Blog: Beatlife

I get a lot of emails through this blog from a lot of artists trying to get attention for their little piece of the internet. I try and listen to what I can. Very generally speaking, most of it is mediocre at best. Few make the cut onto these hallowed digital pages ;) However, it's always super-rewarding to find a gem amongst them all. Maehlib, AKA Thomas Kaske, is one of these cases. He sent me a track via SoundCloud and I was immediately intrigued by his atmospheric, downtempo hip-hop beats. Leaning heavily on jazz, Maehlib creates layered, [...]

German DJ Paul Pre, one of my favorites, has a new mix he did for Laid Back Radio in Belgium, featuring "chilled beat music". As usual he comes correct with a selection of soulful, futuristic beats featuring AFTA-1, fLako and more (full tracklist below). Paul Pre for LDBK by Laid Back on Mixcloud Tracklist: 01. Shlohmo - Things I Lost 02. heRobust - Lumber Party 03. Jazzo & [...]

The Stereo MCs are back! They have a new album, Emperor's Nightingale out on August 30th. "Manner" is the first, and pretty impressive single to be released from it, and as you'll hear below, still features a strong hip-hop meets electro vibe. They sort of remind me of Daft Punk or maybe even Basement Jaxx in that they've mastered the art of still being prominently cutting edge with their musical influences, but giving it a polished, pop-friendly sound (and for once I don't mean that as an insult, hehe) at the same time. Looking forward to hearing more of the [...]

• Manner
• !K7 Records - Stereo MCs- Manner

Jay Scarlett has just posted another wonderful AmpSoul mix. Described as Soul, Future Beats and Lovestep it features all kinds of soul, from classic to futuristic, expertly programmed by Mr. Scarlett. Ampsoul Mix by Jay Scarlett on Mixcloud

Yesterday's Machine is the debut release from King Britt's Saturn Never Sleeps project, his collaboration with singer/artist Rucyl. The blurb from the label describes it as well as I could: Their debut album, Yesterday's Machine , combines an experimental create-in-the-moment vibe with inspirational lyrics and vocal sonics that range from Sade tones to Flora Purim's ethereal layers. The result is well-crafted, intelligent, genre-pushing, electronic soul rooted in the duo's collective years of experience and musical expanse. Listen and download the album for free below, and also watch the [...]

Nas is set to return after several years since his last solo album. "Nasty" is the first single from the upcoming Life Is Good (although a name change is rumored to be in the works), due in September. "Nasty" has a classic Nas feel to it - bangin' drums and Nas doing his thing solidly over the top. The track is produced by heavyweight beatmakeer Salaam Remi. Take a listen below. Definitely whets the appetite for the full-length wouldn't you say? Listen to Nas - "Nasty": [See post to listen to audio]

Zo! is a multi-instrumentalist / producer from Detroit who is on The Foreign Exchange Music label. His soulful hip-hop sound is a perfect match for that label, born out of the success of Phonte and Nicolay's original Foreign Exchange collaboration. Just Visiting Three is the latest installment in Zo!'s series of free eps in which he reworks cover songs with the help of a slew of progressive soul vocalists like Eric Roberson, Sy Smith,Nicholas Ryan Gant and more. Listen: "Everything She Wants" feat. Phonte [See post to listen to audio] "Let It [...]

Heard this track on Raul Campos' show on KCRW last night and immediately had to hunt it down. This is probably one of Tokimonsta's best yet - a totally addictive & melodic downtempo soundscape perfectly complemented by the delicate vocals of Gavin Turek. As HomeWorkOnTheFire points out, the catchy, soulful nature of this track really distinguishes Tokimonsta from her Brainfeeder labelmates who rarely weave melodies into their tracks. "Little Pleasures" is taken from the Creature Dreams EP . Tokimonsta - Little Pleasures (feat. Gavin Turek) by [...]

• Tokimonsta - Little Pleasures (feat. Gavin Turek)

You may remember Emily King from a few years back, from her song "Walk In My Shoes". After she caused a stir with that track, she kinda disappeared. I have no idea what she's been up to since then, but this EP, released independently has just surfaced. It's less R&B than "Walk In My Shoes", and has a folksier, but still soulful feel to it. Take a listen below and let me know what you think. It's fairly low-key and mellow, but really allows her voice to shine. I think it's a grower.

Hearing this new stuff from Freestyle Fellowship makes me nostalgic for my young hip-hop days, especially listening to Aceyalone's "A Book of Human Language" for the first time and feeling pretty mind-blown. "We Are" is taken from a new album, The Promise , on the horizon (October actually) by Freestyle Fellowship and very welcome it will be! Freestyle Fellowship - 'We Are' by DeconRecords Official blurb: Freestyle Fellowship, the legendary L.A.-based Hip Hop quintet of MCs Aceyalone, Myka 9, P.E.A.C.E., [...]

• Freestyle Fellowship - 'We Are'

Always excited to hear new music from Miguel Migs..... One of San Francisco's finest, Miguel Migs returns with a new single, entitled 'Everybody' featuring disco legend, Evelyn 'Champagne' King this summer. This release precedes Migs' eagerly awaited album, 'Outside the Skyline', out later this year on the multi faceted Om Records. Migs' reputation is such that, when it came to recording his new album 'Outside The Skyline', he was able to pull together an impressive line-up of collaborators including original disco diva Evelyn 'Champagne' King, reggae legends Half-Pint and Freddie MacGregor, first lady of [...]

What, you may ask, are such shaggy-haired indie-kids doing on this blog? Ok I admit it, this might not be what you've come to expect from me. Maybe I'm just getting soft in me old age, but I really frickin' like this song. And how might a discerning punter like myself come across such a 'pop'ular ditty? Well yes, we have the mass media to thank. It was featured in the movie "No Strings Attached" - yes, another admission, I saw the movie and it was actually hilarious ("You look like a pumpkin, bitch!" Watch it, you'll understand...). Ok [...]

Some more tasty selections from the mind and record bag of Anthony Valadez. Streaming player below.... Tracklist: **Intro w/ Phontae (Little Brother/The Foreign Exchange** SBTRK & Sampha – Livin Like I Do Nina Simone – Funkier Than A Mosquitos Tweeter Ifan Dafydd – No Good Joy Division – She's Lost Control Fantastic Mr. Fox – Over Bilal – Levels (Sonnymoon Remix) Darondo – Didn't I? Cee Lo – Bodies Jose James – Vicadon D'Angelo – BS (Feat Roy Hargrove) Orakel – Sou [...]

Tokyo Dawn's Opolopo just posted this awesome "kick & bass rerub" house remix of jazz/soul singer Gregory Porter 's "1960 What?" - a soul music anthem for revolutionary times, past and present. The original 12-minute track is taken from his GRAMMY nominated debut album Water and its most political song. It's inspired in part by Kamau Kenyatta's stories of life in Detroit and by the 1963 assassination of Martin Luther King, as well as Porter's own experiences growing up in Los Angeles. Check out both versions below and let us know what you think. [...]

• opolopo - Gregory Porter - 1960 What? (opolopo kick & bass rerub)

Well dang. Jimi James might just melt your screen with her smoldering, to say the least, performance in this here video. But if you've ever seen Jimi James perform live, you know that she always brings bucketloads of style and artistry to go along with the hotness. This video is no different. Whaddya think? Bookmark It [...]

The other day I stumbled across this pretty wicked track from Brainfeeder artist Taylor McFerrin. Ryat's vocals are reminiscent of Bjork, and definitely add a certain edge to this haunting song and video. "Place In My Heart" is taken from the forthcoming full length release Early Riser . Taylor McFerrin feat. Ryat - Place in My Heart from Simon Benjamin on Vimeo . Bookmark It [...]

AFTA - 1 and Nikko Gray have a truly magical musical partnership. They just released this EP which exemplifies their stylized soul. In my humble opinion, AFTA-1 is making some of the best beats in years. He manages to make his tracks sound like they're from the year 4000, but never in a sterile or robotic way. He's just apparently inhabiting another soulful cosmic dimension simultaneously. Paired with Nikko Gray's unique vocals, this is pretty much what sounds like. Listen and purchase below. This is how AFTA-1 announced the project on his site : [...]

Motema recording artist Gregory Porter is an amazing vocalist whose accomplished, GRAMMY nominated debut album Water will find a place in the hearts of soul and jazz fans alike. He's currently in the midst of a West Coast tour, so be sure to take this opportunity to witness his talent live. Download a free song "Pretty" below. 02-16-2011 Catalina's Hollywood, CA 02-18-2011 Music Millennium Portland, Oregon 02-19-2011 Tony Starlight's Portland, Oregon 02-22-2011 [...]

Wow, to think I almost totally slept on this track. "Don't Pass Me By" is a beautiful, evocative track that eludes traditional categories. It drips with soul and the addition of Esthero's vocals make this a truly magical experience. Don't Pass Me By ft. Esthero by spreewilson Bookmark It [...]

• spreewilson - Don't Pass Me By ft. Esthero

Soul Savior indeed. DJ Myxzlplix isn't messin' around on this seriously deep and soulful house mix. Pure dopeness. Deep & Soulful House. Tracklist 1. Moment (Atjazz Rmx)-Musaria Ft. Saturna 2. Ride With Me-Roberto Rodriguez 3. Wall of Love (Deeper Dub)-Davidson Ospina & MJ White 4. Something (So Good)-Alias Rhythm Ft. Sandy Spady 5. Monday-Will Power 6. Monday Groove-Amir Groove 7. For Your Savior-Redondo 8. take Control-New Mondo 9. I'll Let It (Aki Bergen Rmx)-The Realm Ft. Choklate [...]