2 hours of Erykah Badu talking indepth about monumental years of her life and the creation, realisation and release of each of her albums. She also discusses her creative life with producers like Dilla, Madlid and Q-Tip – sharing personal anecdotes along the way. She speaks about what motivates her, what pushes her to evolve and offers advice to women in the industry who want to have a family. And although she denies any ‘drama’ with her long-time label Universal Records/Motown – she speaks candidly about the situation that arose after she released the video for ‘Window Seat’, as well as the uncertain ground the relationship sits on presently (which could ultimately affect the way her new album, produced by Flying Lotus, will be released).
This is a mesmerizing watch. It is 2 hours, but take your time with it, let it soak in.
Not the best quality but goooood enough for me! The Mighty Mos Def performs at the legendary SOB’s and came correct with some new material over ‘World Premier’, an unheard Dilla track, ‘Sunshine Screwface’ and track #34 aka The Pain from Oh No’s Dr. No’s Ethiopium album. He mentions a new album titled ‘Applied Science’ and later says there isn’t infect a new album…?! Either way…black Dante still got it. Let’s hope there is a new longplayer on the way. Shout to the good people over at BLS for this one
‘Toast for the Dead’ comes off Immortal Techniques upcoming (free) project entitled The Martyr. The new ‘album’ will feature appearances from Brother Ali, Joell Ortiz, Styles P and more. Can’t go wrong with Dilla. Or Techniques introspect for that matter.
Taken from the 2006 album Donuts, this absolute jam was picked as the winner of the Stones Throw video contest where filmakers/fans/music junkies and Stones Throw lovers were asked to submit a video for their favourite Stones Throw joint. I think it’s apt that a Dilla track had the triumphant video. Shouts to Tuomas Vauhkonen and Jeremias Nieminen for the winning piece. It is worth checking out the top 15 entries as picked by Peanut Butter Wolf, you can do so over here
Here’s a trailer for an upcoming documentary based on the life, influence and legacy of Nujabes – the Japanese Hip Hop producer who tragically died last year in a car accident. Often referred to as the “Japanese J. Dilla”, Nujabes was considered by many as a pioneer – known for his experimental sounds he continually pushed the boundaries – often incorporating sounds of his native with Jazz samples.
While no official release date is available for the documentary at the moment it’s really great to know that someone has made this – Nujabes’ remains a rather mystical / underground figure – his music is something we should continue to celebrate and spread.
This is a video submitted by Tuomas Vauhkonen and Jeremias Nieminen for Stones Throw’s J.Dilla video contest which launched back in April and ends on July 1st. The track is taken off Dilla’s Donuts album, have a look…
It’s been four years since Washington DC native Alison Carney released anything new, today marks the release of her new mixtape (or free LP – she doesn’t mind what you call it) alisonWonderland.
Featuring “borrowed” productions from Diplo, J.Dilla, Benzi and Flying Lotus (to name a few) as well as some original compositions the 12 tracks within are all embedded with Alison’s very clear, very clean, very cool vocals. I really enjoy her free-spirit inflections, in some ways she reminds me a little of Terri Walker and in others of Muhsinah (I hate making comparisons, but it’s true) but she remains very much her own character throughout. Listen download via the bandcamp player below…
I was introduced to Vlooper by my co-pilot last year when he dropped AnaloGLovE, a free album he created with singer Modlee. He followed this up with a release last month called Copycat: A Dilla Tribute and now he’s back with a new jam titled ‘Gun Gus Gus (Dimanche Soare)’.
… You feel that bounce? Those drums are insane. Correction: this whole track is insane! Vlooper is actually on some next sh*t and Modlee’s voice is mad sexy – even here where she’s riding some robotic tone. Big!
We all had love for Vlooper when he dropped his debut LP at the end of last year. Everything, just seemed so…well…right at the time.
Anticipating another sonic collection of sub genre beats, Vlooper has taken us en route another path, instead opting to hold a candle to the late great Dilla. I know, I know, another Dilla tribute, but don’t be so quick to write this one off.
It is good. Refreshing. With Dilla influences, fresh contemporary artwork that I’m digging and such modesty, (“THIS IS MY HUMBLE DILLA TRIBUTE, no way near it but hey”) You feel compelled to give this guy a chance. And why not hey?
Listen, download for free or make a small contribution if you’re feeling this one.
Earlier this year Plug Research hosted an ‘open-call’ for remix submissions of Bilal’s ‘Robots’, a track taken off his critically acclaimed, Grammy nominated album Airight’s Revenge. Producers from all around the world got to work, attempting to create the perfect reworking. The winning 7 compositions were then made into a special ‘Robots’ remix EP – which was released digitally today.
The guys behind the Tensai remix just sent me their version, I can definitely see why theirs was chosen – this is superb. It does it’s own thing, while staying true to Bilal’s original composition. I love that it gives the track something new, the synthesised production works brilliantly here. Listen below.
The second is by Remy LBO and features Blu (unofficially) – this one is completely different from the former. This version adopts a more Dilla-esque steeze. It bumps beautifully and features some gorgeously sustained chords – this, I think is very special. A complete reworking which works perfectly. It reminds me of something Bilal would have produced on his first two albums. Listen below.
My ears are very happy right now. Make sure you get that remix EP and check out the other interpretations by Zack Sekoff, Chuck Treece Featuring Hezekiah & Ishe, Strangeloop and Hazeem, Stevo & Merse. Buy it via iTunes.
