This interpretation of Girma Beyene‘s classic Ethio-groove instrumental “Muziqawi Silt” comes courtesy of the New York-based Sol Oso Ensemble. The version is jazzier and more American than the hypnotic, smokey original and bursts with a dark main horn melody in place of the organ at 1:30. The ensemble is lead by composer and trombonist Sebastian Isler with Jason Candler on sax, Atsushi Tsumura on trumpet, Tom Abbs on bass, and Kevin Raczka on drums. “Muziqawi”, often spelled in a variety of ways, was written by Beyene in the post-Golden Age Ethiopia of 1977 for Hailu Mergia & The Wallias. It’s been played by numerous other bands since, including Antibalas, Debo Band, and even Yo Yo Ma. (Speaking of, did you see his collaboration with the pop-lock/ballet dancer?). The original can be copped through the seminal Ethiopiques series. You can catch Sol Oso play tonight as they start their monthly gig at South Street Seaport. (Painting by Scott Belcastro.)

YOBi is a new Brooklyn-based singer, and the video for her new single dropped this week. It features a verse by Bed-Stuy’s Maino and was produced by B Hawk. Most of the video seems to have been shot in South Williamsburg at and near the Latin club Lefeul Lounge and in DUMBO. The record’s been floating around for a little while now and at one point featured Tone Trump instead of Maino. You can download it for free on her Soundcloud. With the massive crop of R&B remixes out there, hopefully someone hollers at her.

Murlo is the newest head to push soca into new realms, and this carnivalesque drum machine jump off proves it once again. Don’t get it twisted though – it’s much more than the simple combination of existing styles. It slides back and forth between soca and a half time boom bap, both coming from a recognizable UK mindset with its bass and rhythmic patterns. Add to that the Beyonce vocals and it breaths a style of beachside freshness. The track also opens up lots of mixing opportunities, allowing an easy transition into some slow dancehall or hip hop and its drum palette also presents the chance to explore the similarities of juke and soca, since they both use the same tempos.

In the spirit of furthering the conversation, we also included this mid-aughties soca remix of “Pay My Bills” by the Virgin Island’s DJ Commodore. Annnd, if you still haven’t gotten enough Beyonce, Bristol’s Plaebac posted a free download of his smooth bass version of “Say My Name” over at Bassache.net. On a final note, Murlo just flipped this expertly done mixtape, which blends soca, dancehall, grime, hip hop, funky and more. Definitely recommended. (Photo by Matthew Thomas.)