This is still one of my favorite songs by The coup. In this video Boots describes “Captain Sterling’s Little Problem”, an anti war song once part of the documentary “Sir No Sir”.
Dig this? Check out this painting I did of Boots and Pam the Funkstress(RIP).
Jones (London, UK) – Giving it up Joe Hertz Remix 2020
I was out shopping with my son at a store when this song came on and I immediately shazam’d it!
What is this? This series is called “Stuff I’ve been listening to” and this is my place to share music that I listen to while I work, process, decompress, and live life. Some of it is new, some old. But I’m always listening. I share in the hopes that you will find something that inspires you. Please share with a fellow music lover. My name is Rob and I’m an artist and author from the Bay Area.
Darius Feat Duñe (UK) – Feels Right 2021
I came across this song recently and really enjoyed the synths on it. It grooves hard and I dig it!
Gavlyn & DJ Hoppa (Los Angeles, CA) – Stepping Stones 2020
I love it when hiphop and house collide like this. LA’s Gavlyn and DJ Hoppa really did their thing with this jam.
Astralblak aka Zulu Zuluu (Minneapolis, MN) – Jerkin 2019
I don’t know much about this group but I’ve enjoyed a few songs from them 🙂
Trackademics Feat 1 O.A.K. & YMTK (Oakland, CA) – Grab Somebody 2018
Town biz- Track, OAK, and Young Murph are all great artists from Oakland and Alameda-Bay Area.
Lyricl (UK) – When You Read This Atjazz remix 2021
I don’t hear this enough, great poets set to house beats. Loved this when I heard it. Maybe from Mr Choc or Shortkut?
Louie Vega & The Martinez Bros feat Marc E. Bassy (Manhattan, NY) – Let it go 2020
Louie Vega is a house legend and I came across this one on YouTube and love it!
Full Crate feat Gaidaa (Amsterdam, Netherlands) – A Storm On A Summers Day 2018
I know Full Crate from his work with Mar and I found Gaidaa via the YouTube channel COLORS. Awesome collaboration.
Aroop Roy (London, UK) – Todo Mundo Tem Amor 2020
This is an incredible mix of sounds on a house track. the vocal samples are an incredible touch too. Made for dancing!
Peven Everett (Chicago, IL) – Stuck Phil Asher Remix 2008
I’ve heard Peven through DJ Spinna and this is one of the first tracks I heard from Phil Asher (RIP). Incredible remix!
Fantasia Barrino ( North Carolina ) – Free Yourself JLMT edit 2016
We all know Fantasia from thee TV show but I’d never heard her with a house mix, also heard this through Twitch!
Brothers Maklovich feat Leven Kali (NYC/ Toronto) – Give Love To Get Some Waajeed Remix 2020
Ok, I know of A-Trak from the DJ Battle circuit before he became a record label owner, and found his brother through him. Waajeed through PPP, and I’m new to Leven Kali.
Mick Jenkins feat Ravyn Lenae (Chicago, IL) – Communicate prod by Kaytranada 2020
My bro Bounce put me on to Mick Jenkins years ago. He has a distinct and super swaggy flow. I found Ravyn through Spotify-incredible duo! And with a Kaytranada beat!?
DIG THE MUSIC? THERE’S MORE!
Ok thats it fam, if you dug this share it with a friend, comment with some musical suggestions, and if you want to support me you can do so at my shop. My name is Rob Liu-Trujillo and I’m an artist/ author from the Bay Area. Here’s one more gem…..
Nathan Haines feat Marlena Shaw ( New Zealand/ US) – Squire For Hire (Restless Soul/ Phil Asher?) 2018
I don’t know much about Nathan Haines except that I love when Jazz and dance music collide!! And so lovely to have the OG Marlena Shaw (California Soul!) on this too. That’s it, stay tuned…..
I've had this joint on repeat. Funny how one short freestyle can have so much soul to it. Love her collabs w/ Blue Lab Beats. Farah is an ill singer songwriter from the UK. Follow her journey.
Hey, this brother yU of “Diamond District” has been underrated and not mentioned enough. He is a dope Emcee and producer from the Washington Dc area. More of his music here.
Dig this? Check out “Stuff I’ve Been Listening To-More Soul”
Sunday Afternoon- For Amina’s family, music is medicine. Almost every Sunday , the phones and ipads were put away to do one thing: Music. The rules were: do your chores your homework, play, read, or relax but throw on your favorite music and just chill out. And so Betty listened to an album from vinyl club, Maya practiced scales , and mama just relaxed to her favorite that week.
What is this? Short stories are a way for me to sharpen my skills, to play, to practice, and to stretch out by trying new ideas for stories. In 2010 they started off as a way to practice the format of picture books but I’m interested in other formats now too. My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo and my most recent book is Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco published by Lee & Low Books.
Here’s some of my past short stories:
Dig this? Check out my first self published Art Book- 130 pages of sketches, paintings, characters, and more HERE
I’m still not out of a funk of creativity and a dirth of inspiration but we keep going right? Here are some things I can share with you that caught my eye, ear, or heart. Some I’m sure you already know. Some I’d be happy to introduce you to.
Starting from top to bottom, left to right:
Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here it is, plus a few more
What’s this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life’s trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I’ve been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments. Who am I? My name is Rob Liu-Trujillo and I’m an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube. You can also cop my first art book here.
Found Farah through Blue Lab Beats who produced this cut. Their music and her vocals are heavenly. She also did a cut called “On the Run” which is equally awesome. Bump this.
Dig this? Check out this post about stuff I’ve been listening to : More SOUL
Hey fam, I hope you’re well. Whew with life this past year and moving, war, family health, inspiration has gone down the tube. I mean, I still read, listen, watch, feel, and experience but I have felt exhausted and uninspired to keep it real. I still create because I’ve been doing this for a long ass time, but sometimes it needs to be said that you don’t feel it. Anyway, for the past 6 months or so these are some things that fed or made me feeeeeeel.
Starting from top to bottom, left to right:
2. Texas Book Festival – 1st time visiting this historic book fest in Austin,TX. Shout out to Lee & Low, Reading Rockets, and the Fest (event)
3. The Spirit of the Palestinian People! – With over 75 years of colonialization they still stand and it is both painful and inspiring to have to witness time and time again. Thank you to the everyday people and the Palestinian organizers! (Resistance)
4. Dr. Marc Lamont Hill– Marc has been doing a lot of work to question society from multiple viewpoints and I’m thankful (Journalism)
5. Bisan Wizard– I’m in awe of this young journalist who has been sharing news in Arabic and English, risking her life to show us what US, European, and Israeli wont; what is happening is genocide (Journalist)
6. Jewish Voice for Peace– BIG shout out to my Jewish fam in the US acting up and showing out to show solidarity and prove that questioning Zionism does NOT equal antisemitism. They have lifted the veil for many Jews, Christians, Muslims, and atheists alike. (activists)
7. Olivia Dean – Love this singer songwriters music. Check her out! (music)
8. LaRussell and Tietta – This duo’s work to put their name, art, and biz savvy has been inspiring to watch. From Vallejo Ca (Business/Art)
9. Maurice Carney – I loved learning about what is happening in the Congo from Maurice of “Friends of the Congo” (Activism)
10. Frizzy – Graphic novel about hair, self acceptance and mentorship (Graphic Novel)
11. Sara Trellez– There’s something life giving and undescribable about this dance routine Sara gives. I could see and recognize the years of work, talent, research, and history she put into this (Dance)
12. Lowkey – This MC from the UK came to me through my boy Pele. I’m so happy I found Lowkey because his skills and wit inspired me. So smart and so relentless! (Hip Hop)
13. Can We Please Give the Police Department to the Grandmothers? – Shout out to Angela Dalton who showed me this book. Contrary to what adults may think, these are exactly the kinds of questions I think kids can and should grapple with. Policing has got to go (Kid Lit)
14. Motaz Azaiza– Brother Motaz is an incredibly talented and brave photographer who once again is showing us in English and Arabic what the regime of Israel is doing to the people of Palestine. Genocide. (Photography)
15. Amanda Seales– I’ve watched Amanda go through being an MC, a singer, a poet, actor, and now social media activist who has challenged and critiqued not only Israel but many other things. And she’s not just talking, listen-you’ll see in addition to living shes also studied! (Social Media)
16. Artie and the Wolk Moon– Great GN about a young Black girl who learns she is part werewolf!! Perfect for older elementary students and middle grade readers (Graphic Novel)
Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here it is, plus a few more
What’s this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life’s trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I’ve been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments. Who am I? My name is Rob Liu-Trujillo and I’m an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube. You can also cop my first art book here.
Flwr Chyld Featuring Sebastian Mikael ( Georgia-US) – Eucalyptus 2023
I discovered this jam through Sebastian Mikael and LOVE Flwr Chyld’s production style!! Incredible feel for good soul!
What is this? This series is called “Stuff I’ve been listening to” and this is my place to share music that I listen to while I work, process, decompress, and live life. Some of it is new, some old. But I’m always listening. I share in the hopes that you will find something that inspires you. Please share with a fellow music lover.
Cleo Sol ( London-UK) – Go Baby 2023
If you haven’t heard Cleo Sol yet, do yourself a favor and listen to this singer songwriter’s work as a solo artist and collaborator w/ folks like Sault, Little Simz, and more.
Moonchild (Los Angeles, US) – Too Good 2021
I first heard Moonchild some 5 or 6 years ago. They are primarily a trio that plays a blend of Jazz and Soul. Very talented group that writes and produces their stuff.
Olivia Dean (London, UK) – No Man 2023
On a weekend bday trip my wife was playing some music on Spotify and this song came on. I had to rewind it of “course and discovered an amazingly talented young vocalist from the UK. “Ladies room” from this LP and “Be my own boyfriend” are also my jam.
Adi Oasis (Brooklyn, US) – Mystic Lover 2022
I came across Adi aka Adeline playing a bass cover of Patrice Rushen’s “Forgive Me Nots” and was blown away by this bad add bass player and singer songwriter. She’s originally from France but has called the US home for awhile.
Brainstory (Los Angeles, US) – Dead End 2019
Can’t remember how I came across this group, but they are on Big Crown Records who have been consistently been pumping out some of the most gorgeous Soul from a multicultural cast of characters in LA and beyond.
Sam Willis (Hastings, UK) – Don’t Doubt It 2023
Can’t remember how I came across Sam, I think another artist I follow mentioned him. Either way, solid single!!
AstralBlak AKA Zulu Zuluu (Minneapolis, US) – Fades 2016
I love this group. They started off as Zulu but changed their name to AstralBlak.
Jennah Bell w/ Claudio Olachea (Oakland, US) – Can You See it? 2023
I first heard Jennah Bell maybe 10 years ago and have loved a little bit of everything she has put out since! She’s a versatile singer, songwriter, and guitarist from my home town! If you dig her too, check out “Hammer”, “Another Louisiana”, or “Candied Daylight”.
And here are some even older joints…
Maxwell (New York, US) – Sumthin Sumthin MellowSmooth 1997
We all love Maxwell, but unless you watched the first love scene in the film Love Jones you might have missed this remix of the classic “Sumthin Sumthin” on the soundtrack. Still hits!
DJ Jazzy Jeff & Ayah (Philadelphia US/Toronto CA) – Maybe We Can Just 2011
DJ Jazzy Jeff and singer Ayah did this EP project mixing some old and new for a fly blend of soul back in 2011 or 2010. Hear the whole project here.
Anita Baker (Detroit, US) – Talk to Me 1990
Grew up on this woman’s music playing on the living room stereo. This is one of my favorites from Ms Baker.
Stevie Wonder (Los Angeles, US) – Superwoman 1972
Classic deep cut from Stevie!!
DIG THE MUSIC? THERE’S MORE!
STUFF I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO 24: SYNTHS
STUFF I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO 23: MORE JAZZ
STUFF I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO 21: RAPS
STUFF I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO 18: HOUSE
STUFF I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO 17: SOUL
Ok thats it fam, if you dug this share it with a friend, comment with some musical suggestions, and if you want to support me you can do so at my shop.
Hey fam, I hope you’re well. It has been a rough one for me lately but trying to hold on to it. Check out some of these things that have been dope to me recently. Keep going.
Starting from top to bottom, left to right:
1. Major Taylor Iron Riders -video by The Pro’s Closet (Cycling/Fitness)
2. Odessa– Middle grade graphic novel by Jonathan Hill (book)
3. Giant Robot– Doc about an AAPI magazine/store (film)
4. Monica Martin– Vocalist, songwriter from the midwest (music)
5. El Michel’s Affair x Black Thought– I’m still somehow (music)
6. 1000% Me– Doc about being mixed by W. Kamau Bell (film)
7. Art of Cam Kendell from Fart Quest (art)
8. Hidari– Stop motion animated samurai (stop mo animation)
9. The Nakba– Educational video about the Nakba in Palestine (history)
10. Chang Can Dunk– Narrative film about personal goals (film)
11. Cymone Wilder– is an incredible lettering artist (lettering)
12. This Was Our Pact– All ages graphic novel by Ryan Andrews (book)
13. Moon Girl and the Devil Dinosaur– Animated show based on comic (tv)
14. Endea Owens – Where the Nubians Grow (music)
15. Turning Red– Animated film by Pixar (animation)
16. The Last of Us– Post apocalyptic tv show based on video game (tv)
Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here it is, plus a few more
What’s this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life’s trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I’ve been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments.Who am I? My name is Rob Liu-Trujillo and I’m an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube. You can also cop my first art book here.
Wow, the more you know. I LOVED listening to this video and it just goes to show there is so many stories yet to be told. I did not know that VP Records stood for Vincent and Patricia-two Jamaicans who were ethnically Asian and mixed! Wow. This video talks about several Chinese pioneers in Jamaican music and who consider themselves “Jamaican”, that’s it.
Check out this video that expands on Patricia Chin, co founder of VP Records who are known world wide for distributing reggae and dancehall music.
Dig this? Check out this doc about Giant Robot Magazine!