Thirty Eight

Posted by modulatorsoul on May 4, 2014
Posted in: HipHop. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Image

Apollo Brown just dropped his newest instrumental album Thirty Eight. After the success of his last instrumental album Clouds, Apollo Brown comes back with a new a concept album that pays homage to the soundtracks of the black exploitation movies from the 70s and 80s.  He purposely leaves the crackles and pops from the old sampled vinyl, and that creates this warmth and nostalgic feeling that transforms you to a different era. There is no need to mention Apollo Brown’s production, he is a master with the selection of his samples and his well laid down drums.This album is another classic.  Don’t sleep and cop this album!

Brasil Bam Bam Bam

Posted by modulatorsoul on May 2, 2014
Posted in: World Music. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Image

The World Cup is just over a month away, the excitement and fervour of the tournament is staring to build. With mass influx of visitors and viewers to Brazil, it is a perfect time to showcase classic Brazilian music.The new Brazilian supergroup Sonzeira founded by the great Gilles Peterson is set to release their new album Brasil Bam Bam Bam on May 19th. Gilles Peterson isn’t your typical dj or record label owner, he brings this scholarly approach to creating all his albums.  It is evident with this new album, Gilles Peterson wanted to create the true essence of Brazilian music with a mixture of both old and new artists. The album features Seu Jorge, Marcos Valle, and the renowned Elza Soares.  Brasil Bam Bam Bam will get you ready for the World Cup while giving you a lesson in classic Samba and Bossa Nova.

The Departure

Posted by modulatorsoul on April 26, 2014
Posted in: HipHop, Soul. Tagged: , , . 1 Comment

Image

I know it is a little bit late, but better late than never. The man behind the super successful collaborations Fela Soul and Bizarre Tribe Amerigo Gazaway has released Yasiin Gaye: The Departure.  The project is a mashup between the Marvin Gaye and the Brooklyn rapper Yaasin Bey aka Mos Def, it is the first instalment in his new series Soul Mates. Amerigo Gazaway comes correct with this collaboration, he effortlessly creates these new orchestrations as if there were originally recorded. The soulfulness of Marvin Gaye mixed with Bey’s on point delivery is balanced perfectly while still staying true to each artist. Lately there has been a few mashup collaborations but this one is top quality. I can wait for the next instalment, Check it out!

Spanish Joint

Posted by modulatorsoul on April 26, 2014
Posted in: Soul. 1 Comment

Image

D’Angelo’s Voodoo is probably one of my favorite soul albums of all time, I think I could put it in my top ten maybe even top five. I will probably get a lot slack for saying that but in my opinion, there isn’t a more complete neo-soul album out there. Voodoo has everything, it has blues, soul, jazz, and even salsa. It is incredible that Voodoo dropped 2000 and still the sound is relevant. The LA native and talented dj, producer, and emcee Kero One flips D’Angelo’s Spanish Joint. Kero One masterfully transforms the song from a laid back to a more uptempo dance jam while still allowing D’Angelo’s voice to shine.  Mad props to Kero One for the free download, don’t sleep and cop it!

Living Without You

Posted by modulatorsoul on April 24, 2014
Posted in: Soul. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Image

The golden era for UK soul is here, the scene is pumping out some talented artists. One of the most promising artists is Sasha Keable, the talented nineteen year old songstress is set to drop her new EP Lemon Grass & Lime Leaves on May 12, 2014. The  single off the EP is called Living Without You, it is a throwback to that deep 80s soul. Sasha’s voice effortlessly fits perfectly over the rhythm, it is evident to her talent and skill as she willing to expand her repertoire outside her to new sounds. If you haven’t checked her free EP Black Book, go grab it for free from here. Cop the new EP in May!

Afropolitan Dreams

Posted by modulatorsoul on April 23, 2014
Posted in: HipHop. Tagged: , , . 1 Comment

Image

Summer is slowly creeping upon us, the longer days and warm weather is positively changing everyone’s mood. One of my favourite parts of summer is BBQs, great food, great company and foremost great summer tunes. Blitz the Ambassador just released the single Make You No Forget to his upcoming album Afropolitan Dreams and it is for sure a summer jam. The infectious afro beat just gets you jammin, you automatically start nodding to the beat. Blitz’s skillful delivery with his conscious lyrics fit perfectly over the highlife hiphop sound. The album will drop on April 28, 2014 and features some music heavyweights such as Seun Kuti, Nneka, Angelique Kidjo, and a few others. Get your summer vibes early and pick up this album.

Mandarin Oranges

Posted by modulatorsoul on April 22, 2014
Posted in: HipHop. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

Image

The nineteen year old phenom emcee Little Simz is back! She just dropped a two part single named Mandarin Oranges, the ultra talented beat maker Sango does the honour of providing the production behind both parts .The first part features Michigan emcee Waldo alongside Little Simz and the beat is more of the standard hip hop sound.However, in the second part Sango creates this mellowed out galactic beat that gives Little Simz free reign to deliver and showcase her lyrical expertise. I don’t need to say any more, the evidence is presented in the video. Don’t sleep!

Simply Beautiful

Posted by modulatorsoul on March 27, 2014
Posted in: Jazz, Soul. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

jose James

Jose James has been a staple in the jazz and rnb game since his debut album The Dreamer in 2008. He continually pushes the boundaries by incorporating different styles in his music while still staying true to his jazz roots. The next progression for Jose James will happen on June 10, 2014 when he releases his next full length album While You Were Sleeping.  The new album will be entirely produced by Jose James and Brian Bender. This new creative direction will allow Jose James to be more in control of his sound and I think will allow him to push the boundaries even further. Check out his cover of Al Green’s Simply Beautiful, it will appear on the new album.

Your Love Will Blow Me Away When My Heart Aches

Posted by modulatorsoul on March 26, 2014
Posted in: Soul. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Image

Aaron Livingston a.k.a Son Little has dropped a new single Your Love Will Blow Me Away When My Heart Aches and this emotionally charged yet addictive song leaves you wanting more. The stripped down bluesy sound fits perfectly under Son Little’s eerie but soulful voice. The official video has this smoky pseudo noire theme that matches perfectly over the dark and saddening lyrics. Don’t Sleep and check out the new single!

Lazy Love

Posted by modulatorsoul on March 14, 2014
Posted in: Soul. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Image

The last few years have started the golden era for UK jazz and soul,  you have seen artists explode like Corinne Bailey Rae, Estelle, and the late Amy Winehouse. The  scene is still pumping out some great artists, these amazing up and comers  aren’t afraid to cross genres and push the boundaries.  One of these upcoming artists that is likely to make some power moves is Angela Ricci. You may have never heard her name but she has been a back up singer for some famous artists such as Kelis and the Heavy. Angela Ricci is ready to leave the shadows and become the main spotlight. All I have to say is watch out, she has the talent to become a big star. Angela Ricci has released her second single Lazy Love, she has this infectious voice that is so smooth.  Lazy love has this simple mellow jazz beat that showcases her voice perfectly. Watch out for her EP, but check out the video below!