The Unpacking is a mix I recently created to have something to relax to while returning clothes, albums and equipment to their proper place after performing several consecutive gigs or just a weekend of travel. Unpacking is inevitable and like most things, it's easier to do when good music is involved. This mix is equally effective for mentally unpacking and unwinding after a long day, or shedding prohibitive thoughts in preparation for an ambitious endeavor. Press play, enjoy this cocktail of S...
May 22, 2016•59 min
The passing of Malik "Phife" Taylor affected me more profoundly than the death of any previous musical celebrity to date. I never met him personally but bonded with A Tribe Called Quest's aesthetics as a Freshman in high school. During this period of self discovery I began to select music that was derived from my tastes, not the influence of my peers and immediately felt a connection to the "Bohemian" band of brothers. Their nonconformist approach to style and music set them apart from their cou...
Apr 21, 2016•1 hr 1 min
Tonight's Diamond Soul XXXperience features prolific producer Freddie Joachim, who I place in my top 10 favorite producers list. You may have heard him on Joey Badass 2015 B4.Da.$$ or read about him on Okayfuture's best Erykah Badu remixes post. I sit down with him and find out what producers he's listening to, discuss technology and find out who he would like to work with. Listen and enjoy then rate, review and subscribe on iTunes
Jan 31, 2016•2 hr
After summoning the courage to perform in an Alice Coltrane tribute in 2007, tonight's guest, Brandee Younger has become a force on the NYC music scene. You may have heard her on the intro to Common's Finding Forever, or even with John Legend, but you must make time to preorder her upcoming album Wax & Wane. Her sophomore project is described as a fusion of Jazz, Hip Hop & Funk and I call it a "must listen" for any fans of her idol Dorothy Ashby. We discuss her idols, the obstacles of to...
Jan 24, 2016•2 hr 1 min
Last Friday I interviewed Cecilia Stalin who I first discovered on Swedish electronic duo, Koop’s 2001 sophomore album waltz For Koop. She’s released several Jazz oriented projects since then including John Coltrane tribute Step Like a Giant and last year’s amazing The Story of Love with Daz-I-Kue of Bugz in the Attic and DSXXX Episode guest Khari Simmons. This year, she returns with The Love EP to shine as she shows us she is not easily confined by any genre or label. Enjoy! Cecilia Stalin - Su...
Jan 20, 2016•2 hr
I like to put a lot of thought into each entry in The Mental Evolution series because they're really personal and extend beyond just the mere expression of my usual, musical preferences. I've procrastinated creating a new one for the past few years but have been filing selections away in my mental file cabinet for the day I actually attempt the endeavor. Enter Raheem Karim of Music Life Social who hit me Tue evening and asked me to have a mix to him by Fri LOL. As we discussed his expectations, ...
Jan 17, 2016•44 min
We're excited to bring you our first show of 2016 featuring trumpeter, educator, and label head, Farnell Newton. Find out his inspirations, some of his philosophies and how he linked up with Bootsy Collins, Jill Scott and up and coming musician Jarrod Lawson. We pay respects to Nick Caldwell of The Whispers and supply you with new music and classics in The Diamond Soul fashion. Enjoy! 1. Jarrod Lawson - When Will You Call ft Farnell Newton & Chance Hayden 2. Makaya McCraven - Standing on Sho...
Jan 10, 2016•2 hr
On this episode of The DSXXX, DJ Rahdu chats with Canadian producer Elaquent and Brooklyn guitarist Marcus Machado about their recent releases, Less is More and 29. Join him as he peeks behind the window to discover the motivation behind these albums and gain insight into their chosen musical aesthetic. Find out Elaquent's musical nemesis and what dangers to avoid while playing guitar with your teeth while enjoying this week's musical selections
Dec 14, 2015•2 hr
One of the most amazing stores I've ever visited was a The Blue Marlin, a boutique sneaker store in Rome, Italy. Everything about the store was couture including the music, which the owner and I discussed although there was a small language barrier. I've often fantasized what the music will sound like when I own my store and decided it would sound something like this, at least weekly. After creating and enjoying, I decided it would be cool to pass this mix along to shop owners to play in their s...
Nov 15, 2015•1 hr
Soulpersona just released new album, Momentum featuring Deborah Bond, Pete Simpson, Princess Freesia and more. DJ Rahdu raps with Soulpersona to find out how he established the heralded, rare groove sound that make his releases instant classics. Enjoy stories from Soulpersona about gaining insight from Roy Ayers, chance meetings with his favorite artists and the impetus behind Momentum. Go to itunes to rate, subscribe and comment on the podcast to help us get more great interviews and gain more ...
Nov 07, 2015•2 hr
DJ Rahdu sits down with one of the hottest producers in 2 countries, Tall Black Guy! Take a peek behind the curtain and find out the inspiration behind the man championed by everyone from Gilles Peterson to ?uestlove to get behind the boards, what not to do when collaborating with him, and one gem he learned while sitting with the greats! 80's Babies - I Digress Zo! - This Could Be the Night ft Eric Roberson, Darien Brockington & Phonte (Tall Black Guy Remix) Columbia Nights - My Groove ft S...
Nov 03, 2015•2 hr
Tonight's Diamond Soul XXXperience features Jesse Fischer and Mark de Clive Lowe, two artists who refuse to be confined by genre and push the musical landscape forward as a result. Find out their thoughts on being DIY vs Indie or Major label and more as they rap w/BamaLoveSoul's own DJ Rahdu. Gregory Porter - Liquid Spirits (Jesse Fischer Remix) - Soundcloud Byron the Aquarius - Daylight - Soundcloud D Maurice aka DMO! - Shades of Gray - Download Philippe Edison - Wonder Woman - King of Kings - ...
Oct 11, 2015•2 hr
Bilal’s unique vocal style has made him a commodity within the musical community. The evidence is in the number of featured appearances he’s racked up on our favorite, notable artist’s tracks over the course of a decade and a half. It’s difficult to comprehend, though, why he’s not a mainstream, household name. His desire to maintain his artistic integrity plays a part of course, in addition to a fickle market that advocates popularity over originality. To further argue the point that more recog...
Jul 20, 2015•1 hr 7 min
Some Jazz 17 delves into the catalogues of Madlib’s many jazz personas, mosy notably Yesterday’s New Quintet. You really have to give it up to the brother for doing so well at tackling the massive strata of the Jazz genre. Madlib as YNQ represents a bridge between Jazz and Hip Hop, and as a torchbearer in this sense, his efforts should be applauded. DJ Rahdu does just that in this Love Letter to his genius and passion. For the sake of cohesion, given the hour long time frame given, this set focu...
Mar 11, 2015•1 hr 2 min
Today is Super Bowl Sunday so I present a Super Chilled out Some Jazz for you to enjoy. Composed of many recently discovered artists, I hope this compilation adds joy and stress free vibes as you root your team to victory. To those completely oblivious to the game, like myself, pop this in during Sunday dinner and marinate to the selections with a nice red. Satoshi Yoshida - The Source Matthew Halsall - The Move Nat Birchall - Ancient World Allsopp, Vosloo, Stanley, Giles - The Sleeper Impermane...
Jan 31, 2015•1 hr 7 min
I recently completed Herbie Hancock's book, Possibilities. It's a testament to what can be created while remaining open-minded and adventurous within rigid and standardized institutions. Contributions from Herbie and other Jazz mavericks are what allow us to enjoy Jazz in it's multi-tiered splendor today. Their ability to create music to transcend the country clubs and jazz joints are what keep the genre popular today and constantly inspiring future generations.
Jan 19, 2015•1 hr 10 min
For this month's [some] jazz, Farnell Newton pulls out some new material from many great artists. So whether you like the Soulful Vocals of Jarrod Lawson or the genius keyboard playing of Cory Henry you will surely love this episode of [some] jazz. Even our very own Farnell Newton is performing on this episode with the Ezra Weiss Sextet. Otis Brown III "The Thought Of You - Part I (feat. Bilal) Ezra Weiss Sextet - Don't Need No Ticket [Live] Cyrille Aimee - Off the Wall Sharel Cassity - Over the...
Aug 31, 2014•1 hr
Every now and then the [some] jazz series will feature labels around the world that are putting out some of the finest in jazz music. The Posi-Tone catalog provides both new fans and devoted listeners with something they can count on to deliver the energy that exists in the current world of jazz. This episode of [some] jazz is curated by trumpeter, label head and friend Farnell Newton Joe Magnarelli - Easy Transition Nick Hempton - Five Ways Through Harsimus Cove Ralph Bowen - Yesterdays Orrin E...
Jul 31, 2014•1 hr 4 min
The jazz world recently lost the legendary Horace Silver, a pianist, composer and bandleader who was one of the most popular and influential jazz musicians of the 1950s and ‘60s. May he R.I.P. and continue inspiring generations to come. This episode of [some] jazz is curated by trumpeter, label head and friend Farnell Newton Horace Silver - Señor Blues Cécile McLorin Salvant - I Didn't Know What Time it Was NEXT Collective - Marvins Room Mimi Jones - Nothing Like You Kevin Louis - Bodhisattva Wo...
Jun 29, 2014•59 min
For this month's [some] jazz, Farnell Newton concentrates on the vocalists and pulls out some familiar gems as well as some unexpected treats that will completely win you over. Not only is Farnell preparing a new [some] jazz for you monthly, he has also began a new label with Tony Ozier: FN|BeatsGalore . Here's to our hardworking homie! Show him some love in the comments section Rachel Eckroth - Future Emily Braden - Georgia O’keeffe Sly5thAve - Deme feat. Denitia Maria Quintanilla & Renato ...
Jun 02, 2014•53 min
Shouts out to trumpeter, label head and friend Farnell Newton for compiling this episode of [Some] Jazz 10! Relying on his vast knowledge of the genre, Farnell curates an hour long podcast that will keep you grooving while taking notes on new music that needs to be added to your library. Enjoy! Takuya Kuroda - Rising Son Joe Locke - Broken Toy Marc Cary - For Moseka Matt Slocum - Ghost Dance Noah Bernstein - Jubilee Marquis Hill - Return Of The Student B.J. Jansen - Ronin Anton Schwartz - Swamp ...
May 23, 2014•1 hr
Jill Scott made a comment during her performance on VH1’s Storytellers about her music selection process that stuck with me – She said that even without her, the music has to have a story of it’s own for her to write to it. Apparently she picks them well; Jill has the uncanny ability to connect to numerous demographics, an uncommon skill in today’s stratified musical climate. I’ve heard some joke that Jill’s songs are about either food or sex, and yet others that say Jill speaks to and for them....
Mar 16, 2014•1 hr 2 min
We’ve received numerous requests to provide a followup to our Some Jazz series. While relaxing around the house today and catching up on “new” music (I’m 3 months behind BTW), I decided to compile some ear pleasing treats from some of the cats that are presently keeping this genre alive. Make sure you look up and support these artists and their work! Also, stay on the lookout for Kris Bowers’ Heroes & Misfits dropping in March and my Vinyl?Check! 002 Jazz compilation coming soon from dusty v...
Jan 01, 2014•1 hr 3 min
Much like his musical heroes, D’angelo has influenced so many, and it’s these fanatics that will mine Mr.Archer’s release for any musical nuggets of note and spread his gospel. It’s also these musically gifted fans that have remixed, flipped and covered his previous offerings to add their interpretation to his musical dialogue. Enjoy Follow Me, our tribute to the fans that have been inspired by and hopefully inspire D’angelo and encourage him to release the next album we’ll be enjoying even 18 y...
Oct 27, 2013•1 hr 2 min
Here’s a mix I found from the early 200os while cleaning up. Compiled while I was in school for African American studies, it’s quite fitting for Black History Month and is an enjoyable listen overall. Enjoy! Disclaimer: This is a decade old CD rip DJ Rahdu – Mental Evolution 2 (Mix) Mental Evolution Intro A Tribe Called Quest – Ham & Eggs Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack – Be Black For Me Donnie – Cloud 9 Black Star – Brown Skin Lady Angela Davis – Targeting Women Various Artists – Freedom...
Feb 06, 2013•1 hr 13 min
DJ Rahdu has been working on a project for awhile now that fuses "afro beats" from his favorite bands with popular acapellas to create a stunning listening experience. Check out Quantic and BrownOut x Snoop Dogg in this preview and get prepared for more AfroBeats soon!
Aug 26, 2012•4 min
Prepare for a hour long mix of modern interpretations of Brazilian tunes as hot as midday weather! Perfect for grilling and pic-nic ing | BamaLoveSoul is bringing the fireworks! Enjoy!
Jul 03, 2012•1 hr 10 min
From The Square Roots to The Legendary Roots Crew, the Philadelphia hip hop band has always been well deserving of their highly respected status. When I listen to The Roots now, like most artists, their style has changed and I find myself yearning for their older Organix – Illadelph Halflife sound, y’know the soulful stuff. It was also around this time that they were cranking out remixes for others that really added to their quickly growing acclaim. Here is a quick mix I put together for the fan...
Sep 23, 2010•34 min
