‍

‍
Every so often, Inspire by Sound delivers an episode that feels less like a sonic journey that takes you somewhere warm, textured, and alive. “Tully” is that episode. With guest curator Tully joining the mix, the energy expands beyond borders, blending global rhythms, nostalgic grooves, and the evolving spirit of Afro-fusion. It’s an episode that sounds like sunlight and movement, familiar yet fresh, rooted yet forward.

‍

“There’s so much intention behind these grooves,” one of the hosts notes, as the mix eases from bounce-heavy percussion to soulful reflections.

‍

Odunsi — “Wetin Dey”
The first standout, Odunsi’s “Wetin Dey,” sets the tone with a confident glide. There’s an immediate shift in energy, smooth, stylish, and unbothered. The conversation around it feels like mutual recognition: a nod to the rise of alté culture and how it redefines cool. They talk about how Odunsi represents a generation not waiting for permission, how his sound bridges Lagos nightlife with global pop sensibilities. It’s a reminder that Afro-fusion isn’t just a genre; it’s a mood, a mindset.

‍

Sergio Mendes ft. Mr. Vegas — “Bananeira”
“Bananeira” brings that sunshine-soaked pulse the hosts can’t help but move to. The track’s samba roots and reggae inflections light up the conversation, Tully chiming in about how rhythm transcends language, how the beat alone can tell a story. There’s joy in their tone, a shared appreciation for how timeless grooves like this keep resurfacing in modern playlists. It’s nostalgia you can dance to.

‍

Tobi Lou — “Game Ova (KRS Remix)”
Then the vibe shifts into something sleeker with Tobi Lou’s “Game Ova (KRS Remix).” This one feels futuristic, a smooth fusion of rap, R&B, and digital soul. The hosts lean into how effortlessly Tobi Lou plays with tone, how he can make heartbreak sound like a videogame level you’re trying to beat. Tully calls it “clean but complex,” a perfect summary of modern fusion done right.

‍

By the time the second mix rolls in, the atmosphere softens, more introspective, dreamlike, intimate.

‍

Khruangbin — “Friday Morning”
Khruangbin’s “Friday Morning” lands like a deep exhale. The conversation slows, turns reflective. The hosts talk about texture, how this song feels like a morning you don’t want to end. There’s reverence in how they describe it, like the song’s simplicity is its own kind of genius.

‍

Mk.Gee — “Unaware”
Mk.Gee’s “Unaware” hits next, a track that pulls from that lo-fi, indie soul space. They talk about his uncanny ability to sound both nostalgic and new, “like a memory you can’t quite place.” The production feels warm and analog, and it’s clear they see Mk.Gee as one of those artists pushing boundaries quietly but decisively.

‍

Cousin Stizz — “Me”
With Cousin Stizz’s “Me,” the tempo rises again, steady confidence over a hypnotic beat. The hosts nod to the Boston rapper’s tone, his self-assured delivery that walks the line between chill and commanding. It’s the kind of record that fits right into this episode’s narrative: self-defined, self-aware, effortlessly cool.

‍

Budgie — “So Scared”
To close, “So Scared” by Budgie brings a meditative calm. The conversation turns inward again, about fear, growth, and that vulnerable space where creativity actually happens. There’s something quietly profound about ending on a song like this; it feels like the emotional residue of everything that came before.

‍

With Tully’s perspective layered in, Inspire by Sound: Tully isn’t just about Afro-fusion or world influence; it’s about connection. The way rhythm, tone, and culture intertwine to create something that feels both personal and universal.

Mix 1: 

Wetin Dey - Odunsi
Down 4 U Riddim - FS Green 

Bananeira - Sergio Mendes ft. Mr. Vegas 

Game Ova (krs remix) - Tobi Lou 

MsBoatsy - rilla force 

Traag - Bizzey Zeze 

Riddim - DJ Mozes 

Taste Riddim - Jamesy 

‍

Mix 2: 

In Place - Aftertheparty 

Friday Morning - Khruangbin 

Unaware - Mk.Gee Doubted 

Me - Cousin Stizz 

XX - Feid 

Rolex Truffles - Larry June 

Hold Something - Jay Worthy 

So Scared - Budgie