I’m guest blogging over at OkayAfrica, here’s a pull from a recent post…

On the tails of his disgustingly danceable LargeUp Mixtape Monday feature, J-Boogie (“SF’s Best Club DJ” according to SF Weekly and your favorite artists’ favorite opening act) is prepping the release of his latest album Undercover. In true J-Boogie fashion, the album combines the best and catchiest from genres as varied as classic soul to bhangra to dread bass.

On this “No Freedom” remix, the final single from the forthcoming collection, Kush Arora weaves dream-like horns under a steady stomping 808 for a club-ready burner while MC Zulu uses the uptempo jam to make a statement on freedom of speech and expression. We’re having a hard time not dancing to this one. Download and make your neck work.

Listen/Download: J Boogie – No Freedom ft. Afrolicious & MC Zulu (Arora Kush Remix)

Cy Kosis is back! Call it electro tribal, call it big bass, call it moombahton, call it grandmas-house-and–the-koolaid-all-tapped-out, call it the-sprinklers-are-on-and-we’re-not-wearing-undies, call it whatever you want to call it — we don’t need a genre to know that this new Zambo EP from Cy Kosis is the kind of mix that will have you head banging club kiddies going nuts all summer long. Here’s the new EP from our homie Cy Kosis.

You can listen and download the Zambo EP from Cy Kosis below. Go on. Okay, now work it.
Download: Cy Kosis – Zambo EP (via Generation Bass)

The amount of replay that Aesop Rock gets over here at TNC it’s kind of like he never stopped putting out music. That said, we couldn’t be more stoked to hear the news of Skelethon — his first new LP in 5 years – announced release date (July 10) on Rhymesayers and its pre-order availability. On the new single “Zero Dark Thirty”, available for free download below, Aesop returns in top form. Lyrically he is turning words and phrases inside out as he paints an apocalyptic view of an artist’s life. Like most Aesop, this track takes a few listens to really get into, but right off the bat the quote that sticks out (or at least should)… “are we supporting the artist or enabling the addict?” — Think about it. It’s important.

Moving on to some video analysis — he’s sitting in an abandoned room — after more than ten years as one of the most respected artists in underground hip-hop, he’s still sitting in an abandoned building, even as everything around him changes.

Okay, Aesop, just go the fuck in, why don’t you?

Listen/Download: Aesop Rock – Zero Dark Thirty

Dutch artist Mar is an absolute stalwarts of the contemporary R&B and soul revival. Best known for his collaborations with Full Crate, Mar has made a name for himself with delicate falsetto and earnest, emotional musical and lyrical composition. Earlier this week he released Seeing Her Naked, his first solo EP. Whatever you use/need/crave soul and R&B for — whether it’s dance floor pelvis-to-pelvis interaction, solo nightcap companion, or earnest, baby-making slow jams — Mar’s Seeing Her Naked will answer the call. Vibe out below or follow the links to download.

Ahead of his Tour de Australia, Prince and the expert funkateers of his band The NPG have leaked a clip from one of their recent rehearsals. The ten minute recording features both “Mutiny” and “Ice Cream Castles” — both of which are served with an extra helping of funk.

Enjoy.

Prince & The NPG – Mutiny/Ice Cream Castles Rehearsal Jam

{via Pinboard}

From Nirvan Mullick , the filmmaker:

I just finished this short film about a 9-year-old boy’s elaborate DIY cardboard arcade. Caine made his arcade using boxes from his dad’s used auto parts store. He hadn’t had many customers, so we set up a fun flashmob to make his day, and filmed his response. I hope it brings a smile to your day. P.S. Caine’s Arcade is in East LA. You should visit it sometime – Caine is still building new additions!”

A collaboration of video producers ‘US‘ created this for Benga‘s new single “I Will Never Change” which you can listen to and download below. They used 960 records to make a real-life wave form. The kids would call this one “cool”.

Listen/Download: Benga – I Will Never Change

Well, folks, you can certainly say you knew him when. TheNewConfusion has been kicking it with Cy Kosis since he was JT30 and kicking it with Jt30 since he was a dude named Jamaal. Dear reader, you too have been part of this evolution: Cy Kosis used to write for this site under the name ESC (clicking through some of his old posts is sure to give you a good understanding of his progression as an artist).  This past week Moomba+, one of the premiere blogs for the burgeoning genre of moombahton music, posted an interview and exclusive track with the kid. Our little boy is all grown up.

To read the interview and listen to exclusive tracks from Cy Kosis click here!

Jake Rabinbach and Shannon Esper are best friends, they’re also ex-lovers who play in the same band. That band, The Echo Friendly, is making an album about the Jake and Shannon’s relationship. It’s a darker side of pop that really gets the emotions moving in strange and fabulous ways. After releasing their debut single on Cantora Records (home of MGMT and Bear Hands) the group plans to unleash a full length album later this year on their own LightningBoats imprint.