Pick Six is a half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view.
Jon Jon Scott of the Electric Fetus and Sound Vérité Records:
1 Madlib, "Sound Ancestors." One of the game's greatest producers collaborates with Four Tet for a globe-spanning opus that travels through Africa, Brazil and Europe, expanding and connecting beat culture and the art of sampling. Think of it as a companion to DJ Shadow's "Endtroducing."
2 Sault, "Untitled (Black Is)." A UK collective who have released three records within the past year and a half, they incorporate everything you love about Massive Attack, ESG and Soul II Soul, providing a soundtrack to Black Lives Matter.
3 "Writing the Future: Basquiat and the Hip-Hop Generation," edited by Liz Munsell and Greg Tate. This book spotlights the acclaimed artist's relationship with the hip-hop generation, including its DJs (Fab 5 Freddy), graffiti artists (Futura, Rammellzee), and how they affected his art.
Jon Bream, Star Tribune critic:
1 National Museum of African American Music opens in Nashville. A sneak peek video suggests that this much-needed institution will provide history, context and sounds, delving into religious music, blues, jazz, R&B and hip-hop and how various forms of Black music have affected American culture, from fashion to slang. Can't wait to visit when all is safe and healthy.
2 Jon Batiste, "I Need You." On this terrific, high-energy single, Stephen Colbert's piano-playing bandleader serves up a delectably soulful helping of New Orleans funk 'n' roll with a timely upbeat message.
