Ropeadope

Fresh off of The Eleven One Eleven Theory Mixtape, comes the beautiful and amazing track, "Samples and Sh*t," from 'Chocolate City' emcee, Wale.  The mixtape will more than suffice until the much anticipated release of his next LP, Ambition.  Enjoy.

Here's the first of many posts to music from this sensational up-and-coming vocalist/rapper, Jered Sanders.  When you think of a hybrid singer-rapper, you may have some reservations as one skill may lack the other's quality; however, this cat does both extremely …

Within the last two years, I've become a HUGE supporter of The Cool Kids.  Imagine my excitement with the announcement of The Cool Kids linking up with some of my favorites - Bun B, Freddie Gibbs, and Blended Babies - to …

So, one of my favorite artist right now is indie artist, Jaidene Veda.  She's been featured on tracks by the Ananda Project, Ralf Gum, and so forth (I think this release tips the cake, though). Multi-faceted, she's a filmaker and a …

It's almost September and you guys know what that means. The Toy Soldeir's newest EP is going to be released on the 20th! Here's a fresh track off of the album.

We're counting down to the release of F Deluxe's album, "Gaslight". Check out this exclusive first track off of the album!

This 1966 recording is a cover of the classic 60s garage rock song usually performed by the American Breed. This version features an all-female lineup and sudden bursts of feedback cut right into the tape. Hmm... do I hear the beginning …

Great music from the Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme, REKS.  Do yourself a favor and peep the debut, if you haven't already.

In this song, The Heavy take a Clarence Reid sample and turn it into something equally funky, yet completely different. It's a sizzling soul number with enough "oomph" to get even the squarest of square up and bumpin'.

I've had this song stuck in my head all day. It's those vocals. They grow from soft and melodious to harsh and biting in seconds. I can't get enough of it and have been anxiously awaiting their upcoming album.

Great stuff off of the Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Music) collabo between Mishka NYC and the homie, Stalley.

This Philadelphia 7-peice is known for their bright colors, face paint, and catchy melodies. However they solemn up in this gem off of their self-titled album, complete with Eleanor Rigby-esque strings.

This dreamy, shoegaze-inspired track reminds me of lounging in the sun, wading through the ocean, or spending the day at the local amusement park. The floating vocals and surf guitars provide for the perfect summer soundtrack.

From the Coltrane stable, and by way of Impulse!, comes Pharoah Sanders' 1971 masterpiece, Thembi.  Presented is the opening cut off that album titled "Astral Travelling."  Enjoy.

A piece dedicated to his daughter, "infant Eyes" probably ranks in my top ten compositions of all time.  This cut is taken from his Speak No Evil album. 

A session made in heaven; 1963 saw the release of Ella & Basie - a collaboration between two of the greatest to ever swing it.  Basie's orchestra is the perfect compliment to Ella's vocals, and Quincy Jones' arrangement is simply marvelous.

This is a rare one for fans of The Roots. This a remake of Bobby Hutcherson's "Montara". From the Blue Note compilation "The New Groove: The Blue Note Remix Project, Vol. 1".

Like it!

Way before the acting career and make-up ads, Quenn Latifa was killing it in the hip-hop world. The horns on this track are what makes it.

You can never go wrong with dope MCs and a Donald Byrd sample.

Who's got the jazz? They do. Sampling Lucky Thompson's "Green Dolphin Street". From the classic album "The Low End Theory".