ScratchTheBlock

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RELAEN - BEDTIME (A TRIBUTE TO HERBIE HANCOCK)

Olivia Wendlandt , Marco Zügner , Leon Mache and Leon Raum are back with another superb and refined work!

Two years ago the german experimental jazz collective knocked we out with the outstanding Twines and today they grace our mind and soul with something really really cool.

Relaen resumed a 1979 record performed by Japanese singer Kimiko Kasai and Chicago living-legend,pianist, keyboardist, composer, band leader Herbie Hancock called Butterfly. They cooked an elegant revisitation of the song entitled Tell Me A Bedtime Story, recording a sumptuous,organic,vibrant and intimate rendition able to convey incredible emotions.

Ladies & gentleman make sure you to dim the lights ,relax yourself and press play to experience the smooth Bedtime (A Tribute To Herbie Hancock)

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BLUESTAEB FEAT. NOAH SLEE AND MAÏA - MIND

Let we preface our statement by saying that independent music labels got a relevant role in promoting and supporting talented singers,rappers,musicians and producers. We’ll never stop to thank the founders and the entire teams behind great labels such as Jakarta Records that always literally knock we out with quality music waving da hip-hop flag with solid work-ethic and great energy!

Founded by Jannis Stürtz and  Malte Kraus in Berlin , Jakarta Records delighted our ears with what we consider real good music (often flecked with an exciting and refreshing experimental touch) performed by bright artists such as J.Lamotta, Ivan Ave , Illa J , IAMNOBODI , Like of Pac Div . 

Well, during these years Jakarta Records become not only the right place for local artists like JuJu Rogers,Suff Daddy,FloFilz,Shuko,JR&PH7 but honestly we can assert it’s becoming a worldwide forge of excellent performers,expanding its brand overseas.

Today we’ll impress your sophisticated ears with something new produced by Berlin hip-hop producer Leon Giseke known as Bluestaeb. 

If you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack to chill , Bluestaeb is ready to give you the tonic with the new single from the upcoming album Everything Is Always a Process scheduled for June!

Mind is the first single and ..damn…it sounds really really good thanks the perfect collaboration along side New Zeland singer, songwriter Noah Slee , which seduces our soul with the gentle touch of his voice and the warm murmured vocals of Australian young singer MAÏA . 

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MARCELLUS JUVANN - MELANIN (PRODUCED BY TAY WALKER)

 When it comes to select real good music , we know what u want and we know what u need!!!!

So prick up your ears and prepare yourself to dive into the world of Ohio native rapper/producer/ Marcellus Juvann.

The rising Florida-based artist is earning a lot of respect through a hip-hop vibe that sounds refreshing and really dope as you can realize listening to pieces like Close Call or Ease Yo Mind.

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PHONTE - EXPENSIVE GENES (PRODUCED BY NOTTZ)

North Carolina microphone maestro Phonte Coleman is finally back with his sophomore solo masterpiece entitled No News Is Good News. After delighting our ears with his stunning Charity Starts at Home (packed with dope productions handled by 9th Wonder, Zo!,Swiff D,Stro Elliot among others) , the superlative rapper/singer and member of experimental group The Foreign Exchange worked on several collaborations along side independent neo-soul singer Eric “Erro” Roberson (TigallErro), Robert Glasper (Everything’s Beautiful),Zo!(Sky Break),Sean Price (The Gorilla),Madlib/Blu/MED (Bad Neighbor),Jesse Boykins III (Love Apparatus).. 

The former member of underground hip-hop group Little Brother is definitely a standout emcee and his clever word play and da soulful voice make him one of our favorite hip-hop rapper in the game right now!

Now News Is Good News is another excellent hip-hop oeuvre , that highlights North Carolina quality music , you know Lute with his phenomenal West1996 pt. 2 , Rapsody with the grammy nominated masterpiece Laila’s Wisdom,Reuben Vincent wit Myers Park and more recently the collaborative album by Jherico Jackson.

Phonte recruits a fleet of beat-magicians such as DJ Harrison,Marco Polo,Cozmo Classics among others, plus some brilliant performers like frequent collaborators Carmen Rodgers and Eric Roberson.

Scratchtheblock.com crew invites y’all to taste the sumptuous hypnotic soulful cut called Expensive Genes masterfully produced by multi-platinum grammy award winner Nottz

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MICK JENKINS FEAT. SEAN DEAUX - BLESSED ASSURANCE (PRODUCED BY THEMPEOPLE)

Hey scratchers around te globe , today we’ll share with y’all something cool performed by one of the most interesting and innovative exponent of the new Chicago vanguard: Mick Jenkins.

Mr.Jenkins paved the way for his success through dope and acclaimed albums such as The Healing Component,Wave[s] and The Water[s] that made him an esteemed and respected progressive hip-hop artist.

The insane ability to fuse poetry elements with dark, soulful and hypnotic rhymes , represents the trademark of his hip-hop sound and today our staff is ready to show y’all another Jenkins piece of art. 

The Chi-Town rapper unleashes a new project called “Or more….the frustration” almost entirely produced by groundbreaking production team known as THEMpeople.

Yezzir , L Boog, Dough, Zigg, & Mic aka THEMpeople cooked some serious backdrops that reflect their signature majestic sound where glitch soul flava, lo-fi elements and nocturnal hip-hop beats are finely merged together. 

Check out our favorite piece called Blessed Assurance featuring Sean Deaux aka Dough , a bright performer and THEMpeople affiliate whose expertise and mastery as sonic architect and MPC scientist made him the perfect bridge that connects digital and analog for THEMpeople.

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LIV.E - MARYJANE

Hey cool people , today scratchtheblock.com squad will serve you up something really really hot!

The artist we’re goin’ to introduce to y’all comes straight from the Dolphin Records roster (an independent label based in Dallas that gave us bright talents such as Jon Bap).

Well, we’re talking about Hailee Olivia aka Liv.e , a Dallas singer whose approch is deeply influenced by acts such as D’Angelo and Georgia Anne Muldrow.

Recently we stumbled upon her project called RAW DAYBREAKS VOL.2 , a cool as fuck underground opus based off of Rawday Breaks Vol. 1 , released last year and almost entirely produced by 10.4 Rog . 

The second volume is produced by Philly beat-magician Swarvy whose experimental approach sounds always fresh and bold ,when it comes to cook hip-hop beats !

Taste the superb MaryJane and let us know what your impression about it!

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RAYANA JAY - SWOON (PRODUCED BY ESTA)

 After delighting our senses with Morning After EP and Sorry About Last Night , Bay Area born independent singer Rayana Jay , leaps back with a brand new work entitled Love,Rayana.

We started to follow Rayana musical path since the release of Marty McFly dropped six years ago and during these years she honed her craft and had the pleasure to collaborate with interesting performers such as Soulection’s producers ROMderful and Esta , The Kount (Allie,Innanet James),Elujay,Sylvan LaCue and P-Lo among others.

Well , the songbird  impresses us with a beyond amazing cut called Swoon recruiting for the occasion,Oakland pianist/keyboardist/emcee/producer/composer  Kev Choice (which worked/toured with acts such as Lauryn Hill, Too $hort, Ledisi,Goapele, Dwele, Martin Luther, Amel Larrieux, Omar, Souls of Mischief and opened for Robert Glasper, Mos Def, Digable Planets, DJ Quik, and J Davey) and L.A producer Esta. 

The ultra-smooth piece is definitely a superb and eargasmic piece and it’s the outcome of a clever and well-appointed collaboration!

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SWSH - GONE (PRODUCED BY ADAM PALLIN)

Last year in July, we introduced to you a talented artist who goes by the name of Swsh with a great song called Flowers . 

Olivia Quillin is a young performer from Los Angeles whose skills as musician,producer,songwriter,singer and rapper make her, one of the most promising and talented artist that international urban scene has to offer!

Influenced by acts such as Billie Holiday,Amy Winehouse and TDE’s queen SZA , Swsh impressed our staff with her incredible ability to spread tons of emotions through her craft,her signature gritty vocals and her emotive approach when it comes to make dope shit!!

Recently Ricky Reed’s music company Nice Life , dropped a compilation called Winter 18′ , which includes an exclusive jam performed by Swsh titled Gone.

For the occasion Swsh worked along side record producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Adam Pallin , who had the pleasure to collaborate with big names such as Boyz II Men,The Roots and Joey Bada$$.

Swsh told us a lil bit about the production process:

Adam and I got together last year and made that song. We got in the studio and he threw down the baseline, then the keys and then the guitar and blew me away! He kind of threw that beat together in no more than an hour if I’m remembering right. 

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ASAL HAZEL - UTMT (PRODUCED BY MNDSGN AND SWARVY)

Time to showcase something fresh n new that comes straight from the exciting and thriving Los Angeles scene!!

We’re talking about Persian-American Los Angeles native singer/songwriter Asal Hazel whose impressive talent led her to work along side the most interesting performers of L.A such as musician/producer and member of Anderson.Paak band Free Nationals , Callum Connor, the amazing Zacari Pacaldo (check out Love by Kendrick Lamar for informations!!) and mastermind producers such as Stones Throw genius Mndsgn. 

Well, recently visionary beat-wizard Mndsgn collaborated with Ms.Hazel on the compelling USAYUDO which earned positive feedbacks but today , the young singer delights our ears with a new offering called UTMT.

The beyond amazing track stems from a kind of cosmic collision between the intergalactic,mellow and hypnotic sound of Mndsgn and the superlative warm and madlib-esque hip-hop beats by Philly raised producer and musical polymath Swarvy.

The final result is a sensual and deeply stirring alternative r&b song where Asal Hazel’s buttery voice seems to just flow over like warm bath water. 

Asal Hazel is currently working on her debut EP Like Water which will boast productions from Mndsgn,Swarvy and Knxwledge,amogst others.

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TEGA - SCARS (PRODUCED BY RANDALL SWAIN)

When we talk about soul music , labels such as Motown Records and Stax (each one with its distinctive sound , Motown with its polished,pop-influenced style and Stax Records with its music tinged with southern vibe) represent an inspiring staple! 

Legends such as Marvin Gaye,Diana Ross,Rick James,Stevie Wonder,Teena Marie,Otis Redding,Isaac Hayes graced the entire world with their sumptuous music that continues to inspire young and rising musicians,producers as well as singers!

Today we wanna invite our fans to get familiar and experience the sound of emerging singer TEGA.

Born in Dallas , Joseph Colby Ewatuya aka TEGA , is a young performer whose music draws inspiration from extraordinary acts such as neo-soul queen Erykah Badu, the four-time grammy award-winner Sarah “The Divine One” Vaughan , Dwele and A Tribe Called Quest.  

So it’s easy to guess which elements represent TEGA’s sound: his music is a balanced mix of jazz,r&b and hip-hop nuances finely nestled in a motown-esque soul frame !

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ARIN RAY FEAT. DRAM - COMMUNICATION (PRODUCED BY CHILDISH MAJOR)

One of the most interesting voices of the current music scene , Arin Ray ,sticks another feather in his cap with another compelling new single! 

After delighting us with the debut EP entitled Phases released two years ago , the Cincinnati boy wonder is currently working on his first studio album (under the banner of Interscope Records) which will boast productions cooked by hit-makers such as Los Angeles genius Terrace Martin and Chi-Town duo Nez & Rio among others. 

The young performer is able to combine a mastery of songwriting (he penned hits for big names such as Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, John Legend, Young Thug, Jeremih,Rick Ross, Jason Derulo and Yo Gotti) and impressive vocal skills!

Well, Arin Ray last offering is called Communication and it represents a superb collabo along-side Virginia rapper, singer, songwriter D.R.A.M.

Behind the boards , we can contemplate the insane talent of South Carolina born and ATL-based prolific producer Markus Randle better known by the stage name Childish Major , whose resume talks to himself with productions for the likes of Trinidad Jame$,Rome Fortune,Rocko,Asap Ferg,Michael Christmas,Vince Staples, Big K.R.I.T and the mighty J.Cole (he co-produced the beyond amazing 4 Your Eyez Only)

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KILCOOL FEAT. JAMAL MARCELIN - I CAN'T LET GO

As you know , our main aim is to support independent and rising artists and provide our audience with what we consider quality music. Recently our staff stumbled upon the interesting music performed by Owen KilCooley aka KilCool. The New York native is a multi-instrumentalist ,arranger,producer and songwriter whose music can be described as a colorful kaleidoscope of genres that encompasses electronica,chillwave,hip-hop,rnb,soul and jazz. Recently KilCool dropped the project entitled KilCool Part.1 that includes the superb and refined neo-soul-esque piece called I Can’t Let Go. The compelling track is a collaboration along side Brooklyn singer Jamal Marcelin , an interesting artist able to convey great emotions through his voice, as smooth as silk. Inspired by the likes of stellar acts such as D’Angelo,John Legend and Luther Vandross , Mr.Marcelin caught our attention with his gentle touch! KilCool describes the production process for I Can’t Let Go

I produced and wrote the song,played the keys and drums and I wrote the melody and lyrics. Jamal and I go way back so I hit him up to feature on it. We used to be in chorus together so he’s always down to make music and he has an amazing voice. After we finished recording his vocals I layered it with harmonies and that was that!

Well , I Can’t Let Go sounds like a match made in heaven so if you’re into neo-soul music don’t hesitate to taste this amazing jam.

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VONTE VENDETTA - CATCH A VIBE (PRODUCED BY JIMMY BLU3)

What iz creativity?

Creativity is described as the ability to use imagination or original ideas to create something!

Well, we’re living in a world where creativity represents a cross-cutting theme that spans and influences different art froms ,often interconnected, you know fashion,visual art,music..

Allow us to introduce to you two artists that epitomize the spirit of creativity!

We’re talking about Vonte Vendetta and Jimmy Blu3.

Vonte Vendetta is a multi-tasking talent whose stream of creativity led him to flirt with different art forms. 

The Atlanta based artist is a film director and video editor (he worked for important clients such as Complex) but he got also great skills as rapper. 

Gerry Guster Jr. aka Jimmy Blu3 is a talented beatmaker and co-founder of  luxury fashion brand Cameron Christian .

Well , recently Vonte Vendetta and Houston producer Jimmy Blu3 joined their forces to record a supa-dupa-hot hip-hop jam entitled Catch A Vibe.

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SPACE CAPTAIN - BLUE (SLY5THAVE REMIX)

When it comes to spin some quality experimental pieces we know which artists are able to spread the best notes. In terms of future-soul sonorities we can recommend acts like Hiatus Kaiyote,Moonchild, Mad Satta , 30/70 Collective,Relaen,Nothoya among others. 

If you’re looking for other interesting names….well….prick up your ears and take notes!!

Brooklyn based Space Captain is what we consider a great exponent of the avant-garde future soul scene and through the mastery and creative mind of its members , it contributed to push the boundaries of convential genres with an innovative approach!

Lead vocalist Maralisa Simmons-Cook, producer and bassist Alex Pyle , guitarists Gray Hall and Mike Haldeman , drummer  Joey Ziegler , keyboardist  Joy Morales and trumpeter Lessie Vonner are the visionaries behind Space Captain musical project.

Space Captain excellent music popped up under our radar in 2013 when they released independently the superlative and refined song entitled Easier  , offering an exquisite taste of the their cosmic world.

The band joined the independent british label Tru Thoughts (mad respect to Robert Luis and Paul Jonas head honchos of the label , which spread and support really dope music from Quantic to Nostalgia 77 , from Alice Russel to Moonchild and the new entries such as Rhi) and released last year All Flowers In Time a real uplifting sonic experience!

Today scrtblk crew highly recommends the new treatment remix of Space Captain song called Blue flawlessly handled by Texas young,cool and virtuoso jazz multi-intrumentalist Sly5thAve (fresh of his recent masterpiece The Invisible Man: An Orchestral Tribute to Dr.Dre , make sure y’all to taste Let Me Ride featuring the amazing Jimetta Rose) and mastered by Quantic.

Blue (Sly5thAve Remix) by Space Captain

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DOMO GENESIS FEAT. PHONTE - SHAQ CARRIED KOBE (PRODUCED BY EVIDENCE)

Can you smell the vibrant perfume in the air? 

Yap,yap it’s the scent of exciting new music , dope hip-hop music!!

Los Angeles rapper Domo Genesis leaps back with a brand new project entitled Aren’t U Glad,You’re U? and this time he decided to entrust the entire production to no less than Evidence.

The Rhymesayers veteran artist takes his brush and paints a superlative tapestry of solid hip-hop beats that represent a fertile ground to highlight the mastery of Domo as lyricist!

Scratchtheblock.com squad selected for your pleasure one of the most interesting pieces of the project: Shaq  Carried Kobe.

The laid-back pace of the song is something that set the mood and relax your synapsis ….and….wow…..we can contemplate again the superb and quality rhymes of the living legend Phonte Coleman , which collaborated on Shaq Carried Kobe!

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SOIA - SWITCH SWITCH (PRODUCED BY MOO LATTE)

When it comes to deliver serious experimental urban and mellow vibrations , Viennese super-talented singer Soia has much to offer to the listeners!

Soia popped up under scratchtheblock.com radar in 2013 with one of the most exciting projects of the last decade , Mood Swings entirely produced by her longstanding partner-in-crime Mez ( a real dope genius!!).

Two years ago , Soia and Mez leapt back with another impressive body of work entitled H.I.O.P (that includes the superlative Porcupine’s Agenda featuring veteran rapper Raashan Ahmad) released under the banner of Philly label Record Breakin . 

We’re constantly following her musical path with great interest and it’s a pleasure for us to invite our fans to listen closely her brand new single entitled Switch Switch.

This time Soia worked along side an interesting rising beatmaker/producer that comes straight from the cold Copenaghen: Moo Latte.

Moo Latte is a talented young musician/beatmaker whose sound clearly flirts with Jay Dee soulful beats and jazzy vibrations.

Moo cooked a supa-fucking-hot backdrop imbued with hypnotic rhythms that perfectly fit Soia intriguing vocal skills.

Make sure y’all to peep out the official video!

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ALLYSHA JOY - SELFISH

Music is an incredible art form , you can call it hip-hop, jazz,neo-soul,future-soul,r&b but the real common thread is definitely the impact on all of us! 

We’re talking about emotions!

In some cases , artists are able to produce a kind of music that breaks the conventional boundaries of genres , putting their craft to a new level ,  a new dimension !

So performers such as Robert Glasper, Butcher Brown,Ezra Collective,Yussef Kamaal, Hiatus Kaiyote,Moonchild,Terrace Martin are contributing to push a groundbreaking sound that provide strong emotions!

In that exciting and creative scenario , you can stumble upon other interesting artists such as 30/70 Collective.  The australian ensamble impressed us with a sound that encompasses elements of jazz, dilla-esque hip-hop nuances and soul harmonies as you can realise listening to their recent album called Elevate. 

Well, Allysha Joy is a member of 30/70 band and in  just a short space of time she became one of the most exciting and interesting voices of the international music scene. 

Allysha Joy distinctive husky vocal tones are able to set a kind of acoustic intimacy that takes the listener to the clouds above and through her music she expresses a world made of emotional intensity.

Today we celebrate Allysha Joy artistry recommending her recent superb piece called Selfish , included on Compilation For Dominica released via U.K label Rhythm Section