In no particular order, here’s my top 10 music related something or others of 2013. Never done one of these lists but i’m compelled to spread love on all the dope shit that came out this year. Support these artists, financially and by going to their shows when they’re in your city!
Myron & E – Broadway : Take away the fact these guys are my good friends, this album is pure genius through and through. Real soul music for real soul people. Tons of critical acclaim on my boys Myron Glasper and E Da Boss — if you’re not hip, then get hip. Trust me! Cop their album here and check out their latest video…
Disclosure – Settle : Got hip to these kids way late in the game. Amazing debut album of some truly soulful house music, and these brits are cool as hell for being so young (shouting out Primo, Dilla, Tribe and Earth Wind & Fire, and they’re 19 years old). Check ’em out…
Kendra Morris – Mockingbird : Kendra is the truth. Ask anyone that’s hip to her music or seen her live show. I had the pleasure of performing with her twice this year in the Bay, and she’s not only an amazing songstress in all facets, she’s also cool as shit. Cop her latest all covers album here and check out one of the illest joints of that LP (yes, she really did flip the shit out of that song)…
Daft Punk – Random Access Memories : Tons of debate over this album. I took it upon myself to listen to this thing thoroughly, over and over, and in many different environments when it dropped, and i’m telling you, a long sunday drive will change your mind if you weren’t sold immediately. This album owns everything. Brilliant collaborations and musicianship — its lasting power will shine for many years to come. Here’s one of my faves, although it was damn hard to choose…
Bonobo – The North Borders : Been a big fan of this dude’s work for a while. This album is no exception. Keeping that Ninja Tune tradition alive, this cat makes some of the most interesting and intricate sample based music out there. Cop his latest here and check out one of my faves off TNB here…
Beat Box – A Drum Machine Obsession : I can’t say enough of how bad ass this book is (the accompanying mini booklet with the 7″ is ill too – shout out to Brian Coleman for the hook up). A rap nerd’s wet dream, this couldn’t be more beautiful of a coffee table piece, and a thorough piece of hip-hop history to boot from one of the true authoritarians of the subject in our time. Big up Joe Mansfield in a major way for making this thing. Cop it here, and check out the illy promo video…
PSK (Ruckazoid & Teeko) – The Muthafunkin’ Mix : I’m not saying sssssshhhit. Miss that real Hip-Hop? Your prayers have been answered. Coming next year, get a teaser taste of the rawest rap shit to come out of the Dub C in a long time right here, brought to you by 2 of the illest motherfunkers to come outta Cali…
J-Zone – Peter Pan Syndrome : J-Zone might just be the dude to save Hip-Hop from itself. Forever keeping it interesting (read his book, now), J is equal part MC (not rapper), producer, and DJ (not to mention a sick ass drummer). Zone is a fuckin’ renaissance man when it comes to this shit, and dude couldn’t be more genuine and real with his opinions and knowledge on the history and modern state of this here rap game. Cop his newest joint here and check out one of my faves off his album here (instro track — thanks for the 7″ homie)…
Favorite DJ mix of the year award goes to…
Shameless plug I know, and although Matthew passed in 2012, we released this live mix this year, and it’s very dear to my heart. We miss our dear brother Matthew Africa — The 45 Sessions will forever go on in your honor. Rest in Power.
And last but most definitely not least, shout out Colemine, NYC Trust, Clockwise, Smokecloud, Recordbreakin’, Boro, Uncut, Hot Plate, Thud Rumble, Liquid Beat, and all the labels that released 45s and graciously sent them to my mailbox or put those wonderful slabs of indy vinyl in my hands in 2013. Your dedication to vinyl culture and doing cool shit is beyond, and deserves a major pat on the funk back. Kudos!
Honorable mention…
DJ Nu-Mark – Broken Sunlight Series : This belongs on the list regardless, just had to fit it in at #11 (no order as mentioned anyway). Uncle Nu is king, and a fabulous human being to boot. His Broken Sunlight series is the shit, and some of the best Hip-Hop to come out in recent memory. Cop the album here and check out this insanely good re-edit he did of Ernie Hines’ “Our Generation”…
Rings Of Platurn 