Mr Jukes feat. Charles Bradley: Grant Green

Featuring the sensationally soulful Charles Bradley, Mr Jukes’ “Grant Green” is our pick from his album God First, which officially released today, 14 July. Aptly named after the jazz musician the track samples, the song is spirited and uplifting. Mr Jukes (aka Jack Steadman of Bombay Bicycle Club) is embarking on a European tour in September.

Terrace Martin Presents The Pollyseeds: Mama D/Leimert Park

From the lush record Sounds of Crenshaw Vol. 1, by Terrace Martin’s supergroup The Pollyseeds, comes “Mama D/Leimert Park“—on which Martin (who produced Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly) plays all the instruments, as well as the vocoder-aided vocals. The song is current while feeling a little like a throwback, thanks in part to that hi-hat. With Rose Gold and Chachi, Robert Glasper and Kamasi …

Sweet Blackberry’s Inspiring Animated Short About Bessie Coleman

The triumphant story of the first African-American woman to become a pilot

Rooted in the belief that stories are powerful and able to inspire young people, non-profit organization Sweet Blackberry‘s mission is to shine a light on little-known African-American achievements. Founded by activist Karyn Parsons (perhaps best-known to many as Hilary Banks from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air”), the organization is currently funding their fourth animated short; about the incredible story of Bessie Coleman, the first …