a few weeks ago i posted links to some of our most popular tags to show our newer followers the range of music we’ve posted over the years. the issue is, because i’ve been posting solo for a while, many of the songs you saw were mine. today, i want to direct you to songs a few other contributors have posted. click the links below to hear some of their favorite songs. featured artists include amy winehouse, john frusciante, passion pit, wham!, and mf doom.
Dana Washington/LoverFly- Good, Good
This is the first installment of a series of artist profiles in collaboration with SPKNBEATS x Daily Crack. This voyage piece follows Dana Washington or better known as Dana La Rock/LVRFLY, an artist hailing from Buena Park/Anaheim, CA. With musical influences ranging from her parents’ musical talents to Andre 3000 and Lauryn Hill, her musical styling is hard to describe or even limit within a genre. She produces, raps, sings, and does spoken word; a true multiple threat artist. Not to mention her knack at film photography. There seems to be nothing the LVRFLY can not do (besides being very shy and humble in phone interviews.) The following track is titled, “Good, Good” from her upcoming The Lover/Flying Lotus Project.
Questions:
How do you view the Hip Hop scene in lieu of female artists? Is the current situation motivation for you, or a hindrance?
I don’t view it as anything personally; I avoid Women vs Hip Hop talk at all costs. I’ve had so many arguments and it’s depressing. Folks will always have something to say about Female [rap] artists - Either she’s wack with the microphone but her body is bangin’ so she gets a pass. Or vice versa, she gets props because she looks like a model but raps like a 5 year old, she gets a pass. And if she’s good and looks “just ok” she’s probably unseen. I’m aware of the inequalities and biases; it’s not a discussion I like being involved in.
The issues don’t motivate nor hinder me because I know whatever I’m apart of (music, film photography, writing) is for me first. Music is my way of expressing and releasing. Now however others accept what I create is how they take it, obviously I’m hoping my music is loved, if not I love it.
What are your goals as an artist? What type of impact do you believe you’re capable of?
My only goal is being true to myself, that’s all I’m worried about. As long as I’m progressing and not backsliding I’m content. I’m worrying less about what others want me to do and more on what I want - And that’s making good music and providing pieces of work people can respect. I don’t want the pressures of industry or being controlled by a guy in a suit, who in reality doesn’t care what I create as long as I bring the buck in, that’s not me. Speaking off, being honest, I don’t even like being affiliated with men when it comes to my music [laughs], that sounds real bad but men in the industry or men who “think” they know a lot about music often try taking advantage or are quick to change your look - I been there and done that.
…and impact wise, I’m not there yet, I have lots of songs to make and experiences to relay.
If you had to describe your personal style in six words or less, what would it be?
A 30 y/o woman trapped in a 16 y/o body. (That’s more than 6 but it’s all good.)
Can you give an example of your growth as a person or artist that holds significance with you?
A caterpillar transforming into a butterfly pretty much sums it up. I did a lot of soul searching, growing as a woman, personal change and got re-connected with God. My perspective towards life’s struggles, people and my surroundings are different. Overall I’ve blossomed into someone I could get along with 100%, I don’t have to fight myself anymore.
Look out for Dana’s upcoming The Lover/Flying Lotus Project and features on I <3 My Sex, Vol. 1, presented by Pistol Etiquette.
N.W.A-Express Yourself
If you’re not living under a rock during the 90s or you’re a kid of this generation, then you know how huge N.W.A was for Hip Hop. Aside from the gangster appeal, controversies, and the disbandment of the group; Straight Outta Compton is a Hip Hop staple and constantly recognized for its success in commercial music as well. When not talking about G’d up shit and smacking bitches, N.W.A did spread a socio-political message through lessons of the Black Panther Party and race relations in the U.S. You can beg the question if they were true gangsters or not, their impact lives on and defines the West Coast gangsta rap scene.
“Express Yourself” was the last single from the debut album and shows a different side of their music. The song took on the group’s opponents (such as Dan Quayle and the FBI) and censorship of gangsta rap in the 1990s. Not to make a Hip Hop pun, but during the peak of their careers, N.W.A were Public Enemy #1 in the eyes of conservative America. While the song didn’t necessarily help their case, it did top charts and became an instant anthem.
-Michi (Written for YDC)
Kruder & Dorfmeister – 1st of Tha Month (K&D Sessions) (Originally Performed by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)
Kruder & Dorfmeister is an Australian duo known for their amazing remixes of songs ranging from Hip Hop to Dub, and remixing them with a Downtemp/Trip-Hop sound. This is from the album, The K&D Sessions, a double disc release containing remixes of everything from Count Basic, Depeche Mode, and of course, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. The Jazz and Downtempo styles work perfectly with the Hip Hop classic. Now I can celebrate getting paid in a classier way.
It’s hard to believe that YDC has reached it’s one year mark and while I am not a major contributor, I still love and enjoy posting music to share with the site. I’m hopeful that the site will continue to grow and be recognized for its diversity and greatness in the near future.
To celebrate, I was asked to post my favorite five tracks from the past year, so here they are.
4. Broken Social Scene-7/4 Shoreline (feat. Feist)
3. Van Hunt-Who Will Love Me In Winter
2. Erykah Badu- Didn’t Cha Know
Telefon Tel Aviv-When It Happens It Moves All By Itself
Telefon Tel Aviv is a duo from New Orleans, comprised of Josh Eustis and Charlie Cooper. Sadly, Charlie Cooper passed away in January 2009, as the two were working on a new album. The death of Charlie hit hard with fans, especially those in his hometown and the indie scene here. I can say that I was saddened because the two make incredible music.
This track is from their sophomore LP, Map of What is Effortless, a collective of classical influences, soul, and ambient. When taking in with Charlie’s unfortunate passing, this track shows the simplicity and beauty of their music. It’s a chilling track, even incorporating hints of glitch in the production.
If you’ve never heard of Telefon Tel Aviv, I’d strongly recommend them, especially to fans of ambient and noise. Even though 1/2 of this musical talent is gone, his brilliance lives on in their music.
-Michi (YDC)
Passion Pit-The Reeling
Every now and then, I divulge into the electronic/indie scene. So my latest musical crush is Passion Pit. Passion Pit is an electronic band that formed in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States in 2007. They consist of Michael Angelakos (vocals, keyboards), Ian Hultquist (keyboards, guitar), Ayad Al Adhamy (synth, samples), Jeff Apruzzese (bass, keyboard) and Nate Donmoyer (drums). This year, they released their album, Manners. It has already made its way to my Top 10 Non Hip Hop releases of 2009.
The single, “The Reeling”, is 4 minutes, 48 seconds of pure vibes and infectious vocals. It was made for dance clubs, but the versatility of this track could be played anywhere. I’ve had it in heavy rotation for the past month now and there is never a bad time to listen to it. Amazing lyrics. Incredible composition. Stunning instrumentation. Everything about this song is right. Check out the video here.
Lyrics:
We dug these holes we crawled into now they’re my home
Now here I cannot feel the wind, can’t feel the rain oh no
And I believe in gentle harmony
Well how I loathe all this obscenity
Is this the way my life has got to be?
Have I a single opportunity?
Look at me oh look at me is this the way I’ll always be
Oh no, oh no
Now I pray that somebody will quickly come and kidnap me
Oh no, oh no
Everyday I lie awake and pray to god today’s the day
Oh no, oh no
Here I am oh here I am oh when will someone understand?
Oh no, oh no
And all at once I feel this, oh how it clings to me
It reels and calls me towards it, confounding destiny
And I can feel the madness inch by inch
The more I run the more I am convinced
A color all these like the branches glimpse
Just like the saddle in the foggy mist
Look at me oh look at me is this the way I’ll always be
Oh no, oh no
Now I pray that somebody will quickly come and kidnap me
Oh no, oh no
And everyday I lie awake and pray to god today’s the day
Oh no, oh no
Here I am oh here I am oh when will someone understand?
Oh no, oh no
Look at me oh look at me is this the way I’ll always be
Oh no, oh no
Now I pray that somebody will quickly come and kidnap me
Oh no, oh no
And everyday I lie awake and pray to god today’s the day
Oh no, oh no
Here I am oh here I am oh when will someone understand?
Oh no, oh no
-Michi
TV On The Radio-Modern Romance (Yeah Yeah Yeahs Cover)
So I decided to pop by with a quick post on one of my favorite covers. The beauty of this certain cover is that it’s one of my favorite bands covering my other favorite band. What more could you ask for? Here you have TVOTR effortlessly emulating a classic track from Karen O and her boys. Not much more to say, but if you’re a fan of either band, or both, you should give this a few plays.
-Michi
Kelis-Young, Fresh N’ New
It seems Kelis can’t catch a break. She’s gone through a rough divorce while just having Nas’ child, Nas fans hate her guts for taking him to the cleaners and she was never the star that she should have been. Say what you want about Kelis, but this woman has serious talent. Unlike the other carbon copies in the female R&B/Pop scene, Kelis actually had wit, attitude and personality. Even with incredible singles however, she could not get over the sales hump and she was ultimately dropped from Star Trak Records.
But before she was, she was blessed with some of the best production from Pharrell and Chad. Kelis released “Young, Fresh N’ New” on her release, Wanderland. While the single itself was extremely popular overseas, it didn’t generate enough attention in the states. This led to Wanderland not even being released in the US. This single was a shift from the angry/emo multi-colored fro Kelis to a more refined, beat rocking and improved Kelis. The song itself is bigger than the actual artist but that doesn’t count out her powerful vocals and incredible prescence. This should have been the single to transform Kelis’ untapped star power into being one of the top female vocalists out today. But like I said, she just can’t catch a break.
-Michi (Written for Your Daily Crack)
Lyrics:
Young and different, uh
She looked at a condom, uh
And could still see the sun, uh
Do you remember 21, uh?
Can I stay to wait huh?
Grow up today huh
Can you really blame her?
Shit you couldn’t even stay home
When the world feels like it’s coming and
And you don’t know what you know
And you think about what’s holding you
It’s relatives and close
Just leave it all behind, you gotta get away
You gotta get away
Everybody
See the look in my eye, uh
I’ve gotta get it out, uh
I don’t care if they stare, uh
I know life’s not fair, uh
I’m gonna play while I’m here, huh
I gotta get out, huh
Just watch me run away now
Uh, you know sometimes you just gotta
HEY!
Run away from home
Run away from (young, fresh and new) home
Run away from home
Run away from…
(Got to get away…)
I’ve got to get away
Hey…
(I’ve got to get away…)
I’ve got to get away, yeah
HEY!
Run away from home
Run away from (young, fresh and new) home
Run away from home
Run away from…
When the world feels like it’s coming and
And you don’t know what you know
And you think about what’s holding you
It’s relatives and close
Just leave it all behind, you gotta get away
You gotta get away
Everybody
(Got to get away…)
Gotta get away
Hey, hey…
(I’ve got to get away…)
I’ve got to get away, yeah
Hey…
But I’ve gotta be young, fresh, and new
HEY!
Run away from home
Run away from (Young, fresh and new) home
Run away from home
Run away from…
HEY!
Run away from home
Run away from home
Run away from home
Run away from…
HEY!
Run away from home
Run away from home
Run away from home
Run away from…
When the world feels like it’s coming and
And you don’t know what you know
And you think about what’s holding you
It’s relatives and close
Just leave it all behind, you gotta get away
You gotta get away
Everybody
Blu & Exile-So(ul) Amazing
While the rest of his peers drop mixtapes, Blu has dropped three albums since
‘07, one of those being deemed a classic. The Cali native is still young and has a lot of learning and growing to do but he is on a fast track to wide recognition. Blu has already proven he is a very consistent emcee and at the top of his class. Backed by his super producer, Exile, Blu is the new face of underground hip hop and the return of true lyricism.
The video itself is simplistic, slightly coercing viewers to pay attention to the lyrics rather than the images.With wide camera shots and angles, the director shows us the beauty…and ugliness of Cali scenery. It’s reminiscent of a backpack hip hop video from the 90s but that’s Blu’s style. No flash, no glamour. Just raw images and an emcee.*Posted for Your Daily Crack
