We recently discovered funk/hip hop band Fareeq El Atrash from a visit to Beirut and thankfully we were handed a copy of their self-titled debut album. They’ve released a sampler of some kind not too long ago, however this is the complete project and we were most impressed. Its fun and socio-political at the same time, which can be a huge task to pull off. Sometimes conscious hip hop can sound too much of rant and the music is forgotten. Here these lads do it well. The Arabic and English rhymes are tight and steady, laid over live funk and jazz, reminiscent of nineties Acid Jazz, however with a nu-skool spin on it of course, makes it hard not to enjoy. FareeQ el Atrash is OUT NOW on Forward Music. See them in action above.

Mos Dub: Mos Def – Ms. Vampire Booty (Tom Laroc Video Edit)

Jaydiohead’s front man, Max Tannone, has recently dropped “MOS DUB” which mashes up fresh MOS DEF raps like “MS. FAT BOOTY”, “TRAVELLIN MAN”, “BEEF”, “HURRICANE” ft COMMON & BLACK THOUGHT with some classic dub & reggae tunes from Desmond Dekker, Lee Perry, King Tubby & Errol thompson. Check the clip above. Indeed dopeness!

Dead at 64, too young. Thanks for the tunes, the bands and what you brought into this world. Have a wonderful journey.

Aloe Blacc – I Need A Dollar (Official Video) from Stones Throw on Vimeo.

You may have heard this on the trailer for HBO’s new Made In America series, this is the official video for Aloe Blacc’s “I Need A Dollar”. This track and the little preview at the end of the video is some soul dopeness to expect from his new album with Truth & Soul/ El Michels Affair  ” Good Thing” coming soon on Stones Throw. We’re very excited.

David Nada yes! He calls it Moombahton, pronounced moom-bah-tone, which he’s created reggaeton-tempo edits of Dutch House and tropical house. Discovering the vibe after slowing down an Afrojack tune at his cousin’s house party, whatever it is we dig it, its global for the club. You can find Nada releases on DJ Ayres label T&A.

RUFFCUT – MOOMBAHTON EDIT

After five years Si*Sé bring us their new five song EP “Gold”. One track for every year,  definitely worth the wait and fans will be satisfied indeed. If you haven’t heard of these future soul soldiers, you may recognise singer/DJ Carol C, who has collaborated with JembeMusic compadré Nickodemus on classics “Mariposa” and “Cleopatra In New York”.

Dub Funk Roots trio Coast have been making splashes since taking out top prize in 2008 Eastern Bay Battle Of The Bands in NZ. LOOP (home of TrinityRoots, The Black Seeds, Fly My Pretties) joined forces with them and soon to be releasing goodness.

“Before you say it I will – these guys aren’t another NZ act jumping on the so called Wellington sound/reggae wave. Coast create a unique sound that turns that wave into a Tsunami of good vibes! Look out is all I can say!” - Mikee Tucker, LOOP.

They sound like this:

Think About You (Radio Edit)

And they look like this:

Erykah Badu’s long waited New Amerykah Part Two: Return Of The Ankh LP is finally out later this week. In the meantime (thanks to Deviation) Erykah released a video for the first single to be taken from the album, Window Seat.

SUPERSETS VOL 02-SUPERBREAK by SUPERBREAK

If you haven’t already, visit these boys soundcloud page for some download delights. Always representing!

Fat Attack (Brother J’s The World Is Yours Edit)- Superbreak
Never Gonna (Superbreak Dub)- Crazy P
Wall Ride (Eddie C Remix)- SE62
Falling- I:Cube
Hot Muffin (AO Remix)- Amplified Orchestra
Super Kumba (Brother J’s Deep In The Jungle Edit)- Superbreak
Keep On Steppin’ (The Noodleman Couch Kung Fu Dub)- The Fatback Band
For The People,By The People- Ron Basejam
Delicious- Sunburst Band
Barely Eagle- Linkwood & The House Of Traps
Get On- Frank Booker
Automatic Soul (Superbreak Feel Up)- Neolounge EP
Bus Ride (Superbreak Edit)- Fred Cherry
Stratus Quo (SB Special Edit)- 6th Borough Project