JayeL Audio

26/07/2024

My WEEKENDER 30 Spotify playlists started as a challenge to myself to make a new playlist every 7 days. A fun proposal to relive my old blog era days when I’d make multiple posts per day, a new playlist every weekend, and concert or album reviews as often as a one-man show could churn. Weekly playlists are still a goal I’d like to hit soon, but as they say, not in “this season of life.”
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In the meantime, I’ve got 30 songs that when played in a specific order hit for me (at least they did late Thursday). It could be considered late, since the last update to the WEEKENDER 30 was awhile ago. It could also be considered right on time, if you’re new here or just wanted to press ‘play’ on something that you didn’t have to search for.
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This batch of 30 jams may start in a hazy fashion with laid back flows from the likes of Asher Roth (yes, really), ENNY, and Thundercat, but soon picks up the pace with the sounds of Toro y Moi, Sabada 5 + Yurika Hanashima, and Gilligan Moss. From there, there’s some blog-era remixes via Soulwax (they don’t miss), Discodeine, and Phones Disco. There’s also a section that includes my fav Childish Gambino jam of the moment, a French Touch-ish tune from salute + Sam Gellaitry, and my top moment from Daft Punk’s “Alive 2007” because it’s my go-to YouTube watch of the moment (watch it an you shall understand). Lastly, there’s a random assortment of house tracks (past and present) that I can’t get enough of from Ferreck Dawn + Todd Terry, Darius Syrossian, Qubiko (name that sample tho), and Cricci Castelli. Oh, and Ann Lee’s “2 Times” because I forgot this slapper from 1998 even existed.
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Let’s consider this week’s 30 song challenge a success, enjoy and see when the next edition arrives. ✌️
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Spotify 🔗 : https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4aPLzIUzNO5sWtpiaCg699?si=5j9-uzbjSTmfnHi3TXiG5g&pi=u-5VsjMwyJTCWj

14/05/2024

Believe it or not, Memorial Day weekend is basically here. That also means the respected worldwide Movement Electronic Music Festival takes over Hart Plaza with a full slate of techno, house and hip-hop acts. Unbelievably, I have never been to the actual festival for a variety of reasons, but I have enjoyed the glory of after parties.
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I couldn’t pass up this year’s edition though with the likes of Jayda G, Dom Dolla, Floorplan, Carl Craig, Loco Dice, Channel Tres, LP Giobbi, and so many more gracing the Hart Plaza stages on day 1 aka Saturday. As I do with any fest, the preparation is key and I cooked up a playlist that covers the best of what these DJ’s and producers have on Spotify. A DJ mix would be more appropriate, but maybe next year 😉
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Movement 2024: Saturday Selects - Volume One. Featuring Jayda G, Dom Dolla, DJ Holographic, Rimarkable, Loco Dice, LP Giobbi, Waajeed, DJ 3000, and more.
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11bF6vnKE2mOIwrZd3wyTk?si=-TKqAchqSZy6gyZ-pyJk_Q&pi=u-ofbLtfFSTdSR

Are you going to Movement this year? Who’s your must-see act? What’s your after or day part of choice?

20/04/2023

If there ever was a day to release a playlist of gems from Curren$y () the New Orleans emcee and ambassador, then 4/20 seemed most appropriate. I’m probably an outlier among fans of the rap legend (also know as “Spitta Andretti”) that wouldn’t qualify as a stoner or appreciator of cars. However, you don’t have to light one or shine the custom rims on a candy-painted 1990 IROC Z to step into Curren$y’s world. What draws me to the rap vet’s music is his cool, confident rhymes over soul samples and brass soundscapes that paint a lifestyle that has no other option than success.
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I’ve written about Curren$y’s breakneck output in the past, and it’s almost impossible for casual fans to keep with his releases. This collection isn’t meant to be a “greatest hits” compilation, but generally my favorites from Spitta (of those available on streaming services). Whether Curren$y is detailing entrepreneurial moves, promoting his Jet Life team, or itemizing his garage, his narratives are delivered in such a matter of fact manner that the tales have to be true. Curren$y isn’t the only hip-hop act crafting epic and cohesive projects with single producers, but he does so with considerable consistency. Harry Fraud and The Alchemist have helmed some my favorite Curren$y musical efforts, but DJ Fresh, Ski Beatz, Fuse and Statik Selectah have been memorable as well.
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I don’t imagine Spitta envisioned a 40+ year old dad of 2 would be rolling around metro Detroit in a minivan to his sticky rhymes, but that’s my reality. If you know how Curren$y kicks off most tracks, the you’ll recognize the mixtape title. I included the alternate album art because I liked them both. Enjoy.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/77EXNa9OcXmfSFixUt2giF?si=2Vdk_L47SymYuWb1FOChTA&dd=1
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If you’ve got a favorite Curren$y track, name it in the comments 💨🎤
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#420
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Images via pixabay (Rickcheadle & olivermonschau).

19/01/2023

Newsletter 11.0 is primarily a look back at what the fantastic music year that was 2022. It is also a look forward at how 2023 is off to a stellar start with new jams.
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Newsletter 11, plus 4 Spotify playlists for you to follow all year long are at the links below 👇

📰 Newsletter 11: https://mailchi.mp/d6da4d91009b/jayel-audios-2022-wrap-up-6020987
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📻 JAYELAUDIO FM (indie rock, pop, and everything else) feat. Barrie, Little Simz, M83, The Hold Steady, Andy Shauf, and more:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7FX8WWWVZagMS2suaQ97Vw?si=OMqwckMbRJ2jy31B0p8X1w
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🪩 NITE TIMBRE (house, disco, dance) feat. late 2022 Mark Broom/Riva Starr gems, a Todd Terry remix, new Darius Syrossian, Laurence Guy, and more:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2otgTnMp9PVC6PNeUWQKUW?si=2q9S8Yh2T42tGu_wLCnZHw
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🎤 NARK TAPE (hip-hop, rap, beats) feat. Black Thought + El Michel Affairs, Boldy James, Babyface Ray, RUSS, Lil Durk, Future, and more:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/65MzVg7E8zLkWqOJaZOzbs?si=1dbHmtVJSkiy22z4RQ_A7w
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👝THE WEEKENDER 30 (rotating whatever) feat. Beastie Boys, the Beatles, Lucious Jackson, Lee “Scratch” Perry, The Meters, Jungle Brothers, Dilla, Claptone, Junior Jack & more. This weekend’s edition reflects me finishing the Beatles’ “Get Back” music doc series, and being consumed by the Beastie Boys 2018 aptly titled Beastie Boys Book. The majority of the playlist features acts and songs referenced in the book, as well as samples used by Mike D, Ad-Rock, and MCA over their career. I also included two Beatles tracks from the series, some other hip-hop that fit the mood, and a bit of dance music I’ve been enjoying lately.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4aPLzIUzNO5sWtpiaCg699?si=86jm58EXSRO1zdhRMCOk0w

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🤔 Which playlist will you follow along with this year?

13/01/2023

Newsletter 11.0 is here! Only 2 weeks late, but who’s counting? 🧐 You knew I wouldn’t miss the chance to put a bow on all of the music I loved in 2022, right? 🎁

Newsletter #11, three Spotify playlists, and a whole lot of fun👇: https://mailchi.mp/d6da4d91009b/jayel-audios-2022-wrap-up-6020987

🏆 Top 122 Tracks feat. Kevin Morby, Wet Leg, Big Thief, The Weeknd, Plains, Bartees Strange, Curren$y + The Alchemist, Stella Donnelly, Sudan Archives, Nicholas Craven + Boldy James, JID, and more: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4MgIJIS5ARNEWUmGv9BGDC?si=PD6k0YztShG1yST8RWEUVw

🎧 Top 22 Albums of 2022 feat. Beyoncé, Wet Leg, The Smile, Whitney, Pusha T, Nilüfer Yanya, Sudan Archives, Vince Staples, Julia Jacklin, and more: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6kNcgZhEv9CovWDp9mL8Hi?si=pfu_AFHIQNyhV6OxtnfKWQ

🪩 Top 122 Dance Tracks of 2022 feat. Jamie Jones, Braxe + Falcon, Elizabeth Rose, ATrak, Pat Lok, Ferreck Dawn, Low Steppa, The Magician, DJ Koze, Swedish House Mafia, Todd Edwards, Matt Guy, and more: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3FHU47nNWU3UWvu3Y5bzfy?si=QeuZlMfpS_-HaMJOY620mg
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(part 1 of 2)

02/07/2022

4th of July/summer music season is here and I’ve got 4 dreamboat playlists to soundtrack all of your fun in the sun! Check out Newsletter #10 and 4 Spotify playlist links below.
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https://mailchi.mp/610d2b78a53b/jayel-audios-april-2021-mixtapes-the-weekender-30-archive-more-5863523?e=576694bd71
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🌞SUN RAYS (folk/indie pop/surf rock) feat. Sure Sure, Kate Bollinger, Wilco, Empress Of, Steve Lacy, Extra Arms, Sylvan Esso, & more: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZZaRBLb8UirAAzkDhf9ac?si=R0EugW4uRGSdUpRC6P9cVw
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🌅 SUNSET HAZE (funk/afrobeat/psych-pop/reggae/tropicalia) feat. Pachyman, Chronixx, Jitwam, Los Bitchos, Bacao Rhythm and Steel Band, and more: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/283F6jmYQ1Udp6Ed5mHK3s?si=hHQHYR8gR8aMBmKlbl06WA
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⚓️DAY MOVES (disco/house) feat. Beyoncé, Braxe + Falcon, Purple Disco Machine, Pat Lok, Riva Starr, Jamie Jones, Jamie xx, and more: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6XBKaMHhXc5bSDdUxJFVpg?si=u116xUQ7TTWE2RhdBSbdpg
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🌜NITE MOVES (disco/house/tech house) feat. KAYTRANADA, J. Worra, Low Steppa, Jean Tonique, Swedish House Mafia, Drake, and more: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0rwCLZlaU8TgDFiw13SZtC?si=ygmgwn-cQEykNQ0HnYuhxA
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Look out for DJ mixes of these playlists on Mixcloud soon!
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29/04/2022

It’s been a minute since THE WEEKENDER 30 was updated. In fact, long enough time that all of these things happened that are relevant to my life:
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🎤 Dr. Dre orchestrated one of the best halftime shows of all time.
👼Our family had our second child, Margo!
🐕 Snoop bought Death Row Records and removed tracks from Spotify.
👎🏽Warner Bros added and then deleted any Funkadelic records from the WB era from Spotify.
⚾️Miguel Cabrera surpassed 3,000 hits.
🎸Our son, Andre, now can name David Bowie, Slash, and Tina Turner on sight. Thanks to the Story of Rock book 🤘🏽
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Throughout that time I’ve been inhaling new music, including some particularly great projects from Wet Leg, Pusha T, Kurt Vile, Finn, and Girl Talk/Wiz Khalifa/Big KRIT/Smoke DZA. Kaytranada released a basically perfect remix of The Weeknd’s “Out of Time”, and also had time to cook up a jam for IDK.
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Hear all of that on this edition of THE WEEKENDER 30 (link below), plus new tracks from old favorites like Braxe and Falcon, Nick Speed & RO Spit, Hot Chip, and Bosq/Pat Kalla. Oh and if you enjoy dance music, The Magician, Pat Lok, Jamie xx, and J. Worra dropped new joints, while older cuts from Sopp, Lxury, and LF SYSTEM are worthy of a revisit. Cheers!
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https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4aPLzIUzNO5sWtpiaCg699?si=_ilfCjjKQ_m7NRM7QgcLlg

08/03/2022

Hey you.
Yes, you.
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Remember that time you thought it was too much work to find new music in 2022, and you just ran back that Dua Lipa album again? (Future Nostalgia is still a fantastic album, btw).
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I just made your life a whole lot easier.
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I added heaps of new great tunes to my regularly updated Spotify playlists.
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New additions include:
📻2022 JAYELAUDIO FM: Charley Crockett, Band of Horses, Nilüfer Yanya, + Mdou Moctar.
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🎤2022 NARK TAPE: Pusha T, Conway the Machine w/JID & Ludacris, Big K.R.I.T., EARTHGANG & Future, + Duckwrth.
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💃🏻2022 NITE TIMBRE: Kareem Ali, Sonny Fodera & Biscits, Claptone, LF SYSTEM + Westend.
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Hit the link in below and you’ll find at least 3 fresh playlists to enjoy.

https://linktr.ee/jayelaudio
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You’re welcome 😎
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11/02/2022

As you probably already guessed if you know me (or know any ‘90s hip-hop fan really), I am irrationally hype for the Super Bowl halftime show. I typically am psyched for the halftime show (Prince’s edition is still my favorite ever), but a Dr. Dre centered show with Snoop, Kendrick, Mary J, and Eminem in tow is very much targeted directly at me. How thoughtful of Jay-Z 🙂

This WEEKENDER 30 (link below) definitely had to match the star power of the halftime show, so this playlist is generally organized with:
*Classic samples utilized by Dr. Dre (and associated acts)
*Overall favorites from the acts performing
*Dr. Dre produced songs that have stayed favorites over the years
*Plus more recent tracks by each of the 6 artists.

I’m obviously excited about each of those artists, but I’ve actually had more fun guessing what other Dre-related performers may pop up at the show (in-person or holographic form). I haven’t seen any betting odds for guests, so here are some fake odds for you. Place your fake bets, including fake same game parlays, in the comments:

Super Bowl Halftime Prop Bets:
Category-Surprise guests:
* -500: 50 Cent, Anderson .Paak (with drums and vocals)
* -400: Ice Cube, Anderson .Paak (with just vocals)
* -300: Busta Rhymes
* -200: Gwen Stefani, Skylar Grey
* -150: The Game, Eve, Schoolboy Q
* -100: Jay-Z, Pharrell
* Even: Baby Keem, Hologram Nate Dogg
* +100: Hologram 2Pac, Wiz Khalifa, Bruno Mars
* +200: Xzibit, DJ Quik, Warren G, Kurupt, WC, Hologram Eazy E
* +300: George Clinton, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Daz, Charlie Wilson, Hologram Nipsey Hussle
* +400: Bootsy Collins
* +2,001: Any Dre-affiliated act that either didn’t pan out or essentially disappeared like Hittman, Stat Quo, Obie Trice, Knoc-Turnal, Truth Hurts, Rakim, RBX, The D.O.C.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4aPLzIUzNO5sWtpiaCg699?si=n0OvNj6pT1-84suJUSDGtg

04/02/2022

Newsletter #8 is jam-packed (seriously, its full and there are jams) with 2022 playlists, a new WEEKENDER 30, admiration for Curren$y's 2021 hustle, and a belated 2021 Wrap-Up. Check it all out below:

Newsletter #8: https://mailchi.mp/55e94317a2ee/jayel-audios-2022-playlists-a-belated-2021-wrap-up?e=576694bd71

Spotify Playlists: https://linktr.ee/jayelaudio

28/01/2022

If you’re in Ferndale, catch me on the Ferndale Radio 100.7 FM airwaves with Dan and Rob!

Playlist · 30 Songs

19/01/2022

Special thanks to Private Stock Records (& DJ Zimmie) for hooking me up with an excellent goodie basket from Dark Matter Coffee! The Stream For Dreams album - Vol. 1 is🔥 and these prizes are fresh AF!

Pick up Stream for Dreams - The Album - Vol. 1 on Bandcamp: https://privatestockrecords.bandcamp.com/album/streams-for-dreams-the-album-vol-1

03/09/2021

In case you needed a new playlist to soundtrack your weekend, might I suggest the freshly crafted Lake Dogs 2.0? A beach ready batch of afrobeat, soul, hip hop, dance music, and more. Feat. Claptone, Pachyman, Ian Pooley, Aaliyah, Topaz Jones, Duck Sauce, and more. Now available via Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6grEBkZTToAbwd0IAXeAhJ?si=jPFLLldiS5Wpq1xQNYD8dw&dl_branch=1

Cheers to , , , and for influencing portions of the playlist.

……you might be asking “what about the original “Lake Dogs”? Probably not though. It’s not quite as varied as 2.0, but it does feature KYLE, Wyclef, FSQ, Roosevelt, and others that can extend your waterfront fun via Spotify as well: https://open.spotify.com/user/jayelaudio/playlist/3GMyGWyh4ecCDOLgQOPH7C?si=91By5PAFQguvUaVEDwPGEg&dl_branch=1

27/07/2021

Yes, I'm fully aware that the 4th of July was roughly a month ago. However, I was finally able to transform my DAY MOVES playlist into a proper DJ mix. Technically, I recorded the mix on July 5th...but didn't properly record it (aka user error, lol), so I gave it another shot Sunday night.

In any case, I think mix packs many of my recent beach-ready favorites in house, disco, and other danceable genres into a nice one hour and 20 minute set. The set features familiar names like , , .official, , Louie Vega, Alex Preston, Dam Swindle, MK, Superlover, and more. It was also inspired by recent sets by Claptone, The Magician, The Knocks, and . Enjoy it (all summer long)!

Check out the below 🌞🌊💃🏻

https://www.mixcloud.com/jayelaudio/jayel-audio-presents4th-of-july-2021-day-moves-dj-mix/

03/07/2021

Happy 4th of July weekend (and Canada Day weekend for those over the border)! As is customary this time of year, I’ve got 4 (!) mixtapes ready for you days, nights, and however you chose to keep time in the summer.

https://mailchi.mp/59c48fcaba12/jayel-audios-april-2021-mixtapes-the-weekender-30-archive-more-5556741?e=576694bd71

🌞 SUN RAYS is for those whose summer soundtrack has warmth from folk, indie pop, surf rock, and hazy pop. Feat. Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Topaz Jones, Jade Bird, Lord Huron, Jungle, Aquilo.

🌅 SUNSET HAZE has evolved over time (and likely will continue to do so), but mostly features beach-ready afrobeat, highlife, funk, reggae, and other tropical heaters. Feat. Pat Kalla, Common, Quantic, Khruangbhin, Fela Kuti, Bosq.

🚤 DAY MOVES would be great place to start for sunny house and nu-disco to kick off your day party. Feat. Alex Preston, Purple Disco Machine, The Knocks, Pat Lok, Jean Tonique, MK, Mozambo.

🌝 NITE MOVES picks up right around the glow of your respective sunset and could easily carry you through the hue of city, beach, or neon light stars. Feat. Jayda G, Coast 80, Jaden Thompson, Mat.Joe, Superlover, Brokenears, Soul Clap.

Enjoy and let me know which mix you play most this weekend. Cheers!

18/06/2021

The great S. Carter once said, "I drop heat, when you bring the sun up", and that is exactly what I'm back to do. After a few weeks of tanktops, travels, a few epic MI sunsets, its time for a summer-tinged edition of the WEEKENDER 30. Here's what's in our collective rotation this weekend:

Now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4aPLzIUzNO5sWtpiaCg699?si=qVLhW824Q76Gvtqsmmp_sQ&dl_branch=1

🔥 The set kicks off with some hip-hop joints that always make me think of summer from the original king of summer jams, Jay-Z, Ludacris + DTP, Nappy Roots, and AZ. I thought it was only fair to showcase some NYC and Southern warm-weather heaters since I included so many West Coast rap jams on previous editions.

😎 Next up are a few funk, soul, and disco legends that either were summer smashes in their own right, or were sampled for hip-hop summer classics. You'll certainly recognize these Isley Brothers, Roy Ayers, The Traamps, and Jackson Sisters' efforts.

🌞Summer is still the vibe for the next section, but get ready for a sun and disco-influenced batch of hazy tracks from DJ Seinfeld and Final DJ's, plus Hercules & Love Affair, Flight Facilities, Lifelike, and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs.

💃🏻The summer nostalgia tour only gets more disco-ready with classic anthems from Spiller & Sophie Ellis Baxter, Madison Avenue, Mylo, and Armand Van Helden.

☀️ Newer house and disco gems round out the set from Aeroplane, Digitalism, Mozambo, and Brokenears, which you may hear on some future DJ sets (that's right).

Enjoy and Happy Weekend(er).

21/05/2021

NEW WEEKENDER 30 for, ya know, the weekend. Fueled by some JayeL Audio cold brew and Michigan sunshine. Featuring Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, Raphael Saadiq, Flight Facilities and Channel Tres, Preston, Claptone, Prince, and more.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4aPLzIUzNO5sWtpiaCg699?si=XBqR1Ui5Q2aAZa_8EWX9ZA

This edition is inspired some recent birthdays by legend (Stevie, Janet), a potent batch of coffee-related tunes, pianos, and disco/house/funk music for your Saturday backyard dance party. Some of the dance cuts were heavily influenced by DJ sets by Claptone, Honey Dijon, Jayda G, plus a few tracks I included on my Saturday’s in the House series from a year ago.

🎂 Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson

🎸 James Brown, Isley Brothers, Sister Sledge, Univeraal Togetherness Band

🎹 Prince, Joe Cocker, Weiss + Purple Disco Machine

☕️ Crackazat, Dam Swindle + Jitwam

💃🏻 Pat Lok + Party Pupils, Alex Preston, Riton, Claptone, Soul Reductions, Pool Attendant, Louie Vega, The Magician

21/05/2021

Remember that time in 2020 when I was live on Ferndale Radio 100.7 FM a few times? I’m pretty sure you said “hey, I’m not in the area so I can’t listen. I wish the station was streaming.“ Well, folks here is your chance to help Ferndale Radio broadcast outside of our magical town.

The station’s crowdfunding is just over halfway to the overall goal of $12K, which would help pay for the first 2 years of streaming. Help if you can and donate at ferndaleradio.com/stream.

16/05/2021

Happy Birthday to Janet Jackson! Whether it be music industry altering sounds (with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis), underrated b-sides and dance remixes, or innovative music videos, her legend continues and is worth celebrating.

If you need a refresher of Janet’s hits or want to hear some underrated entries in Ms. Jackson’s catalog, check out my A3: Janet playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5by7qUKeh6bLjtKAY7LK6e?si=bYn157L5TjCLUAUAhQqxsg

Also, happy 1 year anniversary to Questlove epic Janet DJ set during quarantine. There were so many forgotten gems in that set that I downloaded or bought on vinyl after that set! Speaking of which, Questlove- when can we get that track list? 👀

08/05/2021

New WEEKENDER 30 feat. L’Rain, Harari, Digable Planets, CZARFACE + MF DOOM, Bosq + Body Music, Pat Lok & more.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4aPLzIUzNO5sWtpiaCg699?si=jHEdRNZAQuukYHFOwsonXg

I didn’t think I’d have time to update THE WEEKENDER 30 this week, but I caught some extra motivation Thursday night. This edition certainly includes familiar favorites (The Roots, Jay-Z, Amine Edge, Curren$y) and sounds that are part of the usual recipe (a touch of afrobeat, funk, golden era hip-hop, house, and disco). However, the set kicks off with some recent indie/hazy pop favorites from quickly quickly, L’Rain, Gilligan Moss, and yes, Paul McCartney + Khruangbhin.

From there a reissue of Harari’s “Thiba Kamoo” (thanks for the tip ) leads down a funk sampling of classic hip-hop samples with Mandrill, Shuggie Otus, and Graham Central Station. Then jazz and soul influenced hip-hop with Digable Planet, Biggie, Jay-Z, Redman, and new CZARFACE + MF DOOM (!).

This weekend’s collection is rounded out with some house and disco from Dam Swindle, Tilman, Moodyman, and more. Pat Lok makes another appearance with an intoxicating remix of Riva Star. I haven’t been keeping track, but I’m pretty sure Pat Lok has been on most of my WEEKENDER playlists. Probably because nearly all of his music is ready-made for the weekend.

Cheers and happy weekend.

30/04/2021

THE WEEKENDER 30 is back! Let’s break it down: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4aPLzIUzNO5sWtpiaCg699?si=1W6kjEa_SMOYzfs4FF4Oqg

Discovering forgotten or missed treasures after the passing of music legends has happened too often over the past year. The death of Shock G (RIP) was a tremendous bummer, but it did lead me to a deep dive of his Parliament/Funkadelic influenced production work. His remix of Prince’s “Love Sign” was the most surprising and addictive of my finds.

Shock G (RIP) -> Funk gems from Sly and the Family Stone, P-Funk All Stars, Roy Ayers, and Oddissee->

M**hod Man & Redman’s Verzuz -> Redman’s “So Ruff” and the timeless Roger sample -> a bunch of west coast sounds, including Battlecat productions feat. Kurupt, Tuxedo, and Bad A*z, plus a DJ Quik underrated track ->

M**h’s “Dangerous Ground” made me think of some other looped soul sample anthems from Inspectah Deck, Jeru Damaja, and Charles Hamilton -> A couple of soul classics from Mary Jane Girls and Odyssey ->

DJ/producer Honey Dijon’s 2018 Boiler Room set at Honey Mountain has been one of my YouTube favorites of late -> HD kicks that set off Erick Morello & Harry Romero’s “Bang” (along with a killer acappella from Stevie’s “I Wish”) -> That made a batch of recent disco/house from Pat Lok, Mousse T, Jessie Ware, Body Music, and Lxury fit right in.

That’s your WEEKENDER 30 for the next few days. Cheers!

25/04/2021

Two mixtapes for the price of one free newsletter.

https://mailchi.mp/2a2921135b75/jayel-audios-april-2021-mixtapes-the-weekender-30-archive-more?e=576694bd71

JayeL Audio 4-22-21 feat. Big Red Machine, Goth Babe, Orgone, True Loves, Jade Bird, and more:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5nehYc37ayLV4ykEy5FSEm?si=kDrtdNI_Ql-uJ_8IQQSl0w

JayeL Audio 4-23-21 feat. Lord Huron, TOLEDO, Sleaford Mods, Duck Sauce, Moontype, and more:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4A85rHR0W3oHoLdghsIPZL?si=4ejUSdhvTuCfNcg498ETyg

16/04/2021

New WEEKENDER 30, who dis?

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4aPLzIUzNO5sWtpiaCg699?si=ey1v_ZePRC2pa8XczAunhg

🎤 People Under the Stairs were criminally underrated and under appreciated, so “Hang Loose” kicks off a brief set of r&b/jazz inspired cuts from Blackalicious, Hi-Tek ft. Common, 2Pac, and Groove Armada.

🌊 Groove Armada’s “Suntoucher” naturally aligned with the waves of sunny, fade-ready tunes, including a Prince Paul remix of The Avalanches (yes), Quantic, UNCLE, and Dan Kye.

💃🏻 Funk,disco, and cow-bell are the loose theme next. A surprise FSQ remix of Kraak & Smaak was a worthy intro into WhoMadeWho’s remix of Munk + James Murphy’s “Kick Out The Chairs”. The cowbell reminded me of Chromeo’s “Hot Mess”, which is a forever jam for me (why isn’t the Duck Sauce remix on Spotify?).

👯 All that dancing made me think of 90’s inspired dance from Deee-lite, + more current but retro-vibin Jayda-G, Mouse, The Vision, Theo Kottis, Another Chemical Love Story, and Dance System.

🎹 Maybe I was just craving happy DMX content, but I stumbled upon a video of X singing a Jackson 5 song with family and friends. The video was a pleasant peek into a lighter moment for DMX, but also introduced me to a song that seemed familiar, but distant. After a solid 90 minute dive on whosampled.com, “This Place Hotel (aka “Heartbreak Hotel)”
has indeed been sampled by New Edition, Mac Dre, and more. It’s also excellent in its own right, so the retro track kicks off this section. Next up, a few origin samples from some of DMX’s most memorable cuts, feat. Johnny Hammond Smith, Pleasure, Heatwave, and B.K. Express.

🐕 Let’s end this WEEKENDER 30 with a few more DMX tracks, shall we? The best Ruff Ryders posse cut, one song from each of the 2nd and 3rd Ruff Ryders compilations (the others after 3 don’t count), plus epic features and a DJ Envy mixtape cut.

Cheers, dogs.

09/04/2021

The amount of posts, playlists, and memories being shared about DMX shows just how much impact his music and style had on the world. Not every song aged that well, but the sound X created with Swizz Beatz and Ruff Ryders, his tenacity on the mic, and confidence made many want to rep the RR. DMX’s features on so many iconic tracks (Money, Cash, Ho’s; 24 Hrs to Live; Money, Power, Respect; It’s Murda) seemed like he was ready to battle any rapper, even on their own song.

Nobody could argue with DMX’s authenticity. The pain in his lyrics and ferocious delivery echoed the shadows of a problematic history and an unimaginable upbringing. I hope his soul is at rest and his family knows the impact X made on hip-hop and beyond.

I only saw DMX live once (2000’s Ruff Ryders/Cash Money tour) and it was clear X’s stage presence was above all others that came to the Palace that night. His bruising rhymes, boundless amount fiery energy, and furious rhymes (and prayer) were unforgettable.

On a lighter note, the radio edit of “Party Up” remains the most comical clean version of a song that I remember. Barks, “wooo’s”, and other sound effects make laugh to this day.

These may not be the critic’s choice for top 30 X songs, but they were the most memorable 30 for me. Two of the best intro tracks (maybe ever), posse cuts, reflective cuts, party anthems, and more. Enjoy this abbreviated tribute to one of the most influential emcees to ever do it. RIP Dark Man X.

THE WEEKENDER 30: DMX Edition: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7jgDGxcj5tHhXGMhgoiZ5l?si=Gnt_c6ilRvKfBh-JyXeCTw

09/04/2021

Truth be told, I thought there’d be a newsletter and mixtape done today. That’s not happening, mostly because I was distracted by all of these tunes. Here we go:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4aPLzIUzNO5sWtpiaCg699?si=Ih51r2MQR36v410nWcC5lg

🎸 My most listened album of the week was definitely Kiwi jr.’s “Cooler Returns”. My week was punctuated by the title track and so should yours. Those guitar licks also made appearances by Tapes ‘n Tapes and Spoon more than appropriate.

🔥Next, this has been an unseasonably warm MI weather week and life has also been fiery, so a few songs about fire from Black Pumas and Fat Joe, and flame worthy bars from Biggie, M**h (aka Johnny Blaze), Red, and Lootpack fit in here. The guitars from the prior songs also made me think of OutKast’s “Chonkyfire”. Ask how many times I’ve said that word this week.

🎷Jazz-inspired hip hop has been a growing part of my listening history and a rewatch of Freddie Gibbs and Madlib’s NPR Tiny Desk concert sent me on another jazz hop bender this week. Features from Hemlock Ernst & Kenny Segal, King Geeodorah (aka MFDOOM) Mr Fantastik, and THERAVADA & Marlo Demore fit in nicely. The Black Keys and RZA’s “The Baddest Man Alive” didn’t seem too far away either.

🌞 Sunny, tropical dance rhythms from Quantic, Andrew Jackman, Guts, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Planningtorock and Lord Echo make the set a bit brighter from there.

💃🏻 The disco influence in those tracks is readily apparent, plus Pip shared an epic record from Odyssey with me this week. Rokk’s “Patience” fit the vibe, and led into some synth-fueled fun from Midnight Juggernauts, Monarchy, Django Django, and Hot Chip.

🕺 More dancing is required with new/old efforts from Floorplan, KDA, Mohawk & the Kid, Sonny Fodera & Mat.Joe, and Phonk D.

Cheers and have a great weekend, peesky weesky’s.