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.

Aughts pt. 7-2006

Finally, a short one! I'm pretty certain my faves in '06 were pretty simple, just played a LOT.

1. Irreplaceable-Beyoncé
Schaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith dropped his "Superwoman" (ala man writing for a woman) with this. 3 million copies later, dudes couldn't even be mad if she sang it like this.

2. High & Dry-Bilal
From Exit Music, a tribute to Radiohead, Bilal blesses a great song with a great voice. The Bends' original version is no slouch. But come on....

3. Boogie Wonderland-Brittany Murphy
R.I.P., I couldn't stop listening to it and I never really got over how sexy her speaking/singing voice was. Then there's the fact that SHE told me the words to an EWF song!! I'm so embarrassed.

4. Touch It (Remix)-Busta Rhymes f/ Mary J Blige, Rah Digga, & Missy
If I thought Swizz was dead with the Ruff Ryders, this slapped me clean crossed the face. The original and remix were equally vicious. "Get low, Bus." "Turn it up!"

5. Before He Cheats-Carrie Underwood
Again, why must the best male bash tunes be written by dudes? Chris Thompkins/Josh Kear's classic tune took Carrie from country to pop and from Idol to bonafied star. Great friggin' song.

6. Ain't No Other Man-Christina Aguilera
The song that made sense of the DJ Premier/Christina match up. A double album wasn't necessary though.

7. More Of You-Fred Hammond
The most played gospel song of the decade for me. When you've had enough, there's indeed "more." The song seems to never stop climbing. Background vocals take it there.

8. Back For More-Glenn Lewis feat. Kardinal Offishall
Cut his hair and rocked a reggae tune abandoning his Stevie roots and for what? To have his album shelved! Some times I really hate major labels! This banged and would've done just fine if pushed.

9. Crazy/Feng Shui-Gnarls Barkley
A short sweet album led by one of the decades greatest songs. The play on irony and oxymorons throughout the album make you truly consider psychotropic meds by the end. Yet one more example of the genius Cee-Lo Green is.

10. Lost One-Jay-Z
Though the most significant verse is rumored to be 3-4 years old, it makes the song one of Jig's most quotables ever. Dr. Dre on the beat doesn't hurt (even if it's merely a loop).

11. Continuum (album)Vultures/Slow Dancing in a Burning Room/I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)/Heart of Life-John Mayer
I've written about this album more than i'm willing to admit.

12. Say, Say, Li'l Fine Ass Niggah (feat. Trauma Black, Bun B & Pastor Troy)/I'm So Famous-Joi
Crunk cats missed this. Joi's the baddest in the ATL and way too neglected of your attention. Itune her please:)

14. Let Me Talk to You Prelude / My Love-Justin Timberlake
Most played song of the year. Before I even saw the video, then double the spins. The keys, the beat, the intro, man....hold on, I'm finna play it right now.

15. If (ft. Asheru & Talib Kweli)-Kenn Starr
Hot slept on track I wouldn't have known had it not been for Ash's Insomnia mixtapes. Dig this up-3 hot verses, hot track.

16. Kick Push/I Gotcha-Lupe Fiasco
To make me memorize a tune about skateboarding is no easy feat. "K-Koomp, k-koomp, k-koomp, his neighbors couldn't stand it." Loved it. But when "I Gotcha" dropped, I nearly forgot the kickin' and pushin. Though Pharrell stole/flipped Ye's "Get By" beat, it was still killer. Lupe's soap verse got me too.

17. Who Killed It-NaS
One of NaS' most creative moments. Great storytelling and characters to boot.

18. Morris Brown-Outkast
I think their fans sold 'em out, I just can't figure out why. Idlewild wasn't bad. Definitely not subpar enough to take them from five million to one million and be outsold by Danity Kane. This one took you to the HBCU halftimes. Loved it.

19. Lost Without You-Robin Thicke
For a second there I was really scared Maxwell wouldn't survive this. This should've won Grammy for R&B male the following year, so injustices are dealt to both sides of the line apparently.

20. Why You Wanna-T.I.
"Gypsy Woman" and Q-Tip's one-liner flipped for a southern hip hop gem. "I just got just got one question to aks you. Is you happeh?"

Aughts pt. 6-2005

2005 was a pinnacle year for my promotions company, record label, and artists. We (ZWEi) released our 3rd album, produced & released our first protege to significant success, and promoted shows that helped bring our idols back to stage and prominence in the Northeast. We entertained 1,000 NY fans of theirs who gave us more love than we'd ever gotten in DC. Until we did the Carter Barron 2 months later. aside from my own stuff I overlycritiqued the entire year, here are the other tunes I played to death for '05.

1. That's How Close We Are/What The Hell Do You Want-112
Darron & Mike represent the grown voices again for Da Twelve. Pleasure & Pain is actually one of their best albums if not the best. Harold Lilly’s lyrics win out on “That’s How Close..” but Mike’s vocals stand the tallest at the album’s closing ballad, “What the Hell…” A traditional soul song, this tune was bit mature for the average 112 fan.

2. What Happened-Algebra
Kedar once had the magic touch and the “next” artists under his management, so it’s understandable why Algebra would latch on to him. Problem is she latched on when the ship was sinking. The man who coined the term “neo-soul” was claiming it was dead now, and Algebra Blessett was the next chapter in R&B. Finally a non-formulaic tune by Bryan-Michael Cox (“Shake it Off,” “Confessions,” “Burn”), “What Happened” is a raw live production that deserved full light, video and promotion and Kedar is to blame for this trusting youngster having no success to match her talent.

3. 1 Thing-Amerie
Rich Harrison and those damn drum breaks. Bless her heart, Amerie Rogers had nothing to do with this song being bigger than she was. Big enough for Beyonce and J-Lo to be mad they didn’t get it.

4. Ain't Nobody Worryin (album)/The Truth/Southern Stuff/Change Your World-Anthony Hamilton
The black man’s guide 2005. Underrated/unappreciated, AHam. As big as his debut was, this album was more thorough and had way more important messages to black husbands and fathers. These three from lowest to highest ranked highest on my 2nd favorite album of ’05

5. Love Me Anyway/Love Thang-Bebe Winans
Finally the solo sound I was looking for from Bebe. Amazing it took 3 albums and a short stay at Hidden Beach to get this, but I’ll take it. One for the Lord, and one for Bebe’s daughter, these two kept me cool and humbled by His wonder.

6. Ms New Booty f/ Ying Yang Twins-Bubba Sparxxx
I’m entitled to my guilty pleasures. This song CRANKED and CRACKED ME UP at the same time.

7. Floatin-Charlie Wilson (featuring Justin Timberlake & Will.i.am)
Yeah, I know, you never heard it. Will.i.am and JT delivered a banger with the help of “Over Like a Fat Rat” and genuine production skills. One of the few times will.i.am’s verse doesn’t kill the vibe. And it might be me, but I could swear I hear them making a melody out of Darth Vader’s theme.

8. Run It! (Featuring Juelz Santana)-Chris Brown
Cranked. Period.

9. The Corner/Go!/They Say-Common
Ironic that homeboy already had an album called Resurrection and this was the true one. Thank you God for Kanye West if for no other reason, Common keeping a job. Though Ye’ could’ve toned his “presence” down a bit throughout the album, he still manages to direct arguably Common’s best full length. I couldn’t pick between these three. The “Corner’s” flow is one of the illest throwbacks ever. “Go’s” phenomenal track wins before even get to the ménage story atop it. “They Say” was revolutionary though it was so melodic, it might’ve gotten past you. Com, Ye’ and John Legend could’ve done an album together that might make an interesting twist on 213.

10. There For You-Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley
From one of the best roots/dancehall hybrids ever, Damian (and Steve) make daddy proud and live up to their name like no other album in the family arsenal since Ziggy’s Conscious party seventeen years before. This one is nearly a ballad-sexy, melodic, and adaptable to any room.

11. Wikked Lil' Grrrls(album)/Gone (feat. Cee-Lo)-Esthero
More dimensions than on her debut, Esthero travelled many a genre on this one. Balls enough to call out Britney, R. Kelly & Viacom (for promoting them) in one fell swoop, ya gotta respect her. "blanket me" and "thank heaven" should satiate the Breath From Another fans, but Gone was a surprising find. She and Cee-Lo sell the "couple" well. You hope they work it out.

12. Stop N Go-Faith Evans
The melody is catchy and the production’s tight, but the 2nd verse alone had me rewinding and repeating this one like a rap song.

13. TRY! (album)/Who Did You Think I Was/Daughters/I Got A Woman-John MayerTrio
Most impressive bar band work of Mayer to date. Just John, Steve and Pino, and nothing missing from the nasty pocket and stellar solo guitar on it. The revisit of “Daughters” shouting out to D’Angelo’s “Send it On” was brilliant. The Kanye/Ray marriage with live music on “I Got a Woman” was just as surprisingly great.

14. Late Registration (album)/Addiction-Kanye West
One of my favorite rap albums of all time and my absolute favorite of the entire year. The construction of each track, execution of upgraded emcee-skills, and overall production of it makes it a classic recording. Between trying to figure out where the “1” was, it being a dope dance record, and its sentiment, somehow this one got banged more than “Gold Digger” from my pod.

15. (I Just Want It) To Be Over-Keyshia Cole
By Kerry Brothers (not Alicia Keys and Kerry Brothers), this made me wonder what exactly does Alicia bring to her compositions.

16. Lighters Up-Lil' Kim
This was so gangster and such redemption since her Notorious K.I.M. and La Bella Mafia albums, I thought she shouldn’t have to go to jail.

17. About You-Mary J. Blige
Score another on for will.i.am. Flipping Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” he proves he’s more than a mere beat collector.

18. Believer/What is This-Mary Mary
From one of the livest, most artistic gospel albums I’ve ever owned. They are the Janet Jackson to Warryn “Smiley” Campbell’s Jam & Lewis. It’s wonderful to watch their growth and morphing throughout his productions doing the same.

19. Dance of the Infidel-Me'Shell Ndegéocello featuring Kenny Garrett
Ok later I found out why this song was Me’shell for me even w/o vocals. It’s because this, Cookie and Comfort Woman all shared some sessions. So if you spin Jabril from Cookie, this fire makes complete sense.

20. Livin’ The Luxury Brown(album)/Half An Hour-Mint Condition
My boys were back. The album was obese. More material than one could probably shed in a year, but considering their 6 year hiatus, they made up for lost time. I’d seen Stokely grow leaps and bounds as a songwriter in Keri’s absence. This one by Ricky, however was evidence they were hip to the times while not sacrificing their own style and sound. Put this on after Usher’s “Confessions” and you’ll hear the grown version of a similar sentiment.

21. Is it Possible-Raheem DeVaughn
One of the best VOICES you’re gonna hear for a long time. But here, the songwriter showcased just as much as the tones pushing his words. After two years of waiting to get this material heard, Raheem finally had his Jive debut nationally, and the natives were ectstatic.

22. Make Me Cry/Remember Me-Sol Edler
My first (and last) protégé taught me the value of true talent, vocalizing and younger “siblings.” I am most proud to say that I “directed” these sessions with my partner/brother. I believe the production and quality of this album totally benefitted from ZWEi having recorded three albums of their own preparing for such a feat as producing a Sol Edler. If these never bring a tear out of you, you’ve got some more loving/living to do.

23. Another Relationship-Syleena Johnson
One of the most awesome songs you’ve never heard. The phrasing, the lyrics, the realness is one-of-a-kind in one tune. Make sure you hear the very last thing she says. It puts a whole new spin on the song and makes you rewind.

24. Amerimacka (Feat Notch)-Thievery Corporation
Happy to say even these guys are “homeboys,” but their sound DC could never lay claim too. Can’t tell you a word of the song, but I know every beat.

25. Take This Ring-Toni Braxton
Rich Harrison scores again, this time with his homegirl. And y’all STILL ain’t heard it, huh? Libra was so slept on, but a Rich Harrison banger’s never gonna get past me.

26. Withdrawal-ZWEi
Even if I wanted to be modest and ignore how or why I played these so much, a thousand Mint Condition fans in NY & the staff at Ben's Chili Bowl would want the truth told. I came into Ben’s around spring right before we did our 3rd and final show with Mint and my man, Mo, told me to look at the most played song on the jukebox. It was “Withdrawal.” Things like that make all the struggle and hustle seem minimal.

Aughts pt. 5

1. Twist Ya Body‑213
If only it'd dropped a little earlier...Snoop, Nate & Warren G delivered on the group project they sang of as their origin for over 10yrs, but waited 'til there was no Death Row, G‑Funk or support of either around to cash in on it. Nevertheless, the album was some of Warren's best beat making ever and this one should've had a shot at the charts. Maybe it would've if Snoop hadn't nullified the entire project with his biggest solo single ever just a few months later.

2. Sean‑Aya
The voice of Sweetback's Stage 2 released one album of her own containing the duality Sade's music always won with‑save for one twist. Though they share the one punch in the sensual side, the two punch where Sade makes you cry, Aya makes you dance. "Sean" (and its 21 remixes) hits the sweetest chord on a brilliant electronica anomaly called Strange Flower. The dance floor gets no sexier than when Aya's serenading it.

3. Who Is She 2 U‑Brandy
Some thought B‑Rocka belonged with Darkchild and dismissed her Timbo album as Aaliyah's leftovers. I remind them all that Full Moon's best cut was not by, Mr. "Say his name all over your album" Jerkins. This track was undeniable, no matter whom it was intended for and Ms. Norwood handled hers on it and does Babygirl proud.

4. Know It's Alright/The Baby Maker‑Carl Thomas
Ahh the "voice" returns. I had to include the interlude as the production under Malik Yusef's spoken work was the slickest of the entire album. Carl handed in a traditional soul gem tailor made for a classic balladeer, however, with "The Baby Maker." It sounds so familiar, you'll spend half the time wondering where he got it from and the other trying to keep it from living up to its title.

5. All Falls Down (Self‑Conscious)/Spaceship/Jesus Walks‑Kanye West
They share the spot as they all got nearly the same run on the old pod for different reasons. "Self‑Conscious," as. AFD was originally titled, gets included as it contains (even in spoken word form) his most poignant lyrics of the entire Dropout album. "Spaceship" is that hungry anthem we can all relate to and the track and guest spots from GLC & Consequence were killer. "Jesus Walks," while the sentiment goes down in history as the only hip hop ever banged in a club on purpose, has the production/tracking/programming stuff of architects. Kanye is in a class by himself as a producer for moments like these. This isn't a production. It's direction.

6. You Make Me Feel Alright‑Raul Midon
A rich tone that could sustain album just fine before you get to the insane guitar technique (youtube him) or the trumpet thing he does with his mouth. When I finally got past WATCHING homeboy I realized how much I really dig the song too.

7. Outrun the Sky(album) Better & Better/More‑Lalah Hathaway
My girl took the reins and rode that buck 'til she broke it. My pride in an artist I'd followed 14yrs taking over her career direction & album production aside, these are the 3 cuts I played most from the album I played 2nd most in '04. "Outrun" is as dreamy as its lyric, "one day I'm gonna..." Optimistic and hopeful, the title alone is a mantra. "Better," is one of the banginest tracks adult radio was fortunate enough to spin. In a better music industry, it would've been a mainstream hit & roller skating anthem. "More" is the most played song of the year for me. I have no more words to tell you how good it is.

8. The Begger‑Mos Def
From one of the absolute worst follow‑ups in rap history, this SONG (not rap) let us know that Mos wasn't completely incapable of greatness, just not caring enough to give us an album's worth of it anymore.

9. The Marrying Kind/If I Was The Man in Your Life‑Prince
In his last relevant moment as an artist let alone icon, Musicology got Prince back on radio with "Call My Name" and pleased the long time fans with a triple dose of vintage and new Minne-funk/rock. This pair (easily mistaken for one song) was the most focused I've seen/heard him since "I Hate You." The story, with its humor, and the killer drums and guitars was a good enough close to his career for me. Y'all can have 3121, Planet Earth and Lotus.

10. After Hours (album)/The Best‑Rahsaan Patterson
2nd most played album of the year. "The One for Me" resurrected from Steve Harvey's compilation, "April's Kiss," "Sometimes You Gotta Let Go" and the tearjearking "Don't Run So Fast" were the honorable mentions. But this Van Hunt collaboration reigns supreme for lyrical poignancy.

11. Star/Pointro‑The Roots
Doubling as the best track one of any Roots album and their contribution to Sly Stone's Different Strokes tribute album, this interpolation of Everybody is a Star mixed with Thought's commentary on fame chasing, foolery and monkey-shines atop Quest's always underrated production made it top spin from Tipping Point.

12. Drop It Like It's Hot‑Snoop Dogg
And here's the song that killed 213. But you couldn't be mad at Snoop for too long as the song was the best shit he ever made. As simple as the beat was and the lil' wayne line from like 10 years before, it worked. Man, did it work. In the clubs, cars, jeeps, clock radios, etc it worked. Pharrell's verse (despite ELGIBLE) and chords just iced what was already and undeniable beat.

13. Just Another Way‑Trina Broussard
Rahsaan Patterson, Van Hunt and Ms. Broussard compositionally and comprehensively crushed this. Van’s wah-wah’s and funk pocket with Rah & Trina’s show-off backgrounds made for one gritty spot on Trina’s otherwise smooth R&B album.

14. Overnight Celebrity‑Twista
My absolute favorite song of the year. The flipping of Lenny Williams in a different time signature, Twista's one-of-a-kind flow and hilarious lyrics, and Miri's violin on the last verse, man I couldn't be happier.

15. Confessions(album)/Follow Me‑Usher
Most played album of the year. I can honestly say, however, that it was not due to the singles. The beauty of the album is in the countless album cuts that never got releases. "That's What It's Made For," "Throwback," "Simple Things" and this one right here ranked over the hits for me. The unexpected wizard of oz on “Follow Me” is actually Dre & Vidal who were flipping their Touch of Jazz neo-style to tracks like this and Ciara’s “Oh.”

16. Superstar‑Tye Tribbett
Hand delivered to me by Eric Roberson for us to sing background on, it's the most humble thing an artist could say to God of his own talent. After a tear-filled delivery for an encore, this track has never left my heart or "most played" list on a pod.

17. Bullet & A Target-Citizen Cope
To see the club erupt in on-beat applause when the cut drops was something else. 9:30 Club when Clarence Greenwood Sessions dropped and see one of DC's sons welcomed home, I realized "local" had a whole new meaning. I also realized I was about to miss something. I knew Cope's name from ads and trades but didn't even know he was from here until I saw the hometown love he got that night. The lyric, vibe and simplicity of the pocket hits just right.

18. Dust/Down Here in Hell‑Van Hunt
One of the most underrated writers/composers/producers, but overrated artists of the 00s. As talented as Van is, until he finds a voice completely his own, his audience is limited. Is he Curtis, Lenny or Sly today? All that aside, these two cuts I felt no ambiguity-just good music.

19. Daily Bread/Rise‑Martin Luther
One got its bang largely due to Nona Gaye being in the video. Can't front. But the song was hot too. Couple extra layers you might've missed with the horns and funk vamp on the end. But "Rise" is what makes Martin Luther as revolutionary as his name.

20. If You Wanna Feel Alright/I Might do Something Wrong‑Tortured Soul
Got admit, seeing TS live will make ya a bit biased. Not too often you see the drummer up front singing lead, let alone singing lead on club beats and rocking an entire house simultaneously. Christian’s vocals also often mirror Maxwell’s tones , so a tune like “If you Wanna Feel Alright” hits a soul spot left open in Max’s absence at the time.

21. I Can't Wait‑Sleepy Brown featuring Outkast
Yeah yeah, "All praise due to Andre." Having said that, one verse every few months SHOULD make you crucial. Track was hot-pass the baton to Sleepy on that.

22. Selfish‑Slum Villiage, John Legend & Ye'
2 members light, SV got bailed out of the underground buckets by Kanye and John. This time flipping Aretha's "Call Me," the fresh hook and three decent verses made SV's only major hit. Ye's verse has no business being the best on the track, but umerah...

23. Desperation Days‑Wayna
DC Indie by way of Ethiopia, Wayna dropped yet the next level of production quality with her debut. This was my favorite cut. A seemingly dual-themed tune about self-love surviving despair (whether in love or career). The backups on the 2nd verse give me that babyvoiced tone of Wayna's I love most.

24. Lean Back‑Fat Joe
Scott Storch had a few moments in the Aughts, but this one he actually got full credit for. Joe and Remy's verses were adequate enough not to kill the beat. Joe's dig at the Bloods and Crips for letting their signs and steps become pop culture was hilarious. The dance anthem for the non-dancers. Hot.

25. Free Yourself‑Fantasia
Truth Is and this one along with Lalah's "Forever, For Always, For Love" and Kem's "I Can't Stop Loving You" dominated adult black radio in '04. This one got the most spins from me, validating the Missy pen still reigned Timbo beat under it or not. I also realized with this that a arrangement/layering style I thought was Tweet's was actually Missy's.

Aughts pt. 4

2003 was a pivotal year in black independent music. It was a time where many independents went from struggling to empowered in their freedom. It was also a time where the underground made enough rumble to shake Big Brother's buildings and force him to negotiate with the likes of folk like Kem, Ledisi, Goapele, Donnie and Rhian Benson.

What followed was a dismantling of the Artist Development and Artist & Repertoire (A&R) dimension of labels as the extra money they were used to making off clueless artists was being shared now with intelligent, informed and sometimes seasoned artists. For better or for worse, the independent artist took Big Brother major labels back to appreciating gold sales and appreciating every single dollar earned.

Here are my Ipod's most played tunes from 2003

1. In Da Club-50 Cent
Really? I need to say anything? Man, Oprah was bangin this.

2. You Don't Know My Name-Alicia Keys
For the record, Kanye fished up the sample and put Harold Lilly to work on the lyrics. Anybody other than Lilly and the original writers/musicians on the Main Ingredient tune “Let Me Prove My Love to You” just got paid for finding it. However it got to us, it was classic and to this day never gets played once from me. If only for the “woos and oohs” on the breakdown.

3. Where Are My Panties/Prototype-Andre 3000 (Outkast)
Can’t count the amount of white kids I heard saying “ice cold!” this year. Yes, the interlude is part of the song, because it’s such a great set up. “Maybe she’ll make me some brefus.” Dre became an ARTIST for real. Playing, singing, producing with effects and seasoned musicians-the wah wah on the bass drops do Bootsy and Prince well in homage.

4. Better Days-Anthony Hamilton
It took a lot for me to play something OTHER than “I’m a Mess” from AHam’s album (more than 20 times), so perhaps is the fact that it’s so short and sweet, “Better Days” got more run from me than all the rest on a great disc. (incidentally it’s the “beeeeing without you” song)

5. Crazy in Love-Beyonce
Ok, this one needs less explanation than “In Da Club,” especially if you’d been to a wedding that year and watched the reaction at the reception. (pause for black female anatomy). Ok, the drum pattern sampled and inserted just right by Rich Harrison is about the closest thing we’re gonna get to the WORLD dancing to go-go. Had to have my local moment. As you were.

6. Bowtie-Big Boi (Outkast)
While all the noise was about Dre’s Love Below, Big Boi’s Speaerboxxx was OUTKAST album that would’ve followed Stankonia. “The Way You Move” was EWF/Marvin genius, but “Bowtie” was just Kast amazing. The horn sections, the chorus, Big Boi’s verses, and the overall production makes this my favorite Outkast song to this day.

7. Comes Love-Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band featuring Brian McKnight & Take 6
Don’t ask me how I found it. Just thank me after you listen for yourself. All the wishing we did for a Brian and Take 6 collaboration after his debut, is reawakened with this. Brian starts in the richest of his low tone and gives one of his greatest vocal performances ever as they update this jazz classic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAK3P7SWm_Q

8. Pleased Tonight-Dave Hollister
Don’t know where to get down or laugh your butt off to this one. “You gon’ get pleased tonight.” I mean, it’s comical, but it’s as ethnic as it gets when referring to a long night. Hollister and Tank take it from bedroom to altar on this one and after the grinds and giggles, it’s just damn good.

9. A Message-Deborah Bond
One of the most inspiring tunes for me in 2003. A spiritual of sorts from a local source. Connecticut born, DC groomed Deborah Bond and her boys/band 3rd Logic blew my mind first time I saw them in early in this year. Then they dropped the album on us in the summer and all was right with DC for a minute. The instrumentation, lyrics, arrangement and even guest backup vox remains a repeat offender in my pod. “See You in My Dreams” and “Love’s Been Waiting” not far behind in spins, btw.

10. Everything I Do-Beyonce & Bilal (from The Fighting Temptations Soundtrack)
Remember she’s an “actress” too. So if B’s got a movie out, you’re in for at least two different sources of singles that year. From The Fighting Temptations, she showed more versatility than Dangerously in Love, from jazz to gospel. But this forgotten gem (though performed in the movie) remains slept on as one of her more simplistic gems. Jam/Lewis/"Big Jim" Wright put it up and B & Bilal knocked it down as two of the world’s most talented vocalists should have.

11. Rock With You (Dance Mix)-Eric Roberson
Ok, dilemma. I’m pretty sure Erro didn’t make this in 2003, but that’s when he gave it to ME considering it was so hard to find if not out of print. There are at least 3 versions of this song, but melodically and danceably (yeah, made it up), this one reigns supreme. He also sings in a tone he rarely uses on this one. Don’t get caught in London or Paris off guard. This ain’t your daddy’s Erro.

12. Hold On-Eric Roberson (from the original Vault, vol. 1)
Dilemma two. This was only available to us for a minute as he gave it away to Dwele and stripped it from his own “Vault” album. However, it remains my absolute favorite Eric Roberson jam. If you can get to the meaning behind the tune it’s a nice secret society kinda pearl to have…heh heh.

13. She Couldn’t Hear Me-Eric Roberson
All dilemma’s aside, this was THE song that introduced or reacquainted many with Eric Roberson aka Erro in 2003 and 2004 when he began his independent crusade to free the natives minds from their voodoo industry worship. The lyrical genius contained in this song’s story is yet to be rivaled in all of E’s catalogue. And I dare you not to sing along with the “doh doh-doh dohs”

14. I Want You-Erykah Badu
Though it takes forever to start, you don’t want it to end once it does. Confused as to whether Worldwide Underground was truly an experimental EP or a real album it took me a minute to digest as a whole, but this bite of the elephant I savored most. “Tried a lil’ yoga for a minute, got a good book and got all in it.”

15. The Truth-India.Arie
One from a truly, truly great album. This is the ode a man oughta inspire to. If your woman can say this about you, you’re doing something, no everything right! Thank you, India.

16. Public Service Announcement (Interlude)-Jay Z
Most important 2+ minutes in his catalogue.

17. Lucifer-Jay Z
Once you see Fade to Black, you see just how ready-made Kanye’s tracks come. Not just the banging beat, but the hook, AND a b-line to make SURE it’s a hit. No slight to Jay though, because his flow about Bob makes you wish he was YOUR friend.

18. Only Heart/Clarity-John Mayer
It should’ve been as simple as the Hargrove/Questlove cut from Johnny’s album as they were the easy fix. But I like John being Just John sometimes and “Only Heart” got just as much run from Heavier Things for me.

19. Glow-Kelis
It’s monumental I have ANYthing from this chick on my list, but hey, Raphael’s on the track. Funky and cool. Like drunk cool.

20. Liliquoi Moon-Me'Shell Ndegéocello
Comfort Woman is 40 minutes of a different kind of “midnight madness” if you know what you’re doing. But in the middle of the cool, sexy reggae, there’s a stellar rock moment by Me’Shell, Chris “Daddy” Dave and the incomparable Allen Cato on lead guitar that made this tune get more spins than the others. Named after Lisa Bonet?

21. Real Compared to What-Mya featuring Common
That tune use and basically wasted on the Coke commercial was inserted in its entirety at the end of a Mya album? What the hell? The commercial version didn’t even let you hear this outstanding bridge and the full production by Poyser & Quest. This is a jazz standard and should’ve been respected as such, especially with an upgrade this stellar.

22. Step In The Name Of Love (Remix)-R. Kelly
The genius and insane swim the same waters as psychic and schizo do. I don’t know, but maybe that explains how this dude finds that ‘spot’ on us even when were convinced he’s the devil incarnate.

23. What Am I Gonna Do-Jimmy Sommers featuring Rahsaan Patterson
Though clearly the artists names should be in reverse, Patterson with Jamey Jaz composed and arranged one of those feel good late 70s/early 80s dance jams that got Jimmy Sommers more gigs than he’d ever seen before and Patterson his bridge from major label floundering to indie success.

24. Say How I Feel-Rhian Benson
The “sound” of the song is what got me an still gets me. I didn’t know if it was gonna be poetic or vocal throughout, but the music was so perfect, I remember looking at the radio like ‘who/what is this?’ Thank Bob Power for putting his Low End Theory/Brown Sugar/Baduizm magic touch on this one.

25. Waiting For You-Seal
He was back after too many years off. Even the soundtrack appearances didn’t make the trumpet sounding return we wanted from Sealhenry the way this one did.

26. Loneliest Star-Seal
This song is perfect.
For me, anyway.

27. You Still Are-Yamama'nym
One last shout to my indie colleagues. Don’t let the crazy name fool ya, this was an eight piece soul-funk outfit that made some really rich black music. Wore this one out and was headed to radio to get it played, but their manager stopped me. Alison Carney and Myra Mathis on lead vocals blend as sweet as Zhane.

28. Wish I Wasn't 'Bout ..It-ZWEi
This was the tune that first made me feel like I wasn’t listening to myself and I could just enjoy the damn jam no matter who made it. My most played song I’ve made.

29. Balance-Crossrhodes
Ok, the problem with this is, I think I got it in 2002, but because the fellas never really got to release it officially 'til much later-dates I'm foggy on. Raheem Devaughn, in the midst of label negotiations as a major label writer and potentially, artist couldn't risk wasting his name prematurely and partnered with his stage and studio pal W. Ellington Felton to create the duo Crossrhodes. This inspirational anthem belongs in Gil Scott-Heron/Brian Jackson discussions. Itune it, thank me later.

30. Some Things Never Change-R. Kelly
Same problem as 29. The maniac has so much music flowing in that head that he made and album, scrapped it, saw it get bootlegged and dropped a NEW one within the same year. Reminds me of another maniac around '87/'88. Anywho, this Stevie tribute showed a layer Kells never let people see before. Phrased and arranged as Wonder would, it's just as respectful as Kelly's many Isley odes. Scoop if you can find it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JiF4dkqhKE

31. Foreign Exchange-Sincere feat. Yahzarah
Like another Lucy Pearl, the best of three different worlds came together beautifully. Phonte made it evident who his most recent influences was as I could close my eyes and swear I was hearing Thought. I was probably biased as my fellow alum was on my video screen for the first time (save for Bag Lady), but nah, this song was dope bias or no.

Aughts pt. 3

2002 My Pod's most played...

1. Talkin' To Me Amerie
Rich Harrison’s pretty mouthpiece arrived with “Why Don’t We Fall in Love” and that was cool. But this one actually stayed in my head and had nothing to do with how good she looked to me.

2. Right On Time Boyz II Men
Later for “Uhh Ahh.” This right here was proof the Boyz were now Men. The delivery of the natural and falsetto tones throughout make their voices barely recognizable. Wanya still kills it in falsetto. It was so swept under the mat from their last original album, Raheem Devaughn took it for “Ask Yourself” only a year or so later.

3. Full Moon Brandy
Had she not been on Rodney Jerkins so hard, Brandy’s follow-up to Never Say Never might’ve been better received. Jerkins songs had become formulaic as hell and the title cut should’ve been the first single. Mike City, being anything but formulaic, laced this one and you’d never know it was him. Awesome jam.

4. Come Close Common
In an attempt to keep the love jam going, Com’s pt 2 love letter to Erykah was melodically delivered by Pharrell & Mary J. As much as MCA tried to make it a hit, its heavy airplay wasn’t enough to convince folk he hadn’t lost his mind & heart with Electric Circus and blame Erykah for the whole thing. You know it’s got you when you keep singing “I know what you’re thinking you’re on my mind. You’re right.”

5. Water No Get Enemy D'Angelo, Femi Kuti, Roy Hargrove + Macy Gray
The Red Hot series donated to AIDS care and research for years. But Red Hot+Riot hit home in 2002 when they chose Fela Kuti who actually passed from AIDS complications five years prior. He was an awesome musician bridging funk, jazz, and Nigerian rhythms to create “afrobeat.” D’Angelo on vox and (more importantly) keys, Hargrove on trumpet married with Fela’s son Femi on sax (also his father’s instrument), and Questlove on the beat made one hell of an upgrade to an already classic jam. Not one boring minute out of the ten it plays for.

6. Cloud 9 Donnie
The audacity of Donnie. The love of the black folk hadn’t been heard like this in decades. Ether 9 and metaphysics was deeper than most thought, but even the simplest sentiments of the song resounded.

7. You Got A Friend Donnie
My absolute favorite song on my absolute favorite 2002 (and 2003) album. Steve ‘Scottmsman’ Harvey’s production reaches peak here as he himself is killing the drums on it. The vocals and arrangement is just as infectious as the musicianship.

8. Rise/Freedom Fertile Ground
Their residence was local to us in DC/MD, but their music was worldly and we were just proud to say we knew ‘em. On their third and best release, Fertile Ground brought in Raheem Devaughn to hit the bridges and they do exactly what musical bridges should do “elevate.” It’s the easiest route to his best tone and why the locals loved him so before Jive stole him from us.James Collins is a Gil Scott Heron level writer.

9. Say Yes Floetry
I haven’t the right words for Dre, Vidal, & Marsha’s musical marriage here. Sweet as “Butterflies,” but much later in the evening. This should’ve boosted the black population by at least a half million by the following year.

10. Lineage Jaguar Wright
“The What If’s” set it off for Jag, but this one hit home for me. She even has an aunt with the same name as mine. It was a nice window into her life over a brilliant overall production.

11. Excuse Me Miss Jay Z
Neptunes again! There’s something “else” that goes on between Pharrell & Jigga in the studio. It’s not the BP2 was wack, it was just too much to take in at once. Hell it took me a few years to listen to the whole thing and I’m a diehard Jigga fan. I came BACK to this album. But I got THIS song on first take. Also the one that set off "grown & sexy."

12. Lose Yourself-Eminem. This joint was like a fighting anthem ala Rocky's "Gonna Fly Now." To date I feel it's Em's most important recording. Passionate, hungry, and undeniable.

13. Last Night Justin Timberlake
And another Neptunes one. This one, rumored to be leftover from the Michael Jackson rejects (along with “There She Goes” from Face & “I Don’t Know” from Ursh), is the one I feel like I could hear MJ clearest on. My favorite cut from Justified. All about the bridges.

14. Harder To Breathe Maroon 5
Who are you and what have you done with Jamiroquai? Adam Levine’s exorcism of his ex-girl was hidden beneath three cranking openers on Songs About Jane. This is one of the best side one, song ones ever.

15. Dead Nigga Blvd. (Pt. 1) Me'Shell Ndegéocello
More education, information, instrumentation and thought provocation, than I’ve ever enjoyed on one disc and how deep of the shit you were about to get into was evident from the first song on Cookie.

16. halfcrazy Musiq Soulchild
Somewhere between latin and soul, Talib ‘nem blew my mind with this rhythm arrangement and production. Remains my favorite Soulchild song.

17. Don't Know Why Norah Jones
She could sing the phone book and I’d be ok. Some voices just get you. Delivered by the right song, they get everybody.

18. Be Here Raphael Saadiq
For a sober moment post-Voodoo we got the best of D & Ray.

19. Water/Complexity The Roots featuring Jill Scott.
Sorry, I couldn’t choose between them. As an independent musician, I can tell you no song by a major label artist spoke to me more than “Water” while my group was struggling to get “on.” “Tryna figure what the fuck we getting slept on for.” The drum pattern and bassline are friggin’ fire too. “Complexity” is the best Roots love song period. That’s saying a lot considering how many great ones they have, but Quest’s production of the track (using Prince's high hats), the gentle Jill we love most, and Thought’s confessional put it above even “You Got Me.”

20. How I Know-RH Factor featuring Shelby Johnson
This was a time Verve should’ve put some money behind some vids for Hargrove. The RH Factor contained some real gems from names you know, but where it excelled is in showcasing for the first time, Ms. Shelby Johnson. A soul singer seasoned beyond her years, who backed D’Angelo (alongside Anthony Hamilton), Martin Luther, and Prince. Her composition with Spanky Alford is one of the best old school soul songs you never heard.

21. Seven Nation Army-The White Stripes
Simple rock. Just the dopest simplest rock of the friggin' year.

22. Politik-Coldplay. 2nd best rock for me. And I'll admit I was late on this one. Since they came pretty with "Yellow" and "In My Place" I thought that's what Coldplay was about 'til they rocked the Grammys with this. "God Put a Smile on Your Face" was dope too.

23. Brown Sugar (Fine)-Mos Def. Enter Kanye West. All 3 productions of this song were dope, but the Norman Connors' "Invitation" usage on this remix still bangs hardest.

24. Nectarine-Cherokee feat Andre 3000. One of those times I hated the biz part of music. They paid doe for Cherokee's Soul Parade, then buried it. This, in the wake of Kast's Stankonia success would've worked. This got lost along with his Gwen Stefani & Kelis tracks.

25. Always Will-Tweet. Underrated debut despite its platinum sales behind "Oops" and "Call Me." Charlene's songwriting and artistry was hidden behind the label playing it safe. "Boogie 2night" not being released was criminal. And this one, "Hotel," "Smoking Cigarettes" and "Complain" were outstanding compositions.

26. Nothing at All/Game of Love-Santana. The follow-up to Supernatural got very missed, but these two did NOT for me. Musiq singing Rob Thomas' composition was a vocal performance I didn't know he had in him. And Michele Branch's "please tell me whyyyyy" sang in my head all year.

Aughts pt. 2

2001 My Pod's most played...

1. Rock The Boat-Aaliyah
Before it became a consolation piece this was my fave from babygirl's final album.

2.U Should Know-Babyface
Though the Neptunes gave him his last hit, Face put it down on "What If" and this one from his last certified album. This one he killed with the signature S.O.L.A.R. falsetto he and his "cousins" in Midnight Star used.

3.Sometimes-Bilal
Poyser, Quest & an alien being of a vocalist made us twist heads, furl eyebrows, and laugh out loud at this once in a lifetime groove.

4. What It Is-Busta Rhymes
Neps still killing it on the hot lead track for Violator Mgmt's compilation cd. Busta's "ah-hah ah-hah" you couldn't resist mocking while bobbin your head, Crip walkin, droppin it, etc. A banger fa sho.

5. Cold Blooded-Common
This had no bidness being on Com's album, but I'm so glad it wasn't on some Voodoo cutting room floor. Word is, it's the swap for "Chicken Grease." Sad thing is most who could actually appreciate how stank this was probably never heard it.

6. You Gets No Love-Faith Evans
Michael Angelo Saulsberry, formerly of Portrait, laced the nastiest thing Faith ever made right here. Her arrangements don't lose out to the beat though. She even tapped into her former hubby's vault and spiced it up spittin a little.

7.-Can't Believe-Carl Thomas & Faith Evans
With Dre's "Phone Tap" beat and some distant memory of Carl's "Emotional," Bad Boy's singing king & queen did just what we knew they could, upgrade Donny & Roberta.

8. Simple-India.Arie
The one time she just shut up & sang on her debut. No soapboxing. No dark sinned chics are deeper shit. Just sang. The octave she does low & high for the backgrounds in is hauntingly hot.

9. Takeover-Jay-Z
Enter Kanye friggin West. The entire album could be listed here as it was my most played music in '01, but this is the most important song on The Blueprint. To even attempt going after two of Queens' most beloved and survive was a feat. But to challenge one to the point of resurrecting his career, while killing the other is the stuff of legends.

10. After Party-Koffee Brown
KayGee of Naught by Nature seemed to have his finger on the dance jams for a minute with Zhane, Next & even a noname, one-hit-wonder duo forced together to complete his Divine Mill roster. Here today, gone today. But the jam still knocks.

11. Can't Get You Out Of My Head-Kylie Minogue
Not the Loco-Motion chick from the 80s?! Kylie came back sexy and with one of the greatest dance hits in history. Video and all-sexy, sexy, sexy.

12. Butterflies-Michael Jackson
If Floetry's Marsha Ambrosious ever needs to tell her grandkids one thing she did that made history, it was saving Michael Jackson's thought-to-be-over career. Not even officially released as a single, this classic took us back to the tender tone MJ serenaded us with in his Off the Wall/Thriller heyday. Dre & Vidal's production was hip, yet flashed us back simultaneously. Written & arranged by Marsha, it reminded even Mike of how versatile a vocalist he was.

13. Whatever Happens-Michael Jackson
The most slept on song post Bad for MJ. The cinematic production screamed for video with Santana's western acoustic leading in, and searing signature solos took it home.

14. So Fresh So Clean Remix f/Snoop Dogg & Sleepy Brown--Outkast
Meant to be added on Outkast's greatest hits, this incredible remix never saw light of day, but remains one of the duo's finest recordings. "Caddillac grill in tact. Got my blue gators & belt to match! Ow!"

15. Blue Girl-Q-Tip
The Abstract was too Abstract for prime time and rappers experimenting to the level Kamal the Abstract did, was not allowed in '02. Ironically, his biggest fan, Andre Benjamin went even more "left" and won with it only a year later.

16. U Don't Have To Call-Usher
More Neptunes...But here we have a moment where Pharrell's songwriting steps in and the killer bridges take their tracks from simple loops to full-on songs.

17. How Do I Say-Usher
Though My Way & Confessions both outsold 8701, they aren't better albums. Here with an album cut Jimmy & Terry delivered, Usher takes us around the world atop a salsa/merengue rhythm that gives class to 8701 it's predecessor & follower do not.

18. Missing You/Player-112
I finally found the jewels of 112 with Part III. Q & Slim's crying finally took a back seat to Darron & Mike's grown up leads. Mike's deacon-like tamber & Darron's choir boy runs made these tunes unrecognizable to the average 112 fan. And while they enjoyed their biggest pop success ever with "Peaches & Cream," the album was rounded out by these two.

19. The Mind's Eye-Remy Shand. Dude was too talented to be just "one of" the neo-soul folk. The instrumentation on this one kept me engaged all six minutes.

20. Destiny-Zero 7. Among my first steps into electronica, SiSe's voice is as calming as Calgon.

21. Gone-N'Sync. Signalling the departure and bright (blacker) future for Justin. Couldn't believe my ears, rather eyes when I saw who was singing this.

22. Round & Round-Hi-Tek featuring Jonell. How's this for a one-hit wonder? Track bangs and she was too cute on the vocals even while she was kickin a bruh to the curb.

23. Stole-Kelly Rowland. What a waste of a great song. Kelly did her thing on this, but in B's shadow (or Papa Knowles involvement) she'd never even get arrested no matter how good her music was.

Best of the 00s: Naughty Aughties pt. 1

So me and my facebook friends combed the net for what to call the decade of 2000-2009. The "ooohs," "Ohs," "double-ohs" were all thrown in the mix. But one pointed out that they had a name for it already, "The Aughts."
I've suffered through nearly a month of trying to remember what the heck I played in the first few years of the millennium (other than D'angelo) as there's no Ipod with data from those years. So here's a combo of my highest play counts and songs I think too many missed in the Naughty Aughties.


2000
1. -Girls Dem Sugar (w/Mya)-Beenie Man-Art And Life The Neptunes began the millennium where they ended the nineties…taking over. After Timbaland and Missy, VA Beach represented with Pharrell & Chad producing hip hop, R&B, pop and here, a reggae dancehall star. Mya’s parts were irresistible sing-a-longs as well.

2. -What The Deal-Boyz II Men-Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya-Still fresh as 112 and considering they outlived Jodeci by this point, we should've been listening to this hot one and the album it was on.

3. -You Ain't Right-Carl Thomas-Emotional-Hot track from a still slept on vocalist. I banged this more than "I Wish."

4. -Love's Still Alright-Chanté Moore-Exposed With the help and direction of James “Big Jim” Wright, the angelic songbird composes and delivers hope in love with a gospel icing finish.

5. -What 'Chu Like-Da Brat-Unrestricted-Even using a track already "out there" something about Brat's shit talking and Tyrese made her sexy after all the assumed non-hetero persona she had before.

6. -One Mo' Gin-D'Angelo-Voodoo-rawest soul record released in twenty years. period.

7. -Untitled (How Does It Feel)-D'Angelo-Voodoo-if you could get past the hormone raging the song ignites, you just might find out that the stripped (pardon the pun) instrumentation is killer. Spanky, Ray, & D brilliantly hold the attention without a naked body present.

8. -One Woman Man-Dave Hollister-Chicago '85... The Movie-Finally a bonafide solo hit for Dave. If only "beat" wasn't in the hook, it be a perfect song.

9. -Ooooh (w/Redman)-De La Soul-Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump Post Tommy Boy Records, De La stepped up their game where their younger brothers ATCQ had taken over but then acquiesced to Rule 4080. Independent and even better producers and artists, AOI pt. 1 set off with this jam. Shout out to crazy ass Redman who kills the ending humorously.

10. -Come Back In One Piece-DMX-Romeo Must Die-This is what B & Jay wanted for Bonnie & Clyde. Oh well.

11. -Stan-Eminem-The Marshall Mathers LP Storytelling at its eerie finest. Period.

12. -Booty-Erykah Badu-Mama's Gun-Funkier "I'll Take Your Man." Thing is, she actually won't 'cause she's YOUR sista. Hilarious and funky as hell.

13. -Certified (featuring Jay-Dee and Bilal)-Guru-Jazzmatazz Vol. 3: Streetsoul-One of the few times you'll hear Dilla steal spotlight from the singers and rappers on his track.

14. -I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)-Jay-Z-Dynasty Roc La Familia Neptunes most important moment in the decade (perhaps their career), giving Jigga his first #1, everybody a jam to dance to, and every “too old for the clubs” playa a new anthem.

15. -The Way-Jill Scott-Who Is Jill Scott? (Words And Sounds Vol. 1)-Probably unfair, but it reminded me most of Badu's "Otherside of the Game" mood and save for "Honey Molasses" (which I love for the answering machine), it got most run from her album in my pod and player.

16. -Neon-John Mayer-Room for Squares After turning the Beckies and Amys on, Mayer showed a bit of grit and promise of dimension.

17. -Everyday-Lucy Pearl-Lucy Pearl-The bass, bass guitar, and guitar were killer. The vocal arrangement was irresistible. Best of an already great album.

18. -Southern Hospitality-Ludacris-Back For The First Time-Neptunes' sound dominated the year and made a superstar out of an already local hero in ATL. "Drop bows on 'em."

19. -Oh No-Mos Def & Pharoahe Monch-Lyricist Lounge 2 The East/West hip hop feud was officially over with this Rawkus recording marrying the West Coast gangsta rap singer with Brooklyn’s flagship underground emcee. The end of Rawkus’ independent surge apexed with the Lyricist Lounge vol 2 and MCA buying out the label and Mos Def as an artist.

20. -Love-Musiq Soulchild-Aijuswannasing Carvin Haggins and Ivan Barias’ songwriting brilliance broke through the Philly Touch of Jazz barrier with this spiritual buried in a secular frame.

21. -Humble Mumble feat. Erykah Badu-Outkast-Stankonia-So many motivational pearls wrapped up in this upbeat jam. "You wanna lead the nation, start from your corner."

22. -Simon Says-Pharohe Monch-Internal Affairs-Though it dropped prior to the millennium, it was the banginest beat kick driving the year.

23. -Up And Outta Here-R. Kelly-Shaft-The fact that he had a classic soul production like this to throw away on a soundtrack while his real album was about to drop speaks volumes to the depth of Kels vault when in his zone.

24. -I Don't Mean It-R. Kelly-TP-2.COM-Classic, heartfelt, believable ballads Robert's ever written. If we weren't so into his ghettocentricities (no matter how much we deny it) perhaps this would've been a single.

25. -I Gotta Go-Rachelle Ferrell-Individuality (Can I Be Me?)-One of those best you never heard. My favorite from a stellar pianist & vocalist the industry abused.

26. -How I Could Just Kill A Man-Rage Against The Machine-Renegades-Though the release of this alone went against Rage's wishes, their flipping and upgrading an already classic hip hop gem with original funk rock at its finest must be noted.

27. -Da Goodness-Redman-Doc's Da Name Redman’s first platinum album came at the height of Def Jam’s 2nd wave and this one featured Busta Rhymes in a partnering that rivaled all Red’s Method Man collaborations.

28. -Every Word-Sade-Lovers Rock Though the iconic queen was clearly in love and potentially shaking up the foundation of her previous classics, the reggae-tinged fifth album had a classic or two and was accepted despite its happiness. Heh.

29. -This Could Be Heaven-Seal-The Family Man This beauty was completely ignored. So much so that Seal scrapped the album that was supposed to follow it. The oboe intro is hypnotic.

30. -Bad Boyz-Shyne-Shyne-Thank God for Grace, Sly & Robbie, and Puff's refusal to let the sound of Biggie die. Shyne & Barrington needed to make an entire album together.

31. -The Blast-Talib Kweli-Reflection Eternal Kweli and Hi-Tek delivered their own album despite Mos’ landmark solo project. Kweli embarked on an even more impressive catalogue than Mos, though he never sold as much as Mos’ debut. This jam only missed the charts because he didn’t have MCA’s backing yet. “Kweli!”

32. -Slowly-Tank-Force Of Nature-Soul/Gospel that slipped by too many. Durrell almost single-handedly took ya to the altar or bedroom in one fell swoop.

33. -I'm Good at Being Bad-TLC-Fanmail Their last album as a trio, T-Boz, Left Eye, & Chili with the aid of Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis and WAR dropped this album gem all over the radio, despite never being released as a single. Scrub that.

34. -Spanish Guitar-Toni Braxton-The Heat The most impressive ballad of Toni’s 3rd release signified she was losing her artist when it failed to follow “He Wasn’t Man Enough” and “Just Be a Man” to the top of the charts. This is one of Diane Warren’s finest compositions.

35. -Shut Up-Trick Daddy-Book of Thugs: Chapter A.K., Verse 47-Not just a jam, but should be the anthem of southern, if not every, HBCU marching band.

36. -Beautiful Day-U2-All That You Can't Leave Behind-Ok, after decades they had a few I found impossible to ignore.

37. -Tired Melody-Will Downing-All The Man You Need Ok, Questlove and Poyser were reeeeeally wrong for this, but it was hot. Producing Will Downing to a D’Angelo cloned track and vocal arrangement, taken to its peak with Nicholas Payton’s trumpet ending.

38. -911 (w/Mary J. Blige)-Wyclef Jean-The Ecleftic The only savior from Wyclef’s sophomore slump being completely forgettable, Mary took it home on this one.