It is with great excitement that we announce that we'll be continuing our relationship with one of NYC's godfather DJs, Danny Krivit. A Mr. K edit is a special thing, a piece of art. I still hear tracks from the first Mr. K Edits edition popping up in DJ sets in the city on a practically monthly basis. The man just has the magic touch. And with tracks from The Jackson 5, Patrice Rushen, Fatback Band, Chairmen of the Board & others getting the treatment, you know these are going to have some staying power. Look for Edits By Mr. K Vol. 2 everywhere on September 14th, and if you're in NYC, come party with us at the legendary 718 Sessions at Santo's Party House on September 12th.

Strut conclude their essential three-part excursion into the archives of South African music... Volume 3 is a long overdue retrospective of the rich jazz scene happening in South Africa! The album features many of the recognized South African jazz greats like saxophonist Dudu Pukwana and drummer Early Mabuza, the potent soul jazz grooves of The Heshoo Beshoo Group and The Drive and some of the many artists creating unique fusions like Philip Tabane's Malombo mixing African drums and hand percussion with guitar, vocal and flute. This is important music, a defiant statement in the face of unimaginable cultural repression.

Considering Walter Gibbons' influence on disco, hip-hop, turntablism, the art of the remix, and dance music as a whole, it's surprising that he remains relatively unheralded. He was among the first to make his own reel to reel edits of tracks, extending breaks and restructuring tracks specifically for the dancefloor. As a direct result, he was the first DJ to be granted access to multi-track tapes as Ken Cayre’s Salsoul Records brought him in to re-work Double Exposure’s "Ten Percent" in ‘76, a mix that would set the blueprint for disco, the 12” format and all future dance music mixes. We're extremely excited to offer the first multi-label retrospective of his work, including a couple of really exciting unreleased bit & bobs. Specifically, Jungle Music contains a previously un-heard mix of Dinosaur L's classic "Go Bang." Exciting stuff! The full compilation will be out July 20th on double CD and digital download. We can't wait!

On Volume 1 of Next Stop... Soweto, we focused on traditional South African music. The second volume treads into the fusion of these sounds with western funk, soul, psych & more. Below, find a track from the powerhouse group Mahotella Queens (whose sublime "Zway Kumusha" is one of the highlights of Volume 1), who according to the album's liner notes, were pressured into a more contemporary direction by their label. Not ones to bend over easily though, the track (the title of which translates to "Come On, Hippies") calls out South African youth for leaving behind the values of their parents. What's more timeless than letting the young whippersnappers have a piece of your mind? And over a track like this, we certainly can't complain. Volume 2 of Next Stop... Soweto is out May 11th.

The Mahotella Queens- Wozani Mahipi by Strut

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The title of Mulatu Astatke's album Mulatu Steps Ahead isn't just a nod to his jazz roots, it's also an acknowledgment of the fact that his music has been slowly evolving since the late 60's and early 70's output for which he remains most known. A collaboration with musicians of varying ages and nationalities, his first solo album in over 20 years refines his singular musical vision and builds upon the foundation he has laid in his storied career. In this video, Astatke explains the intent and process involved in different tracks on the album. Mulatu Steps Ahead is out now!

Much of the current availability of mind bending and obscure African music from the 60's and 70's can be traced back to Duncan Brooker's long out of print 2001 compilation, which we're happy to say that we're re-issuing this month. What's more, we're extra excited to offer this bonus track which didn't make the album. The Latapaza Band's "Odi-You" is a heavenly slice of African funk which opens with a crisp drum and conga break. Grab the track HERE and make sure to pick up Afro Rock Volume 1 when it drops next week.