info: BITA bb boogie-boy Daz-I-Kue aka Darren Benjamin has been surprisingly prolific since the release of "Back in The Doghouse" last year. Besides touring with the BITA live-band he's been deejaying all over the place, spending studio-time with people like Capitol A and JT Donaldson, remixing Mpho Skeef, Slope, Ty, Raul Midon, Wale Oyejide, Big Bang, mashing up Jay-Z productions (Hollywood!), causing stirr with the mysterious Bloodfire booties (or is that his cousin?), executively producing Joy Jones' album and doing his own projects on Sound In Color (a soon-come hip-hop-based album, plus more Black Label Blend business). Busy I say?! Joy Jones' 'Today' already got licensed by Gilles Peterson Brownswood imprint for the next "Brownswood Bubblers" installment. Thank Thomas Palermo @ XLR8R for the heads up on him, and Victor Lago & Blu @ Arkestra.net for the above photo-set.

info: Japans solid Jazzy Sport imprint got some big things planned for the new year. Soon come are new Sa-Ra Creative Partners and I.G. Culture 12inches, which you need to get hold of, both! Next up will be an exciting longplayer project from the young much spoken of LA beat manifest Flying Lotus, as well as a highly anticipated new DJ Mitsu LP and a possible second from the Cro-Magnon camp. Keep an eye on the Jazzy Sport myspace page for release-dates and related info.

In awaiting you can try and track down DJ Mitsu's new mix CD "Another Roses", Gagle's "Big Bang Theory shuffle" album, Stones Throw's "10 years Remix" EP (JSV-023) with mixes from Mitsu and Grooveman Spot, Hanif Jamiyl & DJ Mitsu the Beats "Hydro" EP and another Mix-CD called "Peace and Love" by Nubian Lady. Enough JP pressure for the NY as you can see.

info: Hailing from Washington DC (USA) the young 20-something Muhsinah brings a fresh approach to the music business with her completely self-written (and produced!) "Oscillations" EP (out on Ladybug). go visit her myspace page and get addicted. If you like the Soul that female forces like Georgia A.M. and Mpho Skeef bring, this will surely transcend you too!

info: After having produced 5 tracks on the debut album from female singer Voice, and executively producing the whole project, Moonstarr (aka Kevin Moon) is just about to hit the road with her for a small tour. A European visit is scheduled around May (details tbc). Meanwhile check out some live action here, here and here!