“Mirza” by Panjabi MC & Surinder Shinda
The Romantic tragedy “Mirza–Sahiba”, is a treasure of Punjabi literature.
“Mirza and Sahiban were cousins who, according to folk tales in punjab, fell in love with each other despite opposition from their respective families. An attempt to forcibly marry Sahiban to another man by her parents, results in them deciding to elope.
Mirza arrived on his horse, the night before the wedding and secretly carried Shahiba away. Unfortunately, Sahiba’s brothers got wind of the plot and decided to follow them. On the way, as Mirza lies under the shade of a tree to rest for a few moments, Sahiba’s brothers caught up with them.
Before waking up Mirza, Sahiban breaks his arrows so he can’t use them against her brothers. She presumes on seeing her, her brothers would feel sorry and forgive Mirza. Instead, the brothers attack Mirza and kill him.
Sahiban takes a sword and stabs herself, and thus bids farewell to this world.”
“Mirza” is narrated by Panjabi MC and the legendary Surinder Shinda using an addictive blend of Hip hop and Bhangra.
Gem…
Dul’ thanks for this one…MIA 01′
Title: Mirza
Artist: Panjabi MC ft Surinder Shinda
Album: Beware, 2003
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“You Got Me” by The Roots
It’s no secret that rappers just can’t make good love songs…lol. This is probably because the topic requires a willingness to “open up” and display a certain degree of vulnerability which to be fair, doesn’t always mix with the tough-guy personas out there. That being said, The Roots aren’t your average hiphop group and Black Thought, isn’t your average MC.
The “Grammy” awarded for “You Got Me” perhaps represents the only moment in the sun for a group that has always in my opinion, been grossly underrated. Their use of live instrumentation has always set them apart from the rest of the hip hop world, but the potency of Black Thought on the mic has kept them respected by their peers as a true hip hop entity and not some “alternative hiphop band”.
Here, Questlove’s stellar drumwork is accompanied by an infectious guitar loop as the backdrop to Black Thought’s narrative and Erykah Badu’s loving reassurances.
Perfect.
Title: You Got Me
Artist: The Roots
Album: Things Fall Apart, 1999
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“Mas Que Nada” by Tamba Trio
I’ve always been a bigger fan of the artistic side of football than I’ve been of its more physical/athletic aspect. With the focus firmly placed on performance these days, very few players develop a creative approach to the sport. Out of the few who are truly technically gifted, only a handful have the courage (and nerves) to inject a little fantasy into their game. In situations of high pressure, it takes an incredible amount of self-confidence to go for the spectacular when the ordinary would probably suffice.
What this has to do with “Mas Que Nada”? Well everything actually. For starters I came across this song for the first time in a Nike Commercial featuring the Brazilian national team right before the 1998 world cup. The commercial is a testament to the Brazilian approach to football which in many ways mirrors the characteristics of Samba music: joyful, precise, rhythmic and flamboyant…..the only way to play as far as I’m concerned.
The original “Mas Que Nada” was released by the legendary Jorge Ben in 1963. This remake by Tamba Trio is also from 1963, coming out only a few months after the original version. The world cup commercial gave it another run at the charts in 1998.
Joga Bonito!
Title: Mas Que Nada
Artist: Tamba Trio
Album: Millenium, 2000 (originally recorded in 1963)
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Loading ...“Caroline” by MC Solaar
When Solaar’s first album, “Qui Seme le Vent Recolte le Tempo” was released, I hadn’t celebrated my 9th birthday yet. I can safely say that this is the album that introduced me to hiphop. For the first time I was paying attention to lyrics, and Solaar’s wordplay made me want to pick up a pen.
The poetry on “Caroline” is about love and loss. The focus is on the wordplay rather than on the rhymes. He draws parallels between life, love and a deck of cards as he skillfully paints a narrative about a painful break up:
“Je suis l’as de trèfle qui pique ton cœur, Caroline” translates to
“I’m the ace of clubs that stings (’spade’) your heart”… with his ex’s name Caroline sounding like an extension to “Carreau” which is the french word for “diamonds”.
Production-wise, “Caroline” is a veritable jewel. French hiphop producers have traditionally been purists in their approach to the art of beat-making. Most have been less experimental than their US counterparts in terms of sample selection, drum patterns and song structure. If this is still somewhat the case today, imagine the mindset back in ’91! “Caroline’s” producer was able to stick to the basics without compromising his creativity. Although the drum work, sampling and scratches are vintage, he throws in an incredible flute sample to the mix, giving the track a distinctly “Eastern” feel.
Classic.
Title: Caroline
Artist: MC Solaar
Album: Qui Seme le Vent, Recolte le Tempo, 1991
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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... 