My view at the EWF show in Atlanta
There are few bands funkier than the incomparable Earth, Wind & Fire. I actually had the privilege of witnessing this great band on Wednesday. Dopest, livest show I’ve ever seen. So in honor of the groove they’ve been putting in us all for over 40 years, this Funk It Out Friday post is for the Elements. Special shout out to Mr. Verdine White killin’ that bass! Woooo!
I’ve been very intrigued by Mos Def’s name change to his Muslim and legal name Yasiin Bey. Mostly, my intrigue comes from what impetus encouraged Bey to drop the pseudonym and share his chosen name with the world. In this article from Scott Korb, the journalist delves quite deep into Yasiin Bey’s history of hip hop and Islam. I’m not sure if there are those that believe that the MC is some fly-by-night Muslim, but that’s quite the contrary. According to Korb, Bey is one of the most recognizable Muslims in pop culture since boxing great Muhammad Ali. For anyone that has followed Ali’s career and conversion to Islam, it’s a very telling comparison. Ali was a staunch Muslim, displaying this in instances such as his refusal to join the Armed Forces. The artist formerly known as Mos Def has taken such sociopolitical stands through his music, integrating his beliefs with his passion. Although lengthy, the article is a great read and shines some light on the struggle between one’s perceived self and one’s true self.
Every once in a while, I’ll be struck by a particular sound, a sound that moves my spirit as well as my body. This is exactly what Atlanta-based band Jack Preston & The Dojo have done with their debut LP In The Land Of Wanderers. Sonically enticing, Wanderers feels like a journey into a space of light and everlasting funk. And the instrumentation is just sick! Vocals, keys, guitars, horns, percussion, and strings, every sound is heartfelt, emitting the energy of an eclectic collective. On the track “Find A Way,” the vocalists combine their voices into almost a choral presentation, evoking the spirit of gospel and soul, backed by the fused instrumentation of rock and funk.
The Dojo describes Wanderers as “a melange of sound and genre coming together to dance upon the ear, stimulate the mind, and comfort the soul.” Agreed. The album is worthy of at least one, thorough listen. But please believe, once you’ve experienced the sound, one time won’t nearly be enough.
Check out the album and info on The Dojo’s album release celebration under the cut.
Big Boi stopped by to bless DJ Greg Street with the fresh out the box exclusive of the latest track from his upcoming project Vicious Lies & Dangerous Rumors. Produced by Organized Noise Big K.R.I.T., he and UGK (yes, the late Pimp C is on this thang) turn this into a true country rap tune. The South is outchea! General Patton’s new album is scheduled for November 13th. FYI, this is a radio rip, but as soon as the dirty version is available, it’ll be here.
UPDATE: Big Boi released the CDQ version. Here it go.
Shame on me, but I just unearthed the gem that is New Zealand’s Kimbra. I’ve seen her name floating around the innanets but never took the time to hit the play button on her. Her voice is…wow. It’s futile to try to place her in a certain genre box because she encompasses many sounds: soul, jazz, blues, funk, electro, pop. The track below showcases her range nicely.
It’s #TweetTuesdays! Over the last few weeks, Tuesdays have been a soulful pleasure, thanks to the anticipated return of the Southern Hummingbird Tweet. Her latest release is “Face To Face,” a love confessional of sorts. Upbeat and lively, it’s everything you feel when you realize love is apparent and unescapable and Tweet captures the emotion beautifully. Enjoy!
’90s back! Senor Kaos has revamped Common’s Resurrection track “Communism,” keeping with the rugged, snatch-ya-shit approach. Produced by DJ Exit, “Communism 2012″ will be featured on Kaos’ new EP, aptly named Mama Said The Sun Rises in The Resurrection, dropping July 3rd.
Dwele drops a new video to his single “What Profit.” The song is definitely groovable; the video…not so much. It’s pretty literal and to the point, which, I guess, isn’t a bad thing. We all know the story well. When a woman’s fed up, so on and so forth. But hey, at least the song rocks and is saying something worthwhile: Materials are fleeting; hold on to love. Word.
The good folks over at BamaLoveSoul got the drop on a hot, new summertime EP produced by Swedish production team Sum Comfort Food. Heavy on the horns, the 7-track EP possesses a chill, laid back vibe with some nostalgic ’90s sampling throughout. Appearances by hip hop artists like Nelson Waters and B.Eure give the EP a nice balance. Check out a couple of the tracks and the link to download under the cut.
You may or may not be familiar with the name Karriem Riggins, but it’s absolutely likely that you’ve bobbed your head to his productions. With an impressive roster of collaborations under his belt, Riggins and Stones Throw Records has compiled a nice podcast of some of the hip-hop producers most noted projects. From Talib Kweli, Slum Village, J Dilla, Erykah Badu, The Roots and many more, there will be tracks that make you stop and think, “Damn, Karriem Riggins produced that??!”
Check out Stones Throw Records for more info on the talented jazz drummer/producer.
Listen here: Karriem Riggins Produced That
