Following the release of his sensational debut solo EP, Mar blesses our ears yet again by covering ‘Just In Time’ by the incomparable and legendary Nina Simone. Accompanied by just his guitar, this tender performance focuses entirely on the graceful tone of his vocal chords. With Mar – it’s always in the subtlety and in the way he structures his melodies.

A beautiful way to pay respect and homage to one of the greatest musicians we’ve ever known.

If you haven’t yet heard/downloaded Mar’s Seeing Her Naked EP – do so now.

In support of his second release EP2: Banana Wine, Mo Kolours has released a video mash-up of his new single ‘Banana Wine’. Mo’s tropical blend of Dub, Soul, Folk and Electronica is enough to lift you out of the foggiest of Monday moods…

After listening to this, who doesn’t want a sip of Banana Wine? Download EP2: Banana Wine for free here.

Last week what felt like every website/blog was carrying stories and rumours that Dr. Dre would be taking the 2Pac hologram he debuted at Coachella on tour. Now, a video has surfaced of the good Doc speaking to camera just before his festival performance thanking fans and the companies involved for making his idea come to life. Most interestingly though – in anticipation of the rumours that would ensue, Dre says “this was strictly for Coachella. This was not done for a tour” but then confuses the situation by saying “if a tour happens… We’ll see. But this was done strictly for Coachella”.

I guess “we’ll see”…

Taken off their new EP You Know You Like It (out now), ‘Just a Touch’ is a colourful slice R&B-Pop which showcases the Alunageorge ideology superbly. Touches of nostalgia coated in synthy new wave – top notch production and vocal from this very cool, very exciting duo. Listen/download below…

You may find you fall a little silent on first play of newcomer Sean Blackthorne’s ‘[One] Night’. Lead by a piano that sounds like it’s 400 years and by vocals that sound like they were recorded in bathroom – it brims with thick atmosphere. Emotion oozes from every direction, not least of all from Sean’s raw performance in which he determinedly reaches for the highest parts of his falsetto. Aided by broody Barbershop BV’s and later joined by a subdued beat and James Blake recalling organ chords – the piece emotively expresses heartbreak and lost love in an intrinsically contemporary way.

Add Blackthorne to the ever growing, seemingly endless list of artists coming out of Toronto right now.

Listen & download ($1) below…

(via IndieR&B)

After announcing her new EP 1991 would be delayed, a ‘new-old’ Azealia Banks track charmingly titled ‘Hood Bitch’ has surfaced…

Although not her strongest effort (sidenote: it’s still unclear whether this is a demo, a throwaway or otherwise), the song does offer just enough Banks’isms to warrant exploration. It’s sampled Electronic-Pop backdrop gives Harlem’s newest export the right amount of room to exploit her witty wordplay – which stands as the songs strongest feature.

… In related news, Azealia just confirmed that she’s currently in the studio with Missy Elliott working on a collaborative record – should be interesting.

(via 2dbz)

A very sweet and tender visual interpretation of Emeli Sande’s new single ‘My Kind of Love’, taken off her stunning debut album Our Version of Events…