So you’ve seen the swoon-worthy tracklist for Robert Glasper’s fast approaching Black Radio album. You’re having heart palpitations damn near every day in anticipation – we already know. And we got you.

For starters, the first official single from the album is available today! “Ah Yeah” features the illustrious Musiq Soulchild and Christte Michele, and is worthy of spine tingles that might not stop.

This little gem is available for purchase at the links below. For those looking for a peek of the “free” variety, there is hope. You can cop “Move Love” featuring KING for free by signing up for Robert’s mailing list on his website.

February 28th is the day folks – hang tight! We assure you, it’s beyond words.

Purchase “Ah Yeah” on iTunes | Amazon

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On the heels of his NYC Joe’s Pub debut on December 8th, Michael Kiwanuka has released his Home Again EP at the top of the new year! Take a listen to the soothing title track below and tell us you aren’t hooked. And just because we couldn’t help run it back ourselves, watch his videos for the nostalgic “Tell Me A Tale” and “I’m Getting Ready” along with us! True love.

Home Again by MichaelKiwanuka

Purchase Home Again on iTunes | Amazon

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EP artwork after the jump

On January 17th, Detroit based band Will Sessions will be releasing Mix Takes, which in addition to original music dives into classics by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Nas, and Dilla.

You may remember the band from their epic work on Elmatic, Elzhi’s re-interpretation of Nas’ Illmatic.

Above, get a yet another taster of this impressive collective with a generous clip from their live recording of Mix Takes!

Pre-Order Mix Takes on Fatbeats [Vinyl]

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You remember our boy Chris Turner. We shared his chilling cover of Sly & The Family Stone’s “If You Want Me To Stay” in October as well as “Conflict Of A Man,” a tune with his group ERIMAJ, in September.

Today, we got a little more. Last week Chris performed his first headlining show in his hometown of Oakland, California. We were lucky enough to be present for the special occasion, which turned out be nothing short of a very inspiring night of friends, family, and community supporting this rising star.

Many thanks to our friend Sef Diggy for the footage and Hip Hop Is Cool Again for bringing it to our attention!

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The XX are something like fairy dust. Their debut album left us in an awe-filled paralysis as it seems to have also left Drake and Rihanna with their recent The XX samplings.

News of a sophomore album in the works has produced somewhat of an uncontainable glee of which we’ll spare you the details. What we will offer is a little preview of the album a la the “Open Eyes” demo above. Put this in a movie now.

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Muhsinah is awesomely awesome and obviously everyone else should think so, too. Seriously listen to her Gone EP if you haven’t already – seriously. Above, you’ll find the rad stop motion video for one of our favorite tracks off the project, “Stop!” Take a look at the lyrics on the YouTube page as well – the lady’s quite the writer as well.

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This was part of a British documentary on independent dance labels. It features an in depth interview with Giant Step CEO Maurice Bernstein, talking about how the company evolved from club promoters into a full service independent dance label. This was also the peak of indie labels, it makes us want to reignite Giant Step Records again. The piece also features rare footage of Giant Step club at Shine in 2001.

The magnificent Alice Smith seems to be back at it. After hearing rumors of comebacks for a minute, we’ve been holding on to hope for a while now. Everyone can now breathe easy with this new cover of Cee-Lo’s “Fool For You.” Damn, this little lady got some pipes, man.

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Coco of Quadron convenes with her bandmates to do a beautiful rendition of Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor.” Pretty incredible for an impromptu performance that’s basically a cappella. Gotta love the charming courtyard in Vienna and the elegant Coco is doing nothing less than killing it in that fit.

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In 2001 we celebrated our 10th anniversary in style! Central Park Summerstage was the location and the line up was historic. Femi Kuti in full flight, a rare US appearance from Lamb, plus performances from Mark Anthony Jones and Tamango. DJs that day were Gilles Peterson and Ron Trent.