Hip-Hop News

Here come The James Hunter Six! Serving yet another delicious dish of what you wish with the premier single off their upcoming LP, Whatever It Takes (DAP-051).

And I'll be a monkey's uncle if James hasn't delivered two of his most compelling sides to date on this one. I Don't Wanna Be With- out You' is a graduate level course in the Three R's of R&B: Rhythm, Rhyme, and Romance.

A sultry rumba sets the mood, as Hunter swaggers in - donning his finest voice like a crisp tuxedo, complete with ruffled vibrato and rhyming cuff-links - and proceeds to lay on an absolute heart-stealin', deal-sealin', panty-peelin' gem.

On the flip, I Got Eyes' loosens the collar and brings the metro- nome mark up a few clicks for a punchy tightened-up workout, edged-up with vibes and street corner backgrounds.

Bring your talcum powder and a change of clothes cause it's another jaw-droppin' showstop- per by that finger-poppin' pond-hopper, James Hunter

Issued under licence to Passion Music Ltd. from various parties. See packaging for further details.

A uniquely themed set capturing the essence and atmosphere of the East Coast's premier Soul Club
Includes the first ever vinyl reissue of the great Dooley Silverspoon Game Players' transferred from original master tape
An important collection from the club that blended the old with the new

As 1975 dawned Northern Soul was in its heyday and Lancashire was at its epicentre, home to super clubs Wigan Casino and the West Coast Blackpool Mecca.  However, over on the East Coast a rival scene had been slowly molding, shaped by Mary Chapman and her Lincolnshire Soul Club. On a cold winter's night (11pm
February 7th, 1975) the doors opened to the pavilion at the end of Cleethorpes Pier for the inaugural Talk Of The North' all-nighter. As the North Sea battered the iron piles the huge wooden dancefloor swayed to the beat of a new Northern Soul rhythm crafted by the country's finest DJ's.
From the start Cleethorpes was a great successes and, for a short time, it challenged the mighty Casino and put the East Coast firmly on the soul map. For a fleeting 13 months the Pier DJ's established themselves, and the venue, at the forefront of the Northern Soul scene creating a unique playlist of treasured oldies' and newly discovered rarities. Captured here is the essence of the Pier's music policy that blended the old with the new and sounds as fresh today as it did over forty years ago.

More instro dance insanity with a dance themed vocal on the flip.

Massive club floorfiller

Black Friday LP now available as catalogue. When it comes to living legends in the Texas and Latin Music pantheon, few have been at it longer and are more revered by their fans and peers than vocalist, songwriter and bandleader Sunny Ozuna. Born and raised in San Antonio, where he still resides, Sunny became a star right out of high school in the late '50s and hasn't looked back in the six decades since. After releasing dozens of albums since the mid-1960s (in Spanish and English), Sunny still keeps a busy schedule and loves performing as much as he did as a teenager. His classic 45s regularly change hands for hundreds of dollars among collectors around the world, affirming his timeless appeal. As a logical next step after Big Crown's excellent (and Sunny-approved) Mr. Brown Eyed Soul compilation from September, the label has started digging into the vaults of Sunny's Key-Loc Records label to unearth some legit soul classics - which are hard to find even in San Antonio, and clean originals will cost you a pretty penny if you ever luck into one - and have not been on vinyl since the late '60s. Each has been remastered and includes original album art. First up is Smile Now, Cry Later, a 12-song platter which first hit in 1966. As with most Sunny LPs, this is a mix of soulful originals - most notably, Smile Now, Cry Later' and Put Me In Jail' - and provocative, wide-ranging covers. Cases in point on the tributes side of this great album include the Sam & Dave shouter Hold On I'm Comin'', Forever,' made famous by both the Marvelettes and Marvin Gaye, and a song that Sunny performs to this day, and the '60s Louis Prima crooner special Just A Gigolo.' The band is tight, the sound is honest, the vocals are dusky and deep, and the album is an undeniable soul and Texas music classic, ready to be discovered by a whole new generation of music fans. Dive in and be ready for a permasmile, thanks to that patented Sunny sound.

JAMES HUNTER had already established himself as a permanent fixture in the world of Rhythm and Soul with his five previous albums, each more poignant and well-executed than the last. However, Whatever It Takes has buried them all. His voice has never been more compelling, his songs never more elegantly crafted. Recorded to tape at Daptone's Penrose Studios in Riverside, California, Bosco Mann's production elevates Hunter's arrangements to the altitude they deserve.

The needle drops on "I Don't Wanna Be Without You." Saxophones grabbing your collar, pulling you close. Moving you over the undulating curves of a rhumba. The coquettish bubbling of the organ. James words curl casually into your ear, When we met, I was pretty well set in my ways... There is an effortless intimacy here. The casual confidence of a song-smith who has honed his craft beyond reproach. Not just the lyrics, but the melodies, the harmonies, the rhythms, phrasing, all locking into perfect synchronicity. A unified devotion serving only their master's voice. And his voice. Almost violently tender, plucking lyrics off a seemingly endless vine and feeding them to you with the eager patience of a lover.

There is a common theme here. It's not a record about infidelity, shallow seductions, fleeting backdoor trysts, or any of the other common clicheìs of R&B. These are poetic testaments to truer love. Loyalty, devotion, humility, and the inevitable regret of those who take love for granted. Clearly inspired by his new bride, Hunter is singing about the preciousness of a love he plans to keep, Whatever It Takes.

James Hunter has certainly paid his dues. Over the span of 30 years, he's worked on the railway, busked in the streets of London, provided backup vocals and guitar for Van Morrison, played clubs and theatres all over the world, written scores of original songs, and recorded some of the most original and honest rhythm & soul albums of the last two decades.

More fire from Aaron Broomfield's archive, here we have two sought after sides. 'I'm gonna miss ya' was transferred from tapes by Aaron himself and is a brilliant boogie joint that's highly coveted on many scenes for good reason. On the flip we have got the super rare and relatively unknown 'Does Anybody Really Know', one for the heads, no master exists for this but Jeremy Underground kindly lent me his minty copy to master from, Jeremy is a man who possess extremely good taste in Modern Soul and Disco and who we will be working with more in the future...

"I Can't Love You Anymore" is the first single by hard working soul performer Carlton Jumel Smith recorded with Cold Diamond & Mink, and the man has revealed his middle name just for the occasion. Otherwise known simply as Carlton J. Smith, there's no doubt he has swallowed a large pill of soul since seeing James Brown live at the Apollo Theatre as an 8-year old.

Smith's Timmion debut single sinks him into drum heavy southern flavored deep soul, a style that comes out of him naturally as water from a mountain spring. Backing him up on the falsetto parts is Pratt, who recently turned some heads with his Pratt & Moody release "Lost Lost Lost" on Stylart Records, and together the two basically NAIL IT.

When looking for artists, who just seem to move through time effortlessly with a steady air of confidence, passion and precision, one might pick up the phone and give CJS a call. Even though his discography of couple of late 2000's albums and some guest spots in early 90's soulful house 12"s is a bit mysterious, there seems to be not one bit of difficulty to his craft or personality. As a recording artist, "I Can't Love You Anymore" is a new opening into raw soul territory, and it is just what the world needs today. He laid down an album worth of tracks on his last Helsinki visit, and this might be something to look forward to.

With her single « Vampire », illustrated by a music video full of summer vibes and blood, and which gives its name to her EP, Mai Lan ranks among the artists not to be missed this year. Comfortable with both French and English language, the daughter of the protest artist Kiki Picasso, has launched her musical career with the soundtrack of the movie Sheitan', in 2006. She now delivers a punchy electronic album, with a playful and phantasmagorical universe. After accompanying the band M83 on a world tour, with who she collaborated on the album Junk', the singer has taken the road solo for a series of concerts.

Originally released on coloured vinyl in October 2013, these three P!NK cataloge albums are being reissued as standard black double LP formats with download code inserts. "Missundaztood" is a 15 track album originally released in 2001. "Can't Take Me Home" is a 15 track album originally released in 2000. "Try This" is a 15 track album originally released in 2003. Marketing activity.

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
- INCLUDES 4 PAGE BOOKLET
- PVC PROTECTIVE SLEEVE
- SCORE BY GRAMMY AWARD WINNER JAMES
NEWTON HOWARD
- 2017 MOVIE DIRECTED BY DAN GILROY
(NIGHTCRAWLER) FEATURING DENZEL WASHINGTON
- FIRST PRESSING OF 500 NUMBERED COPIES ON
PURPLE & GOLD SWIRLED COLOURED VINYL

Denzel Washington stars as Roman J. Israel, a driven, idealistic defense attorney. Roman J. Israel has been fighting the good fight while others take the credit. When his partner, the firm's front man, has a heart attack, Israel suddenly takes on that role. He finds out some unsettling things about what the crusading law firm has done that run afoul of his values of helping the poor and dispossessed, and he finds himself in an existential crisis that leads to extreme action. The movie also stars Colin Farrell (In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths) and Carmen Ejogo (Selma, Fantastic Beasts)

The score is composed by James Newton Howard. His career spans over thirty years. He has composed music for over 120 films, including the Academy Award-nominated scores for Defiance, Michael Clayton, The Village, The Fugitive, The Prince of Tides, and My Best Friends Wedding, and Academy Award-nominated songs for Junior and One Fine Day. Howard also received Golden Globe nominations for his massive orchestral score for Peter Jacksons blockbuster remake of King Kong, his provocative symphonic score for Defiance, and his songs from Junior and One Fine Day.

Howard won the 2009 Grammy Award for his co-score with Hans Zimmer for The Dark Knight, and received Grammy Award nominations for music from Blood Diamond and his song from One Fine Day. In 2008, World Soundtrack Award named him Film Composer of the Year for his work on the films Charlie Wilsons War, Michael Clayton and I Am Legend.

The first pressing of Roman J. Israel, Esq. is pressed on purple and gold swirled coloured vinyl. The limited edition of 500 individually numbered copies contains a 4-page booklet with pictures and liner notes.

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
- GATEFOLD SLEEVE
- BRAND NEW SOLO ALBUM BY HIATUS
KAIYOTE LEAD SINGER
- INCLUDES 2 EXCLUSIVE INSERTS

Needle Paw is the first solo album by Nai Palm, the lead singer and composer of R&B future soul outfit Hiatus Kaiyote.

A two-time Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and musician from Melbourne, Australia, Nai Palm is a composer, instrumentalist, producer, vocalist and poet who approaches all of these self-taught disciplines with an intuitive, infectious grace. This gift has sent her and her band Hiatus Kaiyote on a journey to sculpt songs that have been received and treasured across the globe.

Comprised almost entirely of her guitar playing and vocal arrangements, Needle Paw is the rawest glimpse into Nai Palm's musical world. It is dreamlike, honest, and beautifully transparent, revealing her musical ruminations to listeners with a courageous vulnerability and artistic generosity.

Needle Paw features acoustic versions of Hiatus Kaiyote favorites Atari,' Mobius,' When The Knife,' Molasses,' and Borderline With My Atoms'. Breathing Underwater' from Choose Your Weapon is featured in a medley with David Bowie's composition Blackstar' and Radiohead's Pyramid Song'. The second non-Hiatus Kaiyote cover on the album is of Jimi Hendrix's iconic composition Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland)' on which Nai celebrates the soulful side of Hendrix. There are six new tracks on the album written by Nai including the Homebody' which she refers to as her purest offering...a sanctuary to lick your wounds...without acrobatics'. Also featured is the medley Crossfire/So Into You' which dives into a topic that Nai rarely writes about...romantic relationships. The outro of the song is a cover of Tamia's So Into You.'

In offering an overview, Nai states: this record is a very personal leap into the deep end. I wanted to make something with no landmarks to hide behind and no team to fall back on.'

Record Kicks proudly presents "SuperStudio" the new single by legendary Italian cinematic funk combo Calibro 35 sampled by Dr.Dre and Jay-Z, taken from their forthcoming new studio album DECADE

"SuperStudio" - available on a super limited edition 45 vinyl and digital download together with bonus track "Gomma" - is Calibro 35's first single and anticipates their new album DECADE that hits the streets next 9 February. Quoting the band "SuperStudio is the main theme for a movie that doesn't exist, starring Clint Eastwood and Pam Grier saving earth from the invasion of deadly robots from another planet" and it's pure Dynamite. On the flip you'll find "Gomma", the bonus track out of the album which is an irresistible funk groovy shaker.

Recorded at the legendary Officine Meccaniche studios in Milan by CALIBRO's usual suspect and Grammy Award winner Tommaso Colliva, "DECADE" marks 10 years of Calibro 35's releases and it's the very first album recorded by Calibro with an orchestral-inspired enlarged line-up. Active since 2008 CALIBRO 35 enjoys a worldwide reputation as one of the coolest independent band around. During their ten years career, they have been sampled by Dr. Dre on his Compton album and Jay-Z, they shared stages worldwide with the likes of Roy Ayers, Muse, Sun Ra Arkestra, Sharon Jones, Thundercat, Headhunters and as unique musicians they've collaborated with, amongst others PJ Harvey, Mike Patton, John Parish and Stewart Copeland and Nic Cester (The Jet). Described by Rolling Stone magazine's as "the most fascinating, retro-maniac and genuine thing, that happened to Italy in the last years", Calibro 35 now count on a number of aficionados worldwide which includes VIP's fans such as Dj Food (Ninja Tune), Mr Scruff and Huey Morgan (Fun Lovin' Criminals) among others.

Known in the record collecting world as an incredibly rare album with just a handful of known copies, we present for the first time the full length album reissue of the 'Two Sisters From Bagdad' album as performed by La Vice & Co.

Originally intended to be sold alongside performances of LaVice Hendrick's ambitious but ill-fated musical theatre production, the album's scarcity was swiftly ensured as 'Two Sisters From Bagdad' ran for just 2 weeks at Detroit's Bethel A.M.E. church amid poor attendances due to scant promotion. With only a handful of copies sold in that brief window, many of the remaining copies were subsequently destroyed in a basement flood, meaning that until now few people have ever heard the album in its entirety.

A varied set of jazz and gospel infused funky soul, 'Two Sisters From Bagdad' was composed and orchestrated by two precocious young talents, E.J. Garrison and Rhodia McAdoo. It's an album full of surprises, and is notorious for the heavy funk workout 'Though's Were The Days' (sic). Not only have we unearthed and faithfully reissued this true obscurity as the 26th part of our ongoing 'Holy Grail' series, but through interviews with Garrison and McAdoo themselves we have also uncovered the beguiling back story to the music, the play and the life and times of its original creator, the late LaVice Hendricks. As always the detail is revealed for the first time in our extensive new sleeve notes, and all because We Dig Deeper!

Following the success of our recent reissues of classic tracks from the vaults team-Jalapeno decided to start 2018 strong with another 7" release of two certified bangers from our very own breaks legends Skeewiff.

Our dear label co-founders and creative minds whose four Skeewiff albums set the agenda for the Jalapeno funk machine that you know and love - Alex Rizzo and Elliot Ireland have never been found wanting. These guys are the godfathers of the lounge and breaks scenes, they put the fun into funk, and if rumours are to be believed they could mix before they could walk!

From the very first opening horns salvo on 'Mexican Flyer' you know this track means business. A driving bassline and in-your-face drums provide the backdrop for all sorts of sonic madness with DJ cuts, horn solos and breaks galore. It's a bona-fide fiesta that fits neatly in your 45's bag.

With this little number in the arsenal the only worry that the DJ's will have is the stampede to the dancefloor...

Over on the flipside 'Delta Dawn' sees the guys get a little help from a famously little lady with one of the most recognisable voices in country music. But make no mistake - this is no barn dance... Breaks, bass and a healthy dose of Hammond wizardry inject the funk into proceedings to complete this 7" club weapon of mass destruction.

It's a double act that's up there with the best of them and a must have for fans of Jalapeno and high quality party music.

**INITIAL 400 LPs CONTAIN A BONUS 7" BY MEL-O-MADNEZZ**

IT'S TIME TO PAAAARTY! Why The Universe knows that Tramp is celebrating their 40th trip around the sun in 2018. And what about planet Earth Well... it is as blind as it is in so many other situations. Therefore, it is time to shine the light on Tramp for all of its unremitting efforts. As musical diversity is vanishing, especially in the field of African American music from the 1960s/70s, it is our duty to stop the extinction of threatened species of music in the same way an animal welfare activist would do anything to save a gorilla's life. Tramp Records keeps this beautiful heritage alive, every single day, again and again and again. So we are here wondering why Earth people and especially to those from our beloved home country, why why are you just sitting there, going about your life unaware of this historic event What a pity!

The announcement is especially striking when it comes to the prestigious "Movements" series. Like all its predecessors, this ninth volume contains Rare Groove nuggets recorded between the early 1960s and the late 1970s. The fact that only one of the songs appear anywhere else is a jaw-dropping phenomenon! The chronological track listing starts with two amazing cover versions: "Fever" by Gee Gee Shinn & the Boogie Kings and "I'm A Woman" by Connie Kaye Trio. Bus Brown, Earl Demus and Chuck Finney remain in the same direction although their contributions are slightly jazzier. Chick Willis' gut-wrenching "Sometime Soon" easily rivals James Brown's "It's A Man's World" and the recordings by Australia, J.R. and Joe Akens are beautiful examples of privately produced soul from the 1970s. The latin-soul of "Cho Cho San" by Hummingbird 4 heads the sound in another direction for the next three tunes, highlighted by one more stunning cover version, Oscar Brown Jr.'s "Brother, Where Are You". The album closes with some pre-disco tracks from the mid-to-late 1970s. Funk 7" collectors will freak out to finally get a chance to listen to Mel-O-Madnezz' superheavy "What You Getting High On" but will certainly also enjoy The Counts, Reunion and Hot Cakes' dance floor bomb cover of "Harlem Shuffle".

Over a hundred great unknown songs have been re-released on the first eight volumes in the "Movements" series, the majority of which can not be found elsewhere, and Vol. 9 is no exception. The work of Germany's tiniest but grooviest record label is still incomprehensibly underestimated. We know you diggers, collectors, mavens, aficionados, fanatics, completists, enthusiasts, and just plain record geeks know what's up and we heartily salute you! Without your support there would be no Tramp Records. But now it's time for a broader cultural shift for good music and a sweeping move to uphold the legacy of the unsung heroes of funk and soul. Therefore, we humbly petition you: in 2018, Don't keep all this glory to yourself! Turn your friends and neighbors on! Thank you!

- initial 400 LPs contain a bonus 7" by Mel-O-Madnezz ("What You Getting High On")

- the double vinyl LP comes with a full album download code

- deluxe double-gatefold LP with detailed liner notes, label scans & unseen photographs

- all but one song appear on vinyl-LP for the very first-time

feat Chaka Khan incl. Dancehouse & 2 Step Mix

Great retrospective of Lil Bob and the Lolipop’s discography. Classic Louisiana swamp soul / R&B, recorded in the early to mid 1960’s. Includes the popular dance floor fillers “I Got Loaded” and “Stop” as well as some real beautiful obscurities. Ballads and stompers to make life better.

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL

Plantation Lullabies is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter, rapper, bassist, and vocalist Me'shell NdegéOcello (also Meshell Ndegeocello). The album was originally released in 1993 to widespread critical acclaim and has since been viewed as a landmark neo soul record.

Meshell's music incorporates a wide variety of influences, including funk, soul, jazz, hip hop, reggae and rock. She has received significant critical acclaim throughout her career and has had ten career Grammy Award nominations.

Plantation Lullabies received a nomination for a 1995 Grammy Award in the category of Best R&B Album, If That's Your Boyfriend' was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
- GATEFOLD SLEEVE WITH SPECIAL UV-SPOT FINISH
- INCLUDES PRINTED INNERSLEEVES
- COMPLETELY REMASTERED
- FEATURING THE HITSINGLE HAPPY GO FUCKED UP'
- FIRST PRESSING OF 500 NUMBERED COPIES ON
TRANSPARENT VINYL

For those who think of rap-metal fusion as something invented by bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit, Urban Dance Squad returned in 1999 to remind you that they've been doing it for ten years now, and from a home base in Holland.

Artantica is the fifth and last studio album by Urban Dance Squad. The album was a return to the band's hip-hop roots and received critical acclaim. Artantica marked the return of DJ DNA, who had been absent on the band's two previous recordings. Stylistically the album is very diverse, as are most by UDS, with vocalist Rudeboy often singing and rapping in the same song. The single Happy Go Fucked Up' became a hit in Europe. Urban Dance Squad disbanded the following year, though they did perform together again in 2006.

For the first time since its original release, Artantica is pressed on vinyl. The first run of this limited edition of 500 numbered copies is pressed on 180 gram transparent vinyl.

As music continuously evolves, times change and new ideas and movements come & go. All of this functions in tandem with scientific, technological, social and political advancements in our society. The biggest component to that evolution is the people. There are creators and consumers. One cannot exist without the other. Throughout art, the audience defines quality, but artist has the power to introduce change and shift perception. Execution is key. The masses are always hungry for something fresh. Sometimes we're at the forefront of new trends and sometimes we find comfort innovating the past. No matter what, musicians have a responsibility to bridge the gap. Raw Poetic and Damu the Fudgemunk meet all of the above. Produced entirely by the artists, the new album "The Reflecting Sea" revisits sonic textures of yesteryear and combined with their own distinct ears for music, have created something uniquely foreign for the music world in our time. Speaking of the times, Raw Poetic's lyrical subject matter is nothing short of relevancy. Speaking from an observatory perspective in addition to his own personal experiences, the album's content is infinitely relatable. Although known primarily as hip hop acts, both Damu and Raw P stretched out to expand what the genre is known for. The combination of elements from the mix of live instrumentation, improvisation and sampling to the range of styles including jazz, fusion, rock, electronic and soul make The Reflecting Sea unlike anything else. Captured and recorded in it's rawest form, the album is honest expression. Masterminding the festival sounds is Damu the Fudgemunk. His voice is absent from the recordings, but his presence is immediately noticed throughout the 40 minute exhibition. Packed with tons of beats, tons of scratching, original compositions, upbeat and signature atmosphere, there's no question who's behind the boards. With the average tempo of over 100bpm, this is one of the most energetic releases in Redefinition's catalog. Raw P and the Fudgemunk aim to revitalize listeners of all types with their original sound. They call it "The Reflecting Sea: Welcome to a New Philosophy." Raw Poetic (MC), hails from the DMV area by way of Philadelphia. In addition to several collaborations with Damu the Fudgemunk, he's recorded 6 albums as a member of Panacea, 1 album with K-def, 1 album with Kev Brown and recent features with Brous One in which all have been met with critical acclaim. Damu the Fudgemunk (producer/DJ) is a DC native who co-owns and operates Redefinition Records. With several successful releases as a solo artist, his music has garnered a reputation in the last decade for it's consistent quality and conceptual structure.

As music continuously evolves, times change and new ideas and movements come & go. All of this functions in tandem with scientific, technological, social and political advancements in our society. The biggest component to that evolution is the people. There are creators and consumers. One cannot exist without the other. Throughout art, the audience defines quality, but artist has the power to introduce change and shift perception. Execution is key. The masses are always hungry for something fresh. Sometimes we're at the forefront of new trends and sometimes we find comfort innovating the past. No matter what, musicians have a responsibility to bridge the gap. Raw Poetic and Damu the Fudgemunk meet all of the above. Produced entirely by the artists, the new album "The Reflecting Sea" revisits sonic textures of yesteryear and combined with their own distinct ears for music, have created something uniquely foreign for the music world in our time. Speaking of the times, Raw Poetic's lyrical subject matter is nothing short of relevancy. Speaking from an observatory perspective in addition to his own personal experiences, the album's content is infinitely relatable. Although known primarily as hip hop acts, both Damu and Raw P stretched out to expand what the genre is known for. The combination of elements from the mix of live instrumentation, improvisation and sampling to the range of styles including jazz, fusion, rock, electronic and soul make The Reflecting Sea unlike anything else. Captured and recorded in it's rawest form, the album is honest expression. Masterminding the festival sounds is Damu the Fudgemunk. His voice is absent from the recordings, but his presence is immediately noticed throughout the 40 minute exhibition. Packed with tons of beats, tons of scratching, original compositions, upbeat and signature atmosphere, there's no question who's behind the boards. With the average tempo of over 100bpm, this is one of the most energetic releases in Redefinition's catalog. Raw P and the Fudgemunk aim to revitalize listeners of all types with their original sound. They call it "The Reflecting Sea: Welcome to a New Philosophy." Raw Poetic (MC), hails from the DMV area by way of Philadelphia. In addition to several collaborations with Damu the Fudgemunk, he's recorded 6 albums as a member of Panacea, 1 album with K-def, 1 album with Kev Brown and recent features with Brous One in which all have been met with critical acclaim. Damu the Fudgemunk (producer/DJ) is a DC native who co-owns and operates Redefinition Records. With several successful releases as a solo artist, his music has garnered a reputation in the last decade for it's consistent quality and conceptual structure.

Mhysa is in possession of a totally compelling voice and production style, both feeding into a sound that's prone to intuitively explore and reassert the limits of what we know as R&B, electronica or modern soul in 2017.
She makes a big impression with fantasii, her first album proper following dispatches with NON and a lauded mixtape alongside chukwumaa as SCRAAATCH. Think Klein's freeform R&B structures riddled with Rabit-like production tics, and you're in grasping distance of the fractious but idiosyncratically coherent styes inhabited by this highly intriguing addition to the vanguard of new music from the fertile margins of American music.
Against a refreshing general lack of broken glass or gunshot samples, the self-described 'Black queer femme cultural producer, sound designer, womanist + Diva' animates swirling, impossibly balanced structures with a tearaway imagination, keening from vaulted, pitch-shifting gospel in Special Needs Intro to a multi-dimensional, abstract grime cover of Prince in the course of 11 songs.
The Klein comparisons are apt, the pair share a unique perception of R&B and church musics as a gateway to other, dreamlike dimensions. From the way Mhysa appropriates the ecclesiastic psychedelia of physical church spaces in the reverbstorm of Glory be Black to the rugged ambient inversion of R&B's usual warmth in the 6minute highlight Bb, or undermining the conventions of club music in the A-grade anti-bangers Strobe and You Not About That Lyfe, she offers a particular example of the contemporary, young, Black and queer experience.
No doubt, fantasii is a vital addition to the canon of boundary pushing and resetting music and politics also espoused by Elysia Crampton, Rabit, ANGEL-HO or Chino Amobi - we urge you to check this one out if you wanna grasp one of 2017's most rewarding albums.

CGI is proud to present the long overdue 12" debut from Atlanta's own Divine Interface. Having spent nearly every weekend of the past many years DJ'ing in clubs around Atlanta, Divine Interace (real name Drew Briggs) is an expert at weaving a narrative into the frenzy of dancefloor. For his original productions it is no different as Briggs uses his own voice over the tracks to recount seedy tales of late nights, teeth clenched, lit under street lamps, missed calls, decadence and debauchery. This is a 4-tracker of unmatched proportions, simultaneously adventurous and deep while never missing a beat.

Four Flies Records is proud to present the first vinyl reissue of the original soundtrack to IO EMMANUELLE (also known as A MAN FOR EMMANUELLE) - Cesare Canavari's 1969 erotic-drama starring Italian scream-queen Erika Blanc. The score was composed and arranged by maestro Gianni Ferrio, who created one of his most famous and iconic soundtracks ever, with music that perfectly follows the neurotic character of the young protagonist - from moments of intimacy and introspection, to those of insanity and madness. The result is a terrific cocktail of late 60's Italian grooves: orchestral beat, RnB, jazz, and avant garde numbers, with an essential contribution of I Cantori Modernidi Alessandro Alessandroni' (vocal and choir), and featuring Gino Marinacci on flute.

One of the rarest records from CAM archives is finally back in the spotlight, remastered from or iginal master tapes and pressed on 180gr vinyl, including an inner sleeve featuring original movie artwork by renowned Italian cinematic painter Sandro Symeoni.

UMC are proud to announce the release of Jackson 5 - Christmas Album, the only festive album from the Jackson family. Includes the hit single version of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town", "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town".

'Junction' - a six track EP produced entirely by Samrai & Platt - features vocalists from Jamaica, Ireland & the UK and rounds off an excellent 12 months for the label & crew who've toured across North America, Mexico and Europe in 2017.

The set kicks off with ST favourite Alexx A-Game (originally voiced at his studio in Kingston in 2016) urging listeners to 'free up' their mind and souls and let the 'good times take control'. It sets the tone for upcoming Jamaican talent Blvk H3ro to step up on the soulful party number 'Can't Wait' (recorded at Equiknoxx's studios in Vineyard Town in 2016), which has been a staple in Swing Ting sets over the last 18 months.

Slowing the pace is 'Addiction', a link up with Irish artist and frequent Murlo collaborator Gemma Dunleavy who lays down an impressive vocal over the skittering drums, muted guitar and glistening keys. The listen is interrupted momentarily for an interlude from Gavsborg whose moving voicemail is accompanied by a poignant piano line from JP aka Without Understanding. One for the clubs - 'Turn it Up' features Equiknoxx's Shanique Marie riding a stripped funky-esque riddim with ease.

Fittingly the set closes with 'Contagious' which finds two of Manchester's finest vocalists - Fox & Tyler Daley searching for an escape from the reality of our turbulent times over a refined yet sparkling production. The 12' vinyl will be limited to 200 copies.

Support from: Murlo, Toddla T, Jamz Supernova, HDD & Equiknoxx across NTS Radio & BBC Radio 1 / 1xtra.

Following the success of his thematic O-Rama' compilations, the indefatigable El Vidocq turns his attention to Super Sounds'. This brand-new series focuses on the very essence of music, on its structure and workings and various vital elements... And what could be more natural than to start the series off with voices and singing

This selection explores the rich period stretching from 1955 to 1963, sampling rhythm n' blues, doo-wop and rockabilly. The compilation pulls out all the stops from the get-go, with the wild vocals of Esquerita, the singer-pianist and Little Richard's avowed model who gives his voice full-throttle, to reach the same airy heights as his improbable pompadour.

Next up: the eminently manly voices - deep and gravelly - of Jimmy Ricks and Sheldon Allman, contrasting sharply with the rather more androgynous vocals of Donnie Elbert. The grittily sung songs of Tic & Toc are gnarly rock n' rolling torrents, while Big Brown undoubtedly boasts the most piercing voice of the lot.

There are also songs that lend a new twist, take an expected turn, with Marvin Rainwater one of those singers verging on the comic. And when the larynx alone couldn't quite cut it, synthetics were on hand even then, as melodiously illustrated by The Nutty Squirrels.

Finally, the fairer sex is hardly neglected, with Hannah Dean, Brenda Lee and the sublime Pearl Woods pushing her voice beyond the limits of decibelic reason.

Conforming to the usual high standards we've come to expect, Rocafort Records have got their hands on another sublime soul 7inch. Originally released in 1970 on the amusingly named Kack label, soulman Bobby Jones assures us that there's nothing but the smell of sweet soul music happening here.

Written and produced by well-known Chicago music veteran, Maurice Lee Simpkins, "Welcome Back A Foolish Man" does everything an early 70s mid-tempo two-stepper should. Urgent, pleading lyrics telling of unspeakable heartache, sweeping strings, twangy guitars, heavenly backing vocals that lift everything towards the Gods. All solidly crowned by the raw, expressive vocal talent of Bobby Jones - a consistantly worthy bluesy/soul singer who never really got the recognition he deserved.

Interesting to note that both "Welcome Back A Foolish Man" and the similarly veined B side, "Lovin' Hard, Livin' Good" were sung by soul siren Ruby Andrews a few years prior but with different lyrics, different composers and label. A mystery worth solving for any of you musos out there !

A Super rare disco / modern Banger to end the year. Star Quake came out ofColumbus,Georgiaand that's about as far as they got. 'Don't you know I love you' is A Relatively recent spin with O.G copies easily going for over $1000 and with good reason. A disco floater over some brilliant bass, I also edited the B side to remove the fade in so it can now be dropped easily in a club. Happy new Year.

Perhaps the greatest crossover artist that ever was, it is impossible to overstate the impact that Ray Charles had on the evolution of both R&B and rock 'n' roll. Charles' distinctive style transcended genres and influenced musicians from every musical background and from every corner of the globe, but it was during the mid-fifties that Charles really began to rule the R&B charts. His legendary debut LP - originally released in 1957 (and later renamed Hallelujah! I Love Her So) for Atlantic - was essentially a collection of those hit singles. In 1955 Ray had his first number one hit, 'I've Got A Woman,' followed by his second and third number one hits, 'A Fool For You,' and 'Drown in My Own Tears,' over just the next few months. Almost all of the remaining tracks on the album were also top ten hits from that same period, including 'Greenbacks,' 'Hallelujah I Love Her So,' and 'This Little Girl of Mine.' This was undoubtedly the era that defined the legend."

Originating in a New York apartment and completed in a garage in suburban Sydney, Jonti's new album Tokorats is out on Stones Throw Records on 3rd November 2017. Following on from 2012 releases Twirligig and Sine & Moon, Tokorats is a psychedelic, harmony-rich dream-hop journey. Recording for the album began in 2013, and four years and up to 100 versions of each song later, Jonti is finally ready to invite you into his Tokorats universe.

Record Kicks proudly presents a brand new single from the fab The Tibbs taken from the forthcoming studio album of the Dutch combo, expected in 2018. The new single "Lies" is an afro-soul-funk stormer, able to set every dancefloors on fire. On the flip-side the equally explosive instrumental-soul version. 45 is limited to 500 copies worldwide and is an essential purchase for every Budos Band and Sharon Jones fans.

Based around Amsterdam and founded in 2012 by a bunch of deep funk and heavy soul disciples, The Tibbs made their debut on Record Kicks in 2015 with their acclaimed debut LP "Takin' Over". Take notice, because The Tibbs is the new name to watch!

This essential LP edition includes Jackson's magnificent third LP,
Encore!, which was originally issued in the early Sixties by the Wand label (which was a subsidiary of Scepter Records), and has been long unavailable on vinyl. It opens with Tell Him I'm Not Home,' a stinging tale of romantic rejection that became the LP's biggest hit and one of its brightest moments, complete with a powerful backing vocal courtesy of Doris Troy. Jackson's rich baritone vocals were the perfect focus for the sophisticated uptown New York soul that became the trademark sound of Wand. He was widely respected on the R&B and early soul scene, scoring hits with other great songs such as Tomorrow,' King of the Mountain,' Getting Ready for the Heartbreak,' Invisible,' and Go on Yak Yak' (the latter was co-written by Jackson and Luther Dixon).

Burt Bacharach was called the greatest living composer' by the Grammy panel that gave him a lifetime achievement award in 2008. He has enjoyed major hits in a variety of musical genres, including Top-40, pop, soul, R&B, jazz, country, and movie soundtracks. He has also collaborated with a host of major lyricists, including Hal David and Bob Hilliard.

On a list of post-1956 songwriters, Bacharach has had 133 hits and ranks No. 6 - right after Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and the Motown team of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland and Edward Holland, Jr. Put in perspective, Bacharach is a direct link to the great composers of the '30s and '40s - and author of the American Songbook's final chapter. This splendid LP edition presents Burt Bacharach's most essential and enduring works from the beginning of his career, gathering a variety of the great sides he composed (and in several cases, also arranged) for different labels, between 1955 and 1962. Included here are classics like Dionne Warwick's Don't Make Me Over,' Gene Pitney's Only Love Can Break a Heart,' Tommy Hunt's I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself,' and The Shirelles' Baby It's You,' to name a few. Our release also contains lesser-heard tracks, which are just as enjoyable as the hits, such as Jimmy Radcliffe's Long After Tonight Is All Over,' and Jack Jones' Dreamin' All the Time,' as well as Bacharach himself at the piano performing Rosanne'.