On July 28, future soul princess Georgia Anne Muldrow returns with Umsindo. She just released the Ms. One compilation in May, but this one is a solo effort, her first since 2006’s Olesi: Fragments of an Earth. It arrives via Someothaship/E1 Music (formerly known as Koch). And yes, it includes the original version of the “Roses” track featured on Mos Def’s excellent The Ecstatic.

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I have mixed feelings about these Georgia Anne Muldrow collaborations. On the one hand, it’s cool that she’s replicating the kind of free-flowing spiritual jazz community that inspired her so much. But I’m still waiting on a proper follow-up to her solo debut — and best album — Olesi: Fragments Of An Earth. None of her subsequent projects have had the same kind of incantatory power.

But for now, her new comp Ms. One will have to do. It features guest spots from a range of artists, including her partner Dudley Perkins (congratulations on their new baby), Jimetta Rose, Eagle Nebula, Stacey Epps, Black Milk and Big Pooh. Ms. One produces all of the tracks.

Georgia Anne Muldrow presents Ms. One drops May 5 via SomeOthaShip and E1 Music (formerly known as Koch). (May 8 update: The release date has been changed to May 19.) Here’s a bit from the press release:

Georgia Anne Muldrow, who birthed the new millennium hip-hop soul movement, is the producer/singer/songwriter phenomenon who keeps on giving. The Ms. One compilation album is her latest gift of truth and inspiration to a troubled world. Fine musical artistry and compelling lyricism by every artist on the project makes this a beacon of light amidst a dark musical landscape. The bold, bright genius of Ms. One takes hip-hop and soul music to the higher place we all know it should be.

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Remember last fall when Roc ‘C’ and Oh No announced a new project called The Transcontinental? Well, the album is here. The Transcontinental drops May 19 on E1 Music (formerly known as Koch). Guests include Big Pooh and Chino XL, who appear on the album’s first single, “The Warriors.”

The only mistake I made, I seems, is that IMAKEMADBEATS isn’t a pseudonym for Oh No, but a completely new artist.

Confused? Read this from the bio:

The madman turned producer, then producer turned madman, IMAKEMADBEATS, also known as NeMo, has just began what many call a masterful reign of musical artistry on the Hip-hop world. Born in Fontana, California, raised in Memphis, TN, and higher educated in Orlando, FL and later, NYC, this character has seen his share of culture, styles, and societies. He hails from a diverse lineage, his father was born in Memphis, TN, and mother in Guyana, raised in England, UK. Drawing from all these experiences, his contributions to The Transcontinental provide the vivid backdrop for this musical journey. …

Roc C and IMAKEMADBEATS join forces to create a journey in beats, drawing from all aspects of American Hip-hop from the fertile lands of Oxnard California all the way to the gritty streets of New York City. Join us as we are taken down a trail of real life experiences seeded with Hip-hop exuberance from the left bank to the right, travelling from coast to coast.

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