Marvin Gaye, one of the greatest singer/song writers of all time who tragically died a day short of his 45th birthday will always be remembered for his inspiring and heart felt songs. Marvin wrote great songs that are still very relevant today. One of my favorites “What’s Going On” was written in ’71 in protest against the Vietnam War and the injustices encountered in America at the time. It can still be applied to those which still exist today including our ongoing 8 year war in Afghanistan. “Let’s Get It On” written in ’73 and “Sexual Healing” in ’82 are two of the greatest baby making songs of all time and still have that power to entice the lover in us all.

In honor of Marvin’s birthday month of April, DJ Spinna has put together this mixtape composed of great Marvin tracks including some rarities and b-sides that may be unfamiliar to most. There’s also been a rumor of a Marvin Gaye movie in the works entitled “Sexual Healing” with actor Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order) playing Marvin in his post Motown years. Ceria fam will keep ya posted. Happy b-day Marvin!

New deliveries this week from Mighty Healthy & Nooka. 

Xoco from Ray Fresco came thru and came out a winner with this TSOP Hoodie & Kroy Wen fitted. Stay up to date with this band on their website. Ray Fresco is fresh off their SXSW debut and is making a lot of noise for the 805. Support our own.

New collabo pieces from Nooka including UNDRCRWN, Kid Robot & MTV.

Today marks the release of Murs & 9^th Wonder’s third collab project entitled “Fornever”.  Although I can’t say I dig it more than “3:16 The 9^th Edition”, this 10 track album got some dope joints with features from west coast talent Kurupt and Suga Free. The duo is already set to kick off their tour later this month with a stop at Velvet Jones in Santa Barbara on April 25^th.   Here’s one I’m diggin’ featuring Mr. Pimp Pimpin’, Suga Free.

“Let Me Talk” (feat. Suga Free)
Murs and 9th Wonder – Let Me Talk ft Suga Free by Ceria

Stones Throw Records is now accepting pre-orders for the official J Dilla Serato release “Donut Shop”, available May 10. This unique packaging will consist of 2 records with three Dilla joints on one side and the other 2 sides will serve as Serato control records. Also included are 2 donut imaged slip mats. The tracks include 3 previously unreleased Dilla beats along with 3 instrumentals of songs produced for Mos Def, Q-Tip, and Busta Rhymes.  Also, despite Ma’ Dukes’ previous legal battles over her son’s estate, the J Dilla Foundation is up and running once again. Peep the site (www.jdillafoundation.org) for all Dilla related news, projects, and events.

Mark your calendars because April 20th will be the final release for the ill duo from North Carolina.  Although we will most likely hear more from the likes of Phonte and Big Pooh as they continue to focus on their solo efforts, will a final album minus the great 9th Wonder measure up to the chemistry of past projects?  In 2003, LB set the bar high with their debut “The Listening” and followed in stride with “The Minstrel Show” in 2005.  They emerged as relief in an era where most southern hip hop was characterized by crunk TR-808′s and shiny grills, showing that mic skills over ill beats are what spark the soul.  “Leftback” will be another great contribution by the Durham duo with Khrysis handling most of the production duties.  Peep the album sampler…LB rock on!!

Left Back Album Sampler