Collectors Item - Music, Art and Life

Jarrod Lawson Shows The Possibilities When Your Heart Is Leading on "Just Let It"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:18:00 +0000

Enter the remarkable sound of a musician who isn't afraid to have a conversation with the heart as Jarrod Lawson let's his soul glow. "Just Let It" portrays the magnificence of the human spirit as Jarrod pens music which acts as a mirror to the positivity within. With guest appearances by the likes of Eric Roberson, Allen Stone, JSWISS & others, this is a trailblazing moment of R&B/Soul you're sure to remember.

Brooklyn DNA: An Archive Dedicated To Reimagining The Flow of The Notorious B.I.G.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 01:20:00 +0000

Brace for the lyrical firepower released by a Hip Hop fan who arms themselves with the dangerous flow of a Brooklyn rap legend. Brooklyn DNA utilizes AI to reimagine B.I.G.'s distinct voice and flow for hours of entertainment. The track "Armed Cadence" sound like what B.I.G. would've sounded like if he never met Puff and remained an underground MC. Brooklyn DNA provides a track to match The Notorious B.I.G.'s aggressive delivery for a track that radiates power.

Below Funk Flex interviews Biggie Smalls and Craig Mack early in their careers for an additional flashback to the B.I.G. which Brooklyn DNA celebrates. Visit Brooklyn DNA on YouTube for more like the track above.

Be Optimistic With The Sounds of David "Fingers" Haynes, Phil Perry & Melba Moore

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:55:00 +0000

View on Threads

The Sounds Of Blackness is a call to keep your head to the sky like none other in music. Elevate your mind and soul as these optimistic musicians each lend their magic to a classic. With amazing articulation, David "Fingers" Haynes lets go on the MPC for a drum cover that makes "Optimistic" sound that much more victorious. The remarkable vocal ability of singers Phil Perry & Melba Moore is sure to make you hear the voice of reason once again. A new dimension of emotion unfolds as a King and Queen of Soul celebrate life by making "Optimistic" their own.

Kukoo Da Baga Bonez Resurrects His 90's Radio Interviews With Stretch & Bob, Kevin Keith & The Dirty Dozen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:37:00 +0000

"I think this was one of my first radio interviews if not then definitely early 3. Went up to 105.9 and formally introduced myself as a lyricist to be feared and respected in hip hop. At this time in New York you had the best of the best and I was coming after Biggie, Nas and all the other greats of that time so I had to be sharp and make an impact.

The one thing people don’t understand is that I was going on these radio stations totally new to the game. I had to learn on the fly because I was thrusted into the scene because of my demo. I had to learn how to conduct myself and how to work live radio. Salute to Stretch and Bobbito for letting Mista Sinista bring me up to represent." - Kukoo Da Baga Bonez

Reminisce On The Greatness of '94-'95 Hip Hop With Phatlip, Everlove & Molisha

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 18:05:00 +0000

Whether or not you experienced the memories recited in this song, you're bound to feel the energy and passion of Phatlip, Everlove & Molisha. This is a duo who deliver a grandiose degree of enthusiasm for Hip Hop and life like we haven't heard in awhile. In this celebration of being alive, we receive a delivery of beats, rhymes and singing is focused, thoughtful and skilled. A soulful track and singing to match serve as the soundtrack for you to reminisce on the greatness of "'94-'95".

Singer Nate Rich Channels The Groove of J Dilla on "Girl Of My Dreams"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 02:23:00 +0000

"Girl Of My Dreams" by Nate Rich is an outstanding moment of R&B/Hip Hop fusion designed to provoke the best memories of life. With it's Dilla-esque sound, this song delivers a nice head-nod while offering visions that are dreamy and romantic. Step into the perspective of a man who knows what love is as Nate Rich goes dreaming for his queen.

Music Offers A Warm Invite As Luke Smith & Orbital Ensemble Send A Message To Brazil

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:25:00 +0000

As the weather gets warmer here in NYC, I was happy to discover these tunes which provide a soundtrack for the sunshine. I hope these gems brighten your day as well and provide you with happiness no matter what the season. Orbital Ensemble's "Espelho do Sol" is uplifting like the sight of sunrise as the lively performance of flute leads the way of this outstanding fusion unit. Let the music take you away as Luke Smith lends his magic touch to The Rhodes to send a "Message To Brazil". With each tune, we have a moment to rejoice in the beauty of life driven by the tradition of Brazilian music.

Reimagine Classics by Lalo Schifrin on Jean-Michel Bernard & Kimiko Ono's "The New Bossa Nova Groove Experience"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:41:00 +0000

Pianist and composer Jean-Michel Bernard and singer Kimiko Ono send a love letter to Lalo which in turn offers love to the listener. "The New Bossa Nova Groove Experience" demonstrates the loving touch of this unique musical genre. Jean-Michel's gentle touch on keys guides Kimiko's soothing voice across a set of outstanding cover versions. Enjoy this lullaby powered by the groove of Bossa and timeless songwriting of Lalo, a moment that is sure to set your mind and soul at ease.

Hear The Demo Version of "Put Your Head Out" by House of Pain feat. B-Real

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 02:57:00 +0000

Return back to a time in Hip Hop where people in the culture had numerous ways to fill you full of lead. Whether on the microphone or in the literal sense, House of Pain and B-Real spit out venom on the demo version of "Put Your Head Out". This was always one of my favorites from House of Pain's debut and B-Real fits right in with his remarkable approach to lyrical gunplay. Listen as this dangerous duo take you to school about the many ways you can wind up in the dead zone. This demo features a different recorded vocal take and arrangement of the beat by DJ Muggs. Thanks to Hakan Dougpark for the upload.

Around The Web In Breakbeats Vol. 68: From Roots To Branches

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:39:00 +0000

Everything's Peachy by Matt Berry Trio

When I began this series, I didn't imagine that it would go this long. However, The Funk remains and as a result I am happy to provide these remarkable grooves. What evolves from the root of thumping rhythm unfolds into the branches of magnificent songs on Around The Web In Breakbeats Vol. 68. From the dramatic Latin Funk of Adrian Quesada and Keyon Harrold to the sublime sound of Andy James, the musical journey is intriguing and drum heavy as always. So sit back and enjoy a collective of emerging bands who serve as your soul motivators.

For more rare grooves and future editions of Around The Web In Breakbeats that may not be featured on the blog, feel free to join the Collectors Item newsletter here. I'm putting together a special section for my dedicated readers who remain on the hunt for musical gems.

Embark On A Roller Coaster To Glory On "We Can Go" by Saukrates & Kardinal Offishal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:16:00 +0000

After this you're bound to believe you too can go as Saukrates, Kardinal Offishall, T.R.A.C.K.S & RichKidd provide a jolt of Hip Hop adrenaline. From humble beginnings to lavish living, these aspirational MCs envision their dreams through the microphone. Let "We Can Go" be your theme to your battle of life or newly attained success as beats and rhymes offer the ultimate optimism.

A 90's Tape Presents: The Instrumental Versions of Debut Albums by Ice Cube, Dead Prez & More

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:10:00 +0000

Enter the collection of a Hip Hop collector who goes nuts over the instrumentals of classics. A 90's Tape ventures into unknown territory by providing the instrumental LPs for albums you have enjoyed for years. The collection includes "Amerikkka's Most Wanted", "Let's Get Free" and more gems such as Ice Cube's "The Predator", "Infamy" and Amerikas Nightmare" by Mobb Deep. Your about to witness a collector who's sure to keep your head bopping to the psychotic groove known as Hip Hop.

If you'd like your own copy of "Let's Get Free" instrumental LP by dead prez, head over to the Instrumentals section of my eBay storefront here. Thanks in advance if you buy it or anything else through my affiliate link. As a memeber of their eBay Partner Network eBay compensates me for your purchase.

Hip Hop Represents Triumph, Tragedy & Passion With The Music of Waterr & Vanderslice

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:59:00 +0000

Close your eyes, use your mind and let the lesson begin with this unique Hip Hop sound. As a lyricist, Watter looks down upon life with a keen eye to the optimistic soundscapes of producer Vanderslice. This potent combination of wordplay and music gives us a reason to dream as the two release their project "Out Your Jurisdiction".

Music Is A Beautiful Weapon on "Half Silk Half Blade" by Singer Nadya Albertsson

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:17:00 +0000

In life we all must choose our battles and weapon of choice. In music, Nadya Albertsson wields her graceful voice for the good of all within listening range. Enter the soothing sounds of "Half Silk Half Blade" which reminds us of the power for music to envision our greatest desires. You are bound to feel a sense of yearning as Nadya seizes each moment as a songwriter to access her dreams. The instrumentals of this project are equally as intriguing as her voice, providing thrilling cinematics and soulful vibes for Nadya's musical imagination. So press play and gain a new relationship with life through this outstanding singer who's not afraid to pretend.

Dramatic Library Funk Remains Alive & Well With Farfalla Records

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:36:00 +0000

Occhio Occhio by Eleven76

"After their debut album "Space Voyage" for Warner Chappell, Eleven76 are back with a new album commercially available for the first time entitled "Occhio Occhio". The album contains insect-themed outer national grooves with tropical and Arabian flavors and smooth and buttered tunes with soulful vibes that are reminiscent of classic European library music.

Vintage synthesizers and hot tape-recorded drums continue to lead Eleven76's mystique, with travels through funk territories and all the while frenzied percussion-heavy break beats keep b-girls and b-boys moving on the floor. Including the sold out first two singles "The Scarab’s Quest" & "The Hornet’s Nest" plus 3 exclusive tracks for this vinyl edition." - Farfalla Records

Hear more music from Farfalla's catalog and purchase their vinyl here at Juno Records.

"The Fool On The Hill" by The Beatles Gets More Delightful, Courtesy of Andy James, Nate Smith & Others

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:10:00 +0000

Envision the world spinning 'round on a delightful note as Andy James assembles a stellar cast of musicians to reimagine "The Fool On The Hill". This 2026 take on The Beatles' classic draws inspiration from the original to discover a dreamy place in music. Enjoy the serene sound of this cover that opens with a fat drum break and unfolds into a marvelous fusion of Jazz and Soul.

In '99, Prince Paul & Dan The Automator Present Their Handsome Boy Modeling School Debut

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:52:00 +0000

"In order to cope with the end of the ’90s, producer-MC duo Prince Paul aka Chest Rockwell and Dan the Automator aka Nathaniel Merriweather of Handsome Boy Modeling School came into dublab to spread the importance of their Handsome Boy program, that they say “brings out the inner confidence, which in turn brings out the inner handsomeness, which makes the outer handsomeness” of others. Between their messages, they bring a unique mix of hard-hitting breaks, scratching, public service announcements and slippery rhymes." - dublab

Dilla, Pete Rock, Dre, Marley Marl & ALC Collide on Raekwon's "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt II": The Instrumentals

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:29:00 +0000

Step into the ghetto fabulous world of Chef Raekwon who enhances his cinematic wordplay with lavish lyricism. "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt II" is one of the moments when we hear The Wu's maturity as Rae weaves in luxurious living with the streets of NY. On the boards is a stellar cast of producers who support The Chef's sequel as one of Hip Hop's most mafioso figures.

This special release is brought to you by none other than Fat Beats Records and available on vinyl here at their website in 2 different pressings. European Hip Hop heads: you can also get your copy here at Juno.

Mastermind Street Jam comes live and direct from the tape deck with an episode from way back: Raekwon drops by for an interview in '96.

90's MC Kukoo Da Baga Bonez Busts Rhymes One Time 4 Ya Mind in The "Kukoo's Nest"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 02:20:00 +0000

The ruff and rugged sound of Kukoo Da Baga Bonez is like a throwback to hearing Stretch & Bobbito demos late night on WKCR. Like Dr Octagon and other maniacal MCs, Kukoo presents an ill-mind your certain to remember. Enter the world of a rhyme writer who's bound to reduce an MC to a bag of bones with his trife display of wordplay. "Kukoo's Nest" is underground Hip Hop at it's finest as beats and rhymes become dangerous weapons wielded by a microphone psychopath.

Love Is In The Stereo With The Soulful Sounds of Cinnamon Gum

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 23:31:00 +0000

Cinnamon Gum · Moon Water

Like the sweet flavor of cinnamon gum, this band leave an impression on you with their delightful approach to Soul. Taste the musical flavor of Cinnamon Gum who's laid-back and nostalgic sound create an atmosphere where everything's alright. Welcome to the candy shop of Soul, a moment to treat your eardrum with some of the loveliest tunes around. Cinnamon Gum tap into the charm and grace of 60's ballads with a touch of Funk and overall romantic vibe.

Cinnamon Gum · The Cinnamon Show

Get Soaked In Hawaiian Beats & Rhymes With The Hip Hop of Hollywood Wun

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 20:32:00 +0000

Like the appetizing taste of a Hawaiian buffet at the beach, these emerging spitters from the island serve up beats and rhymes with flavor. Although Hollywood Wun and Fortilive are from Hawaii, the sound is universal and dope enough to fit right in with the best of them. Since Jaz-O and Jay-Z's "Hawaiian Sophie" there hasn't been a Pacific Island sound as dope as this. So enjoy the audio homicide of MCs who project the hunger and aggression from an overlooked area of Hip Hop.

Happiness Is Forever With The Music of Bump2Soul, Gerald Albright, David P Stevens & Jackiem Joyner

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 03:05:00 +0000

Let music be your soundtrack to forever with the groovy sounds of Bump2Soul, Gerlad Albright, David P Stevens & Jackiem Joyner. Each instrumental sets the tone for a never-ending joy as the happiness each musician conveys leaves an imprint on your soul.

With the smooth sax of Gerald Albright on "The Endless Night" by Bump2Soul, we receive a sound of Soul that is sophisticated as a night on the town. "Red Light" by David P Stevens & Jackiem Joyner offers a romantic atmosphere as the two talents go head-to-head musically. The result is a tune that feels victorious as a hero's exit and welcoming as a wedding reception.

Revisit The Greatest 80's Pop Grooves on "Behind The Drums" Recreation Series

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Break out your Jheri curl, Michael Jackson gloves and boombox as you get down to the sound of this musician who pays homage to 80's production. Behind The Drums takes a deep dive into the rhythms which built a generation. I'm proud to be raised on this type of music and now present the source of these magical drum sounds and grooves.

Based on the "Behind The Drums" sources, here is a list of the drum machines mentioned, the producers or programmers who used them, and the specific songs they were used on. I'm also including some of my favorite mixes to highlight drum sounds introduced in the 80's courtesy of Sparkle Motion:

Click on each header below to be redirected through my Awin affiliate link to each drum machine listed for sale on Reverb.

Linn Electronics Machines

Linndrum & Emu Drumulator: Used by Tears For Fears on the song "Shout".
Linndrum: Used by producer Keith Forsey on the Billy Idol song "Eyes Without A Face".
Linndrum: Programmed by Paul Waaktaar and produced by Alan Tarney for the A-ha song "Take On Me".
Linndrum: Programmed by Chris Hughes for the Tears For Fears song "Everybody Wants To Rule The World".
Linndrum: Programmed by Neil Giraldo for the Pat Benatar song "Love Is A Battlefield".
Linndrum: Programmed for producer Giorgio Moroder on the Berlin song "Take My Breath Away".
Linndrum: Programmed by Michael Sembello for his song "Maniac".
Linndrum: Used by producer Mutt Lange (or sampled via a Fairlight CMI) for The Cars' song "Drive".
Linndrum & Sequential TOM: Used by producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for the Janet Jackson song "What Have You Done For Me Lately".
Linn 9000: Programmed by Sammy Merendino for the Cameo song "Word Up".
Linn 9000: Used by the production team Stock Aitken Waterman for the Dead Or Alive song "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)".
Linn 9000 (speculated): Used by producer Elliot Wolff for the Paula Abdul song "Straight Up".
Linn LM-1: Mentioned as a machine known to be used by Tears For Fears.

Oberheim Machines

Oberheim DMX: Programmed by Fred Zar for producer John "Jellybean" Benitez on the Madonna song "Holiday".
Oberheim DMX: Programmed by Stephen Bray for the Madonna song "Into The Groove".
Oberheim DMX: Programmed by Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner for the New Order song "Blue Monday".
Oberheim DMX: Used by producers Tom Petty and Dave Stewart on the song "Don't Come Around Here No More".
Oberheim DMX: Programmed by Larry Smith for the RUN DMC song "Sucker MC's".
Oberheim DMX: Used by producer Jimmy Iovine (programmed by either Prince or Dave Bluefield) for the Stevie Nicks song "Stand Back".
Oberheim DMX (for cabasa): Used by Phil Collins on the song "Take Me Home".

Roland Machines

Roland TR-707: Programmed by Andrew Ferris for the INXS song "Need You Tonight".
Roland TR-909: Programmed by Phil Collins for his song "Take Me Home".
Roland TR-909: Programmed by Gota Yashiki for producers Jazzy B and Nellee Hooper on the Soul II Soul song "Back To Life".
Roland TR-909: Programmed by Schoolly D for the song "PSK," which was later sampled by Stephen Hague for the Siouxsie & The Banshees song "Kiss Them For Me".
Roland TR-727: Used for additional percussion on the Shep Pettibone remix of Madonna's "Into The Groove".

Other Machines & Samplers

Simmons SDS7: Used for white noise by Sammy Merendino on Cameo's "Word Up".
Simmons (Toms): Used by Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner on New Order's "Blue Monday".
Fairlight CMI: Used by Tears For Fears for the kick drum on "Everybody Wants To Rule The World".
Akai MPC 2000XL: Used by the video host, Nick, for the recreation of the drums for Soul II Soul's "Back To Life".

Go Digging With Paul Nice, Phill Most Chill, Fabreeze Brothers & Oxygen on "GOLDEN CROWN"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:18:00 +0000

Base your eyes on the guys who keep crate digging alive in the official video for their song "GOLDEN CROWN". From the 10 Year Anniversary Edition of the classic Paul Nice & Phill Most Chill album "The Fabreeze Brothers" on AE Recordings. Produced by Paul Nice (R.I.P.). Rhymes by Phill Most Chill and Oxygen.

Download the Paul Nice & Phill Most Chill "THE FABREEZE BROTHERS" lp and more Phill Most Chill music at

http://phillmostchill.bandcamp.com/music

And buy the 10 Year Anniversary Edition vinyl pressing of the Paul Nice & Phill Most Chill "THE FABREEZE BROTHERS" lp while supplies last at

https://www.ae-productions.co.uk/shop

Fabreeze Brothers by Paul Nice & Phill Most Chill

Sperrow Brings SP1200-Based Sound To The Hip Hop of Scientifik & Bushwick Clique

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 22:07:00 +0000

Like the ruff and rugged lo-fi sound of a WKCR demo, Sperrow makes it bang with underground Hip Hop sound. This Producer / Sound Engineer and DJ from Switzerland represents the Tru Comers and crafts beats which boast undeniable SP1200 sound. Here are a couple of gems which show Sperrow's affinity for 90's sound and providing the backdrop for east coast street lyricism.