SoulNRnB Presents The Soul Mixtape. And More

DJ Grizz- Lovers Rock Vol. 17

2012-01-30T00:13:00.000-08:00

Well the filesharing drama has subsided for a while at least but I have a feeling we haven't heard the last of the it. So all the more reason to get in there quickly before the musical Mayan prophecy comes true and all the good music disappears in 2012. Don't forget any re-ups wanted from myself or SoulNRnB -let us know!

Back to the music and its Lovers Rock time on the mixtape today. Starting off with the lead singer of the In Crowd- Fil Calender, The Instigators, Janet Kay covers a Dennis Brown classic (although originally a 50's do-wop hit!) and Tradition all feature.

Back next week (hopefully!!) with more old time soul nuggets. SoulNRnB up at the weekend.

Grizz

http://www.mediafire.com/?cpep2cqmk516c9r

Tracklist in comments

The Artists - Miles Bonny PLUS UPDATE

2012-01-26T05:40:00.000-08:00

OK, before we talk about this weeks Artists mix, just want to let you know that I've re-upped the Street Sounds Session from Vol 70 onwards (Volume 70 is a MEGA PACK that includes other Street Sounds mixes of the year); The Top 11 mixes of the 70's,80's,90's and Top 11 mixes of 2011 and 2010 (Both links on the 2011 post); All the Artist mixes; Nu-Soul Jazz; Soul Jazz SAMPLED; plus Nu-Soul Vol.2.

Thats not even a drop in the ocean for the 300 odd mixes we had on the blog, but best I can do. RIP to The Soul Mixtape vol 1-5, Rare Groove mixes Vol 1-12, Soul Show LIVE 1-4 mixes, Great Producer Mixes. Maybe one day Ill have time to re-up some of them, but ive got to concentrate on the now, and that means a new Artist Mix!

Who is Miles Bonny?

Miles Bonny is a producer, DJ, Singer and plays the Trumpet like his father Francis Bonny. He began producing music and started the regional hip hop website Lawrencehiphop.com which helped bring media attention to hip hop artists. He founded groups and worked with other labels, soon becoming more acquainted with the New York independent hip hop scene, which informed his ability to later start his own label, INnatesounds.

In 2006, he released his 1st debut solo project, "Smell Smoke?". and in 2007 he released the "Closer Love EP" in conjunction with Melting Pot Music. Other LP's include "Incense and Wine", last years "Lumberjack Soul" LP, and work with Reggie B on "Doing my Thing".

Vocally, Miles has a real "Neo Soul" sound and his music mixes Hip Hop, cutting edge electronic Soul and Jazz with his ever present Trumpet playing. A real all rounder, you need to check out the mans work and what better place than the mixtapes own Artist Tribute mix. (His version of Raphael Saadiq's "Still Ray" is class.)

Grizz back with you Monday, Internet police and the USA permitting, and youll get another edition of Upfront Street Sounds mix from me.

The Artists - Miles Bonny

Fileserve

2012-01-23T13:17:00.001-08:00

First Megaupload, then Filesonic, now Fileserve. All down.

This means that most of the previous mixes have gone the way of the dodo.

Hope you all got the ones that you wanted that were hosted on Fileserve. Will look around for a new host, so stay tuned. Let's hope this isn't the beginning of the end for blogs like this one.

SoulNRnB

UPDATE 24/1/12

Looks like a return to Rapidshare for me, will upload some of the previous mixes for you but can't do all. Should be normal resumption of service Friday unless there are more major upheavals.

Will say that this may be the last resort really, and that the blog will have to change (or worse, shut down) if these last fileshare hosts shut down.

Will update the actual post links with the amended Rapidshare links, so check the posts your interested in from time to time as they may get re-upped.

Any suggestions welcome, as are requests for re-up's of previous mixes. Post a comment on this update.

DJ Grizz- Kool and the Gang Special

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

With a bit of luck all the drama of file hosts being closed will settle down for while now and let us get back to the job of bringing you all the good music we have sitting around in our crates.

My latest contribution to the 'artists' series if mixes comes from Kool and the Gang. A band that throughout the 1980's were known for their slick pop-funk-soul sound but from their origins in the 60's and throughout the 70's were a bad, tight jazz-funk/funk outfit and its those LPs and tracks this mix brings you. Including tunes like Starchild, NT, Light of the Worlds and topped off with the quiet storm anthem Summer Madness.

I believe Mr SoulNRnB will be carrying the artists flag too real soon and I'll be back in a Lover Rock style next week.

Grizz

http://www.mediafire.com/?y06bwvrmgcyc065

Tracklist in comments

Re-ups!!!

2012-01-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

OK mixtapers- panic over, I've signed up to Mediafire to host my files. I've uploaded my last 2 mixes - Soul Niceness 31 and Soulful 80's 14 for those that missed out but if theres any other older ones that you need re-upped then stick a request in comments and will oblige! See you Monday for our normal service....

Grizz

http://www.mediafire.com/?385guoji1n7oenm

http://www.mediafire.com/?ool6jqbphcw0cc5

Megaupload

2012-01-20T11:22:00.001-08:00

You may be aware that the US authorities have closed down Megaupload following all the copyright heat hitting the fan over the pond right now!

Our support goes out to the Megaupload guys in their battle against the madness going on over there right now. Rest assured I'll be doing my best to source another file-host at the weekend where I can re-up some of my recent mixes and hopefully resume normal service next week.

Keep sharing the Soul Love

Grizz

Oh, and it can't be that bad for business if this lot endorse it!

SoulNRnBs Street Sound Sessions 72

2012-01-18T23:28:00.000-08:00

OK, so lets catch you all up on whats new and Soulful.

Cover star Prince has re-recorded an "Unreleased" tune circa 1999 days called Extraloveable and if your a fan of his old sound, youll love it. Paris Toon gets funky, Jazmine Sullivan sings about her career, SWV return to making music, Algebra makes a real nice return with a new neo-retro sound, and Robert Glasper teams up with Miss Badu to whet our appetites for the new LP. Thats not even mentioning the great Baby Jaymes and the other famous miss Knowles.

Much more too, a real mix of music and various styles, so ignore SOPA and DL, safe in the knowledge that what you like, youll probably purchase!

No "going dark" for us like those lightweights at Wikipedia. were back next week with more goodies from Grizz, whilst ill be back with another artists mix.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 72

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 31

2012-01-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new week mixtapers and my 1st Soul Niceness of 2012. As per usual its choc full of those forgotten rare groove and old soul nuggets.

Containing contributions from Deniece 'Niecey' Williams, Tyrone Carrs version of 'take me with you' (released at the same time as Lynn Christophers!?), souljazz legend Gene Harris and finishing with a cool cut from BT Express plus 6 more corkers of course.

See you guys next Monday... SoulNRnB keeping you right up to date, up by the weekend!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=V6SXS87H

Tracklist contained in the comments section.

The Artists: Rockie Robbins

2012-01-13T11:42:00.000-08:00

Underrated Soul Singer Robbins cut his first record in 1979, which was produced by Richard Evans and Johnny Pate, but the master tapes for this record were erased in transit to the record company, and the album had to be re-recorded. Robbins' self-titled debut gained some critical attention, and whilst it didnt set the world alight financially, A&M retained him for a second album.

"You and Me" was produced by Bobby Martin and the title track became his biggest hit. Robbins moved to MCA and produced 2 more LP's, "I Believe in Love" and the second self-titled album where they enlisted the skills of the SOLAR crew in additon to Richard. He recorded one last LP in 1991 called "Are you Ready".

Ranging from soul searching ballads, mid tempo rare groove two steppers, and uptempo dance cuts, Robbins was artistically successful in all of these areas, but was never rewarded with unbridled success. This mix showcases some of my favorite tunes of his, with the hope that some of you discover this artist and seek out some of his other work.

Talking of Rare Groove, thats where Grizz is exploring on Monday. Big thanks for his support of my fight to keep last weeks Street Sounds Mix up, lets hope next weeks one dosent have so much Drama!

The Soul Mixtape Presents: The Artists: Rockie Robbins

DJ Grizz - Soulful 80's Vol.14

2012-01-09T00:30:00.000-08:00

Its back to the 80's for my 2nd post of the year and I've spent all weekend watching re-runs of Magnum PI and Thundercats in preparation.

The mix starts with an 80's anthem from Aurra, then another artist with a Slave connection- Steve Washington, blue eyed soul boy Ned Doheny does his version of a track best known by Chaka Khan, rare groove queen Sheree Brown features, and topped off with a later Whispers track (and fans of strutting should check out the vid on YouTube- Whispers gold!).

Next week I'm back on the Rare Groove trail. Finally big props to SoulNRnB who is refusing to let them take down his latest mix of brand new tunes. The clues in the blog title record companies.... these are mixes, we are promoting the music, new and old, forgotten and yet to be discovered!!! Get with the program!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MI1C5MP3

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 71

2012-01-06T00:18:00.000-08:00

Back to Normal transmission: I'm gonna concentrate on the new music and the "Artists" mixes for most of the new year, so lots of music (Old and New) for you to investigate.

First off its a new Street Sounds featuring new music from our Twitter buddy Milan Ring with the great "Pay Day", husband and wife team Malice and Mario Sweet, the great production and beats of Eric Lau, Hip Hop from Cover stars Tanya Morgan and much more including one of the tunes of last year, "Halftime" from Amy Winehouse.

Grizz back with you on Monday, ill be back next week with the first of a few of those "Artist" mixes I mentioned earlier.

***Update***

Wow - Fastest post removal so far. If you are an artist that does not want their songs Showcased on a Mix, then post a comment and let us know. We are NOT putting tracks here as standalone's to be downloaded, they are mixes, such as you would find on a Podcast or the radio.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 71

DJ Grizz- Heavy on the Funk

2012-01-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy New Year mixtapers! I have the honour of kicking off 2012 on the blog and its time to shake the cobwebs off your dancin' shoes as we go back in time to lay down some of my favorite Funk cuts from the 60's and 70's.

We kick off with an all time fave of mine- the falsetto tones of Mr Renaldo Domino, Ray Camacho gives us his take on the Brass Construction classic, a heavily sampled Vibrettes and a Ripple funk anthem both feature plus 5 more rug cutting tunes to get you going after the holidays.

SoulNRnB back with his 1st post of the year before I return in 80's mode.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CJJ4IJK6

Tracklist in comments

The Soul Mixtapes REVIEW of 2011

2011-12-28T23:48:00.000-08:00

Loads to get through, so first off, below are my Best tunes of 2011 Playlist. Save the picture and peruse at your leisure:

Its interesting to note that if you downloaded the 70 odd tunes from Itunes/Amazon etc, it would, on average cost around £55 (UK pounds). If you got a voucher this Xmas, you could do worse than use the list as a strating point to get some great music.

I'm gonna select some of my favorites below. Not gonna include tunes in my list from LP's I've picked in our Best of 2011 post, though Erro's Picture Perfect (aside from being a great song it features the best drum programming of the year) and 9th Wonders One Night would definitely feature, so heres a reminder of those two gems:

So, after you've checked out my list above, take a listen to the 7 tunes I've singled out in no particular order, as the cream of the crop I couldnt live without this year.

BUT FIRST: Tunes that took you back to the 70's and 80's

Zo! Brought out his Just Visiting 3 EP, and this version of Wham!'s most soulful track (Didnt think I would ever say those words) killed

And then there was Vindhal's "Head over Heels", with a version of their 2010 tune arranged and sounding so 80's like, I nearly went out and bought some bad clothes. And not bad meaning good. Check that out too.....

As for the 70's, besides LP of the year lumiaries Electric Empire, we had this gem early in 2011.

Absolute quality from Aaries, taking you back to MJ "Off the Wall" days circa the great Rod Temperton.

In any case, here goes with my top 7 tunes:

7. Mark De Clive Lowe - The Why

After a great EP release from Mark, we got hints of what was going to be on the new LP and this tune leaked and it was a monster. This dude hasn't had enough exposure and we need to change that, check out his back catalogue too cause its hot. And search out the tribute to Tina Marie (Lovergirl) he produced at the begining of the year with Sy Smith after Tina's untimely passing, its great.

6. Jazmine Sullivan - Neverland

Harking back to the type of tunes you would hear from Betty Wright (Who released a great LP with the Roots this year) this may be a demo or an unreleased tune, but it knocked the socks off me when I first heard it and hasn't let go since. Produced by Salaam Remi, whose getting to be a favorite producer of mine since he also produced......

5. Amy Winehouse - Halftime

Didnt expect anything from Amy's posthumous LP of out-takes etc, then this tune got leaked. It has Questlove on drums, which brought to mind those rumours of a soul supergroup that Amy was going to front back in the day with names bandied about like Raphael Saadiq and Cee Lo Green. This, and I make no apologies for saying it, is one of the best songs she ever recorded. Something we at the Soul Mixtape HQ knew she was capable of, but we wont hear the like again.

Gonna take a break from the new, and have a little blast from the past. Came across the following on Youtube after watching a great 2 Hour talk from the Mizell Brothers online about thier recording history (See Grizz's mix on them and the inclusion of 2 of their great production pieces in our Best of the 70's LP list recently). Its an UNRELEASED tune from the one and only Marvin Gaye that really knocked both Grizz and I socks off. ENJOY!

Marvin Gaye - Woman of the World

After that Gem, back to our picks:

4. KING - The Story

Earlier in the year this tune from a brand new 3 piece vocal group not only blew me away, but the likes of Erykah Badu, Questlove and Phonte, who quickly got them involved in another fave's of my year "All the Kisses" from the Foreign Exchange. Great production, angelic vocals and harmonies, get the EP and wait on tenterhooks for the forthcoming LP.

3. Ayah - When it comes to you

I know I said I wouldnt list tracks from Artists that were on our Best LP's of 2011 list (Cause you should have them!), but this tune isnt off the "Back for More" LP. Its a great soul tune, with gutsy vocals from Ayah and a great lyric. "I need more than a drink, when it comes to you" she sings, and you believe. By the by, this video is directed by multi talented Slakah the Beatchild, our 2009 winner for Best LP here at the mixtape! His 2010 EP (On last years list too!) had tracks added to it by label BBE making it a fully fledged LP, and one of the tracks that blew my socks off was....

2. Slakah the Beatchild - The Cure

1. Thundercat - Walkin'

You could be mistaken into thinking that this is the funkiest tune Christopher Cross (Google it youngsters) made back in the 70's, cause thats what this tune brings to mind. As horrible as that sounds, its anything but, and I love it. Thundercats LP is a bit too left field for some, but this tune has not been off my playlist. Great Bass, great strings, great track.

We asked some of the great current artists creating soulful music a few questions about the year in music and what to look forward to and it makes great reading. They include Tracy Cruz ("Universoul Symphony" on our best of 2011 list), N'Dambi ("Pink Elephant" being on the Best of List 2010), Julie Dexter ("New Again" on our best of 2011 list), Deborah Bond ("Madam Palindrome" on our best of 2011 list), and Jason Heerah of our reigning No.1 of Best LP's of 2011 artists, Electric Empire :

1) Besides your own, what do you consider the best LP of 2011?

Julie Dexter: Jill Scott - Light of the Sun

Tracy Cruz: Thank you so much for your kind words about Universoul Symphony. I would say it's a tie between Eric Roberson's "Mr. Nice Guy" and Marsha Ambrosius' "Late Nights & Early Mornings"- both are incredible albums filled with heartfelt lyrics, stellar production and amazing vocals!

N'Dambi: One album that I think is a cool rendering is Rhianna's. I am a huge fan of how her album creatively tells stories using writing that is at times confident, clever, and very well thought out.

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - Adele 21, loving that a soulful voice like hers is getting so much love on radio

Deborah Bond: In my opinion the Best LP of 2011 is a tie!! I can't decide which one moves me more and they have equally inspired, moved, and enchanted me!! "The Lapdancer" -Soul Persona ft. Princess Freesia and Gretchen Parlato's "Lost & Found"

2) If you could have recorded a song released this year by another artist instead of them, what song would that be?

Deborah Bond: I am in love w/ the groove, the mood, the vocals, lyrics, arrangements of Princess Freesia/Soulpersona's "Stretched Thin"….this track is very ME I'd say and damn they NAILED IT! I'm a sucka for a hot dance, funk, groove, and this one will CRUSH live on stage! I sooo wish I'd done it! :)

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - I need a Dollar - Aloe Blacc. we don't want to stipulate that we need the dollar more than him, but we's definitley connect with this song :)

Tracy Cruz: "Blessed" by Jill Scott! :) I listen to that song every single day because it's so uplifting and inspiring!

Julie Dexter: Hear My Call by Jill Scott

N'Dambi: Actually, I have a tenor voice and a find myself strongly drawn to male vocals. With that being said, If I could have recorded any song released this year it would be "All I Want Is You' by Miguel.

3) Who should music fans be looking out for in 2012, in relation to new artists?

N'Dambi: In 2012 music fans should be on the look out for Bridget Kelly, Elle Varner, ACEG (All Cows Eat Grass) and Brandon Coleman.

Tracy Cruz: People should look out for the group KING. I can't stop listening to their EP "The Story". Beautiful,Beautiful,Beautiful!! I can't wait to hear more!

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - We getting into an indie folk band from our home town melbourne called the paper kites.

Deborah Bond: They should be on the lookout for Kenny Wesley, Alison Carney, Kia Bennett, Princess Freesia, Ntjam Rosie, Tracy Cruz and Suga Sp!! These cats are bout to do it up in 2012! I'm so excited to see how their musical future unfolds!! Special mention to Levi Stevens - Dude is tight!!!

Julie Dexter: Avery Sunshine, if they haven't already heard (If people haven't heard, its not because we aint been telling them Julie!)

4) Who is on your wish list to work with in the future?

Tracy Cruz: I would love to work with other independent Soul artists. I would also love to be given the opportunity to share the stage with Jill Scott, Ledisi, The Foreign Exchange, Eric Roberson, Lalah Hathaway, Kenny Wesley, Amel Larrieux, Deborah Bond or Marsha Ambrosius.

Julie Dexter: Georgia Anne Muldrow (Check out her new LP BTW)

Deborah Bond: Of course I keep mentioning this name but definitely Princess Freesia, Tony Momrelle, Gregory Porter, Jose James, Simon Grey, Gretchen Parlato, Esthero, Anthony Hamilton, and Ed Motta.

N'Dambi: There are so many amazing talents that I am hard pressed to pick just one. What I will say is that I am anxiously awaiting the opportunity to work with any artist that is passionate about the music.

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - We would all agree that working with the legend himself stevie wonder would be an amazing experience. :) ( LOVE to see that happen!)

5) What's in the pipeline for you in 2012?

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - The pipeline for us is to delve even further into the songwriting aspect to EE, while still spreading the Live sound & show to the world

Julie Dexter: Continue striving to be a better Mother, Wife and Musician and continue promoting my new album New Again, releasing a couple videos too

Tracy Cruz: I'm currently lining up several shows next year to promote my new album Universoul Symphony. Also I will be recording a few more music videos and releasing a remix album for Universoul Symphony in 2012. Lastly I would love to travel and perform across the United States and overseas.

N'Dambi: In 2012, I plan to release an album and involve myself in other areas of writing such as writing a children's book.

Deborah Bond: US & International Tour, Lots of shows!!!! More video/visuals from db/3L, hopefully some tv spots, LOTS of musical collaborations, and possibly a new album from Deborah Bond/Third Logic

We can't finish the year without giving you a mix to download. Out of all my mixes, this one seems to have been the most popular. Our friend Philip Clark made this the mix of the week on his blog's weekly FREE SOUL MUSIC post a long while back, and since then people have really responded well to it. Was deleted from Rapidshare for a while now, but back here in all its glory:

SoulNRnB's Nu Soul Jazz Volume 1

And thats that. Thanks to all the talent that answered our questions, and just as important, Grizz and I want to wish you all a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. Thanks for visiting the Soul Mixtape, spread the word, and lets enjoy what soul music has to offer in 2012 together, whilst taking a listen to the gems its given us up until now.

DJ Grizz- Uplifting Soul 2011 Vol. 2

2011-12-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

My last post of 2011 and I'm ending the year on a positive note. Now i normally only post one volume of soul n jazz tunes that are unashamedly uplifting per annum but 2011 has been such a rough year for many of us I thought it called for a 2nd volume.

Contributions from The Main Ingrediant, Teddy Pendergrass, Roy Ayres, and topped off with a Keni Burke anthem that I played many a time as my final tune back when I used to 'play out'. Plus 6 more solid old school tracks all with a feel good and uplifting message!

I'll see you in 2012 after SoulNRnB gives us his always comprehensive review of the year.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AGHWZ05O

Tracklist in comments.

Seasons Greetings

2011-12-24T13:44:00.001-08:00

Grizz and I would like to wish you all a Happy Xmas.

Don't miss Grizz's post at the start of the week, and my review of the year before year end!

SoulNRnB

The Soul Mixtapes Top 10 LP's of 2011

2011-12-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

OK, first part of my big 2 posts of the year. Some of you have requested a re-post of last years best of mix (See The Soul Mixtapes Top 10 LP's of 2010 post for details) and thats here: The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of 2010

But now, onto this years list.

2011 was on a par with last years output soul wise in my Opinon. Some really excellent LP's and some that didnt quite make it but deserve a mention for sure. Some decision making around one particular artist (more to follow) plus a little cheating on a par with last years joint placing of Slakah's and Eric Rico's EP's. So, with no more hesitation, here are my list of the best LP's of the year, in no particualr order save for the No.1 spot.

10. Tyler Woods - The Mahogany Experiment

Presented by 9th Wonder (more of which later), this was a FREE EP released earlier in the year. Yes. I said it. FREE (more of which, again, later). So if you dont got it.....why the hell not?

All tracks on the LP were produced by 9th Wonder except the single “Lost In Your Love.” which in no way sounds out of place, the EP also features guest appearances from Talib Kweli and Styles P. Tyler gives props to the sounds of those he admires, (Jodeci, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green) whilst creating some great mid tempo soul tunes. GO GET!!

9.Phonte - Charity starts at Home + 9th Wonder - The Wonder Years -

Earlier this year, we tweeted that if you mashed up these two LP's into 1, you would have the best Hip Hop LP of the year. So eff it, its my blog, thats what I'm gonna do. These guys are all over each others work so thats all the excuse I need!

For "Charity starts at home", the LP resembles, IMO, FE's first LP, "Connected". Phonte shows off his rhyming skills to full effect on tunes like "The Life of Kings", "Who loves you more" and one of my faves, "Sending my love." Grown Folks Hip Hop for sure. Again, featuring 9th Wonder on production duties for some tracks, leading us to his LP "The Wonder Years."

Featuring the expected great production, with always a soulful inflection, featuring artists like Erykah Badu, Phonte, Terrace Martin, Teedra Moses and Marsha Ambrosius, the rhymes are hot, the vocals compete and the LP features one of my tunes of the year in "One Night" that was featured on a previous Street Sounds. Hot.

Mash these LP's up and realise Hip Hop aint dead.

8.Julie Dexter - New Again

Female vocalists have run things this year for real. (MORE LATER!!) This is one quality LP, full of Soul, Organic and sometimes Jazzy, its one of the rare LP's you can listen to from start to finish. "Sunshine" kicks things off right, a mid temp track with some great instrumentation, "Blue Skies" is another 70's mid tempo groove, "Love2Love" recalls Mr Gaye in its bridge, and elsewhere theres latin influence, soulful house grooves and lots more Soul. A Must purchase.

7.DJ Jazzy Jeff & Ayah - Back for more

Did I say "more later" when mentioning Tyler Woods Free EP? Then thats because of this. A free LP from another great produver, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and his recent muse, the great Ayah; with input from one of our "Great Producers" James Poyser this is another must have. How did Free music get so good?

What do you expect from these two artists? Oh well, you got it; Over 13 tracks. Jeff picks the samples and brings the beats; Ayah gives vocal attitude. Personal Faves? "One Life"; "Notorious"; "Be Alright" and "Tables Turn", but truth be said its a solid LP. Did I say it was free?

6.Josh Milan - Honeycomb music Volume 1

One half of renowned Soulful House duo BLAZE as well as writing, recording, and performing music with "Little Louie" Vega, dance music artist Barbara Tucker and producing giant Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez, Milan has finally launched his own record company, Honeycomb Music; He brings everything you expect to his new Showcase double LP.

Milan has written and produced a full length CD that features songs with Sandra St. Victor of "Family Stand" fame, ChinahBlac, Crystal Johnson, Cinnamon Brown, and Angela Johnson. House grooves that welcome Soul, Jazz and Latin influences with open arms, this is, hands Down, best Soulful House LP of the year.

5.Deborah Bond - Madame Palindrome

Yep. I said it. The female artists are running things. Deborah's previous outings have fallen into the "like" category for me rather than the "Love". Thats changed.

This LP kind of brings together the "Acid Jazz" sound with an electronic sound, showcased on tunes like "Nothing matters", "Blind Paradise" and the great single "You are the one." Tracks full of strings, bass lines and good grooves. And then theres the shiver down the spine soul of "Say it" with another hint of the Mizell Brothers in its execution that sends the LP into the top ranks for me. Another must purchase, if only for the good taste of hooking up with the UK's Lewis Taylor (Where you been?) on the funky, incognito like "If I didnt need you."

4.Eric Roberson - Mr Nice Guy

OK. An admission. I like this LP less than any other Erro LP. Does that make it bad? Nope. It has moments of genius (As you would expect) like the single "Picture Perfect" (Featuring tigallo tigallo tigallo again?!?!?) with its great beats and atmosphere, the great lyrics of the title track (Check out when the drums come in.....great stuff), and the old school Erro sounding "Shake her Hand".

So why the reservation? I dont know if its the upbeat sentiment behind some of the tunes. Erro has always been about yearning and loss, which feeds into the musicality and atmosphere of the tunes he writes and sings on. "Borrow you", "Pen just cries away", "Obstacles". All examples. Theres some of that here, but, for me, it feels different. And, I guess, I'm in the minority (See next weeks Review of the year as a famous friend of the blog recommends this LP as best of the year) as theres LOTS of love for this work.

But hell, I love this guy, and the LP has enough good stuff on there for me to heartily recommend a purchase.....so do that! Its one of my best LP's of the year still damn it!!

3.Jill Scott - From the Vault Volume 1

So, I talked earlier about female artists running things. Here's another example. But I also talked about controversy, so here it is.

The prospect of 2 Jill Scott LP's in one year blew me away. But there was bad news; I love Jill Scott. I was disappointed by her new LP, "Light of the Sun". There were moments on there, (weirdly, mostly the bonus tunes, but So in Love and Blessed were good value too) but it seemed commercial and light. There. I said it. And, as above, there are LOADS of people and artists that disagree with me.

In any case, the good news for me was that Hidden Beach, her old label that Jill had a public falling out with, released an LP of unreleased tunes (approved by Jill) that reminded me of why I love her. And these were out takes.

Tunes like "Running Away" had that "Words and Sounds Vol 2" feel, "Wondering Why", "I'm Prettier" and "Dear Mr. & Mrs. Record Industry" all provided what I would have expected from her first Warner Brothers LP. Soul, heart and more great lyrics. Even the DJ Jazzy Jeff produced "Lovely Day" (A song we should all be sick of from over playing rather than quality) was fun and vocally on point. Maybe "The Light" was meant to appeal to more commercially, I dont know. But to me it was a lesser work and Im hoping we get the full blown Jill Scott on her next Warners LP. In the Meantime, "The Vault Vol 1" will do me fine.

One thing though, for both LP's: That voice is still ON POINT!!!

2.Tracy Cruz - Universoul Symphony

Tracy has been on my radar for a while right back to when I first caught her on "Feel'osophy" back in '08. "Son-Shine" was a favorite of mine back then and she had a real Neo-Soul/RnB vibe to her.

"Universoul Symphony" ups the ante, and as the title suggests, added orchestration. "Mind Travel", "Dream Flight" and "Electricity" all have a new, modern sound but harks back to a funkier, organically soulful period in black music. However, standout track for me, and one of the best of the year IMO is "Love's Galaxy" that featured on a Street Sounds mix earlier this year and hasnt left my iPod playlist since. Purchase and support good independant music!

1.Electric Empire - Self titled

And here is my favorite LP of the year. When I say this harks back to the 70's it does so with no modern pretentions. This LP could have been released then. This Australian bands influences stand out a mile; Donny; Stevie; Marvin to name but 3. And Pastiche is not what they aim for. This LP is reverence.

You may have caught the single "Baby your lovin'" or the great Donny /Stevie flavored "Always" on a previous Street Sounds Mix. If you have then youll know the quality of this LP and it shines. Recently touring with UK Soul god Omar and Beverley Knight, (us lucky folks in the UK had a chance to see them live) which if you search for on Youtube, you can see how good these guys are.

Support these guys and lets get good......nah....GREAT soul music back in the charts (Like we did with Aloe Blak last year, one of our 2010 recommendations).

A great LP and worthy of standing next to Slakah the Beatchilds "Soul Movement" (2009) and Zo's "Sunstorm" (2010) as LP of the year.

In addition, there are a few LP's that deserve a mention:

Rapper Big Pooh - Dirty Pretty Things
Musiq - musiqinthemagiq
Zo! - Just Visiting THREE
Kindred the Family Soul
Miles Bonny - Lumberjack Soul
Anthony Hamilton - Back to Love
Havana - Entervention
Lalah Hathaway - Where it all begins
TwinSpirit - My Beautiful Ugly
Betty Wright & The Roots
Georgia Anne Muldrow - Owed to Mama Rickle
Mark De Clive Lowe - Renegades
Ledisi _ Pieces of me
Reel People - Golden Lady

So thats all from me, If you agree or disagree, let me know on the blog. We got to keep promoting good soul music of all varieties! Will be posting up a review of the year next week including The Mixtapes Songs of the year plus recommendations from some of the artists in this years best LP's LIST!!

Dont forget ive included last years best of mix that got deleted from Rapidshare up above, so you can compare and contrast.

But here is a feel of what we believe are the best LP's of 2011:

The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of 2011

Tracklist in comments.

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 30

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

My last Soul Niceness of 2011 and as usual its packed full of those hard to find grooves 'n' soul nuggets from the 70's & 80's.

Containing contributions from Ron Banks with a rare groove classic, The Moments just before they morphed into Ray Goodman and Brown, a Taana Gardener 1981 oft sampled club anthem, and topped off with a 70's soul cut from 60's star Mary Wells.

SoulNRnB is hard at work on his review of the best of 2011 for you. I'll be back next week and looking to end the year on a positve high!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LVUVPAEN

Tracklist in the comments section.

XMAS MEGA PACK: SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 70 and MORE

2011-12-15T05:31:00.000-08:00

As promised, a bumper edition of Street Sounds Sessions:

Not only does this pack include the latest Street Sounds, but also those that were removed for one reason or another (As requested, see previous posts for Updates) and a couple of my favorites from the year.

Edition 70 though is fire: The UK's Black Einstien provides a tune that holds up with the years best, A track from the the Amy Winehouse LP, more from Common and 4Hero's Dego, plus the great Kyoto Jazz Massive, Big Pooh and Phife, and new artists like Patrice Covington.

Big stuff coming up from me in the next coupla weeks: 1) Best LP's of 2011 mix and review. 2) A review of the years music, including best tunes plus the picks of some of the famous friends of the Mixtape, at least two of which have LP's in this years Best of LP's List!!

Grizz back on Monday, see you with my list next week!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 70 and MORE

DJ Grizz- Xmas Soul 2011

2011-12-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Ho Ho Ho! 2 weeks to go and time to post my annual slice of Xmas tunes that Soul lovers can listen to. Containing an old time festive mix of soul, gospel, reggae n blues to get you into the spirit.

Includes The Drifters, Baby Washington (apparantly Dusty Springfields favorite singer!), reggae royalty Barrington Levy and topped off with some accapella goodness from the Persuasions plus much more xmas-soulness.

SoulNRnB's goes Street Sounds crazy at the weekend and i'll catch you you next week.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=P1XYWS00

Tracklist in the comments section

XMAS SPECIAL: SoulNRnB's Rare as Rocking Horse Poo....2!

2011-12-09T00:29:00.001-08:00

After the success of last years mix of rare and unreleased tunes from the likes of 4Hero, Raphael Saadiq, and many more (Deleted by Rapidshare, but re-upped here for your listening pleasure: SoulNRnB's Rare as Rocking Horse Poo Mix 1 ) we have chapter 2!

A good hours worth of rare and unreleased music from the likes of Maxwell, Carl Thomas, Musiq Soulchild, Jon B, Rahsaan Patterson, Sunshine Anderson, Raheem Devaughn/DJ Jazzy Jeff, Janelle Monae, Roy Ayers and much much more.

A Real RnB fest that you will hopefully love just as much as the first edition. Ive posted both tracklistings in the comments.

Stay Tuned for Grizz's Xmas mix next week (Nearly Here!!) and a Bumper Xmas Street Sounds Sessions from me!

SoulNRnB's Rarer than Rocking Horse Poo Mix.......2!!!!

DJ Grizz- New Funk Vol.8

2011-12-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

After Mr SoulNRnB went all 70's on you guys last week, I feel I need to try and bring some balance back to the universe and post something upfront! So here's New Funk Vol.8 with another selection of retro-funk style goodies from the last few years.

Featuring tracks from The Sugarman Three, some Italian funk from The Esplanade Orch., The UK's Hannah Williams, and a supergroup full of Acid Jazz/New Funk artists- The Fantasy Funk Band, put together courtesy of DJ/actor Craig Charles who's Radio 6 Funk and Soul show is always good value. Plus 6 more heavy new funk cuts!

After another SoulNRnB weekend treat next week I'll be posting my annual Soulful Xmas mix to help you last minute shop with some Xmas style soul!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2KU0BUM6

For tracklist, click on comments.

The Soul Mixtape's TOP 11 LP's of the 1970's

2011-12-01T06:02:00.000-08:00

This mix is firmly in Grizz territory; The 70's. So when compiling this mix I put forward my choices to the man himself. And, suprisingly, found that we had no real differences in artists. Just the particular LP's. Stevie? Check, on his list too. Marvin? Check. And so on, just a different LP preference.

I have to say, this era of music (and indeed this list) contains at least 2 of my favorite LP's of all time. I'll let you know what they are at the end. So, my choices for Top 11 LP's of the 70's are:

1.Donald Byrd - (Places & Spaces)
2.Aretha Franklin - (You)
3.Marvin Gaye - (I Want you)
4.Johnny Hammond - (Gears)
5.Stevie Wonder - (Songs in the key of life)
6.Earth Wind & Fire - (All n All)
7.Minnie Ripperton - (Perfect Angel)
8.Al Green - (Still in love with you)
9.Leroy Hutson - (Hutson)
10.Brenda Russell - (Brenda Russell)
11.Lonnie Liston Smith - (Loveland)

Why "I want you" rather than "Whats Going on"? I love that sound Marvin developed with Leon Ware. Is "Whats Going On" a great LP deserving to be on a list like this? Hell yeah, but one per artist is my rule!

"Songs in the Key of Life". Recognised classic LP. No need to go on about it. Same with "All n All" and "Still in Love with you". So, lets do a little bit on the others:

- "Places and Spaces" and "Gears" - Great musicians in thier own right, complemented by some classic production work by the brothers Mizell.

- "You" - Why pick this Aretha LP? It was a commercial failure, has been out of print since the early 1980s and has never been issued on compact disc. But theres some great work on here from Gene Page and Jerry Wexler and I think "It Only Happens (When I Look At You)", "You Got All The Aces" and "You Make My Life" are some of the best work Aretha has done and are rare groove classics.

- "Perfect Angel" shows off Minnie to great effect IMO, a great voice and includes some classic tracks like the Stevie Wonder written title track and "Take a little trip", but is better known for the much pastiched "Lovin' You".

- and then theres the underrated: Leroy Hutson, Brenda Russell and Lonnie Liston Smith. You should all know about Lonnie from Grizz's recent artists mix, but "Loveland" is a great place to start your LLS collection. As for Leroy, the man has made so many classic soul tunes. I would highly recommend you listen to all of his 70's and early 80's LP's, but picked "Hutson" for its listenability start to finish. As for Brenda Russell, what a songwriter. Aside from the tune that Luther made his own, "If only for one night", this LP includes classic tracks like "In the Thick of it" and "Little bit of Love".

And thats that. Ive done the Seventies, Eighties, Nineties and Noughties and between all of those lists you will have some of the greatest Soul, Jazz and Funk LP's I know. We start off the holidays with a list and will end the year with one, the best LP's of 2011, so stay tuned and feel free to argue, correct, or agree with my choices.

Oh yes, my Faves? Stevie's "Songs in the key of life" and Johnny Hammond's "Gears" which both are classics from first track to last.

The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of the 1970's

DJ Grizz- Mellow Grooves Vol.11

2011-11-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

4 weeks til Xmas and all very busy for most of us out there. Time to take a moment to chill with Mellow Grooves 11.... ten more downtempo soul n jazz tracks for you to appreciate!

It all kicks off with a Shalamar ballad, and then The Whatnauts, a japjazz take on Stevie Wonder & Garland Green all feature plus 6 more slices of mellow magic.

It appears there is very few of my old mixes now left to download on my old file hosts due to them deleting most of my back catalogue so holler if you need anything 're-upped'. SoulNRnB goes old school next... catch you later!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NWLCUR8C

For tracklist click on 'comments'

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 69

2011-11-24T07:09:00.000-08:00

Last week of normal transmissions before a month of special stuff including the Rare mix, a MEGA Download XMAS Street Sounds Sessions, plus best LP's of the 70's, this year and best tunes of the year too. But on to the present.....

A corking Street Sounds mix to kick off the holiday season featuring a ton of new artists;

Some great beats and galactic soul sounds from the likes of Hi Res, Thundercat and Exampler, RnB from Andrea Martin, Musiq Soulchild and CJ Hilton, plus soulful house from the likes of Evan Burgeois Lasry Feat Rogiers. My pick? The Nicolay Remix of United Soul's Soul Clap Feat Phonte and Yazarah. Dont be put off if you dont know too many names on this mix; Trust me - Its Quality.

Grizz kicks off our holiday season on Monday, Ill be BACK TO THE 70's next week ;)

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 69

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 29

2011-11-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Morning Monday Mixtapers! I've another corking 10 Soul tunes from the crates, dusted off and mixed for your pleasure!

Includes a track off the same Hi Gloss LP as the massive 'You'll never know', Madeline does her take on the Pointer Sisters rare groove fave, some 70's Japanese soul from Char and a wicked spacey souljazz tune from Puzzle plus 6 more rare nuggets from a bygone era.

Loads more good stuff from me & SoulNRnB over xmas and the winter months so don't be a stranger!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=YLC6EUX0

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 68

2011-11-17T03:46:00.000-08:00

A first; an artist graces our street sounds mixes for a second time. And with good reason. Weve heard alot from Anthony Hamilton over the last few months, nary a mix goes by without his inclusion. But the track featured on this mix is the first recognised single of his forthcoming new LP and its called "Woo" and its great. He has said that previous tunes released will not feature on said LP, so make sure youve heard them on our mixes!

In addition we have more RnB from Carl Thomas and the Gap Bands own Charlie Wilson, some great Jazz from the UK own's Zara McFarlane who has a new LP out now, plus hip hop US style from Proh Mic and UK style from Ms Dynamite. All topped off with the new joint from one of our faves, Jose James.

More new music next week, then a shed load of specials for Xmas and the New Year including Top 10's of this year and the 70's, Rare as Rocking Horse......2, and an Xmas mega pack of Street Sounds Mixes including those previously removed.

Grizz back in full flow next week.

****Update****

Yet another takedown notice, this time from Anthony Hamilton's people. Isn't listening to our mixes like listening to the radio?? Am I missing something?

Ah what the hell, its Xmas. REUPPED: SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 68

DJ Grizz- Lovers Rock Vol. 16

2011-11-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new week mixtapers and as requested I'm back with another revival Lovers Rock selection.

Ten more soulful lovers nuggets including lovers royalty- Carrol Thompson, Derrick Harriots version of a soul classic, Carlene Davis' covers an 80's anthem and finishes up with an In Crowd reggae favorite.

I'll return in rare groove mode next week but up next and fresh from his holiday- Mr SoulNRnB.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UTFKUGEH

Tracklist in comments

MEGA PACK - SoulNRnB's Old School Odds & Ends

2011-11-11T00:04:00.000-08:00

Starting the weekend off with a mega pack of mixes that got deleted from Rapidshare which include;

Art of the Remix
SAMPLED
Time Machine

and much more.....FILL YOUR BOOTS!

Back soon!

SoulNRnB's Old School Odds & Ends UPDATED 21/1/12

DJ Grizz - Jerry Butler mix

2011-11-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Its time for the next installment in our series of artist specials and today its the the 'iceman' Jerry Butler. A career that started with The Impressions in the 50's, to a prolific solo 60's output and then continued success through the 70's and early 80's there was a large back catalogue of quality stuff to choose from!

The mix includes boogie tunes, 2 steppers and ballads that Mr Butler could handle with equal ease with tracks like Cooling Out, Don't Let This Smile Fool You, a stirring version of This Is Your Life and topped off with a tune that gets played a lot at chez Grizz- Melinda Latina.

I'll be back with more Soul goodies next week after SoulNRnB's end of week musical interlude. PS As I mentioned last week my older mixes are being deleted at an alarming rate by my previous file host so let me know if you need any 're-ups'!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=M2E7PLI6

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 67

2011-11-04T00:55:00.000-07:00

Some great Upfront music for you all to enjoy. A recent Twitter Buddy of ours, Greg Banks, put us on to his new single SOUL which is very nice, Sam Salter has a real good mid tempo tune with "Lets find a way", Maysa hooks up with Dwele for flower girl, Robin Thicke gets his soul groove on with "Love after war", and theres Hip Hop from Common (Looking forward to the new LP, check out the sample on this tune BTW!) and a great remix from another fave of ours this year, Electric Empire.

Much more on here, full tracklist included with download. Back next week with a round up of mixes that were deleted from Rapidshre plus more so stay tuned. Grizz up next!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 67

DJ Grizz- Soul Versions Ride Again

2011-10-31T03:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween Mixtapers! And we're marking the day with another 10 Soulful versions of familiar bygone tunes.

The mix starts with 2 funky O'Jays covers, The Four Kents take on an Edwin Starr 60's classic, Rita Pavones french translation of Barry White, Players Associations version of the oft sampled Isleys tune, and a William Devaughn anthem gets the Arthur Lee treatment plus 4 more cracking covers.

SoulNRnB up next with a bag of trick or treat goodies and I'll be back with my 2nd artist mix.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=I6YYPFKQ

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 66

2011-10-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

Back again with another edition of new music.

A real RnB flavour to this edition of the Sessions which features cover star Carl Thomas whose been quiet of late but has some new material coming up, Beyonce's sister Solange returns with a new tune as does Rodney Jerkins produced Anesha. Avant releases a nice RnB tune and Tynesha Keli gets your head nodding with "Aint gotta Worry". Some soulful niceness from Andre Henry and Hip Hop from Terrace Martin add some spice whilst my pick of the bunch is Vindhal's "Head over Heels" which has a great electronic, laid back 80's feel to it.

Getting some great stuff ready for the Xmas period, including another edition of my "Rarer than Rocking Horse Poo...." mixes as last years was such a success.

Grizz back next week, have a great weekend.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 66

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 28

2011-10-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Back with another 10 soul nuggets from back in the day... we've done the diggin' so you don't have to!

We start off with a much sought after piece of blue eyed soul from Evans Pyramid, some classic Johnny Bristol, a stringless version of the Dee Edwards rare groove anthem, a Roberta Flack soul gem and 6 more 'dusty groove' goodies.

Just to let you know that Rapidshare have started deleting some of my older mixes so if there's anything you've missed and needs reposting leave us a comment and we'll happily put it up on our new file hosts!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8YN8OQ5X

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions PART TWO: 65

2011-10-22T00:57:00.000-07:00

As promised, part two of our upfront mixes this week.

Cover star Ben Westbeech has a new LP, and he kicks this mix off with a soulful groover that Im really feeling; A tune offa Phonte's new LP leads into a treat - An unreleased mix of "Nic's Groove" by the Foreign Exchange; Great House tune from Miguel Migs featuring our recent cover star Miss Ndegeocello; A heap of music you may not have caught from the likes of Benedek, Bug, Seinabo Sey; More Hip Hop from Proh Mic; Topped off with more soul from Anthony Hamilton and Jesse Boykins.

Check it out, let us know what your into at the moment.

By the way, got a shout out for our Twitter friend Robert Carvalho @Bassheaddred (Not the football player!) who sent us a link to his new tune on youtube below; Keep it up Robert!!

Grizz back as the week starts, make sure you check him out!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 65

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions Part ONE: 64

2011-10-19T01:52:00.000-07:00

Gonna do things a little different this week, gonna post a mid-week mix, then at the weekend starts our XTRA LONG Street Sounds sessions, now with added tracks!!

So, here is your mid week treat;

I felt that Raheem Devaughn lost his soulful edge recently with some of the tunes that have been floating about, but "Red Carpet" on this mix takes him back to what I think he does best; Eric Benet returns with another old school ballad that follows hot on the heels of his last "retro" LP; Then there are new artists; Rimar and They bring good grooves; Anesha and Ensavi some R&B; Something for everyone!

Join us again at the weekend for Volume 65. As I said, XTRA LONG!!!!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 64

DJ Grizz - Soulful 80's Vol.13

2011-10-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Back to the 80's for more Soulful grooves to start the week.

We start off with our cover girl Grace Jones, then quality contributions from artists including Leroy Burgess, Gwen Guthrie and finishing with an 80's Soul anthem from Viola Wills. The mix also includes a funky track from Nile Rodgers the 'Land of the Good Groove' LP. I still remember buying the LP on import in 1983 from a record shop in Central London where I bumped into comedian Lenny Henry and we had a discussion on how good the album was.... a man who obviously knew his Soul music (and cheap hotels according to the adverts).

The brand new stuff still coming thick and fast from Mr S and I'll be back in rare groove niceness style next week.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TB0N7ZH5

Tracklist in comments

MEGA PACK - SoulNRnB presents: The Best of THE PRODUCERS

2011-10-16T03:05:00.000-07:00

With our Artists mixes off and running, I thought it would be a good time to offer a look back at our producer series.

Most of these mixes have gone the way of the dodo, so Ive collected six of them together in a mega pack for those that missed them.

For the record, the full list composed of (In no particular order):

Mizell Brothers (Mixed by Grizz)

Kashif
Raphael Saadiq
Marc Mac
Jam & Lewis
James Poysner
Leon Ware
David Frank
Quincy Jones
Louie Vega
Jay Dee (J Dilla)
The Neptunes
Rodney Jerkins
Dre & Vidal
Leon Sylvers
Nile Rogers & Bernard Edwards

Enjoy those collected in the pack and keep your eyes peeled for our Artist mixes in the future

6 of the best (of the best!) of SoulNRnB's Producer Mixes

The Artists - Howard Hewett

2011-10-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

So, Grizz kicks off this series of mixes with the great Lonnie Liston Smith. Doesn't even feel the need to include Expansions on said mix as the man has such a great body of work. If you haven't checked it out, do it now!

Here's my first contribution to our Artist series.

If I were to rate my top 5 vocalists, Howard would be in there.

A voice like honey, made for ballads, weirdly found success with many an uptempo tune for Shalamar. Not to say that Howard wasnt perfectly equipped to handle them (He proved so on many big tunes) but his voice is so subtle and controlled that you could be fooled into thinking it would be like putting a $10,000 needle on a $50 record player.

But then, Shalamar were not any group. Don Cornelius (Soul Train creator) introduced Hewett to fellow Soul Train dancers Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel, and their group, Shalamar, was born. The trio had many hits such as "Friends" "A Night to Remember", "Make that move" and the ballad "This Is For The Lover In You". Hewett was the group's lead singer from 1979 until 1985 when they broke up. He produced many solo LP's thereafter.

I dont think he has received the props he should have (Actually, I KNOW he hasnt!) , with many looking down on his Shalamar days as "Disco/pop/r&b" and the belief that all he is currently is a gospel artist. (Both are not true; With Leon Sylvers III on production and the Solar family writing with the band, Shalamar were always a class act IMO, and this mix displays many non-Gospel tunes, although "Say Amen" is his signature tune.)

He is well respected by his peers, collacorating with the likes of George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Teena Marie (Where he duetted on Congo Square).

He is my first pick to be showcased in our artists series. One of the great Soul Voices, underrated, and needs to be making new music. Now since Leon Sylvers did such a great job with N'Dambi's last LP, maybe they could............awww. I'm dreaming.

The Artists - Howard Hewett

DJ Grizz - Lonnie Liston Smith mix

2011-10-09T22:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome back and as promised, the first of our 'artist' mixes where we showcase the best work of much loved and sometimes overlooked Soul, Jazz Funk and RnB artists.

My 1st contribution is from one of my Jazz-Funk heroes- Lonnie Liston Smith. Lonnie started out in the 60's playing with big time jazz greats like Miles Davis, Art Blakey and later Pharoh Saunders before starting his own band, the Cosmic Echoes, in the 70's. There he helped pioneer that 'spacey' Soul-Jazz fusion with tunes for both dancers and chill out followers alike. I myself have seen him play 3 times over the years both on his own and as part of the 'Jazz Explosion' tours of the 80's and 90's and he never failed to deliver.

The mix includes the tracks Song for the Children, Sunburst, Journey into Love, and We Can Dream plus 6 more classic Lonnie tunes!

Back next week in 80's mode after a SoulNRnB musical interlude.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UCDEGMHD

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 62 and 63

2011-10-06T02:59:00.000-07:00

Last of these double packs for a while, though no shortage of new music coming your way!

This mix kicks off with one of my tunes of the year, 9th Wonders "One Night", then follows that up with a wealth of new Artists. Marc Mac produces cover star Ayanna's version of "Roxanne", the Neptunes are back with a tune for LaShawn Daniels, and there is soulful class from Ntjam Rosie and CJ whose "I used to love her" marks him out as one to watch.

Then theres another tune of the year contender that kicks off 63, cover star Thundercats "Walkin'". Soulparlour's "Real" gets an Opolopo Remix, Avant shows off his soulful side, the UK's Native Sun show you how to mix influences and styles, and theres more class from Kimbra and Cleo.

There you go. New Artists. New Music.

Talking about Artists, next week is going to be a doozy. Were kicking of a series of Artists mixes with a double bill. Grizz will be posting the first on Monday, and Ill post my first at the end of the week. these mixes should highlight some of the artists you know and love, as well as some that have been slept on.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 62

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 63

DJ Grizz- 60's Soul Vol.12

2011-10-02T22:19:00.001-07:00

Welcome back for another installment of music from the origins of Soul!

Ten tunes including an early one from 70's rare groove man Chuck Jackson, The Royalettes original recording of a well known tune, Arthur Prysock covers a classic 1st written in the 1930's, and topped off with our featured poster group- The Impressions.

Just to re-iterate what SoulNRnB said on his last post, the downloads on this site are mixes not the individual tracks/LP's! We have spent literally decades of 'crate diggin', visiting record shops/fairs, online dealers etc to hunt down this music and the mixes are there for like minded people to enjoy, inform, use in their own right and hopefully promote/expose the artist/tracks to our fellow 'mixtapers'. It would appear to us - counterproductive for companies to have them taken down!!? Rant over! :)

I'll be back next week with the 1st in our series of artist specials!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CJDCY60A

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 60 & 61

2011-09-30T02:56:00.000-07:00

Before I start, need to explain something.

The blog has recieved takedown notices on the last few postings of the Street Sounds mixes. Weve complied with them where they explain who the complainant was.

TO BE CLEAR: These are mixes, produced for music lovers with the aim of letting them explore new as well as big named artists with the hope that they are PURCHASED. And statistics show that people do purchse the music they like. These mixes are no different to a podcast or a 1/2 hour radio show.

Its petty of big named acts to insist on these mixes being taken down when other lesser known artists would like the exposure. Yes, I'm talking to you Mary J Blige's publishing company.........

In any case: ON TO THE NEW

Aside from the ever soulful Anthony Hamilton (Whose album drops in 2012 I hear) and the return of the great bassist and artist Meshell Ndegeocello (Whose suddenly popped up on a couple of tunes) this mix comprises of mainly new artists. I would recommend Anesha and A+ for the RnB heads and Maimouna Youssef for the Soul lovers. But my tune of the mix? Mark De Clive Lowe's new single "The Why". Yes, hes an established artist too, but slept on IMO. His single is hot and needs your attention!

Mark pops up on this mix too, but its the Hip Hop that shines. Great tune from Strange Fruit Project, a great instrumental track from Slakah the Beatchild and Hazel, but its the cover star, none other than 9th Wonder, who takes centre stage. New Album is great and as I said on twitter, mash it up with Phonte's new LP and youve got the Hip Hop LP of the year (They are all over each others LP's like a rash anyhow!). More to come from 9th in future weeks, but enjoy this mix for now. (Barring any takedown notices!)

More new music next week, cause we dont stop. Get your fix of classic soul from Grizz to start your week though!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Session 60

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Session 61

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 27

2011-09-25T22:11:00.001-07:00

As Jean Carne and Al Johnson once said.... 'I'm back for more'.... and its more high calibre rare groove/soul in this case!

Includes a much played & well worn (in the Grizz household anyway) 1967 classic from the Soul Brothers Six (B side to their big hit too), Love Unlimited Orchestra provide the string laden soul, a solid 'boogie' tune from Donna Washington and a Slave classic from the Stone Jam LP.

I'll be back with some 60's Soul goodies next after SoulNRnB trys to keep you in touch with more good new stuff coming out. Also we've had one or two mixes taken down by 'the man' so don't hang around on these!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XXWF6BF5

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions Volumes 58 and 59

2011-09-22T04:01:00.000-07:00

To say that new music, GOOD new music, is coming in thick and fast is an understatement.

I've got Street Sounds mixes coming at you thick and fast over the next few weeks, and whilst I'm gonna be posting more TOP 11 mixes as well as the ARTIST series I'm working on with Grizz, Ive got to keep all our followers up to date with whats new to check out musically, and I aint gonna slip!!

Therefore.................

Right off the bat, New Phonte from his forthcoming LP. Produced by (and re-united with) ex Little Brother and producer extrodinaire 9th Wonder and featuring Elzhi from Slum Village. Can you guess the sample? More excellent Hip hop from Jakk Frost (Produced by the Neptunes and featuring Amerie) and Stalley, who cheekily samples Steveland Morris to great effect. Add to that Soul from KING (Excellent MdCl remix) and Robin Thicke; Plus R&B from Latif and Syleena Johnson.

But that aint it.

More HEAT from Goapele, a new tune from Monica (That I previewd back in 2009 with Voyce Alexander singing on one of our deleted NU-Soul Comps), stalwarts Mary J Blige, Anthony Hamilton and Gap Band member Charlie Wilson, topped of with a great version of "I Cant help it" from Yazarah.

Grizz back after the weekend, back with more new music next week.

###Update###

Received a takedown notice for Street Sounds Sessions 59. After investigation it seems the problem is around the Mary J Blige track. I have removed the link and apologise to the others on that particular mix who didn't mind the exposure.

##Update 2###

Now Fileserve have deleted both mixes. Hey ho. Get them while you can I say. Who knows what a future MEGA PACK may hold. ;)

DJ Grizz- Mellow Grooves Vol.10

2011-09-19T01:49:00.000-07:00

The UK Summers over and Autumn begins and although you try resist putting the heating on in the morning you know those cold nights are coming! Time to wrap up and put your feet up to something chilled-out... so heres 10 more mellow soul n jazz tunes from back in the day.

Includes Luther giving us his version of a Bacarach and David classic, Terry Calliers velvet tones , The Queen of Memphis Soul Ann Peebles, a somewhat non-PC but still classy Shirley Brown tune and topped off with a jazzy but finely covered take on Earth Wind and Fire from Japan.

See you guys n gals next week after SoulNRnB's weekend offering.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=X7IL0EI9

Tracklist in comments

The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of the 90's

2011-09-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

So, another Top 11 mix. We've done the Noughties and the 80's, now lets take a trip back to flat tops, New Jack Swing and the Fresh Prince......nahhhhhhhhh. Forget that. The decade started pretty....Wack......but halfway through Neo-Soul was born, and essentially, artists decided to make music again taking inspriration from the 70's.

OK. Lets get down to it. My choice for Top 11, in no particular order.

4hero - Two Pages
Driza Bone - Conspiracy
Camp Lo - Uptown Saturday Night
Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lucy Pearl - Lucy Pearl
Eric Benet - A day in the life
Blaze - 25 Years Later
D'angelo - Brown Sugar
Jamiroquai - Return of the Space Cowboy
Maxwell - Urban Hang Suite
Adriana Evans - Adriana Evans

Most of these LP's need no introduction. So ill say something about a few.

Adriana Evans - IMO, the LP that birthed "Neo Soul". Pre Brown Sugar. (CORRECTION: Post Brown Sugar....but to me for some reason...pre! I do think though that this LP influenced the Organic sound more than Brown Sugar which kicked the door down of New Jack Swing. THX MIMI SOUL) Like a breath of fresh air, organic and soulful.

Blaze - One side featured thier brand of excellent house music, the other? A virtual history of 70's Black Music. Influences from Curtis to Stevie. Absolute class.

4hero/Jamiroquai - Cutting edge; Jazzy; Soulful; featuring actual musicians. 2 of the best LP's from any decade IMO. And British. :)

Camp Lo - 70's inspired Hip Hop? This is it. From the samples to the House of Bamboo references, to the 70's pimpalicious flow. My choice for Hip Hop LP, though I know Hip Hop heads will widen thier eyes.

And thats it. Except the one I always forget. Dont think I dont love you Erykah, cause I do. Ever since I first heard "On & On" and saw you double billing it with Jamiroquai in the UK back in the day. I dont know why I havent put an LP of yours in one of my lists. Cant work it out. My bad. But here you are in spirit.

The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of the 90's

DJ Grizz- Lovers Rock Vol. 15

2011-09-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

OK so its 2 weeks since the Carnival but I need no excuse to post some more of those old time soulful reggae grooves. perfect for all you mature winders and grinders.

The Investigators try and wring a few more days of sun out of our summer, Rudy Thomas does a Billy Paul classic, Black Magic cover the Jones Girls, the In Crowd do their stuff and reggae royalty The Tamlins all feature plus much more.

I know Mr SoulNRnB is trying hard to keep up with and share all the new stuff coming out but we've both got a series of 'artist' specials coming up over the coming months so stay tuned. Of course if theres any Soul/JazzFunk/RnB artists you'd like featured then let us know via comments etc and we'll do our very best.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LNDYS3E8

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's LIVE! Soul Show MEGA PACK

2011-09-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

A little treat for you all this weekend........

....a MEGA PACK of the 4 Live shows that I compiled as "Dream" shows we would like to see.

Very Popular when I made them (Even Grizz has a version on the site, check that out before it disappears...) this is a collection of all 4 including rare appearances.

SoulNRnB's 4 Nights of Soul LIVE! Mega Pack

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 56 & 57

2011-09-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

Yet another double bill, just because there is new music coming out thick and fast. Dont want that New music missing anybody....so here goes:

First volume has some great new music from Nina Vidal and Sharlene Hector, two artists you should keep on your radars, a great soul tune from Tasha Taylor; Johnny Taylors daughter. If you dont know who Johnny Taylor is, google him. Some great soul music from that man and it looks like it runs in the family. On top of that, youve got more Anthony Hamilton, and remixes for Teedra Moses and India Arie. Track of the mix? In light of the anniversary of MJ's death, theres a great version of Never can say goodbye; Vocals by Mr Jackson, instrumentation by the great Electric Empire. Check it out. More MJ tributes on the mix forthcoming, including one from YahZara.

Then theres volume 57 featuring new music from cover star Lalah Hathaway (Do I need to tell you who her dad is?), Jazmine Sullivan, a "Musiq" style tune from Latif, Mr Eric Roberson featuring tigallo tigallo tigallo.....and UK newcomer Maverick Sabre. My tune of this mix? Boogie Arkestra's "Dont Forget", with its Jazz Funk/Boogie feel, its impossible to keep your feet from moving.

An excellent Soul Niceness from Grizz this week, I know theres loads of fans of his Lovers Rock mixes too, so come back for him on Monday.

Back next week, maybe with more of these or a top 11!!

***UPDATE*** Was taken down for "Music Violations", but this is a mix, promoting the Artists? Looked on Chilling Effects to see who placed the complaint so I could remove thier material, but nothing there. So I'm putting it back up. Why shouldnt the other artists enjoy some exposure!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 56

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 57

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 26

2011-09-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Yet another offering of top notch Rare Groove and Soul from the crates.

10 more quality cuts from the likes of Freddie Hughes, The Sylvers, a 70's cut from 60's soul god Jackie Wilson and a track from JazzFunk legend Weldon Irvine whose musical career spanned 5 decades!

I've had some pretty good feedback about Megaupload so will be sticking with them to share my mixes but let us know if you guys hit problems with the downloads. SoulNRnB up at the weekend and then I'm back with a Lovers Rock installment.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=1RBBOFJ2

Tracklist in comments

Street Sounds Double Bill: Volumes 54 & 55

2011-09-02T00:47:00.000-07:00

Well, the new music is coming thick and fast now after a slow start to the year. Got 5 more of these ready to share already with some killer music for you all, so stay with us in the coming weeks!

In the meantime.....

Check out new killer joints from Anthony Hamilton, a Neptunes produced track from Joe, great R&B from Andrea Martin and Teairra Mari, one of my (sure-to-be) singles of the year from Tracy Cruz, cover star Carlitta Durrand sharing the spotlight with Phontigallo on an 80's inspired jam plus much much more.....

....like the next volume.

Raheem Devaughn returns to the type of music he was producing back in the day, Marsha Ambrosius teams up with Daley to produce a monster, a tune from the excellent Jill Scott LP on Hidden Beach (MUCH preferable to her new LP on Warners IMO.......and these are out-takes. But I do love me some Jill!), new kids on the block Colnel Red and UK songstress Fatima, topped off by cover star Mark de Clive-Lowe whose new LP is gonna be a MUST BUY and who we will have more tunes showcased on upcoming mixes.

There you go. Enjoy, Grizz back soon, and were talking about collaborating on a couple of new series mixes (Like we did on the Disco Soul) so stay tunes for more on that.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 54

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 55

DJ Grizz- On a Jazz Tip Vol.6

2011-08-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Time for some Jazz Funk goodies for all you dancers and head nodders alike!

Its volume 6 and we have Jazz Funk musical heavyweights Bobby Humphrey, John Handy and Ronnie Laws, 2 top quality jap-jazz cuts, 2 scandanavian jazz stormers and all topped off with a latin take on a funk anthem.

If you are off to carnival- enjoy, stay safe and take an umbrella as British Summer Time continues to be as bad as usual. SoulNRnB back with some new stuff after his 80's top ten (we had some serious debate on that as well as his upcoming 70's one- believe me... very difficult to pick just 10!!). I'll be posting more rare groove goodness with Niceness26 next week.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HM8HISGZ

Tracklist in comments

The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of the 1980's

2011-08-26T03:25:00.000-07:00

Over the next few months, we are going to bring you some "Top 11" lists of LP's we think every discerning soul fan should have in thier collection. We started this a while back with our Top 11 LP's of the Noughties here: The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of the Noughties

Were going to running through our picks of the 90's and the 70's in coming weeks, but we are kicking off with the 80's.

Let's start with the list, in no particular order:

Prince - Under a Cherry Moon

Steve Arrington - Hall of Fame I

Debra Laws - Very Special

Kashif - Kashif

Howard Johnson - Keeping Love New

Anita Baker - Rapture

Alexander O'Neal - Alexander O'Neal

Luther Vandross - Forever, for always, for love

Shalamar - Friends

Stevie Wonder - Hotter than July

Sylvia Striplin - Give me your love

A quick word about these;

Prince = Genius, no doubt. Big producers of the era all present (Save one, seen below!). Kashif, Jam & Lewis (With the LP that really broke them, even after having success with the S.O.S Band, with Alexander O'Neal), Leon Sylvers (With Shalamar's most successful LP and perfectly melded great tunes with the great vocals of Howard Hewett) and Roy Ayres. Some of the greatest vocalists of the era are present with Luther, Anita, Stevie and the aforementioned Mr Hewett.

But most of all, these are LP's that I believe define the decade, are all listenable throughout and are worth your investment. You can hear some of the class in the mix below.

Now, here's the complicated stuff. These are my picks, and I know that Grizz has some different views (Which he's welcome to post!) but I have consulted with him on this decade and the 70's. There are 2 massive omitions.

1) Slave - Stone Jam

I left this out because I didnt feel that I could have 2 Arrington LP's on the list. Is Hall of Fame a better LP? No. I love them both, and I guess I am just more sentimental about Hall of Fame I, and Arrington's on every track. However, Stone Jam is an absolute corker. Not one duff tune. Mark Adams on bass outdoes himself, and the whole LP is funk personified. Here's what I mean:

So get it too.

2) The System - Xperiment

The truth? I plain forgot before I ran the mix off. For me, this LP needs to be on the list. Where I talked about all the great producers being present, David Frank and Mic Murphy are the exception. Who would I have taken off the list to replace them with this LP? I have no idea.

But Xperiment is a one of a kind LP. There was nothing like this in the Soul music world at the time. Heavily synthesised, a hard edged sound, yet mixed with the soulful songwriting of the pair and Mic Murphy's yearning vocals. Promises can break, Lollipops and everything, I wanna make you feel good..... all classics. As is the following.

So there we have it. Grizz would also like to record that he would have had the following on his list;

Jacksons- Triumph (A nearly ran of mine to, "Give it up" is a classic)

BBQ- Genie

Blackbyrds- Better Days

Jack Mcduff - Kisses

Tania Maria- Come with me

He's back Monday, and I'm back with some new music next week.

The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of the 80's

R.I.P Nick Ashford 1942 - 2011

2011-08-22T23:22:00.000-07:00

We mark the passing of another Soul legend Nickolas Ashford who died yesterday.

As half of the prolific recording and song writing duo Ashford and Simpson they were responsable for writing massive Motown hits like 'Aint no mountain high enough' and 'You're all I need to get by' in the 1960's and continued writing hits like 'I'm every woman' in the 70's. This coupled with recording a long list of quality Soul LPs throughout the 70's and 80's in their own right.

Below is one of my favorite Ashford and Simpsons songs by way of tribute from the 'Mixtape'.....

Thanks Grizz, and while were at it, one of my favorites.

SoulNRnB

DJ Grizz - Soulful 80's Vol.12

2011-08-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome back for another dose of 80's Soul goodies!

The mix includes Melba Moore, Windjammer, Kid Creole (known for his cheesy, OTT shows but made some good tunes along the way in my opinion), Fat Larrys covering a soul anthem and a classic cut from Howard Johbnson.

Just to let you Soul Mixtapers know I'm experimenting with another file manager as the old one was getting too much negative feedback from our downloaders and we can't have you not having access to the tunes!! Please let me know if these guys are better/worse/same etc.

SoulNRnB up next and I'm back with another Soul/Rare Groove niceness.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=U44638P1

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 53 SPECIAL

2011-08-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

Bit of a left field one for you all this week. Been a moment now since Miss Winhouse's passing and weve already noted her talent elsewhere, but this upfront mix is in her honour and whilst including a remix of one of her tunes, includes tracks that are influenced by her music, or would have definately got her seal of approval.

From the Jazzy vocals of Brandee Younger, the retro sound of Avery sunshine, the bluesy organic tune from Trombone Shorty, to the straight ahead soul of Soul T and Sarah Belladae.

If your a fan of Amy's music, we're here to show you that the spirit that was found in it is still alive in other artists.

This edition of our upfront series of mixes is dedicated to our cover star and evokes the spirit and influence in her music.

Grizz back in the new week, and I will have the first of many TOP 10's to share with you in 7 days.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions Volume 53

Street Sounds Sessions MEGA PACK (March - June Volumes 35 - 44)

2011-08-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

With all the Rapidshare deletions, alot of this years Street Sounds sessions have gone AWOL. So I have put this MEGA PACK of the mixes from March to June this year for you to catch up or cop the mixes you may have missed out on.

Again; I'm not gonna force you to download this, but you'll be missinng out on some of the best music released so far this year!

Tracklists for all mixes included in the download and are on the blog under the individual headings. See you at the end of the week for a special Street Sounds mix.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 35 - 44 MEGA PACK

DJ Grizz- 60's Soul Vol.11

2011-08-15T00:13:00.000-07:00

Here we go with another 10 stomping tunes from the roots of Soul Music. Something for all you deep soul fans, Northern dancers and scooter guys alike. Still sounds good almost 50 years later!

Tracks from The Vibrations, Richard Parker, our cover boys -The Isley Brothers, and a 60's tune from a 70's and 80's soulstress Barbara Mason.

Have a good week and I'll catch you next Monday.

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/528145721/60s11.mp3

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions Volume 52

2011-08-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

Another hit of Upfront niceness;

Beatchild's group Art of Fresh - An absolute smash, and one of my fave's of the year, from Jazmine Sullivan whose channelling Betty Wright - More new music from Anthony Hamilton - Some great stuff from Soulpersona - Great new UK find Sarah Fonteyne plus the soulful sounds of Saidah Baba Talibah and more.

Hope your enjoying these mixes and your exploring some of the new artists out there.

Grizz back next week with some 60's for you.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions Volume 52

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 25

2011-08-08T02:35:00.000-07:00

Back with my 25th installment of those hard to find rare groove and soul cuts!

The mix includes Willie Walker, The Fatback Band, a lesser known Supremes track and an 80's duet from Bobby Womack and Japanese soulstress June Yamagishi plus more quality than you can shake a stick at. All free and mixed with TLC here at the Soul Mixtape!

Back in a 60's/Northern Soul groove next week after SoulNRnB of course.

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/1975462545/nice25.mp3

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Great Producers 15 - Bernard Edwards and Nile Rogers

2011-08-05T04:15:00.000-07:00

With a sound of thier own, coming out of the "Disco" 70's era, came Nile Rogers and Bernard Edwards of Chic fame. So successfull was the sound they created that every artist of the time had to have a "Chic" tune, from Blondie to Diana Ross, even forming the instrumentation to the Sugarhill Gang's "Rappers Delight" with the tune "Good Times".

Here we are concentrating on thier more soulful side, including a few tunes that didnt see the light of day at the time.

With an individual sound, these two talents (Bernard Edwards sadly no longer with us) need to be inducted into my Great Producers list, if only for the fact that they gave me one of my favorite music stories.

Back in the 70's, when they were unknown, the guys were waiting in line to enter Studio 54, the famous club of the era. When they got to the front of the queue, they were told by the bouncers that they couldn't enter. They responded by shouting "Aaaaaaaahhhhh F**K OFF!" which later morphed into the line "Aaaaaaaaaaahhhh FREAK OUT" from the Chic tune.

SoulNRnB's Great Producers 15

MEGA DOWNLOAD: The Soul Mixtape Volume 1-5 Pack

2011-08-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

Where it all started. The Soul Mixtape. 5 volumes. 1 Pack.

I'm not going to try and convince you to download this. But if you love your Soul, Funk, Jazz, Hip Hop, Jazz-Funk, Soulful House........ahhhh just get this.

Tracklists are up on the site on the individual posts.

The Soul Mixtape Vol. 1 - 5

DJ Grizz- Reggae Versions Return

2011-08-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Good morning blog fans! Summers finally arrived in London so I couldn't let the recent version excursion frenzy pass without a visit to my Lovers Rock and Rocksteady crates for some reggae versions of old much loved tunes.

Jennifer Lara and Barry Biggs both cover 80's soul anthems, Paulette Tajah does Billy Paul, and we have Trevor Sparks' take on Jefferey Osborne plus many more soul n pop, reggae style versions.

Finally a 'big up' to the guys who organised a free family music festival in my local London park yesterday. They had old school soul bands like Heatwave and Odyssey on the bill and was a bit surreal 2 stepping along to 'Don't tell me, tell her' not half a mile from my front door but most enjoyable!

SoulNRnB up next and I'll be back with more rare groove niceness.

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/3468076638/reggaeversret.mp3

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions Double Bill; 50 & 51

2011-07-29T00:41:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are at the half century for these mixes and no signs of slowing down. There's a wealth of independant artists making good music out there, and one or two attached to labels who are producing the goods too. Which is great, because if you take a listen to the charts (The recent success of Aloe Blacc not withstanding) then you would be fooled into thinking we had entered a time where the same 3 chords of "Euphoric House" where necessary in every single "R & B" tune.......

Cover star Rahsaan Patterson has now gone the independent route and has released his new LP recently of which another track is featured, contenders for newcomers/LP of the year Electric Empire with thier Hathaway/Wonder/Gaye like compositions and organic sound, Reggie B with more galactic soul, plus new Pharrell and Jazzy Jeff (From the great, FREE LP with Ayah).

And then we have the excellent Anthony Hamilton with a contender for "Tune of the year" with the Jack Splash produced YOU, RnB from stalwarts Jahiem and Monica, and great independent tunes from Hollie Smith and Mara TK and 1 OAK (With a heavily 80's influenced tune).

Enjoy the marking of the half century of mixes with this double bill. Grizz back next week after his excellent Versions mix this week (Really enjoyed that one).

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 50

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 51

DJ Grizz- Soul Versions Return

2011-07-25T05:55:00.000-07:00

Now Mr SoulNRnB has been bringing you some recent mixes of upfront artists covering old school tunes, which put in mind to trawl my crates once more for those unexpected old Soul versions of well known tracks.

The mix features The Lovelites doing a 60's pop hit in a 2step style, The Dramatics covering LJ Reynolds (or reggaes Rudy Thomas for you blues party afficiandos), a jap-jazz version of the Jackson Sisters anthem, Canada's Jacksoul with a recent (almost Northern) take on the Style Council, an early 60's cut of Barbara Lewis' 1963 often copied tune and much more.

Catch you soon

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/234834205/SoulVersRet.mp3

Tracklist in comments

RIP - Amy Winehouse

2011-07-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

There's not much we can say here at the Soul Mixtape that won't be said by many over the next few days. They will mention the talent. The age - 27. Some will talk about the inevitability.

I think of the Amy Winehouse you'll see below if you press play. Not the latter sad figure, but that new talent I discovered singing with a style and range beyond her age.

One of my favorite songs from her (To be frank, I prefered "Frank" to "Back to Black").

RIP.

UPDATE: Saw this video of Amy doing my no.1 track of hers and was so impressed with the vocals that I had to put it up here. Watch out for a Street Sounds mix featuring Amy very soon. SoulNRnB

SoulNRnB's Street Sound Sessions 49

2011-07-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Nearly at the Half century mark with these mixes; The later we get through this year, the more decent releases are coming our way. And you know The Soul Mixtape are going to publicise them all to you!

This mix includes a great new tune from the new release from cover star Brian McKnight, a bonus track from the New Jill Scott LP that you all might not have checked out, a great solo tune from Ayah (Check out the great collabo with Jazzy Jeff thats out now), plus Common and unreleased Little Brother for the Hip Hop Heads amongst you.

Got so much great new stuff coming your way including tracks from Jahiem, Anthony Hamilton, and my pick for newcomers of the year (Along with KING who we championed way back) ....Electric Empire. An absolute blinding LP out now from the Aussie Band and we will give you a taster on the next Street Sounds Mix.

Grizz back soon with all the class you now expect from him!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Session 49

DJ Grizz- Mellow Grooves Vol.9

2011-07-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ten more corking tunes for those of you who appreciate their rare grooves n soul on the mellow side.... mmmmm, chilltastic!

Features Superior Movement's take on a rare groove 'end of the dance' classic, Chic's Bernard Edwards, some blue-eyed goodness from Roy Smith, Billy Butterfly with a 'rainy day' track that sums up our British summertime, and topped off with a 'Smokey' quiet storm treat.

After a 'SoulNRnB' weekend mix, I'll be back on a version excursion.

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/3592201201/mellow9.mp3

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 48

2011-07-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

As if we haven't given enough this week with Grizz's excellent mix, a jumbo Soulful House package, and a reminder of what the great Mizell Brothers contributed music wise, we have the latest Street Sounds mix for you.

A great tune from Rahsaan Patterson's new LP "Bluphoria", a recently exhumed early Alicia Keys track, the brilliant Deborah Bond, a tune off the new Jazzy Jeff / Ayah set, Matti Roots spot on PRINCE tribute, and the great Cee-Lo Green with an unreleased Neptunes produced tune that didnt make the new LP........but should have.

Grizz returns next week, have a great weekend........and Happy Birthday Judy!!! ;)

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 48

SoulNRnB's Soulful House Compilation Vol. 1-7

2011-07-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

Part two of my MEGA-PACKS of Comp's/mixes from the site. A great place to get all volumes in one download;

Seven volumes of some of the most Soulful House music released, from greats like MAW and Louie Vega, Blaze, Sterling Ensemble, Nathan Haines and many many more.

Great Party music for the summer and a good place to start for the un-initiated.

Back tomorrow with this weeks Street Sounds mix.......

SoulNRnB's Soulful House Volumes 1 to 7

RIP Alphonso “Fonce” Mizell 1943-2011

2011-07-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

Alphonso “Fonce” Mizell has passed away. Fonce together with his brother, Larry, were studio engineers and producers who worked along various great artists like Donald Byrd and Bobbi Humphrey, as well as producing one of the greatest LP's of all time (In my opinion of course!) in Johnny Hammonds "Gears". (Check out the discography HERE).

Grizz kick started my "Great Producer" mixes with his mix of Mizell Brother favorites here:

DJ Grizz - Mizell Brothers Mix

and this link is for the Marc Mac and Dego mix that they did a while back. (Alphonso's brother, Larry, appeared on the last 4Hero LP, Play with the Changes.)

4Hero - Mizell Brothers special

A great loss, and a great inspiration to many. Only the other day, I commented to Zo! on Twitter about his track "Flight of the Blackbyrd" on SunStorm, his last LP, sounding like a mizell production. His reply?

"Those kats are a huge influence....".

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 24

2011-07-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

More rare soul and grooves than you can shake a stick at on this blog as I'm back with Soul Niceness 24!

Mix includes The Brothers Johnson, Billy Cobhams take on an Escavado's tune, a classic from The Spinners, Ladies of the 80's, and a top old school sounding tune from 2007 by Floyd Taylor son of soul legend Johnny Taylor.

SoulNRnB up next and my post next week will be on the mellow side of the soul tracks.

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/2488834022/niceness24.mp3

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Modern Soul Artists go back to the 80's

2011-07-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Some of the latest and greatest current soul artists took you back to the 70's with a mix I posted a while back, now its time for the 80's to get the modern soul treatment!

As with the last mix, the choice of tunes covered here are eclectic, spanning pop and r&b, but all are given a twist that takes them to another level. Foreign Exchange crew represented fully here, with contributions from Phonte, Nicolay and Zo! (Whose Just Visiting 3 release on the 12th is high on my priorities). Then we have a consumate Jazz rework of Cindi Laupers "Time after time" from Cassandra Wilson, the much loved Aaries covering a classic Janet/Jam & Lewis tune, and Anthony David's excellent version of a Tears for Fears track.

Like I said, eclectic for this blog!!

Check it out, enjoy, and Grizz will be back with normal programming next week!

SoulNRnB's Modern Soul Artists go back to the 80's

DJ Grizz- New Funk Vol.7

2011-07-03T23:01:00.001-07:00

Another trip to the noughties with those new musicians keeping the funk alive.

Mix includes Big Boss Man's take on the late great Gil Scott Heron, jap funk from Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro, UK Hammond legend James Taylor and the always very good Baker Brothers.

For UK fans of this sound Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings are at the Barbican, Central London this Weds and Thurs, well worth checking Back next week with another installment of hard to find, old time quality soul.

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/4201130422/newfunk7.mp3

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions Volume 47

2011-06-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

An absolutely blinding selection of music this week.

The Soul crowd have great new tunes from Jamiroquai (Back to his Space Cowboy days....why dosent he make an LP with these tunes rather than the euro-pop-house stuff hes made recently),The Foreign Exchange featuring those go to girls of the moment KING, and a great tune from new artist Toussaint.

RnB heads have a new track from Syleena Johnson, A tune I actually like from Beyonce's new LP featuring the rare appearence of OutKasts Andre 3 stacks, and 00's faves Jagged Edge.

Grizz back with you in the new week, have a great weekend.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 47

SoulNRnB's RARE GROOVE Pack VOL 1 - 12

2011-06-29T00:26:00.000-07:00

First up of the sites mega-packs, this is all 12 volumes of the Rare Groove Specials we blogged at the start of the site.

With the rapidshare links dying to some of these, I thought Id take the opportunity to put these up in an easy 1 link download for those who have requested.

Tracklists can be found on the original blog posts, but if I were you, I'd just hit the DL link. Not a duff tune contained within!!

I'll put a pack up once in a while. Enjoy.

SoulNRnB's Rare Groove Specials Volumes 1 to 12

DJ Grizz- Lovers Rock Vol. 14

2011-06-26T21:55:00.001-07:00

Here we go with Lovers Rock Vol 14 and another 10 late night blues 'push me in a corner' tunes for you! Summers finally making an appearance in the UK so fling open your windows and give the neighbours a taste of the good groove courtesy of the Soul Mixtape.

Eddie Lovettes version of the Commodores hit, The In Crowd, One Blood and lovers rock big hitters Rudy Thomas and Carrol Thompson all feature.

Mr S will be with you by the weekend and I'll return in a New Funk groove next week.

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/2104165143/lovers_14.mp3

Tracklist in comments.

Double LP Weekend!! SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 45 & 46

2011-06-24T01:28:00.000-07:00

Well, there's an absolute deluge of new tunes coming our way at the moment, so here is another Double LP's worth of new tunes for you all to enjoy!

First Up: Street Sounds Sessions 45

What can I say about the return of Kindred The Family Soul but.....AT LAST! Great tune from them. Then; How can you not get excited about a new Ayah/Jazzy Jeff Collabo? One of my Fave tunes at the moment. Follow that up with more Dezaray Dawn, Osunlade, and a rare appearance from Ali Shaheed Muhammed (of ATCQ and Lucy Pearl fame) and you've got a great half hour of music.

But is that it? HELL NO!!

Nikka Costa is back with new material and I personally cant wait for a new LP. More tunes from Dego (of 4Hero), Kindred (One tune is not enough) and Havana whose new LP you should really check out. But then, to top this week off, we have a club tune from the great Omar, plus more quality summer sounds from Mr Eric Roberson.

Now. Don't tell your parents were spoiling you.

Grizz back with more quality shortly.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 45

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 46

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 23

2011-06-19T23:00:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned the Soul Niceness mixes will be coming thick and fast as I've tons of good rare groove and soul sitting here crying out to be shared.

Niceness 23 contains contributions from Roy Ayres, The Stylistics, Marva Whitney and Brothers by Choice. Plus 6 other head nodding, 2 stepping, quality nuggets from the 70's & 80's shelves.

Finally a big thanks to SoulNRnB for his first class contrbution to the 'Uplifting' series. Yes the worldwide recession has hit our corner of East London but hey..... when I hear 'Life is hard' I always ask 'Compared to what?'.

Back next week in a Lovers Rock fashion!

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/1303877966/nice23.mp3

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Uplifting Soul (For Grizz!!)

2011-06-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

I'm a big Fan of Grizz's Uplifting Soul mixes, both for the sentiment and the classy music.

So, here's my addition for the man, who's starting a new chapter in his life very soon and is leaving the "darkness" behind!!

Great message music from Musiq, Incognito, The Winans Feat. Anita Baker, Jermaine Jackson and a new version of Lovely Day by the one and only Jill Scott.

More hot new tunes next week, cant wait to share the likes of the new Kindred, Rahsaan Patterson and Foriegn Exchange feat. those hot new artists KING.

SoulNRnB's Uplifting Soul

DJ Grizz- Mellow Grooves Vol.8

2011-06-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

I see Mr S is laying down the musical gauntlet once again. Now I may be the wrong side of 40 but my crates are deep and still have many many soul nuggets to share. Still plenty of life in the old dog yet!

As promised heres something for those of you who love your old soul n grooves on the downtempo side with Mellow Grooves 8. Dee Dee Sharpe, Loleatta Holloway (who also saddly passed in March), Minnie Ripperton and blue eyed soul boy Boz Scaggs all feature.

I'll be chilling to this later after spending a weekend away on the coast where it never stopped raining.... good old British Summer Time!!

Back with some Rare Grooves soon,

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/818301254/mello8.mp3

Tracklist in comments

BONUS: SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 44

2011-06-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh...What the Hell. Feeling generous this week.

Cover Star Dego of 4Hero/200 Black/Silhouette Brown fame brings out the "sunshine".
Mar takes us to "Inglewood".
SoulQSoul gives us some Brazillian Soul.
Johnny Gill puts you "In the Mood".

And lots more from fresh, new and upfront artists. Lots more of these in future weeks with tunes from Kindred, Nikka Costa, Jamiroquai and many more.

Beat these posts Grizz. ;)

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 44

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 43

2011-06-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

So, whats in store in this Upfront mix?

One of my favorite Hip Hop Duo's, Camp Lo, return with another slice of 70's style Hip Hop....New R&B from Ledisi and Brandy....some great Soul from Havana who's got some hot music newly released.....A great "Fertile Ground" like band called Twin Spirit with an excellent soul Jazz tune.....plus our cover star Baby Jaymes with a tune that sounds like it came offa Raphael Saadiq's "Instant Vintage" LP......PLUS MORE

We like to keep it fresh on this blog.....from Rare Groove to Jazz to RnB to Hip Hop to Soul to House......we try and keep you, our loyal followers, bang up to date.

Maybe Grizz will actually post the mix hes promised this week.....stay tuned!!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 43

DJ Grizz- On a Jazz Tip Vol.5

2011-06-05T23:07:00.000-07:00

Ok- I know i promised a Mellow Groove mix (and I'll post it next week, promise!!) but I could'nt let Mr S's very good NuSoulJazz mix pass without an old school response. So here's 'On a Jazz Tip 5'- packed full of jazz funk, fusion n latin goodies from the vaults for ya'll!

Features Kathryn Moses (from an LP with a terrible album cover LOL), some Donald Byrd Mizzel magic, and one of my fave Gil Scott tunes, by way of tribute, from the Bridges LP. Finished off with 2 sublime chill out tracks with about 40 years between them, Build an Ark from last year and Frank & Tony from a long time ago!

Enjoy and I'll catch you later

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/416814840/jazztipv5.mp3

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Nu Soul Jazz Volume 2

2011-06-02T02:00:00.000-07:00

Its been a long while since Volume 1, but good things take time!!

Volume 1 is one of the most downloaded mixes on this site and I have had lots of mail asking for a second volume. Had to make sure that the quality matched the first one, so it took a while.

Absolute class from Mark De Clive Lowe with a tune from his new EP (that you must get hold of!! HERE: http://mashibeats.bandcamp.com), the great Rebirth with a remake of a rare groove classic thats not on thier excellent LP, and one of my faves from last year from Nathan Haines with a tune very reminicent of Shaun Escoffereys great "Space Rider" tune from back in the day.....

Lots more to like, if you dont recognise some of the artists dont let that put you off!!

Just a quick note to say that I have switched File Hosting sites from Rapidshare to Fileserve due to costs....shouldn't affect you too much but keep an eye out for older mixes as they may start to disappear soon.........

Grizz back next week.

SoulNRnB's Nu Soul Jazz Volume 2

DJ Grizz- Summer Soul Mix 2011

2011-05-30T00:06:00.000-07:00

I post this mix of rare groove 'n' soul in the hope of a glorious summer here in the UK. We are certainly due one and my shorts & flip flops need to get in that garden and burn some sausages on the BBQ before the months out.

The usual 10 songs feature again but all with a summer theme. Includes Confunkshun, Angela Winbush, Latoya Jackson and Greg Perry to get you in the mood to get outside and feel the sun on your face.

Mr S up soon and I'll return with some mellow grooves.

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/3119410649/summersoul11.mp3

Tracklist in comments

RIP - Gil Scott-Heron

2011-05-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

The great Gil Scott-Heron passed yesterday.

Scott-Heron's mix of poetry, politics, jazz, blues and soul is widely credited as helping to shape hip-hop, and gave Jazz a much needed shot in the arm in the 60's and 70's.

Scott-Heron mixed minimalistic percussion and spoken-word performances that were loaded with politics.He sometimes referred to his style as bluesology, calling himself a bluesician.

He co-wrote and produced more than a dozen albums with jazz and funk legend Brian Jackson. The fusion of jazz, blues and soul in these albumshave been credited with influencing hip hop and neo soul.

Scott-Heronhad a troubled life, fighting an addiction to cocaine and other substances for most of his career, spending time in and out of jail on drug possession charges, and coping with being HIV positive.

But its the music he will always be remembered for. Press play on the video above to hear the greatness that Mr Scott Heron has produced.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 42

2011-05-26T06:19:00.000-07:00

Another Edition of our Upfront mixes with some great new music.

Collette brings us her version of Erykah Badu's "Orange Moon" from the great Mama's Gun LP, Dezaray Dawn teams up with the great Marc Mac for her new single, Havana brings us some great new music from her new LP, plus cover star Joe unveils some new work. Notice there are a lot of "greats" in that paragraph!

All that without some of my favorite new tunes from Szjerdene and Ishe, and a corking remix of a Nikka Costa tune.

Enjoy this mix, Grizz back with some Rare Groove next week.

/SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 42

DJ Grizz- 60's Soul Vol.10

2011-05-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

As promised I'm back to the 60's for this latest mix with number 10 in the series. Now I know the 60's Soul genre is a bit of an acquired taste for some our dedicated followers but I'd like to think we are all about introducing you to all aspects and shades of quality Soul music on this blog as well as re-acquainting you with old friends and hosting the new.

Featuring Tammi Terrell, Jimmy Holiday, our cover man Otis Redding and Bobby Moore (thats the 60's Soul man not my West Ham football hero!) plus 6 more old soul treats.

I'm back next week in a summer rare groove mode after SoulNRnB's weekend mix.

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/2817220451/60s10.mp3

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Time Machine - 2001

2011-05-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

Lets take a short trip back in time for a vintage year for Soul and RnB. (10 years is a short trip?!?!)

Some absolutely corking music came out in 2001 from the likes of Bila, Jaguar Wright and Dave Hollister.....Jimmy Cozier released an under appreciated gem, which was more than the unfortunate Latrelle whose cracking Neptunes Produced LP didnt see the light of day (...but theres a track on here!).

Add to that some SERIOUS soul from Hip Hop luminaries like Hi-Tek and Da Beatminerz, and the excellent Stevie Wonder tribute from India.Arie who was a new artist at the time!!

Take a trip back to 2001 and realise that music has come a long way....unfortunately, that sometimes aint a good thing!!

Grizz back next week.

SoulNRnB's Time Machine 2001 UPDATED 21/1/12

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 22

2011-05-15T22:30:00.001-07:00

Like Mr SoulNRnB with his Street Sounds series of bang up to date mixes, my boxes of Rare Grooves and harder to find Soul are bulging at the seams so excuse me if I up the Soul Niceness quota over the coming months..... got loads to share with y'all!

Features Vicki Anderson in the guise of Momie O, an extended cut of the Flowers classic, a delicious 2stepper from Marvin Gaye plus 7 more top quality old time tracks.

I'll be back next week with some 60's goodies and, later in the month, another Summer Soul special to get those flip flops moving.

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/1390006661/nice22.mp3

Tracklist in comments.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 41

2011-05-13T12:05:00.000-07:00

I know, another Street Sounds mix on the back of Volume 40, but there's so much new music to introduce you to that I gotta keep them coming. For those waiting for other mixes, I got my contribution to Grizz's "Uplifting Soul" series, "Modern Artists do the 80's", "Nu Soul Jazz Vol.2" and many more coming up....as well as more of these with great stuff from the likes of Dezaray Dawn, Joe, Estelle, Ledisi and more....

In the meantime, do I really need you to download this with Mr Ray Ray Saadiq on the cover? Anthony Hamilton shares an unreleased cut of his called "So In Love" with the great Jill Scott for her new LP, Elzhi gives props to Nas, and loads of new up'n'comers.

Grizz back at the start of the week, please enjoy, and let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter or with a comment!!!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 41

DJ Grizz - Soulful 80's Vol.11

2011-05-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

Quite a few birthdays taking place in East London at this time of year. Last week the blog was two and this week yours truly is...... well lets just say most of the tracks on this mix came out just after I'd left school!!

Rene and Angela, Candela with a 80's club classic, frenchman R.O.D, and the O'Jays with a tune as high quality as their 70's stuff all feature. Also teenage keyboard prodigy Bernard 'Nard' Wright with an early track.

I'll be back with some more top notch rare groove after Mr SoulNRnB does his weekend thang.

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/461465186/80s11.mp3

Tracklist in comments

Birthday Week: SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 40

2011-05-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

First up, a really big thank you to our friends on Facebook and Twitter that remembered us on our birthday. Much appreciated!!

Thought it would be fitting to put our 40th Street Sounds mix up to advertise whats coming your way soulfully this summer.

Loads of new artists, the like of Homeboy Sandmans great native tounges alike Hip Hop tune, Beatchild's compadre Ebrahim with a version of D'Angelo's great "Africa", as well as those that are still under some people's radar like the great Izzi Dunn.

But if your looking for established artists, can you do better than Sade, Musiq, Jill Scott and Ledisi?

Check out these guys new releases, and investigate those youve never heard of before. Grizz back after the weekend.......with I dont know what.....but its always good stuff!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 40

DJ Grizz- Soul Heartbreakers

2011-05-02T00:13:00.000-07:00

Now i'd like to think we're all about the positive on this site but sometimes we can all recognise the bad times, after all it helps us appreciate the good times even more.

Here's ten of the best old time soul tearjerkers and songs of heartbreak. Includes the falsetto of Aaron Neville, Lamont Dozier, a Teddy P classic, and the queen of the sad song, judging by her tracks in my collection, Esther Phillips. All topped off with a marvellous cover by Tony Sherman.

Thanks for all your birthday wishes, especially on Facebook, as the blog hits 2 years old. Still loads to come from the boxes of me and SoulNRnB!

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/460193261/soulheartbreakers1.mp3

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Great Producers 14: Leon Sylvers

2011-04-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

Looks like William and Kate are having a house party tonight at thier mums house and they could do worse than stick this mix of tunes produced by the great Leon Sylvers.

The musical influence behind SOLAR records (Sounds of Los Angeles Records) and member of the family group The Sylvers, Leon produced some of my favorite works of my teenage years, including one of my all time groups, Shalamar.

Leon combined funky, bass heavy tracks, with lush strings and horn sections, whilst all the time making sure the songs and melodies were strong. Didn't hurt that he worked with great vocalists (Like Howard Hewett, Gladys Knight etc) and great arrangers like Jerry Peters.

This man created a sound, like the other great producers in these mixes, but also wrote and played.He recently came back to producing for N'Dambi's "Pink Elephant" LP, and it couldnt make me happier.

It's our 2nd Birthday Next week. Time flies. Ill have a special 40th Street Sounds Mix, and Grizz will have his usual class for you earlier in the week.

SoulNRnB's Great Producers 14 - Leon Sylvers

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 21

2011-04-25T03:16:00.000-07:00

Soul Niceness comes of age with Vol.21. If you've got your brickettes, bangers and burgers ready for a holiday weekend BBQ and you need a rare groove side dish look no further!

Features Sweet Thunder of 'Everybody singing love songs' fame, The Floaters, an Issac Hayes 2Stepper and a classic with a message from Rick Holmes. Plus 6 more 70's and 80's rare soul goodies from the Grizz boxes.

Hope everyone that celebrates it had a good easter. Mr 'S' up next.... see you in a week!

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/459055081/nice21.mp3

Tracklist in comments

EASTER SPECIAL: SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 39

2011-04-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

A great upfront Easter mix for your Bank Holiday weekend (At least in the UK!).

Lets run this down; Julie Dexter and Zo! collaborate for Julie's new LP and the track features here, unreleased Common, soulful excellence from Staycen, Mint Condition and Terrace Martin, and top notch R&B from Ne-Yo, Jennifer Hudson, Uness and more.......

Real quality on this mix. Use it for the soundtrack to your Bar-B-Q!!!

Grizz back with you to round off this long weekend. Ill be back in time to share a "Great Producer" mix with the Royal couple on thier wedding day. Invites not come in the post yet.....they need to get a bloody move on!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 39

DJ Grizz- Lovers Rock Vol. 13

2011-04-18T02:19:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining here in London, I'm off work for a few days and the kids are playing nicely for once. Puts me in the mood for some Lovers Rock goodness, volume 13- lucky for some!

Features Natural Touch, Sugar Minnott and Althea Forest with a reggae/rare groove blend. Also one of my favorite 60's rock steady bands, Carlton & the Shoes, make a soulful reggae 70's comeback.

SoulNRnB back with an Easter mix and I'll return with more from my Rare Groove shelves.

Grizz

https://rapidshare.com/files/457950580/lovers13.mp3

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRNB Presents: Modern Artists take you back...TO THE 70's

2011-04-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Heres an interesting one. First up in a new series of upfront takes on tunes from back in the day. Really interesting versions of both pop and soul tunes, reworked by some of the hippest and soulful artists around nowadays.

This volume takes us to the 70's (Was the picture a big enough hint?) and features the great J Dilla, Aaries, Musiq, Lauryn Hill and Rahsaan Patterson with some big hitters from back in the day.

Give it a go, and be suprised by some of the tunes covered!

Grizz back soon, see you next week.

SoulNRnB's - Modern Artists go Back to the 70's