February Discoveries: Handpicked New Releases & Treats
Thousands of great new songs are being released each day as we speak & we are lucky enough to live in such times, where almost all of it is available to us, literally at the tip of our fingers. To offer some sort of navigation through the overwhelming amount of tunes, I’ve decided to take the time to reflect & appreciate, take a look back to what’s been put out there over the past month. By the means of a selection of fresh releases, well-curated mixtapes and special treats, here goes the monthly musical wrap-up. Your dose of fresh grooves, whether it’s new releases by heavy-hitters of the game / new artists on the radar, or wholesome mixes / DJ sets / radio shows / podcasts.
FEBRUARY RELEASES
The shortest month of the year has been nothing short of amazing when it comes to the amount of new great music being exposed to the light of the world. I’ve updated the Discoveries playlist with all of the joints that deserve your attention for various reasons. This months wrap-up features hot music from BJ the Chicago Kid, KAYTRANADA, Talib Kweli, Juicy the Emmissary, Pino Palladino, Adrien Younge and more.
Here’s a slight taste of what to expect:
Legitimately, February each year usually tends to revolve around love (Valentines), Black History Month and the legend of J Dilla, by default. This time around, all of the above reflected beautifully within the 20th anniversary of his Welcome 2 Detroit album. BBE Records has dropped a Deluxe Vinyl Box Set for this masterpiece, including instrumentals, unreleased alternative mixes, outtakes and brand new reinterpretations by Azymuth and DJ Muro. On that note, the highly anticipated Dilla tribute album ‘Komfort Food’ by Juicy the Emmissary has been extremely soul-soothing. Truly a strong instrumental record. If you dig instrumental beatmaker albums like I do, you’re really gonna like Tuamie and Jansport J.
Furthermore, ‘Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Soundtrack’ with features from the amazing H.E.R., Rapsody, Masego, SiR, BJ the Chicago Kid, Black Thought, Rakim and many more, just stacked with incredible music. There’s even a collabo between Jay Z and the late, great Nipsey Hussle, that’s been in the works for quite some time. Some more amazing singles and contributions from Noname, Roberta Flack, Brent Faiyaz, Adrian Younge and Tobe Nwigwe.
Oh yeah and Amsterdam’s own Full Crate has dropped a fire ‘Rollercoaster’ track that’s been a major uplifter and heavily rotated ever since it came out.
With that said, go ahead and stream the Discoveries playlist for all of the above & then some.
*this track by the one-and-only Stro Elliot is not on Spotify, however I think you really should not sleep on it:
FEBRUARY IN THE MIX
It’s only fair to say that well-put-together sets play a critical role in making sense of the music that’s available out there. Finding connections between the present and the past, taking us on a journey through the known & unknown, often offering a brand new perspective and inspiration. Connecting the dots. This month there have been a couple of new ones that stuck with me. So let’s get to it. Kick back, listen & enjoy.
MIXMAG: CHANNEL TRES
Channel Tres brings energising, sonic sunshine vibes in this exclusive cover mix that is guaranteed to make you move.
STAMP THE WAX: KC THE FUNKAHOLIC
Four hours of sensually stimulating music from the Dutch veteran digger and Super-Sonic Jazz co-founder. Soul, R&B, Boogie and all the good stuff.
FOOD FOR FLIGHT VOL.15 : LUCAS BENJAMIN
‘Food for Flight’, a series of beautiful songs specifically selected for the mind to go on a journey is the next best thing to actually traveling. Check out the fresh 15th episode and make your way through the rest of the series to get your journey fix.
CELEBRATING BADU BIRTHDAY
So this specific Mix was not released in February (but November last year), but since it was Erykah Badu’s 50th birthday last week, I thought we’d make an exception, cause you might want to spend some quality time with the Queen herself. Talk about why hip-hop is still bigger than the government and listen to incredible and personal stories. All of that topped with an incredible set with some of her favorite music.
DAFTPUNK AND THEIR LEGACY
This month, the legendary band Daft Punk has announced their split with an 8-minute long Epilogue video, after nearly three decades together. If you’re looking for “closure”, Disclosure has published a recording of a discussion in a Clubhouse room on the legacy of this highly influential French dance duo. Featuring Nile Rodgers, Zane Lowe and Todd Edwards, so you know you’re in for a treat.
As a SPECIAL TREAT, though, and the most beautiful way to cap February off is this powerful, highly spiritual, energizing and uplifting performance of Kirk Franklin on NPR’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concert that is guaranteed to put a big ol’ smile on your face, cause “You look so much better when you smile!”
________________________________________________________
Feel free to share the love & hit me up with what’s been catching your ears these days. I’m always on the look-out for music and would love to hear from you.