Lost Gem of the Week

I Love this tune and I recently rediscovered it whilst listening to the man Ras Kwame. So enjoy it like I have. This song really took me back. Its really appropriate for right now, the sun is shining the weather is sweet as Bob Marley would say, so without further ado, let's get into some Finley Quaye.

BRL.. 90s Hip-Hop par deux...

I've decided to keep each post short and sweet but two tracks really can't illustrate the magic of 90s Hip Hop. So I'm giving you more!

A Tribe Called Quest

Need I really say much more other than ATCQ! Thought not, but anyways it was so difficult to chose just one track from their selection, but I did so with much difficulty. 'Check the Rhime' is so funky, and a perfect illustration of Q- Tip and Phife Dawg's rhyming finesse paired with Ali's incredible beat-making abilities. And just to top it all off.. the beat was sampled in another favourite song of mine...... 90s RnB classic 'Candy Rain' by Soul 4 Real! So check the Rhime y'all x


Ahmad

Ahmad's classic song is the perfect anthem for reminiscing on old times. "Back in the day" embodies the feeling of wanting to revisit the past.

Pete Rock and CL Smooth

This power duo have produced so many true classics. Yet T.R.O.Y will always be the standout track for me, when they reminisce over you my gaarsh!

Skeel lo

Skeel lo's smash is the ultimate 'loser anthem.' Despite the self-pitying lyrics the song is a typical upbeat 90s summerjam and is a great listen, no matter what mood you find yourself in.

Beats, Rhymes and Life... 90's Hip-Hop

Relaxing and reminiscing to the smooth beats and funky flows of 90's emcees, is the paradox of joy and pain. Delight,elation, glee. All these things. Hip-Hop equals pure, original flair and flavour. Sadness and despair. I was listening to Hip-Hop as it was and will never be again.

Hip-Hop as a genre has long forgotten its original, rebellious roots. It's music was powerful and emotive. It's social commentary gave a voice to a generation who needed to be heard. The voice was versatile, it could be raw but then fresh and funky in the next breath. Today, it has even kissed its refreshing, rhythmical beats goodnight. Instead it has welcomed basic, mundane, bass-driven beats that ride under sloppy southern drawl. Lucrative endorsement deals, jewellery and greed- the most deadly of all- is choking the message out of Hip-Hop.

If you think that this is just another 'Hip-Hop is dead' rant, you are mistaken. Hip-Hop is still breathing. There are still artists bringing truth to the mainstream. You just have to search harder to find them amongst the conveyor belt of sound-a-like 'MCs' churned out by the manufacturing line.

This post is an appreciation for the heyday of Hip-Hop creativity. Check out some of my personal 90s highlights to see what I mean.


Common - I Used to love H.E.R






Souls of Mischief - From 93' till infinity

Introducing...Beats, Rhymes and Life

Okay so I am a self-proclaimed Soul sista, but recently as I have been reflecting on my own circumstances and planning for the future, I have found myself making the crossover to Hip-Hop. Lately, it seems as if Hip-Hop is my life's new soundtrack. My mind is far too consumed with erratic thoughts to produce just the one entry, so keep on the look-out because there will be a whole host of posts (no rhyme intended.. don't worry I'll save that to the pros) in the weeks to come x

Hot Track Attack

Okay so I might make this a regular feature, these are some of the tracks that I'm feeling this week. Some are new and others are old. I hope you enjoy them like I do x

Erykah Badu- 'Window Seat'

Mama Badu is back folks! She has dropped this teaser from her new album 'New Amerykah Part 2: Return of the Ankh' and I admit that I am all over this track like butter on toast!! I love me some Badu at the best of times but this smooth, soulful groove is a winner. This song is so beautiful, it's a perfect Spring/Summer jam. I will be blasting this even in this cold February month to musically transport me to a sexy, warm place.

• Rihanna- 'Rude boy'
  

One word for this track- BANGER! I am not typically the biggest fan of the Bajan superstar's music, but this song right here is hot pon fire! Rihanna has gone back to her Caribbean roots and the outcome is this sexy summer jam. It is a perfect dancing tune, as showcased in the vid by the foxy lady herself. This track will certainly be heating up the carnivals later on this year. The video is cool, it is colourful and artistic and provides a perfect funky backdrop for this monster hit in the making.

• José James- 'Park Bench People'
  I am sorry to announce that before this week I was unfamiliar with this phenomenal musician's work. But, when I finally did get clued up, I was blown away by his material. This cut in particular was an absolute stand out. The Brooklyn based singer delivers street poetry at its best.
  
  
• Flying Lotus- 'Fall in Love'

A stunning, laidback groove and a perfect tribute to one of the world's best producers- the late great James 'J Dilla' Yancey. Flying Lotus has done Dilla proud and I am constantly pumping this track in tribute to the man. I just love this one!

White singers, black industry

Is the black music industry so cutthroat that two of the most premier white R&B singers have to subject themselves to a piano battle, in order to oust the other one from prime position? Is it really that impossible to have two respected white R&B singers in the game at the same time?

These are some of the questions that have sprung to mind after finding news that the late 90's R&B counterpart Robin Thicke to piano themed battle. The ridiculous, not-so-ultimate test of masculinity is a concept which was conceived by B during an interview in which he was quizzed about his feeling on up and coming artists.

We can take the angle that this whole stupid scenario is borne out of Jon B's insecurities. B obviously feels that his legacy as the original soulful white guy is being threatened by Robin Thicke. However, Thicke himself has reacted in a similar way with his early comparisons with Justin Timberlake.

Thicke appeared on DJ Ronnie Herel's BBC 1xtra radio show a few years ago, around the time that he was becoming well-known for his single "Lost without you." Herel attempted to compliment him by suggesting that his type of soul and subsequent success was similar to the likes of Justin Timberlake. This implication was not taken well. Thicke viciously shrugged off the comparison whilst slating the authenticity of Timberlake's style of 'soulful' music in the same breath.

It is understandable that every person needs to be respected as an individual. It is true that the industry spends far too long trying to typecast and define an artist's particular sound. So it's really no wonder why every minority singer in the recording business has to fend off comparisons to the next artist who has a similar profile to them.

The has been best illustrated by just about every white hip-hop artist who has followed into the game after Eminem.

But, do artists really need to bring down their peers in order to break free from typecasting?
Why is it that two talented acclaimed artists feel the need to prove themselves to be better than the next white R&B singer?

Jon B is a classic artist, full stop. His records, "They Don't know", "Cool Relax" and "Lately" have earned him a legion of loyal fans who look back to his glory days in adoration. Robin Thicke is equally as talented. His songs such as "Lost without you", "Magic" and "Sex Therapy" have earned him commercial and critical success.

Both artists have been embraced wholeheartedly by the black music industry. Jon B worked with Tupac on the 90's classic "Are you still down" whilst; Robin Thicke has worked with respected artists such as Jay-Z and Mary J Blige. They were embraced not because they were token white singers but because their talent has transcended all boundaries, including race.

Jon B should have never decided to wage war with Robin Thicke. He should have let his musical credentials speak for themselves rather than challenge a man who is currently more commercially successful than he is. In the end he has made himself look like an artist who is struggling desperately to stay relevant. What he failed to see is that in criticising an artist who is at the top of his game, he may be speeding up his own departure from public consciousness.

Pink shines at the Grammy's

I have always loved Pink, but this talented and underrated songstress really outdid herself at this year's Grammy awards.

Her performance of 'All that Glitters' was beautiful beyond words.

The artistry, creativity and flair that Pink demonstrated is a rarity in the industry today. She has put her counterparts to shame. Her performance was stunningly elegant and poised. The simplicity of the lyrics and vocal arrangements teamed with the beautiful performance art that Pink and her team created made for a historic Grammy performance.

Pink, the rebel with a cause singer has proved her point. She is a true artist of a different calibre to those who mime and use gimmicks to be at top of the charts. Her vocals were flawless even when she was flying high above the crowd.

At the end of the piece, Pink was given the standing ovation that she deserved. I am so pleased to know that so many other people share my sentiments.

Now that's what I call a comeback

Any singer would have counted himself lucky to rediscover even a fraction of his audience after taking a lengthy seven year absence from the music industry. We all know that the comeback is a notoriously difficult feat to pull off. Only a handful of artists get it right, many fall to the sword of public disinterest and are buried in the forgotten heap of lost artists. Maxwell, however, is no ordinary musician. Not only did he recapture the hearts of his old fans but he crooned his way into the souls of a new generation.

A few short weeks ago Maxwell's comeback album 'BLACKsummers'night' was serenaded with 2 Grammy awards; 'Best R&B Album' and 'Best R&B Vocal Performance' for 'Pretty Wings'

'BLACKsummer'snight' deserved all the accolades it received and so did the man.

Maxwell is a timeless artist. His 1996 début album 'Urban Hang Suite' was a Neo-Soul classic which helped to pioneer the smooth, laidback sound which is now synonymous with the genre.

Tracks like 'This Woman's Work' encompass Maxwell's magic. His remake of the Kate Bush record became the soundtrack of lovemaking when it featured in the sex scene of the hit film 'Love and Basketball.'

His approach to the industry may be unorthodox but it is a testament to the genuine man that he is. He is often shy of the press, preferring to let his music be the driving force behind his success. At the height of his fame Maxwell took a 7 year sabbatical to re-experience life. He didn't stray from music during his time off, on the contrary, he produced enough material to delight his fans with a trilogy of albums to enjoy. It goes without saying that Maxwell is an artist whose heart is clearly in the sound.

Despite his phenomenal comeback Maxwell has stayed humble, and this is why the rewards that he is reaping are so well deserved. He is an artist who breaks every mould, even the old cliché that ' nice guys finish last.'

The quest for perfection

At the tender age of 23, -'The Hills'- star Heidi Montag has had more plastic surgeries than she has had real jobs. Her latest venture to the surgeon's office saw her re-emerge as a new woman. Mrs Spencer Pratt had a marathon 10 procedure operation in a single day. She revealed her new look less than a week before the release of her new album, rather aptly titled "Superficial"

Superficial? Yes, indeed. Does she have more money than sense? Well, yeah probably. However, any person who commits themselves to a life of plastic surgery at the age of 23 should not be dusted off and labelled as vain. They should be given the sympathy that they deserve.

Putting the wealth, the LA sunshine and the fame aside, it could not have been easy for Heidi being the self professed 'ugly duckling' of -'The Hills.'- It's not hard to see how the glamorous LA lifestyle can easily turn from paradise to hell if you are not confident in your skin.

Living in a place populated with gorgeous, 'perfect' looking individuals can make even the most secure person second guess themselves. Now if, you add a person who has endured years of childhood bullying about her looks, and throw her into an arena where she has the world's constant glare on her life, looks and style, you are opening an entirely different can of worms.

In -'The Hills'- Heidi Montag started out as the average girl-next-door, starting a new life in LA with her beautiful best friend, Lauren Conrad (LC). As the seasons progressed and the two immersed themselves into the LA culture, both the girls' looks began to change. Yet it was Heidi who went a cut above the rest.

After her childhood friendship with Teen Vogue intern Lauren Conrad began to break down, Heidi's looks began to change more drastically. She began to look towards plastic surgery to mould her image. Perhaps, Heidi's first flirtation with the surgeon's knife was an attempt to rise from under LC's shadow and become a credible star, not a nonentity known simply for being Lauren's 'ugly' roommate.

What is clear for all to see is that somewhere down the line, she passed the insecure threshold and walked the path of obsession. You can call her fake or superficial, but she is having the last. She is her own vision of 'perfection' and in her mind she's yours too. She has certainly held your attention.

The naked truth

This is the sad face of a trend that has been bubbling in the underbelly of the Black and Asian society for decades. It is an issue that is as ugly and uncomfortable to acknowledge as the bad body odour of a dear friend. The phenomenon is skin bleaching, and Lil' Kim has just become its newest, most accomplished poster child.

Skin lightening products have grown in popularity and are increasingly available at many beauty outlets. They hinder the amount of Melanin, the chemical that creates pigmentation in our skin. This causes the skin to become lighter. Melanin is produced naturally by everyone but the production varies from person to person. People with a dark complexion produce more Melanin than those with a lighter complexion. Therefore, bleachers use products such as creams gels to lower the level of Melanin in their bloodstream.

In recent times the Black and Asian community have become a large and profitable market for companies selling skin bleaching products. They have been an easy target for semi-reputable companies looking to market 'miracle' solutions for uneven skin tone and hyper-pigmentation, which are common skin complaints for Black and Asian groups. These products are designed to treat small, isolated areas and are not intended for prolonged usage. However, many consumers abuse these products, in the hopes that they can mask much 'larger' problems.

The bleaching craze, which 'took off' in the Caribbean and India, has raised strong concerns with medical professionals. Some products are thought to contain dangerous, possibly cancerous chemicals. Moreover, other products contain Hydroquinone, a bleaching agent that is banned for cosmetic usage.

On the other hand, bleachers may be doing our communities its greatest favour by literally 'bringing to light' a serious issue that has plagued the Black and Asian communities for hundreds of years. It is revealing the importance of an issue which was thought to be long forgotten.

The issue of the superior skin tone.

The notion that light skin is better than dark skin is not a new one. Many bleachers believe that in lightening their skin they will not only be considered more attractive, but also more successful, both socially and romantically.

To some this way of thinking is shocking and warped, but are bleachers simply being realistic about what they have experienced in life?

Take American rapper Lil' Kim for example. Her larger than life image is synonymous with her career. It is certainly more famous than any of the songs that she has ever made. She has built her career on risqué clothing, breast enhancement surgeries, blonde weaves, coloured contact lenses and ever lightening skin.

Yet she did not start out this way, she began her career as the only female rapper in a crew of hardened male rappers, including the late Notorious B.I.G. The business of fame is not easy. Being a young female mc in a male dominated industry in the early nineties was a tough position to be in.

Lil' Kim always wanted to be famous in her own right. She never wanted to be living in the shadow of her on/off rapper boyfriend, 'The Notorious B.I.G.' So she chose her strategy and stuck to it. Her USP (unique selling point) was going to be sex, sex and more sex. However, in an industry where black beauty is perceived as light skin and long hair, e.g. an industry which will always favour a Beyoncé to Kelly Rowland or Mis-Teeq's Alesha Dixon over Sabrina Washington, Lil' Kim took the easy route. She conformed.

She chose a route which surely increased her publicity and super stardom. Yet like all things it came with a price. Lil' Kim gained stardom and notoriety at the expense of her beautiful natural looks. In her quest for fame, fortune and acceptance Lil' Kim, like so many other bleachers, Lil Kim has lost her greatest asset of all, her identity.