So the new trend is to get as many beat makers on your track as possible and Producers are becoming the superstars now. But so many are compromising their artistic vision to suite artists and we need to counterbalance that. Take me for example, I’m working with an r&b vocalist and also working with some MCs, but at the end of the day when I’m by myself, I make music that is ‘experimental’: no high hats, kicks slightly off, wierd noises.

As producers we need that release. I’m sorry Kanye Lovers, but his old stuff form himself will always be my favorite stuff. This new theory of dumbing it down needs a counterwieght or we’re all gonna be stuck with dumb music full of the same samples our grandma’s used when they were crocheting and making headbanging beats back in the day.

outro!

Muhsinah / Day Break EP / iTunes

I’ve firstly got to say thanks to Andrew Castillo @ DreamTeam. His cutting edge podcast put me on to this young lady from NYC. Abstract, contemporary soul and funk music just the way I like it, and believe me, just the way you like it! The EP is currently only available on iTunes (but there will be a CD version in March) this music is gonna be massive worldwide! Think Georgia Anne Muldrow, think Madlib, think 70s Tribe in 2008, think Stereolab. You gettit? She makes beats, she sings, she produces, she delivers a funky message. Creative independent music like this always makes my ears prick up and take notice. Check my http://www.offlimitsradio.com/music/48_Off_Limits_Show.mp3 for some killer tracks.

Trust these ears!

I’d like to introduce to you one of the new contributors to the Urban Landscapes site. Most people know him simply as Raggy. He’s a UK-based selector with a serious musical appetite, matched only by his astute knowledge the deeper undercurrents jazz and soul (and his record collection).

Like Rocky Rococo, Raggy has graciously accepted to share his contributions with us. This is the first of two postings he’s done. Looking forward to more. Enjoy!

Lenny Marcus / Bat In The Hat / Private

I can seriously feel a jazz funk revival just around the corner! It’s about time, dance floors worldwide need that energy! So, we’ll continue wetting your appetite and thoroughly spoil you on every show. On show #48 we get d-i-r-t-y and rare with Lenny Marcus’s “Farewell Welfare”. The 23 year old pianist self produced and self made this LP on his very own private label 30 odd years ago - so there can’t be too many of them about! You just know that when vinyl ONLY gets a release on the artists own label then that gets my ears standing to attention. It shows their ambition to get the music heard regardless. You can hear “Farewell Welfare” on http://www.offlimitsradio.com/music/48_Off_Limits_Show.mp3

Get digging, this one is B-A-A-A-D!