Vitamin D - BornDay EP

I know I'm a little late on this, but it's pretty dope. His drums and chops are ridiculous, plus a nice relaxed flow on the mic. Seattle legend. If you didn't know, as the Internets Celebs would say, "Internets, get up on that."

NOTE: Make sure you use something like WinRar if you're unzipping on a PC, or you're gonna be in for some frustration.

Monthly Mixtapes - April 2010 - "Heavy" (Download)

There are these compilation albums from the 70s I think, called like "Heavies" or "Heavy Stuff from CBS" - something in that vein. I took it to mean that the songs included, while for promotional purposes, were a sampling of some deeper, more intriguing cuts by artists, rather than pop-radio athemns.

So here's my own little compilation of "heavies." I tried to choose songs that feel...beautiful, I guess, or at least evoke something larger than just "it's time to dance!" (not that I don't love dancing to good music). These selections are more thoughtful pieces to me, along with "heavy" production value - thick drums, instrumentation, vocals that hit you directly.

It's not a long mix, and I know some folks have told me I need to stretch the mixes out. I had several other records pulled originally, but when the Bobby Hutcherson song ended, I just felt like, that was it right there, a proper conclusion. Maybe the next mix will be an hour, we'll see..

Full tracklisting below.

-- DJ Ian Head

Verbal Math's Review of New Amerykah Part Two

Tasteful. The homey RA Washington hit the nail on the head describing Erykah Badu’s artistic attribute. Sure it’s edgy, provocative and progressive, but tastefully so. Badu has certainly pushed hard toward the musical margins at times (2008’s New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) is a remarkable achievement, if an unsettling listen), yet her new album, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) finds her squarely in her musical sweet-spot - tasteful soul (shout out to the Main Ingredient) with a revolutionary bent; a damn fine record.

What’s important about Badu’s sense of taste is her ability to construct cohesive albums from disparate producers and her own muddy emotional and political waters. She knows what sounds good, and how to make her musings accessible and populace while still esoteric and spiritual in the most confounding ways. I couldn’t tell you what Badu believes, but she makes it clear how she feels. Something about that resonates, even amidst the Kemetic language and hood politics. That takes a keen sense of tone – and taste.

I know everyone has heard this by now, but I love this song. And am bout to jump on the train and roll up to Albany for a prisoner rights conference. Hopefully I get a window seat.

Porch Jams w/ appearance by Gabriel Teodros as the "Hater"

Cats should definitely check out producer/rapper Amos Miller and artist Mark Oi's "Porch Jams" series of original animations and music. Real creative, funky and hilarious, with various cameos from the Seattle hip-hop community.

Quiver - "Cool Evening" (Download)

Weather is beautiful out here in Brooklyn. Dropped this joint on a mixtape awhile back, but figured I'd share it by itself. The record seems to be obscure enough that I can't find an image of it anywhere on the internets. Anyway - peep it. Some cinematic shit.

Occasional Mix #1 - Download

For 2010, I'm going to continue doing some occasional mixes of new (and old) hip-hop I'm diggin right now. Here's the first - it's pretty short, just over 20 minutes, but has a bunch of treats I hope you'll dig, and artists everyone should be checkin for right now. Tracklisting below.

Khingz "Untitled" (from Slaveships to Spaceships)

Ron Contour "Damage"

Y Society (Damu the Fudgemunk) "This is an Introduction"

Keyel "Cold Soda"

Muamin Collective "Grandiose"

DJ Ian Head "Untitled"

14KT "My Heart & I"

Shabazz Palaces "Gunbeat Falls"

DJ Center ft. Njimole "A Few Good Words"

Glasper doin one of my favorite cuts of all time, on keyboard and piano.