New Music: Benny Tones - 'Nevermind' feat. Mara TK

More new music coming out of the Electric Wire Hustle camp today. This time, it's Benny Tones, the man responsible for making EWH sound so fresh and so clean as their studio and live engineer.

But that's not the only string to Benny's bow; he's a pretty damn good producer, too.

Benny has been quietly working away on a solo album, Chrysalis, for a wee while now, and has just liberated the first single - 'Nevermind' featuring EWH singer Mara TK - from the vaults.

If you're familiar with the EWH sound, you'll have a rough idea of what to expect with 'Nevermind' - namely, future soul music of the highest order.

Benny has stitched up a track that is positively drowning in ambiance, with off-kilter beats and atmospheric synths creating a lush sound bed for Mara to do his thing on. That sounded a little bit sexual, didn't it? Ah well... sex sells.

Chrysalis will be released by Wonderful Noise in Japan and Every Waking Hour in New Zealand on 25 May. Until then, you can listen to 'Nevermind' here.

Video: Erykah Badu - Window Seat

Here's an interesting one. With Erykah Badu's new album New Amerykah Part Two: Return Of The Ankh dropping in the next day or so, a new video for the sublime first single 'Window Seat' has been doing the rounds since yesterday.

Don't expect a big budget, stylistically slick affair here though. Instead, Ms. Badu has taken a more natural approach. Or is that au naturale? Quite possibly, because she's decided to do a one-take video where she walks the streets of Dallas, stripping off her outer garments layer upon layer upon layer, until she ends up totally starkers in front of a bunch of innocent bystanders.

Cynics might argue that this must be staged, but I'd argue that it's the real deal, taking guerrilla video making to the extreme. Either way, this one will no doubt divide opinion amongst fans. Is it art? Or is it designed solely with shock in mind? For my money, it works on both levels, but I'm not mad at it at all. And that has nothing to do with the nakedness. Seriously. Why does no one believe me when I say this?

You can check it out by following the instructions on ErykahBadu.com.

Truth & Soul go two for one with Michael Leonhart and The Olympians

Here I was just the other day, thinking that it's been a hot minute since the Truth & Soul gang have sent through some new freshness.

Then, low and behold, what should appear in the electronic mail today? Not one, but two little nuggets from our friends out in deepest, darkest Brooklyn. Boom! (bet ya didn't see that coming...)

The first cut on offer today is from Michael Leonhart And The Avarmina 7, who serve up some sub-continental, instrumental badness on a cut known as 'Jaipur'.

Leonhart - who is the T&S house trumpet player by day and has also won a Grammy or two for his work with Steely Dan (true story) - is about to release the wonderfully titled Seahorse And The Storyteller LP on T&S very soon, so feast on a free taster of 'Jaipur' before the main course drops.

You can download 'Jaipur' by Michael Leonheart And The Avarmina 7 here.

Part two of the T&S mini-series comes courtesy of The Olympians, who are apparently "the newest band to come out of the burgeoning Brooklyn soul scene." Led by keyboard player Toby Pazner, the Olympians second single, 'Midnight Movement', is described by T&S as "a perfect mix of deep soul and European library music."

Recorded in Pazner's bedroom studio, 'Midnight Mover' is a wonderful mix of swirling strings and tasty keys, topped off with some fluttering flute work. T&S say Panzer makes "masterfully orchestrated, instrumental gems." Nail on the head, right there.

You can download 'Midnight Mover' by The Olympians here.

Both singles are dropping on 7" vinyl. You can pick them up online via the Truth & Soul website, or at any half-decent record store, online or physical.

New Music: Freddie Gibbs - 'The Ghetto'

Late last year, respected journalist Sasha Frere-Jones penned an article for the New Yorker on that most well-worn of subjects - the death of hip hop. While offering an interesting take on the subject, Frere-Jones wasn't all doom and gloom, pointing to an up and coming rapper by the name of Freddie Gibbs as one to watch.

According to Frere-Jones, the Gary, Indiana M.C. was "the one rapper I would put money on right now." No pressure then, Freddie.

Now, I've made my feelings on hip hop 'saviours' quite clear in the past; maybe that explains why I haven't checked out any of Gibbs' music up to this point. But after seeing a track posted up yesterday on The Smoking Section, I decided to give Freddie a chance.

On closer inspection, it seems that Mr Gibbs is a bit of a mix tape veteran. After being briefly signed and then dropped by Interscope a few years back, he's gone on to release a couple of well-received projects, The Miseducation of Freddie Gibbs and Midwestgangstaboxframecadillacmuzik. He's got another one in the works, too - Str8 Killa No Filla. And that's where today's new tune comes in.

The cut in question is called 'The Ghetto', and will feature on Gibbs' new mix tape. It's not exactly a new song, though. Freddie's got a bit of a taste for old school joints, you see. So don't be surprised when you hear him going in over the beat from an old Milkbone song (1995's 'Keep It Real').

Random beat choice for a young go-getter, no? Well, not really. As Freddie told XXL Magazine recently, “I’m always gonna come on some classic shit, ‘cause that’s the shit that I grew up on and that’s the shit that keep me going as an MC. I can dive back into some Geto Boys, some ’Face or something like that, and really be motivated…I ain’t been motivated by a lot of [new] rap for the last five years.”

Now you're speaking my language, Freddie... old and grumpy. Seriously though, it's hard to judge an MC off one track. But on first impressions, Gibbs sounds like he's got all the tools to make a real go of it: Good flow, good lyrics, good voice. I'll be watching with interest to see what he comes up with next.

You can download 'The Ghetto' by Freddie Gibbs here.

Check out an interview with Freddie conducted by XXL to get more of a feel for what he's all about:

New Music: Eternia & MoSS - 'It's Funny' feat. Joell Ortiz

I've had a crap day. Mind-numbingly crap. Stab your self in the hand with a pen to pass the time crap. The only things for days like these? A bit of boom-bap-inspired, speaker-shaking, take-no-prisoners hip hop.

As luck would have it, I've received some new heat from Eternia and MoSS that meets this description. Just in time to stave off any more self harm. Lucky, that.

If you're not familiar with Eternia (that's her on the left), here's the rundown: Canadian M.C.; currently working with DJ Premier's production buddy/partner MoSS (a fellow Candadian - that's him on the right); spits hot fire (not of the Dylan/Making The Band variety, mind you).

E's latest track - entitled 'It's Funny' - sees her teaming up with Slaughterhouse dude and all-round NYC rhyme beast Joell Ortiz, with the two trading punchlines over MoSS' menacing track (which features a few of Primo's trademark flourishes, namely a hard-as-nails beat and a sliced and diced scratch chorus).

'It's Funny' will feature on Eternia and MoSS' upcoming LP, At Last!, which is entirely produced by MoSS and features appearances from Mr Ortiz (obviously), Termanology, Reef The Lost Cauze, Tona, Maestro Fresh Wes, Rage, Rah Digga and Jean Grae.

You can listen to and/or download 'It's Funny' by Eternia & MoSS featuring Joell Ortiz here.

New Music: Marky - 'Rasta Monsta' (Aloe Blacc 'I Need A Dollar' Cover)

Aloe Blacc's 'I Need A Dollar' is enjoying a nice little buzz as of late. Being the theme song to an HBO show ('How To Make It In America') doesn't hurt the cause. And neither does that fact that it's dope.

With that in mind, it was always rather likely that someone would grab it and give it a little hip hop twist sooner or later. Enter Marky, who has jacked Aloe's tune and laid some new lyrics over the top to create a song that will from here on out be known as 'Rasta Monsta'.

Speaking on the track, Marky says: "I'm a huge fan of the 'Entourage' Series Show on HBO just like the rest of the world. I caught on to the show around the 3rd Season and then went back and started at Season 1 to catch myself up.

"Now comes this new show 'How To Make It In America' that I think has the same feel but it's a little, or MUCH rather, more gritty and 'about the grind-ish'. It's already six Episodes in and for some reason I can't stop singing the got damn theme song by Aloe Blacc titled 'I Need A Dollar'. I figured, 'hey, why not throw my 1, 2 on it!'"

'Rasta Monsta' is the second song off the first of three EPs Marky has in the works (following the Kanye West-produced 'Victory Lap'). The first EP, Journey to Markyland, USA: Rest Stop 1 which is presented by 2DopeBoyz x OnSmash, will be released April 5th.

You can download 'Rasta Monsta' by Marky here.

New Music: Erykah Badu - Turn Me Away (Get Munny)

Another day, another leak from the new Erykah Badu album, New Amerykah Part Two: Return Of The Ankh.

What's the chance of us making it to the release date of 30 March without the whole album being splashed across the internet? Pretty damn slim. Ah well... in the words of Dennis 'Cutty' Wise, "the game done changed".

The latest cut to surface from Return Of The Ankh is a joint by the name of 'Turn Me Away (Get Munny)', which will be instantly familiar to many a listener thanks to the sizable sample from Sylvia Striplin's 'Can't Turn Me Away' (as used by Junior Mafia on 'Get Money').

'Turn Me Away' (which seems to have been renamed from plain old 'Get Money' sometime in the last week) is undoubtedly solid. That said, there's definitely a handful of tracks on Return Of The Ankh that will overshadow this once it drops. Or is leaked. The way things are going, option two is seeming more likely.

You can listen to 'Turn Me Away (Get Munny) below. And remember to show your support when the album drops. So ends my sermon.

Jay-Z's on top of the town in NY-Z

It's been a good few months since Jay-Z released The Blueprint 3, but that hasn't stopped Jigga-Man teaming up with Absolut Vodka to release a quality mini-documentary entitled NY-Z.

After watching the first few minutes of this 15-odd minute film, it will become clear as to why this might have been delayed a little - namely, because some real time has been put into production.

Director Danny Clinch has created a beautifully shot clip that offers the viewer a fly on the wall perspective as Jigga plays the media game in the lead up to BP 3 dropping, through to the album release show at Madison Square Garden.

And while die-hard Hova fans might note that NY-Z doesn't cover any new ground, the ground it does cover looks better than ever before.

While Jigga is the star of the show. NY-Z also features a few interviews with others in the know, including some geezer from MSG (in what is the only moment which smells a little like "a message from our sponsor and/or their mates"), and a brief stint with guitar guy John Mayer (which probably took place before he went into hiding after comparing his dick to a white supremacist... smooth, John).

You can watch NY-Z below:

New Music: Drake - 'Over' (Nick Catchdubs x Proper Villains Drakeover Mix)

Drake seems to be pretty damn good at splitting opinion in hip hop circles.

There are those who have fallen hook, line and sinker for the Canadian MC slash singer's catchy, melodic tunes. But on the other side of the fence is a sizable congregation of non-believers, who heap scorn upon any one offering even faint praise for Drizzle (sorry, I couldn't resist).

Me? Rather than choosing a side in the great divide, I'll firmly sit upon the fence pending further investigation. I liked parts of his So Far Gone mix tape, but I'm not blown away by 'Over', the first single off his upcoming debut album (I can't remember what it's called - Google it).

That said, I'm not ashamed to admit that I've had the crazily catchy Nick Catchdubs x Proper Villains remix of 'Over' (dubbed 'Drakeover') on repeat for the last half hour.

While Drake's original employs a rather slow roll, Mr Catchdubs takes 'Over' by the scruff of the neck and throws it into fast forward, chopping up some of the original vocals and shoving them on a club-friendly, 130 bpm beat especially for his recent set at SXSW.

To be honest, I haven't been to a club that plays this sort of stuff in a while, but I'm grumpy and old, so that figures. Catchdubs is down with the kids though, so we can trust that what he refers to as "some uptempo DJ shit" will definitely have you pulling some shapes (I told you I was old... the youth just don't 'Vogue' like they used to in my day).

You can download the Nick Catchdubs x Proper Villains remix of 'Over' by Drake here.

Mix Tape: Asher Roth - Seared Foie Gras With Quince And Cranberry

Asher Roth is back in action with a new mix tape, serving up a gastronomical listening experience with the mouth wateringly-titled Seared Foie Gras With Quince And Cranberry.

Foie Gras sees Ash going in over a mix of mainly pre-loved beats - with a few newbies thrown in for good measure (I think?) - from the likes of Kanye West, Just Blaze, J-Dilla, Pharrell Willaims, Madlb, Jake-One and Will-i-am.

Each cut is then lovingly zigga-zigged from hear to tomorrow by DJ Wreckineyze, who creates a fast moving mix that's worth a bit of a listen.

Stand outs include B.o.B's stellar 'Fuck The Money' (with Asher playing the role of guest over a Kanye beat) and Rik Smits, which sees Asher playing homage to the ground-dwelling Dutch basketball master - perhaps the whitest man to play in the NBA this side of Larry Bird - over a Just Blaze track.

You can download Seared Foie Gras With Quince And Cranberry by Asher Roth and DJ Wreckineyze here.

New Music: The Black Keys - 'Tighten Up'

Black Keys boys Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney are back to the grind stone, following up their well-received rap/rock project Blakroc (released earlier this year - check it out, if you haven't already done so) with some new BK material.

The bluesy Ohio rock duo (who are personal favourites of mine) recently posted a new track, 'Tighten Up', on their Myspace page. So of course it was only a matter of minutes before some enterprising soul ripped the hell out of it and sent it swirling around the internet.

'Tighten Up' is the first song to surface from the new Black Keys album Brothers, and is produced by Danger Mouse, who manned the boards for the last Keys album, Attack & Release.

DM adds his distintice stamp to the cut, which sounds bright and breezy in comparison to the majority of other Black Keys material I've laid ears on, what with the whistling intro and jaunty guitars (jaunty... I sound like a grand father). But things get a little tougher for the last minute or so, as the beat settles into a more straight-forward groove.

Those who love the new twist that DM has brought to the Keys' music recently might be disappointed to hear that 'Tighten Up' is the only track which the multi-talented producer has a hand in on Brothers; But if you are disappointed, you should snap out of it - because I bet Brothers will be the shit, regardless.

You can listen to 'Tighten Up' by The Black Keys here. Brothers is set to be released on May 18th 2010.

New Music: Marky - 'Victory Lap'

Today's new musical offering comes courtesy of a gentleman by the name of Marky, who has reached into his magic bag of tricks to pull out a vintage beat that may (or may not) have been churned out by Kanye West back when he was rapping through the wire.

Let's let Marky - a Washington D.C. MC who's linked with SRC/Universal - tell the story. "I had this track for a (minute) now," he says. "It's said to be an original Kanye West produced track from the 'Through The Wire' days, even though I don't know for sure.

"I received it from a mutual connect to him because I was going to possibly be doing work with them (not Kanye). Anyway - dude gave me an entire CD full of all original Kanye beats. This was in 2004, I think."

So, Marky's been sitting on this beat for the best part of six years, then. But he's decided to finally let the cat out of the bag by penning some lyrics for a tune by the name of 'Victory Lap'.

The song - which Marky says "is about me winning my race before it starts" - is based on a brass-heavy, molasses-slow beat which fits well with our man's laid back delivery. And it's pretty damn good. That's all I've got to say about that.

You can download 'Victory Lap' by Marky here.

'Victory Lap' is the first leak of Marky's new EP Journey to Markyland, USA: Rest Stop 1 which is presented by 2DopeBoyz. Marky will be releasing three EPs this month before putting out a mix tape by the name of 43 Miles to Markyland, USA later this year.

Awaiting The Return Of The Ankh - Erykah Badu In Session

It was a pretty easy choice, really: spend the afternoon at work; or duck out for a few hours and listen to Erykah Badu's new album New Amerykah Part 2: Return Of The Ankh.

I'd happily choose the second option regardless of who else was attending the Badu listening session.

But having Erykah there to play the album back and offer up some pearls of wisdom on its creation? Game over.

I was amongst a relatively select bunch of people lucky enough to descend on The Hospital club in Covent Garden yesterday to listen to Return Of The Ankh.

The session was hosted by Ms. Badu, who arrived at the venue late but apologetic, rocking a mighty fine top hat and ready to share her handy work with the people.

After a brief introduction from Erykah (during which she referred to the Part 1 of New Amerykah as being "left-brained" or "logical" and the latest instalment being "right-brained, or emotional") the lights were dimmed and the listening commenced.

Clocking in at 12-odd tracks, Return Of The Ankh features production from many of the same producers used in Part 1, including James Poyser, 9th Wonder, J-Dilla, Madlib, Georgia Anne Muldrow and Shafiq Husayn of SA-RA fame.

Early reports indicated a return to the Baduizm sound on which Erykah built her name.

But the lady of the hour was quick to clarify that any similarity between her first album and her latest one are restricted solely to the feeling she had making them both, rather than how they sound.

So, how does the whole thing sound? Pretty damn ill, actually. On first impressions, there's no dead wood, and early stand outs are numerous.

Take 'Umm Hmm', which sees Madlib lace Erykah with a stellar beat, based on a loping funk break and punctuated by plucked strings and warm bass.

Then there's 'Love', where J-Dilla crafts yet another stunning musical back drop from beyond the grave, providing Erykah with the proper platform to do what she does best - sing her heart out.

Elsewhere, there's a few cuts there that will ring bells for hip hoppers. Sylvia Striplin's 'Can't Turn Me Away' forms the basis of 'Get Money', utilising the same break as the one Biggie and Junior Mafia pillaged in the mid-90's for their recession-be-damned hit of the same name.

Likewise, 'Fall In Love' borrows heavily from Eddie Kendricks' 'Intimate Friends' (as used by Rhymefest and Common, as well as Alicia Keys).

For my money, it's the tracks mentioned above that provide the backbone for what sounds to be another jaw-dropping effort from Ms. Badu.

Top that off with the two (or three?) part album closer 'Out My Mind Just In Time' (which changes up in a manner rather reminiscent of another Badu stunner by the name of 'Green Eyes') and you've got a winner in my book.

Okay, so one listen definitely isn't enough to form a firm picture; but I'm pretty sure this will be there or there abouts when (if) I draw up my 'best of' 2010 list. Check the track listing (updated as of yesterday afternoon) along with some production details below:

New Amerykah Part 2: Return Of The Ankh

1. 20 Feet Tall (produced by Erykah Badu & 9th Wonder)
2. Window Seat (Erykah Badu & James Poyser)
3. Agitation (Erykah Badu & Shafiq Husayn of SA-Ra Creative Partners)
4. Get Money (Erykah Badu & Karieem Riggins)
5. Don't Be Long (Erykah Badu & Taarak)
6. Umm Hmm (Erykah Badu & Madlib)
7. Love (Erykah Badu & J-Dilla)
8. Lovin' Me (Unknown)
9. Fall In Love (Erykah Badu & Karieem Riggins)
10. Strawberry Insense [Instrumental] (Erykah Badu & Madlib)
11. Out My Mind Just In Time (Part 1) [Undercover Over-Lover] (Erykah Badu)
12. Out My Mind Just In Time (Part 2) (Erykah Badu & Georgia Anne Muldrow)

*Bonus Web-Only Track: Jump In The Air [feat. Lil' Wayne & Bilal] (Erykah Badu, RC Williams & Jahborn

New Amerykah Part 2: Return Of The Ankh is out at the end of March. To check out a video (of sorts) for first single (I think?) 'Window Seat', or listen to album track 'Strawberry Insence' produced by Madlib, head over to Erykah Badu.com.

Mix Tape: Ty and DJ Bounce - Something Big Vol. 1

As posted a few weeks back, UK hip hopper Ty is releasing a new album, Special Kind Of Fool, in April. With first single 'Emotions' dropping on iTunes yesterday, Ty was in a mood to share the love - so this is where Something Big Vol. 1 comes in.

Something Big is a free mix tape put together by DJ Bounce which features a selection of Ty's best work, including solo material from his previous albums - such as classics like 'Break The Lock' and 'Groovement' - and some quality remixes from the likes of Dwele and Wajeed.

There's also a bunch of cuts with Ty on guest duties which you might not have had the chance to get your hands on; my picks are 'Keep On' by Bone Idols and 'Pick It Up' by Nathan Haines (with Kiwi production wizard Submariner on the remix). And for those of you who are too cheap to shell out 79p for 'Emotions', that's on here too... actually, scratch that. Give credit where it's due and go pick it up here.

You can download Something Big Volume 1 by Ty and DJ Bounce here, and check the tracklisting below:

01 Skit – Intro
02 Break The Lock – TY
03 Dont Watch That – TY
04 Worldwide – Funky DL (ft TY) Hot Mix
05 Down For The Count – Reflection Eternal (ft TY & Blak Twang) UK version
06 Skit (Ghetto Yout)
07 Hey There – 2000 Black aka Dego & Kaidi Tatham (ft TY)
08 Skit (Space Monkey)
09 Phantom Of The Opera – TY (ft Anthony Mills)
10 Me – TY (ft Erik Rico)
11 Pick It Up – Nathan Haines (ft TY) Submariner remix
12 Dont Push Me – Tettory Bad (ft TY)
13 Groovement – TY
14 Emotions – TY (ft Sarina Leah & Shaun Escoffery) Album version
15 Heart Full Of You – Robert Mitchell (ft TY & Deborah Jordan)
16 Keep On – Bone Idols (ft TY & Aphletik)
17 Woman To Man – Tony Allen (ft TY)
18 Can’t Help Myself – The Bamboo’s (ft TY)
19 Legacy – Zion I (ft TY & Jennifer Johns)
20 When Robots Go To War – TY (ft Motet) Daz I Kue remix
21 Wait A Minute – TY (Dwele remix)
22 Emotions – TY (Waajeed remix)
23 Style & Pattern – John Arnold (ft TY)
24 The Way We Like It – Natalie Williams (ft TY & Eska)
25 The Idea – TY (ft De La Soul’s Pos & Dave)
26 Outro

New Music: Meth, Rae & Ghost - 'Miranda'

A Wu-Tang triple-threat is fast approaching, with Method Man, Raewkon and Ghostface nearing release day for their joint album, Wu-Massacre (which you can read more about here). Now, the trio have officially dropped the first record off the project, entitled 'Miranda'.

The good money on 'Miranda's subject matter was being wagered on Meth bringing some grimy, street stuff to the table, or Rae offering up a sprinkling of coke raps. But it seems that Ghost's penchant for sexy time rapping has won through, with the tune focusing on the ups and downs of a member of the fairer sex.

Backed by a loping piano and chopped up soul sample (which may or may not have been spliced together by regular Wu-DJ, Mathematics), 'Miranda' is the tale of a rather promiscuous young lady (or ladies?) as seen through the eyes of Meth, Rae and Ghost. While all three put in a solid performance lyrically speaking, it's Meth that takes the cake as far as I'm concerned. But I'll leave it to you to decipher what's going on in the song, though. I might blush, otherwise.

You can listen to 'Miranda' by Meth, Rae and Ghost below, or download from iTunes.

New Music: Damian Marley & Nas - 'As We Enter'

Let's have a show of hands from everyone who's excited about the Damian Marley and Nas joint album. Hmmm... that might not work, on second thoughts.

If you look at the 'blogosphere' (a term the UK media have taken to heart recently, and one which I will try to avoid using at all costs from this point on) however, it seems that there are more than a few folks who are chomping at the bit for D. Marl and Nasir's impending LP, Distant Relatives, to drop.

Leaks from Distant Relatives have been springing up all over the show for the last few months, and the album's still a month away. But while the song I'm posting today isn't the newest of these leaks, I'm fairly confident it's the best.

It's a sign of the times that I had to think twice about whether or not to call 'As We Enter' new music. It has been online for a month or so now, after all; that almost makes it a fossil if you follow the rules of many music blogs. But Grumpy Old Men With Beards don't like rules that don't suit them, so I'm going to post the damn thing any way. Okay? Okay.

Those with an ear for the music of Mulatu Astatke will probably have no trouble recognising where 'As We Enter' borrows it's musical flavour from, with the Ethiopian jazz man's classic cut 'Yegelle Tezeta' forming the backbone of the track.

Messrs Marley and Jones both sound energised on this cut, too, as they take turns blasting out some heavy rhymes. If they can keep this up, Distant Relatives is gonna be big, big, big.

New Music: Madlib - The Frontline/African Voodoo Queen

The ever-prolific Madlib has set a heavy work schedule for himself in 2010.

Alongside a bunch of releases under the litany of aliases he rocks, there's also the Madlib Medecine Show series, which will see the multi-faceted producer release an album a month throughout the year. How's that for putting the 'one album every three years' gang to shame?

The third and latest installment in the Medicine Show series for 2010 is entitled Beat Konducta in Africa, and sees Madlib (along with some assistance from Mr Beat Junkie, J.Rocc) embracing an instrumental hip-hop vide with an unmistakable African twist.

According to Madlib's label Stone's Throw, Beat Konducta in Africa - which is being released officially on 23 March, but is available now to pre-order on the ST website - is based on "the obscure vinyl gems from the afro-beat, funk, psych-rock, garage-rock & soul movements of African countries as diverse as Zambia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Botswana and Ivory Coast."

If you'd like to try before you buy, Stone's Throw have offered up a couple of the multitude of tracks which Madlib created for the album. Follow the links to download 'The Frontline (Liberation)' and 'African Voodoo Queen (Drama)'.

Beat Konducta in Africa is available in a range of formats including digital, double LP, CD, and a triple LP deluxe edition (with individually silk screened and numbered covers by Hit+Run in variations of black, gold, and red, limited to 1250 units).

Mix Tape: Consequence - Movies On Demand

Former Tribe Called Quest affiliate and G.O.O.D. Music guy Consequence has been touting his latest project, Movies On Demand, for a wee while now, with many a blog running a stream of leaked cuts over the last month or so.

I, however, have resisted the urge until today, being the day that Movies On Demand gets it's official release. Okay, so I haven't had to fight too hard to resist this urge; I haven't listened to any of the cuts until today, after all. But don't take my tardiness as being a reflection of Movies On Demand's quality - because it's a pretty damn solid release, especially seeing as it's free.

Cons has drafted in a ton of talent to help deliver his musical vision on Movies On Demand, with everyone from his cousin Q-Tip and G.O.O.D. boss Kanye West through to hard rocks like Rick Ross and Maino adding their own flourishes to the mix. Throw in appearances by Pharoahe Monch, Asher Roth, The LOX and John Legend amongst others, and you've got a good listen on your hands.

Highlights? For me, cuts like the Statik Selecktah-produced 'Sounds G.O.O.D. To Me', the Rick Ross-assisted 'The More I Get', and a nice remix of Q-Tip's 'We Fight/We Love' which also features Kanyeezy are worth the couple of clicks and the few minutes it will take to download Movies On Demand. Which makes me feel even lazier for not listening to any of these tracks sooner.

You can download Movies On Demand by Consequence here.

New Music: Freddie Cruger feat. Hashim Mills - 'Lick A Shot!'

Swedish bad man Freddie Cruger has been putting the finishing touches on a shiny new tune of the hip hop/reggae persuasion. And guess what? It's heavy! Now, after a bit of fine tuning over the last 24 by Mr Cruger, the tune - named 'Lick A Shot!' - is ready and rearing to be listened to.

'Lick A Shot!' is based on a rather obese reggae riddim - complete with obligatory dubbed-out effects, as you'd expect - and features a handful of verses from a gentleman by the name of Hashim Mills (pictured, right), whom die-hard hip hoppers might remember as a part of former Rawkus Records duo Rise & Shine (I didn't... Freddie told me).

So, how did Hashim - who rests his head in Brownsville, Brooklyn - find himself in Stockholm? Freddie says: "Hashim is a multi-talented artist that paints, (and) is a photographer; he's in Stockholm for a photo exhibition together with legendary street photographer Jamel Shabazz. We have a mutual friend... so now we have been having late-night sessions and knocked out about seven songs in three days."

Hashim - who's laid-back flow matches 'Lick A Shot!'s beat pretty damn well, thanks for asking - was obviosly feeling Freddie's handywork too, Tweeting that this "is what happens, when I hear a track for the first time and the microphone is on".

You can listen to 'Lick A Shot!' by Freddie Cruger and Hashim Mills below:

Lick a shot feat. Hashim Mills new mix by Freddie Cruger

Watch this space for more from Freddie and Hashim in the near future...

New Music: Mulatu Astatke - 'Green Africa'

When asked to list off the hot spots in the world of jazz, Ethiopia might not be at the top of the list for the casual music fan. But don't let this jazz shit fool you - Ethio-jazz is well strong.

Leading the charge is local legend Mulatu Astatke, widely regarded as the father of the Ethiopian jazz movement. Mulatu - who has enjoyed a career that has spanned the best part of five decades - is still going strong. In fact, he's even got a new album, Mulatu Steps Ahead, due out at the end of the month (I am writing about Ethiopian jazz for a reason, aside from it being fresh).

Mulatu Steps Ahead, which sees Mulatu continuing his partnership with the Strut/K7 Records family, sees our man working with musicians from Ethiopia (naturally), The States, and the U.K. to explore "reflective jazz, epic cinematic sound scapes and original fusions as the Ethiopian modes receive a 2010 makeover " (according to the press blurb, anywho).

The first track to surface, entitled 'Green Africa', sounds right nice, too. And Strut are giving it away... go on, you've got nothing to lose. You can listen to and/or download 'Green Africa' by Mulatu Astatke below. For more info on Mulatu Steps Ahead, click here.

Video: Don't test Kid Capri - one for the disgruntled DJs out there

Putting up with weird/average/annoying/crappy requests is part and parcel of being a DJ.

But as any DJ will tell you, occasionally being told what to do just all gets a bit too much - DJs have feelings too, after all. Kid Capri is a good example.

The legendary party rocker reached the end of his tether with one particular punter recently.

But instead of dismissing the requestor with the flick of a hand, or smiling politely and grumbling about them when they left the booth, our man KC decided to play the name and shame game.

Watch below as one club-goer gets a little more than they bargained for after asking the Kiiiiiid to play some reggae. Imagine what would have happened if she'd asked for Britney?

New Video: Big Boi feat. George Clinton & Too Short - 'Fo Yo Sorrows'

How long have we been waiting for Big Boi's solo album, now? More to the point, do people care anymore? If you don't then shame on you. How can you not be excited about an album called Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty?

For those who are still interested, I have good news. There's been a little movement on the Sir Lucious front today, with BB releasing a new video for a track called 'Fo Yo Sorrows', featuring George Clinton and Too Short.

Let's read that back: Big Boi; George Clinton; Too Short. If that's not the most well-matched line up that you'll find on a song this year, then I'll change my name to Chico Dusty*.

'Fo Yo Sorrows' is a smokers anthem, with Big, Short and the Atomic Dog trading tokes over a syncopated, scizophrenic beat which channels Outkast at their best. Watch for the tasty tempo changes too, which range from head nod-inducing to convulsion causing as the pace goes up and down like a yo-yo. Noice.

You can watch 'Fo Yo Sorrows' below:

*This promise is made with tongue firmly in cheek.

Video: Mark Ronson drops in on the Red Bull Music Academy

Super producer, semi-reformed hip hopper and DJ to the stars-type guy Mark Ronson paid a visit to the Red Bull Music Academy (held in London this year, in case you've been hiding under a rock) last week to spread a little knowledge on the methods to his madness.

Ronson, who cut his production teeth by turning out some pretty decent hip hop cuts while signed to Elektra Records, took the opportunity to shoot the breeze with the encyclopedic Jeff 'Chairman' Mao (who, as it transpires, was once Ronson's boss during his Ego Trip magazine days, and called his bluff by asking him to review avaerage Sadat X albums to test his mettle).

In this one hour-plus interview, Ronson covers everything from working with working with the likes of Winehouse and Wale, DJing (including a slightly whimsical spiel on the good old days of digging for records), making solo albums, and production.

He also waxes lyrical on frequent collaborators The Dap Kings (good shout), and recounts some classic New York club stories (including dropping 'I Love Rock & Roll' at a Jay-Z release party, much to the joy of Lil' Kim and Method Man). He doesn't, however, discuss whether or not Linsey Lohan got an invite to the Ronson family Christmas shindig. I, for one, am surprised.

As is common place with these RBMA interviews, Mr. Ronson also plays some of his work to set the scene for the discussion. And that's when it all drops into place; say what you will about Wino, but after listening to Back To Black, there's no denying that when it comes to producing, Mark Ronson is damn good at what he does.

You can check out the full video interview below:


Lecture: Mark Ronson (London 2010) from Red Bull Music Academy on Vimeo.

New Music: Aloe Blacc - 'I Need A Dollar'

Do-it-all man Aloe Blacc is currently prepping for the release of his second album on Stone's Throw, Good Things, which is set to drop some time later this year.

If you're not inclined to wait that long however, you can get a little taste of what the multi-talented singer/rapper/producer is working on by copping the dynamite first single 'I Need A Dollar'.

Aloe has been busy working on Good Things with Leon 'El' Michels and Jeff Silverman from the Truth & Soul camp over the last year, and the T&S signature sound can definitely be heard all over 'I Need A Dollar'.

The cut is underpinned by an up-beat piano riff and some trademark T&S bouncy brass stabs, which add up to create a mighty infectious backing track. Aloe does a stand up job of channeling Bill Withers on the vocal front too, laying down a top-notch, soulful performance.

On a side note, if 'I Need A Dollar' sounds familiar to you, it might have something to do with it being the theme song to the HBO series How To Make It In America. Nice little promo spot, that.

You can download 'I Need A Dollar' by Aloe Blacc here, courtesy of Stone's Throw. If you like what you hear, you can get the full, higher bit rate single package on iTunes, while a 12-inch vinyl for 'I Need A Dollar' will be in stores April 2010.

New Music: Electric Wire Hustle - 'Waters'

More wonderful noise from my Kiwi compatriots Electric Wire Hustle, who are preparing to release a new vinyl EP through their Japanese label... Wonderful Noise. Aw, yeah... my pun game is tight... slightly cheesy, but nonetheless tight.

If you're not familiar with the EWH boys, you can school yourself a little here. Quick rundown? Sure... three piece crew from Wellington, New Zealand; electronic future hip soul specialists (a new genre is born); deep beats; amazing vocalist (Mara TK - remember the name).

Electric Wire Hustle's self-titled debut was one of my records of 2009, earning praise from those in the know (Benji B and Gilles Peterson for example). Wonderful Noise have already released one EWH 12", and are about to follow it up with another vinyl release.

The four-track package, which is scheduled to drop in April, includes LP tracks 'Chaser', 'This World' featuring Georgia Anne Muldrow, 'Jupiter' featuring Declaime (a.k.a. Dr Shurman), and the album-opening 'Water', which you can check below. Watch for the soulful, wonky change-up around the 4:30 mark. Seriously funky:

Electric Wire Hustle - Waters (WN12010) by wonderfulnoise

Mix Tape: DJ Neil Armstrong - DNA Of The Blueprint

Neil Armstrong is one of the slickest DJs in the world. Plain and simple. Armstrong does it all, whether it's rocking parties, backing up Jay-Z as his tour DJ of choice, or splicing together epic mix tapes.

Now, for the low, low price of one Tweet, you can take home your own little piece of Neil and his boss, in the form of the DNA Of The Blueprint mix tape.

DNA Of The Blueprint sees Armstrong pull together the best of Jay-Z, and a few of the samples which have formed the backbone of his musical output. Add in some interview footage, and you've got one slick package of quality Jigga.

Let's hear what Neil Armstrong has to say about the mix, eh? Okay... "This project is my personal way of putting a distinctive bookmark in this chapter in my life, and a way to pass a sincere thank you to Jay-Z, Mr. Sean Carter, for all of the memories, the opportunity to rock on stage as an artist with him around the world, and for the kindness to me as a person. You know I had to do it in my language; a thank you in music."

Gosh. Doesn't he sound nice? Man love and back slapping hugs (no lower half body contact, of course) all over the show.

You can download DNA Of The Blueprint here, and check the tracklisting below:

Intro - The MC and the DJ
1 DOA
2 No ID Speaksâ
3 Props to BIG Brother Jay-z - Kanye West
4 Hola Hovito
5 BluePrint 1 Return to the soul samples
6 The Rulers Back
7 Izzo
8 Heart of the City
9 Never Change
10 Young Forever
11 Empire State of Mind
12 What Where I'm From
13 Already Home
14 Reminder
15 People talking
16 Hate
17 Takeover/Run This Town
18 Renegade
19 Real As it Gets
20 All I Need
21 03 Bonnie And Clyde
22 Excuse Me Miss
23 So Ambitious
24 The Bounce
25 Excuse Me Miss Remix
26 Jigga that N*
27 Stop
28 What They Gonna Do Part 2
29 Ain't No N*
30 Venus Vs Mars
31 Girls girls girls remix
32 On to the Next One
33 What We Talkin about
34 Every Day A Star is Born
35 Thank You

New Music: Izzi Dunn - The Bigger Picture EP

Back in 2004, UK cellist and singer Izzi Dunn made a bit of a splash as one of a slewgang of talented artists making big noise out in good old West London.

A well-received LP, The Big Picture and super single ('Betcha') earnt Izzi some critical acclaim, but she seemed to mysteriously disappear from view not long after this early solo success.

Thankfully, Izzi didn't disappear for good. Turns out that she has been on "an inspiring hiatus where she toured extensively with some of the world's most notable artists" according to her website, including working with Damon Albarn's The Good, The Bad And The Queen and Mark Ronson.

Now, Izzi is back doing the damn (solo) thing, with a new album, Cries And Smiles, in the works. In order to announce this triumphant return, she's now giving away a free four track collection, entitled The Bigger Picture EP.

According to Izzi, The Bigger Picture EP contains two tracks from The Big Picture (including 'Betcha' and 'Big Picture') and a couple of tracks from the new record (first single 'Tits And Ass' and the sublime acoustic number 'Oblivious') and is yours to download for free. The catch? You have to add your name to her mailing list. Not too much to ask, really.

You can download Izzi Dunn's The Bigger Picture EP here.

While we're on the subject, check out the video to 'Tits And Ass' below:



Finally, on a side note, Izzi was actually one of my earliest interviews during my freelancing days. You can check it out in all it's superlative-laden glory (if you dare) here.

New Music: Kidz In The Hall ft. The Kid Daytona - 'Out To Lunch'

Kidz In The Hall (a.k.a Naledge and Double-O) come correct with a new track by the name of 'Out To Lunch', a boom-bap and bass-heavy cut featuring The Kid Daytona.

Centred around a mighty crunchy drum break and some fuzzy bass (and not much else, really), this Double-O produced cut is the essence of head nod-inducing simplicity, with Naledge and The Kid trading rhymes at ten paces as they try to out-do each other.

'Out To Lunch' (which you can listen to and/or download below) features on the new Kidz In The Hall Album, Land of Make Believe, which is in stores March 9th courtesy of Duck Down Records.

"Out To Lunch" ft. The Kid Daytona by duckdown

Mix: Christopher Tubbs takes Heads Down to the BBC

Disco guru Christopher Tubbs (of Heads Down blog and Atlantic Conveyor fame) took his one-man musical extravaganza to the BBC on Saturday, manning the controls for taste maker radio station 6 Music's highly regarded '6 Mix' slot.

The result is 'Heads Down Radio', two hours of disco to dub via post punk and future funk... a little bit of everything, in other words - as long as it's classy. Expect to hear music by anyone from the Isley Brothers and Donny Hathaway to Masters At Work and Metro Area, as well as some tasty business from Tubbs' own Untracked Recordings label.

This one's stream-only for a limited time unfortunately (until 12:02 on Sunday morning, UK time if we're being precise), so make sure you get your iPlayer on and check it out.

You can listen to Heads Down Radio with Christopher Tubbs here. and check out the track listing below.

The Isley Brothers — Get Into Something
The Undisputed Truth — Big Jon's My Name
World Premiere — Share The Night
The Off-Key Hat — Super Sound Single
Masters at Work — MAW Expensive
The Ballistic Brothers — Blacker
Index — Starlight
Metro Area — Caught Up
Donny Hathaway — The Ghetto
DJ Harvey — Locus Solus
Stars And Bars — Stars And Bars
Bilgeri — Video Life
Untitled — Tubbs In The Mix
Laughing Light of Plenty — The Rose
Skatt Bros. — Walk The Light
Azari 3 — Hungry For The Power
Clay — Unknown Love
Arta Mmumbe — Cassus Belli (Brontosaurus mix)
Hunee — Took My Love
Red Rackem — In Love Again
Goody Goody — It Looks Like Love
Jon Cutler — It's Yours
Ned Doheny — Give It Up For Love

Mix Tape: Jillionaire - Culture Bash Mix Tape Volume 1

Wednesday is hump day. Not that kind of hump... no, the middle of the week hump... half way through... ya feel me?

I, for one, was feeling the need for a bit of a push in order to make it over said hump this morning, but ya know what? Today, 95 bpms just wasn't going to cut it

This is where today's mix tape, Culture Bash Mix Tape Volume 1, comes in. Culture Bash is the brainchild of a gentleman by the name of Jillionaire, who has strung together a sun-drenched, storming mix of soca, UK funky and the like to help you pull through your week.

Jillionaire says of the mix: "I decided to put together a little post-carnival mash up of soca, UK funky and bhangra. This one is just for the gringos, the kids back home would never listen to this shit. So tune in and download, I got that sunshine for your ears."

Big tune after big tune here, including Zinc's monstrous 'Wile Out' featuring Ms. Dynamite. I can hear the sunshine... bring on the summer.

You can download Jillionaire's Culture Bash Mix Tape Volume 1 here, or listen to a stream here thanks to Mad Decent.

Track listing below:

Whoi Gal Whoi - Machel Montano ft Busy Signal
United Groove (John Roman 'London Jump Up' Edit) - L-Vis 1990
Come Dig It - Machel Montano
Jump Up (LAZA beam Remix) - Major Lazer
Heater (Sultanes del Sonido Original Rework) - Samim
Dis Gyal (Nah Go Play) - Swappi
Wile Out - Zinc ft Ms Dynamite
It Takes 2 To Lotay La - Sonny Mann ft Denise Belfont & General Grant
Aur Chale Knight Rider - Destra Garcia & Dil E Nadan
Da Chutney Style Deh (Carnage Refix) - Busy Signal
Hold The Line (Edu K Remix) - Major Lazer
Alright (Ramajay) Mr. 305 Remix - Machel Montano ft Pitbull
Thiefin - Machel Montano
D Fan - Kerwin Dubois ft Slammer Cutter
Pavement - Farmer Nappy ft Kerwin Dubois
Show Me Love (Geeneus Remix) - Steve Angello & Laidback Luke ft Robin S.
Throwback - Dubbel Dutch
Party Hard - Donaeo ft Problem Child
Sacrifice Riddim - Mumdance ft Badness
Immigrant Visa (Gutter Riddim) - Poirier ft MC Zulu
Weed (Gutter Riddim) - Vybz Kartel
Mad Carnival (Gutter Riddim) - Bunji Garlin
Ah Something (Gutter Riddim) - Fay-Ann Lyons
True Lies - Fay-Ann Lyons
Turn It Up (Brass Fest Riddim) - Patrice Roberts
Spread Out (Brass Fest Riddim) - Lil' Rick
Doan Hold We Back (Brass Fest Riddim) - Machel Montano
Huntin - Blaxx
Police - Shall Marshall & Screws
Palance - J.W. & Blaze

Video: Mayer Hawthorne - 'I Wish It Would Rain'

We all have days where it feels like a little rain cloud is following us and us alone - Mayer Hawthorne included.

The Stones Throw crooner has taken this concept and run with it in his new video for 'I Wish It Would Rain' of his lovely debut LP from last year, A Strange Arrangement.

The clip sees Mayer going about his business on an other wise sunny L.A. day. Unfortunately for our man, he's getting a little soaked, and can't even find a bit of shelter under a magazine stand. Hell, he can't even escape the deluge in his lounge. Tough break.

You can watch the video for 'I Wish It Would Rain' below:

Stussy saves the best for last with part 3 of Dilla documentary

Okay, so I'm well aware that in blog geek land, five days is an eternity. But for the sake of completion, posting up the third and final installment of Stussy's excellent J-Dilla documentary - albeit a little late - seems like the right thing to do.

Part three, which is entitled 'Donuts', covers the creation of Dilla's last album of the same name, which he completed just before his death, and also delves into some of the more obscure samples that he used in his later work (Stereolab, anyone?).

For those of you who have missed the first two parts of the documentary, you can read my ramblings about them here and here (because you'd much rather do that then watch the clips, right? No? Okay, well in that case I'll post up all three clips below).

Part 1:



Part 2:



Part 3:

New Music: Reflection Eternal - 'In This World'

Let's kick off the week in the manner in which we intend to go on - and that, my friends, is strongly. How about a new single from Reflection Eternal, a.k.a. Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek (but you already knew that)... does that fit the bill? Of course it does.

The joint on offer for your listening pleasure today is a slow burner named 'In This World', which you will have got a taste of if you procured the Reflection Eternal Re:Union mix tape late last year (and still available here).

'In This World' a bit of a grower; based on a solid, if not initially spectacular Hi-Tek beat, the track starts to make it's mark after a few listens, with the grumbling, bassy keys and sliced and diced chorus courtesy of Jay-Z hitting the mark.

Speaking of the chorus, I must admit I'm a little surprised it's taken Kweli this long to make use of his verbal pat on the back - you know the one, "if skills sold/truth be told/I'd probably be/lyrically, Talib Kweli" - from hip hop's captain of enterprise. Better late than never, but.

Kweli displays the skills referenced by Jigga by putting in a solid performance on 'In This World', lyrically speaking (you probably already knew that, too), sounding comfortable with the slow flow required to match the beat.

Okay, so I'll admit that 'In This World' doesn't necessarily scream out "pick me as the first single for your new album". But it certainly puts me in the mood to pick up the new Reflection Eternal album, Revolutions Per Minute (I'm old fashioned... I still buy CDs) when it drops next month. And that, folks, is what it's all about.

You can listen to 'In This World' below:

Reflection Eternal - "In This World" by Warner Bros. Urban

Red Bull Music Academy: Jay Electronica in the hot seat

Man of the moment Jay Electronica breezed through London a few weeks back to perform a couple of shows at the Jazz Cafe (more about that here).

While he was in town, Jay took the opportunity to swing by the Red Bull Music Academy, which is currently in session in LDN, and chop it up with Chairman Mao.

During the 80-odd minute interview, Jay touches on a range of topics, including his current success with 'Exhibit A (Transformations)' and 'Exhibit C', his hometown of New Orleans, and being homeless.

Jay also talks about people jumping on the J-Dilla bandwagon after his death (saying "there's nothing wrong with band wagons. We live on earth... we're all band wagon on something"), how he came up with his name (he's a fan of electricity), and the mystique surrounding him as a result of his exhalted status in the hip hop world.

You can check out the whole interview below:


Lecture: Jay Electronica (London 2010) from Red Bull Music Academy on Vimeo.