Archive for the ‘Now Playing’ Category

Jazz vocalist and songwriter Gregory Porter has been sweeping the world with his second album Be Good.  With a mixture of contemporary and vintage jazz sounds, Porter created a project that many can appreciate.  What I found, though, is a re-mixed version of his hit “1960 What?” from his debut album Water.  Sprinkled with some Cuban flavor, Gerardo Frisina transforms the conscious call of action into an even funkier dance tune.

 

And if you’re interested in the original sound, check out the video below.  Shot in Detroit, it’s a dedication to the uprising of a working, and many times overlooked, class of strivers.

 

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.

“Cooking Up” was the first track I heard from blctxt’s EP A Smart Black Boy | The Sonic Inception back in October 2011, and I’ve been hooked on this track ever since.  Produced by Illastrate, the homie blctxt spits so much fire, it’s impossible not to feel this one.  My favorite line:

“I kicked the bass in the face, slit the wrists of the sample, harmonies are leaking everywhere/that’s just an example of what I’m able to do, when given time in the stu”

Damn.

Stop by http://www.contxtclues.com/ to keep up with all things blctxt.

How can you not rock to a production that includes samples from such a classic as “The Wiz”??  9th got down on this one.  “Flash and Flare” comes from Little Brother’s mixtape The Chittlin Circuit 1.5.  I think I’m gonna have to start a petition to bring Little Brother back?  Will you sign it??

If you need a reminder on Emerald City’s fly opulence and 9th Wonder’s inspiration, check out the clip under Little Brother.  And skip to the 3:15 mark for the ”flash and flare”.