In February of last year, we introduced you to "Hood Nation Vol. 1" by Hood Natives, now we bring you "Hood Nation Vol. 2" by Hood Natives member Sqwai Utay aka  Phumalani Sokopo (the other two are DJ Fale and Mr Edge). The album features not less than twelve equally mind-boggling instrumental tracks, taking you on an inspirational truly eclectic journey through South African deep house music you wish would never end... Beyond the shadow of a doubt another first-rate release from the Hood Natives camp that is not to be missed...

When we provided feedback to the label earlier today, all we said was "Quite simply a masterpiece..." Gentle yet infectious percussive rhythms, amazing Spanish spoken word poetry by Rescue Poetix and a masterly orchestration including sublime jazzy keys and lovely guitars are the ingredients of this paramount sun drenched latin/jazz infused production by Justin Imperiale entitled "Whispers in the wind". D'oke, Vialocal and Oscar P are the chosen ones to add their magic touch to the song, making it next to impossible to pick a favorite version (please note that on the Vialocal version the lyrics are in English). As said at the beginning, a masterpiece...

Circle of Funk are pulling out all the stop on their collaboration with Charlene Sams and Lifford Shillingford entitled "Free to fly" which is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. The 'CoF Original Mix' is a phenomenal slice of soulful music having timeless written all over, fusing different genres into something fresh and seminal which is kinda hard to describe, you gotta hear it for yourself... The 'CoF House Mix' is smooth and laidback, with Charlene Sams' wonderful haunting vocals and Lifford Shillingford's cameo dialogue being accompanied by glamorous jazzy keys and gentle rhythms, and last but not least Soulful Session contributes a marvelous classic organic interpretation laced with grandiose xylophone and piano.

Legendary production duo Kevin Hedge and Josh Milan, formerly known as Blaze, can look back at an impressive catalogue of production and remixes, many of which have been released on the legendary KingStreet label. Not only that, Blaze have been involved with the label right from the start - they remixed the very first release ("Beat freak" by Loop Trick featuring Maria) and produced the second and third release ("Changes" by Althea McQueen and "It works for me" by Blaze featuring Sabrynaah Pope) on the label. This breathtaking retrospective collection features not less than thirty handpicked classics from their time with the label, including aforementioned tunes as well as many of other unforgettable originals such as "Seasons of love", "Jump 4 love" and "Shine", and remixes such as "Hold on" by 95 North featuring Sabrynaah Pope, "Love's been right here" by Stephanie Cooke & Kenny Bobien and "Breaking down" by Ananda Project. And of course, songs from their critically acclaimed LIFEbeat benefit compilation "Keep hope Alive" are included as well. Blaze have since gone their separate ways, beyond the shadow of a doubt they are an integral part of the legacy of house music.

Back in September of last year, we were celebrating the phenomenal cover version of Melba Moore's Disco classic "Standing right here" (released in 1977 on the legendary Buddah label) by Austrian DJ/producer Mannix, now this musical gem which features awe-inspiring vocal stylings by Dina Vass returns to the dance floor in a grandiose disco/boogie remix package. First up legendary John Morales (M+M Productions) adds his magic touch, delivering classy a NY Disco inspired re-imagination. Next Timmy Vegas contributes a stellar 80's infused boogie-esque interpretation, and finally Eighteez Ladeez (aka Urbs) completes the package with his contemporary somewhat trashy Nu-Disco re-rub guaranteed to rock the bigger rooms.

DJ Franz and songstress Linda Lee Hopkins bless us with "Take me back", an inspiring tribute to the legendary Paradise Garage resident DJ and pioneer of house music, the one and only Larry Levan. Quite simply this marvelous production takes you on a blissful trip down memory lane as the infectious funked soaked groove, beautiful jazzy saxophone, grand horn section, illustrious keys and Linda Lee Hopkins' captivating vocals bring back memories and good feeling from the golden era of dance music. Not to forget to mention the outstanding remixes by Bibi and Aliwud which take the song to a whole new level. A musical gem by no means to be missed.

Vibe Boutique Records truly grace with a soulful masterpiece having timeless written all over... South African soulful house band Those Boys (Lesley Theko, Sthe Kekana, Linda Mathebula) give the us the marvelous "Blessed", a smooth soul oozing production built around gently thumpin' deep rhythms and glorious keys, not to forget to mention the gorgeous emotive vocals of Linda Mathebula. Beside the outstanding original version, the package comes complete with masterly crafted remixes from Monodeluxe, Antidotes, OddXperienc, Zulu's at Work and Gruv Basement, and it also includes a wonderful broken beat remix by Those Boys themselves. Quite simply it is next to impossible to pick a favorite version as each one is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine...

Only a few weeks to go until this years Winter Music Conference in Miami, and as every year this is the time when the infamous "WMC Sampler" arrive in our mailbox. Among them is this absolutely phenomenal fourteen track package from Gruv Shack Records featuring an eclectic selection of brand new music from an illustrious list of artists such as Deeprebel, Given Keys, Ultra Soul Project, Loxion Deep, Darian Crouse, Breezingsouls, Charlie Deep, DeeperPHIL, Tonalcaptiv, Brian Que-Soul, Joel Vibes, Bhunu Brill & Aux Cable, Juscalava, VeneiGrette, Boskay and House Academiek, with the styles offered ranging from afro over deep and jazzy to soulful. By no means to be missed.