Looking back on the year 2009, it clearly was a year filled with seminal events with the biggest loss being Michael Jackson. Still cannot fathom he is no longer with us. The documentary “This Is It,” highlighted his capability of really coming back stronger than ever. We lost far too many talented people in 2009. We witnessed the diabolical display of arrogance from Kanye West. Chris Brown caught a case of crazy on Rihanna. Lady Gaga‘s scary performance at the VMA’s illustrated that one’s fans can love you to death (I was moved by it). Jay-Z‘s Blueprint 3 with New York’s anthem “Empire State of Mind,” and later performing it at the World Series. It was an eventful year which made it hard to distinguish the good music that actually came out.

Below are the musical highlights I found interesting and enjoyable. Hope you enjoy the selections.

Muphoric Sounds’ Best of 2009

13. Erik Rico “So Much Better” (single)

12. Major Lazer – Guns Don’t Kill People…Lazers Do

11. De La Soul – Rise ‘n Shine feat. Raheem Devaugh from Are You In?

10.  DJ Terry Urban – Southerngold

9. Harmonic 313 – When Machines Exceed Human Intelligence

8. Little Dragon – “Thunder Love” from Machine Dreams

7. Dâm-Funk – Toeachizown

6. Cubic Zirconia – “Fuck Work” (Dâm Funk Remix)

5. Shafiq Husayn – En’A-Free-Ka

4. Nicolay – City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya

3. Maxwell – Blacksummer’s Night

2. Georgia Ann Muldrow – Umsindo

1. Electric Wire Hustle – Electric Wire Hustle

With 2010 just two days away, marks the start of a new flow of music. The most anticipated being Sade‘s album Soldier of Love; D’Angelo‘s comeback album and tour with the help of the ultimate dream team ever — Prince, Questlove, and Raphael Saadiq (D’Angelo better not play us!); Black Milk‘s Album of the Year; projected new release from Radiohead; new album from one of my favorite singers of this time, Bilal Oliver; and new music from other underground artist who haven’t spilled the beans on their projects yet. I’m excited about 2010 and its discoveries, not only on a personal level, but with what this new decade will bring for all.

All the best for 2010 and let’s continue to create fulfilling possibilities for our lives!

Although a bold statement from Black Milk, it’s okay for him to unleash his inner Kanye arrogance with Album of the Year 2010, as he’s an artist who can cause one to overdose on his music! Below is the first taste from the album, the single “Keep Going” featuring the keyboards skills and background vocals of Aaron “AB” Abernathy and hard hitting drums by Daru Jones. An infectious head nod. The album is set to release during the summer of 2010, and below is a taste of what’s to come. A holiday gift from Black Milk to us; enjoy the free download.

“Keep Going” by Black Milk feat. AB and Daru Jones

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Thanks to Moovmnt.com for the heads up!

“Camino de la Vida” is a classic in the deck. When I press play it brings up two memories — stuff my mom would sing to and stuff I later came to love. Sergent Garcia was born somewhere between Belleville, France and Valencia, Spain. On his records he sings in Spanish, French, and English.  Garcia, also known as Bruno, used to play guitar for a French punk band called Ludwig Von 88 from the 1980’s to the 1990’s. He came out with his first LP around 1997, and continues to record today, along with an international tour list that spans Europe, Latin America, and last summer he performed at the Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco. “Camino de la Vida” is from is his second album, Un Poqito Quema’o which roughly translates into slightly burnt. Sergent Garcia‘s musical style is a mixture of Reggae and Salsa which he calls “Salsamuffin.”

The song itself caught my attention because it uses the beat from a very popular song “What You See Is What You Get” by The Dramatics. How he came up with the idea to make the rhymes in Spanish mix with this I’m not sure, but it blends beautifully. In fact, I think The Dramatics would be proud of their influence on “Camina de la Vida.” The composition of the horns and Spanish rhymes are well delivered melodically to provide that instantaneous head nod. One of the things about the song that I enjoy the most is the start of each verse, and the beginning of each chorus where the beat uses guitar, bass, and trumpets to rise and fall. It feels like you’re being snuck up on, again and again. Both Sergent and guest vocalist, “La Capitana” who rhymes on the chorus, deliver a classic song. But, don’t take my word for it, listen for yourself below. Un Poquito Quema’o can be purchased on iTunes or Last.fm.

“Caminio de la Vida” from Un Poqito Quema’o

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

What can be said about Mark de Clive-Lowe? He is a musical genius, the Herbie Hancock of our times, an amazing producer, who is devoid of categorization. His biological make-up (part New Zealand and Japanese), has provided him with this eclectic approach to music, where damn near everyone in the future soul, nu-jazz, hip-hop, and experimental sounds communities want to work with him. Collaborating with the likes of Restless Soul, DJ Spinna, Dego (4Hero), Bugz in the Attic, Wajeed (Platinum Pied Piper), Bembe Seque, Omar, Lyric L, Tawiah, to name a few, it is an honor that Mark agreed to put together a list of his Top 10 musical highlights for 2009 – especially during his busy schedule while in Barcelona! His tastes in music are so varied, which only further exemplifies his aptitude of an outstanding producer. He truly appreciates music.

Keep your ears open for forthcoming musical pleasures from Mark, who has projects in the works with Jody Watley, Sy Smith, Omar (yay!!!!), and the legendary Leon Ware.

Mark de Clive-Lowe’s 2009 Top Ten Picks

10. Dam Funk – Toeachizown (Album)

9. Julien Dyne – Pins & Digits (Album)

8. Shafiq Husayn – “Nirvana” Original + Remix from En’ A-Free-Ka Album

7. Joy Jones – “Over” on Godchild (Album)

6. Slum Village – featuring Marsha Ambrosius – “Cloud 9″ (Single)

5. Phil Asher – “9 Minutes of Fun” (Single)

4. Rob van de Wouw – Tunnelvision (Album)

3. Sterling Ensemble – feat. Sara Devine – “Life Ain’t What It Seems” (Single)

2. Mos Def - ‘Quiet Dog’ Live on Letterman

1. Esperanza Spalding – Esperanza (Album)

I absolutely love this song! Corinne looks beautiful, sounds beautiful, and in a sad way, you can’t help but feel sorry, that she has gone through what she has already. “I’d Do It All Again” is a strong assertion, of being unafraid to give, lay one’s heart on the line, welcome pain, but if given the chance, would gladly do it all again. Just beautiful. To be completely honest, Corinne’s debut was too pop for my tastes, but after hearing this song and the level of maturity in its production, (must be that 70s retro throwback), I’m actually looking forward to hearing her new album with new ears. The release of The Sea is scheduled for February 1st, 2010, just in time for Cupid to shoot you in the heart.

Taking inventory of what was hot musically this year when you’re a puritan, is a difficult task. Commercially, a lot came out, and equally in the underground music world. For me, the highlights were Little Dragon, with their sophomore album and Maxwell‘s long-awaited fifth album release.

Turning the challenge over to UK rapper Ty, to find out what moved him this year, you’ll see that a lot of great music from interesting artists came out this year — from solo projects, debuts, to the long-awaited. Check out Ty‘s list below, and if you don’t own any of them, I suggest you treat yourself to some good music for the holidays — you deserve it.

“TY’s 2009 Top 10 Picks”

10. Q-Tip – Kamala the Abstract

9. Eric Roberson – Music Fan First

8. Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II

7. Micheal Olatuja - Speak (Check him out on Youtube)

6. Noisettes - Wild Young Hearts

5. Georgia Anne Muldrow – Early

4. Shafiq Husayn – En’ A-Free Ka

3. Erik Rico – Reworks Project

2. Nneka – No Longer at Ease

1. Joy Jones – Godchild

While you’re here, watch the video of Ty during his recent visit to Amsterdam for the “Straight Up Jazz” event at The Bitterzoet. (Thanks to Moovmnt for the great footage.) Ty will be releasing his fourth studio album, A Second Kind of Fool, early 2010.

A few months ago, I introduced you to a few guys from Cleveland who go by the name of KEYEL. Now branching out and doing independent projects, group member Twizz, has teamed with singer/emcee Phenom to form a group called Moonstruck. Seeding the market with their first single, “We Can Go,” (a free download) is a cool two-step tune with a nice mellow hook sang by Phenom and the two also rap on verses. I dig it. I urge you to check out Phenom’s Myspace; he has a Vikter Duplaix kind of vibe, against heavy bass lines and whimsical keyboards. KEYEL will be hitting us with a new project mid-January and are also working on a full album. Get your free download, and enjoy!

“We Can Go” by Moostruck (Click for DOWNLOAD)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Back in May, Muphoric Sounds brought the sounds of The Jaspects to you, the band who all met while they were students at Morehouse College. With the release of their album, The Polka Dotted Stripe, Eric Roberson is hosting their album release party at one of New York’s world renowned venues, SOB’s! The night will feature opening acts by Lydia Caesar and Jon Bibbs.

Muphoric Sounds has two tickets for giveaway! Send an email to contests@muphoricsounds.com by Wednesday, December 16, 2009 for a random drawing. The winner will be notified on Thursday, December 17, and their name, plus one will be added to the guest list for the night. (We dislike spam as much as you do; your contact information will never be sold or rented, in compliance with US Spam Laws.) So get yourself in it, to win it, and share the word with your friends.

Here’s a refresher on the sounds of The Jaspects!

“2012″ feat. Janelle Monae on The Polkadotted Stripe

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

“Unifunk” on The Polkadotted Stripe

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

If you’re from Brooklyn, you’ve come into contact with Dhundee in one way or another, from his DJing at some of New York’s exclusive parties and club nights. A Baltimore native, now residing in Brooklyn, Dhundee’s musical journey is one that is hard to categorize, as he manages to encompass various musical genres without coming across as contrite or far-reaching. With the recent official release of his album, Take Flight, which features an array of fine artists and showcases his skills not only as musician (Trombone and Drums) and producer, but even a singer! Take Flight contains innovative, atmospheric musical arrangements to chill to, or even work up a sweat to on the dance floor. Highly respected within the industry, working with Waajeed (from Platinum Pied Pipers), Cecilia Stalin, Sarah White, Kissey Asplund, Michelle Amador, his new album has begun to gain attention from other amazing producers, such as the recently retired Domu, who remixed “Tomorrow,” and features the sexy-jazzy-cool vocals of Swedish singer, Cecilia Stalin.

Watch the never-before-seen until now video created by Dhundee, where he rocks the beat. And below, he shares with Muphoric Sounds his musical path and process, his new album, and what’s on his horizons. Taking his music across the seas, the name Dhundee is one you should pay attention to. His album can be purchased from his Bandcamp page. Enjoy!

1. Who is “Dhundee”?
Dhundee is a Producer, Musician, DJ, Daddy, Connector, Biz Owner who resides in Brooklyn.

2. Do you think you would be the “Dhundee” you are today if you stayed in Baltimore? Why?
Yes. Dhundee started out in B’more 17 years ago. I was in 2 bands — one hardcore rock band and the other, a jazzy hip hop band. I was very involved with making music even before that so I would and could set up shop anywhere I lay my hat.

3. People always say, there’s something about Brooklyn. How has being based in Brooklyn influenced your creativity?
There is definitely something special about Brooklyn. I am influenced by the different sections of Brooklyn, the people, the style, the attitude, the kids, the hustle, the crazy conversations I overhear walking the streets, the conversations I have with the gypsy cab drivers that I come from all over the earth listening to their music while riding in the cab, the feeling of leaving the city and riding over the bridge; leaving the hustle behind me. Most of all I like the pace here and how you can set your own if you choose to.

4. Who are your main musical influences? What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening mostly to soul, hip hop and house music, later jazz, electronica, trip hop, Ultramagnetic MC’s, De La Soul, Ralph MacDonald “The Path”, KRS 1, Leaders of the New School, Tribe, Native Tongue Fam, Jimi Hendrix, 90′s rock, Lala Hollaway and ole school B’more Club and Chicago House music, Prince, Stevie, Michael, Stereolab, Can, early Ninja Tune records.

5. Being a musician who plays multiple instruments, what do you prefer when composing music – instrumentation or computerization? Why?
I prefer using both. I approach each song differently. Being that drums/drumset is my main instrument, I usually start off doing drum solos in my studio first. As I’m playing, I can hear the bass lines and chords, and from there I record digitally into the computer. It’s a lot cheaper than reel to reel tape and a lot more efficient.

(more…)

Remember the time when rap music used to be fun, carefree, conscious, with a message, and over some dope beats? Well, this is what you get when you listen to Preach Jacobs, emcee, journalist, and photographer hailing from Columbia, South Carolina. The Maple St. Sessions blends neo-soul and funk inspired hip hop that’s reminiscent of the classic sounds of the Native Tongues era.  Produced by Denz (of Cyberworks), who has worked with Marc Mack of 4Hero, and with Preach Jacobs spitting rhymes like his life depends upon it, the two are a great combo. The album recently got picked up by R2 Records based in London (the label behind Thievery Corporation, Louie Vega, and N’Dambi, and will be release soon. Maple St. Sessions is his second release, with his first being Garveyism, which was released last year to critical acclaim.  The music is so much fun, I’m looking forward to seeing Preach Jacobs‘s show on the road. Do stop by his site and read his blog; he kicks a lot of knowledge.

Listen to a couple of tracks taken from Maple St. Sessions and the video for “Falling”.

“Forest Whitaker”

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

“Cool Out”

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.