To commemorate our 3 year anniversary since we launched, we’re proud to present our first mixtape compilation, The Vaults Vol. 1.  This compilation features exclusive, previously unreleased recordings from The Roots, Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Q-Tip, Robert Glasper, Talib Kweli, Phonte, Shad, Pharoahe Monch, Kano, Tanya Morgan and Joe Budden.  Tracklist and download instructions after the jump.

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One of the best shows I saw in 2009 was Reflection Eternal at The Blue Note jazz club in NYC backed by a live band led by Daru Jones on drums.  One of the highlights of the night was Memories Live, which we exclusively presented earlier this year, and now we’re proud to unleash this live version of the first single off Revolutions Per Minute, “Back Again” (available now on iTunes).  This 12 min, jammed out version of the record features amazing solos from the band and the vocals of the wonderfully talented, Res.

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Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek, fresh off  the Reflection Eternal reunion, did a string of shows at The Blue Note earlier this year (much like his buddy Mos Def did).  Backed by a live band, featuring Daru Jones on drums among others, the shows were fantastic and it was especially great to hear Hi-Tek’s beats performed by a dope live band.  But Tekzilla was no slouch at these shows as he was busy at work on a drum machine all night long.  While all the Train of Thought (and new songs) sounded great, one of the standouts personally was “Memories Live”.  The smooth, mellow vibes translated beautifully with added soulful, jazzy guitar licks providing another layer to the beat.  Reflection Eternal’s new album album, tentatively titled Trainspotting, is expected to hit shelves this summer.

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