Amin PaYne - A Legend x Midnight Vibrations (Gil Scott-Heron Tribute)

My two favourite tracks from Amin PaYne's latest beat tape, which sees the highly talented producer pay tribute to one of the greatest musicians of all-time, Gil Scott-Heron:

"A tribute to the one and only Gil Scott Heron. All songs are composed using Gil Scott Heron samples and inspiration. Scott Heron passed away May 27th 2011, So it's my pleasure to celebrate his life, his beautiful music and his powerful messages that he gave us by releasing this Tribute this year. Rest In Peace..."

DOWNLOAD HERE

Common & Stevie Wonder - This Is Love (Live @ House Of Blues)

Common performed in front of a sold out crowd at the House Of Blues last night and brought out musical legend Stevie Wonder to share a special moment with him on stage. Two of my favourite artists ever.

Common - The Dreamer/The Believer (Samples)

Today sees the release of Common's ninth studio album, The Dreamer/The Believer, so what better a time to show respect to No I.D., the man behind the boards, by looking at the samples used to create some of these stunning beats. After the jump you will find 8 samples and a link to download them all. A simply incredible album from one of the greatest Rapper/Producer duos of all-time. Get your copy HERE.

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R.I.P. Ralph MacDonald (1944-2011)

Ralph MacDonald, the Grammy-winning writer, producer and percussionist passed away yesterday morning at his home in Stamford, after a long illness. He worked with artists such as George Benson, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Amy Winehouse and many more, but is best known for composing the classics 'Where Is The Love' by Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway and 'Just The Two of Us' by Grover Washington Jr & Bill Withers. Another legend gone too soon.

John Legend - Chasing Your Love

A new piece from John Legend surfaced today, which is believed to be on a forthcoming album that is set to be released at some point in 2012. The sound is a little different to his usual stuff, but I love it, and he is still without doubt one of my favourite artists of the 21st century.

Vitamin D - Love May Come

Here is the new single from Vitamin D, which is set to be released 25th January on his incredible label, Cold Busted. The signature Cold Busted sound is of course present, but with the uniqueness of D's sampling technique and forward-thinking style, this is another CB special to add to an already incredible back catalogue. Listen, and lose yourself in the music.

Etta Bond - Forgiveness (Solo Acoustic Version)

After bringing you her incredible Ed Sheeran x Arctic Monkeys mash-up last week, Soul Culture have now let loose Etta Bond's acoustic solo version of Wretch 32's latest single, which was released this weekend on Data Records. A refreshing talent, follow her on Twitter HERE. Pick up your copy of Forgiveness HERE.

Project Alfie vs. Jay-Z - Dead President's

Here is the lead track from Project Alfie's forthcoming mixtape, The Project Alfie Mixtape (clever ay?), which is set to be released on December 27th. The track sees Alfie sample 'Dead President's' by Jay-Z, whilst adding some of his own unique Soul/Vintage Pop flavour, thus creating a simply superb piece of music. Always worries me when people play with a classic, but this kid has something really likeable about him, and I'll definitely be downloading the mixtape when it drops.

Anthony Hamilton - Mad x Best Of Me

Here are two of my favourite tracks from Anthony Hamilton's fourth studio album, Back To Love, which is the follow up to his Gold-certified, critically-acclaimed 2008 release 'The Point of it All'. The album features production by industry legends and Grammy Award winning producers Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds, Salaam Remi, Kelvin Wooten and Hamilton himself. With his distinctive voice and signature grit, Soul and Funk, Hamilton has gained a steady and loyal fan base throughout his career, beginning with his 2003 platinum-certified debut album. A modern-day Bobby Womack, and one of my favourite Soul singers of the 21st Century. Out December 16th.

Maverick Sabre - Lonely Are The Brave (Album Sampler)

After following Maverick Sabre closely for the past two years, it's safe to say I'm been rather excited to hear his debut album, which is set to be released on February 6th 2012. Well, now we are one step closer to the release of that album with this sampler that Maverick uploaded to his YouTube channel earlier today. From what I've heard, it reminds me of Plan B's sophmore album (The Defamation of Strickland Banks) but with a lot more soul and heart, which can only be a good thing. Actually can't wait for this.

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