Exciting new music from London. 24 year-old producer/songwriter BUG released his first single today. Might be a bit weird and wonky for some but we're feeling it to the max, and reckon it's a grower too. It's also a free download.
Here's what BUG makes of his sound:
"The BUG sound encompasses the finer elements of hip-hop and neo-soul, yet the real beauty is in the delivery. Think the smooth richness of the Dam-Funk vibe, the solid construction of a Dilla beat, the electronic wizardry of Flying Lotus and the soulful melodies of Lonnie Liston Smith’s jazz." Not far off either; download here: http://www.bugmusic.net/
Nothing like jazzy hip-hop, so be sure to buy Dexter's Hi-Hat Club Vol. 3, in which the relationship is explored using magnificent beats. The 26 year-old Heilbronnian has come up with an excellent arrangement of jazz and hip-hop beats. Number three in the Hi-Hat Club series, out now on limited lp or through usual digital sources.
New single from Aloe Blacc's forthcoming album Good Things, produced by Truth & Soul, and featuring Expressions and El Michels Affair. Album coming later on in the year, this track's just been chosen as the theme to a new HBO TV series, big time for Aloe (vera?).
Promoting her forthcoming (next month hopefully) album, Erykah Badu has released 'Window Seat' for a free download! Drums by ?uestlove, nothing too new but classic Badu.
Today was the day that J Dilla died four years ago. To mark the occasion Mochilla, a production company who the few people who read this blog may remember from a post last month, have released footage from a concert last year aimed at raising money for Dilla's mum. The full video package will be released next month, it should be pretty amazing. Check out Dwele performing the Dilla track A.N.G.E.L. below:
We've mentioned surprisingly little, so far, on poptotheblog of who we and many more consider to be the greatest music producer ever to have lived, James Yancey A.K.A. J Dilla. Words can't really do justice to the love for music that Dilla transmitted and continues to transmit to his fans. He was an inspired genius and his legacy has lived on with unforseen strength since his premature death in February 2006. His life is celebrated by someone listening to his music somewhwere in the world every second. If this sounds like hyperbole to you then you need to go and listen to some of his productions. There really is nothing like it and, as hard as people try, will be nothing like it ever again.
Anyway, February is now known as J Dilla month, as it was on Feb 10 2006 that he passed away, due to complications associated with lupus, a terminal illness that he contracted three or four years earlier. Amid the devastation of his death came touching tributes to Dilla and his music. Radio hosts all over the world dedicated their shows to him and mixtapes came left right and centre. Four years later tributes come and the love resounds.
Below is a show on Reb Bull Music Academy Radio from Dilla's friend Talib Kweli and his musical mentor Pete Rock, with Ma Dukes, Dilla's much celebrated mum.
Towards the end of his career Dilla signed to Stones Throw Records, whose tributes to him have been fitting and a real treat for fans. They rereleased some of his music and, most notably, posthumously produced his album Donuts (which Dilla produced largely from his hospital bed and is incredible). Stones Throw have made three tribute mixes available for free download again - in podcast form, visit Stones Throw to get hold of them.
There's also a killer new T-shirt available:
Finally, a few tracks produced by him:
We hope Dilla brings as much love into your life as he does for us!
An interesting one from Washington hip-hop producer Oddisee (of Diamond District, and who worked with Jazzy Jeff on the 'Magnificent' lp). It's a collection of instrumental tracks composed during several years of traveling the world touring and touristing. The result is a diverse collection of inspired sounds... spanning every continent, including Brixton. Our favourites are Paris, San Fran, Brixton and Houston. Be sure to support him by buying them, he needs more money to travel with. Available now from the usual places.
If you're a fan of cutting edge music and free mixes, you can be very excited about the return of a legendary movement and radio show called BTS Radio. Check out the site post haste: http://www.btsradio.com/. Next week sees Dego (of 4Hero) deliver a fresh mix, which is guaranteed to be real nice. Here's a bit about the show:
BTS Radio was created by Andrew Meza at the University of Cal State Fullerton in 2003. What started out as a local college radio show soon became a worldwide movement and culture unique unto itself. Since BTS’ start, Meza has welcomed guests ranging from all music genres and in the process, spearheaded a new movement of electronic/hip-hop producers.
Meza is known as one of the most influential tastemakers/djs, spotlighting underground talent and championing artist such as Flying Lotus, Hudson Mohawke, Blu, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Georgia Anne Muldrow & J*Davey long before their respected acclaim and record deals. Other guest features on BTS have also included a slew of up and comers, seasoned & the legendary, including acts and members of: 4Hero, The Avalanches, Four Tet, Peanut Butter Wolf, Cinematic Orchestra, DJ Mitsu, Exile, KanKick, Eric Lau, Samiyam, Rustie and Jneiro Jarel among others.
It’s 2010, another wave begins and this is the place to hear it. We're here to bring you some of the most innovative music shows and podcasts on the net.
Legendary American musician and political rap pioneer Gil Scott-Heron releases his first album for thirteen years on Feb 8 (Monday). We haven't heard it all but what has reached us is quite something. Poetry with contemporary beats, feeling and atmosphere pulled together by his classic vocal skills. An interesting story behind it too - he was in prison in 2006, for reasons related to his crack-cocaine addiction, when the boss of XL Records suggested a new album. Dark in more than a couple of places, self reflective and too short, but here it is, quite a comeback if you ask us.
This album's taken a few people by surprise. Released on Feb 1 but nobody seemed to know much about it. From the underrated (in our opinion) US producer RJD2, his fourth main album 'The Colossus'. Released on his own record label. Check out his other albums for top class listening.
As mentioned last month, Jose James dropped his much anticipated second album on Feb 1. It's jazz but with some hip hop beats on a couple of tracks. He's a good guy and personal friend after Glastonbury where we had a good old chin wag about stuff ;-) word up to Jose, Here's his latest video - 'Code' from the new album, track produced by DJ Mitsu.
Erykah Badu's new album is finished and looks like it'll sound good. She gave birth to her third child today (the dad is hip-hop producer Jay Electronica) and the album is due for release in March. Badu says the album explores emotional and spiritual battling.
Tracklisting (tantalising!):
1
20 Feet Tall [produced by Erykah Badu and 9th Wonder]
2
Window Seat [produced by Erykah Badu and James Poyser, featuring ?uestlove]
3
Agitation [produced by Erykah Badu and Shafiq Husayn of SA-RA Creative Partners]
4
Get Money [produced by Erykah Badu]
5
Don't Be Long [produced by Erykah Badu and Taarak]
6
Love [produced by Erykah Badu and J Dilla]
7
Umm Hmm [produced by Erykah Badu and Madlib]
8
Fall in Love [produced by Erykah Badu and Karriem Riggins]
9
Incense (Instrumental) [produced by Erykah Badu and Madlib]
10
Out My Mind Just in Time (Part 1) (Undercover Over-Lover) [produced by Erykah Badu]
11
Out My Mind Just in Time (Part 2) [produced by Erykah Badu and Georgia Anne Muldrow]
12
Jump in the Air [ft. Lil Wayne and Bilal] [produced by Erykah Badu, RC Williams and Jahborn]
London based producer Kieran Hebden a.k.a. Four Tet released his seventh album last week. It's melodic and beautiful and original; generally killer. Opening track from the album below, performed live for radio one. Below that is a mix he did to mark his new residency at London's Plastic People. Angel Echoes (BBC session) by Four Tet Much Love To The Plastic People (DJ mix December 2009) by Four Tet
