SEALED

"Year Of The Funky" is the second album from Bei Bei (荷蓓蓓) & Shawn Lee. After their debut collaborative album "Into The Wind" (Ubiquity Records, 2010), the Chinese guzheng virtuoso / composer and the prolific multi-instrumentalist / producer join forces again on 12 new tracks. "Year Of The Funky" marries a unique blend of ancient tradition with studio trickery. Eschewing all notions of superficial "Asian/Fusion", this uplifting, genre-bending, and sophisticated sound brings together both East & West with musical aplomb. The new album continues as a logical progression from "Into The Wind". It ventures into both new tempos & moods while deftly connecting the past, the future and what lies beyond.

he highly anticipated follow up to Arthur's eponymous debut album from 1972, Encore saw Arthur joining the dots over 35 years to create a modern classic of Brazilian music that, like his debut, combined Brazilian influences with his take on American soul and cinematic experimentation, and shows Arthur's sound is as poignant now as it ever was.

Redefnition Records is proud to release the latest project from one of hip hop’s most multi-talented artists, Insight the Truncator aka Andre Todman. Insight returns to the spotlight after a departure from the industry in recent years. Where was he and what was he up to? Well after a decade and a half in the business, dozens of respected records, countless national and international tours, Insight took a well deserved hiatus to try other endeavors such as app development, electronics and social media strategizing, areas in which he found great success. This shouldn’t surprise longtime fans who may remember in as early as 1997, Insight created his own website, Insight.fm which featured an interactive SP1200 and forums. This was rare during the pre-social media era, long before having a web presence was a part of an artist’s everyday operation. Building a strong reputation for his live performance, his on-stage capabilities included not only rapping, but also producing, DJing, and even live drawing-while-freestyling and interacting with audience members. The triple threat from Boston (MC / DJ / Producer) has dedicated his life to his creativity and his diverse portfolio and resume is a true testament to the kind person Insight is on and off of his recordings. Credited for mentoring and being instrumental in the career beginnings of many of the staples of Boston’s current Hip Hop scene, and beyond, Insight also assisted a young D.C. native known as Damu the Fudgemunk, who later matured into an esteemed solo artist in his own right (and co-owner of Redefnition records). The 2 would frst collaborate on one of the greatest hip hop albums of the 2000’s as Y Society on 2007’s full length, Travel at Your Own Pace. Through this collaboration they formed a brotherhood that today is well into its second decade, bookmarked by this latest release. On Ears Hear Spears, “The Truncator” passionately speaks his mind through rhyme while “The Fudgemunk” handles all production. Throughout 10 outstanding tracks Insight delivers a diverse lyrical exhibition over a then 20-21 year old Damu the Fudgemunk’s beats. There’s an undeniable level of directness and sincerity in his lyrics which are artfully assembled in a manner that will astonish literary buffs, yet permeate the lives of everyday listeners alike. Pick up a copy of the album on vinyl, Cassette Tape or CD now. Vinyl version includes printed lyric sheet. Album also available to stream or download on all digital channels.

Long Beach serial chiller Ahwlee is a beat vet who delivers smooth buttery samples with a nostalgic vibe. 1991 is a cult classic cassette now issued for the first time on vinyl. These tracks are dusty, mellow and easy-going. Don’t mistake mellow for boring, however, because Ahwlee’s production is nuanced and intricate underneath the minimalist overtones. There’s jazzed-up Rhodes all over the place, and the percussion work masterfully includes a ton of negative space in between perfectly chopped breaks. They’ll get your head nodding.