This week I was posted up with the sniffles so I spent most of my time chugging Spirulina, gawking at Andrew Zimmern's cast-iron constitution on the Travel Channel's "Bizarre Foods" and giving even less thought to my hair in the morning. However, I did get to know two people a lot better - Mike Ladd and Duffy. Mike Ladd is a Boston ex-pat MC whose new album I was shamefully apathetic about for some time. I often leave the 'pod on shuffle because I'm, well, I'm lazy and every now and then,...

New York City's Afro-Latin live percussion and DJ collective Turntables on the Hudson have announced a few essential gigs at Cielo this Friday, Studio B on Saturday with Mr. Scruff and Giant Step's Hudson #5 on Monday, April 7th. Their Cielo set marks TOTH's final event on the Meatpacking District's sound system until Autumn! The following night at Studio B, they welcome Mr. Scruff for 5 hours - Mariano will spin an opening support set. And we've just announced Turntables at the Hudson...

Out April 1st, In The Name of Love: Africa Celebrates U2 features new covers of classic U2 songs by Grammy Award-winning and up-and-coming African artists Angelique Kidjo, Les Nubians, Sierra Leone's Refuge All Stars, Vieux Farka Touré, Vusi Mahlasela and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Inspired by Bono's philanthropic acts via the ONE campaign and (RED), and his outspoken public commentary Africa's immediate financial needs, Africa U2 proceeds from sales will benefit the Global...

Photo of Little Jackie at SXSW BMI Showcase © Randall Michelson Hey boys and girls, today’s theme is friendship. Last week I was able to support some chums as they made their dreams come true – all while being comped and whisked into places like I was special (Maybe a more apt theme is nepotism). On Monday night, I hit up Southpaw to catch friend-in-my-head, Imani Coppola and her group, Little Jackie . I've been an Imani fan since...

Portishead's first single "Machine Gun" from Third was released just hours ago at 2:30 PM EST, simultaneously on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show and on the band's website free to download. While Third isn't officially released until April 29th in the US (April 28th in the UK), the single will come out on etched, 1-sided vinyl on April 14th and a box set to-die-for via the website will be available to the first 10,000 customers on April 28th. Box Set Contents: -...

Giant Step, a leading music and lifestyle marketing company and concert promoter is currently looking for part-time interns to work with us on day-to-day tasks. Descriptions for each position are as follows: New Media Intern - Working on specific online promotions to increase traffic to giantstep.net - Working on executing online-driven marketing campaigns - Maintaining the list of who is who in the world of online promotion - Aiding in the creation of reports and...

Photo of Jazzy Jeff © Nick Digital When I told my friend about my weekend, she flatly informed me with thinly-veiled horror that it was "bizarre." I'm on the fence about the term. You, gentle reader, can be the judge. Let's pretend the weekend started on Wednesday where I was eagerly awaiting a performance by Kid Cudi at Left Village bar Le Royale . The whole hourly-motel air makes my head hurt (where do...

This month, Brooklyn's soulful dance band Tortured Soul co-headlines a 10-city tour with Amp Fiddler in celebration of their aptly titled sophomore album In Transit (out in September). In concert with the tour, drummer/vocalist John-Christian Urich, keyboardist Ethan White and bassist JKriv release a 3-song teaser EP, featuring material from the album, which will be available at the shows and online. Get ready for their funk and soul-filled dance music live alongside the...

This year's Essense Music Festival will host acts new and classic from Grammy-winning Jill Scott to Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, Morris Day & The Time, Chris Rock, Kanye West, Chris Brown and Mary J. Blige with more to be announced. Held July 4th weekend (the 4th, 5th and 6th), the nation's largest annual celebration of black music and culture takes place at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster .

The "Original" Jazzy Jay, "The Master of Records" Afrika Bambaataa along with Roots residents Louie Vega and Kevin Hedge spin what is sure to be a legendary party tonight at Cielo, NYC. Could there be a better line up for breakbeats, b-boy classics, disco, funk, latin soul and dance music? You'll probably want to arrive early to avoid disappointment. Admission is $15 Doors at 10:30 PM