Brooklyn MC Talib Kweli and YearoftheBlackSmith.com have teamed up to release “The Community Mixtape.” The 31 track effort features the talent of a variety of rappers from the online community of the website, who were selected by Kweli himself after a series of song submissions. Also featured are the entire BlackSmith music roster, including Kweli protege Jean Grae. Do yourself a favor, and download this mixtape.

DOWNLOAD HERE

By now you shouldn’t have to ask, Who is Jean Grae?  But if you find yourself in the dark, this South African born femcee has been touted as one of the most witty, lyrical emcees to date. Grae has collaborated with hip-hop luminaries such as The Roots, Talib Kweli, The Herbaliser, Da Beatminerz, Masta Ace and Mos Def —just to name a few.

If you’re in New York or the tri-state area, Grae will be performing at the 4th Annual Restoration Rocks Music Festival in Brooklyn this Saturday, October 9th from 12:00-5:00. Other artist on the roster include: Tamar-kali, Cubic Zirconia and Invincible. Can’t Make the event and want to get into the talent of Jean? Check out the video below and tell us what you think.

http://www.vimeo.com/13779541

Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew—Dubbed the “Voice of the Voiceless” —have been captivating legions of fans in their native Sierra Leone since 2000. The bold musical collective—who produce Gbomognoh (pronounced bo-mo-no), a fusion of Hip-Hop, Funk, Reggae—is at work on their international album, that will feature production from Fyre Department (Snoop Dogg, GZA, Talib Kweli, Justin Timberlake) and will be released early next year. Check out the group cover Vampire Weekend’s “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” and Paul Simon’s “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes.”

By now I’m sure that you have heard of J. Dilla (AKA Jay Dee; AKA Dilla Dawg) or simply James Yancey.  A celebrated music creator, Yancey was more than your average producer. One of the original members of hip-hop group Slum Village, he left the group and embarked on a solo career. He put out an album on the BBE label and worked with everyone from The Roots to Janet Jackson as well as lesser known acts like Frank N Dank.  Dilla passed away from complications caused by a lengthy battle with lupus in February 2006.

This event is to celebrate Dilla’s legacy and to raise awareness for Lupus in the African – American community.

For more information:

Purchase Tickets | J.Dilla Foundation | J.Dilla Official Website

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE . Tickets only $20 when you use discount code CENTRIC or REVIVE.

Ty has been making music and pushing boundaries for the last 10 years.

As one of the most revolutionary rappers on the British hip-hop scene, Ty embodies the intellect, talent and ferocity of an MC always destined to become a legend. Over the last decade, the Mercury Prize nominee has achieved the rare feat of establishing a legacy through his three albums and wise persona, strengthened by his amazing worldwide shows and countless appearances alongside luminaries such as De La Soul, Tony Allen and Pee Wee Ellis.

Ty worked with Estelle, Scratch Perverts, Talib Kweli, Black Twang, Arrested Development, Bahamadia and Zion I.

For more information and music:

http://www.tymusic.co.uk

http://www.myspace.com/tymusic0

http://www.bbemusic.com

R&B/soul artist Collette released her independent debut “Experience Collette” in 2008, earning notable radio airplay and opening gigs with huge names in urban music, from Chrisette Michele to Talib Kweli, indie soul titan Eric Roberson and more.

The current state of the music industry has been a challenge for Collette to complete her Sophmore project “Revolution”. She has partnered with Kickstarer.com to help raise money to continue the process and finish the project for her fans.

Visit Collette’s for more information, music and updates:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/collette/start-a-musical-revolution-with-collette

Rewards are offered for donations from $5 (free download of the entire CD), all the way up to $1,000 (a live concert in the donor’s home).

Kickstarter.com, an intriguing website where creative artists drum up donations for their projects. Musicians, writers and all types of artisans post project profiles, offering rewards in return for backers’ support. Collette’s rewards range from signed advance copies of CDs to original music composed just for the donor, and more.

TALIB KWELI AND HI-TEK REUNITE AS REFLECTION ETERNAL FOR REVOLUTIONS PER MINUTE
Buy it now on iTunes in the iTunes LP format!

After 10-years since their classic contribution Train of Thought sealed their fates in hip-hop lore, Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek are releasing their follow-up venture Revolutions Per Minute May 18 on Blacksmith/Warner Bros. Records. With their first collaboration praised for its uplifting messages and nostalgic soundscape, Kweli’s command of the mic and Hi-Tek’s versatile production skills have made this album one of the most anticipated hip-hop albums of 2010.

Exclusively produced by Hi-Tek, features on the album include appearances by Estelle, Bilal, Bun B, Mos Def, Jay Electronica, J. Cole, Res and Chester French. The album covers an array of topics that discuss the shortcomings of America (“Strangers”), society’s obsession with fame (“Got Work”), an honest discussion of drug use (“Lift’in Off”), the pining for a lover returning home (“Midnight Hour”), a music history lesson (“In the Red”), and even a track about Nigeria’s corruption-riddled oil business (“Black Gold”).

Be sure to pick up Reflection Eternal’s highly anticipated, critically acclaimed LP “Revolutions Per Minute”, in stores today! Read the rest of this entry »

Vote for the new Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek Reflection Eternal video ‘Midnight Hour’, feat. Estelle on the 106 & Park countdown. Its easy, log in, scroll down, and vote for Reflection Eternal. Feel free to send this email to your friends let’s change the game!

http://www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/106andpark/106_Vote_Poll.htm

Official Site
Tour Dates on Fusicology