Blackalicious feat. Myron: On Fire Tonight

With their trademark groove-laden brand of hip-hop, Sacramento-based Blackalicious has teamed up with Myron (of soul outfit Myron and E) for “On Fire Tonight.” Its smooth beat is accompanied by a video (directed by James Connelly) that includes graphic, distressing—but important—footage from protests in Ferguson and Baltimore, and police brutality across the United States which is contrasted with imagery of sheer beauty (aka the nude …

Mavis Staples: Action

With decades of soul behind a voice that first reached the radio in 1950, Mavis Staples’ latest single Action—penned by the potent rocker Merrill Garbus of Tune-Yards—manages to be relevant, informed and beautiful. Off her forthcoming album Livin’ on a High Note, which sees the icon collaborating with some of indie music’s top talent, the track aims to inspire bravery but invokes plenty of fun …

Cerrone feat. Tony Allen: 2nd Chance

French disco producer Marc Cerrone tore up the club floors in the ’70s and ’80s with synth-driven, intoxicating dance tracks (like “Supernature”) that held a mysterious freshness and distinguished them from the Eurodance releases of that time. (Cerrone also stuck out thanks to some very erotic album covers.) He’s back, enticing a new generation of partygoers all the while exploring new musical frontiers with Afro, …