The original Fat Beats record store may be gone, but its legacy lives on through its employee-helmed crew the Brown Bag AllStars. Now, the New York-based group is preparing to release a double disc collection of rare and unreleased material, titled Brown Bag Season Vol. 1.

Due out this May 17, the first part of the collection will feature the BBAS line-up in its entirety, in addition to two remixes from M-Phazes and Marco Polo. The second half features remixes of th group’s work Juno Award Winning Producer and DMC Champion DJ Brace.

In addition to recent solo releases from members Koncept, Soul Khan, J57 and the Audible Doctor, the Brown Bag AllStars are currently wrapping up their debut album, due out next year.

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In other news, Los Angeles-based rapper Mr. J Medeiros is currently preparing the release of his latest independently released project Saudade. Due out this June 14, this album marks the former Rawkus/Quanuum Projects emcee’s second full-length release on his own imprint De Medeiros.

Mr. J’s third effort also marks the founding of his new production The Stare. Featuring artists Stro, Luke Atencio and J himself, the trio produced the album’s lead single “Nothing Without Providence.”

Finally, Dub Sonata recently celebrated the release of his sophomore instrumental release Nights in Cuba. In a turn from the run-of-the-mill instrumental release, the Bronx-based producer used his experiences in a visit to Cuba last year as the basis for the project.

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According to a recent press release, Sonata used samples from Cuban artists like Reyes 73, Merceditas Valdes and Pablo Milanes to flesh out the 19-song project.

Nights in Cuba is currently available in both digital and physical formats, courtesy of the producer’s own imprint Dub Sonata Music.