Esperanza Spalding: The Beautiful Bassist

If you don't already know this name, you will soon. Esperanza Spalding (b.1984) is the future of creative, interpretive, modern jazz. Her skills on the bass have been brewed in a diverse mix of culture. Spalding's mother is hispanic, welsh and native american, while her father is black. Spaliding is able to sing in spanish and portuguese, giving a flavor unlike any other. In 2005, after graduating from Berklee School of Music in Boston, Spalding was immediately hired by Berklee, becoming the youngest instructor in the school's history. Spalding was recently recognized by President Barack Obama when he selected her to perform at the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony in Oslo. Give her a listen and it will be tough not to smile.

Spring 2010: Welcome Back Track- D.A.N.C.E. Remix with Mos Def

On behalf of the Broad Street Records WebCrew, welcome back to sunny Hamilton! We have a lot to look forward to this semester, with loads of musical acts in the process of being organized.

Broad Street Records is working on Gatestock, a music festival featuring all Colgate musicians from rock bands to hip-hop crews to acapella groups. The Somali singer/poet/rapper K'naan is currently finalizing plans to come to Colgate for a lecture and concert double-header in April. We will continually update you on Gatestock and Spring Party Weekend acts here at the Broad Street Records Blog...

For now, check out this fresh remixed Justice track. Mos Def and Spank Rock add a hip-hop feel to this party classic. Next time you are craving some Justice at your party, throw on this track and I guarantee that people will enjoy.

Reflection Eternal - "Back Again"

Rapper Talib Kweli and producer Hi-Tek teamed up in 2000 as Reflection Eternal for their collaboration album entitled Train of Thought. If you haven't heard it already, cop it now, because it's excellent. Hi-Tek's beats complement with Talib's intricate and intelligent rhyming style seamlessly and consistently throughout the entire record. Hi-Tek also produced a number of tracks on Talib's classic debut collaboration album with Mos Def entitled Black Star, which you definitely should have heard and enjoyed already. If not, cop that as well.

Anyway, Talib and Hi-Tek have teamed up again for a new Reflection Eternal album due out this year, entitled Revolutions Per Minute. In order for you all to become as excited for this as I am, I am including a link for a FREE download of their new mixtape, entitled The RE:Union, mixed by Statik Selektah, an exceptional DJ whose work you should also check out if you're truly into that raw uncut hip-hop. Also included is that video for the album's first single, entitled "Back Again." If you pay attention, you can see that the entire video was done in one take. You can say that again.

Video:

Talib Kweli + Hi Tek-Reflection Eternal -Back Again-Vid Premiere

Reflection Eternal | MySpace Music Videos

***Get the RE:Union mixtape HERE***

April Smith and the Great Picture Show

Known for their "retro-pop" sound, April Smith and the Great Picture Show successfully incorporates fun, bouncy melodies with April's stunning, soulful voice. Having recently performed at Lollapolooza in Chicago, April and her band have been growing in popularity and have even been featured on rollingstone.com. With a unique funky, ragtime sound, April Smith and the Great Picture Show are making some moves.

Check out this video of the band performing. April's talent is clearly displayed in her powerful voice and skillful guitar strumming. Pay attention to the end of the video, where April rocks the mouth trumpet while simultaneously perpetuating the melody on her guitar.

Up and Coming Hip Hop Group: Strong Arm Steady

Featured consistently on the WRCU weekly show, "Hip Hop Heads," Strong Arm Steady is arguably the most talented new hip hop group today. They are currently signed to Talib Kweli's independent record label, BlackSmith (along with female lyrical genius, Jean Grae).

The westcoast based group is fully utilizing the BlackStar veteran's connections in the hip hop world. Their mixtape, "Clinton Sparks and Talib Kweli Present: Gang Mentality," has led to thousands of fans anxiously awaiting the arrival of their upcoming album, "In Search of Stoney Jackson."

"Sunny C.A." (Gang Mentality Mixtape)

Rising out of the underground westcoast hip hop scene, the group is making a name for themselves on a national platform. Starting out with little to no publicity, the originally 8-person group used Xzibit as a front man in order to get exposure. As the years passed, and members went their separate ways, the group centered on the three current members: Mitchy Slick, Phil Da Agony and Krondon.

Recognizing the each member's talent, Kweli wasted no time signing the group to his label. The three members' flow, delivery and lyrics leave no room for debate. SAS is the next big thing in underground hip hop. Check out the music videos of their two singles, "Can't Let it Go" and "One Step."

"Can't Let it Go" Video (Can't Let it Go- EP)

"One Step" Video ft. Talib Kweli (One Step/The Movement- EP)

2010 Must See Movies

2010 is showing amazing potential in the world of film. These two long-awaited trailers give us a little preview into the new year. Enjoy!

Robin Hood

Featuring Russel Crowe, Universal Pictures, Directed by Ridley Scott

Alice In Wonderland

Featuring Johnny Depp, Walt Disney Studios, Directed by Tim Burton

Jay Electronica - Exhibit A

Check out this single from Jay Electronica, produced by Just Blaze. Jay has been collaborating with the likes of Talib Kweli and Mos Def. This is Exhibit A, the first of three (Exhibit C was just recently released). You might not guess it from his style but he's a New Orleans rapper. Needless to say the bar has been raised.