The Shafiq En’ A-Free Ka EP is the first release from Shafiq Husayn’s full-length debut album on Plug Research, Shafiq En’ A-Free-Ka. The EP contains the hypnotizing first single “Cheeba,”where Shafiq creates a dark and heavy introspective mood that is matched perfectly by Bilal’s distinctive vocals. In addition, veteran beatsmith Nottz’s remix of the track re-works Shafiq’s music into a throwback to the classic Soulquarian sound and gives Bilal’s performance a new perspective. The B-side of the EP kicks off with the buzz track “Lil Girl” featuring UK newcomer Fatima. The beat is lo-fi, slightly off kilter and Fatima’s heavenly vocals are dead on. The stellar album cut is followed by another selection off the album, “Nirvana” as well as an accompanying remix from Mark de Clive-Lowe. Mark’s remix infuses some House music influences, turning the original head-nod of the beat into a pulsating spiritual dance anthem. Pre Order now on Rushhour. rushhour

Shafiq Husayn – Nirvana (Mark de Clive-Lowe Remix)

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Shafiq Husayn – Cheeba Feat Bilal (Nottz Remix)

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written by Nevill \\ tags: bilal, en a free ka, mark de clive-lowe, plug research, sa-ra creative partners, shafiq husayn

New music from Stoney Rock AKA Black Spade. After recenty releasing the Hawthorne Headhunters EP, Spade is consistently putting good music out. Can’t wait to hear whats next from Black Spade. Thanks to HVW8.

Black Spade – Things Change

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Black Spade – Untitled Mix II Feat. Coultrain

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written by Nevill \\ tags: black spade, hawthorne headhunters, hvw8, los angeles, stoney rock, things change, untitled mix II

Siji, second born of twelve children spent much of his early childhood in Lagos and London before coming to the US to further pursue his musical ambitions. His own cultural heritage combined with the political and social movements of the age, exposed young Siji to the insurgent, politicized music of the Afrobeat legends Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Tony Allen as well as the soulful grooves of Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Otis Redding.

The self-taught piano, percussion and acoustic bass player released an EP. He quickly garnered much respect, admiration and credibility which led to a lucrative worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music. Siji relocated to New York and performed in renowned venues has worked with a number of producers, but it is his collaboration with Osunlade, who produced music for Musiq Soulchild, Eric Benet, and classic R&B vocalist Patti Labelle, that fostered in Siji a love of production. It was only last year that the “Adé Siji” album dropped on his own label IVY Records and what an album it is. The self-titled sophomore album “Adé Siji”, is a full portrayal of where Siji currently stand as an artist and human being and the experiences that have come to shape his character. It even has some guest collaborations by King Britt and Rich Medina on there. I must admit I kinda slept on this one and rediscovered it recently. For those that love a medley of Jazz Fusion, Soul and Highlife…purchase “Adé Siji” HERE! Thnx to Apple Juice Break for the inspiring post and peep “Yearning For Home” video after the jump.

Siji – Fantasy

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Siji – Yearning For Home

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written by nilez \\ tags: adé siji, adesiji, afrobeat, al green, apple juice break, eric benet, fela kuti, highlife, ivy records, jazz fusion, king britt, lagos, marvin gay, musiq soulchild, otis redding, patti labelle, rich medina, siji, soul, tony allen, Video, warner chappell music