Etta James dies age 73

Ah man, this is sad news. Singing legend Etta James, whose assertive, soulful voice lit up such hits as 'My Funny Valentine', 'Something's Got a Hold on Me' and the wedding favorite 'At Last', has died, according to her longtime friend and manager, Lupe De Leon. She was 73 and had been diagnosed with leukemia in 2010. James, who also suffered from dementia and hepatitis C, died at a hopsital in Riverside, California. Throughout her career, James overcame a heroin addiction, opened for the Rolling Stones, won six Grammys and was voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite her ups and downs - including a number of health problems - she always maintained an optimistic attitude. Read the full story HERE, and enjoy one of my favourite tracks of all-time below. Rest in power...

BamaLoveSoul - A Tribe Called Quest Samples (Vol. 1-4)

The guys over @BamaLoveSoul have been running a little series over the past few weeks, which has seen them hand picking near enough all of the incredible samples that A Tribe Called Quest have used throughout their entire discography. Over the 4 volumes there are 122 samples, including some classics, lots of obscure tracks and some unbelievable drum skits. Download this mind-blowing collection HERE and check out the tracklists out after the jump. Greatest group of all-time.

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Ed Sheeran - Drunk (Live @ Manchester Academy)

Here is Ed Sheeran performing 'Drunk' at Manchester Academy last weekend, which is his forthcoming single and the fourth to be lifted from his No.1 album '+'. Official video on the way, see more live videos after the jump.

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Mahalia - Mardy Bum (Arctic Monkeys Cover) x Let The World See The Light

Introduced to most of the world by Ed Sheeran on Twitter last night, here is 13-year old Mahalia's stunning acoustic cover of 'Mardy Bum' by Arctic Monkeys. Considering her tender age, the folk/soul singer has a connection with the music and a vocal tone way beyond her years. Look out for more from this girl in 2012. Update: you can also see Mahalia rehearsing her own track 'Let The World See The Light' after the jump.

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Emeli Sandé - Next To Me (Video)

A very simple but effective video for the stunning third single from Emeli Sandé's forthcoming debut album, Our Version Of Events, which is set to be released February 13th. Pre-order the album HERE and listen to the sampler HERE. Love this lady.

Emeli Sandé - Our Version Of Events (Album Sampler)

After huge 2011, Emeli Sandé is set for an even bigger 2012 with the release of her highly anticipated debut album just around the corner. 'Our Version Of Events' will be available on February 13th, but to wet your appetite, Emeli has uploaded this album sampler for all her fans. You can pre-order the album HERE and vote for her to win the 2012 BRIT Award for British Breakthrough Act HERE.

Ryan Ashley - Mamma Knows Best (Jessie J Cover)

16-year old Ryan Ashley, who has previously covered artists such as Coldplay, Snow Patrol & Ed Sheeran, puts his own twist on 'Mamma Knows Best', a track taken from Jessie J's debut album 'Who You Are'. This guys vocal tone is seriously impressive, and I'm excited to hear what material of his own he has to bring to the table.

Kings Of The City - Make Me Worse (Video)

Featuring Vas Blackwood (Rory Breaker in Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels), here are some sick visuals for the latest track to be lifted from the 'No Rules To The Game EP' by Kings Of The City. Love these guys, download the EP HERE.

Nathaniel - Left For Dead (Feat. I-20)

Here is a brand new track from Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Nathaniel, which is a bluesy themed collaboration with Disturbing tha Peace rapper I-20. Taken from the forthcoming mixtape 'BORN', the Dirty Dunnz produced track sees Nathaniel breaking down his feelings to an ex-lover who has called quits on their relationship. For those of you who recognise the name, Nathaniel appeared on collaborations with Ludacris, Wiz Khalifa, Jadakiss, DJ Kay Slay, DJ Khaled and Papoose in 2011. Big tune.

Paul McCartney - Only Our Hearts (Feat. Stevie Wonder) x Home (When Shadows Fall)

My two favourite tracks from Paul McCartney's new album, Kisses On The Bottom, which is set to be released February 7th and is the first release from the singer/songwriter since 2007. 'Only Our Hearts' is a new collaboration with fellow legend Stevie Wonder on the Harmonica and 'Home (When Shadows Fall)' is a brilliant interpretation of Sam Cooke's 1963 classic. As he explains, "This is a collection of classic songs that inspired me to write songs - it's the type album you listen to at home after work, with a glass of wine or a cup of tea".