Esperanza Spalding - Alien Life Form

The problem with the attention span of a microwaved internet-based society is that the complexities of those who take time with their craft get missed in the headline reads. The impetus for Esperanza Spalding’s Radio Music Society is to transcend the way mainstream society processes music. The most astute of jazz musicians, certified by none other than Berklee College of Music as not only a graduate, but a professor, Spalding found her way into many an unexpected home through a perhaps untimely win of Best New Artist three years after her arrival. Regardless of how late NARAS decided to make the statement that real musicians needed to win this award over pop icons and budding teen idols, we found ourselves having the DISCUSSION that was long overdue.

As humble as she wants to be, Esperanza, while clearly shocked at her win, graciously accepted the award and promised to make good on the win. She already had her latest project up her sleeve but was in the midst of the last leg of promoting a much more high brow jazz/classical project and for those unaware of her more accessible previous album, they dove into what was the current project and more than a few came out dumbfounded.

Radio Music Society opens the doors to those without the acumen to decipher the complexities, arrangements and meter shifts of a true jazz project. Her being an outstanding vocalist gives the ear so much more to latch on to as opposed to attempting to comprehend the expertise of her bass skills and compositions. She also blends the R&B leanings and pockets she introduced on her self-titled sophomore recording. While “Radio Song” is lyrically clever and a seemingly olive branch introduction, even it can’t stay but so simple and flips from R&B to traditional jazz to fusion over its six minutes plus. No way it’ll actually survive on today’s radio if it makes it there at all. Its length alone might stop a programmer, and if that doesn’t do it, the arrangements will lose a dumbed down Chrisette Michelle, Jill Scott or Jazmine Sullivan seeker.

"I Can’t Help It" is that perfect embodiment of what RMS can do for the masses. A familiar MJ classic, penned by Stevie, but completely re-worked by a genius of a bass player and arranger in Spalding, it succeeds where “Radio Song” might fail. It never LOSES even the layman in its superb metamorphisis.

Esperanza’s social pen is simultaneously contemporary and ahead of its time considering she’s only twenty-seven years old. The statements made in “Land of the Free,” “Vague Suspicions” and “Black Gold” convey a much more cerebral Generation Y-er. The latter happens to be a considerably timely piece considering the Trayvon Martin case and the public outcry of justice for young black men. Partnered with Algebra Blessett, Spalding hasn’t sought a major label star to overtly attempt bringing mainstream to her, but a kindred spirit and voice even more evident by the fact that Blessett co-wrote “Crowned & Kissed,” one of the album’s true standouts as well.

Having established the easily accessible tunes, let us address the jazz education also contained in this masterpiece. Wayne Shorter’s “Endangered Species” has long been a part of Esperanza’s set list. Shorter as a Miles Davis band member and Weather Report architect offers no less complex arrangement in the original form, and as Esperanza “respects her elders” like a good girl should (see Milton Namasciento’s “Pointa De Areia” re-worked on her sophomore album), she took many years before adding vocals to this jazz classic. Including Lalah Hathaway on this one and stretching her out a bit as the phrasing is faster than Hathaway’s throaty tone usually graces, the two get their full workout on this one.

Love for her hometown with a bit of production help from the infamous Q-Tip delivers the delightful “City of Roses” to us. In that same vein initially, “Cinnamon Tree” enters, but morphs to something otherworldly at the string-hands of Jef Lee Johnson.

The last statement of Spalding’s multi-dimensionality as well as her potentially held punches is captured in the jazz ballad, “Hold on Me.” Immediately evoking Nancy Wilson, Spalding shows that even if she put that wicked bass down, we’d still be in attendance of a torch song filled jazz concert with her right hand leaning on the piano and swooning us.

Ultimately, Spalding doesn’t have to dumb her shit down to bring the kids in. She doesn’t have to make overtures to the mainstream. She could’ve gotten her Grammy and gone. But once you consider all that this artist is capable of, the absolute humility in creating a project like this is the likeness of E.T. not killing Elliott’s whole family when the ship came back.  I’m just glad there’s someone, something out there like her, because I really don’t know what tomorrow would bring musically were it not for such a pheonomenon.

Why You Can't Say "No" to 'Ye: A Necessary "Evil" of the 00s

First and foremost I must clarify that Kanye West is in no way an evil to me, but for those this blog is intended to enlighten, you might currently view him as the mouthpiece his award show persona provides.


Kanye's 33 today. I'm sure he's somewhere soaking in maturation waters some believes he needs an overdose of, but honestly, if Ye didn't talk the crazy shit he does, would those outside of hip hop know who he was? He could let his music do the talking for him, but I have seen many an underrated artist die by the wayside.

Kanye doesn't owe anybody an apology. (He gave Princess Taylor hers, so let's move on). He doesn't owe me or hip hop SHIT. And he doesn't owe less informed individuals his humility. Here's why:

20 Reasons Why Kanye doesn’t owe me or hip hop shit:

1. This Can’t Be Life – Jay-Z, Scarface & Beanie Sigel from Dynasty Roc La Familia – His first major placement. Trademarking his sound with that sped up old soul classic, we’d soon recognize his production.

2. Takeover/Izzo (H.O.V.A.) – Jay-Z from The Blueprint- The album that cemented Jay’s lyrical prowess forever. The battle classic “Takeover” and beloved hip hop anthem “Izzo” made Blueprint a more important album than the commercial juggernaut Hard Knock Life was.

3. Brown Sugar (all versions)- Mos Def from Brown Sugar sndtk-From the Faith assisted single version to the Norman Connor’s “Invitation” flipped remix, this was one of Ye’s most significant offerings before we knew his name at all.

4. Dead or Alive-Cam’ron from Come Home With Me- a man largely responsible for West making it to the Roc, Cam’s rhyming is pushed to higher efficiency here than on Just Blaze’s classic “Oh Boy” beat.

5. Get By-Talib Kweli from Quality-Kanye’s greatest production to date for me. The genius of the chorus (written by West) and the chopping of Nina Simone’s “Sinnerman” to a different time signature (handclaps and all) is yet to be topped for me and he’s got a million beats I love. (video cameo 1)
6. Stand Up-Ludacris from Chicken ‘n Beer-Crazy ass Luda on a killer track. Still didn’t know who Ye’ was yet. (video cameo 2)
7. “These Walls” – Nappy Roots, “This Way” – Dilated Peoples, “Selfish” – Slum Village- Okay I’m lumping these together as they’re all one offs. One record to keep that group alive a few more moments. The first two incidentally show off Kanye’s talent as a songwriter. Unlike many hip hop producers, he rarely give s you a beat and sends you on your way. The tune comes as a ready-made song all you have to do is insert your verses too. The gospel chorus thing is also working for him now, as will soon be seen on “Jesus Walks.”
8. “Encore” and “Lucifier”-Jay-Z from The Black Album-Hard to give Ye’ but so much credit on how classic The Black Album is, but these two are definitely crucial contributions to the masterpiece. “Lucifier’s” track is a ugly as hip hop gets beat-wise, but Ye’ STILL hands Jay a chorus and singing vamp just to make sure it’s undeniable.

9. “You Don’t Know My Name”-Alicia Keys from The Diary of…-I’m pretty certain Harold Lilly penned the lyrics on this one, but Ye’s responsible for the packaging with the Main Ingredient tune it’s built on.

10. The College Dropout- Regarded by many as a classic, “Through the Wire,” “Jesus Walks,” “Spaceship” and “All Falls Down” were not just great productions, but lyrically gifted where Ye’ was not expected to deliver. “Jesus Walks” amazes to this day. However does a record like this make it to the radio and chart? It’s just that good. “All Falls Down” is one of those perfect examples of Ye’ being conscious of being self-conscious. Like being an ass about being an ass.
11. Knock Knock-Monica from After the Storm-Especially the remix because he says some hilarious shit. But either way, the track’s by Ye’ the lyrics by Missy, only thing that kept me from forgetting Monica had an album out that year.
12. Overnight Celebrity-Twista from Kamikaze-2nd favorite Kanye track ever. Twista is as incredible as ever, but the use of Lenny Williams and Miri’s violin, just priceless. Favorite song of 2003 for me.
13. Be-Common-After growing up trying to battle the likes of Chi-town’s NaS, Kanye wasn’t gonna see Com get dropped after the Electric Circus mayhem. Producing his album for free up front and subsequently acquiring him as an artist under his G.O.O.D. label imprint, “The Corner” single-handedly saved Common among hip hop heads missing the NoI.D. days. The album as a whole is a bonafide classic though and save for amplified samples or an extra long hook here and there, Kanye is to be commended with saving Common’s music career allowing him to be relevant enough for a film career.
14. Late Registration-To hand in a classic is a feat in and of itself. But to conceptualize and direct three in two years is unheard of. Between Dropout, Be, and this one is an achievement of the gods-all while producing other hits? I won’t even break this one down. Okay, just a lil’ bit. “Gold Digger” was simply serendipitous, between Ray!, Jamie’s Oscar win and imminent music career, “I Got a Woman” never saw such glory. For the record, the beat is insane if you have any ear for beat programming. “Addiction” is genius in we could actually argue where the “1” is because the time signature need not be defined for this to be awesome. “Drive Slow” (biased as the remix with T.I.’s verse is necessary) morality never really seems to fail on a Ye’ album. Crazy enough, he may be the C student arguing for that B- all day, but you can’t deny his heart.
15. Let’s Get Lifted-John Legend-Now he’s not my dude per se. And I actually like the 3rd album best, but millions around the world say he’s IMPORTANT and he was hand delivered to you by Mr. West. Will.i.am gets the “Ordinary People” credit, Kanye gets the Quincy Jones credit.
16. I Changed My Mind- Keyshia Cole/Talk About Our Love-Brandy. A couple more ‘one-offs.’ Ye’s star power was so high they went with his single instead of Timbo’s “Who is She 2 U” on Brandy’s Afrodisiac.
Not to say “Talk” wasn’t hot, just saying. This is still a banger from Keyshia, though it’s the lowest charter for her first round of hits.
17. Don’t Quit Your Day Job-Consequence- Very slept on hip hop album. Ye' scooped up Q-Tip's cousin after years of languishing in Tribe's absence. Quence showed what he was working with on Dropout ("Spaceship") and Late Reg ("Gone") pretty much killing the close on those. Ye' gave him the good tracks that didn't make his own albums to make this a truly entertaining full package. Also a G.O.O.D. production.

18. Graduation-Sonically, it’s so next level, most still don’t get it. Skills-wize, he was doing more on the guest spots all over the place (like “Drink n’ My 2 Step” and “Because of You”), but the production of Graduation showed that Kanye was nearly OCD in the studio to our benefit. Calling in DJ Toomp from down south and Timbo for keys and programming help, he’s ego-less when it comes to making the best MUSIC and that’s what I love about the dude most. If doesn’t have it, he’s humble enough to call somebody who does.
19. Blueprint 3-Jay-Z Out of respect for what he contributed to the first two, Ye’ gets the executive chair for round 3. Remember that Jay was being called Brett Favre of hip hop (pre Minnesota playoffs) when single after single came and went leading up to this release. “Run This Town” was the first to actually STICK. Add “Empire” and the rest is a wrap. If you need one more track to credit Ye’ with though, “Already Home” takes care of that. Deuces!
20. Power from Good Ass Job-Yes, the new track is so hot, you can’t deny it. Just went through Drake’s album for the fourth time and nothing on it compares. That does it for me. See you when you get back, Ye.

A Lil' Less Lo, A Lil' More Mo'

For the much anticipated Goodie Mob reunion show, which after a few weeks’ snow delay hit the 9:30 Club in DC last night, there was much to be desired. The four-man hip-hop entity of Big Gipp, T-Mo, Khujo and Cee-Lo that helped establish Southern Rap once brought to stage and even more impressive live show than their family partners, Outkast. Their more socially conscious messages backed by a live band made their show supersede that of The Roots and The Fugees, whom they once toured with. Source magazine even lauded them as the best live act in Rap in their heyday.
One has to consider the immense success that central figure, Cee-Lo Green has received since Goodie’s disbanding in 2000. From moderate success as a solo artist to international acclaim as part of Gnarls Barkley, he’s expanded his audience beyond the realm of what Goodie Mob as a unit achieved.

However, this was not a Cee-Lo show, no matter how much they tried to appease that potential crowd yearning itch. While Goodie’s gold-selling Soul Food and Still Standing endear fans to them to a sell-out tune, they seemed to be less confident in their group success and ever reaching to find hits to fill out the 75 minute-set. Pulling from Green’s two solo albums, guest appearances each member had elsewhere (heavily leaning on Cee-Lo and Gipp's) and even a flipped version of Gnarls’ international smash, “Crazy.” This audience barely responded to the tune, evidencing that while we love Cee-Lo, we did take “reunion” to mean we’d be hearing Goodie only. With the absence of thought provoking classics like “I Didn’t Ask To Come,” “Fighting,” and “The Experience,” supported by female DJ ("Cut") instead of a live band, it felt when it was all over but the shouting, the group was a mere shadow of their former legendary selves. Though "Watch For the Hook" was a major highlight, even some of their hits were lost in the overcompensating use of samples instead of the original music and Dungeon Family musicians who used to kill it behind them. This was a far cry from the “Free” intro we used to see where the band would fully flesh out Cee-Lo’s song that light the match on their debut album.

Seeing all four original members was refreshing and maybe even reassuring that they may one day record again. But the show left this fan with nothing but yearning-one, for the band show to return and two, for Cee-Lo Green to put together a show of his own where he could truly showcase his incredible body of work over the last sixteen years. Add to it the incredible live band set by opening act B.o.B., an obvious student of the Dungeon Family sound, and the “Good might honestly have Died Over some Bullshit.”

Significant Singles of Timbaland

Timothy Mosely is one of the most influential producers and innovators of the 20th and 21st century. Hailing from the Tidewater area of Virginia with fellow game changers Missy Elliott, Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, Timbaland has created a body of work to be studied by producers and sonic examiners for decades to come. Groomed in Devante Swing’s Bassment Crew (w/Missy, Ginuwine, Static (from Playa), Tim learned a little from one of R&B's hottest producers at the time, but his innovations are his own.

Timbaland's use of the Ensoniq ASR-10, a relic by many's standards, was the most innovative production at that time. His sample choices were obscure (crickets, frogs, dogs, babies), but infectious. Shameless elders doing anything to stay hip now were arranging their vocals in Missy's rap-like cadence and tripling their high hats and double-timing their beats to sound like Tim.

The Elton John to Missy’s Bernie Taupin, Tim’s compositions (yes, chords and arrangements) and productions (not just beat making and sampling) are the foundation for Hip-Hop and R&B’s marriage ushering in the next millennium. These are the significant singles of Timbaland.
(Before we even get started, Missy’s first four albums alone is the introductory study of Timbaland’s production genius.)

1. Can U Get Wit It-Usher
Yes, though Devante got the full credit and Tim just musicianship-listen again and you’ll hear it. Beat boxing and all-especially the long version.

2. One in a Million-Aaliyah
One of the most pivotal recordings for the next 10 years. Changed song phrasing and syncopation as well as drumming and drum programming patterns. Before One in a Million had its full run on the charts, Timbaland's production style had been copied by producers up-and-coming and established hitmakers alike.

3. Pony-Ginuwine
Displayed the quirky, risky, and funky sensibilities Tim’s work display.
(weapon of choice: Bud frog)

4. Can We-SWV
Their last #1. Tim and Missy's 3rd.
(weapon of choice: dog bark)

5. If Your Girl Only Knew (Remix)-Aaliyah
Not that the original didn’t bust the doors wide open, it’s just that this remix showed that Tim had more beats than people to give ‘em to and bored easily of tracks looping so the flip at the end of this one shoes ADHD or genius or both.

6. Are You That Somebody-Aaliyah
Fellow trackmasters challenged Tim to make a track knock w/o using high-hats which he was so now famous for. The challenged delivered Aaliyah her first crossover smash and Grammy nom. (weapon of choice: baby talk)

7. Hit ‘em Wit Da Hee (Remix)-Missy and Lil’ Kim
Another example of beat flipping and the ending is damn nasty.

8. Sexual Needs-Adina Howard [unreleased]
Eastwest/Sylvia Rhone politics kept this completed album and killer single from Adina Howard from ever seeing light of day. It was something of a part two to "One In a Million," using a backward 808 for special effect.

9. Up Jumps Da Boogie/Luv 2 Luv Ya-Tim, Magoo, Missy and Shawnta
For no other reason than to see the original Bassment crew together in the videos, both these tracks have to be listed. It seemed their takeover announcement.

10. Get Ur Freak On/What’cha Gonna Do-Missy
Both listed because Miss E…So Addictive contains perhaps the best encapsulation of Tim’s production on one disc-even getting into “afrobeat” c/o Fela on “What Cha Gonna Do.”

11. Work it-Missy
Last of her significant Timbo hits, but 4 fo 4 on the dynamic duo delivering full albums of production genius.

12. Big Pimpin’-Jay-Z and UGK/It’s Hot/Come and Get Me-Jay-Z
The first is listed simply because of what it did for Jay’s career. Otherwise, it’s a sample and minimal in Tim’s actual “work.” But it resides on an album where his other two tracks are in that ADHD beat zone. “Come And Get Me” is actually two different songs. It’s also proof that Tim’s a funkmaster.

13. Dirt Off Your Shoulder-Jay-Z
Reference Fade to Black or youtube Tim’s offering of two other killers before this one for Jay. The anthem and mantra they created couldn’t be better displayed than the soon-to-be-president’s perfect timing and usage during his campaign.

14. I’ll Be Around-Cee-Lo
Almost go-go, “Sweet Sugar-Lo and Timbo” combined well and made about the closest thing you’ll ever see to Cee-Lo going commercial on ya. Hot jam that hit number one for good reason.

15. Ugly-Bubba Sparxxx
Tim tried the ‘label owner’ thing for a minute and out of it we got Bubba and Petey Pablo.

16. Call Me-Tweet
Musically full for such a short track. While "Oops" was a bigger hit, I feel Missy and Tweet get that credit for the lyrics more than the beat.

17. Cry Me A River-Justin Timberlake
Though Storch argues who came up with it, I believe Tim’s revisit of it on "What Comes Around Goes Around" lays claim enough. And though Justin’s work the Neptunes outnumber his Tim tracks on Justified, their synergy survives most successfully laying foundation for the follow-up to far surpass the debut’s success by a mile.

18. Who is She To You-Brandy
One of the best tracks he’s ever done.

19. Promiscuous-Nelly Furtado
Made him a pop star, finally.

20. Give it To Me-Justin, Nelly Timbo
Cemented him as a pop star.

21. Headsprung-LL Cool J
LL needed this sooooo bad.

22. Put You Up on the Game-The Game
One of very few west coast tracks Tim got to do. Glad Dre approved:)

23. Let Me Talk To Her/My Love/Losing My Way-Justin Timerlake
Just when you thought you'd heard every sound and beat in his vault, "My Love" dropped and was the freshest thing on the radio. Finally won Timbo a Grammy, though he was snubbed on Producer of the Year.

24. Miles Away-Madonna
Best song on Hard Candy. I feel like the others had to be done for this one to be perfect.

25. Carry Out w/Justin-Timbo
Prelude to Just’s next joint. Can’t wait.

Aughts pt.10-2009

This will actually be the simplest, shortest list, because overall, 2009 SUCKED musically. But that's indicative of the year King MJ died.

1. Real As It Gets Feat. Young Jeezy-Jay-Z
Finally made me “get” what cats love about Jeezy. It’s my favorite song of the year times two. Spun twice as many times as #2 on the list, which just happens to be…
2. Empire State Of Mind Feat. Alicia Keys-Jay-Z
From September though the rest of the year, it was “Song of the Year” in America. Be honest.

3. Thank You-Jay-Z
I love when Hov’s sense of humor is all over a track. He makes all other emcees look like the children most are compared to him.

4. Bad Habits-Maxwell
Didn’t know he still had it in him when “Pretty Wings” sat on the net for two years before Black Summer’s Night finally came. If nothing else on the album gave you that Urban Hang Suite scratch you needed, this one did. The horns riffing at the end is just too much (in a good way).

5. Devil's Halo/Tie One On-Me'Shell Ndegéocello
The bedroom/basement queen returns doing what she does best-Make me horny.

6. We Fight, We Love (Remix feat. Kanye West & Consequence)-Q-Tip
This remix would’ve been a classic no matter when it dropped, but considering Michael’s death, “Heartbreak Hotel’s” usage here was the most serendipitous musical moment of last year for me. Didn’t know whether to dance or cry.

7. Make Her Say-Kid Cudi feat Kanye West & Common
Back on my Ye’ box. For him to take the acoustic version of GaGa’s “Poker Face” and flip it to this; and for her to give her blessing, is true artistic homogeny. If only the world were so agreeable. Ha.

8. I Can Make It Better-Freddie Washington
Rarely do I have smooth jazz moments, but I’ve waited on a solo record from this dude for years and this song was just “pretty.”

9. Pretty Girls/My Sweetie-Wale
Best of the two worlds I wanted to see Wale expose the world to-Go-Go and Afrobeat. "Pretty Girls" is a local fave already, but to take Backyard Band's Weensy and UCB on stages like MTV, BET and VH1 was bolder than many locals give him credit for. "My Sweetie" is awesome and only Nigerian parties can explain to you. Gotta be there-kinda like go-go.  “Money on the floor, splash it, splash it.”

10. Woe-Chinahblac
Got a bunch of new music to review and just let the pod shuffle. When this came on, I remember stopping my walk. A bit of Tweet, a taste of Anastascia, the voice got me. Live music behind her kept me. Nice.

11. Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready) (featuring Drake)-Alicia Keys
Singles be damned, this is the best record she’s made in years. (why must everybody use Drake to sell tracks though?)

12. Pregnant (Featuring Tyrese, Robin Thicke And The-Dream)-R. Kelly
Don’t judge me. It’s dope. And yes, it’s funny as hell.

13. On the Ocean-K'Jon
Songs like this just STAND OUT on the radio today. And that’s when you know how bad radio sucks. Too few “songs” being composed.

14. Blame It-Jamie Foxx & T-Pain
No words needed.

15. Sobeautiful-Musiq
Didn't know he had it in him to make me question Maxwell. How dope this one was only further validates how good "Bad Habits" had to be to one-up it.

Aughts pt.9-2008

1. Soldier-Erykah Badu
Basic back beat and Erica Wright's keen sense of talking to tha people.
"To my girls in therapy, see, Imma tell ya this for free. To my folks on the picket lines, don't stop 'til ya change their minds. Got love for my folks, baptized when the levees broke. They be trying to hide the history, but they know who we are."

2. Announcement-Common
Com & Pharrell's ode to Biggie got missed by too many of y'all. Cranks at any club or party.

3. Heartless-Kanye West
One of the less experimental, but focused compositions of 808s & Heartbreak, it flows well after "Liquid Swords" by Gza.

4. Stay With Me (By the Sea)-Al Green & John Legend
This was actually #1 for 2008, but since pushed down a bit behind Soussi dj-ing. I felt the Re'um Al didn't write enough for the Lay it Down. He came in and kinda "freestyled" or ad-libbed most of his lyrics. Considering the pains Quest, Spanky & Poyser went through to re-create the authentic Green/Mitchell sound of the 70s, he could've given us at least one fully fleshed out "song" like "Let's Stay Together" or "What a Wonderful Thing." Here he's saved by Corinne Bailey's lyrics and John Legend finally using a different tone. Glad this one won him his first R&B Grammy. Well deserved.

5. Take Off the Blues /Something to Behold-The Foreign Exchange
What a statement was Leave it All Behind when a rapper has to construct a better R&B album than any singer in the past 3 years. Phonte's vocals and layering shoulda woke up that hibernating PK from Richmond.

6. Green Light (featuring Andre 3000)-John Legend
A sign of change for Legend, this dance oddity broadened his palette and brought in naysayers (myself included) for the killer album Evolver was.

7. Johnny Is Dead-Q-Tip
So many years of waiting for Kamal the Abstract to be released, we forgot how dope of an emcee Tip was. Best lead off track since Midnight Marauders.

8. The One Pt. II-Sol Edler
Ok, so my good friend Rick White asked my lil' brother to voice the first single of his Quincy-like Guilty Pleasures project. We had this and then an upgraded version with more background arrangements a cool year before the album was officially released. Get your step on to this brilliant production and lyrical twist on "close but not quite" relationships.

9. Discipline/Can't B Good-Janet Jackson
Janet delivered when most had counted her out. Ne-Yo did his damn thing delivering the customary Janet closing sexy gem and an R&B standard tailor made for her or her brother.

10. It's Over (feat. Kanye West)-John Legend
One more to establish Legend was expanding. With the Sugar Hill intro, it should've set off many a party.

11. One More Drink (Co-Starring T-Pain)-Ludacris
Classic Luda. Classic comedy. Most don't even get the end of the hook as the music is so good. "You too."

12. No Matter What-Heavy D
Yes, the bum-diddly-diddly-dee dropped a reggae album that made the Marleys regroup.

13. Paranoid (feat. Mr. Hudson)-Kanye West
80s groove buried in 808s & Heartbreak that even with a dope video didn't get the exposure it deserved.

14. Miles Away-Madonna
Leave it to the '58 sister to have the last music relevant in the Aughts. Her bros MJ & Prince were pretty dormant by this point and she didn't just languish in the Tim, Justin or Pharrell capable hands-she contributed herself fully making Hard Candy un-ignorable. This one ranked highest for me hands down.

15. That Was Then/1 Mile-Lalah Hathaway
Newly added to the reborn Stax roster, the Tone queen gave a few upgrades to her indie gem Outrun the Sky. These two were chambers not accessed on OTS and filled out what already seemed a full palette.

16. Can't Believe It (w/Justin Timberlake)-T-Pain
Don't know where you can find this version, but please do. Justin, of course adds a polish Lil' Wayne could not. Auto-tune don't make non-singers sing and it doesn't shake a real vocalist.

17. Fade Into The Background-Ne-Yo
I know "Closer" set off many a club, but this one stood out from the rest of the album for me. I was told it sounded like a ZWEi song. Hmmm...perhaps.

18. Nothing Left To Say-Mint Condition
Though their 2nd independent album paled in comparison to Livin' the Luxury Brown, this cut was desrvedly their biggest hit in nearly a decade.

19. Everyone Nose (Remix)-N.E.R.D. ft. Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Pusha T
Somebody please tell me what the original was. Hilarious twist on nose candy.

20. Magic-Robin Thicke
Dance classic that also had me questioning Maxwell's return. Flows well with Curtis' "Move on Up."

21. Everybody (feat. Kanye West & Andre 3000)-Fonzworth Bentley
The butler came with a jam. Blame it on Sa-Ra or Andre, but it was hot. So was the video.

22. A Little Better-Gnarls Barkley
Their follow-up got completely ignored, but it might've been more cohesive than their debut minus "Crazy."

23. We Fight/WeLove-Q-Tip feat Raphael Saadiq/Believe-Q-Tip feat D'Angelo
Tip was just in a zone the whole album. His guest stars added just what they were supposed to, but never outshined his emceeing. That's what made Renaissance the best rap album in '08 or '09.

24. Champagne Chronik Nightcap w/ Lil Wayne-Solange
A bonus cut not even included on her album, it further validated baby sis' "artistic" efforts superseded her older sister's.

25. Rising Up Feat. Wale & Chrisette Michele-The Roots
Go-go finally back on the main stage STILL got ignored. Props to the Roots for even giving it a shot.

26. The Man Who Can't Be Moved-The Script
She knows. What a rare find. It never gets one spin. A brilliant lyric from a group I'm near-clueless about.

27. Prayin' For You/Superman-Anthony Hamilton
This might be a bit too country for most, but it was proof AHam was bold, black and bayou enough to go against the grain and render all else pedestrian in the "soul" game.

Aughts pt.8-2007

First is just what the pod said was played most in order.
1. I Know-Jay-Z
2. Good Life (Ft. T-Pain)-Kanye West
3. Flashing Lights (Ft. Dwele)-Kanye West
4. Hostile Gospel Pt. 1-Talib Kweli
5. Roc Boys (And The Winner Is.....)-Jay-Z
6. Work That-Mary J. Blige
7. Say Hello-Jay-Z
8. Stop Breaking My Heart-Rahsaan Patterson
9. The People-Common
10. I Want You (Feat. Will.I.Am)-Common
11. Southside (Feat. Kanye West)-Common
12. Fallin'-Jay-Z
13. Good Morning (Intro)-Kanye West
14. Arms Of My Baby-Joss Stone
15. Champion-Kanye West
16. Break My Heart-Common
17. Party Life-Jay-Z
18. Ignorant Shit-Jay-Z
19. Just Fine-Mary J. Blige
20. Can't Tell Me Nothing-Kanye West

Break down of my faves & ’07 slept ons. Honestly Jig’s AG, Ye’s Graduation, Mary’s Growing Pains, Com’s Finding Forever, and Joss’ album dominated the pod, car, bar, etc, for the whole year, but here are a few highlights & others.

1. Lesson Learned (featuring John Mayer)-Alicia Keys
Sorry Barnes, yes I do find a way to work Mayer into every list, or he finds some way of being present every year. I, for the record, HATED “No One” and think “Like You’ll Never See Me Again” is yet another rip off (“Purple Rain”) so this is the one tolerable record from the album and I think he’s in pocket. It’s not a duet. Little guitar and backups, but it’s a great arrangement.

2. Just Friends-Amy Winehouse
Yes, Back in Black was a good album, but America made Winehouse more spectacle than singer. Regardless of her antics, the music was great behind her lyrics, the Dap Kings and Salaam Remi-the reggae/hip hop architect behind the Fugees and everybody who ever wanted to sound like Lauryn. This one right here was proof that Mark Ronson was not the driving force behind Back to Black. Remi hands in an authentic roots reggae track for Ms. Brixton to bless.

3. Can't Get Over (Feat. Dave Hollister)-Carl Thomas
The circle is complete. Mike City’s vocalists of his first two major hits come together on this slept on/swept under the mat track. As this is from Carl’s indie album on Mike’s imprint, it never saw light of day on radio. It deserved better. Rarely do you get two voices like this on one track giving it up.

4. One For All Time-Chaka Khan
Thank God for Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis & “Big Jim” Wright taking care of mama Chaka on her best album since C.K. “Angel” was a close second, but the hook on this kept me just a little bit longer.

5. Love Theme from "The Godfather"-Chuck Brown
The first full-length album from “The Godfather” since We the People in 1977. Yes, DC’s go-go leader has made his name and legend from 12” singles, not albums. So this was a historical recording, if you will. How appropriate of him to flip the Coppola theme he bears the name of.

6. Tomorrow's Another Day-Collie Buddz
One of the best reggae album’s I ever heard. Chants and sings his ass off and ALL the tracks bang, but this one was my fave.

7. Finding Forever (album)/Southside (Feat. Kanye West)/The People/I Want You (Feat. Will.I.Am)-Common
The album wasn’t necessarily BETTER than Be, but the upgrades in sonic alchemy Kanye had been studying were evident with tracks like “Southside.” Will.i.am puts his big black pinky in on it with “I Want You” though. Flipping three different beats, creating three different moods, his arrangement skills supersede “hip hop” production.

8. Pretty Little Sexy Mama/The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (feat. Kanye West)-Consequence
Long time no hear. Dexter “Cons to da Quence” Mills debuted on the Dilla directed Beats, Rhymes & Life album by Tribe Called Quest but languished for years in obscurity ‘til he showed up on Kanye’s College Dropout. Giving us a clue as to who Ye’ sparred with on his way to the top, Cons’ style is very similar. After killing “Late” and “Spaceship” he finally gets his own album to shine. “Good, Bad & Ugly” showcases Cons & Kan-man at their hungriest as it was recorded before Dropout even came out. Peep the sample on “Pretty Little Sexy Mama” indie music lovers, and you’ll probably get why I played it so much.

9. What A Job (Feat. Snoop Dogg & Andre 3000)-Devin The Dude
True love for what we do our here whether we get paid or not. Not too often are you gonna hear Devin talking about sum’n other that blunts and broads, so digest this fully. Snoop and Andre handle theirs on it. This is one of the ones keeping Andre lovers swinging despite no full length effort from Outkast or him solo.

10. American Gangster (album)-I Know-Jay-Z
2nd best album he ever made. Recorded in a friggin’ month!

11. Crown Royal-Jill Scott
As simple and sexy as "Honey Molasses," but this time she was talking shit DIRECTLY. Gotta love her for finally being sassy/sexy unabashedly.

12. Arms Of My Baby-Joss Stone
Raphael Saadiq is a friggin' master. It's one thing to manifest one's own compositions into productions. It's another to gel 6-10 different writers into a cohesive package while keeping the retro-right now funk going. Joss is an awesome vocalist and it took me a minute to accept that she wasn't just being someone else or trying to emanate soul singers. She IS.

13. Throw Some D's (Remix)-Kanye West
Nip/Tuck’s latest sales rep. If they weren’t drinking the Ye’ Kool-Aid yet, many came on right here. Flipping Rich Boy’s track to a comedic, but killer flow, Ye’s maniacal work ethic makes for many a highlight outside his albums.
“She ain’t pregnant, but about to have twins.” “Why you spend your money on that shallow shit? Won’t you buy some bigger tits, something that’ll last you?”

14. Graduation (album)/Good Life (Ft. T-Pain)-Kanye West
Certain albums beg for headphones. Not the Ipod buds , but real Bose, Koss, or Monster “over the head” phones. The fidelity & most efficient use of the highs and bottom on tracks comes through on this album. You can study “Good Life,” "Stronger" and "Flashing Lights" and still not get everything happening in the production. But one thing’s for certain, Kanye takes time and care with his craft. Give him that.

15. Like This f/ Eve-Kelly Rowland
As long as there is a Matthew Knowles, Kelly will make records you never hear. Eve should’ve released it featuring Kelly. That would’ve changed the response to the track-which was hot as hell.

16. Let it Go-Keyshia Cole featuring Lil’ Kim & Missy
How can you STILL win with the “Juicy Fruit” beat? Kim and Missy sold it for me.

17. You Just Don't Want to Know-Marvin Winans
For the record this is NOT a Gospel song, no matter how much they try to flip it into one for his Tyler Perry appearances. Marvin had a Bebe-like secular moment. Divorce will do that to a minister. However, the song is as awesome as it is awesome.

18. Work That-Mary J. Blige
A motivational jam from the Queen? It got me so amped up. Though I feel most of it’s for young or hustlin’ sisters, I totally felt the universal lines of the tune. Favorite tune from 2nd favorite album on MJB.

19. Last Night (Remix)-Diddy feat. Keyshia Cole, Lil' Kim, Yung Joc, The Game, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi & Rich Boy
Will.i.am strikes again. With the Prince samples and essence in full effect, everybody represents on this track. Not one wack verse, bridge or vamp. Extended remix will keep a party going all night.

20. Gilla House Check-Redman
Years off, Reggie finally made it back for one last album. This one and the “My 1st Song” mixtape track got the most spins and represented my old Reggie better than the Timbo and Pete Rock singles they pushed on us.

21. Hostile Gospel Pt. 1-Talib Kweli
Very close 2nd to “Get By” for Kweli’s best song. Blaze’s reused “Kingdom Come” beat notwithstanding, the kids choir and the overall theme might inspire riots and marches.

22. Calm The Fuck Down-T-Pain
Don’t know if it’ll ever get officially released, but this bonus cut from Pain’s original album kills me. Maybe it’s the (disgruntled) domestic side of me. Hilarious track if you can find it.

23. International Playas Anthem (w/Outkast)-UGK
For the record, Bun B’s verse is my favorite. Get off Dre’s…

24. Don't Let Me Leave Alone (Nicolay's Hardhouse Remix)-Windimoto
Shout out to Jamil for this one. Don’t know anything other than this is somehow rooted in Detroit. Track bangs for the dancefloor, but make sure you get the right version.