And If You Don't Know - BadBadNotGood

Lately I've been hearing a lot about this hip-hop influenced jazz group out of Toronto called BadBadNotGood. Hearing their cover of Waka Flocka's "Hard In the Paint" is what really made pay attention to the group, although they initially created an internet buzz from their Odd Future and Tyler the Creator covers. Last year they released BBNG, which features hip/hop covers from artists such as Nas, Slum Village, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and others. What separates this group from similar acts is their ability to merge the original hip/hop vibe of the song with classic jazz perfectly. These guys are crazy talented. Hit the jump below for a link to BBNG, an interview with Respect Mag, and a few of my favorite tracks from them....

Mike Phillips - "A True Story"

Mike Phillips is one of the most dope contemporary jazz saxophonists. I have friends who don't really listen to jazz become a fan. "A True Story (Tabernacle - Atl)", from his debut album You Have Reached Mike Phillips (2002), is one of  my favorite tracks. The song features a "poem that sounds like an erotic encounter between two people, until it turns out to be between a man and his saxophone." Listen to the song below. 

Song of the Day: Caesar Frazier - "Sweet Children"

Today's song comes from the funk jazz organist, Caesar Frazier. I actually first heard this one a while back when I was listening to some Kanye West samples. Ye used this song for Common's "Real People" on his classic 2005 album, Be.