Alright, a big shout out to SoulStrut for the tip off here (yes, you can find me lurkin on them forums). Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is of the same ilk as YoungBlood Brass Band - the equation is a tight horn section with the backup of funky percussion (mostly instrumental). Not to sell them short with a comparison though, cause they are quite good. Real musicianship here, and from the looks of the live shows they do keep in jumpin. They have a few releases out apparently, though I’ve not seen a one. PS – sorry, this ain’t a Freeway post, but i’ll throw you a bone anyway.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Tarik (title may be wrong)
[audio:hbe-tarik.mp3]

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Brass In Africa
This is Hypnotic Brass Ensemble doing their rendition of Shaft In Africa by Johnny Pate (see below). I seriously can’t get enough of those horns.
[audio:hbe-brassinafrica.mp3]

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – War (Catchdubs Mix feat. Freeway & Jay-Z)
Nick Catchbuds hooked this one up, and GOD DAYAM. It’s a good look.
[audio:hbe-war-catchdubs.mp3]

Recently they’ve done some reworks of Tony Allen songs as well. Check for em!

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble: HBE Blog – MySpace

SOUNDS GOOD WITH

Johnny Pate – Shaft In Africa (straight classic)
[audio:johnnypate-shaftinafrica.mp3]

Lil Wayne – Show Em Whatcha Got (homie is killin the mixtapes)
[audio:lilwayne-showem.mp3]

Freeway – It’s Over (produced by Jake One, fellow Strutter)
[audio:freeway-itsover.mp3]