Hip Hop and R&B...

... is starting to take back its place on my playlist. Here are some of the things I've been listening to recently...

K'naan - Take a Minute / Fatima / Waving Flag live at NPR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE-YaL0Y3bo

K'naan and k-os are so fresh, those Canadians are bringin it.

Corinne Bailey Rae – I’d Do it All Again

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZfp7Txyk_Y

Can't wait for the new album, The Sea to come out. The first album is still one of my favorites of the decade.

DJ Krush feat Blackthought - Zen Approach

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol9oP08X-y8

Another international collaboration... sensational. I need to listen to more of each artist.

Speech Debelle – Spinnin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58Bd8d8DSDo

A newcomer from across the Atlantic who's falling in and out of the scene but fresh nonetheless.

Substantial - Resurrection of the House Party

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zIcEbFfUzc

Saw this guy at Harper's Ferry last year in Allston MA. Good times.