If you’ve been jonesin’ for another elliptical mix, alternating between nu-jazz and hip-hop, the wait is over. This mix kicks off with two African originals: Mulatu Astatke (specifically the Ethiopian giant’s recent collaboration with the UK Heliocentrics) and a cut off Tumi & The Volume’s self-titled album from 2005.
I am embarrassed to say I slept on Tumi & The Volume’s album when it first came out and only caught up with the re-issue this year on iTunes. This track should give you a taste of the album’s vibe- basically a South African version of the Roots, complete with live band as the foundation.
Speaking of The Roots, Questlove’s Philadelphia Experiment is represented on this mix, as well as the newer Harlem Experiment follow-up from the same series (which also includes the superb Detroit Experiment). Finally I have to thank Sandy for introducing me to half of the rap tunes on here– including the far out Senim Silla, his former outfit Binary Star and of course, the always great Masta Ace– one of the most underrated cats in the game. Cut and paste or right-click the link.
Playlist after the fold
O’Pinionated Mix – 2 Bougie 2 Strong #4 “A Bowl of Cherries and Some Ghostmeat”
Playlist for 2 Bougie 2 Strong #4
Mulatu Astatke & The Heliocentrics – An Epic Story
Tumi & The Volume – The Story Behind The Pain
Senim Silla – Brothers Killed Malcolm
Binary Star – I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings Pt. I
Roy Ayers – Can You Dig It?
Binary Star – I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings Pt. II
The Philadelphia Experiment – Just the Two of Us
Masta Ace - Soda & Soap
Tanya Morgan – So Damn Down
Don Li – Part 38
Blue Sky Black Death & Hell Razah – Most Merciful
The Clifford Gilberto Rhythm Combination – Giant Jumps
Thaione Davis – Leaving Babylon
The Harlem Experiment – Rigor Mortis
The Roots (w/Wale & Chrisette Michele) – Rising Up
Nina Simone – Summertime (Live)