Collectors Item - Music, Art and Life

Stones Throw Presents The Blissful Sounds of Pearl & The Oysters' "Monkey Mind"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 23:34:23 +0000

This one takes me back to the feeling of discovering the sound of music in the 80's. For me it was a time of bands whose boundless creativity resonated deeply as they used music as an expression of their dreams. Such is the music of Pearl & The Oysters, a duo who encourage us to drift away with the tunes they create. The blissful sounds of "Monkey Mind" offer the opportunity to journey back to the innocence of childhood. Pearl & The Oysters present gems in the form of songs that are soft as a lullaby yet awakening with messages that relatable to the adult.

Music Serves As The Vessel Of Life on "Expecting" by Singer Candice Hoyes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:36:43 +0000

Like the comfort of the womb, "Expecting" by Candice Hoyes is soothing to the eardrum. Journey to a heavenly place on this harp-laced tune featuring Makaya McCraven and bassist Junius Paul. The three use music to envision the ultimate moment of truth and optimistic mindset of a woman. As a result, we receive an uplifting moment of music and profound expression of humanity.

Of the songs which express happiness here at the blog, this is among my favorites. For another feel-good tune in the same vein enjoy my post about "Arthur", a song which expresses the joy of infancy.

Hear Previously-Unreleased Soul by Composer Galt Macdermot & Singer Ronnie Dyson

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:09:09 +0000

With Galt's groovy compositions and the powerful vocal presence of Ronnie, I'm hoping this songwriting makes many listeners feel good inside and results in some Hip Hop sampling.

From Galt's Instagram:

"Introducing Then Came The Dawn, a new 5-track release featuring the vocal stylings of Ronnie Dyson.

Dyson was one of the original Broadway cast members of HAIR and is the first voice heard on the original cast album, singing the timeless refrain that begins Aquarius:

“When the moon is in the seventh house,

and Jupiter aligns with Mars...”.

Dyson went on to enjoy a successful recording career in the 70s with hits, ‘Why Can’t I Touch You’, ‘Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely’, and ‘One Man Band’.

The songs you’ll hear on this 5-track album were recorded between 1968-1973, three of which have never been released.

Stream on all platforms and happy listening!"

J Sands, Masta Ace, RJ Payne & Brucie B Celebrate "50 Years Of Hip Hop"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:04:18 +0000

J. Sands · 50 Years of Hip Hop (feat. The World Famous Brucie B, Masta Ace & RJ Payne)

How many Hip Hop classics can you identify as these skilled pros of the culture . Every bar is absolutely fly in this fine display of beats and rhymes, a lyrical collage honoring notable albums and artists. The 7" single available here at Juno Records via Buka US.

Revisit The Mid-90's As Elite Hip Hop Lyricists Bless The Mic For The Lyricists Lounge

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:09:00 +0000

Witness a time where a select few MCs formed an underground movement that defined a high standard of lyricism, counteracting a rise in commercialized Hip Hop. YouTubers Hip Hop R-Us and superspezial rap present these special moments which capture the heat of competition on the mic. MCs include KRS-One, Lord Finesse, Common, Shabazz The Disciple and more. We get a moment of Diamond D on stage with Common just before the release of their albums plus a freestyle from Finesse just before "The Awakening" dropped.

Q-UNIQUE, DJ Rhettmatic & Pharoahe Monch Swing Thru Ya Town on Some "Comic Con Nerd Sh!t"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:51:13 +0000

Hip Hop has had quite a history of being inspired by the world of comics. On "Comic Con Nerd Sh!t", a trio of Hip Hop superheroes remind us just how cool the two worlds are combined. Like the blast of Cyclops's goggles or the indestructible power of Wolverine's adamantium, Q and Pharoahe spit bars to sparks our imagination. DJ Rhettmatic concludes this song with turntable wizardry that fits right into the heroic theme.

Cherish The Reassuring Touch of "Mama" With Singer Rorisang Sechele

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:20:59 +0000

Like the African orchid which she represents, Rorisang Sechele displays the beauty of life and inspiring growth of a woman. On "Mama", Rorisang takes a moment to honor one of the most important aspects of our personal development. In a song about mother and child, Rorisang's voice and pen become the cradle of life from which we are born. The result is a

Feel The Power Of The Human Heart As Third Reprise Bring Gospel To Broadway

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:12:09 +0000

The original version by Once On This Island is beautiful and offers a feeling of tenderness. However, brace yourself as the Third Reprise version of “Human Heart” delivers heart-pounding power and grace. If you're looking to rejuvenate your faith in humanity, look no further in a song that resonates deeply and reveals the core of our soul.

Strong Island's Own JVC Force Present Rare Radio Appearances From '88

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 20:53:31 +0000

Check out Da Official JVC Force YouTube channel for rare freestyles, interviews, performances and news on what the group is currently up to. Here are words from JVC Force about these two gems from their channel:

"a rare WBAU 90.3FM Adelphia Univ freestyle with T-Money (Yo Mailman on Yo MTV Raps), Mikey D (LA Posse), and B Luv & AJ Rok of JVC FORCE freestyling on Wildman Steve show in 1988. Thanks to DJ Oxygen for recording and sharing this classic freestyle!!

The promo we did for Kool DJ Red Alert Summer 1988 for his legendary weekly radio show on 98.7 Kiss-FM every Saturday Night.

The legacy of DJ Red Alert is one of innovation, creativity, and cultural impact. As a hip-hop music and culture pioneer, Red Alert helped shape and bring the genre to the masses. His radio show on 98.7 Kiss FM became a cultural phenomenon, with listeners from all over the Tri-State area tuning in to hear his unique style and discover new acts and artists. Red Alert’s keen ear for talent and his ability to break in new artists helped to launch the careers of some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including A Tribe Called Quest, Queen Latifah, and Black Sheep. DJ Red Alert was the first DJ to play our debut single, "Strong Island," on January 2, 1988. He broke the song and showed JVC FORCE madd love, so to show our appreciation, we went into the studio and recorded this promo for him. It could be heard every Saturday night in the Tri-State Area and on cassettes of his show shared all over the world."

The Mosh Pit Presents Live 90's Performances by ATCQ, Ultramagnetic MCs, The Meters & More

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 03:59:23 +0000

One of the internet's greatest archives of concerts Wolfgang's Vault is opened on the streaming compilation series The Mosh Pit. This archive covers a wide range of music by renowned artists, from Hip Hop, Funk, Pop, Rock and more. Enjoy a few of their gems and head over to their YouTube channel for hundreds of more volumes of The Mosh Pit.

The Funk Returns To TV With "Sound Spectrum: A Collection of Themes From Carl The Collector"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 20:15:34 +0000

Sound Spectrum: A Collection of Themes From Carl The Collector by Eraserhood Sound

"Enjoy the music from the Emmy-winning PBS Kids show Carl The Collector now! Sound Spectrum: A Collection of Themes From Carl The Collector features the singular scoring work of Philadelphia’s Eraserhood Sound. Across 34 tracks, including the show’s indelible theme song, listeners will get a taste of funk, soul, rare groove, jazz, samba, r&b, new wave, and more, all delivered with Eraserhood Sound’s signature Synth & Soul stylings." - Eraserhood Sound

Written by Vincent John and Maxwell Perla

"Carl The Collector Theme Song" Written by Vincent John, Maxwell Perla, Zachariah OHora

Vincent John - Bass, Guitar, Synthesizer, Piano, Organ, Vocals

Maxwell Perla - Drums, Conga, Percussion, Drum Programming, Vocals

Produced by Eraserhood Sound

In 2001, Tha Liks Interview From LOUD Records Office For "X.O. Experience"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:51:14 +0000

"Step inside Loud Records in this exclusive Rapscene 2001 throwback interview featuring Tha Liks (also known as Tha Alkaholiks as they talk about their highly anticipated upcoming album at the time. In this rare footage, Tha Liks talk about the evolution of hip hop, how the internet was beginning to reach the world, and the changes it was bringing to the music industry. Notice Tash wearing a Terror Squad T-Shirt for the Fat Joe 2001 album J.O.S.E."

"Watch as Tha Liks Tash, J-Ro and E-Swift bring their signature energy, charisma, and raw lyricism with a freestyle session that captures the essence of early 2000s hip hop. This behind-the-scenes moment shows the group just having fun, vibing, and celebrating their craft before dropping one of their most talked-about projects." - RAP SCENE TV

The '70 Psychedelic Funk of Giant's "What's In This Life For You" Receives A 2026 Reissue

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:47:02 +0000

The free-thinking songwriting and psychedelic sound of Giant offers a look into life during 1970 plus a modern label dedicated to the rediscovery of rarities. On "What's In This Life For You" you can feel the desire to live with each song as Giant use their music to reach for the sky. Feel the effects of the high as an exciting fusion of Funk and Rock combine in this celebration of life.

The Korean label known as Big Pink offer the 2026 reissue of "What's In This Life For You". You can view their entire reissue catalog here at their website where they specialize in discovering Prog and Psychedelic gems like this. Below is one of my favorite uses of the drum break you'll find on this album, used by Pete Rock. D.I.T.C. & Dilla.

Get Up & Dance as Down To The Bone Send You Love on "This Way Forward"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:56:49 +0000

Down To The Bone · Down To The Bone - This Way Forward new album

"A long-running name rather than a one-off project, Down To The Bone are collective whose door has revolved since at least the late 90s, ship-steered by helmsman Stuart Wade and a shifting crew of vocalists and session hands, rooted in UK jazz-funk and acid jazz but always tilled for dancefloor use.

This Way Forward keeps that model intact and shows us the way, charging 10 cuts of brass accents and polished vocal turns from Hil St Soul, Natasha Watts and Guida de Palma. Wade's approach stays consistent, reaching back to Brit-funk and US smooth jazz but kept current through production detail and pacing. A continuation of a catalogue built over decades, the name identifying less a fixed band or brand, more a vehicle for Wade's take on club-ready jazz-funk."

DJ Premier's Columbia Jackets Discovered + A Hip Hop Radio Mix From '94

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 21:34:04 +0000

If you recall Gangstarr promo photos from back in the day, Premier was heavy into the Columbia jackets back in ‘94. So was NYC where the variety of colorful designs worn by us adolescents lit up the streets. If you wore or remember the Columbia wave in the 90’s, drop a comment!

Side note: BRING BACK COLOR TO HIP HOP FASHION! I see a lot of the youth lately rocking all black here in NYC. It's about time we bring back the art of color to the culture.

If you’re interested in owning a piece of Hip Hop history, I’ve got a copy of the fleece and jacket worn by Preemo here at my eBay storefront (Large and XL sizes). Thanks in advance if you decide to purchase this gear (or anything else) through my link. eBay will compensate me to help support my continued work of promoting classic music here at the blog.

Enjoy this discovery of classic Hip Hop gear along with a classic mix by Preemo. He catches wreck on the turntables during his former radio show "The Thunderstorm" on the great NYC radio station WBLS FM. This set was just before the release of Jeru The Damaja's debut album.

MC Joe Stu Lyrically Weaves Together Hip Hop Classics Seamlessly on "Classic Material"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:50:32 +0000

How many classic albums can YOU recall as this MC makes your Hip Hop life flash before your eyes and eardrum? Whether or not you know any of these albums, it's clear that Joe Stu has a gift for wordplay. Enjoy as he paints various images using the vast discography of Hip Hop music as his source of inspiration. This is an artistic example of grabbing the mic to create your own world of Hip Hop within Hip Hop.

Northern Exposure Newcastle Presents Early 90's Masta Ace, KRS-One, Cookie Crew, Caveman & Others

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:29:59 +0000

Some gems from the VHS collection of a UK Hip Hop head. Check out a couple TV programs from this European region featuring interviews with both UK and US legends. Masta Ace appears on a TV program about safe sex in the face of AIDS back in '91. Multiple US Hip Hop legends appear on a documentary about the foundations of Hip Hop in '94 on The South Bank Show.

Escape To The Cosmos With The '78 Fusion of Mikio Masuda's "Moon Stone"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:43:24 +0000

"Moon Stone is a gem of Japanese jazz-fusion that finds Masuda gliding between smoky cool and electric groove with plenty of charm and confidence. Comparisons to Bob James and Ramsey Lewis are obvious but apt as this is polished, warm crossover jazz with serious chops behind it. Highlights include the Latin-tinged 'Mickey's Samba' and the funky swagger of 'Funky Wav', while the title track drifts beautifully into mellow synthesiser territory. The supporting cast is stellar as Kazumi Watanabe's guitar adds real bite and Motohiko Hamase's bass keeps everything grounded. A welcome reissue of an overlooked delight for anyone with an ear for 70s jazz-fusion." - Nippon Columbia Japan

Music Is Life As Brian Jackson & Guests Live For The Moment on "Now More Than Ever"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:31:32 +0000

Now More Than Ever by Brian Jackson

This one is quite special, especially from my perspective of discovering and drawing life out of music. Whether or not you're already familiar with these classic songs, you are likely to leave "Now More Than Ever" feeling invigorated with life. With an all-star cast of soulful talent, Brian Jackson brings us on a journey of reimagined and revisited songs from his revered catalog. As a collaborator with Gil Scott Heron, Brian has enriched generations of listeners with the rhythm of life. Black Thought, Rahsaan Patterson, Josh Milan, Moodymann, Omar, J. Ivy and more join in this celebration, each blessing the album with their unique experiences.

With Masters At Work on production, Brian's legendary catalog receives a whole new life. ‘Now More Than Ever’ is a testament to music that is capable of transcending time based on the universal desire to achieve a brighter tomorrow and get down in the process.

Jay Dee Lives On As Kilroy Creative, Valtteri Laurell & Ricky-Tick Big Band Have "Visions Of Dilla"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 18:19:20 +0000

Valtteri Laurell · Visions of Dilla

Imagine Dilla's music as the thrilling soundtrack to a film as Valtteri Laurell & Ricky-Tick Big Band bring his sound into new and exciting musical territory. On "Visions Of Dilla", you've got another chance to fall in love with an enduring sound of music. The musical essence of Jay runs throughout each arrangement for instrumentals that are intriguing as the various moods of cinema. Enjoy as this unit project their unique sound to enhance the emotion and distinct groove of the late Detroit legend.

Kilroy Creative are known for their bold and colorful illustrations that capture the likeness of musical greats. Below is their J Dilla Pop-Art enamel pin which captures Jay using a color spectrum you've probably never seen him in before. Visit their eBay shop here to view more music portraits (As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase).

Embark on An Epic Journey of Jazz-Dance Fusion With Joaquin 'Joe' Claussell & Emanuele Cisi

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 23:01:45 +0000

Pharoah's Message (Joaquin 'Joe' Claussell Sacred Mixes) by Emanuele Cisi

When the vibrant sounds of Spiritual Jazz and Soulful House merge, the result is epic in the music of Joaquin 'Joe' Claussell & Emanuele Cisi. Like the excitement of discovering a new beginning, this duo shine like the dawn of a new day. Upbeat rhythm meets dazzling instrumentation in the celebration of life that is the "Pharoah's Message". So press play and rejoice in another day as these musicians draw from a divine source to find happiness.

Brand Nubian Release "One For All" Anniversary Boxset and Perform In '91

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 11:41:23 +0000

Revisit one of the most powerful representations of beats, rhymes and black unity with the classic debut of Brand Nubian. The Afrocentricity and supreme knowledge of this Hip Hop masterpiece endures as Tommy Boy release a special reissue to celebrate it's 35th anniversary. For the first time you get each song on 7" vinyl, which is certain to offer a warm and robust sound like you've never heard.

Get yourself a copy of this collectors item here at Juno Records or here at Amazon while you enjoy a '91 performance by Brand Nubian below I also posted the full instrumental version of "One For All" here in case you missed it before.

In '92, Sylk Smoov, Q-Tip & Phife Rock The Mic at The Wake Up Show

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:58:39 +0000

In Wake Up Show style, Sway & Tech unite regions of Hip Hop for and outstanding moment of rhyme in the year of '92. Lend your ear to these poetic psychos who drop mackadocious lyrics over funky beats.

MF Doom's Rhymes Meet The Funky Sound of Tatsuro Yamashita

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 May 2026 23:32:53 +0000

If you enjoy the sound of DOOM over raw 80's Boogie Funk, remixer Tanda takes it to another level with this mashup project. MF DOOM X TATSURO YAMASHITA shows just how funky Japan can be and the reason why many of the illest crate diggers swear by the region 'til this day. ON this remix of "The Herbaliser's "It Ain't Nuttin'", DOOM fits like a glove to the funky bass riff and rhythm of Tatsuro Yamashita. The result is an infectious Hip Hop jam that is sure to tear the roof off ya bumba-rass-clat like a native of the Jamaican isle.

A 90's Tape Explores Never-Before Heard Instrumentals of Big Daddy Kane & Kool G Rap

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:59:28 +0000

This instrumental fiend is back at it again with classic Hip Hop beats from the early 90's. Check out his YouTube channel for more instrumentals from "It's A Big Daddy Thing", "Wanted Dead Or Alive" and "Live And Let Die".

Using stem extraction technology, A 90's Tape does a decent job of capturing these instrumentals that weren't officially released. On some of these ones by G Rap and Kane you can hear some of the washy effect of audio extraction. I'll send him my article on the subject to see if it helps his work in engineering these instrumentals.