BBC Sound of 2012 winner Michael Kiwanuka performs a cover of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love’ at the legendary Maida Vale studios. Undeniably a brave choice, Kiwanuka plays a masterful tribute to the 1969 classic and through his band (sitar included) briefly ignites the hippy senses of the flower power generation.

Having released his Home Again EP earlier this week, Michael is currently working on his debut album due out later this year.

Ahead of the release of their official video for ‘Take Me There’, our friends 14th recorded a beautiful, stripped back rendition of their new single for Beaknik Online. Producer Tom Barber replaces the originals 90s-rave salute with a compelling piano nocturne, giving room for Tracey’s voice to illuminate through. A stunning performance by both and a true representation of how far these two have come. Everyday is the 14th in 2012.

Despite widespread acclimatisation to melodic drawl cadences in Rap, a bit of classic Eastcoast steez, real intensive and punchy is worked a treat by New York emcee T-Shirt.

Up top, a devious bonus cut produced by Ryan Rasheed, that sees lewd Akinyele’esque vibes brought back with the same kind of wit in full effect over a sinister, lo-fi churner. It’s a teaser for the brand new album, THE FUCK dropping Tues 17th Jan. We’re keeping a straight face throughout all of this.

Disclaimer: Contains strong images. Probably shouldn’t watch this around family or supervisors. FYI.

In Red Bull’s latest episode of ‘Rescued from the Fire’, Erykah Badu explains why Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon would be the album she’d save if her apartment was burning down. She discusses the significance the 1973 classic has had on her career and how it taught her, among other things, how to carry an entire album with one clear and cohesive message.

Always a pleasure listening to Erykah talk, this short clip is no exception.

Newcomer Charles Hammond Jr. seeps his way into our consciousness with this all-too-brief video trailer for his upcoming debut EP Hello, My Name Is… His cushioned voice against those immaculately layered harmonies breeze effortlessly over the warm chords that underpin them – all this in an attempt to tease us into wanting more. Job well done.

Hopefully the rest of the EP carries the same promise – no word on a release date as yet, but we’ll let you know as and when.

Was sure the next step for this group would be “interesting” and it is.

Here we have brand new visuals from the hip hop collective by way of Chicago and London, 2Morrow’s Victory. The new single Lift Off, a smooth, subtle number which allows Chicago native Greg B to really take the shine and get his lyrical teeth into the track. Dramatic rolling crashes and simple synths keep the track focused and stays with you, alongside the uncomplicated chorus.

The track has also been receiving alot of love (and spins) from BBC Radio 1′s Gilles Peterson who included the group in his Big for 2012 special. Also catch the group perform at the Worldwide Award Warm Up Party, Friday 20th.

Food EP is out now on iTunes

Here goes some new visuals from Mary J. Blige for her latest single ‘Mr. Wrong’ featuring Drake. While the track (and subsequent video) fails to capture the very best of Blige, it is one of the better songs off her newly released album My Life II: The Journey Continues (Act 1).

Despite it’s name and marketing campaign message, this album in my opinion is not a fitting tribute or counterpart to Mary’s ’94 classic My Life. It is instead a watered down urban-Pop LP aimed at coercing the nostalgic loyalists’ to boost sales. It’s a sad method that ultimately disrespects the legacy of one of the best R&B albums of the past 20 years.