New video from the Kings of Leon – ‘Back Down South’ comes off their most recent long player Come Around Sundown.

‘United Kingdom’ punches hard, and for the first 60 seconds does what it needs to but after that – it just becomes too repetitive. Nothing really builds here. In a rave situation you’d only really need to hear the first 30 seconds.

… On the up side though, that 30 seconds would be enough to bring out the gun-finger salute. Difficult one. Benga is still a beast, regardless.

Shouts to SKoA

Benny Tones, Mara TK and fLako? I mean…

‘On My Way’ in it’s original state comes off Tones’ debut solo album Chrysalis, but this here remix will appear on a forthcoming remix album he’s planning on releasing this August. The first three songs taken off the new project (including this one) will be made available for free. Schweet.

Bump this, I promise it’ll perk up your day.

P.s … And if you haven’t already, you best pick up / listen to Mara TK’s new 2 track EP – it’s a little bit special. Get that here.

Newness from Ayah, it’s been a minute!

Like most of her previous output, ‘When It Comes To You’ is impressive. The 70′s inspired, mid-tempo number is something a little different from what we’ve heard before. It almost reminds me of something Nikka Costa could have dropped – not a bad comparison. I’ve long been a fan Ayah’s voice (and style), I love the clarity it brings and it’s near-90′s tone. Looking forward to that album.

Here is some brand new music from British Isles. UK vibe maker, Joleon Davenue who often taps into electro, soul, house and hip hop, among other boxes, just dropped this track over to me taken from his new mixtape The New Mantra.

Lifting the Machinedrum beat from ‘Let It Go’, Joleon uses the glitchy soundbed to emphasise his gravel toned voice, bounce off the wall melody and tongue in cheek lyrics. I’m feeling this. Listen below and download via the soundcloud.

Here’s a new mix Rob Manga & Full Crate put out a few days ago, specifically for the next edition of their Mirrors party. For those of us unable to attend the real party, get tucked into this here mix featuring some overly sexy jams. Tracklist after the jump…

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Sad news coming out of New York city that the legendary Gil Scott-Heron has passed away, he was 62 years old.

Not much info is available at this time, but we send our thoughts to all his family and friends. He will be missed.

Rest in Power.

A beautifully simple video for Erykah Badu’s ‘Out My Mind Just In Time’, lifted off her most recent album New Amerykah, Part 2: Return of the Ankh. Directed by Badu herself, this interpretative dance-performance piece works perfectly behind what is, one of Erykah Badu’s most accomplished pieces of work.

… Just, beautiful.

We’re big supporters of Tanya Auclair over here – but not even I expected this. Here she uniquely covers Roy Davis Jr’s iconic and much loved ’97 2-step classic ‘Gabriel’. And while on paper, this shouldn’t work, in reality it really does. Both a testament to Auclair’s brave rendition and, moreover, to the fantastic melody of the original.

‘I Want You’ is the latest single taken off Cee-Lo’s album The Lady Killer, here’s the video…

LL Cool J and Busta Rhymes are calling cats out on this ditty to the tune of LL’s 1990 hit ‘Jingling Baby’. These muscular Hip Hop vets still sound better than most. To call this beat minimal would be an understatement though… And yet, strangely enough, there’s still room for synths.

While you give “Killin’ ‘Em” a spin a fun little game could be trying to count how many people LL takes stabs at in his verse with lines like “Wanna impress me? Start manning up/ Say something that sounds like you piss standin up.” To start you off I’ll tell you he he takes a stab a Donald Trump, but I guess we should’ve know that guy would be a rap punchline sooner or later.

New visuals from the one and only Jill Scott, featuring Anthony Hamilton. Still not 100% on board with this track, it’s good – but I don’t think it’s single-worthy. But hey, two great soul singers on one record is never a bad thing. Can’t wait for that new Jilly album!

… This is more like it Bey. Channel your Prince inspirations, this is so Purple. Sheesh. This sounds good, the best thing I’ve heard from 4 yet. Power ballad type ish. Do it.

And despite still not warming to ‘Run the World (Girls)’, Beyonce proved her super stardom (not that she needed to) with her Billboard performance – everyone (including Gaga (as someone known for her performance set ups)) got shamed.

After the jump, you can check Bey performing this very song on American Idol, as well as a video Jay-Z posted up on his blog of his wife rehearsing for the show…

Download: Beyonce – ’1+1′

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The ultra cool electric soul New Zealanders, Electric Wire Hustle are coming to London on Wednesday 22nd June. To perform for all their eclectic blend of music we so love, live and direct at Electrowerkz in Angel

This should be a good night and tickets are priced only at £8.50 in advance. Bargain! To whet your appetite even further watch this and book here.

Finally, not an unreleased demo. This is new, official and swagged out. With fellow Canadian national Drake crooning all over this as well, The Weeknd maintain the standard. As usual Pinboard have got your back and you can hear the other unofficial tracks below.

The Weeknd Demos: