This week’s Record & Tape Exchange Selector, Chris Nieratko, has spent the better part of three decades in skateboarding - documenting it on the pages of Thrasher and Big Brother, but also actively shaping and connecting the culture around it through his work as an organiser. As an East Coast journalist coming up in the ‘90s, he also crossed paths with the biggest names in hip-hop on their way up. Our conversation, and his song selections, feature hip-hop tapes, backyard ramps, grief, gratitude, and a healthy dose of Jersey pride.
36 years after his last recording, inside the walls of a California state penitentiary, Chuck Bynum is still here.
Despite adversity, life’s challenges, and a flawed judicial system that we must all recognize by now, the man remains.
Still smiling. Still glowing.
Still holding on to his dreams.
Time marched on. The world has changed. But Chucks powerful, message driven music still rings out loud- now speaking to new generations. Kept alive by a spark. Protected by a small circle of DJs, archivists, and true music obsessives.
The miracle isn’t just in the record.
It’s in the man behind it.
This is not just a picture. This is a testament. To strength. To faith. To resilience.
Please join us in celebrating Chuck’s inspirational life journey- through word, vision, and sound
For more please see:
•BRICK Magazine’s @brickthemag feature story:
“The Miracle Of Chuck Bynum”
(Link in bio)
•“You Worked Your Miracle”
Official music video-written,recorded and filmed behind the walls of a California State penitentiary
•“You Worked Your Miracle”
Limited Edition 45 RPM record / Digital
We are The Sound Council.
Carrying the signal forward ✨
#ChuckBynum #TheSoundCouncil #Brickthemag #CarryingTheSignal
“You Worked Your Miracle” by Chuck Bynum.
7” 45 RPM
The story behind this song, from its creation in confinement to its rediscovery, is told as an oral history in BRICK Edition 13, tracing the people and moments that brought Chuck’s voice back into the world, and reunited a family. Released in collaboration with The Sound Council, it’s our first physical music release - and we couldn’t think of a better place to start.
The original translucent sky blue 7” was limited to 100 copies.
A second pressing on black vinyl is now also available for those who missed out the first time around.
Link in bio to buy the vinyl, and read the full story.
Featured in BRICK Magazine (@brickthemag ) 🎤
“Favelas are Brazil in miniature: challenged by poverty and corruption, but rich in culture and a vibrancy that can only come from being one of the most diverse places on Earth. Tucked into the alleys and corners of Morro dos Prazeres, Rap Nos Prazeres embodies this spirit, bringing together young favela talent to create music videos, tracks, and creative experiences that rise from the hill and speak to the world. No romanticizing, just hard work, artistic sensitivity, and a sharp eye on reality.”
#1 MC Hayne
#2 Fresh trims at Barbearia do Efibe with Fabian (@efibe_93 ) and Pedro (@pedrrin10 )
#3 Get together on the Prazeres United pitch
#4 Mic sessions
#5 Morro dos Prazeres by night
Photography: @theo.cottle
Art direction: @gpassos
Words by: Amaury Lateef Ávalos
Featured: @brickthemag
To date, Fábrica de Talentos (@pzrfabricadetalento ) has reached over 60 children and teens, launched multiple young MCs, and released several original music videos. Its next step is to expand into a wider program of workshops, build a recording studio in the community, and document this movement on film.
Chuck Bynum
“You Worked Your Miracle”
(Part One & Part Two)
Catalog # TSC-002
7” 45 RPM Single,
Digi + Music Video
* 100 copies only *
File: Modern Soul / Gospel / Boogie
Brick Magazine X The Sound Council, in conjunction with Ubiquity Records are proud to present: Chuck Bynum - “You Worked Your Miracle”
the new Modern Soul / Boogie single complete with accompanying music video. This unearthed gem was miraculously, written and recorded within the walls of a California State penitentiary circa 1990.
Only 100 copies were made for this special collaboration. Remastered and digitized from the surviving tapes, and pressed up for the first time on a beautiful translucent blue 7” 45 with a custom printed pic sleeve.
This very special project tells the story of one man’s struggle and resilience, expressed through raw, heartfelt music.
Mr. Chuck Bynum, whose career once placed him alongside legends such as the late Marvin Gaye and Miss Natalie Cole, went on to record with the 1970s funk unit, T.U.M.E. (The Ultimate Music Experience).
Just as he was poised to rise further, securing his own solo record deal, Chuck’s life took a dramatic turn when he was charged with a non-violent drug offense and handed a life sentence.
While incarcerated, Chuck was noted as a model inmate and found a way to keep creating, channeling his experience into music. Through the prison arts program, Chuck documented a rare piece of his transformational journey- turning pain into expression and music into celebration.
Now, for the first time ever, this unreleased work is being shared with the world- an authentic glimpse into the power of music as both hope and redemption.
Thank you for taking the time to rediscover this remarkable artist. We hope you will feel the spirit of Chuck Bynum’s music as deeply as we have.
-The Sound Council
December 2025
Please see our Linktree for purchase info, and to learn more about Chuck’s inspirational story via the full feature article printed in Brick Magazine.
#ChuckBynum #ModernSoul #Gospel #Boogie #Funk #1990#LosAngeles #Music #History #Preservation #AudioArcheology #BrickTheMag #TheSoundCouncil
“A testament to talent, determination, patience, and the transformative power of a single song.”
Brick Magazine X The Sound Council, in conjunction with Ubiquity Records are proud to present: Chuck Bynum - “You Worked Your Miracle”.
The new Modern Soul / Boogie single complete with accompanying music video- miraculously written and recorded within the walls of a California State penitentiary circa 1990.
Only 100 copies were made for this special edition collaboration. Remastered and digitized from the surviving tapes, and pressed up for the first time on a beautiful translucent blue 7” 45 with custom printed pic sleeve.
This very special project tells the story of one man’s struggle and resilience, expressed through raw, heartfelt music.
Mr. Chuck Bynum, whose career once placed him alongside legends such as the late Marvin Gaye and Miss Natalie Cole, went on to record with the 1970s funk unit, T.U.M.E. (The Ultimate Music Experience).
Just as he was poised to rise further, securing his own solo record deal, Chuck’s life took a dramatic turn when he was charged with a non-violent drug offense and handed a life sentence.
While incarcerated, Chuck was noted as a model inmate and found a way to keep creating, channeling his experience into music. Through the prison arts program, Chuck documented a rare piece of his transformational journey- turning pain into expression and music into celebration.
Now, for the first time ever, this unreleased work is being shared with the world- an authentic glimpse into the power of music as both hope and redemption.
Thank you for taking the time to rediscover this remarkable artist. We hope you will feel the spirit of Chuck Bynum’s music as deeply as we have.
-The Sound Council
December 2025
Please see our Linktree for purchase info and to learn more about Chuck’s inspirational story via Brick magazine. @brickthemag@thesoundcouncil@ubiquityrecords
#ChuckBynum #ModernSoul #Gospel #Boogie #Funk #LosAngeles #Music #History #Preservation #AudioArcheology #BrickTheMag #TheSoundCouncil
