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.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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