blackbeats2k17-blog

[blackbeats2k17-blog]

Aaliyah - Rock the Boat

Inspired by Darren’s Missy Elliot pick, Here’s Aaliyah’s “Rock the Boat.” Just like “The Rain,” this jawn sounds fresh as ever. - Matt

[blackbeats2k17-blog]

2.4 // Missy Elliott - The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)

When she appeared at the Half Time show a couple years ago, and everyone went back to listen to her catalogue, everyone was shocked by how timeless, and forward thinking, Missy’s work is. Can you imagine this being a single these days? So modernist, almost abstract, and fearless. Also peep the cameos to her fellow ladies of hip-hop throughout. Bless.

[blackbeats2k17-blog]

2.4 // Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway - Be Real Black for Me

Because duh. Two of the richest, earthiest, most effortlessly astounding voices. Singing together. About black love. Get innnnnnn. - Matt

[blackbeats2k17-blog]

2.3 // Blood Orange - St. Augstine

Dev Hynes has been doing the damn thing for a long time. From his earlier projects, Test Icicles and Lightspeed Champsion, to his more recent work with Solange, Sky Ferreira, and Florence Welsh, Dev Hynes has proven himself to be enviably prolific and talented. His latest LP, 2016′s Freetown Sound, is in my opinion his most impactful and gorgeous work. Here’s “St. Augustine.” - Matt 

[blackbeats2k17-blog]

2.3 // Sampha - (No One Knows Me) Like The Piano

It’s unbelievable that today marks the full length debut for Sampha. His sound, on music for Beyonce, Solange, Drake, SBTRKT, et al, over the past 6 years , is unmistakable. This debut is a heart-stopper. Written over the course of several years, and centered around the death of his mother from cancer in Fall 2015, Process tackles a full range of emotion, grief, and reflection with such grace, nuance, and quiet assurance.  For anyone who grew up playing music at home, this single will hit you straight in the chest. - Darren 

[blackbeats2k17-blog]

2.2 // Dionne Farris - I Know

Farris got her start as a vocalist for Arrested Development before going solo in 1994. It was (and still is) thrilling to see a black woman making music so unencumbered by the conventions and stereotypes of the kind of music black people should be making and listening to in the eyes of music execs. And that bridge harmony is still fresh a.f. - Darren 

[blackbeats2k17-blog]

2.2 // Dorothy Ashby - Heaven and Hell

Don’t sleep on Dorothy. Not only was she one of the first musicians to improvise on the harp, she also introduced the japanese koto to western jazz. Plus, her voice is incredible. Here’s “Heaven and Hell” taken from her 1970 release, “The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby.” - Matt

[blackbeats2k17-blog]

2.1 // DIANA ROSS - IT’S MY HOUSE

Not enough credit is given to Miss Ross as a vocalist. Nuanced, delicate, intelligent phrasing, pretty one-of-a-kind. - Darren 

[blackbeats2k17-blog]

2.1 // William Onyeabor- Fantastic Man

Rest in peace, elusive Father of Nigerian Funk. Your infectious rhythms and groovy synth lines lift me up every time  You look so good, Fantastic Man. Taken from 1979′s “Tomorrow.” - Matt