Family Tree is the first single off of Oakland artist sOuL from the O’s Queens and Pharaohs album, but it’s actually the result of the the improbable happening: an underground artist (sOuL from the O) collaborating with an established artist (Hezekiah) all from making contact on social media! sOuL from the O had been following producer/mcee Hezekiah on Instagram, and the two were able to connect and record (though geographically separated - Oakland and Philly respectively) When Hezekiah shared the hard piano laced breakbeat, sOuL from the O knew he wanted to make the song as a dedication to the importance of family, and a mysterious letter he receives about ancestors watching over and protecting him, “7 generations ahead and 7 behind but always close by”. The two artists would align on the song’s family concept and also build a bond that would carry over to the song’s video, and future collaborations. Family Tree is a reminder of the magic that happens when the improbable and impossible occurs, and there’s a microphone around! Check it out!

Credits:

Released July 15, 2022
Produced by Hezekiah
Mixed by Headnodic
Mastered by Mike Bobino

Cover Art by ARTGOD (IG: @bicasoartgod
Design and Layout by Kaseem Greene

Contraband Mixtape is a collection of 12 songs that feel like a full length concept album: with its unifying themes of raw emotion, plagued by social ills, haunted by love gone, and 2 timely interludes, it is able to cover a range of topics without losing continuity or the listener’s ear. From the first single “ Hand Ova Fist” a pounding track (borrowed from Brenk Sinatra’s “Tryin”) with a lyrical tale about being on the run from the police, to “DREAMS” (prod. by DJ D Sharp) dub reggae infused anthem of achieving one’s aspirations against all odds. While “All These Guns” (prod. by Woodstock) features guest appearances by Stic.man (DeadPrez), Bicasso (Living Legends) and Do D.A.T. is a powerful Gil Scott-Heron inspired track about police brutality, and the struggles that confront the Black community. Contraband Mixtape journeys further to celebrate a new day on one track, to asking provocative questions on the next. Its ultimate strength, however, is its ability to be relevant to current events, and remain entertaining all at once. sOuL from the O’s Contraband Mixtape is available now for free download for a limited time. Take a listen!

credits

released October 6, 2016

Executive Producer: Woodstock
Mastered by Headnodic

Track listing:

1. Dr. Clarke's Intro 00:45

2. Contraband 02:48

3. Listen 00:14

4. New Day 03:05

5. s O u L (featuring them 11525 kids) 00:23

6. DREAMS (feat. Sonia Whittle) 03:06

7. All These Guns (feat. Bicasso, Stic.man, Do D.A.T. & DJ DSharp on the cuts) 04:55

8. Who Protects 01:31

9. Alone Again Highway 01:34

10. Augustus Gold 02:37

11. Take Care 03:07

12. Hand Ova Fist 02:28

13. Benediction 01:18

14. Gill Scott-Heron Tribute 02:16

The Unspoken Word is sOuL from the O’s 2nd record and the launching point where his music has taken off. The album takes it’s inspiration in the wake of the social unrest after the police killing of Oscar Grant and the emotions that followed. Check it out!

Track Listing:

1.CopX 02:34

prod by sOuL from the O

2.I Am You (free) 03:13

prod by Woodstsock

3.Go Back 04:04

Produced by Official, additional production by Kevin O'Dea and sOuL from the O
bass, guitar, clavinet, tambourine and hand claps by Kevin O'Dea

4.Boombastic (free) 03:16 video

prod by Woodstsock

5.PSA 03:01

prod by Headnodic

6.Black Mahogany Frost (free) 03:27 video

prod by Headnodic

7.As I Walk 03:51

prod by Headnodic

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Released September 29, 2011
Mixed by Headnodic
Mastering by Jim Gardiner @ Pajamas Studios Oakland, CA