“Pearls” by Dutch
I caught wind of a possible collaboration between Stoupe and Liz Fullerton about two years ago in an interview he gave to a prominent hiphop website. What started out as a simple feature, turned into a full blown album project with Liz leaving her native California to join Stoupe in his Philadelphia studios. The chemistry between one of hiphop’s most respected beatsmiths, and the eclectic songwriter/vocalist was such that they decided to make the bond official: Dutch was born.
Stoupe’s legend was born out his work as the lead producer for the acclaimed hiphop group Jedi Mind Tricks. He stands out from his peers due to his extremely uncommon sampling techniques. On occasion he’s been known to use as many as 15 different samples on the same record.
“Pearls” is …well, exacty that..a real jewel. Hiphop breaks, latin samples and Liz Fullerton at her finest.
Enjoy.
Title: Pearls
Artist: Dutch (Liz Fullerton and Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind)
Album: A Bright Cold Day, 2010
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“Walking on Space” by Smooth
Sometimes we face challenges so difficult to overcome and so taxing on our person that that after a while, we become more interested in simply ending the ordeal, rather than prolonging it in the search for some sort of positive conclusion. We just want it (whatever “it” is) to be over.
“Walking on Water” is exactly what down-tempo is about, lush melodies, break-beats and spatial vocals.
This song feels like a release. A wave of pleasure attained after you’ve been relieved of a nagging, intense sort of pressure. The high felt after a victory, love…….peace. A sense of weightlessness as if unchained from the confines of gravity. Freedom!
Walk with me.
Title: Walking on Space
Artist: Smooth
Album: Smooth, 2004
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Loading ...“Passion” by Nightmares On Wax
The problem with passion is that it tends to control us rather than the other way around. For better or worse, it fuels the pursuit of our desires, egging us on towards what we want, but not necessarily what we need. When you’re fortunate enough to have your passions aligned with what’s in your best interest, you get an amazing platform for….well happiness.
I’ve been a beneficiary and a victim of my passion all my life. It has the kept the fire in my eyes burning and given me a constant supply of the focus required to keep marching towards my ambitions. But on the other hand, it has kept ablaze fires that should have been put out a long time ago, and immortalized feelings I’ve been trying to kill for ages. The gift and the curse I suppose.
I have to be completely honest with myself in admitting that I’m a slave to my passion. I will never fight it, that’s a battle I can’t win. All I can do is embrace it and pray it leads me somewhere……………safe.
Oh and by the way, this absolute jewel of an instrumental is courtesy of Nightmares on Wax, a supremely talented sample DJ from the UK. Words I’d use to describe this track: evocative, haunting, subliminal…..just plain sick!
“Rest in reason; move in passion” Khalil Gibran (January 6, 1883 – April 10, 1931).
Title: Passion
Artist: Nightmares on Wax
Album: In a Space Outta Sound, 2006
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Loading ...“Passing By” by Zero 7
Craftsmanship isn’t exactly a word you’d normally associate with music, but I can’t help it creeping up in my mind every time I listen to Zero 7. A Zero 7 album feels like an art exhibit with each song representing a piece that took incredible skill and countless hours of a meticulous work to create.
“Passing By” doesn’t just pass you by, it walks up to you, offers you a drink and invites to you to sink into a deep velvet couch for some much deserved relaxation. Frankly, it’s hard to say no to Sophie Barker. On this song, she is elegant, tasteful and easy-going.
A definite “keeper”….
Title: Passing By
Artist: Zero 7
Album: When It Falls, 2004
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Loading ...“Trance Dance Remix” by DJ Krush & Hamid Baroudi
When listening to “Trance Dance”, you understand why a lot of people refer to this style of production as “atmospheric”. It is the kind of music that totally commands your attention and provides the perfect soundtrack for you to daydream to (i.e. you were so into the song, you missed your bus stop..lol).
While the underlying vibe is without a doubt hip hop, there is a lot more to be digested here. If DJ Krush’ drums were to represent the skeleton of the track, then the guitar and flute samples represent its muscle. However, the song only feels complete when Hamid Baroudi breathes life into it with his amazing vocals.
Trance Dance is what happens when a Japanese DJ and an Algerian singer set out to introduce hip hop to trance music.
I like.
Title: Trance Dance Remix
Artist: DJ Krush & Hamid Baroudi
Album: Putumayo World Lounge, 2002
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Ssidy is what my friends call me. I was born in Senegal of Malian parents (hence my Mali nationality). I grew up all over the place…Bamako, London, Accra, Cape Town, before I went to college in Miami and finally got a job in Sydney where I’ve been living since August 2008.
When I’m not working on The Timbuktu Project, or as a financial analyst (full-time), you can usually catch me somewhere on a football pitch or involved in anything music related. Music is everything to me. Whatever mood I am in, there is always a song that captures the moment perfectly. Anyone who has spent more than 10 minutes around me will probably attest to this: I listen to all types of stuff.....possibly because no single genre holds enough songs to quench that musical thirst of mine... 