All mp3s appearing on this blog are property of their rightful owners. They are posted here for PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY and to encourage support of the artists. If you own the rights to any of these mp3s and do not wish them to appear on the blog, please CONTACT US ,and they will be promptly removed.
Instead of giving you the long story about why this podcast didn't drop when it was scheduled to - how 'bout I just give you the music and you take it from there. Enjoy!
Remember my dude, Classic Beatz! Yeah, I know - it's been over 2 years since I interviewed him, but since then, he's been on his grind connecting with some great musicians to bring his latest album, Rumors of Royalty to the people, and I, as one of his trusted confidants, have been made privy to the album before its release date scheduled for October 28th. Classic describes Rumors of Royalty as the end of a trilogy which focuses more on his Southern Black American roots, rather than his African roots.
"The project is a mix of funk, soul, jazz, hip hop and house music. These are all the influences I've experienced growing up in St. Petersburg, Florida. If I had to sum up the album in a couple of words, I would say Pan-African Black American music!"
While I write and tune in to it, I can hear all of the influences, but most tracks move along the funkier jazz progressive sound which make for a delightful listen. The first single, "The Boom Bap" featuring emcees Fresh Daily and Black Spadeallow the melodic yet hard core vibe of Classic's production to be the perfect backdrop to paint their lyrical niceness. Pre-orders of the album are available now! Support it!
Six years ago, I fervently set out to create a movement I deemed necessary for my community and the city of Tampa where I live. Producing a platform for health and wellness - together with showcasing various independent musicians was the overall mission. The Vision took form as Soul Lessons Entertainment (SLE). With more passion than know how, my attempts to garner support for this Vision served to be challenging. Over the subsequent years, I experienced more setbacks than successes with life getting in the way - bringing what seemed like a barrage of letdowns and disappointments. I finally called it quits! Even though I still had the desire in my heart, I didn’t take the actions to pursue it in spite of all the obstacles, which is one of the most important factors when seeing your dreams through: DETERMINATION!
Today, I have a more defined purpose of what SLE represents moving forward. I know there will be challenges, they are inevitable and must be overcome to realize the mission of the movement I envisioned for all these years. So get ready for what’s about to come! Allow me to reacquaint you with WSLE Soundscape Radio, SLE’s podcast. It’ll be a year come October 18th since my last one, but we’ll return with a collection of new and old vibes for your listening pleasure.
No matter what, I going to keep my promise of being consistent. Didn't get to mix this out fully the way I normally do, but it still sounds good! Sorry no download link this time, but enjoy it all the same still. Don't forget to like the page on Facebook: Soul Lessons Entertainment and follow me on Twitter @mysoullessons and share the vibe with a friend.
Tracklist
1. Skyzoo – Drew & Derwin
2. Rapper Big Pooh – For Members Only
3. Vel The Wonder – Lizzy Love
4. AlexisDavis – The Lift Off
5. Kris Mars - Night Falls
6. Staycen X Koen - Never Too Late
7. Breezy LoveJoy – Sadie
8. Lucille Ghatti – The Super Villain #2
9. Radio Galaxy – Feel Trip
10. Nicholas Ryan Gant – Liberty
11. Substantial - Neighborhood Watch (feat. Acem of Gods'Illa)
12. TingTryer - .38
13. Funkommunity – The Light
14. BMB aka WayneTweed - Amore
15. Robert Glasper Experiment – Black Radio ft Yasiin Bey (Pete Rock rmx)
16. Missoles - Under the Sun ft. Erik Rico (LAID S.O.U.L. rmx)
17. Gwen Bunn – Epitome
Mr. Wells is back! Yeeeah! Let's pick up where I left off 1yr & 3 months ago with that good music for your mind, body and soul. A call to action has been served, so please respond accordingly. The turning of a new is about to unfold.
Tracklist
Spinnerty – Just Listen ft. John Robinson
Tall Black Guy - Who is He
Teri Tobin – Love Me
LaToiya Williams – This Love is Sweet
Diggs Duke – Patiently We Bloom
Mo Kolours – Temi
Paul White – The Punch Drummer
YG’z – Groove on (Pete Rock rmx)
Zhane – Request Line (rmx ft Queen Latifah)
Commentary/LL Cool J - Pink Cookies… (Easy Moe Bee rmx instrumental)
Sango – Sempre
Rochelle Jordan – Could’ve Been
Ana Tijoux - El Rey Solo (Feat. Curumin)
Proh Mic – Cosmic Beauty
Georgia Ann Muldrow - Kali Yuga
Yesterday’s New Quintet – Little Girl (Dakota’s Song)
Teresa Jenee - Tahitian Vanilla
I-Ced – Soldier Ready To Go Home
Skyzoo – The Ellis Wilson Painting
Here's the video for Mr. J. Medeiros' exceptional song, "Pale Blue Dot." Definitely one of my favorite tracks of 2012 thus far. I encourage you to spread the news about this song and video as this is a "word of mouth campaign." Positive content needs to be supported even more so than the barrage of b.s that remains to prevails via tv and radio.
Last week, K15 shot me the promo to his new Ep, "Theme Music For A Pariah." I would've had this up sooner, but I'd gotten thrown off with my children and several emails that had inundated my box since then. To be fair though, I gave it a good listen several times over the weekend and the project is a beat-head's thrill. From the mellow start of the title track it quickly takes off on some electronic/hip hop move ya body groove and keeps it going 'til the end. Loaded with some haunting and spacey sounds, intricate key workings and of course the drums for that knock, "Them Music For A Pariah" establishes K15's work as a producer to keep your eye on (if you're not already aware.) The digital format will release March 26th via the kind folks over at WotNot music. Until then, you can preview clips of the EP there. Enjoy!
First things first, shouts out to my dude, producer, Kensaye Russell for introducing me to this sensational duo. Indigenous Soundwaves consist of thought provoking emcee, Mohammed Yahya and the angelic soul of singer/songwriter, Sarina Leah. The London based duo joined forces in 2010, melding Hip Hop and African rhythms with the aim of promoting a positive message of Universal Peace, Equality, Social Justice and Environmental Change.
As individuals, I'm familiar with Sarina's voice via her work with producer, Eric Lau and Mohammed's - his Luvolution project as part of Blind Alphabetz. Together the two have assembled an album so soulfully harmonizing - rich in conscious content that perfectly blends Sarina's delightful vocals with a combination of Mohommed's english inflection and his native South East African tongue. "Gallery of Dreams" is my favorite at the moment, but don't sleep on "Senses" produced by Kensayeprovided he introduced me. Albums like this I want to have on disc, so I'm going to hold off on the digital 'til then. Take a listen below and please do support.
Is it the fact that these ladies simply are being who they are instead of being see through why I gets down to their sound? Or is it just that they're dope! Dope they are indeed. Just a couple of months ago, I'd come to know of the Seattle, Wa duo known as THEESatisfaction. Comprised of Stasia Irons and Catherine Harris-White, the two caught my attention one night while listening to the Giles Peterson show. Can't recall the name of the song, but the hypnotic production and echoing harmonies froze me for just a min - long enough to allow their sound to penetrate my eardrums and add them to my list of artist to watch for. Their latest single to drop is "Enchantruss," another captivating experience in sound and lyrics that showcases the eccentric creativity these ladies posses. Dropping March, 27th on Sub Pop Records, their debut, awE naturalE is one you don't want to sleep on.
Respect to The Find Magazine & Mr. J. Medeiros for putting this one out. What an amazing song! "Pale Blue Dot" produced by Stro perfectly blends the soulful harmonies of Giannina Ashe with a tinge of electronic and alternative sounds while still capturing the essence of boom bap hip hop. Lyrically, Mr. J. Medeiros delivers a compelling message, taking aim at the extremists, religious fanatics and the wretched industry ceos who hold positions of power and influence over the minds of the youth. Take a listen, and if you're a vinyl collector, make sure to cop yours here. Enjoy!
Over two years now I've been waiting and just the other day I found the latest installment of the Sexy Beastseries by Djs SD and Jus One.Sexy Beast Vol. 6 is back with the that ill dosage of new and old Nu-Soul, Hip Hop and Soul gems that make for pleasurable listening. This was just what I needed. These guys inspire me! Sorry, they didn't upload the mix for streaming, but ya man Mr. Wells gotcha covered. Respect to Laid Back, SD and Jus One for some great mixes.
New Jersey native, Yung B Da Producer continues to churn out joint after joint all leading up to his debut release, The Last Poet. His latest "BaCk At iT", a self-produced gem places Yung B behind the mic - straight spittin'. He drops a few jewels throughout, but pay close attention to the last few bars where he speaks on 1 of hip hops biggest stars. Some may say it's all talk - even jealousy at the highest, but too much talk has some validity to it and I'm a true believer of that. Continue to speak the truth and bless your listeners sun.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
"Makin' Moves" is the debut and lead single from London based singer, Himal. Just last week I received an email notifying me to Himal, the video above and his forthcoming Ep, Soul Light /Soul Love. The track is produced by Kensaye, who brought us an amazing remix of Amy Winehouse's "Rehab." On "Makin' Moves," Kensaye composes a summery feel type track which compliments the easy going flow of Himal's vocals. As much as I like the track, I thought it was a bit long though and could've ended under four minutes (just my thoughts). Still and all, it's a solid first for Himal so I won't be to hard on him. Check out below another single that I came across from him and keep watch for the Ep in 2012. Get your free download of the single here.
I spoke about Proh Mic in my post connected with the Hawthorne Headhunters, so it's only right I give shine to the man himself as he too has his album out in stores. Rhythm for Days is the official debut by emcee/producer Proh Mic. The West Seattle, Wa native has been putting in work for a few years now, and it's unfortunate that so many, myself included has just come to know of him. Right around late 2010 was when I got introduced to his vibe. Catch A Pisces,Cheesecake and Prohmita are three free albums I got put on to courtesy of BIFTK. Rawsome is another, which I don't have, but right now it's all about Rhythm For Days.
Released on Oct 25th via All Natural Inc, RFD took me on a musical journey back to the 80's while still finding current ground with original production, stellar song composition and a cast of superb indie talent. "Mothership" sets the tone of the album beginning with what sounds like an emergency bell, but is more of an activation sequence preparing listeners for the cosmic journey ahead. The multi-faceted Georgia Ann Muldrow is the first of several guest appearances. She sings a tale of lost knowledge ranging from black love, raising our children and cultivating our foods on "I Remember."Coultrain drops in on the funky club banger "Hit The Floor" The first of Proh Mics 80's renditions is "Don't Stop The Music" and "I Can't Wait" is the second - both easily placed me back in Brooklyn, NY jammin' on the block with my boom-box.
"Sleep In Girl" ft Tone Trezure, I'd have to say is my fave for now. Despite hearing it some time prior to the album's release, something about that deep bass-line groove and Trezure's distinctive voice will have me on repeat a few times. "Easy Luvin'" ft Paolo Jean is another winner with its soulful-samba feel.
Outside of handling the production, Proh also contributes his share of lyrics throughout, but shines so bright on "Optimistic." Really feelin' the positive outlook he has on this track, and to add more to keep one salivating, Proh closes out the track with this is Busta Rhymes sample that's just fire! He told me via twitter, he believes there's an extended version on the physical cd. Well, I'm gonna have to order one in due time.
As this is not a review, but merely a quick glance into a really dope album from a very talented brotha, I say to you, check this album out and support it. I read on one of my acquaintances FB page that it's our responsibility as music seekers and lovers to promote and share the news of really incredible artists when we come to know about them. I'm doing me part, now you do yours. Proh Mic - Rhythm For Days is available now via itunes, amazon, and for the physical which includes a separate instrumentals disc, you can get that here.
Queens-bred femcee Dynastydrops a truly emotional tale about her absentee father and the trickle down affect it has had on her life as a grown woman today. As a father of four and one who only knew his own through pictures, I feel Dynasty's hurt. At 39 years of age, I often reflect on how lessons in my life would've been delt with differently had my father been there. In the end though, the will to "Forgive" allows the freedom to let go of the pain and live for the joy that is there for us all to gain. "Forgive" comes from Dynasty's latest effort, The Love Ep which is available today. With production from Jinx, Tall Black Guy, O.p. Supa and more, this is the next phase to come from an emcee that remains to thrive despite all diversity. Please be sure to support The Love Ep, and thank you Dy for a beautiful song and Darryl Richardson for a well conceived video!
Last night at Crowbar, the 813 came out strong to represent & celebrate for one of their very own favorite & gifted artists - emcee/producer, Jinx. The release of his long awaited sophomore album, New Growth was a moment in hip hop that had to be witnessed. Accompanied by all the good and bad of the culture - squealing mics, smokey air space, b-boys and gay boys who love the music equally, old school funk and soul joints, mad scratching courtesy of a few hometown djs, the tight fit of the crowd and the feeling of being out in the park after dark made the night just right for the occasion. This was Jinx' time to shine as he unveiled the second coming of himself.
Sharing your flaws, achievements, struggles and overall soul isn't always received by the fickle fans of this music, but there's no increase to ones being when you remain in one lane. Sure you can have a couple dope beats, but what's left after that? Simply the beats! But there needs to be some substance as well to balance. Jinx provides that substance with New Growth and it is pure honesty from a humble young man who's very aware and informed of his surroundings.
The 16 track album produced by Jinx with the exception of two, featuring fellow Tampa artists, Dynasty, Mike Mass, Monica Delgado, Ron Marks and others touches heavily on the current state of the music via tv/radio programming (Robots), the beauty and ugly of female relations (Split Personality & Let Me Go) his dance vibe paying homage to the b-boys & b-girls (U) and various aspects of todays society on Reality Check. Jinx spits raw emotion into every track from commencement to close. A true sign of growth from his previous works and just a preview of what's to come from this continually aspiring artist.
I interviewed Jinx back in March where he spoke briefly about the album and his excitement for the world to hear it. After witnessing his performance last night, I can say he accomplished one tier by breaking ground once again at home. Now it's time to spread it out beyond the city. Physical copies are currently only available via mail order and the digital will soon be on his Bandcamp. Contact freeyourrhyme@gmail.com for your copy. Until then vibe to two gems from the album. Support the real!
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