The Jaspects have been on the scene since 2006, meeting at Morehouse College when they were students and formed the band (a real band of six members, I might add). The Polkadotted Stripe is their fourth album and features music which is less jazzier than previous works and more experimental. Although the vocoder technique has been done to death, I’m diggin’ Jaspects’s use of the effect on The Polkadotted Stripe. With appearances from Janelle Monáe (Yay! I’ve been longing for something new from Janelle), Chantae Cann, and PJ Morton.

All members of the group are from different parts of America, which makes their geographical differences breakdown musical boundaries and helps them to live their motto to “make music mean something to the world-at-large.” Check out the band below.

“2012″ feat. Janelle Monae on The Polkadotted Stripe

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“Unifunk” on The Polkadotted Stripe (Download “Unifunk” Here)

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Get your copy on iTunes or CDBaby.

Lemi Ghariokwu is the artist who was responsible for creating Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti‘s iconic album covers, which not only illustrated his outstanding talent as a visual artist but also how he used art to create political statements apropos to Kuti’s prolific message. Punch Records has secured the rights to the graphic designer and fine artist’s archive and has partnered with the BASS Music Festival (British Arts and Street Sounds), to tour the Art’s Own Kind exhibit across the UK starting on June 9 at the Rich Mix in Shoreditch, London.

Opening night will bring key Afrobeat players, such as pioneer Tony Allen, who was Kuti’s musical director and drummer; Wunmi (the Queen of Afrobeat); Rich Medina (of Jump n’ Funk, NYC); and the visual artist, Lemi Ghariokwu for performance and panel discussion. The Art’s Own Kind exhibit is scheduled to end July 6.

This post is just to get us excited about Little Dragon releasing something new this year. Bay Area DJ/Producer Trackademicks has done a fun, new wave type remix of “After the Rain” where Yukimi‘s vocals adapt perfectly to the track. She has one of those voices that can be sung over pretty much anything. Yukimi’s unique vocal style, with a tinge of Badu sprinkled on it, and the band as a whole, make Little Dragon big-time winners. Check out the South London based Producers floatingpoints remix of the same song below, which was created earlier this year.

Little Dragon will be performing at Central Park’s SummerStage on Saturday, July 18, headlining with Q-Tip and DJ Benji B.

“After the Rain” by Little Dragon (Trackademicks Remix)

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“After the Rain” by Little Dragon (floatingpoints Remix)

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Thanks to Fresh Selects and FACT Magazine for the downloads. And if you haven’t got Little Dragon‘s debut album, you should feel shame. It’s a timeless piece, so it’s never too late to get yourself copy on iTunes now.

No stranger to the broken beat, nu-jazz world, Deborah Jordan has worked with all the key players in the game, including Bembé Segué, Dego McFarlane (4Hero) and Kaidi Tatham (Bugz in the Attic). With her solo release Futuristica about to drop either towards the end of June or early July, Deborah is seeding the market with 12″ releases perfect for DJ’s to start spreading her vibe.

I’m pretty excited about the release of Futuristica, which hosts some of the best in Broken and experimental music such as Rise, Electric Conversation, Face, Aardvarck, Simbad, Colonel Red and Spoonface, Kamara, Atjazz and Don-Ray and remixes by Domu, Masirah, Ty Macklin, Chamade Beat, Rep Life and Soulclan. It’s going to be heavy.

For those of you unfamiliar with the angelic sounds of Deborah Jordan, check out the new singles below, plus my all-time favorite, “They Can’t Tell Us” when she was the vocalist with Silhouette Brown.

“Let Go” from Futuristica

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“You Could Be Here” (Masirah Remix) from Futuristica

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“They Can’t Tell Us” from Silhouette Brown

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What was once the mistaken lyric in a Kanye song is now the call sign of a one-man band machine. Producer/composer Sinkane, also known as Ahmed Gallab, was born in Sudan. His Sudanese parents were both scholars who enforced the importance of dedication and hard work. So when he took drumsticks in hand at the age of 10, those ideals were applied. “I used to beat sticks on pans and pots till my parents got me my first drums set. I would beat them louder and louder till they gave in,” he said while reminiscing about his childhood. Sinkane learned to play several types of guitars and other instruments and now plays most of the instruments on his productions.

His first record, produced in 2008 was a 4-track exorcism of emotions entitled Color Voice. Though a bit rough around the edges the album displayed potential and was an excellent first attempt. The second self-entitled album continues where Color Voice left off, spilling a stream of melodies, ambient sounds and percussion across a string of musical transitions. His compositions tell stories relevant to the listener, allowing them to sit with the soundtrack of their own lives. Both releases are under the label Emergency Umbrella Records including Sinkane’s latest self-entitled project expected early this summer. Before you check out his blog, for a deeper insight into what motivates this producer, listen to some of Sinkane’s work below.

“Drumps” from Color Voice

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“Blown” from Color Voice

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Starting out as a professional dancer from Scotland, now residing in London, Blu toured the world dancing and singing for other people, which after a while becomes monotonous for any artist looking for multi-dimensional growth; singing and songwriting is the next phase of Blu’s artistic journey.

Standing with Giants, is a chilled mix of of tunes where Blu’s vocal move effortlessly through each track. She has a sweet and playful voice. With a host of producers from the UK and the US gracing the album, Aalo Guha, Van Ark, Peter Lewinson, Soulshine, The Navigator, and Leaf Erikson, Standing with Giants is a great start to Blu’s career as it highlights her scope and versatility as a singer. I can definitely see her stepping into heavier territories as she pushes her album States side. Check out “Spinnin’” below.

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Blu’s album can be purchased on iTunes.

What can really be said about this multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, musician? Only that she deserves all the accolades she’s received to date. Georgia Anne Muldrow‘s self-released debut album Olesi: Fragments Of An Earth got the attention of Platinum Pied Pipers and Sa-Ra, who later had her on their own projects. Olesi caught the ear of Peanut Butter Wolf, who quickly signed her to his Stones Throw label and re-released her debut in 2006 on his label.

What so great about this young lady is she’s only 22-years-old! Her right-hand man in music is Dudley Perkins and the two are known as the Ashford & Simpson, Rene & Angela in the game as their music creations are magical. Her rugged and raspy vocals are often layered in a floaty melodic way; the J Dilla influence is apparent with the hard yet smooth edge. Surrounded by a cabal group of R&B non-conformists, her creative juices are completely uninhibited. Her latest release Georgia Anne Muldrow Presents… Ms. One & The Gang cannot be compared to her previous solo releases but what this album does show, is an artist growing into her craft and is able to consistently produce good music – regardless of who is on the mic or boards. Ms. One & The Gang shows us that Georgia Anne Muldrow is an artist we should watch grow.

A few of the tracks from Ms. One & The Gang are available on iTunes and it’s international release date is set for May 19. But check out the songs below and tell me what you think!

Mr. President (This song clearly is about Bush, not Obama)

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Divinely Free feat. Dudley Perkins

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I’m kind of digging this guy called Dolphin, not only because his music is good, but because he incorporates Minneapolis sounds into this music without being obvious (i.e. Theophilus London). Dolphin has been on the circuit for quite sometime and not many are privy to his talents. A singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer, with over 30 self-produced full projects under his name, I scratch my head as to why he hasn’t gotten his years in the sun yet. His music is a culmination of all sorts where he often sings in falsetto.

After being on the Benji B’s 1Xtra Show on BBC Radio lead Dolphin to create songs for a couple of clothing lines (Akademiks and PRPS Jeans) to help build their brand identities, and then the opportunity to write the musical score for the independent film Praxis. Having worked with Ge-ology, Waajeed of the Platinum Pied Pipers, Spank Rock, Anti-Pop Consortium, and Primus Luta, this New York native needs more love.

The Mono vs Stereo EP consists of five songs available for download on Dolphin’s blog. These songs don’t give a true taste of who he is as an artist, so you must check out his blog where he frequently gives away music. Below are my favorites from Mono vs. Stereo and “Hands Don’t Work Anymore” taken from Angels in Outposts, and song I’m kind of digging due to its raw and uncut nature. Let me know your thoughts on Dolphin.

“Light St.” from Mono vs Stereo EP

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“Fresh Flowers” from Mono vs Stereo EP

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“Hands Don’t Work Anymore” from Angels in Outposts

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Last month, we featured Michelle Amador‘s contribution to Yellowtail‘s compilation, Grand & Putnam with the song, “Miss Out On You.” The timing couldn’t have been any better as her third album, Higher goes on sale on May 25th. And boy, is it a lovely one. Consistently, Michelle’s vocals weave and meld like a lullaby to soothe your soul.

The electronic acoustic singer/songwriter and composer is no stranger to the broken, nu jazz collective that has been steadily growing since the early 2000s. Last month, Michelle was also featured on Computer Paul‘s EP on the track “Does It.” For Higher, she joined forces with UK’s dub step producer, Zed Bias. His experimental approach to creating tunes coupled with Michelle’s all-round artistry, together they created a mellow, chilled mix of tunes, kind of like a soundtrack to the season of springtime and summer. Its fresh mood and Michelle’s modern, yet jazzy vocals fit perfectly with Bias’s production.

Get yourself a copy of Higher, exclusively available through iTunes today, before its worldwide release on May 25th. Check out tunes below.

“Higher” by Michelle Amador

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“In and Out” by Michelle Amador

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Bilal Oliver, to me, is indisputably one of the greatest singers to hit the scene in recent years. And it hasn’t been an easy road for him either. Hitting us with his debut album, 1st Born Second in 2001, with the gems like “Sometimes” and the critically acclaimed songs “Soul Sista” and “Fast Lane,” we eagerly awaited for the sophomore project Love for Sale, which unfortunately leaked and got shelved by Interscope. But this did not stop Bilal. Touring the world and steadily working with some of the best producers and artists in the business (Eryka Badu, J Dilla, Common, Pharrell Williams, Mos Def, 9th Wonder, Musiq, Tiombe Lockhart, Hezekiah, Jay-Z, and even Beyoncé, yo!), to create some of the best timeless songs you’d ever hear. Last year, he and friends Tweet, Dwele, and Joy Denalane, performed at the The Dresden Soul Symphony in Germany, reinterpreting soul hits to a classical orchestra. Right now, the compilation The Return Of Mr. Wonderful (a pseudonym of his) is circulating and is a collection of all of these collaborations and live recordings. It’s a solid mix. The new album, Air Tight’s Revenge is set to release later this year on Bilal’s independent label, Jazzman Music. Check out Hezekiah’s “Lookin’ Up” featuring Bilal below. I had a hard time choosing which song to feature here; but settled on this maybe because it contains subtle elements of Marvin Gaye’s “Time to Get It Together” from the Here, My Dear album.

“Lookin’ Up” by Hezekiah feat. Bilal

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With the slow death of the recording industry, artists are truly utilizing the web to get their music out there. With his latest release Use in Case of Emergency, Van Hunt a few days ago, sent a message to his MySpace friends, presenting the album as a birthday gift. UICOE is classic Van Hunt, with his signature cadences which harken back to the sounds of Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield, and Prince with some of that rock infused soul and funk. There are a couple of re-workings of past songs as well (two versions of “Attention” and “Man of the Year”), but it’s a good teaser before the proper album, coming later this year. He’s giving away 2 free downloads from VanHunt.com and the album is available for purchase through the site. Check out Use in Case of Emergency in the media player below.

The pattern of late, is that the older guys in rap don’t seem to be doing things the way they used to. Okay, that might sound like a negative as De La Soul‘s Are You In?: Nike+ Original Run is far from whack. In fact, it does what it intends to do — which is to make you RUN. The Nike+ brand has been creating mixes to not only provide runners with the right foot gear, but also the sounds to keep them focused while running, and this project tests their formula. Don’t expect to hear Posdnuous and Dove spitting with the same fervor we’ve grown accustomed to hearing though. Collaborations include Chicago-based DJ Flosstradamus, Gina Loring, Billy Ray, and Raheem DeVaughn. They’ve definitely kept it light in rhymes. With that said, in the 44-minutes continuous play, they do push the envelope by including electronica and trip hop sounds to get you in your running zone. I’m not mad at it. And I don’t think you’ll be either. Check out the opening song with Raheem DeVaughn. Let’s hope this ignites them to put out something fresh in the near future.

The album can be purchased on iTunes.

“Rise & Shine” – De La Soul feat. Raheem DeVaughn

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German beatmaker fLako joined forces with New Orleans rapper Noir for this EP of progressive hip hop, which toys between lounge, electronica, and soul. Let’s hope with this release, which is available for free download from Kwatro Info they’re able to gain label interest. These guys have been working together a while now, it’s high time they get put on!

“Milky Way” by fLako x Noir on Pearls

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For free download of Pearls, go to Kwatro Info

The mastermind behind Mello Music Group has done it again! This time with what is his solo project, Amir “Oddisee” Mohamed is spitting the hard rhymes over dope beats. There’s just so much coming out of the Mello Group, that I’m so spoiled as to what to listen to because it’s all DOPE. Oddisee can stand firmly as part of a collective who are truly, “making hip hop cool again.” With rhyme appearances with Black Milk, J-Live, Finale, Rapper Big Pooh, and others make Mental Liberation more of an EP of sorts, rather than a solo project. You can tell they just went into the studio and had a good ass time!

Hitting the stores May 5, and already available on iTunes, you need to wrap your ears around more of the Mello Music crew. Listen to what’s on Oddisee’s MySpace and Diamond District sites too.

“Let the Music” feat. LMNO from Mental Liberation

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Go to Fresh Selects for the exclusive download of “What’s Crazy.”

I remember looking at the album cover for Marvin Gaye’s I Want You for hours while listening to it over and over. With each look, I’d see a different detail I hadn’t caught before.

Ernie Barnes (15 July 1938 – 27 April 2009), was a prolific artist and we never really knew the man; we just basked in his art. In the 60s, Barnes played offensive guard for five seasons in the American Football League. After painting The Sugar Shack, his work got featured throughout 70s sitcom Good Times, he was named the official artist of the 1984 Summer Olympics, and received the 1984 and 2004 Sport Artist of the Year award. In 1999, rap group Camp Lo recreated The Sugar Shack for their album cover Uptown Saturday Night and in 2004, Kanye West commissioned Barnes to paint a self-portrait entitled A Life Restored, after West’s life threatening car accident. The painting measures 9 ft x 10 ft and hangs from West’s dining room ceiling.

His work featured elongated figures in motion, where his use of colors created smooth yet detailed textures. An outstanding artist who will be sorely missed. His timeless work will live on through us. Check out Kanye West’s website to see some of his work.

Listen to “Soon I’ll Be Loving You” taken from my all-time favorite Marvin Gaye album, I Want You

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