Augustus "Gus" Georgia is such a devotee of The Godfather of Soul that he actually changed his surname (real name: Augustus Riley) to pay tribute to the little town in the Peach State where the late great James Brown was raised. Being able to sing and perform Brown's complete catalog is his stock and trade, so he hooked up with one of the hottest production teams in Florida to record and deliver a well-received tribute album. The blitz of positive feedback from club and radio DJs proved that Gus was definitely on to something special. With touring still problematic due to the state of the world, Gus headed back to the studio and recorded the follow-up "Synthetic Substitution - Disco Loops & Breaks" just to prove that he wasn't a one-trick pony. The new album was culled from a wide range of funky soulful material - taking some of his personal favorite jams and reinventing them in a style that places the accent on funky loops and breaks to bring the best bits forward. With a few original tunes mixed in for good measure, and only one James Brown song which appropriately ends the album, Augustus Georgia truly shows us the depth of his range through the symbiotic relationship he's obviously developed with his team of producers. The lead single from the new album, "I've Got Just The Thing," is a complete reworking of Lou Courtney's 1967 soul funk hit featuring a total of four mixes including bonus instrumental and acappella takes for the discerning bedroom DJ.

Augustus Georgia - I've Got Just The Thing

EMG is a South Florida based label specializing in exclusive content encompassing all eras, and genres of music. This is our weekly updated playlist of new releases under Essential Media Group.

"The Drop" EMG

Helmed by award-winning producer/songwriter Butch Ingram, Camden, NJ-based Society Hill Records have been keeping the sounds of Philly Soul alive for decades. With a roster of legends who were there from the beginning and an exciting group of newcomers eager to continue the tradition of excellence.

The Very Best of Society Hill Records (Philly Soul)

Tipped to be the next superstars to emerge from the Francophone diaspora are Dro X Yani, the young sons of Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly, music icon and former President of Haiti. The boys are not merely following in their famous father's footsteps - they have been steadily revolutionizing and building on the infectious sound of Haitian Kompa, and in doing so, have expanded their audience far beyond the island. If the millions of hits the dynamic duo have garnered on social media for their standout live video performances is any indication, the brothers are destined for global domination. In the summer of 2020, their single “40%,” an inventive cover of the Malian-born French R&B singer Aya Nakamura's infectious hit, rose to the #1 spot on the iTunes France World Music Chart. The brothers are perpetually refining their sound, as each new single they release continues to expand their reputation across borders and cultures. Dro X Yani's older brother Olivier is also quite a musical talent himself, although these days he is more involved with managing the business end of the Martelly family's ever expanding musical endeavors. When Olivier takes off his business suit and dons his musical cap, he is known as "BigO." Here BigO is front and center - backed by his younger siblings on the new single "Vin Non" - a mellow, uplifting track with a lush tropical hip-hop vibe that is so inviting, it is impossible to resist.

Vin Non

Olivier "BIgO" Martelly & Dro X Yani - Vin Non

Tipped to be the next superstars to emerge from the Francophone diaspora are Dro X Yani, the young sons of Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly, music icon and former President of Haiti. The boys are not merely following in their famous father's footsteps - they have been steadily revolutionizing and building upon the infectious sound of Haitian Kompa, and in doing so, have expanded their audience far beyond the island. If the millions of hits the dynamic duo have garnered on social media for their standout live video performances is any indication, the brothers are destined for worldwide domination. In the summer of 2020, their single “40%,” an inventive cover of the Malian born French R&B singer Aya Nakamura's infectious hit, rose to the #1 spot on the iTunes France World Music Chart. Their latest single, "Seule," which will usher in the eagerly-awaited full-length album “La Familia,” displays what’s so compelling about their universal sound. The brothers are destined to touch hearts not only in the Francophone territories but also across the globe. Their Kompa-flavored take on modern Hip-Hop will surely revolutionize the idiom and expose more music fans to the unique, addicting sound of Dro X Yani.

Seule

Dro X Yani - Seule

A star on the rise in the world of modern Kompa music, Badikamall (born Badi Kamal Seriphin) is a gifted Haitian singer/songwriter who is building a name for himself through his own highly original music and also for his artistic collaborations with many of the big names of the genre, including the legendary Michel “Sweet Micky “ Martelly,  Ti Ansyto (The Maestro), Orlane, T-Micky, and others. The highly-infectious new single, "Hey Boo” showcases his impressive voice and his pure take on trap-tinged Kompa. If this sizzling new track is any indication, Badikamall will surely rise to the top of the pack.

Hey Boo

Badikamall - Hey Boo

Primed to be the next superstars to emerge from the Francophone diaspora are Dro X Yani, the sons of music icon and former President of Haiti, Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly. Not merely following in their famous father's footsteps - they have been steadily revolutionizing and building upon the infectious sound of Haitian Kompa, and in doing so, have expanded their audience far beyond the island’s shores. In the summer of 2020, their single “40%,” an inventive cover of the Malian-born French R&B singer Aya Nakamura's infectious hit, climbed to the #1 spot on the iTunes France World Music Chart. The brothers are destined to capture the hearts of not just French speakers but lovers of rhythm globally. Their latest single, the breezy "Pinokyo," displays their Afro Caribbean-flavored take on modern Hip-Hop in its full glory and ushers in the forthcoming full-length album “La Familia.”

Dro X Yani - Pinokyo

The Gamble & Huff classic "You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good" first delighted listeners when originally released back in 1975. In 2019, the old school classic was done as a duet, with The Legendary Bluenotes lead vocalist Sugarbear joined at the forefront by one of the greatest female voices in the history of soul, Jean Carne. This dynamic teaming was ably backed by the Ingram family band and sax man Don (Juan) Ward, with the production and arrangement handled by one of the chief architects of the Philly Sound, Butch Ingram. Now, in 2021, Butch decided that this stellar performance needed an updated remix. This brand new, remixed for radio version includes a bonus extended mix and features background vocals by The Bluenotes and Carne.

You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good

You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good (Radio Version)

Tipped to be the next superstars to emerge from the Francophone diaspora are Dro X Yani, the young sons of music icon and former President of Haiti, Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly. Not merely following in their famous father's footsteps - they have been steadily revolutionizing and building upon the infectious sound of Haitian Kompa, and in doing so, have expanded their audience far beyond the island. Their highly anticipated debut album is due to drop soon and a few advance singles from the album are generating a huge buzz on both sides of the Atlantic. The highly infectious first single, "Tap," generated glowing reviews and left listeners with increasing anticipation for the release of the debut full-length release. In celebration of the impending release, the immensely popular Grammy award winning DJ, hit-making recording artist and record producer DJ Khaled has teamed up with the American-born Nigerian recording artist, performer and record producer Davido to produce an ingenious reworking of that explosive first single. The result, "Tap" feat. DJ Khaled & Davido, serves as the latest release and the last single to drop, whetting everyone's apetite for the arrival of the long awaited full-length, due to arrive very soon. Get ready, Dro X Yani's new sound of Haitian Kompa and hip-hop is bound to blow quite a few minds.

La Familia

Dro X Yani - TAP - (Remix) Featuring DJ Khaled & Davido

Tipped to be the next superstars to emerge from the Francophone diaspora are Dro X Yani, the young sons of music icon and former President of Haiti, Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly. Not merely following in their famous father's footsteps - they have been steadily revolutionizing and building upon the infectious sound of Haitian Kompa, and in doing so, have expanded their audience far beyond the island.  Their latest single, "Seule," displays their compelling universal sound and ushers in the eagerly awaited full-length “La Familia.” The brothers are joined on the album by a coterie of guest stars who also happen to be huge fans of their unique sound. The famed media personality DJ Khaled guests with Davido on an infectious new version of "Tap;" Haitian superstar Wyclef Jean appears on the title track "La Familia" and also on "Gen Bagay" along with the duo's famous father, Sweet Micky. Jamaican-American star Sean Kingston guests on the compelling "This Love," and the Francophone star MC Box makes his presence known on the compelling track "Jusqu'à l'aube." Older brother Big “O” also makes an appearance on the track “Vin Non.” In the summer of 2020, their single “40%,” an inventive cover of the Malian-born French R&B singer Aya Nakamura's infectious hit, rose to the #1 spot on the iTunes France World Music Chart. The brothers are destined to capture the hearts of not just French speakers but lovers of rhythm globally. Their Afro Caribbean-flavored take on modern Hip-Hop will surely revolutionize the idiom and expose more music fans to their unique, addicting sound.

Someone Else (Extended Version )

Vin Non Ft. Olivier Martelly

Pou la vi

Charbonne

Ambulance

Gen Bagay Ft. Sweet Micky; Wyclef Jean

Tap (Remix )Ft. DJ Khaled; Davido

Je t'aime Encore

Jusqu'à l'aube Ft. MC Box

This Love Ft. Sean Kingston

Someone Else

Bella

The South Beach Rockstars broke onto the scene in 2014 with sensational cover versions of “Number One DJ”, “Pumped Up Funk” and the Journey classic “Don’t Stop Believin’”. Since then, this talented crew have shown no signs of slowing down. On their latest release,  they deliver a great instrumental take on the wildly popular Russian tune "Я пью водку (I Drink Vodka)" originally conceived by the artist Старый мир (Old World), that has spawned a viral dance sensation on Tik Tok.

Я пью водку (I Drink Vodka) (Instrumental)

South Beach Rockstars - Я пью водку (I Drink Vodka)

The son of world-renowned Kompa legend Sweet Micky and older brother of rising stars Dro X Yani, Olivier Martelly is also quite a musical force himself. Olivier has been involved in his younger siblings music since its inception. As they have became more popular, he has became more involved with managing the business end of the Martelly family's ever expanding musical endeavors. However, when Olivier takes off his business suit and dons his musical cap, he is known as "BigO," a dynamic performer and formidable songwriter. After releasing the infectious "Vin Non" with his brothers earlier this year, his latest single, "Kenbe tèt ou wo," (translation: Keep Your Head High), delivers a powerful message during a dark time of heartache and strife.

Kenbe tèt ou wo 

World renowned music star and former president of Haiti, Michel Martelly first rose to prominence as one of the island's best-known musicians. Known by his stage name “Sweet Micky,” Martelly modernized a style of Haitian dance music known as compas music (Kompa), sung predominantly in the Creole language, by using smaller bands relying on synthesizers and electronic instruments. Martelly has released numerous studio albums since 1989 and continues to remain active - musically and socio-politically. Following up on his recent release “Yo Fache” presented here is his latest, the addicting new single entitled "Kole” - a track guaranteed to continue the legacy.

Kole

Sweet Micky - Kole

A rising star in the world of modern Kompa music, Badikamall is a supremely gifted Haitian singer/songwriter who is building quite the name for himself through his own highly original music and for his artistic collaborations with some of the big names of the genre, including the legendary Sweet Micky, Ti Ansyto (The Maestro), Orlane and T-Micky. This new five-track EP which contains the addicting buzz track, "Hey Boo” showcases his impressive voice and his enthralling take on trap-tinged Kompa. If this sizzling release is any indication, Badikamall will surely climb his way to the top of the pack.

Pikliz

Badikamall - Li Pa Ou Vre

Badikamall - Ou Fe m

Badikamall - Absans

Badikamall - Pou Fe w Plezi

Hot on the heels of the well-received track "Bacardee," the Breadman (Dwayne J. Murray) - known for his vast contribution to the Philadelphia hip-hop community through music and his dedication to improving his community by creating extracurricular activities programs for at-risk youth - is back with a positive, upbeat tune that instantly takes control of your mind, body and soul the minute you hear it. "What We Do" has a catchy hook that is reminiscent of hits from the 90s with a strong vibe and compelling groove that begs for repeated listening. This enticing rap with a strong R&B hook was written by Breadman to remind people of how good it feels to ball at the top of your game. If scores of positive advance reviews are any indication, Breadman has a major hit on his hands.

What We Do

Breadman MGV - What We Do

Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes were one of the dynamic groups that came out of Gamble and Huff’s Sound of Philadelphia and went on to become one of the most popular acts of the 1970s. Carrying on this long standing tradition of excellence, “The Legendary Bluenotes” now consist of Sugarbear Aikens, Sonny King, Rock’n Ramon Bentley and Frank Lee. The group recently reconvened with famed producer Butch Ingram to record its well-received second full-length offering entitled “Where Is My Baby.” Presented here is the standout track from that album, “Anything For My Baby,” a wonderful original penned for the group by Ingram which has been newly remixed for this special single release.

Anything For My Baby (Radio Mix)

The Legendary Bluenotes Feat. Sugarbear - Anything For My Baby (Radio Mix )

I've Got Just The Thing

Augustus Georgia - I've Got Just The Thing (Acappella )

Augustus Georgia - I've Got Just The Thing (Instrumental )

Augustus Georgia - I've Got Just The Thing (Extended Mix )

A brand new collective out of Philadelphia who were raised on Philly soul and disco music, Mirror Ball Hustlers create modern versions of classic Philly disco tunes, as well as disco versions of classic pop songs. Their new single takes THP Orchestra's classic 1976 disco smash "Fightin' On The Side Of Love," and adds their uniquely modern touch to transform the tune into an updated disco classic, making it more accessible to a new generation while also attracting older disco and soul music lovers to their new sound. The new single is presented here featuring five exclusive mixes including bonus acappella and instrumental versions.

Fightin' On The Side Of Love

Mirror Ball Hustlers - Fightin' On The Side Of Love (Acappella )

Mirror Ball Hustlers - Fightin' On The Side Of Love (Instrumental )

Mirror Ball Hustlers - Fightin' On The Side Of Love (Disco Mix )

Mirror Ball Hustlers - Fightin' On The Side Of Love (Extended Mix )

New R&B/Hip-hop singers with the depth and creativity to cut through today's crowded music scene are few and far between - it takes a true powerhouse to break through all the noise. That's exactly what the Miami-based chanteuse Emma Stackhaus proved when she released her debut album, "I Will Never Give Up," back in May of 2000 to overwhelmingly positive reviews from both industry insiders and the public alike. Emma also released a special holiday album, "Have Yourself A Magically Delicious Christmas" at the end of that year. While in preparation for her eagerly awaited follow-up full-length due later this year, Emma has recorded a few cover songs to tide fans over while she adds the finishing touches to her upcoming album. The new single featured here, "When Will I See You Again," is a cover of the Gamble & Huff soul-funk classic made popular by The Three Degrees back in 1973. Naturally, Emma makes the tune her own in grand style - updating the vintage classic for a new generation - with instrumental and acappella takes included as an added bonus. Stay tuned for more....

When Will I See You Again

Emma Stackhaus - When Will I See You Again (Instrumental )

Emma Stackhaus -  Will I See You Again (Acappella )

Gifted songstress Tena Riley takes on the classic Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes 1976 hit "After You Love Me, Why Do You Leave Me" featuring Sharon Page, and brings it forward into the 21st century with a little help from the talented vocal trio known as TRU. Riley first came into public view as back-up vocalist for the great Billy Paul and as a member of the female group The Mellow Moods, who left a lasting impact on the early Philly soul scene. A well-respected seasoned veteran, Tena has performed with Smokey Robinson, The O'Jays, Chaka Khan, The Stylistics, Eddie Kendrick and many others. Riley truly shines on this collaboration with TRU, duetting with its leader Jimi Williams while Billy Maynor and Rick Style ably provide the backing vocals under the direction of producer Butch Ingram with the music handled by INGRAM and the Society Hill Orchestra.

After You Love Me, Why Do You Leave Me

Tena Riley & TRU - After You Love Me, Why Do You Leave Me (Instrumental )

Tena Riley & TRU -  You Love Me, Why Do You Leave Me (Radio Mix )

An obscure yet great vocalist and composer who recorded with Jerry Williams Jr., AKA Swamp Dogg as lead vocalist with The Detroit Magnificents, Johnny Northern is featured here on the ultra rare 1980 soul single "The Color Of My Mind" b/w "The Man I Used To Be." Both tracks were written and performed by Northern and originally released on the Cadillac Records imprint. The original session was produced and arranged by Horace Ott, the famed producer, pianist and composer who worked with The Shirelles, Nina Simone, Houston Person and many others. The rare single is presented here newly remastered and finally available in the digital domain.

The Color Of My Mind / The Man I Used To Be

Johnny Northern  - The Man I Used To Be

Johnny Northern  - The Color Of My Mind

Roz Ryan - Boy Where Have You Been

Tell Me, Tell Me / Round and Round

Tell Me, Tell Me

All Fall Down (Digitally Remastered)

You Broke Your Promise

De Nuevo

Mambo Boom

Soul Victus

Soul Victus (feat. Ahnu Naki)

Dro X Yani, the young sons of Haitian music superstar Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly, who became the President of Haiti from 2011 to 2016, are revolutionizing the sound of Haitian Kompa music as evidenced by the addicting "Tap" – a track slated to appear on their highly-anticipated debut album, due to drop soon. It's easy to see why the talented brothers have garnered millions of hits on social media, the energy of their live show is positively infectious, their talent undeniable. If Dro X Yani's mission is to bring the sound of Kompa music to a wider audience, they are surely succeeding...and this is just the beginning....tap...tap...tap...

Dro X Yani - Tap

One of the rising stars of the Philly soul scene, the uniquely talented vocalist Tesa Williams has actually been making moves for quite some time. After years of lending her voice in a supporting role to artists such as Gerald Levert and Vesta Williams, Tesa has become a well-respected artist at the front of the stage, wowing audiences with her beautiful phrasing and dynamic presence. Her long overdue solo album is finally going to be released and if this first single from that eagerly anticipated debut is any indication, Williams has a great chance of becoming a national star. On the new single, Tesa reimagines Whitney Houston's 1988 gem, "Just The Lonely Talking Again" as a duet with the superb vocalist Marc Nelson, former member of Boyz II Men and Philly R&B stars Az Yet. Tesa and Marc repurpose the classic song for these modern times with the aid of legendary Philly soul producer Butch Ingram and a superb backing group comprised of Philadelphia's finest musicians.

Single

Tesa Williams Featuring Marc Nelson - Just The Lonely Talking Again

Tipped to be the next superstars to emerge from the Francophone diaspora are Dro X Yani, the young sons of Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly, music icon and former President of Haiti, are not merely following in their famous father's footsteps - they have been steadily revolutionizing and building on the infectious sound of Haitian Kompa, and in doing so, have expanded their audience far beyond the island. If the millions of hits the dynamic duo have garnered on social media for their standout live video performances is any indication, the brothers are destined for global domination. In the summer of 2020, their single “40%” hit #1 on the iTunes France World Music Chart. Their latest single, "Ambulance," an addicting piece of tropical dancehall, captures the restrained intensity that has become the hallmark of their constantly developing sound.

Dro X Yani - Ambulance

World renowned music star and former president of Haiti, Michel Martelly first rose to prominence as one of the islan's best known musicians. Known by his stage name “Sweet Micky,” Martelly modernized a style of Haitian dance music known as compas music (kompa), sung predominantly in the Haitian Creole language, by using smaller bands relying on synthesizers and electronic instruments. Martelly has released numerous studio albums since 1989 and continues to remain active - musically and socio-politically. Presented here is the infectious new single entitled "Yo Fache," specifically recorded for the upcoming Carnival 2021.

Yo Fache

Sweet Micky - Yo Fache

Essential Media Group LLC. is a South Florida based record label specializing in multiple genres encompassing all eras of Folk, Blues, Jazz, Classical, World, Rock, R&B and Pop including current Hip Hop, Dancehall, Reggaeton and Dance/Electronic Music.

Essential Media Group

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