While in town for a couple shows, Marcel P. Black took time to discuss his latest project Black Collar, which is out now. While setting up for a performance at Offbeat in Jackson for Homework Town and Elegant Trainwreck‘s 2nd anniversary show, Marcel sits down with Garrad Lee (Homework Town Records) and gives us some insight into the the work that went in to and concept of the album.
This seems incredibly necessary this morning. Listen, absorb, digest and act. Knowledge is the key. With knowledge comes awareness, when we become aware to the things going on around us we can develop plans to change the things which we deem unacceptable and detrimental to ourselves and to our collective whole. Every life matters. There is more I could say, but it is not my time to speak.
This song needs no explanation, introduction, or any other words that take away from you listening to the track. One of the best Hip-Hop songs ever. This is not up for debate.
Now residing in Colorado, Harn Solo drops a new track produced by New Orleans’ DJ Yamin. “No Mercy” lives up to it’s name as Harn switches speeds while bouncing along to the beat. The new mixtape titled Traveling Man should be dropping soon. Stay tuned…./
Swiss producer Soulseize puts his stamp on a track from Theory Hazit’s Modern Marvels featuring Long Beach’s LMNO. Any remix worth it’s weight in Swiss Mocha brings something new to the original or should not dare bother. This is that kind of reworking. Check it out!
Like it? You can pick up the original, via Illect Records, on any one of the following sites
The Brothers Johnson made “Strawberry Letter 23” a smash on their Quincy Jones produced LP, Right On Time. However, the original by Shuggie Otis was released on his second album Freedom Flight and was a stand-out track then as well. If there was ever a virtuoso Shuggie was it. He born to a legend in the Rhythm and Blues field, Johnny Otis and from a very young age was groomed for the musician profession. He began playing with his father at age twelve. His professional career has been nothing short of erratic, but that has not stopped him from being widely considered a genius. His album Inspiration Information is looked at, and rightfully so, as a classic recording. Recently a collection of unreleased material was packaged with Inspiration Information and offered in a double disc compilation, hopefully re-introducing Shuggie to people who might have forgot about him and introducing him to a generation who has missed out. Of course, you hip-hop heads out there will find some gems.
Pete Rock invented and perfected the remix, this is not debatable. The remix to “Searching” can be used as Exhibit A in the defense of this claim. Pete effortlessly utilizes “The Look Of Love” and creates a brand new version of the already brilliant track from The Main Ingredient. There is a certain playlist of Pete Rock remixes that I could seriously listen to from the rest of my life. The man is a genius.
Skipp Coon, after releasing his third album Miles Garvey, has unearthed a video for a remix from an earlier project. “It Is What It Is (Spirituals Remix), is a new version of a track that can be found on Sophomore Slump Vol 1: Independent’s Day. Could this be the origin of one of Jackson’s most prolific emcees? Who’s got the jazz? This got the jazz!!