Hip-Hop Thursday

I don't think anything bothers me more than people who think that (1) They know more than everyone else about a certain subject, (2) If something was released after year x it must suck, and (3) If an artist gains fan or recognition, they sold out/aren't as good and then proceed to stop supporting. That means you HIPSTERS. You bother me. I bring this up on Hip-Hop Thursday because some people assume that any rap released after 1999 is terrible, without bothering to give a listen. The thought process is totally illogical to me-- why is good music relegated to only one era of time? Particularly one as short as a decade? I'm constantly finding new artists I had never heard- and never would hear without an open mindset. Which brings me to todays edition of the MFP Song of the Day:

"Bigger Than Life (feat. June Summers)"-- Nipsey Hussle

I first heard Nipsey during the 2009 BET Cyphers. He was on with Wale and KRS-One. And I have to admit- going only off the Cypher- I didn't think he was much more than a Snoop wannabe. But I hate to pass judgement on a sample size as small as 12 Bars, particularly one where you're being overshadowed by a LEGEND like KRS. So, I ventured out into the abyss of the Internet looking for further evidence. I returned enlightened, having learned there was much more to Nipsey Hussle than a laid back flow and cornrows. He has talent, strong storytelling ability and lyrically underrated. This song is a hidden track at the end of his most recent mixtape, The Marathon, and its the type of music I can get behind. Proof you never know what an artist has to offer until you give them a chance.

Tip of the Day: Keep an Open Mind & Try Something New Today!

Wild West Wednesday

"I Don't Care (feat. Brad Paisley)" -- Darius Rucker

What happens when you take two of my favorite Country Artists, let them tour together and then slap them together on a brand new song on one's Sophomore album? You make me very happy. Darius Rucker joined up with Brad Paisley on his H2O tour this past summer. Brad returned the favor by joining up with Darius on his second country release, Charleston, SC 1966, for the track "I Don't Care." The song plays out as a fun, carefree interplay between the two, discussing the finer things in life (you know, beer, women, more women), as they get more and more drunk as the song goes on. Its got a contagious hook that you can't help but sing along too. And its songs like these that make country fans want to hangout with their idols, just two regular guys enjoying some cold ones.

Alternative Tuesday

"Weird Fishes/Arpeggi" -- Radiohead

Radiohead is definitely and acquired taste. For the longest time I just couldn't understand what all the hype was about. I'd try listening to Kid A or The Bends and get it even less than before (outside of "Fake Plastic Trees,"). That changed after listening to In Rainbows. That album changed my entire perception on them. Maybe I had matured- maybe it was because it was the first one I listened to upon its release- I have no idea (lies: it was the maturity thing). Regardless, its a fantastic album by the band many have referred to as "the only one that still matters." I may not go that far, but I've been following everything they do with a watchful eye ever since this one.

Classic Monday

"A Change Gonna Come" -- Sam Cooke

My Favorite Singer of All Time, singing what very well could be my favorite song of All Time. That's hard to top. I mean, just listen to him sing. Raw Talent. So much emotion and passion, coupled with warmth and tenderness. He could sing me the dictionary and I'd be glued to every melodic word from aardvark to zygote. And the song- just wow. I'm not sure if many songs have the kind of staying-power that this one has. You can play it now and its still relevant. Such a beautiful song that, when I really listen to it (not just play it in the background), almost always gets me watery-eyed. That Good.

I Don't Like Adam Jones

Adam Jones, a CF for the Baltimore Orioles (yeah, the team that hasn't been over .500 since I was 6) was recently featured in ESPN The Magazine's Scale of 1 To 10. The question asked, "How do you feel when you pay your taxes?" Now obviously, its understandable to answer with a low number, as none of us are enamored with the idea of having less money. Jones however, answered, "Three. If it went to a good cause, I'd be happy. But our tax money goes to lazy people who don't want to work."

(Cue Method Man voice)HOLD UP! Is this guy serious? YOU DON'T WORK! You get paid to play baseball for a living. Who are you to call out people below the poverty line? That you assume are all lazy people who don't work hard? And you think all taxes become welfare? That's the only thing the government spends money on? Not only that, you're not grateful to a country that allows you to make millions playing a game?

On A Brighter Note- I'm very proud of players like our own David Ortiz and Zach Randolph, players who appreciate their circumstances. Ortiz said, "Seve. At least here I see what they do with my millions. In the DR, you don't know where the money goes." Randolph, a PF/C for the Memphis Grizzlies answered, "Ten. I feel up and down about it, but ultimately it feels good to give back to the country."

Now, I'm not opposed to Jones's feelings or ratings. I am opposed to the ignorance of his statement, and the lifestyle he's taken for granted. I look forward to another season of looking down at Baltimore in the standings.

Friday Grab-Bag

"Say G & E!" -- Grouch & Eligh of Living Legends.

Another Album I purchased on a whim a couple years ago. I heard a preview of the first single on iTunes and immediately pre-ordered the entire album. Grouch and Eligh are two underground artists (I assume, as I've never met anyone whose heard of this album) who run with the likes of Murs and Aesop Rock as members of Living Legends. Eligh leads the production team, resulting in an album that sounds simply put, beautiful. He and the Grouch are also great lyricists, lying positive rhymes throughout this LP. My fingers are crossed that the duo team up again in the future.

"My Number"-- Tegan & Sara.

Can't say I exactly remember when I first heard Tegan & Sara, but I do remember this is the first song I heard from them (like Say G&E with Grouch&Eligh). Though their music is impressive, they never really topped this one for me- as it remains a personal favorite. Lines like "Its a silly time to learn to swim when you start to drown, its a silly time to learn to swim on the way down," show off the duo's penchant for song writing. The life they give the song coupled with the great writing really does take this track to another level, for me anyways.

"Belle/Banana Pancakes"

Jack Johnson's live album En Concert has only intensified my desire to see him play one day. I love the opening combination of Belle, a song spoken in 5 different languages and backed by romantic sound of the accordion that conjure images of a gondola ride, and Banana Pancakes, the simple and sweet rainy day love song that perfectly captures wide-eyed infatuation. Both originated on the In Between Dreams album that introduced me to Jack some 6 years ago.

Bonus Fact: Belle is supposedly written as an ode to his wife, who can speak the 5 languages featured (Can You Guess them and what order they're in?).

New Chamillionaire

Chamillionaire is so underrated. Here he is freestyling over Kanye's epic All of The Lights. Its an extra nugget for Hip Hop Thursday, mostly because I want to be able I posted this before 2DopeBoyz and NahRight and all those other blogs that actually do this fulltime.

Hip-Hop Thursday

"Desire" -- Pharoahe Monch

Pharoahe Monch is gifted lyrically and witty as hell. Lines like,

"Still get it poppin' without artist & repertoire, Cause march is a monarch only minus the A&R" plead my case for me. This was the first Monch song I remember hearing and it instantly won me over as a fan. The passion in his voice just oozes out over the beat, takes control of it in a way you can't help but buy into the inspirational picture he's painting. His latest album, W.A.R. (We Are Renegades), is dope, already in the discussion for my favorite Hip-Hop Album thus far in '11

Wild West Wednesday

"Lonely At The Top," -- Jamey Johnson

I have to admit I slept on Jamey Johnson's The Guitar Song really hard last year. One of the best reviewed albums of the year and I didn't even give it a listen. Just never really got around to it. All I can say is "Ooops." I can see where all the high praise came from. Johnson is a supreme songwriter, and on this album he served up a little bit of everything--from acoustic confessions to bleeding electric blues and covers to comedic riots. This is the opening number to the 25-song double-disc release, and its really just scratching the surface of what the album has to offer. It also illustrates the great songwriting to come, with lines like, "It may be lonely at the top, but its a bitch at the bottom." Amen.

Alternative Tuesday

"21 Guns"-- Green Day

Flucking epic album from Green Day. It sounds weird to say that but I believe it to be true- Green Day is underrated. Their songwriting is on another level. American Idiot is a classic of our time, and I think their follow-up and 2nd crack at the rock opera concept, 21st Century Breakdown was one of the very best albums of 2009. If you haven't heard either, get off your butt and get with the program. This stuffs great.

Classic Monday

"Love In An Elevator-- Aerosmith

The song is a staple in Aerosmith's catalog and has become a must-play for them at their live shows. I love that the lyrics were inspired by Steven Tyler's actual experience of meeting a girl on an elevator, making out with her and proceeding around the bases until crossing home as the elevator doors open. As Steven says, "It felt like a lifetime waiting for those doors to close." I miss this Steven- rather than the American Idol judge Steven... Oh well. Hopefully I'll get to see this live one day.

Friday Grab-Bag

"Just Chill (feat. Beanie Sigel & Bun B)" -- Travis Barker (Hip-Hop)

Mr. Barker's solo debut does not disappoint. He manufactured some amazing beats and recruited his friends out of his emcee Rolodex. The whole album bangs. But since I can only share one, I'm going with a couple artists I haven't discussed before- Beans and Bun B. Both are hard, real artists who don't get the recognition I wish they would.

(Side Note- one of my favorite songs to cruise around to as summer comes is Beanie's "Feel It In The Air." Its one of the best hip-hop songs I've ever heard.)

"Next To Me (Wait A Minute Sister)" -- Gavin DeGraw (Rock)

Gavin DeGraw has a great voice. Like- "listen to him cover other artists while surfing Youtube" great. His self-titled album is love-song heavy, and I'm alright with that- his style definitely supports the medium. On this one, he's trying to grab a girl's attention, but she's not even giving him the time of day. I feel ya on this one my brother.

"Don't Know Why"-- Norah Jones (Jazz)

When Norah Jones' debut album "Come Away With Me," dropped, it was an instant classic. And why not? Smooth sound. Great Song-Writing. And Norah Jones' Amazing Talent. It propelled Miss Jones to 8 Grammys, including New Artist, Song, Record and Album. AND it was the last album to ever break Diamond status (thats over 10 Million). Safe to say, she'll keep that accolade for a long time- and possibly forever...

Odd Future Taking Over

Guys are blowin up day by day... Tyler the Creator's album has a release date (May 10th).

And they just went bat shit crazy on MTV. Worth a share.

Grab Bag coming later...

Hip-Hop Thursday

" Til I Collapse" - Eminem feat. Nate Dogg

This Hip-Hop Thursday is dedicated to the recent loss of Nate Dogg, who appears to have died from complications of yet another stroke. Nate Dogg was a West Coast Legend, with a smooth flow and a voice that was just made for making hooks (see Ludacris, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Dr.Dre and Eminem for further evidence).

With all due respect to Eminem's execution and lyricism on this track, and to the epic beat that gives the song its powerful atmosphere, it is Nate Dogg's voice that made this song for me. Its the backbone of the track and his contribution could be overlooked. But here, I can't imagine the song being anywhere near as dynamic without him supplying the hook.

Bully Someone Your Own Size

I remember the days when bullies only picked on kids smaller than them. It made sense- using your one advantage over others (physical size) in a way that benefits you. But bullies these days are just stupid. Why are you picking on someone twice your size?! This is the old Of Mice And Men issue. Its common sense that a guy that much bigger than you, no matter how nice, sweet, wimpy or stupid he is, can kick your ass at the drop of a hat. And that's exactly what happened here. Props to the Big Man for sticking up for himself. And for the uploader of this video for the additional music and replays.

Happy St. Patty's Day

South Boston on Saint Patty's Day is nuts.

Not sure if I'll get a regular Thursday Post, so enjoy some Dropkick Murphy's in its absence to celebrate this day.

Wild West Wednesday

"Until You" - Billy Currington

"Enjoy Yourself," is hands down my favorite country album of 2010. I still play it all the time, and usually from the first track to the last one. I sing along. I dance to it. I laugh during a few of the songs. I thoroughly enjoy the music. Billy Currington is one of my favorite country artists- and I long for the days of summer when I can enjoy his music on a lake or by the ocean, as it should be heard. As usual, I pick a love song, because I am a giant sap like that.

Alternative Tuesday

"Annie Waits" - Ben Folds

Two of my favorite albums ever were released on the same day some ten years ago; Jay-Z's The Blueprint and Ben Folds's Rockin The Suburbs. Both have had a tremendous impact on my listening tastes. Jay-Z gave way to artists like Big Pun, Big L, Nas and Lupe Fiasco. Ben Folds gave way to Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, John Mayer and Wilco. I can play both albums from front to back without skipping a thing. I picked the opening track, despite there not being a decent video of it on YouTube outside of him playing Live at Bonnaroo. I fell in love with this music as soon as I heard that epic hand clap.

Classic Monday

"Melissa" - Allman Bros Band

The first major concert I ever attended was the Allman Brothers Band at the New York State Fair. Needless to say, it blew my mind and I can't think of a better "first" experience (maybe my first Pats game). I love Southern Rock/Electric Blues sound that the band encompasses. To this day they occupy a special place in my collection as artists I can listen to for hours on end and not feel an itch to switch it up. "Melissa" itself is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Whenever I've heard of parents naming their child after their favorite band or song, this is the one I imagine I would do that with.

Charlie Sheen = Winning

I was bound to share something on the Zen Master that is Charlie Sheen eventually. Just shown this video by my mom (impressive huh?) and it was so hilarious I had to share.

Thank you FunnyOrDie.com for the hilarious clip.

Charlie Sheen's Winning Recipes from Charlie Sheen

Friday Grab-Bag

"Bastard/Seven"- Tyler the Creator of Odd Future (Hip-Hop).

I was introduced to Odd Future about a week ago, and I saw them give one of the best Late Night performances I've ever seen about a week before that, not knowing who the hell they were. They're crazy. They make Eminem look like Nat King Cole. Their leader is Tyler the Creator, the 19-year-old phenom who produces all of the groups tracks (meaning he does the beat) as well as being their most skilled rapper. I've been playing his "Bastard" album constantly over the past week and I anxiously await his upcoming "Goblin" sophomore album.

"Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll"- The Killers (Alternative).

The Killers' debut "Hot Fuss," man it blew me away. It was great to hear this new band tearing it up out of nowhere (well seemingly-- this was before I knew how to scour the Internet for the latest and greatest). Here's on of my favorite cuts from them- completely raw, completely won me over.

"Try A Little Tenderness" - Otis Redding (R&B/Soul).

Speaking of raw, this is the rawest love song I have ever heard. Otis Redding had one of the greatest voices of his generation, whose life was cut short out of tragedy (like many of our greats have). Its the kind of song you wish you could turn up louder and louder, even when the volume is up all of the way. The emotion he pours into the song is just beautiful, and a must listen for anyone whose only heard Otis's "Sittin' By The Dock Of The Bay."

Hip-Hop Thursday

"Nobody Believes Me"- Styles P

Story-telling tracks get slept on way too often in the hip-hop community. The radio is all about the beat, the hook, the chorus. Youtubers get caught up in who has the best punchlines or the smoothest flow. Give me a guy with the ability to paint a story and have it unfold around me-- thats what sets the emcees apart from rappers. Styles P of the LOX produced one of my favorite story-telling hip-hop songs ever, delving into a persona of a gangster riddled with paranoia. By the end, you completely buy into the idea that he's arguing with his gun and money.

Wild West Wednesday

"Always The Love Songs"- Eli Young Band

Not here because they just hit number one on iTunes' Country Session with a new single (I had no idea that happened until I Googled them for a picture...). Here because they've been stuck in my head for about a week. The person who introduced me to them got to see them live and meet them, and I am SO jealous. They have such a cool sound, like a bluesy country. Definitely one of the reasons I started listening to country music- they got some of the most play on my first Country Mix (up there with my favorites Toby, Brad, Billy, Jason and ZBB).

I'm Better Than Tom Brady At Something!

Er, at least I'm as good (or bad) at something as Tom Brady. I may be a terrible dancer, but Tom kinda takes it to a new level. Its not a long clip, and its a controlled performance, but he showed potential... Safe to say, I don't expect Tom to appear on Dancing With The Stars anytime soon. Actually makes me love him more, knowing he might be human.

Alternative Tuesday

"Strange World" -- Parachute

First came across Parachute when I stumbled across She Is Love, their most recognizable song, which has an absolutely beautiful sound to it. I loved that song enough to check out their album at Newbury Comics one afternoon, and it did not disappoint. Its a great listen from front to back. My evidence is this track, "Strange World," which is actually a bonus track featured on the Deluxe Edition. It reminds me of a heavier version of Jack Johnson's "Upside Down," an odd comparison I know, but I think it works.

Classic Monday

"God Only Knows"-- The Beach Boys.

Man, if you haven't heard The Beach Boys' magnum opus Pet Sounds, you haven't been musically educated, at least according to Sir Paul McCartney. The album inspired the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which Paul and John left a party to start working on immediately after hearing Pet Sounds. Its an album that completely changed the landscape of music.

"God Only Knows" is my favorite cut off the album (also one of the greatest songs ever, period, the end). Brian Wilson brilliantly blends vocals, orchestral instruments and goat noises (just kidding), giving the song a heavenly sound. It doesn't give vague promises about eternal love and being together forever- its brutally honest. You may not always be in love- but the ride is damn worth the heartbreak.

Ignorance

Amazing- people completely disregard one of the things that makes this country great- Freedom of Worship. We escaped religious persecution only to repeat it years later with tremendous hatred for what we fear, because we don't understand it. If there's one thing I hate, its ignorance. and these people shame our great country with theirs.

Friday Grab-Bag

The Friday Grab-Bag is going up a day early because I have a busy Friday tomorrow and might not have the time to do a post. So this is like that expression "Christmas came early," except if your Christmas was really lame and only consisted of hearing 3 new songs...

"Battle Cry" - Joell Ortiz (Hip-Hop)

The Puerto Rican Quarter of the Slaughter recently released a great sophomore album Free Agent that won't get the kind of support it should, but it really is awesome. Joell Ortiz is bring NY Hip-Hop back in a major way. He has charisma, lyrics and flow, three essentials to be a truly great emcee. After seeing him live and through his videos, you get the vibe that he's a hardworking guy with a great attitude, sense of humor and is grateful for all the success he's achieved. Oh, and he's been co-signed by KRS-One, Nas, 50 Cent & Kanye. Kind of a big deal.

"Farmhouse"- Phish (Rock)

I have my sister to thank for introducing me to a great deal of music-- and one of the first groups she showed me was Phish. After listening to the numerous albums she owned, I understood why she traveled to see them perform live. It was real tough to pick just one song from them, but I went with "Farmhouse" mostly because of the catchy melody, slick guitar sound and its a good starting point for people who haven't listened to Phish before. So Jam on...

"Wilco (The Song)"- Wilco (Alternative)

Oh Wilco- you love me and I love you back. Wilco (The Song) from "Wilco (The Album)" by Wilco (The Band)? Brilliant. This album was released just after I graduated high school and I played it in my room a lot that summer (and in my truck when my company didn't complain about not knowing them...). Its such an upbeat track, and the album as a whole takes an optimistic tone about embracing the uncertainties that make up life-- and few times are as uncertain as that first few months after graduation.

Good Omen For The Killer B's?

Who goes on a 6-game Road Trip and wins all 6 games? And does so during the midst of some major acquisitions, giving the team a much needed face lift? And also beat's the league's top team during said streak? That would be the Bruins.

The additions of Tomas Kaberle, Rich Peverley, and Chris Kelly have helped the B's catch fire, and find the confidence they lost at the end of the playoffs last year. The resurgence of Tukka (who won 4 of the 6) is another bright spot in this win-streak, something that could prove invaluable at the end of the year.

Last time the Bruins won 6 straight road games was in 1972, the last time the Stanley Cup called Beantown home. Good omen's for the boys in Gold, and I'm as hopeful as I was at the start of the season.

Hip-Hop Thursday

"State Run Radio"- Lupe Fiasco

I've been playing LASERS almost non-stop this week. This track especially has been playing over and over again (See what I did there?). Lupe's execution of weaving the double meaning of the song just blows me away. On the surface its about the repetitive nature of pop radio. Beneath it challenges the corruptive nature of government and the struggle for power. Wasalu is Great Music.

New Hip-Hop

Couldn't wait 'til tomorrow. Had to share a crop of new music brought to my attention today (2 released today, 1 a few days ago). Don't worry, I have one more in store for the regular edition of Hip-Hop Thursdays tomorrow.

"2.0 Boys"- Eminem, Slaughterhouse, YelaWolf.

Well it didn't take long for Shady to hop on a track with his latest recruits- the Voltron that is Slaughterhouse and the Alabama Up-And-Comer YelaWolf. It doesn't disappoint. I will say, Crooked went in HARD. I think he gave the best verse, which doesn't surprise me anymore, because he's done it time and time again.

For those who don't know about Slaughterhouse and need help IDing whose who- the order is Royce da 5'9", Eminem, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Crooked I, YelaWolf.

"Young, Wild & Free" - Wiz Khalifa & Snoop Dogg

Obviously not here for the lyrical prowess that "2.0 Boys" flaunts. But for what it is (A Chill Weed Song- shocking new ground for Snoop and Wiz to be treading), it is a nice track to throw on if you want a smooth vibe and don't feel like thinking too hard.

"6 for 6 (Get Gully)"- 50 Cent.

What the fuck got into Fifty? Like seriously. Dude was phoning it in for years and he turned it back on for 2011. He's slugging like 3.000 right now, with 6 solid tracks in 2 months. Here's the latest. Hope he keeps this up-- would be awesome to see him put out another Classic.

Wild West Wednesday

This will be brief, as I have some major hip-hop tracks to share today.

"My Kind of Crazy"-Thompson Square

Sorry about the sound quality-- I couldn't find an album-cut on YouTube to share. But, this is my second favorite track off of Thompson Square's recently released debut album. I love the way their voices complement each other. Just a sweet song. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Alternative Tuesday

"The High Road"-- Broken Bells

The Shins make great music. Danger Mouse makes great music. You can imagine my excitement last year when The Shins' front man James Mercer and the mastermind behind projects like Gnarls Barkley and The Grey Album announced the formation of their band , Broken Bells. The product of their collaboration did not disappoint. They put up a live stream of the album on NPR's website the week before the album was officially released. My browser never left NPR's page until I had my own copy of the album. Enjoy the fruits of their labor, and consider picking up one of the very best albums from last year.