two of my favorites. The drums on "Rebel Soldier" are crazy, and "Changes" is so melodic.

Shafiq Husayn - Rebel Soldier

Shafiq Husayn - Changes


www.myspace.com/leossun

The teaser to this video came out 2 weeks ago, now the full shoot has been released. Enjoy!

Passion Hardcore

Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, the sensuous and passionate grooves of ChinahBlac will touch every emotion and leave you blown away after one listen to her debut, Introducing Eugenia Shata (2009) At first listen, her voice puts me in the mind of Macy Gray's minus the quirkiness, but once past that, comparisons to Chaka Khan could easily be drawn. A real energetic and heartfelt singer, Chinah holds no bars, releasing pain over live production with every intention to make you feel the sentiments of her own heartaches. Having worked with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott - Chinah takes a big step out from the background and delivers an exceptional CD. Although the album is roughly 32 minutes long (8 songs, 1 snippet), it's more than enough time for her to grab your attention, stroke your soul and add another fan to her base. Buy it here. Support this dynamic artist.

www.myspace.com/thechinahblac

ChinahBlac - Keep Your Word

ChinahBlac - In Luv Wit Me

Ambassador Of Boogie Funk

Do you remember the funky sounds of Rick James, Slave & The Barkays? Well, the sound you once loved is back in full swing, and the man behind it all is Los Angeles native and Stones Throw recording artist, Dãm Funk. Known as the "Ambassador of Boogie Funk," Dãm's debut, Toeachizown is the perfect backdrop to a 70's or 80's throwback party. Don't get thrown by the pimped out look of the man; it's all about a celebration and good music provided by a rising producer. Get it here, here or on itunes. Props to Moovmnt for the track.

www.myspace.com/damfunk

Dam Funk - The Sky Is Ours