Check out the new website from the MC half of Zion I, Zumbi. Blogging about any and all content, Zumbi gives you his take on current events, his random thoughts, an online store, and links to events and fresh new tracks. Bay area residents and hip-hop enthusiasts alike need to check it out.

Check out Zumbi’s website Zumbi808 Here

International man of mystery? Nah, just Frankie Flowerz AKA Mohan Das, straight out of Berlin, by way of Malaysia. Not the prototypical background, but that’s what makes Mohan the internationally known and respected DJ we’ve come to love. In the DJ game for nearly the past quarter century, Mohan has been rocking releases on German label Funkhausmusic for 10+ years now, spinning regularly on the global circuit since before I was in diapers, and has shared the stage with such esteemed artists as Etienne de Crecy, Laurent Garnier, Paul Van Dyk and a whole lot more. When he isn’t touring the world, releasing records, and heading his label’s A&R team, Mr. Flowerz finds the time to tutor students in production and DJ at the Noisy Academy in Berlin. What a guy!

Frankie Flowerz has been nice enough to bring to you, by way of Om Records, this hour-plus long dance podcast. Apparent straight from the get go, Flowerz’s bold influences of jazz and 70s funk make their input heard, especially around the 10 minute mark. This mix picks up some serious steam and seemingly gives meaning to the genre of electro-soul, combining two of the danciest styles out there. I love that throughout the 70 minutes or so, Flowerz mixes it up just the right amount to keep me on my toes, always guessing when the next drop is coming and what it’s going to entail. The best thing about this session is its flexibility: either lower the disco ball, spike the punch and start movin’, or dim the lights, throw yr feet up and sink into the couch; either way, you come hungry and leave happy.

Check out the podcast here.

Please check out the new single from Frankie Flowers ‘Groove on 98’ here.

Thanks to the folks over at Adult Swim for putting out this free remix album of some fresh hip-hop tracks. Featuring remixes from the likes of Danger Beach, Flying Lotus, Memory Tapes, Prefuse 73 and many more, the ATL RMX album is a must have. Adult Swim has always been notorious for putting out unique and fresh hip-hop from artists like the aforementioned Flying Lotus and hip-hop gurus like Madvillain and Doom, and this album is no different. Most of these tracks are taking untraditional electro/glitch traits and adding them to some pretty fly hip-hop sounds. My favorite track has to be the HEALTH remix of OJ Da Juiceman’s single Good Night f. Gucci Mane. First off, Juice and Gucci tear the original track up like nobody’s business. HEALTH take it a totally different level by adding some dope ambient synth lines to the mix. Ghetto hip-hop plus starry synth always equals gold – words to live by.

Download the full album for FREE HERE

Check out the new Leftism Edits Vol. 2 release from two of the best in the game, Sake One and J-Boogie, as they work on tracks from the likes of Goapele, Outkast, and more. This little diddly shows off these two producers worldly skills as they transform tracks from different genres and cross breed them with all different sounds.

To kick things off on this new edits volume, Sake One funks with Goapele’s Milk n Honey, a track dependent on smooth r&b beats with oh so soulful vocals. In doing so, he transforms a hoooot song with some worldly qualities by replacing the simplistic backbeat with a fun reggae-style instrumental full of some serious slappin’ of bass. About halfway through the track some nice vocal effects add some welcomed burn to spice it up a bit.

Sake One then takes one of my favorite tracks in K’naan’s ABCs, and throws dome some serious tricks to give it some useful funk attributes. While the original version has more African style flare, Sake uses a wider array of instrumental sequences and effects to create a more worldly sound. Any fan of hip-hop or world music should give this a serious listen.

J-Boogie’s first contribution to the volume comes in the form of a latin remix of Mr. V meets Elvis Crespo track Sauve Drink Down. J’s production value adds some serious attitude to this track, giving more than just a traditional mix of string guitar and morocco shakers. A nice use of percussion and brass instruments works to keep the track moving the whole way through. At about the halfway mark the breakdown mixes things up even more, in the best way possible.

The last track, Outkast meets Brenton Allstars’ Studio One Story, really highlights J’s abilities as a producer and mixer. The opening sequence displays a multitude of interesting instrumental choices that on their own might look ridiculous, but somehow flow together seamlessly. He takes a track that already oozes personality with the unique vocals from Andre 3000, and turns it into an orchestral masterpiece, synthesizing the aural tracks with some serious groove beats. This track is a serious throwback to the Africa Bambaataa and P-Funk sounds of the past few decades; it’s a serious treat for your ears.

This volume is definitely worth having, especially for the price of free.
Grab the volume Here

Wit his own brand of “ghettotech,” Robot Koch fuses hip-hop influences with heavy techno synths and effects to effectively harness his influences: John Coltrane and Slayer, along with everything in between. One listen to his single “Away From,” off the new album Death Star Droid, and the meaning of ghettotech and triphop becomes crystal clear. The vocals on the track are hauntingly beautiful, as they mix perfectly with the heavy percussion lines. Straight outta Germany, Robot Koch brings the European techno style with him, but somewhere along the way transforms it with a heavy West Coast glitchhop vibe. The likes of Flying Lotus, Glitch Mob, ediT & Bassnectar come to mind when listening to the computerized effects placed over the track.

Also brought to you by Robot Koch is the video for the song “Hard to Find.” This video is absolutely insane, in the best way possible. Somehow, someway, it incorporates the evolution of motion completely in conjunction with the inspiring beat. I don’t even understand from where this footage came, but it works perfectly. Definitely check out the video, as it’s also a track from the new album.

Catch the Download here.

And the Video Here.

And grab the New Album Here.

Interview with S-1:
El Capitan (EC)
Symbolyc One (S1)

(EC): As the first member of the group, where’d the inspiration for the name come from?
(S1): Myth came up with the idea for the group name. It comes from the Billie Holiday song and symbolizes the struggle and pain we go through from a human/artist point of view.

(EC): How does the name Strange Fruit Project relate to the mission of the group, through lyrics, beats, overall community influence?
(S1): The name relates to the group’s mission (through those influences) by motivating and inspiring our culture to overcome these strongholds that we ALL go through from day to day.

(EC): What artists have influenced you most? Seems to be a big Midwest impact on your music with guys like Dilla, Pete Rock, and Cl Smooth.
(S1): My influences range from old school groups like Earth, Wind, and Fire, Marvin Gaye, Andrae Crouch to present artist like Dilla, The Game, Blink 182. So I guess it comes from everywhere and in between.

(EC): What is it like working with the mercurial Erykah Badu and The Cannabinoids?
(S1): Working with Erykah and the Cannabinoids has been inspirational. 9 other artist/producers/deejays coming together to make music is unheard of. It’s a new experience.

(EC): Do you see music progressing in this direction, where synthesizing beats and instruments take the place of catchy rhymes and repetitive basslines?
(S1): As for the progression/direction, I wouldn’t say replacing those elements, just adding on to it.

(EC): How do you feel that The Cannabinoids have recreated the state of being induced by cannabis?
(S1): Feels great that we was able to flip the concept of cannabis and apply it to the affect that music has on people.

(EC): In what direction do you see Strage Fruit Project headed? What about The Cannabinoids?
(S1): Strange Fruit Project has been evolving like any other group/artist does. We’re continually growing and maturing as adults and as artist so the natural thing would be to progress artistically as well.

(EC): Is music, especially hip-hop and trip-hop, becoming more experiential? Meaning, does newer music create a more fully involved experience than the more simple, classic model of straight lyrics and beats?
(S1): Our model of music has always been feeling-based. So whatever creative space that were in for that particular moment is whats goin to go onto tape and come out the speakers. Its artist evolution at its finest.

(EC): What’s next for S-1? Any other side projects, solo album, etc?
(S1): Just staying busy with music, cinematography, and photography. New joints and projects with Rhymefest, Little Brother, Lupe, and a slew of others so definitely look out for all kinds of new music and film projects that I’m currently working on.

Crash review:
The video for the new Strange Fruit Project single “Crash” featuring Thesis highlights the groups ability to send a strong message through creative art, like their EP suggests they do: Making Art Sound KOOL. The video tackles issues of the streets, depicting an armed robbery that ends with gunshots, that ultimately leads to the crash of the perpetrator. Directed, Produced and Edited by esteemed group member Symbolyc One, Crash reminds of the great Black Star videos of the 90s with its realistic camera angles and focused content. In fact, the parallels to conscious hip-hop from the classic era don’t end with the video. The vocals are all about warning against making poor decisions in desperate times; think before you crash, and instead live life with a purpose.

With Crash, SFP stays true to form with potent, spot-on quality lyrics and head-bumpin’ beats that make the track ooze with flow and charisma. Picnic Tyme produces a great track, one full of appropriate builds that mirror the intensity of the vocals, and retreats when the timing is right. I’m loving the heavy cymbal usage when the track transitions from one emcee to another.

As if the interview and new video weren’t enough, check out the FREE new EP from Strange Fruit Project, M.A.S.K. the EP . With production from S1, Caleb and Ninth Wonder, this EP has thoughtful beats matching equally provoking lyrical quality. For a super smooth joint, definitely check out Sepia Tone, produced by S1. This track sounds like hip-hop soul meets rainforest ambiance — a concoction so surreal I couldn’t even make it up. All in all, this EP is definitely one to grab quick.

For the Crash video Click Here.

Cop the new EP for FREE HERE.

If you haven’t yet heard the new track from Amplive’s solo album, Murder at the Discotek, coming out next year, then step yo game up. For those who have been livin’ under a rock for the past month, check out the video for Gary is a Robot featuring Trackademicks and Mr. Micro. This little dittie has been blowing up on Al Gore’s interweb as of late, and for good reason. Beyond the pretty hilarious shots at Kanye and the auto-tune phase (which the track actually incorporates to great effect), Amp gives his usually perfect blend of unique beat patterns and catchy synth lines.

The running theme of auto-tune and those who follow that trend is widespread throughout the track. Trackademicks’ verse is all about being a leader not a follower in the game, and its clear that they view the current use of atuo-tune as a detriment to hip-hop as opposed to taking it to new heights like Kanye would like to believe .

The video itself is actually really creatively shot. Gary the robot is featured trying to find his place in the cool crowd, imitating the various trends he sees at parties and hip spots. From his trendy Kanye sunglasses to the BBC windbreaker, Gary steps his game up like a pro, illustrating the problems with hip-hop that Trackademicks and Mr. Micro allude to.

Be original. Don’t conform. Now, check out the video here .

Check out this funky DJ Platurn clip pitting Dennis Edwards & Siedah Garrett Vs. DJ Nu-Mark with “Imagine Not Looking Any Further.” This track takes Edwards’ and Garrett’s smooth vocals and matches it to DJ Nu-Mark’s instrumental take on the classic John Lennon song “Imagine” to create a fresh jam with something to offer everyone from Beatles enthusiasts to smooth jazz cats to r&b lovers. Plus, the video offers some unintentional comedy with Edwards old school jheri curl and Garrett’s sultry dance moves.

Enjoy it HERE.

While we all wish we lived in the city that never sleeps, now you can grab a piece of last week’s CMJ festival in the form of an hour-long Podcast featuring the likes of: Bilal w/ 6 piece band, Exile featuring Blu, Shafiq Husayn w/ live band , Pharoahe Monch, on hosting duties, and DJ sets by Large Professor, J Rocc,DJ Spinna, and Blu Jemz.

The clip provides a bit of everything: ranging from Blu & Exile talking about their new album to some hot sets from J Rocc and DJ Spinna. Large Professor throws down particular hard around the 14 minute mark of the podcast. He gives his shoutout to hosts Blu & Exile, and then lays down some ill tracks, mixing and scratching at a high level like always. Personal favorite track: mixin of ODB’s ‘Shimmy Shimmy Ya’ with a hot r&b sample around the 23-24 minute mark.

All in all, this podcast gives some sick mixes and tracks from some of the best out there. Just because you can’t live in the Big Apple doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun.

Click Here for the free podcast from CMJ and be sure to check out the event photo’s here.

Staying true to form, ’Ernest Gonzales’ new EP, Self Awakening, plays with experimental synth lines to invoke an introspective melody. Leading the way towards self-enlightenment is the first track, ‘Self Awakening.’ Like the title suggests, the buildup and retreat of the percussion help to invoke a wide array of emotions. Gonzales takes an unassuming, yet provocative track, throws in the occasional power synth chord and gives it some added authority to create a truly self-awakening track. He is on to something in this EP, as he has effectively created a musical version of an individual’s journey to becoming self-aware. Across the board on the EP, minimal synth lines, combined with effective drum beats make for consistently solid tracks full of heavy emotions. Throw in some awe-inspiring remixes featuring Faunts, Take, and Yppah, Mexicans with Guns, and CYNE, and you’ve got yourself a must-have EP.

Click Here to grab the free track, ‘Self Awakening.’.

For the full EP, Check It Here.

Listen To Ernest Gonzales “Self Awakening”