Alejandro SanzI can truly say that in this decade, I was able to absorb so much music into my brain. In the 90's, R&B and Hip-Hop dominated my playlists, but jazz, house, downtempo, rock, salsa, merengue, mariachi, dance hall, roots reggae, & so many other genres made a tremendous impact on what I list to. In no particular order, here are my top 25 songs of this decade:
Koop - Waltz For Koop (2001)
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Even though this song came out in 2001, I first heard this song in the spring of 2004. Being a fan of San Diego's Smooth Jazz 98.1, I was looking for more jazz music to listen to. On that same radio station, artists like George Benson, Mindy Abair, & Paul Hardcastle get a lot of air play. I then decided to look for more music on one of those digital cable radio stations. The electronica station caught my ear when I heard this one song in particular. It was then when this one song came on that featured some great vocals by Yukimi Nagano & a very serene jazz beat with some seagulls in the background. It must have been fate that I found this song because it opened up a whole new world me. Right then & there, I knew that this was some of the best music I had ever listened to. This song takes me away from one of the most boring cities in the world (Chula Vista, cough-cough. Thank God I am not a native of here & I will leave this city one day) & gives me hope that I will one day travel the world to the most interesting places ever. This songs gives me a sense of hope that I world exists beyond The South Bay regional area of San Diego & that I have so much more to experience in my lifetime.
Alejandro Sanz - No Es Lo Mismo (2003)
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I first heard this song in November 2003. This song came out at an appropriate time, when I was graduating from the university & a final turbulent semester. I though such songs from Alejandro Sanz like "Corazon Partio" & "El Alma al Aire" were not only classic songs, but anthems that would last for all eternity. Don't get me wrong, they still are. I was clearly mistaken when I thought those were his best songs because "No Es Lo Mismo" became my favorite. It's the lyrics of this song that resonated with me. When Sanz talks about no caring what others think, never selling out for what you believe in, living is the most dangerous thing, & "a mi me vale madre" (to me, I don't give a fuck"), they remind of how I was able to stand my ground against my political enemies of the time & prove that they could be outlasted with real heart, strong morals & values, never giving up, & that substance is more important than a hollow shell with fake accomplishments.
Los Amigos Invisibles - Yo No Se (2006)
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I first heard this song when I was watching MTV Tr3s in Fall of 2006. Even though I am Mexican & my region is overly saturated with banda music, I was extremely relieved to hear something else from another part of Latin America - Venezuela to be exact. This is one of my favorite party joints ever. The disco & the funk are second to none. The guitar beat is very reminiscent of Nile Rodgers of Chic which clearly distinguishes this song from other Latin American party hits. The lyrics are cool and not corny as with many Latin America party songs and others that are played out, specifically in the Mexicali wedding scene. And since this band is from Venezuela, this songs always reminds me of my favorite Venezuelan actress, Gaby Espino. Damn, she's hot!
Sade - Lovers Rock (2000)
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Sade is one of my favorite bands, period. People probably think of Sade Adu as a solo singer like they did Gloria Estefan when she was with Miami Sound Machine. I remember listening to "Smooth Operator" as a little kid in the summer of 1985. I never realized that they were one of my favorite artists until this decade, when I educated myself by listening to their music. So when the Lovers Rock album came out, I was ecstatic. Even though "King of Sorrow" & "By Your Side" are classics, this song caught my ear the most. It is one of the greatest slow jams ever.
Brand New Heavies - Sex God (2006)
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The Brand New Heavies are one my favorite bands, ever. I remember first listening to "Never Stop" as a 9th grader in the fall of 1991. It wasn't til I began listening to more of their music that they were then dominating my play lists. This song is on my top 10 list of 2006 and the most played on my Last.FM charts. The bass line is still as infectious as when I first heard this song. And N'Dea Davenport vocals hook you in. This is also one of my favorite songs of all time. Simply, funk & soul at its finest.
Jay-Z - Roc Boys (And The Winner Is).... (2007)
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This song was on my top 10 list of 2007. I first heard this song right before the start of the Jaguars vs. Chargers game at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. By far, it is my favorite Jay-Z song and he has so many classic joints. This is a song that should be played after every big accomplishment in life, in the spirit of Johnny Drama. One of the ultimate party joints, ever.
Lily Allen - LDN (2006)
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By far, this is one of my favorite Lily Allen songs. While this song seems happy-go-lucky & cheerful with its ska beat, I really like the irony it contains. Just dissect these lyrics - "When you look with your eyes/everything seems nice/But if you look twice you can see it's all lies." The thing I appreciate most about Lily Allen is her honesty & she never holds back. Before I ever leave Chula Vista, I hope to write something just as ironic. And if & when I go to London, I will use LDN in my text messages.
Common - Break My Heart (2007)
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This might be my favorite song of 2007. While "The People" & "The Game" convinced me to buy this album, this was my favorite song off his "Finding Forever" album. I really like the George Duke sample of "Someday". It really gives it a soulfulness that many of today's hip-hop songs seem to lack. I really like how this song is not a typical radio song that would be played out on San Diego's Z90.
Amerie - 1 Thing (2005)
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I really like Amerie because she is not your typical R&B songstress. I like how she always incorporates a lot of live instrumentation, particularly percussion in her music. Plus I like how this song also has go-go rhythms in it even though it was a sample of The Meters song from the 70's. Shouldn't this sound take the world by storm and not just stay limited to D.C.? I prefer just Amerie on the song as opposed to bringing in Jay-Z & Eve for the remixes. If I would have created a list for my top 10 in 2005, this song would be on it.
Gang Starr - Skills (2003)
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Gang Starr is one of my favorite hip-hop groups. In my opinion, any song that DJ Premier touches is a certified classic and only Dr. Dre joins him as the greatest hip-hop producers of all time. I often wondered what happened to real hip-hop in this decade as it became watered down by mainstream pop sounds that work better for the likes of Lady Gaga & Fergie. Anyways, what I like about this song is that it really is what hip-hop should be about - breaking, deejaying, & emceeing (yes, graffiti was left out as another element). Everytime I listen to this song, I want to start doing Tang Soo Do or freestyle martial arts forms.
M.O.P. - Ante Up (Remix) (2000)
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This is also one of the few real hip-hop joints that truly shined this decade. In my opinion, at the peak of hip-hop's reign, earlier this decade. I bought Funkmaster Flex's mixtape as soon as I heard this shit. Everyone that rhymed on this song spit some real rhymes & held nothing back. It was smart to have Busta Rhymes lead off & just fuck shit up. I remember playing this song at a Hell's Kitchen's party & everyone went crazy for this joint. Another song I just want to start doing some Tang Soo Do to just so I can fuck shit up as well.
Dilated Peoples - Worst Comes To Worst (2001)
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Another great hip-hop joint from this decade. Dilated Peoples has always been one of the best hip-hop groups in my opinion. What I like about this song besides the emcee skills & the scratches, is how intelligent the song is & what this song represents. I am even going to go on record & say that I was the first in my shapter's history to get my pledge class (Beta Gamma) to reflect to a hip-hop song, which was this joint because of it's message.
Arctic Monkeys - Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor (2006)
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The Arctic Monkeys have become my favorite rock group. Usually, American rock groups, particularly those who leaned towards a pop sound & made it big on TRL turned me off to rock & reminded me of a boring suburban status quo. Their music is the shit & reminds why Britain rules when it comes to creating music. This by far is my favorite joint by them. Their lyric about the being a robot from 1984 that dances to electro & poplocks.
The Hives - Hate To Say I Told You So (2002)
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While the Arctic Monkeys saved my rock soul, The Hives were the ones who reminded me that I should have one. This is one of the best rock songs that I have ever heard. The lead singer reminds me of Mick Jagger.
Julieta Venegas - Andar Conmigo (2004)
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Julieta Vengas just might be the best Mexican singer that I have ever heard. It might be blasphemy to many of my fellow countrymen, but there. I said it. I was surprised to find out that she is from Tijuana. Even though I despise & denounce TJ as an awful city, Julieta has shined some positive light on this border city. The guitar & accordion give this song a lot of character. This is also the type of song that would be great to sing to after getting faded to some tequila.
Koop - The Moonbounce (2006)
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Koop Islands is probably the one album that most anticipated, even more than a Common, A Tribe Called Quest, Sade, or Brand New Heavies album. It was well worth the wait. This song is my favorite off the album. I feel that this song is layered with so many influences. Might it be Latin Jazz similar to Poncho Sanchez or Tito Puente? What about Glen Miller, Thelonius Monk, etc? I just know that this song is well crafted and it is perfection.
Dwele - Truth (2003)
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Dwele first caught my attention when he came out with "Find a Way". Even though other R&B pretenders sing their nursery rhymes for middle school kids & their sex anthems about birthday sex or if your "down-down-down", they could never hold a candle to Dwele's soulfulness and the intelligence he brings to his music. He is up there as one of the best with D'Angelo, Maxwell, John Legend, & Musiq.
Rhian Benson - Say How I Feel (2003)
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I first learned of Rhian Benson when BET still had the balls to play neo-soul artists (and lots of music videos) & this was the song. She is definitely one of the most underrated artists that I have ever heard of besides Adriana Evans. Besides the obvious vocal talents & great production this song has, it what the song is all about & I can truly relate to it except in my case, it it all about a girl or 2. It sure does remind me of the time I tried to ask a certain someone out even though she already had a boyfriend. Even though the results didn't go my way, at least I had the balls to go up to her & ask her out. I blame Musiq Soulchild for thinking that I had a chance. This same situation repeated itself a few years later and this some became even more relevant. Damn it Neisy & that other girl.
Van Hunt - Dust (2004)
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This was one of my favorite songs of 2004. When I first heard this song, Van Hunt reminded of Prince. Also, I first learned of this song from the MTV2 website when first realized that I should stop looking for music through video channels and use other resources, plus I had a new computer which made this transition easier. I discovered this song right before I had a trip to Berlin, where it was on constant rotation. Looking back on this song, it is one of those songs in my life soundtrack that reminds of the joys of traveling the world. In addition, the lyrics to this song are truly soulful. I feel like I can relate to this song like "Say How I Feel" especially when he says he is insane & how it was no blow to my sophistication. Damn, I didn't have the winning hand.
Common Market - Push (2006)
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Even though this song came out in 06, I didn't discover it until my friend, EJ told me about this group. EJ is one of the few people that I know that truly knows hip-hop. It is this song that has given me hope that real hip-hop lives. This has got to be one of the most intelligent songs that I have ever heard of, lyrically. If you have ever felt any pressure, this song will help you to reflect & find self-confidence. RA Scion can emcee.
Koop - Summer Sun (2002)
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I discovered this song when I was fascinated by Koop's music. Yukimi Nagano is truly brilliant with her vocals & compliments the band's sound. This song also reminds me that there is a big world out there that I need to see & explore. Even though this song is very jazzy, I don't want to limit this song or their music to a particular song, but I will say that they are the best.
MF DOOM - Kon Queso (2004)
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In my life's quest to find the best hip-hop music out there is is nothing like the shit that these top 40 radio stations play, I found it. I first discovered MF Doom while listening to Madvillain. Whatever MF Doom is doing, he is doing his own thing. I like how he wears his mask as a tribute to Fantastic Four villain Dr. Doom. He is really aggressive when he spits rhymes over mid-tempo tracks. My favorite verses are:
"Today on intense wreck week/We have the super villain in his own defense to speak/It's all a part of my mental techniques/available to freaks & pencil neck geeks".
"Doom in love with Mary Jane/she's my main thing/Pulled her right from that web head/what a lame brain"
I also like the samples he includes from the Marvel cartoons I watched as a little kid. He has done more for Dr. Doom than Julian McMahon did in live action. And he has the best album covers. And I also like how my Last.FM friend - Blkbetty pointed out that I was "one of a kind" listening to both MF Doom & Katy Perry.
Madvillain - ALL CAPS (2004)
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This is one of my favorite joints from 04. I first discovered this song on MTV2. The video for this joint was sick. The verses that are spit are pure gold.
Example:
So nasty that it's probably somewhat of a travesty/having me daily total people you can call me your majesty/Keep your battery charged you know it won't stick yo/and it's not his fault you kick slow"
Just a classic joint in my opinion.
Aya - Slippin' (2004)
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I first discovered Aya on one of the radio stations I listened to from Last.FM. I forget which one of my friends had this song, but thank you for having listened to it and having it on your station. This is an amazing song. The acoustic guitar is off the hook. And Aya herself is very soulful. The lyrics are very poetic:
"Haunted by what you lost/this melody dominates your thought/I feel I can touch the sun/"
This has become one of my favorite slow jams. Naked Music records knows what they are doing.
Calle 13 - Atrévete-te-te (2006)
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When reggaeton experienced a breakthrough in 2004, thanks to Daddy Yankee, the genre was doomed. I say that because the music was going to be played out and become a cliche at Latin American parties and in the club scene. I swear that if I hear "Gasolina" or some other played song at a Mexicali wedding or at a Chula Vista quincenera one more time, I fuckin' swear that I'm going to lose my mind and go insane like Patrick Bateman. With that being said, the only exception I've made to like any reggaeton whatsover in the post Daddy Yankee 04, is Calle 13. Hell, I don't even think Calle 13 is a typical reggaeton group. Their sound is way more different than whatever Telehit or Univision playout and their lyrics are actually good. Residente can rhyme with excellent word, charm, & charisma reminiscent to the type of humor Biz Markie is capable of. They are way more hip-hop than what they are probably labeled as. I'll end this review with one of their verses:
?Que importa si te gusta Green Day?/?Que importa si te gusta Coldplay?/Esto es directo, sin parar, one-way/Yo te lo juro de que por ley/Aqui to’a las boricuas saben karate/Ellas cocinan con salsa de tomate/Mojan el arroz con un poco de aguacate/Pa’ cosechar nalgas de 14 quilates
Honorable mentions:
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Kinky - Sambita
Sade - King of Sorrow
La Oreja de Van Gogh - Muñeca de Trapo
Kanye West - Stronger
Musiq - Just Friends (Sunny)
Notorious B.I.G. - Nasty Girl
N.E.R.D. - Things Are Getting Better
Santogold - Creator
Common - Universal Mind Control (UMC)
White Stripes - Icky Thump
Louis XIV - Finding Out True Love Is Blind
Kasabian - Club Foot
Muse - Uprising
Bloc Party - Banquet
Franz Ferninand - No You Girls
Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict a Riot
Nicola Conte - Jet Sounds
Erykah Badu - Bag Lady (remix)
Gwen Stefani - Luxurious
Jurassic 5 - Quality Control
Sia - Insidiously
Si*Sé - Bizcocho Amargo
Belanova - Me Pregunto
Erykah Badu - Honey
Outkast - B.O.B.
Solange - I Decided
Pharrell - That Girl
Daft Punk - One More Time
Koop - Relaxin' At Club F****n
Hadise - Milk Chocalate Girl
John Legend - Save Room
Anthony Hamilton - Everybody
Maxwell - Pretty Wings
LMFAO - La La La
Akon - Ghetto
DJ Cam - Summer in Paris
Slum Village - Selfish
Mos Def - Ghetto Rock
Talib Kweli - Waitin' For The DJ
Tony Touch - Return of the Diaz Bros.
Jay-Z - Empire State of Mind
Kardinall Offishall - Ol' Time Killin
Jamiroquai - Seven Days in Sunny June
Amy Winehouse - You Know I'm No Good
Gwen Stefani - 4 In The Morning
Teedra Moses - Be Your Girl
N.E.R.D. - Laugh About It
Amerie - Why R U
Beyonce - Deja Vu
Amerie - Why Can't We Fall In Love
T.I. - Bring Em Out
Wu-Tang Clan - Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off)
Blackalicious - Make You Feel That Way
De La Soul - Much More
Dead Prez - Hip-Hop
Lightheaded - Pure Thoughts
K-Os - Superstarr Pt. Zero
Jay-Z - Big Pimpin'
Juanes - A Dios Le Pido
Gisselle - Jurame
Charlie Zaa - Flor Sin Retono
Seu Jorge - Te Queria
Natalia y La Forquetina - Con La Hoja Las Hormigas
Bacilos - Pasos de Gigante
Julieta Venegas - Lento
Jet - Are You Gonna Be My Girl
Depeche Mode - Precious
Ludacris - Stand Up
Lily Allen - Fuck You
Kanye West - Better Than I've Ever Been
Keyshia Cole - Let It Go
Michael Jackson - Butterflies
Miguel Migs - Lionel's Jam
Faithless - Mass Destruction
Joe Budden - Pump It Up
Alejandro Sanz - El Alma Al Aire
Arctic Monkeys - From The Ritz To The Rubble
White Stripes - Fell In Love With a Girl
I Wayne - I Can't Satisfy Her
Beenie Man - Girls Dem Suga (remix)
Robin Thicke - Lost Without U
Kanye West - Paranoid
Natalia Lafourcade - Elefantes
Lily Allen - Smile
Shakira - Dia de Enero
Chambao - Playas de Barbate
DJ Cam - 6 Sense
Common - Go
Dave Hollister - One Woman Man
Mya - Fallen
Ronny Jordan - At Last
Koop - Whenever There Is You
Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
Koop
Common
Lily Allen
Brand New Heavies
Sade
Alejandro Sanz
Julieta Venegas
MF DOOM
Common Market
Dwele
Van Hunt
Rhian Benson
Madvillain
Dilated Peoples
The Hives
Gang Starr
Arctic Monkeys
Amerie
AYA
Calle 13
Koop - Waltz For Koop (2001)
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Even though this song came out in 2001, I first heard this song in the spring of 2004. Being a fan of San Diego's Smooth Jazz 98.1, I was looking for more jazz music to listen to. On that same radio station, artists like George Benson, Mindy Abair, & Paul Hardcastle get a lot of air play. I then decided to look for more music on one of those digital cable radio stations. The electronica station caught my ear when I heard this one song in particular. It was then when this one song came on that featured some great vocals by Yukimi Nagano & a very serene jazz beat with some seagulls in the background. It must have been fate that I found this song because it opened up a whole new world me. Right then & there, I knew that this was some of the best music I had ever listened to. This song takes me away from one of the most boring cities in the world (Chula Vista, cough-cough. Thank God I am not a native of here & I will leave this city one day) & gives me hope that I will one day travel the world to the most interesting places ever. This songs gives me a sense of hope that I world exists beyond The South Bay regional area of San Diego & that I have so much more to experience in my lifetime.
Alejandro Sanz - No Es Lo Mismo (2003)
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I first heard this song in November 2003. This song came out at an appropriate time, when I was graduating from the university & a final turbulent semester. I though such songs from Alejandro Sanz like "Corazon Partio" & "El Alma al Aire" were not only classic songs, but anthems that would last for all eternity. Don't get me wrong, they still are. I was clearly mistaken when I thought those were his best songs because "No Es Lo Mismo" became my favorite. It's the lyrics of this song that resonated with me. When Sanz talks about no caring what others think, never selling out for what you believe in, living is the most dangerous thing, & "a mi me vale madre" (to me, I don't give a fuck"), they remind of how I was able to stand my ground against my political enemies of the time & prove that they could be outlasted with real heart, strong morals & values, never giving up, & that substance is more important than a hollow shell with fake accomplishments.
Los Amigos Invisibles - Yo No Se (2006)
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I first heard this song when I was watching MTV Tr3s in Fall of 2006. Even though I am Mexican & my region is overly saturated with banda music, I was extremely relieved to hear something else from another part of Latin America - Venezuela to be exact. This is one of my favorite party joints ever. The disco & the funk are second to none. The guitar beat is very reminiscent of Nile Rodgers of Chic which clearly distinguishes this song from other Latin American party hits. The lyrics are cool and not corny as with many Latin America party songs and others that are played out, specifically in the Mexicali wedding scene. And since this band is from Venezuela, this songs always reminds me of my favorite Venezuelan actress, Gaby Espino. Damn, she's hot!
Sade - Lovers Rock (2000)
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Sade is one of my favorite bands, period. People probably think of Sade Adu as a solo singer like they did Gloria Estefan when she was with Miami Sound Machine. I remember listening to "Smooth Operator" as a little kid in the summer of 1985. I never realized that they were one of my favorite artists until this decade, when I educated myself by listening to their music. So when the Lovers Rock album came out, I was ecstatic. Even though "King of Sorrow" & "By Your Side" are classics, this song caught my ear the most. It is one of the greatest slow jams ever.
Brand New Heavies - Sex God (2006)
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The Brand New Heavies are one my favorite bands, ever. I remember first listening to "Never Stop" as a 9th grader in the fall of 1991. It wasn't til I began listening to more of their music that they were then dominating my play lists. This song is on my top 10 list of 2006 and the most played on my Last.FM charts. The bass line is still as infectious as when I first heard this song. And N'Dea Davenport vocals hook you in. This is also one of my favorite songs of all time. Simply, funk & soul at its finest.
Jay-Z - Roc Boys (And The Winner Is).... (2007)
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This song was on my top 10 list of 2007. I first heard this song right before the start of the Jaguars vs. Chargers game at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. By far, it is my favorite Jay-Z song and he has so many classic joints. This is a song that should be played after every big accomplishment in life, in the spirit of Johnny Drama. One of the ultimate party joints, ever.
Lily Allen - LDN (2006)
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By far, this is one of my favorite Lily Allen songs. While this song seems happy-go-lucky & cheerful with its ska beat, I really like the irony it contains. Just dissect these lyrics - "When you look with your eyes/everything seems nice/But if you look twice you can see it's all lies." The thing I appreciate most about Lily Allen is her honesty & she never holds back. Before I ever leave Chula Vista, I hope to write something just as ironic. And if & when I go to London, I will use LDN in my text messages.
Common - Break My Heart (2007)
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This might be my favorite song of 2007. While "The People" & "The Game" convinced me to buy this album, this was my favorite song off his "Finding Forever" album. I really like the George Duke sample of "Someday". It really gives it a soulfulness that many of today's hip-hop songs seem to lack. I really like how this song is not a typical radio song that would be played out on San Diego's Z90.
Amerie - 1 Thing (2005)
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I really like Amerie because she is not your typical R&B songstress. I like how she always incorporates a lot of live instrumentation, particularly percussion in her music. Plus I like how this song also has go-go rhythms in it even though it was a sample of The Meters song from the 70's. Shouldn't this sound take the world by storm and not just stay limited to D.C.? I prefer just Amerie on the song as opposed to bringing in Jay-Z & Eve for the remixes. If I would have created a list for my top 10 in 2005, this song would be on it.
Gang Starr - Skills (2003)
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Gang Starr is one of my favorite hip-hop groups. In my opinion, any song that DJ Premier touches is a certified classic and only Dr. Dre joins him as the greatest hip-hop producers of all time. I often wondered what happened to real hip-hop in this decade as it became watered down by mainstream pop sounds that work better for the likes of Lady Gaga & Fergie. Anyways, what I like about this song is that it really is what hip-hop should be about - breaking, deejaying, & emceeing (yes, graffiti was left out as another element). Everytime I listen to this song, I want to start doing Tang Soo Do or freestyle martial arts forms.
M.O.P. - Ante Up (Remix) (2000)
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This is also one of the few real hip-hop joints that truly shined this decade. In my opinion, at the peak of hip-hop's reign, earlier this decade. I bought Funkmaster Flex's mixtape as soon as I heard this shit. Everyone that rhymed on this song spit some real rhymes & held nothing back. It was smart to have Busta Rhymes lead off & just fuck shit up. I remember playing this song at a Hell's Kitchen's party & everyone went crazy for this joint. Another song I just want to start doing some Tang Soo Do to just so I can fuck shit up as well.
Dilated Peoples - Worst Comes To Worst (2001)
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Another great hip-hop joint from this decade. Dilated Peoples has always been one of the best hip-hop groups in my opinion. What I like about this song besides the emcee skills & the scratches, is how intelligent the song is & what this song represents. I am even going to go on record & say that I was the first in my shapter's history to get my pledge class (Beta Gamma) to reflect to a hip-hop song, which was this joint because of it's message.
Arctic Monkeys - Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor (2006)
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The Arctic Monkeys have become my favorite rock group. Usually, American rock groups, particularly those who leaned towards a pop sound & made it big on TRL turned me off to rock & reminded me of a boring suburban status quo. Their music is the shit & reminds why Britain rules when it comes to creating music. This by far is my favorite joint by them. Their lyric about the being a robot from 1984 that dances to electro & poplocks.
The Hives - Hate To Say I Told You So (2002)
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While the Arctic Monkeys saved my rock soul, The Hives were the ones who reminded me that I should have one. This is one of the best rock songs that I have ever heard. The lead singer reminds me of Mick Jagger.
Julieta Venegas - Andar Conmigo (2004)
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Julieta Vengas just might be the best Mexican singer that I have ever heard. It might be blasphemy to many of my fellow countrymen, but there. I said it. I was surprised to find out that she is from Tijuana. Even though I despise & denounce TJ as an awful city, Julieta has shined some positive light on this border city. The guitar & accordion give this song a lot of character. This is also the type of song that would be great to sing to after getting faded to some tequila.
Koop - The Moonbounce (2006)
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Koop Islands is probably the one album that most anticipated, even more than a Common, A Tribe Called Quest, Sade, or Brand New Heavies album. It was well worth the wait. This song is my favorite off the album. I feel that this song is layered with so many influences. Might it be Latin Jazz similar to Poncho Sanchez or Tito Puente? What about Glen Miller, Thelonius Monk, etc? I just know that this song is well crafted and it is perfection.
Dwele - Truth (2003)
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Dwele first caught my attention when he came out with "Find a Way". Even though other R&B pretenders sing their nursery rhymes for middle school kids & their sex anthems about birthday sex or if your "down-down-down", they could never hold a candle to Dwele's soulfulness and the intelligence he brings to his music. He is up there as one of the best with D'Angelo, Maxwell, John Legend, & Musiq.
Rhian Benson - Say How I Feel (2003)
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I first learned of Rhian Benson when BET still had the balls to play neo-soul artists (and lots of music videos) & this was the song. She is definitely one of the most underrated artists that I have ever heard of besides Adriana Evans. Besides the obvious vocal talents & great production this song has, it what the song is all about & I can truly relate to it except in my case, it it all about a girl or 2. It sure does remind me of the time I tried to ask a certain someone out even though she already had a boyfriend. Even though the results didn't go my way, at least I had the balls to go up to her & ask her out. I blame Musiq Soulchild for thinking that I had a chance. This same situation repeated itself a few years later and this some became even more relevant. Damn it Neisy & that other girl.
Van Hunt - Dust (2004)
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This was one of my favorite songs of 2004. When I first heard this song, Van Hunt reminded of Prince. Also, I first learned of this song from the MTV2 website when first realized that I should stop looking for music through video channels and use other resources, plus I had a new computer which made this transition easier. I discovered this song right before I had a trip to Berlin, where it was on constant rotation. Looking back on this song, it is one of those songs in my life soundtrack that reminds of the joys of traveling the world. In addition, the lyrics to this song are truly soulful. I feel like I can relate to this song like "Say How I Feel" especially when he says he is insane & how it was no blow to my sophistication. Damn, I didn't have the winning hand.
Common Market - Push (2006)
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Even though this song came out in 06, I didn't discover it until my friend, EJ told me about this group. EJ is one of the few people that I know that truly knows hip-hop. It is this song that has given me hope that real hip-hop lives. This has got to be one of the most intelligent songs that I have ever heard of, lyrically. If you have ever felt any pressure, this song will help you to reflect & find self-confidence. RA Scion can emcee.
Koop - Summer Sun (2002)
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I discovered this song when I was fascinated by Koop's music. Yukimi Nagano is truly brilliant with her vocals & compliments the band's sound. This song also reminds me that there is a big world out there that I need to see & explore. Even though this song is very jazzy, I don't want to limit this song or their music to a particular song, but I will say that they are the best.
MF DOOM - Kon Queso (2004)
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In my life's quest to find the best hip-hop music out there is is nothing like the shit that these top 40 radio stations play, I found it. I first discovered MF Doom while listening to Madvillain. Whatever MF Doom is doing, he is doing his own thing. I like how he wears his mask as a tribute to Fantastic Four villain Dr. Doom. He is really aggressive when he spits rhymes over mid-tempo tracks. My favorite verses are:
"Today on intense wreck week/We have the super villain in his own defense to speak/It's all a part of my mental techniques/available to freaks & pencil neck geeks".
"Doom in love with Mary Jane/she's my main thing/Pulled her right from that web head/what a lame brain"
I also like the samples he includes from the Marvel cartoons I watched as a little kid. He has done more for Dr. Doom than Julian McMahon did in live action. And he has the best album covers. And I also like how my Last.FM friend - Blkbetty pointed out that I was "one of a kind" listening to both MF Doom & Katy Perry.
Madvillain - ALL CAPS (2004)
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This is one of my favorite joints from 04. I first discovered this song on MTV2. The video for this joint was sick. The verses that are spit are pure gold.
Example:
So nasty that it's probably somewhat of a travesty/having me daily total people you can call me your majesty/Keep your battery charged you know it won't stick yo/and it's not his fault you kick slow"
Just a classic joint in my opinion.
Aya - Slippin' (2004)
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I first discovered Aya on one of the radio stations I listened to from Last.FM. I forget which one of my friends had this song, but thank you for having listened to it and having it on your station. This is an amazing song. The acoustic guitar is off the hook. And Aya herself is very soulful. The lyrics are very poetic:
"Haunted by what you lost/this melody dominates your thought/I feel I can touch the sun/"
This has become one of my favorite slow jams. Naked Music records knows what they are doing.
Calle 13 - Atrévete-te-te (2006)
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When reggaeton experienced a breakthrough in 2004, thanks to Daddy Yankee, the genre was doomed. I say that because the music was going to be played out and become a cliche at Latin American parties and in the club scene. I swear that if I hear "Gasolina" or some other played song at a Mexicali wedding or at a Chula Vista quincenera one more time, I fuckin' swear that I'm going to lose my mind and go insane like Patrick Bateman. With that being said, the only exception I've made to like any reggaeton whatsover in the post Daddy Yankee 04, is Calle 13. Hell, I don't even think Calle 13 is a typical reggaeton group. Their sound is way more different than whatever Telehit or Univision playout and their lyrics are actually good. Residente can rhyme with excellent word, charm, & charisma reminiscent to the type of humor Biz Markie is capable of. They are way more hip-hop than what they are probably labeled as. I'll end this review with one of their verses:
?Que importa si te gusta Green Day?/?Que importa si te gusta Coldplay?/Esto es directo, sin parar, one-way/Yo te lo juro de que por ley/Aqui to’a las boricuas saben karate/Ellas cocinan con salsa de tomate/Mojan el arroz con un poco de aguacate/Pa’ cosechar nalgas de 14 quilates
Honorable mentions:
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Kinky - Sambita
Sade - King of Sorrow
La Oreja de Van Gogh - Muñeca de Trapo
Kanye West - Stronger
Musiq - Just Friends (Sunny)
Notorious B.I.G. - Nasty Girl
N.E.R.D. - Things Are Getting Better
Santogold - Creator
Common - Universal Mind Control (UMC)
White Stripes - Icky Thump
Louis XIV - Finding Out True Love Is Blind
Kasabian - Club Foot
Muse - Uprising
Bloc Party - Banquet
Franz Ferninand - No You Girls
Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict a Riot
Nicola Conte - Jet Sounds
Erykah Badu - Bag Lady (remix)
Gwen Stefani - Luxurious
Jurassic 5 - Quality Control
Sia - Insidiously
Si*Sé - Bizcocho Amargo
Belanova - Me Pregunto
Erykah Badu - Honey
Outkast - B.O.B.
Solange - I Decided
Pharrell - That Girl
Daft Punk - One More Time
Koop - Relaxin' At Club F****n
Hadise - Milk Chocalate Girl
John Legend - Save Room
Anthony Hamilton - Everybody
Maxwell - Pretty Wings
LMFAO - La La La
Akon - Ghetto
DJ Cam - Summer in Paris
Slum Village - Selfish
Mos Def - Ghetto Rock
Talib Kweli - Waitin' For The DJ
Tony Touch - Return of the Diaz Bros.
Jay-Z - Empire State of Mind
Kardinall Offishall - Ol' Time Killin
Jamiroquai - Seven Days in Sunny June
Amy Winehouse - You Know I'm No Good
Gwen Stefani - 4 In The Morning
Teedra Moses - Be Your Girl
N.E.R.D. - Laugh About It
Amerie - Why R U
Beyonce - Deja Vu
Amerie - Why Can't We Fall In Love
T.I. - Bring Em Out
Wu-Tang Clan - Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off)
Blackalicious - Make You Feel That Way
De La Soul - Much More
Dead Prez - Hip-Hop
Lightheaded - Pure Thoughts
K-Os - Superstarr Pt. Zero
Jay-Z - Big Pimpin'
Juanes - A Dios Le Pido
Gisselle - Jurame
Charlie Zaa - Flor Sin Retono
Seu Jorge - Te Queria
Natalia y La Forquetina - Con La Hoja Las Hormigas
Bacilos - Pasos de Gigante
Julieta Venegas - Lento
Jet - Are You Gonna Be My Girl
Depeche Mode - Precious
Ludacris - Stand Up
Lily Allen - Fuck You
Kanye West - Better Than I've Ever Been
Keyshia Cole - Let It Go
Michael Jackson - Butterflies
Miguel Migs - Lionel's Jam
Faithless - Mass Destruction
Joe Budden - Pump It Up
Alejandro Sanz - El Alma Al Aire
Arctic Monkeys - From The Ritz To The Rubble
White Stripes - Fell In Love With a Girl
I Wayne - I Can't Satisfy Her
Beenie Man - Girls Dem Suga (remix)
Robin Thicke - Lost Without U
Kanye West - Paranoid
Natalia Lafourcade - Elefantes
Lily Allen - Smile
Shakira - Dia de Enero
Chambao - Playas de Barbate
DJ Cam - 6 Sense
Common - Go
Dave Hollister - One Woman Man
Mya - Fallen
Ronny Jordan - At Last
Koop - Whenever There Is You
Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
Koop
Common
Lily Allen
Brand New Heavies
Sade
Alejandro Sanz
Julieta Venegas
MF DOOM
Common Market
Dwele
Van Hunt
Rhian Benson
Madvillain
Dilated Peoples
The Hives
Gang Starr
Arctic Monkeys
Amerie
AYA
Calle 13
