Ok so this isn't really news per-se, but when it deals with something that is free and our friends at Nublu Records, we have to shout about it. Currently at Emusic.com, Nublu Records is offering a free sampler for download featuring brand new tracks from Forro in the Dark, Our Theory feat. Erik Truffaz, and Love Trio in Dub feat. U-Roy as well as a track from Kudu. Go get it here .

Repeating the success of 2004's 'A Grand Don't Come For Free,' The Streets third and latest album 'The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living,' debuted at No. 1 on the UK charts which features the top ten single "When You Wasn't Famous." Less than a week away from the US release date, if this is any indication of what is to come, things are once again looking up for Mike Skinner of The Streets.

In a rare performance, musician/producer Mark de Clive-Lowe, "The man behind a million great tunes" (Gilles Peterson), will perform live in NYC for the first time on April 22nd. Getting behind the MPC3000 drums, synth bass, rhodes and keyboards, Mark de Clive-Lowe will be joined by Bembe Segue on vocals and special guest Sammy Figueroa on percussion. See below for more details. Event Info April 22nd, 2006 Mark de Clive-Lowe featuring Bembe Segue "FREESOUL SESSIONS" w/ DJs...

Broadcasted on April 4th, 2006 on KRML Radio, you can now listen to LeRoy Downs on the air with legendary drummer, Chico Hamilton. To listen, visit here and scroll down, click on the Chico picture, and the interview will stream through your media player.

Set to hit the streets on June 13th, the final artwork for L.A. turntablist Cut Chemist's debut album, 'The Audience’s Listening' has been revealed (see above). I was lucky enough to get a watermarked copy of his forthcoming album yesterday, but alas it doesn't play in my MAC. However, in preparation for this release, Apple's iTunes is offering two tracks for purchase, "The Garden" and "Storm" featuring Edan and Mr. Lif, which I may just have to visit. Confirmed Tracklisting For 'The...

It looks like it is official. After the successful release of 'Dangerdoom: The Mouse and the Mask' in October 2005, Adult Swim will collaborate with indie label Stones Throw, for a second hip hop album. Slated to debut on September 19th, which coincides with Stones Throw's 10-year anniversary, the new release will feature more musical contributions from Madlib and MF DOOM as Madvillain and a handful of artists from the Stones Throw label such as J. Rocc, Oh No, Percee P, Dudley Perkins and...

In support of his forthcoming album, 'The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living,' Mike Skinner of The Streets is set to tour North America beginning in June. Want to go, but don't want to shell out the cash? Then visit here to enter to win tickets to his upcoming shows. Tour Dates 06/07/06 Showbox Showoom & Lounge - Seattle, WA 06/08/06 WonderBallroom - Portland, OR 06/09/06 The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA 06/10/06 Henry Fonda...

After having to cancel his US tour, Mylo will make his long awaited return to play a DJ set at Hiro Ballroom in NYC on Wed, May 10th. Presented by Giant Step, GBH, Tease and Recall Records, tickets will be $12 in advance, $20 at the door and will be on sale soon.

It’s been two weeks of recovery from WMC 2006, where all music heads congregated in Miami for plenty of brilliant tunes and good folk all around. Last night, I found myself looking through pictures on my digital camera – procrastinating the whole upload-onto-gallery-and-write-cute-captions debacle – and naturally, I became nostalgic. Fortunately, our dear friend and editor at Time Out, Bruce Tantum can fill you in on what went down this year in Miami…. ------ TIME OUT NEW...

Giantstep.net contributors DJ Veggie and Mowgli have reviewed two of our most recent favorite albums. One by avant-garde jazz-funk trio Medeski Martin & Wood and another by British hip-hop legend, Roots Manuva. "The compilation shows the impeccable chops that MMW possess, showcasing their uncanny ability to groove off of each other while twisting and turning between jazz, funk, rock, downtempo and the avant-garde." - from ‘Note...