Sound Directions... A Funkier Side of Madlib

So I don't know what hiphop is any more. Hiphop is street hoods, gangstas, suburban backpacking kids... and funk bands? DAMN you Madlib!

I've always been a fan of orchestrated music, whether it be classical or jazz. Something about it makes me warm and happy, and Madlibs Yesterday's New Quintet gives me the same feeling. Fans of the new era of soul and funk bands should have absolutely no trouble accepting Yesterday's New Quintet's newest works: Sound Directions: The Funky Side Of Life into the rebirth of the 1970's funk collections.

So why is somebody like Madlib creating works of art that would make Smokey Robinson, Kool & the Gang, and Earth Wind & Fire proud? I'd bet that his parents put him up to it. It must be a metaphor for washing ones' mouth out with soap. All kidding aside, Madlib brings the fire continuously. And who said Madlib was overrated? I'm not naming names... But they obviously hadn't heard this (or any of the other Yesterday's New Quintet productions). In fact, it's hard to believe the same person was behind much of the hiphop that many of us love like the Lootpack. Talk about versatile. DJ Premier who? Seriously, digging to the next level - I love it. If you haven't already, check this CD out. Make sure to listen to track 10 entitled "One for J.J (Johnson)" 10 times or else you get bad luck for 10 years.

"Her attitude is hotter than the earth's core"

Sex. We all love it, need it and enjoy it. So why not have a certified banger to unconsciously get you into "get your fuck on" mode. I mean you don't even need to be doing the dirty to enjoy the superb soul of this song. Yes, Pharell has really kicked the shit to Mars with the melody he creates, one that you can't ever seem to get out of your fucking head. Toss in the soulful harmony of Robin Thicke and there you have it, instant sex music. Slow your roll and just listen to the lyrics for a minute or so. Immediately your mind will set ablaze and you too will get lost in the song. The drums shake and shimmy. Lyrics close to perfection of the feeling trying to be conveyed. "I wanna love you girl" is by far the song of the year for me as of right now. Wait for the breakdown and stop to think. What is the first thing that comes to your mind? Yeah, exactly! So say it aloud, be proud and GET DOWN.

Skateboard P and Thicke "I Wanna Love You Girl"

you want the song, i send you.

After the end of the song, I came to the realization that this song is more about the single moment of excitement before you meet up with your significant other. Beans!


{simple, stupid}

He's the DJ... Who needs a Rapper?

10 years ago who woulda thought that the Fresh Princes slapstick cameo ghetto friend would still be pumping out great music in 2005? Not me. It all started with being Will Smith's DJ. Hiphop at that time was still fairly undeveloped and experimental. It was all about having fun. After Jeff's and Smith's collaboration (but not friendship) ended, Jazzy Jeff took on an underground loving, jazz spinning and outspoken approach to hiphop that I as a west-coast hiphop head thought was lost long ago with Jeff. I expected him to be on the jiggy tip with Will Smith's premiere solo album Big Willie Style in 1997. Thankfully he wasn't.

With the beginning of Will Smith's solo career, spawned Jeff's solo love for great music. Jeff released the Magnificent in 2002 which featured J-live, Freddie Fox, Last Emp, and Jill Scott. The Magnificent is a dope collection of music, and we already know how much I love J-live so naturally I bumped it for months and to this day still resort to it when I get musically thirsty. In 2004 Jeff released In the House which (for a house album) I really liked. Smooth house music complimented by Jeff's legendary jazzy style.

Now, here's The Soul Mixtape. The mix begins with a soft, soulful song by Eijay that eventually evolves into a Rhythmn & Bluesish feel. I say Rythmn & Blues instead of R&B as this is not your everyday Usher, Beyonce, or 112 "Artist bending over for the label" shit, and thank god. The Mix continues with soul-soothing sounds from Josephine Sincere, Michael Bohannon, Kelli Sae, LaSonya Gunter, Ladybug Mecca (of Digable Planets), Demien, Soulo, Mitsu, Dwele, Pete Rock, Leela James, Valencia Robinson, Omar, and Angie Stone. If you don't already know these artists, prepare for the best. From start to finish, this mix sets the premisce for naked, hot, gushy love-making. It's not hiphop, but it carries the culture and style that makes good music GREAT, and I can dig it. That's love. Legendary.

Q and A

i got a couple questions for all you canklers and wafflers out there...


1) Favorite song to listen to when alone and sober?

2) THE Candy to eat when drunk?

3) Movie that makes you walk with a swagger after watching it?

4) What super power would you have if you could have 2?

5) Random Statement!

6) Give me a rapper name!