The Roots: The next movement #TBT

17 years ago I picked up an album that changed my life.  The second song almost made me never pick up a microphone.  I'm serious.  I was always interested in rhyming but kept it as just free-styling in the beginning because... with an MC like Black Thought... What more can I say?  I can ramble on about what The Roots Crew means to me.  As for Black Thought or "Mr. Thought" if you recognize the precision of his rhymes, he is in my top five.

"The Dalai Lama of the mic, the prime minister Thought
This directed to whoever in listening range
Yo the whole state of things in the world bout to change
Black rain fallin from the sky look strange
The ghetto is red hot, we steppin on flames"

I know I already had a #TBT for the day but it wouldn't feel right if I didn't play this album all week and post it today.   There's a level of excellence I put into EVERYTHING I do that's inspired by this album and this song specifically. 

"I'm like a faucet, monopoly's the object
There ain't no way to cut this tap, you got ta get wet
Your head is throbbin and I ain't said shit yet"

You know how some people say the often used phrase "Where do I begin"?  For me, when it comes to The Roots, it's "When should I finish"?  But I won't hold you.  I hope you love this song as much as I do.  17 years...The Roots is still head and shoulders above the rest.

"You theatrical as a Broadway play, this ain't Rent
One hundred percent, straight out the Basement"

WHAM!: Everything she wants #TBT

George Michael is that dude and if you don't know...now you know.  Now, I'm not an 80's enthusiast so my apologies to all the fanatics of that decade. But in an era where it's less bass and more treble...writing had to be ON.POINT.  George Michael's pen was and is sniper material.

"And now we're six months older
And everything you want
And everything you see
Is out of reach, not good enough
I don't know what the hell you want from me"

The song has a way of making you just say in the back of mind "Word sun" lol.  Even if it's not where you are right now, the song has a way of sending you on a journey with enough detail that you can still empathize.

"My situation never changes
Walking in and out of that door
Like a stranger for the wages
I give you all
You say you want more"

AND he produced it! Okay, I'm done...I'm just saying *Drops mic

BTW - I do like a lot of 80's music.  Just not all.  My badd.

DJ G$MONEY FEAT. PRINCE CARTER: She Loves it

Every now and then you got to give it up for yourself.   Now, I'm all for walking humbly but some days you need to walk like you're the man (or woman).   This is one of those days and this is one of those songs that take you there.   If you know me then you've heard me talk about "energy" and "feel" at least every other day.  Well, the energy of this song feels right.  The song is to the point with just the right mix of melody and flow with a hook that automatically makes you want to follow along on first listen.

Special shout to DJ G$MONEY for putting out this song with Prince Carter.   This track has definitely got me interested in hearing more from the brother.

Follow G$MONEY on Instagram @djgmoney156.  Thanks for spinning some mood music -Salute

BRAND NEW SINGLE FOR THE LADIES! #SHELOVESIT SHOUTS TO PRINCE CARTER GOT ALOT MORE HEAT FOR YALL COMING IN 2016 TRUST ME!

Seu Jorge: Tive Razao

So I had a long day.  Some parts good.  Some parts bad.  Worked a 14 hr day and was pissed that I didn’t’ get to do something for a family member AND I missed my song of the day.   Fuck it.  I guess things happen for a reason right?  RIGHT.  Checked my inbox and someone’s song totally changed my mood for the night.

Seu Jorge - Tive Razao

I didn’t know who the artist was but I do now.  And I plan to binge the hell out of his catalogue (am I the only one who nerds out on an artist like a Netflix season?)

Full disclaimer, I only speak English so I truthfully don’t know what Seu Jorge is saying but I do know HOW he’s saying it.  The feel didn’t necessarily lift my spirits but it lifted my burden.   The day wore me out and the chords went to work on my soul.  I felt like…things are going to be okay.  N’ you know what…even if it’s not, that’s okay too.  Sound crazy? That’s okay, I’m fine with my crazyJ.

Shout out to Nerissa for the share.  You definitely helped my day with this song.  I’m sure you’ll touch a few more in the process.

Fugees: How many mics #TBT

"Me without a mic is like a beat without a snare" -Lauryn Hill

Top ten best albums of all time.  20 years ago and this song...this ALBUM is still a blueprint on approaching Hip Hop or music for that matter.  Passion, creativity, lyricism, group chemistry, content, fire beats and a determination to make each track better than the last while maintaining a linear story.

"I used to be underrated
Now I take iron, makes my s*** constipated
I'm more concentrated." - Wyclef Jean

Some circles look at being a backpacker as a bad thing (I stay away from those)...  This song makes you regret it.  Head nod is automatic.  Screw face necessary.  N' if you do dance...you better be NICE.

"Too many MCs not enough Mics
Exit your show like I exit the turnpike" - Pras

There were TONS of hits on this album but this track was my personal favorite.  So on this Throwback Thursday, happy anniversary to one of the best groups ever.

"You can't get with this
Sweet like licorice,
Dangerous like syphillis, yeah." - Lauryn Hill

Damn that Ms. Hill verse was tough.  LOL.

Fabolous: Real One

“Fab got that voodoo, Fab got that voodoo, yeah, Fab got that voodoo”

Every so often I check Hip Hop blogs just to see if Fab came out with some new heat.  Punchlines, clever wordplay and beat selection keep me arguing in circles how he’s one the most under-rated.  No gimmicks, just a talented MC. 

“You might have had some but you need a real one”

Now this beat…!!!!!!  Great use of a sample from one of the best songs in Hip Hop history by a female MC -Ms. Hill!-  that can send chills with a looping croon.  The song takes me to another place.  Truthfully, I need that today.  Maybe you do too.  If you see someone in a car at a red light head nodding a lil too hard…don’t judge.  Just play this song and understand.

“She might have had some but she need a real one

And she a bad one, realest in the building

And I'm a bad boy, I Diddy bop on Biggie block”

Fabolous 'Summertime Shootout' Download on: https://SummertimeShootout.com ➥ Follow Fabolous: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/myfabolouslife Twitter: https://twitter.com/myfabolouslife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myfabolouslife Instagram: http://youtube.com/user/myfabolouslife Website: http://www.myfabolouslife.com #SummertimeShootout If you need a song removed on my channel, please e-mail me.

Eryn Allen Kane: Have Mercy

I'm feeling a type of way today.  A little more introspective than usual.  Maybe it's the rain right now.  Blame it on the weather.  Maybe it's the state of things when you watch yellow journalism aka news.  Social Media, stop.  Friends, stop. Family, stop. Lover, STOP.  Whether it's all or none of it at all, this is an artist that can take you there. 

"When I count all my blessings, blessings

I can't even be sad any more, can't even be sad any more

When I count all my blessings, blessings

My heart still hurts for the world that I know, the world that I know"

Amazing range vocally, and beautiful (let's be honest) but listening to her EP "Aviary:Act 1"  you can't help but feel like that's just the beginning.  Eryn Allen Kane makes the words reach out and touch you in my opinion.  I'm looking forward to more.  Check her out and hopefully she'll confirm where I'm coming from.  This song though...this song is amazing.  Timeless production by Matt Hennessy.