Contemporary Funk 182 Items

Blue Note Records and Universal Music Classics & Jazz have announced the signing of the phenomenal jazz and soul singer/songwriter Gregory Porter. Porter has been in the studio with his working band and producer Brian Bacchus recording his third album and major label debut, which will be released worldwide on Blue Note Records this September. In 2010 Porter released his debut album Water (Motéma Music), which earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. His sophomore album Be Good (Motéma Music) followed in 2012 and earned him his second GRAMMY nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance. The Huffington Post has declared Porter "the brilliant new voice of jazz," adding that he is also "heavily steeped in the passion, delivery and emotion of the best classic soul men."

Blue Note Records and Universal Music Classics & Jazz have announced the signing of the phenomenal jazz and soul singer/songwriter Gregory Porter. Porter has been in the studio with his working band and producer Brian Bacchus recording his third album and major label debut, which will be released worldwide on Blue Note Records this September. In 2010 Porter released his debut album Water (Motéma Music), which earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. His sophomore album Be Good (Motéma Music) followed in 2012 and earned him his second GRAMMY nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance. The Huffington Post has declared Porter "the brilliant new voice of jazz," adding that he is also "heavily steeped in the passion, delivery and emotion of the best classic soul men."

Originally it has been releases on CD as well as on 3 separate 7" vinyls. Thanks to the fine people at Tru Thoughts - we are very pleased to offer the full album on LP now in collaboration with the HHV Label!

"Quantic presenta Flowering Inferno" is one of the latest in the constantly evolving series of musical outings from the unstoppable Will Holland - aka Quantic - and amazingly "Death Of The Revolution" represented his tenth full album release on Tru Thoughts.

Debut 45 from the San Diego’s In Motion Collective. Heavy, danceable Afro-beat in the same vein with groups like Ikebe Shakedown, Budos Band, and Antibalas. Tip!

Famed painter Jean Michel-Basquiat was one of the co-founders of the band Gray. This anthology features reissue of their previously limited self-release plus unreleased material, and remixes from: Todd Rundgren, Hank Shocklee, King Britt, Sal P (Liquid Liquid), Deantoni Parks, Tewz, Free The Robots, and The Gaslamp Killer, along with features from Amir Yaghmai and Kool Keith. 1979, Downtown New York, Gray was making industrial music with sound. Jean-Michel Basquiat played the guitar with a metal file, Michael Holman played masking tape and steel ball bearings, Justin Thyme abstracted the keys, as Nick Taylor played his guitar with historical restraint.

Jungle Fire present their new 7inch “N.U.S.A.U. / La Kossa” on Colemine Records. Channeling the same heavy afro-latin vibes that made their first couple of 45s so in demand. Uptempo with super heavy drums and percussion, "N.U.S.A.U." is going to light up the dance floors! You're gonna need doubles of this one.

L.A. Nights, their new EP on Hi & Fly is a new milestone in the band discography, setting it to a next level. The title track is a cover of the famous Yasuko Agawa’s track (itself based on Light of the world’s “London Town”) inspired by strong Zapp and West-Coast influences. Fat basslines, tight horn riffs and funky talkbox parts galore!
“Break Droppin’” and “The Battle” are infectious medleys played by the band with an extended line-up including extra brass, strings and percussions. In “Breaks Droppin’”, you’ll find a carefully selected mix of cuts, ranging from the Hawaiian Hal Bradbury’s “You win, I Lose”, to Julius Brockington’s “This Feeling (Freedom)”, passing through CTI and other sampler friendly tracks.
“The Battle” is a b-boy style up-tempo selection, mixing Latin influences with some classic battle cuts and evolving to a Disco finish, with a cover of the great Brothers’ break “Under the Skin”. It is 10’ long, the beats & percussions are heavy and the extended band is in top condition. It won’t let some rest to your feet for sure!
Last but not least, it's also the comeback of Hi & Fly, a French diggers' reference since 2000. So, one reason more to have a listen… Enjoy!

Olivier St.Louis (the artist formerly known as Olivier Daysoul) releases his 2nd EP to start 2017 with some melancholic vibes.

After releasing a collaborative EP with Warp's Bibio, who is also featured as a producer on “Ever since the fall”, this 2nd solo release by the Olivier St.Louis marks the starting point of worldwide liveshow efforts for Olivier 2017. After a successful UK Tour with Laura Mvula, Olivier is getting ready to join AnnenMayKantereit for another Tour in spring 2017 to support his upcoming release “Ever since the fall EP”, out on Jakarta Records in February 2017. Six tracks somewhere in between lo-fi soul, drum computer sounds, warm basslines and funk trenched live compositions. Olivier will also join his partner in crime Oddisee for his “The Iceberg” Wolrd Tour until summer.

Olivier St.Louis went on to receive significant international attention for his work as a featured singer/songwriter back then still under the name Olivier Daysoul. He worked and toured worldwide with various artists including Oddisee, C2C, Onra, Bibio and Hudson Mohawke as such as other producers from the Warp Records family. Despite all of this, Olivier felt something was missing...A true reflection of his own voice and sound. Less bass music, more organic soul, less producer features and more independent unique compositions all by himself.

Return To The 37th Chamber” is being issued on vinyl with four unique cover designs as pictured above. Which cover art you will get will be picked at random.

The wait is over, „Return To The 37th Chamber” is El Michels Affair’s highly anticipated follow up to 2009's underground cult classic “Enter the 37th Chamber”. Churning out classic records since then for the likes of Lee Fields, The Arcs, The Shacks, and tons more, it is clear that EMA's signature sound is stronger & sharper than ever.
This time, in addition to re-interpreting the Wu compositions for a live band, EMA pays homage to the production and sonic fog that makes a RZA beat so recognizable. Producer and bandleader Leon Michels recorded the album completely analog, sometimes hitting 6 generations of tape before it was ready for mixing, giving the “Return to The 37th Chamber” it’s own hazy sound. Adding to the unique fidelity, the record is laced with psychedelic flourishes, “John Carpenter” synths, heavy metal guitars, triumphant horns, and traditional Chinese instruments that make up for the lack of the Wu’s superlative vocals. From start to finish it’s a dark trip that walks the line between RZA’s timeless hip-hop aesthetic and the cinematic soul EMA has become known for.
El Michels Affair tackles some classics like “4th Chamber” and “Wu Tang Aint Nuthin to Fuck Wit”, as well as some deeper cuts like Ol Dirty Bastard’s “Snakes”, Raekwon’s “Verbal Intercourse”, and “Shaolin Brew”, Wu-Tang’s contribution to the St. Ide’s Hip Hop endorsement campaign from 1994.
This time El Michels brings some of the Big Crown family along for the ride. Lee Fields handles vocal duties on “Snakes” and is joined by Shannon Wise of The Shacks for their version of “Tearz”, which pays as much homage to the Wendy Rene sample as it does to the Wu-Tang Clan. Lady Wray makes an appearance on the cover of Method Man’s hit, “All I Need”, lending her vocal prowess to what gave the Wu one of their biggest hits of all time. Interspersed throughout the record are some original interludes that are like the “rug that ties the room together,” giving “Return To The 37th Chamber” a cinematic narrative that makes it a proper El Michels Affair record and not just a collection of covers.
The vinyl version of “Return To The 37th Chamber” is presented with 4 different hand painted covers. The originals were painted on two sewn together flour sacks in Accra, Ghana by Heavy J and Stoger, two artists who are legends in the Ghanaian Mobile Cinema scene and regular contributors to the Deadly Prey Gallery’s collection in Chicago.
From the music to the presentation, this album is a perfect example of what can only be achieved through diversity. The end result is as much a kaleidoscope of influences and multiculturalism as the city it was recorded in. El Michels Affair is once again, “Sounding Out The City” that raised them, pulling elements of art and culture from across the country and around the globe to create an album truly unique in its own right.

The Mark of the Devil” is the third and last chapter of Alex Puddu’s trilogy with Italian legendary vocalist Edda Dell’Orso, here featured in three songs. Written, arranged, produced and performed by Alex Puddu, together with many great musicians, the album is ope-Groove, is Prog-Rock, is Psych-Blues, a walk through the gates of hell within Lust and Temptation. This album is the most obscure and experimental Alex Puddu has ever made to date!

Al Sunny is a young composer emerging from the French soul music scene. Soon after learning the guitar, he started composing and became involved in numerous projects and collaborations. Al has been influenced by pop, rock, and electronic music, always with a foundation in the “Black” and “Soul” sound.
During his conservatory studies, he refined his knowledge and confirmed his desire to write and compose. The will to establish himself on a solo project became stronger and stronger. He quickly discovered deep inside himself the music that he truly loves, inspired by artists such as Tim Maia, America, Al Green, and Al Jarreau. Thru his guitar, he gives birth to the majority of his compositions and always seeks to bring the melody of his songs to the forefront. During his studies he met musicians including Florian Pellissier, then professor at the conservatory and a confirmed pianist who worked on various projects such as Guts, Anthony Joseph, Florian Pellissier Quintet, and Shola Adissa.
It's then thanks to Florian that Al Sunny meets Pascal Rioux, founder and A&R of Favorite Recordings. Immediately seduced and impressed by his talent and the various demos that he listened to, Pascal invites the young musician to collaborate and produce an album within Favorite Recordings. Together they agree on a musical direction looking towards the West coast movement of the 70s and 80s. This direction includes influences like Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, and Ned Doheny, of whom Al Sunny covers the classic “Get It Up For Love” on the new album.
With Time To Decide, Al Sunny shows us the premise of his music style, infused with Blue-Eyed-Soul, Pop and Folk. Written and composed by himself, it’s in close collaboration with Florian Pellissier that his songs came to life. Under the guidance of Pascal Rioux and Favorite Recordings, the production of this album ensures a sound and a final result worthy of the best classics of the genre.

DJ friendly 2xLP version, cut loud for your pleasure!

Harmonies is the new long player from underground super-producer Lord Echo. Hotly anticipated for the last few years by his growing entourage of fans, many were frustrated by his descent into obscurity in the industrial backwaters of New Zealand where he lived alone and went completely insane trying to complete the record. But those frustrations are finally at an end, and the wait was worth it - for fans at least.The new album solidifies his already distinctive mutations of reggae and rock steady with disco, African soul, techno and spiritual jazz. In other words, the Lord has returned from the wilderness with a bounty for his followers. Eat of the bread of life and enjoy access to his crazy World of Sound.

An epic album from 8 piece band Crowd Company. Produced by Alan Evans (Soulive) this is vintage soul funk with a modern take and unexpected twists and turns. Heavy grooves coupled with sophisticated songwriting and tons of uplifting catchy hooks. The album features virtuoso musicianship in every department and three outstanding vocalists often blending soulful harmonies over a bedrock of tight grooves. It has a rich, distinct vibe, aided by an outstanding ‘analog’ production sensibility. This release is sure to cement Crowd Company’s growing reputation as one of the most exciting bands in the new generation of soul funk music.

Reginald Omas Mamode IV follows last year's self-titled debut album with 'Children Of Nu', set for release on 3rd November 2017.

The 20 track album draws influence from the world around us, everyday life. As we witness rising poverty, global events, political and ethnic divisions - these factors prompt some of Reginald's themes and call for humanity to recognise we are all interconnected.

We are all related. We're all brothers and sisters with common ancestry, common history and a common origin regardless of race, geographic location or belief systems. Love and compassion are universal feelings/practices we all should embrace and apply to all aspects of our lives, our interactions and our relationships, regardless of the kinship'. - Reginald Omas Mamode IV

'Children Of Nu' encompasses Reginald's musical and sonic influences - Afro Roots music through to jazz and soul. It draws from Africa as much as the west, an attempt to make a record that can exist in many contexts, the present, the future and past.

Recorded with freedom - most tracks remain from the first take - the process of creating 'Children Of Nu' was an open ended development from a natural, intuitive, starting point. Made with minimal thought of how tracks would end up, the music was led through the creative process. Born of a moment, each track is an attempt to capture that instance, mood, feeling or subject.

Zackey Force Funk deserves (and receives) a lot of respect. If he’s not robbing banks with baseball bats and roaming the streets for fat cats to hustle, you can usually find him leaning over the turntables of a dirty dirty late-night discotheque. Take off your kevlar, put down those batons – Zackey Force Funk comes in peace! This time…
This eighteen track album compiles early demos and rarities originally included in DJ KUTMAH’s “This Is The Force Funk Sound” [HNR03] megamix created in Summer 2009. Each song has been digitally remastered for the special release of “THIS IS MY FORCE FUNK SOUND” [HNR73]. Available on limited-edition 12” picture disc in a shrinkwrapped full color cardboard jacket (not screenprinted).
DONT FAKE THE FUNK!

It may seem strange how excited we are about this 45 and the forthcoming LP considering it's an instrumental organ trio, but this group has some major buzz going up in Seattle. Ever since KEXP featured two live sets, the group has been gaining momentum. So they make their debut with this badass little 45, with the LP coming in February! Killer organ funk a la The Meters and Booker T & The MGs. Super in the pocket, tight and dirty drums, everything you want in an organ trio.

An 8-piece outfit formed ten years ago by members of Grammy Awardwinning Latin revival orchestra Grupo Fantasma, Brownout has evolved into a musical force all its own. After garnering their third Austin Music Award last year, the band has continued to produce music that is unflinchingly progressive, while evoking the classic influences of artists such asWAR, Cymande and Funkadelic. They’ve performed at events including Bonnaroo, High Sierra Music Festival, Pickathon, FFFFest, Bear Creek Music Festival, Utopia Festival and Pachanga Fest, while regularly touring the U.S. Brownout’s also served as a highly in-demand backing band for artists including Prince, Daniel Johnston, GZA and Bernie Worrell.

This 45 features two cuts from their latest release, Over The Covers, on limited edition gold vinyl

The son of a radio DJ who introduced him to the world of record collecting, Harris grew up with music, progressing from violin, to high school drumline, to the Jazz Studies program at Virginia Commonwealth University. He also continued working with other instruments and developed an interest in sampling. His development as a producer – at first, without a computer or sampler – came first learning to replay samples on the drums, piano, bass or guitar.
DJ Harrison finds himself inspired by local musicians in the Richmond scene that’s as diverse and nonexclusive as they come. Among rappers, producers, punks and bluegrass bands, he falls within reach of an expansive pool of musicians to collaborate with. He lives and works in Jellowstone, a house turned recording compound occupied by his band mates in Butcher Brown, a “garage punk jazz funk” group

This is a repress. Multi - instrumentalist with rare elegance, FKJ unveils its first album French Kiwi Juice, and invites us in his world.

Seriously dope downtempo soul track with beats from a Swedish secret weapon and sultry vocals from COCO ROUZIER (an up and coming jazz swinger from DC) b/w the more uptempo, feel good 60s styled "REACHING OUT TO YOU". Two gems that shouldn't be missed.

Far Out Recordings proudly presents laid back Brazilian groove maestro Joao Donato's synth-heavy collaboration with his son Donatinho. Sintetizamor sees the father-son duo jovially hurtle through space and time across ten tracks of sparkling pop, Brazilian boogie and club friendly disco-funk.

The Mark of the Devil” is the third and last chapter of Alex Puddu’s trilogy with Italian legendary vocalist Edda Dell’Orso, here featured in three songs. Written, arranged, produced and performed by Alex Puddu, together with many great musicians, the album is ope-Groove, is Prog-Rock, is Psych-Blues, a walk through the gates of hell within Lust and Temptation. This album is the most obscure and experimental Alex Puddu has ever made to date!

Fraternity Music Group continues on with their tributes some of the most appreciated classic breaks with their latest paying homage to the heavily covered “Get Out Of My Life Woman” originally written by the legendary Allen Toussaint. The latest rendition comes from Raoul & The Big Time which was originally released on CD only from their Hollywood Blvd album back in 2014. This 7″ release includes both the vocal and instrumental versions of course with the infamous heavy drum break opening perfect for rocking doubles.

Nubian Crackers member The Undercover Brother (AKA veteran Queens, New York-based beat-maker Victor Piagneri) fires up his U.B.'s project and delivers another taster for the forthcoming "Ultimate Covers w/Breaks" LP. On the A-side you'll find his instrumental interpretation of Frederick Knight cut "Uphill Peace Of Mind", a heavy, stripped-back revision rich in killer drum breaks, Red Hot Chili Peppers style funk-rock guitars and life-affirming piano solos. Turn to the flip for Piagneri's vocal-free version of The Honey Drippers' 1973 anti-Nixon anthem "Impeach The President". He allows the track's much-sampled opening drum break a little more room to breathe, before carefully layering up Hammond organ riffs and a snaking saxophone solo that effectively replaces the original vocals.

Limited Edition for Record Store Day 2019! Montreal’s finest Dave Allison aka Ed Wizard & Disco Double Dee has been delighting dancefloors around the globe since 2009. With his signature brand of chunky disco dubs infused with hip-hop flavours and a slow mo house feel. “Funk Wit Me” is classic Ed Wizard and features the talents of Nebraska on the remix. LTD Edition Green Vinyl.

The Pendletons take a bold step with their first full forthcoming length album, 2 Steps Away, releasing this spring on the Bastard Jazz imprint. Recorded in San Francisco with a rock-solid band consisting of some of the best musicians in the Bay Area, including guitarist Carl Locket (Shalamar, Rick James) and Star Creature recording artist Elive, the duo taps into a classic soul/boogie sound that rides a wave of '70s and early '80s funk with ease but somehow remains true to the excitement of those classic recordings without being overly nostalgic
On this preview 7" the band showcases the uptempo disco/boogie slapper "You Do You" featuring legendary Soul singer Howard Johnson (Nightflyte / Kashif) while on the flip is the sweet soul of "Life To Me" over an irresistible groove.

Austin Boogie Crew had to do something special for our first vinyl release of 2019, and with that we present H1NDS1GHT , a killer double 7” modern funk EP by the one and only XL Middleton! Hailing from Pasadena, California, XL has established himself as one of the premiere musicians, label owners (MoFunk Records), and tastemakers in the game. Using outstanding and mostly unreleased material from his archives as the foundation for this project (hence the name H1NDS1GHT), XL reimagined these songs and penned fresh lyrics specifically for the release. We divided the EP into two 45s, each with its own distinct vibe, and with the help of illustrator Austin Cashell and designer Rene Cardenas, created a unique album jacket that forms one image when the two records are held side by side. Viewed as a whole, this EP is an exceptional ride that will carry you from spring into summer!

Vol. 1 A: “Nervous” (112 BPM) - Making a lasting impression out the gate, “Nervous” is a modern funk anthem for anyone who’s struggled with the confidence to approach someone romantically. On top of the endearing and refreshing songwriting, the instrumentation on this one is crisp and way funky.

B: “Digital Devils” (113 BPM) - Originally featured on the 2014 cassette compilation Is This The Future?, this irresistible instrumental is long overdue for the vinyl treatment. The slapping drums and wet, punchy bass on this one immediately demand attention. With lovely changeups and 16-bit style leads, this is an ace in the hole on any dance floor.

Austin Boogie Crew had to do something special for our first vinyl release of 2019, and with that we present H1NDS1GHT , a killer double 7” modern funk EP by the one and only XL Middleton! Hailing from Pasadena, California, XL has established himself as one of the premiere musicians, label owners (MoFunk Records), and tastemakers in the game. Using outstanding and mostly unreleased material from his archives as the foundation for this project (hence the name H1NDS1GHT), XL reimagined these songs and penned fresh lyrics specifically for the release. We divided the EP into two 45s, each with its own distinct vibe, and with the help of illustrator Austin Cashell and designer Rene Cardenas, created a unique album jacket that forms one image when the two records are held side by side. Viewed as a whole, this EP is an exceptional ride that will carry you from spring into summer!

Vol. 2 A: “Gamin’” (120 BPM) - Broken beat inspired drums and soaring chords lay the groundwork for this exceptional jam about approaching a woman with respect and care. With a sick solo and some vocoder peppered into the mix, this is a winner in more ways than one.

B: “Enjoyable Sunburn” (116 BPM) - XL crafts a playful yet smooth instrumental that would sound at home in an Outrun video game or on the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack. But it isn’t just the nostalgia factor that will keep you coming back to this one, it’s the compositional finesse, amazing synth sounds, and heart.

Sdban Records is very proud to release for the first time ever on vinyl Golden Hands' only album released in 1978 on cassette by Moroccan label Disques Gam, including the cult classic 'Take Me Back'.

* The latest vinyl offering from Seattle’s hologram funk soul singer SassyBlack
* Special-edition four-song EP containing the missing musical accompaniment to the Black Panther movie
* Pressed on 7” vinyl in multiple colors, limited to 500 individually numbered copies
* Cover design by visual artist Wutang McDougal
* Specially mastered for vinyl by Adam Straney

Wakanda Funk Lounge” by SassyBlack, is a svelte slab of hologram funk delivered directly from the Black Panther nation of Wakanda. This four-song EP contains the chart-topping hits from that nation’s funk lounges, and rising star, SassyBlack.

SassyBlack is a "blaxploitation, sci-fi warrior queen" and is also a multi-talented, space-aged songwriter, beatmaker, composer and singer. Her music has been described as “electronic psychedelic soul,” with roots in experimental hip-hop, R&B, and jazz. Her voice has been compared to that of Ella Fitzgerald, Erykah Badu, and Georgia Anne Muldrow and her beats owe a debt to Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones. Like Queen Latifah, she sings, raps, is an actor and produces all her own music. Before going solo, she recorded and performed as half of the Afrofuturist hip-hop duo THEESatisfaction. Her music has received attention from Okayplayer, Afropunk, The Fader, Pitchfork, Bitch magazine and more.

Her brand new “Wakanda Funk Lounge” EP has been recently released as a 500-copy special-edition 7” single on Seattle hip-hop record label Crane City Music. The cover was designed by visual artist Wutang McDougal and each copy is pressed on colored vinyl and is individually numbered. The music is also available online on all major streaming services and can be purchased digitally through Bandcamp. It’s funky music that reminds us that Wakanda’s main export is “VIBE-ranium.”

In describing the project, SassyBlack says that “Wakanda Funk Lounge is about black freedom. When I think of “Black Panther,” it is talking about black freedom, so much that we have our own secret space. What would be freer than a Wakanda funk lounge?”

This is not her first sci-fi or superhero-themed project. SassyBlack performed at 2018’s Emerald City Comic Con, and her 2016 full-length album, “No More Weak Dates” contains numerous references to Star Trek. In an interview with Hearst publication Shondaland, she explains her sci-fi fascination: “Star Trek and Star Wars have always had bars and concerts. There’s no culture without music… And so Black Panther’s M’Baku invites me to come and perform in one of Wakanda’s funk lounges. This EP is the music I perform there. And where it gets crazy is that I’m like, ‘Listen, I have to leave Wakanda now because I’m going to go join Starfleet.’ [laughs] It could technically work.

* The brand new record from Seattle’s own “Queen of Rap,” Gifted Gab
* Two distinct hip-hop sounds: An A-side of hard-hitting gangsta murder rap, with sweet R&B on the flip
* Pressed on clear red vinyl and limited to 1,000 individually numbered copies
* Cover design painted by Gifted Gab herself
* Specially mastered for vinyl by Adam Straney Fresh off a year playing the top music festivals in America--Austin City Limits, Bumbershoot, Heiro Day, House of Creatives and Music Tastes Good--Seattle's own "Queen of Rap," Gifted Gab, has dropped her latest project, "Cause & Effect."

It fittingly arrives on national weed holiday 4/20 and opens with a warning to stay away from that poor quality bam. This record is a premium strain ten-track opus, with no features, and one lone producer, Antwon Vinson. Spark your best blunt and play it loud, ‘cause this chronically high sound is gonna trip you out.

“Cause & Effect” shines a light on both sides of Gifted Gab’s singular style, mixing complexity with wit, confidence with seduction, bars-upon-bars with R&B melodies. Half of the album is hard-hitting gangsta murder music, while the flip side is effortlessly smooth, "for the after-party, the kickback. When you finally got the one you’ve been vibing with all night up close and personal," as DJ Mike Ramos describes in the liner notes.

This is uncompromising, in-your-face music free of bullshit. Gifted Gab's lyrical dexterity and street-smart prowess marries the '90s hip-hop sounds of female emcees Queen Latifah, MC Lyte and Bahamadia with Bay Area legends like Mac Dre and E-40. Fans familiar with her unrestrained rap style, wall-to-wall classicist flow and combative, codeine-dipped blunts, may be surprised on the B-side by singing and harmonies that even your mother might approve of. The entire album features a fresh sound supported by real ass musicians: Max Watters on guitar, Andrew Imanaka on bass, Medearis Dixon on keys and sax, DJ Vega on the Technics, and Antwon Vinson conducting the crew. And not only can the multi-talented Gifted Gab rap your ass off and sing sweetly, but the cover art is also an original painting by the artist herself.

Two singles from the album, “Eye on Em” and “That Way” are part of a Spring 2019 North America-wide college radio campaign mounted by Airplay Junkie radio promotions.

Seattle underground hip-hop label Crane City Music is proud to release a special, limited-edition vinyl version of "Cause & Effect" on transparent red vinyl. The record is the color of blood and love, both appropriate analogies for its twin sides. The vinyl edition is has been specially mastered by Adam Straney, has liner notes from DJ Mike Ramos and is limited to 1,000 numbered copies. (The record will be distributed worldwide by Light In The Attic.) Grab one before they're gone for good. The music is also available online on all major streaming services (iTunes, Google Play, etc.)

Gabrielle "Gifted Gab" Kadushin was born and raised in Seattle, WA's Central District. She's shared stages with DJ Quik, Rakim, Cam'ron, Slick Rick, Method Man, and Lupe Fiasco, and received accolades from hip-hop heavyweights XXL, VH1, and Dope. TIME magazine counts her amongst the top seven female rappers in America right now. In 2016, she curated & headlined her own eight-city tour. Her collaboration with Blimes Brixton, “Come Correct,” received viral attention and over 15 million video views. And let's not forget her stature as first lady amongst the many men in the Moor Gang, Seattle’s answer to the Wu-Tang Clan crew.

Limited to 400 copies.

Bybo Funk's interstellar and futuristic sound returns in the form of a brand new LP entitled "Black Eye Galaxy".

"Shake It" is a hip new sound from the world famous funk, soul and boogaloo powerhouse band, The New Mastersounds. Featuring Lamar Williams Jr on vocals and the NMS Horns, this single presents a fresh and cool feel to the traditional funk 45. Perfect for any dance DJ collection and fans of funk music alike. This is the first release by The New Mastersounds on Color Red, a record label founded by Guitarist Eddie Roberts in Denver, CO.

The Midnight Hour is Black excellence: an ode to the cultural sophistication that the Harlem Renaissance established for its people. The Midnight Hour is comprised of Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge, alongside a tight rhythm section and a full orchestra.

Last June, 2018, The Midnight Hour debuted their self-titled album to great reviews and toured the US extensively. “It was during that tour last year that we decided to record a live album, capturing this new experience. The music you hear in our studio album is how we mean it to sound. But it’s something totally different when we have an audience in front of us. This recording is us wanting to give people a chance to hear what they can expect when they see us live.” On February 22nd, 2019, The Midnight Hour performed in front of a live studio audience at Linear Labs. This was a direct-to-analog tape recording that 200 very lucky fans were a part of.

Adrian and Ali began working on the debut Midnight Hour album in 2013, but put the project aside as they would score the hit Netflix series Marvel’s Luke Cage. The Midnight Hour is a soul/jazz/hip hop album which continues the conversations started by yesterday’s jazz and funk pioneers; those that created the bedrock of samples for hip hop producers in the 80s/90s. The Midnight Hour is sophisticated hip hop that fans will enjoy, capturing their jazz rhythm section, and a full orchestra reminiscent of the maestros such as David Axelrod and Quincy Jones.

After his song “Space Bella Coola” became one of the more recognizable modern funk tracks on the street dance scene, French producer Aaron Evo brings you his first release on vinyl, “The One.” Featuring a reworked version of “Space Bella Coola” entitled “Unstoppable,” the album displays Aaron’s recognizable sonic palette and slick funk touch. His synths wiggle unthinkably while drums and bass slap, forming concrete-hard foundations for his tracks. Somehow simple yet explosive, “The One” traverses through all territories in the land of funk, from the G to P. Also included on the album is the track “Gangstagram,” created for and played at the grand final of the most important street dance events at Juste Debout & KOD 2018. Future Classic.

YPY is back with his third full-length album, his second on EM Records, following his 2016 debut Zurhyrethm, and 2020 on Where To Now? YPY is the solo alias of Osaka-based Koshiro Hino, who has honed his rhythmic instincts as leader of the acclaimed Japanese band goat and the sound installation/theatre project GEIST and Virginal Variations. His preoccupation with propulsion is on full display here, across five tracks of varying density and intensity, all thoroughly beat-oriented, with skeins of synthesized and sampled sound stretching to the horizon, rising from a bedrock of minimal drum machine pulses, all lovingly embraced in a cassette-borne sonic fug. The cover image and title hearken back to Hino’s past, with the image obscurely referencing his yesteryear green mohawk, and the title derived from Talking Heads, but this effervescent album, though recorded using cassette technology, is not a sad tale of nostalgia, rather a look at a present/pleasant reality. Cover drawings by NAZE.

Escort kicks off a new series of 7” releases with a bang!
On the A-side is 'City Life', a bubbling party starter of a track, which features disco royaly Fonda Rae on vocals, while on the flip ‘Fantasy’ blends echoes of 70s tropicalia with dubbed-out disco vocals for a super groovy trip.

Jorun Bombay presents The Agricolites, Canada’s finest funk band!

Deep in the North End of Halifax, and under the careful direction of Jorun Bombay, the Agricolites gather in a small cafe and lay down sweet instrumentals that are a DJ’s best friend.

Following the mighty rendition of "I Want You", Soul Sugar (a.k.a. Guillaume 'Gee' Metenier) is back with another massive Soul-Reggae version, this time taking on Luther Vandross' "Never Too Much".
Fearlessly taking on such timeless classics is serious business, and Leo Carmichael delivers, once again, with a maximum dosage of finesse and feeling. Seductively delicate backing vocals from Carl Lee Sharshmidt and Karene Brown keep it as warm and intimate as one would hope, while Thomas Naim's tasteful guitar licks and Gee's minimal production allow the song to breathe and flow steadily on its own.
Recorded in Paris, Kingston, Miami and London, the resulting blend of Soul and Reggae riddims has rarely felt so natural. On the A-side, Gee's "Discomix" dubs a generous dose of the sultry backing vocals over a minimal, bassy groove that dips, dives and flows on into the sunset. UK producer Adam Prescott lets loose with an infectious 90's dancehall rerub, aiming straight for the dancefloor... ladies' choice! Finally rhythm legends Sly & Robbie drop the BASS with a heavy dancehall treatment, taking it low, letting it ride, while the vocals float on... Never Too Much!

Cynicism is an easy sell. We’re skeptical of harmony because the news sows division, social
media runs on scorn, and tangible reminders of good have become increasingly rare. Yet
there are those whispered moments of unity, those artists who effortlessly embody the
ideals of fusion –those who allow us to reap the rewards that can only yielded from an
embrace of different ideas, cultures, and sounds. This is the genius of Seba Kaapstad.
Seba Kaapstad is a multi-national neo-soul quartet comprised of a South African, a Swazi,
and two Germans. They summon the most powerful manifestation of creativity: music that
represents an idea. Their Mello Music debut album, Thina, takes its name from the Zulu
word for “us.” It is a gorgeous halo of soul, encompassing several continents worth of sound,
and obliterating the notion of genre. It is divined by artists whose lineage is riven with trauma
and suffering. But like their ancestors, they endured. And only in this futuristic present could
they reconcile the perseverance and turmoil of the past, using music to inspire unity and
heal.
They conjure beatific grooves that radiate with alluvial soul, celestial jazz, electronic
experimentation and the polyrhythmic essence of Africa. It is marrow music, what digs
beneath your bones, seeping into your bloodstream and inner visions. You hear flashes of
the greats: Badu, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Jill Scott, and the Things Fall Apart-era Roots. You
might even hear the ethereal float of Frank Ocean or the glowing bliss of Flying Lotus and
Thundercat. But like all stellar quartets, Seba Kaapstad is indivisible and made stronger by
the sum of their parts.
If the sonic roots lie in the tessaracts of eternal memory, Seba Kaapstad’s present-day
genesis trace to 2013, the year that Sebastian Schuster arrived in Cape Town and
immediately fell in the love with its rich cultural tapestry, legendary musical community, and
artful chaos. He soon paired with the rest of the band—Zoe Modiga, Philip Scheibel (Pheel),
Ndumiso Manana—developing the sort of telepathic chemistry can’t be replicated or really
even explained.
You hear this harmonic synthesis all over Thina. Each song is a symphony of its own. Take
“Don’t,” which opens with glistening pianos and a head-bobbing slap, then Zoe Modiga
unleashes her sky-rattling voice, alternating between near-rapping and time-stopping,
levitating multi-octave solos—all the while paraphrasing Shakespeare. And in the last
minute, there’s an exquisite string coda that you’d expect to hear at a world-class
philharmonic.
There’s "Breathe," which OkayAfrica raved was “a refreshing combination of the crew's
different influences…as much of a Friday/Saturday night jam as a Sunday morning one.” It’s a
spiritual hymn in search of water and solace, a loose-limbed rhythm that echoes the themes
of Fela and the jams of classic Electric Ladyland neo-soul. While the title track alternates
between Zulu and English, as Modiga offers inspirational uplift and timeless lyrics about the
natural elements.

From The Independent Uk Label Six Nine Records Ltd, Based In Newcastle Upon Tyne, Two Jazz Project, The Late Enois Scroggins And Marie Meney Together With Yuki “T-Groove” Takahashi Are Here With Two New Fantastic Songs! Definitely Not To Be Missed As It Is A Limited Uk Press With Small Hole And Full Colour Printed Picture Cover!

« Beauty of the world, chaos of the mind. »

“French music producer Coni presents Transperce, the first record under his project Ce Raid Solitaire.

Inspired by dramatic modern landscapes and haunting memories, the record is an attempt to seek beauty in the midst of a chaotic and saturated present.

Filled with the intensity of chasing rhythms, flicking hi-hats, fierce voices, melancholic pads and wretched distortion, Transperce evokes a state of industrial catharsis to the conscious mind.”

Crafted blend of soul, blues and rock by Finnish Marjo Leinonen on Jimi Tenor's Ronet imprint. A-sides "No More Crying" is classic and time certain, radio quality from the AM times. But the flip grooves has the absolute thrill – a drawn out balad with skillfull arrangement and musicianship. "Treat Yourself Right" could also have one of 2019's best positioned dub echos!

Bonding over a shared love of Chic, Parliament andthe other signs in the greater funk Zodiac, MayerHawthorne (Aquarius) and Jake One (Taurus),collectively known as Tuxedo, return with their thirdstudio album, Tuxedo III released on theTuxedo-owned and newly launched label, Funk onSight. Their powers combined have yet again yieldeda bevy of absolute slappers that are packagedperfectly for dance floors in 2019. The album includesfeatures from MF DOOM, DāM-FunK, Leven Kali,Benny Sings, Gavin Turek and others. Tuxedo is backto remind you that the dance floor will always bethere to welcome you, whoever you are.

* New pressing on pink colored vinyl

Ritual is the product of a series of live late night ambient recording sessions, focusing track-by-track on different themes and aspects of witchcraft. From the opening drone of Blood Moon until the very last melodic notes of Ritual, its intent is to transport your mind to another place.

By nature, a ritual is a very ceremonial thing. Everything has its place, and everything has a purpose. The same as the cadence of a spell, or the ingredients to a potion, every track ebbs and flows in a delicate balance, at times slowly slipping under consciousness in a warm and inviting manner that dances with moments oftension to keep from tipping too far into the light.

The subtle beauty, even at its most lawless moments, pull listeners to the powers and true magic of ambient electronic experimental music. Blurring the lines between destruction and creation in an immersive and entrancing experience from start to finish.

DāM-FunK returns with a seven song listening experience titled: STFU II. The follow up to 2015’s STFU. This 2019 Glydezone Recordings released project kicks off with the heavy knock and breezy synths of ‘The Flow’, while ‘Hood Biz’ is a more ominous, street-funk anchored groove. The ‘Inhale, Exhale (Interlude)’ is the equilibrium that opens up the second half of the EP, highlighting DāM’s melodic laid-back funk, as expressed through tracks like ‘Ladera Heights’ and his lead single, ‘On Code’. The soulful side of Techno is even touched on in the track “Deeper”. In discussing his inspirations for the EP, DāM explains “In this time of colossal distractions, easy trouble online, heavy trolling and cancel culture, this project provides an alternative to instead..just lay back, take a deep breath, stay outta trouble and simply ‘glyde’ for a while. Nothing illegal about that, right?”.

STFU II
- Completely Produced, Played and Recorded by DāM-FunK

- Artwork and layout created by Freddy Anzures (long time art director of Wax Poetics magazine)

- Special Limited Edition CD Version (Eco-Friendly Digipak)

- First Ever Glydezone Recordings CD release

- DāM-FunK has collaborated with, produced or co-produced original songs for the likes of Tyler The Creator, Snoop Dogg, Ariel Pink, Mac Miller, Steve Arrington, Todd Rundgren, Nite Jewel and many more, while staying on the road consistently..giving his all musically (& then some..) to the people of the world.

The American producer Buscrates lands on Neon Finger with this magnificent 7″, showing his peculiar sound, loaded with groove that oscillates between funk, boogie, jazz or hip-hop. Acoustic drums, drum machines, synthesizers and vocoders are the ingredients of these jams. After his releases on labels such as Omega Supreme, Bastard Jazz or Voyage Funktastique, this artist has become one of the most important producers in the modern funk scene.

We are proud to announce the creation of our label Discopathe Records! As our first release, we chose to defend Ginger Ale, the debut album from Soyouzz, a young band from Montpellier (France). This first EP influenced by modern jazz/funk vibrations was inspired by Herbie Hancock, Snarky Puppy, Vulfpek and Louis Cole.
Welcome aboard SOYOUZZ spacecraft. Let yourself be led into a unique and colorful retrofuturistic sound experimentation of 25 minutes and 5 steps to Ginger Ale. A collective of six musicians will be your captain. You will feel some pleasant turbulence during the flight, as you will go through deep bass sound with curls from brass instruments, going from a killer groove to a mind-blowing trance. Don’t panic, the spacecraft will stabilize by flirting blithely with electronic music.

Five albums, sixty tracks and still counting. Cool Million are back with a new album!
Ten years ago the euro soul duo Cool Million released their first album 'Going Out Tonight' on UK soul label Expansion Records. The album took the soul crowd by surprise, cause who were these guys that out of the blue, could recreated the soulful sound of the 80's hey day like no other?
The answer to that question is; Rob Hardt and Frank Ryle. One a super musician from Germany with skills you can only dream of. The other a Dj/musicfreak from Denmark with a masterplan – both of them with tons of dedication and passion for thier craft.
Thier passion and ambition have kept them in the came for a decade and they have worked with a long list of artists, some known some not, some forgotten some on their way up! The list include names such as: Jean Carne, Keni Burke, Shirley Jones, Eugene Wilde, Meli'sa Morgan, Rena Scott, Leroy Burgess, Peggi Blu, Yvonne Gage, Marc Evans, Alton McClain, Kenny Thomas, Lisa Stansfield, Tom Moulton, Joey Negro, Dimitri From Paris and John Morales, Glenn Jones, Marc Sadane, Tim Owens, Gavin Christopher, Michael Jeffries.
Cool Million tells that they feel privileged and humble when they look at the list of names they have worked with over the ten years. Futhermore they add; 'Who would have thought that two dudes from northern Europe would be able to create music with people that talented, we hope we could do it, when we started but that we actually done it, is amazing and wonderful'.
Reflecting on the first decade of Cool Million it's fair to say that Rob & Frank are two determined and ambitious gentlemen with extraordinary talent.
So what can Cool Million tell us abouth their new album? 'It's a classic Cool Million album where we work/collaborate with various artists, staying true to our original concept both in terms of genre and how we think a album works best. Having say that we think that our fans will be a little surprised with the fact that this is our slowest album to date. We believe we have more variety than ever and it's a fact that the music on the new album is slowed down in terms of more ballads and mid-tempo songs compared to our other albums'.
'The reason for this development is that we wanted to try something that was a little out of our comfort zone. Also we felt that we wanted to prove that we can do quality slow jams aswell. You could also argue that is's beause we both turned fifty this year.. haha'.

Four years after their latest release – SCEB925LP/CD / “Do Hipsters Love Sun (Ra)?” – the most cinematic duo in town is coming back in Autumn 2019 with a new full-length record called “Art Is A Cat”, anticipated by the first single “When You Died”, released as a 7-inch with two versions of the same song.
Side A contains the album version of “When You Died” and features singer Sean Martin on vocals – yes, the same one that sang on the band’s super classic number “Tunnel” back in 2003! A funk song with a ’70s psychedelic taste, with an emphasized groove typical of some American rock bands such as Black Merda.
Side B includes a rework of the same composition made by Massimo Martellotta (Calibro 35), who transformed the original track into a compelling disco soul midtempo tune.
Are you ready to dance?

The Ancient Cosmonauts horn-heavy take on funk, soul and jazz fusion somehow manages to be both rooted in the past and pleasingly fresh. With their first release, the band digs into its leader's Michael "Treetop" Voss past with The Poets of Rhyhtm.
A-side "More Mess On My Thing" is the band's take on the 1993 Poets classic, driven forwards by laidback, loose-limbed drumming, rubbery bass guitar, layered hand percussion, a call-to-party female vocal and the twin attractions or rising horn lines and snaking sax solos. "Keepin' On" is based on a forever lost recording of that same 1993 session, with the band adding urgent lead vocal to the ear-catching horn lines of the original version, the song runs up to its climax in a screaming trumpet solo over the collective push of the full band.

While Bobby was the track that sparked the idea for Caserta to start BridgeBoots, Diana was always in the back of his mind. Diana started off as a release on the long since defunct LegitMix platform. Now it gets new life remixed and mastered by Caserta @TheBridge StudioLA, with a more concise 7 inch edit as well as a brand new Sing A Long dub on the flip, it's sure to be a main stay in the crates for years to come.