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stuff ive been listening to Tag

Stuff I’ve Been Listening To 25- More SOUL

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.

January 3, 2024
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Stuff I’ve Been Listening To 24 – Synths

Loose Ends (UK) – Hanging on a string 1984
Always loved Loose Ends and this classic track from them.

Welcome welcome. Here is a new post with some of my favorite synths, mostly across soul, jazz, funk, hip hop, and rock. I didn’t always know that I loved synths, I just like good music. But after hearing some chatter about synths in general and some of the machines created to make the sounds, I thought I’d share some of my favorites, not the best synths ever. This is totally subjective. Enjoy.
Little Dragon (Sweden) - A Place to belong (2007)
This is the first Little Dragon song I heard from my boy Miguel. Fonky.
We Are King (Minneapolis/LA) – The Greatest (2015)
Agggh, one of the illest soul groups of recent to write and produce w/ synths!!
Squarepusher (UK) – Plaistow Flex Out (2001)
Was turned on to Squarepusher by my homie and drummer Valentino 
Pink Floyd (UK) – On the Run (1973)
Always loved this Pink Floyd album! 
Kool & The Gang (Jersey City) – Summer Madness (1974)
Classic joint from a classic jazz, rock, soul band.

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.

Satoshi & Makoto (Japan) – Crepuscule Leger (2017)
New! Don’t know much about these cats, but I dig it.
Jneiro Jarel (Philadelphia) – Soul Starr (2005)
Discovered Jeniro aka Dr Who Dat? at the record store and became an instant fan. 
Björk (Iceland) – Hyperballad (1995)
Heard Bjork through one of my best friends in the 90s and was blown away
Zion I w/ Mikos da Gawd (Oakland) – Saving Souls (2016)
RIP Zumbi, this is one of countless synth flavored Zion I songs


Did you miss the last installment of this series? 

Stuff I’ve been listening to 23: More Jazz
Stuff I’ve been listening to 22: Instrumentals
Stuff I’ve been listening to 21: Raps
Stuff I’ve been listening to 17: Soul
Stuff I’ve been listening to 19: UK Artists
Sexual Harassment (Midwest US) – I need a freak (1983)
House party track tried and true. First heard it as a child.
Chaka Khan (Chicago) – What Cha Gonna do for Me? (1981)
Radio classic on kiss fm in the Bay
Marcos Valle (Brazil) – Naō Tem Nada Naō (1973)
Found this cut via Madlib!
Kraftwerk (Germany) – Numbers (1981)
These cats are German, but this is straight up electro classic hip hop material. 

Ok, one last one fam….
Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein (Austin) – Kids (2016)

Discovered the guys through the Stranger Things soundtrack which was both old and new, simple, yet amazing! Reminds me of 80s movies and that was the point! Keep listening to new and old music. There are tons of great artists still coming out with music. If you’re not sure where to look, check out your local DJ, playlists, mixes, and your local independent radio stations……
August 6, 2023
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Stuff I’ve Been Listening to 23 – More Jazz

Nala Sinephro–space 4 (2021)
I’ve made a post about Jazz before but its high time for this new one featuring some musicians new and old. Straight ahead, fusion, funk, experimental, and a few things in between. Like Nala for example. I LOVE this track from her Space 1.8 album. She’s a harp player who gets it. This one features Nubya Garcia!
R+R=Now – Change of Tone (2018)
This is a super group w/ Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, Christian aTunde Adjuah, Derrick Hodge, Taylor McFerrin, and Justin Tyson
Bobbi Humphrey– Set me at ease (1975)
OG Bobbi Humphrey on the flute and featuring the Mizell’s and Dorothy Ashby
James Mason– Rhythm of life (1977)
Found this joint via Egon and man it grooves!
Esperanza Spalding – Formwela 3 (2021)
Been following since the myspace days and love how she continues to play and grow
Lonnie Liston Smith–Bridge through time (1980)
You know, Lonnie has so many incredible jams. First heard this through The Conscious Daughters
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.
Emma Jean Thackray–Rain dance/wisdom (2020)
I love how Emma Jean mixes jazz with electronic, house, funk, and hip hop. Shout out to the UK jazz scene!
Horace Silver–I’ve had a little talk (1972)
Song for my father is one of my all time favorites but when I heard Osunlade play thisssss?!
Destiny Muhammad Trio– Blue in Green (2022)
Destiny is an ILL harpist and vocalist from the Bay Area! Dig how she plays Miles and her own!!
Alfa Mist – Galaxy (2020)
Alfa Mist is an incredible UK producer and piano player, peep this remake of Eddie Henderson’s classic
Madison Mcferrin– No time to lose (2017)
Madison is the next in line after Taylor and Bobby to show and prove. She can compose, produce, and sing!!
Did you miss the last installment of this series? 
 
Stuff I’ve been listening to 22: Instrumentals

Stuff I’ve been listening to 21: Raps

Stuff I’ve been listening to 17: Soul

Stuff I’ve been listening to 19: UK Artists

Stuff I’ve been listening to 20: Remixes

Keep listening to new and old music. There are tons of great artists still coming out with music. If you’re not sure where to look, check out your local DJ, playlists, mixes, and your local independent radio stations.
Takuya Kuroda– Do they know (2016)
I came across Takuya through vocalist Jose James and always dug this track
Amel Larrieux – Try your wings (2007)
Love Amel since Groove Thory, since Infinite Possibilities, Bravebird, Morning. Peep this remake of the Blossom Dearie song from 1958
Yussef Kamaal- Live at Brownswood studio (2016) Individually these cats are amazing but their joint album “Black focus” is incredible.
Agggh, there’s so many great jazz records. Some you might of slept on or never heard of are artists like Meshell Ndegeocello, Kokoroko, Yazmin Lacey, Melissa Aldama, Grover Washington, or Butcher Brown. I wanna give a special shout out to this legend though.
Roy Hargove – Poetry (2003)
This was the first album that really got me hearing how dope Roy was, then I started to see his name with so many other great artists. Rest In peace brother Roy! Stay tuned for the next “Stuff I’ve been listening to” and drop a comment if there’s someone you recommend!
January 8, 2023
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Stuff I’ve Been Listening to 22 – (Instrumentals)

Wha gwan? I got hip to this group through my mom who loves “The New Birth”. This group “The Nite Liters” is an off shoot or sub group of the New Birth and its the band I believe. Anyway, dig it. LINK . If you’re new. Every year I share some music that I love from many genres. The core is Black music. Take a listen to these instrumentals and beats! The Nite Liters – KJee (Louisville, 1970)
Slept on this album. I dig this beat. Alchemist has so many bangers across his career. Link to listen.
The Alchemist – No Window Tints (FETTI) (Los Angeles, 2018)
 

Don’t know much about Peruvian Pysch or the hisory of cumbia, but I love this instrumental version of “Botecito” by Los Orientales de Paramonga. I wrote about this song back in 2014 here on the Muphoric Sounds blog.

Los Orientales de Paramong- Botecito (Paramonga Peru, 1972)
 
This entire LP is headphones/ ride out music. One half of the Stuyvesants, brother Allmos made this dope album. Aromas is my favorite song off this.
Allmos- Aromas Naturalle (Portland, 2017)
 
Kokoroko is an amazing band lead by trumpeter Sheila Maurice Grey from the UK and I love their mix of jazz, high life, funk, and everything in between.
Kokoroko-Age of Ascent (United Kingdon, 2022)
 

Love this dude DJ Harrison. First heard him via Ivan Ave from Oslo. He’s a multi-instrumentalist from Richmond Virginia and is also a member of Butcher Brown. His bandcamp is full of incredible beat tapes like this. Pen Eyes 9 is my favorite.

DJ Harrison- Pen Eyes 9 (Richmond,VA, 2021)

This whole LP is fire. Jahari Massamba Unit is drummer/producer Karriem Riggins and producer Madlib. Merde is my favorite track from the album.
Jahari Massamba Unite – Merde (Detroit/ Los Angeles, 2020)
 
Kiefer is such a dope musician. His work as a producer and jazz pianist is instantly recognizable when you hear it. Peep his catalogue.
Kiefer – Superheo (Los Angeles, 2021)
 

This is a dope cut from vibraphonist and vocalist Roy Ayers. Produced for the 70s Blaxploitation flick Coffy starring Pam Grier. Fans of Hieroglyphics will recognize this one from Casual’s first LP.

Roy Ayers – Brawlin Broads( Los Angeles, 1973)
I became familiar with “The Putbacks” through Hiatus Kaiyote and I dig the way they play alone and with other artists. This is my favorite track from this album.
The Putbacks – Hold on (Melbourne, 2018)

I grew up listening to this band and I love Sade. If you go back and listen, the band included an instrumental song on most of the Sade albums including their solo Sweetback album. Siempre Hay Esperanza is dope but this is my favorite.

Sade – Mermaid (United Kingdom, 1992)

Georgia Anne Muldrow, the producer and vocalist has a ton of records under her belt including an album by Elzhi entirely produced by her, and several instrumental LPs such as Vweto 2. This is my favorite from that album.
Georgia Anne Muldrow- Bass Attack Rap (Los Angeles, 2019)
 

 

If I were a producer I would add an 808 and some drums to this interlude produced by Lianne La Havas and Geo. Its my 2nd favorite track on this album. But as it stands, I would listen on repeat for days.

Lianne La Havas – Out of your mind (London, 2020)

That’s it, there are so many more like this snippet from Oddisee’s new material but thats it for today. If you like discovering new music check out some of these other posts I’ve made over the past few years. Remember, even though you may have a sweet spot for a specific era or period, there’s always great music to be discovered and appreciated. Some of its old, and some is brand new! The best way to hear that new new is through your local favorite DJ. Playlists are great too, but hug a human through your speaker.

Stuff I’ve been listening to 21: Raps

Stuff I’ve been listening to 17: Soul

Stuff I’ve been listening to 19: UK Artists

Stuff I’ve been listening to 20: Remixes

EDIT: Added later

ESG (Emerald , Sapphire, & Gold) – UFO Classic rock/hip hop shit
October 24, 2022
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Stuff I’ve been Listening to 21 – (Raps)

What up tho? This is not a playlist of all time greatest rap songs, my favorite rappers, or even the best raps to come out in the past 6 years. These are just a few songs that I remember playing over and over by various MCs. Mostly in the US and the UK.
Every year I upload a bunch of songs or podcasts that I’m listening to. Because music is such a big inspiration for me as an artist I do this pretty frequently. Theres so much music coming out compared to when I was a teen. I’d say DJs are still the best way to hear the good shit. Going to festivals is good. So is checking out playlists on streaming services.
Some folks I’d like to mention that you might have passed up because they’re got enough buzz are Freddie Gibbs x Alchemist–Babies & Fools, Nipsey Hussle-Double Up, Nas-Speechless, annnnd, what are you listening to rhyme wise? Like, you play it on REPEAT type shit.
Ok if you missed some of the previous playlists like this I made feel free to check out some of them here:

That’s it fam. If you missed this hip hop documentary, check it out. Its the legendary Souls of Mischief!

June 21, 2022
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Stuff I’ve been listening to – 20 (Remixes)

Otis Redding- Sitting on the dock of the bay DJ Spinna remix 2021

Listening to this remix of Otis Redding the other day reminded me how a good remix can really light up a depressing day. With isolation from family, friends, and restrictions I look for inspiring things to share. And I started this series of blog posts, to share good music new and old. The majority of this will be hip hop, soul, and reggae but I know many genre’s have their dope remixes.

 
   

Brandy – I wanna be down IAMNOBODI remix 2013

The Roots – Silent treatment Da Beatminerz Remix 1995
Maylee Todd – Hieroglyphics Tall Black Guy Remix 2012
Mega Banton – Sound Bwoy Killin Salaam Remi Remix 2000
Teedra Moses – Be your girl Kaytranada Remix 2013
The Pharcyde – She said Jay Dee/Dilla remix 1995

Little Dragon – Seconds Syd The Kyd Remix 2010

A remix is a restructuring of an existing song. It could have the same beat and different verses, the same lyrics and a different beat, or a slight change that makes the song slower or faster. Either way it is an improvement of an existing song. These are some of my favorite remixes. It’s not comprehensive, it’s a list of what I like. Feel free to comment with your fav remix!

Dead Prez – Hip Hop w/ Sault Pele Durian Funk remix 2020
Capelton -Tour Dynamik Duo Remix 1994
De La Soul – Stakes is High w/ Fela Amerigo Gazaway Remix 2011
E40 -Tell me when to go Trackademicks Remix 2006
And there are so many more. For instance, the Luniz “I got 5 on it” remix, A Tribe Called Quest “Bonita Applebum” remix, NWA‘s “Dopeman” remix, SWV “Right here”, or the Black Hippy Remix of “That Part” by Schoolboy Q. Ahhhh there are so many lesser known artists w/ dope remixes too. What’s your favorite remix?
Want to hear more music? Check out my posts from the past!
Stuff I’ve been listening to 19 – UK Artists
Stuff I’ve been listening to 18 – House Music
Stuff I’ve been listening to 17- Soul
Stuff I’ve been listening to 15 – Jazz
February 15, 2022
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Stuff I’ve been listening to – 19 (UK artists)

 

Greentea Peng – Dingaling (2021)

It feels like I’ve been listening to a lot of UK(British) artists lately from a few genres but mostly hip hop and soul. Here are a few of those artists. Hearing how they do their own thing and flip soul, hip hop, jazz, or house really trips me out sometimes. One of my biggest wishes is for more US based MCs, vocalists, and producers to collaborate with them. Got some folks I should hear? Leave a comment!

Yusef Dayes & Tom Misch – Storm before the calm (2020)
Cleo Sol – Sweet Blue (2019)
Little Simz-Backseat  (2016)
Eric Lau-Masamba (2017)
Kokoroko- Carry me home (2021)
Nayana IZ – TNT (2020)
Sault – Little boy (2020)
Andrew Ashong – Never dreamed (2013)
I wish I could tell you where everyone is from but I do not always know. And I’m trying to include artists from the past 5-10 years mostly. If we were going back in time I would include artists like Soul 2 Soul, Massive Attack, Radiohead, Loose Ends, or Sade.
Omar – I want it to be (2016)
Zilo – Show me whats mine (2021)
Blue Lab Beats – Memories (2019)
Hawk House – Chill pill (2014)
Hollie Cook – That very night (2011)
Shout out to Osunlade, Gilles Peterson, Vanessa Warren, Thinkbeat Radio, and the Colors YouTube channel for some of the gems!

The previous “Stuff I’ve been listening to” was about HOUSE music

Stuff I’ve been listening to- SOUL music

Stuff I’ve been listening to- JAZZ

November 2, 2021
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Stuff I’ve been listening to – 18 (House music)

 


Opio- Granite earth (2005)
Sup fam, this is the latest installment of “stuff i’ve been listening to” and this one is dedicated to house music. I never really was a fan of house as a kid, teen, or even a 20 something. It wasn’t until my 30’s that I began to really appreciate it and now I love it. But specifically “deep, afro, or down tempo” house.  So here are some of my favorite joints. They range from hip hop/house to the above mentioned and are from a bunch of different eras. 
Smiles Davis- Count on my love feat Alice Smith (2020)
Aya- Sean (the first house record I bought before I knew what it was!) (2004)
Zion I –Antenna (2009)
Kerri Chandler – Sunday sunlight (2014)
Les Sins –Grind aka Toro Y Moi (2013)
Miguel Migs feat Lisa Shaw – Waterfall (2016)
Tall Black Guy remix for Roy Ayers Project – Luv Dancin (2011)
Anderson .Paak – Twilight (2019)
Teymori – Escapism (2018)
Mr Fingers / Larry Heard – Can You Feel it (1986)
Yvette Rovira – I Remember Love DJ Spinna remix (2015)
Ok, thats it for now. I would add Kaytranada too but he has sooo many songs. I’d just recommend both of his albums. Waajeed, Oddisee, and Dion Decibels have also come out with some pretty dope tracks/edits recently. 
Shout out to DJ’s Wonway, Shortkut, Mr Choc, Rashida, Spinna, Spiñorita, and Zaki for lacing me with so much great music!
March 26, 2021
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Stuff I’ve been listening to – 17 (Soul)

Welcome to the new normal. Every so often I will post a bunch of songs that I’ve had on heavy rotation. Why? I LOVE MUSIC. If I didn’t paint, that’s probably what I’d do. Here are some Rhythm & Blues/ Soul songs that have been keeping me warm. The first one is from Minneapolis’ Carlitta Durand who I heard of via Phonte.
Thee Sacred Souls (San Diego) are giving me mountains of soul! Peep this song.
This entire LP from  Lianne La Havas

(UK) is fire, but this is my favorite song from it.

Talk about sexy. This song is dripping with it. Love love love Sebastian Mikael, his sound, and his style.
Alex Mali (Brooklyn) gives me chills with the funk, pocket, and the slurred feeling of this song. So much style.
Dope mix of styles here with Seba Kaapstad (Germany/S. Africa).
This LA native Sunni Colón gives a nice intro to his LP Psicodelic here.
Greentea Peng (UK) I found through Colors and man has she dropped some heat in the last 2 years.
Saving the best for last, this jam from Alex Isley and Jack Dine (Both LA) is just the cherry on top to a series of songs and projects they’ve been doing together and this song is just flawless. Add the young Masego (Virginia) just kills it as a feature.
That’s it. Whenever I hear people say (insert musical genre) ain’t what it used to be I just think how much they’re missing. Mainstream outlets aren’t enough. Whether its Spotify, Soundcloud, Youtube, actual record stores, or my favorite (DJ mixes) just go digging for new music 🙂
Listen to the last “Stuff I’ve been listening to” HERE
January 3, 2021
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Waxpoetics – Inspiring look back

Yo, just got an email from Waxpoetics with a link to this short doc about the magazine. This shit is really a dope magazine if you love hip hop, funk, jazz, soul, electronic music, etc. At the time when WP came out I bought the first or second issue (Berkeley Ca 2001?) because it had some art from Style Wars on the cover (classic graff film). And when this video was filmed I was actually living in NYC and contributed an illustration of 9th Wonder to the Hip Hop issue. Peep that here.
To see John Carlucccio’s (Battle Sounds Doc) higher quality version of the video, go here.
In case you missed it, WP left the scene for awhile and now they’re back. Not only with new magazines fresh off a kickstarter, but also with new videos. Peep this one about Chicago DJs and musicians.
Curtis Mayfield, Ron Trent, Crate Diggers record fair.

December 14, 2020
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