Bilal - Free (Tall Black Guy rmx)

New music from Tall Black Guy is always a good thing. This time around, the super producer lays down a very different and interesting sound than what I've come to know from him. Slowing down the tempo and grudging out the sound - Bilal's "Free" gets a very alternative rework that both Bilal and producer, Nottz would be very proud of. This is just a taste of some new freshness to come, so keep watch for more. TBG is just getting warmed up for 2012. 

Bilal - Free (TBG rmx)

yU - I Believe ft Duff

"Today's a special day in remembrance of a man that resembled the spirit of a leader at a time where many just followed suit & went with the tide. Another example of how powerful the spoken word can be, changing the lives of many by something as simple as a thought; amplified by the tone of his voice. When I'm onstage, sometimes I think of Martin & Malcolm. I think of how they fueled their supporters with inspiration to push forward. I wrote "I Believe" at a time when I myself was going thru a lot, and was trying to fine tune my focus. Somehow after talking to my creator, & Charlie Ross (who lived in Okinawa, Japan at the time), I was given the music & this is what came from it." - yU 

"I Believe" comes from 2011's, The Earn. An album highly worthy of your support. Available here.

yU -  I Believe ft Duff

Robert Glasper Experiment - Ah Yeah ft Musiq Soulchild & Chrisette Michele

I heard this yesterday via Kev Beadle's podcast and was instantly blown away. "Ah Yeah" is the first official single from pianist/producer, Robert Glasper's fifth album, Black Radio scheduled for a February 28th release. Featuring Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele on vocals, this has only intensified the desire to purchase this album. Having heard two previous singles and peeping the track-list, I can go on early to say Black Radio probably will be album of the year for 2012. Pre-orders available now via amazon and itunes. 

Tall Black Guy - Love To The World

A new year without some new tunes is straight up wack! That's why producer Tall Black Guy's management made sure to hit me with one from his latest batch. As always, TBG cooks up another soulful dish for us to vibe out to. Rhythmic drums, lush keys, that signature bass line and a few ad-libs keeps the head in constant nod mode. This one's available come 1-24-12 on 7" LP, so if you're a vinyl collector or dj add this is one to your crates. Support it here.  

 Tall Black Guy - Love To The World

Gods'illa ft Maimouna Youssef - You Don't Have To Be A Star (Video)

Yes, it's been a minute since I've posted something. It's that time leading up to and following the Christmas holiday that throws me off; so let's start back with this gem from brothers Acem, Truth & Powerful bka Godsilla. Featuring the captivating voice of Maimouna Youssef, this hip hop - party version of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr's, 1976 classic "You Don't Have To Be A Star" is just right to get the New Year party flowing in the right direction. I'll definitely be vibing to this joint for weeks to come. Be sure to check the album CPR BlendTape hosted by DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown (Erykah Badu) and peep the "You Don't Have To Be A Star" remix below featuring Bahamadia, Monie Love and MC Lyte. 

Gods'illa - You Don't Have To Be A Star (rmx)

Bashiri Asad - Running On Empty/ I Am 1

Over the past year plus some, I've become more acquainted with the warm and soulful sounds of Indianapolis native Bashiri Asad. The upbeat defining single, "I Am 1" brought him to my attention and caused me to seek out more. Since that time, I bought a few singles from his previous (I Am 1) and current project (The Space Between), but fell behind on posting anything about him. So let me say this, the brother is definitely one you need to have added to your collection. Bashiri reminds me of a young Luther Vandross! That's an automatic win for me. But Bashiri has great storytelling and song composition of his own that's well worth giving him your ear. I suggest you head on over to his bandcamp right now and idulge in some great soul music from an artist who's making moves toward becoming one of your favorites. 

Bashiri Asad - Running On Empty

Bashiri Asad - I Am 1

Mecca:83 - Midnight Kids ft Kan Sano & Buscrates

I won't brag and say how much you should be up on this cat, but based on what I heard via his bandcamp, Mecca:83 got something for beat heads like myself and others. His approach at beat making translates to a finely polished collective of instrumentals, some with vocal samples that clearly draw influences from producers, Peter Rock, Flying Lotus, JDilla, Large Pro and a host of others which soothe  the soul as well as get your head bobbing. "Midnight Kids" is featured on his Life Sketches Vols. 1&2 (available now) as a bonus track, but as a thank you to all his supporters, he decided to release this one for free. Featuring the talents of Tokyo based producer/pianist Kan Sano and Pittsburgh's finest beat technician Buscrates 16-Bit Ensemble, this gem is sure to have you seeking more from M:83. Get your free download of the track here and follow him if you feel his work on twitter Solarsounds. Another dope album just added to my to get list.

Mecca:83 - Midnight Kids ft Kan Sano & Buscrates