I was also able to include some independent artists that I have the pleasure of knowing:

The Cross Country Collective is a group made up of Fave, Mr. Fresh and Todd Kelley. I know you have heard all three voices in my mixtapes because they are some of the founders of the Music Podcast Consortium.  My big brothers put together a virtual group and released their first EP. I’m so proud of them and I know you will love their track “Give It To Ya”.

It was also through C3 that I got to know and love Philip Clark. Philip Clark was born with Rhythm & Blues in his blood, despite being the only funky white boy of his kind to hail from Wyoming. A natural performer since childhood, he continued to hone his aural talents with a formal degree in music and thereafter in some of the best venues and studios in the Rockies. . In 2001, he released his debut, “The State of Blue-Eyed Soul,” which held Top-10 positions on several radio charts. He now lives in Los Angeles and is currently producing his sophomore effort, “The Dreamchilde Suites.” I included his single “World Turns Around”. It’s such a great track and I’m looking forward to featuring him again soon..

One last special mention goes out to my boy  Kristopher Lamont. A Detroit native, I met Kris at a Michael Jackson Memorial concert held at SOB’s by Soulbounce and Eric Roberson.  “Change” is Kristopher’s first track as an independent artist and was recorded with Maurice “Moe” Whitsett. Presently, work is being put in with Keith “Bubby” Webb on Kristopher’s debut album looking to be released in the winter. His voice is buttery, velvety and quite polished and there is already a buzz about town for this upcoming act from Detroit. “I want to touch people with my voice. I came to bring love to all through my music. Even when I’m singing about things that might not make one smile, it’s to say, – hey, I’ve been through that too and I hope this song gets you through.” I have to say I love this track and it quickly became one of my theme songs!

Below is what Suezette had to say on her site:

“I am blessed beyond measure.

Every single day I thank the Creator for blessing me with the beautiful and talented spirits S/He has placed in my life. One of those spirits is my lovely big sister DJ Diva…your favorite blogger’s favorite DJ.  I met Diva via the matrix over 7+years ago and it’s been love ever since.  Besides being one of the most amazing women I have the pleasure of calling my friend…she’s also an ill DJ and the fairy godmother of podcasting (you better ask about her!!).

It made perfect sense when I was thinking about what I wanted to do to officially announce the return of DearZette that I collaborate with the lovely DJ Diva. This is our THIRD mixtape collaboration and while it’s not as sexy as our other mixtapes…the goodness is all still there. Featuring some of my favorites like Jill Scott, Eric Roberson, Cee-Lo Green, and Bilal…her Monday Mixtape in honor of my return to blogging is sure to leave you feeling good!

New motivation…new site design…new groove….neo-soul.  All about the new new yall!”

Tracklisting:

1. Jill Scott ft. Anthony Hamilton – So In Love

2. Mary Mary – Walking

3. Darien – Just Can’t Wait

4. Zo! – This Could Be The Night ft. Eric Roberson, Darien Brockington & Rapper Big Pooh

5. Anthony David – Let Me In

6. Cross Country Collective – Give It 2 Ya

7. Nicolay & Peter Hadar – Watermelon

8. Big Boi Feat. Janelle Monáe – Be Still

9. Cee Lo Green – I Want You

10. Philip Clark – World Turns Around

11. Kristopher Lamont – Change

12. Jennifer Hudson – Angel

13. Adele – Rolling In The Deep

14. Amy Winehouse – It’s My Party

15. Solange Knowles – I Decided

16. The Foreign Exchange – If This Is Love ft. Yahzarah

17. Eric Roberson – Still (DJ Kemit, Ahmed Sirour Remix)

18. Nicolay – I Love The Way You Love Ft. Darien Brockington

19. Bilal – Something To Hold On To

20. Jazmine Sullivan – L.O.V.E ReMiX

21. The Foreign Exchange – Maybe She’ll Dream Of Me

22. Jesse Boykins III- Amorous

23. Janelle Monae – Say You’ll Go

24. Zo! & Phonte – Return Of The Mack ft Tigallo the Tay God

(Purchase the cd version for $.99 here:

This pays for cutting it up, payloadz and to help me buy new equipment…any help is greatly appreciated)

Look at that…Two mixes in a row. Gotta get it out while it’s in me. I’m starting something new by letting my peeps know when I used their drops (you see how many spots are available right? hit my email). Love yall!!!

August has been hot in NYC. Likewise the R&B being released is just as hot! We have two powerhouses starting off the mix..Hubby said I HAD to make Whitney #1 and the more I listened to her, the more I knew he was on point as usual. That daggon Mary song is so catchy and so Diva!

I still like Chris Brown.

That Wale track is booty shaking worthy and I’m watching Keri come up hard. Harlem as always with Webstar…Ryan and NeYo duke it out…I think Ryan is better though   My party girl Eb the Celeb MADE me like the Young Chris joint and I’m glad I listened! Had to throw in that Mario track…it’s got such an original melody. 2 Songs by Fabolous because he came hard this summer.

For the slowdown grooves we have a new inspiration song from Usher that surprised the heck out of me when I heard his falsetto. We have some songs from Al B Sure, Chico, Babyface and Maxwell that needed to be played on one of my mixes this summer.

It was hard to chose between R. Kelly’s and Whitney’s version of Salute but I’m glad that I chose Whitney. This will be her comeback album (regardless of what she says) and I’m thrilled that R. Kelly wrote this hit for her. He is the King of R&B.

I still like Chris Brown.

I hope you enjoy it…and maybe you’ll donate?

Track Listing

1. Million Dollar Bill – Whitney Houston
2. The One – Mary J. Blige Ft. Drake
3. Not My Fault – Chris Brown Ft Pharell (Favecast)
4. My Sweetie – Wale
5. Getcha Money Up – Keri Hilson Ft. Keyshia Cole & Teyana Taylor
6. Tipsy In Da Club – DJ Webstar (Todd Kelley)
7. Ice Cold – Ryan Leslie (DJ Diva)
8. I Dont Care – Ne-Yo
9. Want To Love You – Young Chris Ft. Raheem DeVaughn
10. Break Up(Remix) – Mario Ft. Gucci Mane & Nicki Minaj (EJ Flavors)
11. Throw It In The Bag – Fabolous Ft.The Dream (BSOTS)
12. I Need A Girl (Remix)- Trey Songz Ft. Fabolous & Teyana Taylor
13. Be – Usher (HarlemLexicon)
14. Badhabits – Maxwell (MrFresh)
15. I Want You – Chico Debarge
16. Top Of Your Lungs! – Al B. Sure (MLFM)
17. Salute – Whitney Houston (Eve)
18. Changed Man – Chris Brown (DJ Diva)
19. Broken Hearted Girl – Babyface
20. Fistfuloftears – Maxwell

For this Monday Mixtape I’m going back to one of my favorite music eras..Classic House Music of the 80′s and early 90′s. Remember the hankerchief in the back pocket? It was part of the outfit but you still needed it to wipe up the sweat! When everyone would take a turn in the circle and work their best moves? I sure do! I miss those days at the Sound Factory, Tunnel and the Clubhouse. This is my first time mixing house so I hope you’ll be gentle in the comments…Every day is a step toward perfection!

Please vote for my man Fave of the Friday Favecast on the Black Weblog Awards!

Here’s my boy Tony giving us a taste of what House Dancing was like:

Track Listing:

1. Follow Me
2. 100% Pure Love – Crystal Waters
3. Girl I’ll House You – Jungle Brothers
4. Beat That Bitch With A Bat – Lil Louis Vega
5. Work This Pussy (Danny Tenaglia Mix) – Sweet Pussy Pauline
6. Deep Inside – Masters at Work
7. Brighter Days (todd terry remix) – Cajmere & Dajae
8. Club Lonely – Lil Louis
9. It’s Not Over – First Choice
10.Devotion – Ten City
11.Good Life (Magic Juan Mix) – Inner City
12. Gotta Have House Music – Frankie Knuckles
13. Work it to the Bone
14. French Kiss – Lil’ Louis
15. I Get Lifted – Frankie Knuckles
16. I’ll be Your Friend – Robert Owens
17. The Whistle Song – Frankie Knuckles
18. I Was Born This Way – Carl Bean
.

In this edition we’re getting provocative with an exclusive interview with Phonte of Little Brother. We talk about the latest LB album, And Justus for All, the release of Zo! and Tigallo Loves the 80s to another international LP from him and Nicolay (and of course, Gordon Gartrell Radio). I encourage you to listen and get to know one of the most talented, funny and humble cats in the game today.

Expect some smoldering hot sounds from every corner of the earth and we journey through soul, hip hop and downright feel good music to get you moving and help you celebrate another fantastic summer weekend!

It’s only gonna get better so keep riding with me

Click here to download or use the player below.

The Playlist

Notorious B.I.G. – Who Shot Ya? (instrumental)
Slum Village – Selfish (instrumental)
Peter Hadar – Ocean Wet
Hill St. Soul – Black Rose
Anthony Hamilton – She Was Just a Friend (feat. Algebra)
Strange Fruit Project – Be Sure (instrumental)
Musiq – Millionaire (instrumental)
Brand New Heavies – Sex God (feat. Phonte)
Little Brother – Good Clothes (instrumental)
Phonte – Nighttime Maneuvers
DJ Deckstream – Creeper
Zo! and Tigallo – Steppin’ Out
Little Brother – I Need You feat. Darien Brockington (instrumental)
Gage – Changer Le Monde
Wayna – Not Gonna Go
Dwele – Love Ultra
De La Soul – Shopping Bags
Common – Universal Mind Control
Strange Fruit Project – Mash (instrumental)

Download Here