Rich Medina and Bobbito Garcia are princes of the American Hip Hop scene. The Connection is a compilation of some of the smoothest Afro and Latin beats you will find.

Rich Medina – out of Philadelphia - made his name as a forefront spinner. Often referred to as the Renaissance man, this master of vinyl takes pride in throwing down tracks that have barely fled the press. Now days with his producers hat firmly pulled down, he is punching out some of the most affable and sexy tunes in circulation (check out “Afro Soldier” and “Save Room” for an infusion of groovy funk).

Bobbito on the other hand hasn’t limited himself to music. He is a jack of all trades, a nobleman of the street and hip hop world. First hitting the scene when he landed a job co-hosting a Hip Hop show in NYC with DJ Stretch Armstrong, these two pioneers introduced the likes of Busta Ryhmes, Method Man, Biggie Smalls, Wu Tang, Jay Z and many others to the World. He went on to write a book on the history of street shoes (“Where’d You Get Those”) and starred in “Above The Rim” and “Spike Lee : Summer Of Sam”.

These two giants have a long history together including the joint ownership of a record store but The Connection is what they are most proud of.

“I’ve never seen another compilation album that attacks modern releases in Afrobeat and Latin simultaneously.” says Garcia. “Most comps tend to be rooted in the 60s and 70s, which is everybody’s favourite time ‘cause it was such a vibrant era. We wanted to focus on groups that are out there now and making dope shit and then throw in a couple of nuggets from the older era for the collectors.”

“We need to understand what’s going on and keep our nose to the street,” stresses Medina. “Years ago, in the States, DJs were revered for breaking music and I think that's become a lost art. People are afraid of becoming maverick but I think that’s something neither of us have ever lost. We both come to the table guns blazing.”

And thats what this album is all about. The Connection is a showcase of the freshest material out. The two diametrically opposed discs have a beautiful synergy, taking you on a journey through the heart of Afro and Latin sounds. Check out tracks like “Kellen”, “Tribute, “Supersossego” and “Salsa Scratch” to find out where the edge of these genres is headed.

The Connection – Modern Explorations In Afro-Beat and Afro-Latin is pure genius and should be hitting the stores early May.

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Tracklisting

CD1: Rich Medina’s Afro selection
1. AIFF Let It Roll
2. Ruth Tafebe And The Afrorockerz Celebrate
3. Fanga Kelen
4. Franck Biyong & The Afrolectric Orkestra feat. Melissa James We Shall Overcome
5. Raw Artistic Soul feat. Wunmi Oya O
6. Souljazz Orchestra Mugambi
7. Chico Mann Sound Is Everything (Rich Medina Remix)
8. Sir Victor Uwaifo & His Melody Maestroes Ekassa 22 (Dolelezi)
9. Azuka Of Afrika We Don Tire
10. The Daktaris Musicawi Silt
11. Soul Ascendants Tribute
12. Blaze Production present James Toney Jr. Project Revolution Poem

CD2: Bobbito’s Latin selection
1. Rob Swift feat. Bob James & D-Styles Salsa Scratch
2. Grupo X Sunshine
3. Big Bang To The Full Every Minute
4. Setenta Funky Tumbao
5. Louie Vega feat. Blaze & Raul Midon Sunshine (Sacred Rhythm Mix)
6. Reel People feat. Jag Second Guess (Da Lata Remix)
7. The Quantic Soul Orchestra feat. Noelle Scaggs Lead Us To The End
8. Nickodemus feat. Sammy Ayala & The Candela All-stars Con-migo
9. Saravah Soul Supersossego (Instrumental Version)
10. Tequila Someone To Love
11. Totin Rumba Cultura
12. Elenita Ruiz con Conjunto Ya Nada Me Importa