Mercury News, California — José James is about hip-hop word play and rhythm permutations, but he also croons like Lou Rawls with a dash of Gil Scott-Heron mixed in, while his band conjures the neo-soul of D'Angelo and a variety of '70s benchmarks, including Sly Stone's 'Fresh... more info

Impose Magazine — Talib Kweli performed with a full live band for a sold out show at S.O.B.'s in downtown Manhattan on Sunday, January 20th. The concert was a celebration of the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (who's birthday was observed nationally the f... more info

Guardian Music — In our countdown of our critics' favourite albums of the year, we've already run through numbers 40-21 and 20-11, and now it's the top 10. Each day for the next two weeks, we'll be revealing the next album on the list, starting today with Bobby Womac... more info

Guardian Music — Dorian Lynskey chooses the best music books in what's been a vintage yearIn his memoir Waging Heavy Peace (Penguin), Neil Young has some sound advice for his guitar-slinging peers. "Writing is very convenient, has a low expense and is a great way to... more info

Guardian Music — Scottish folk singer-songwriter and playwright known as the Bard of DundeeThe Scottish singer-songwriter and playwright Michael Marra – popularly known as the Bard of Dundee – has died aged 60 after suffering from cancer. Marra's songwriting wasÂ... more info

Guardian Music — Jazz, soul and folk singer experienced late career success after his work was rediscovered by Massive Attack and Beth OrtonSoul and jazz singer Terry Callier has died. The 67-year-old songwriter experienced belated success in his career after working... more info

Core News — “A year on since Gil Scott-Heron prematurely passed away, Benji B celebrates the life of the musician, song-writer, poet, novelist and major-influencer of what we now know as hip-hop. As an artist who is recognised as one of the first to pen rhymes... more info

Guardian Music — Hoxton Bar & Grill, LondonOne of the most exciting things about watching a young MC on the verge of something big is seeing how much they want it. Indie bands may like to imply they're shuffling sideways into success, but rappers prefer to stake out ... more info

Guardian Music — This week it's Beltway Bandit's turn to sell you the merits of a 12-song selection. But first a word from our sponsor …This week's playlist has been selected by Beltway Bandit.It's an odd paradox that so many musicians willingly embrace branded pro... more info

Guardian Music — RR guru-of-the-week Fuel elects his top tracks from last week's White House nominationsThis week's playlist has been selected by Fuel.• This is how I prefer a playlist: I like it to start quiet and clear – it draws me in. Blaze Foley is perfect f... more info