In an effort to further explore the myriad and "Komplicated" musical tastes of the modern "post-Black" denizens of the world, we present Spin City, which will feature recommendations from some of the world’s finest DJs, headlined by the selections of our own "resident DJ," comic book fan, Star Wars and wrestling aficionado and all around swell guy, the world famous DJ Jedi [Facebook, Twitter and podcast]. He's graciously agreed to drop the science on musicology for you …
Hot fire for the week …
- Robert Glasper Experiment, "Twice/Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Live)
14 minutes of straight kickassery! If you read this column with any regularity, you know I'm a sucker for a good cover tune. This clip has TWO! Glasper and crew put their distinct spin on two classics from Little Dragon and Nirvana, respectively. Be sure to pick up that Black Radio LP if you haven't already.
- Zack Sekoff, "Stapler Squeeze (Sick Rap)" free download available
This kid is the future. Remember that when I'm handing out "I-told-you-so's" once he's a household name. At a mere 16 years of age, L.A. native Zack Sekoff more than capably raps, sings, produces, and remixes with the best of 'em, while bringing a refreshingly self-aware, witty, charismatic, and fun aesthetic to everything he does. In the past year, he's already collaborated with supastarraz like Thundercat, J-Davey, Flying Lotus, and more. On this particular ditty (in which the primary sample source for the beat is the sound of a stapler being squeezed, hence the song's title …), Zack takes the stereotypical "I'm-so-sick" braggadocio meme that rappers have run into the ground, and gives it a somewhat more literal treatment. He was ACTUALLY sick at the time the song was written and recorded. So lyrics like, "I'm sick as hell, as if you couldn't tell, sippin' Robitussin because the medical use is real," come across in a hilariously honest way. I'm looking forward to seeing this dude's evolution as an artist in the coming years. Stay tuned …
- Quantic & Alice Russell Feat. Combo Barbaro, "Look Around The Corner"
I received an advance copy of the upcoming full length LP about a week ago, and I haven't gone a day without listening to it since. Look Around The Corner is probably on my short list of candidates for Album Of The Year, and it's only March. While this may be the title track, it's not even the best song on the album, although it is outstanding. "Look Around The Corner" is a classy amalgam of soul, blues, Latin, and funk, with the always incredible Alice Russell channeling the likes of Syreeta and Rotary Connection on this one. If your musical sensibilities are anything like mine, you too will be instantly floored by how gorgeous this song is.
- House Shoes Feat. Jimetta Rose, "Castles (The Sky Is Ours)"
I was already a fan of the instrumental version of House Shoes' "Castles" that appeared on the excellent "Starship 27" comp that came out last year (coincidentally, one of my Best of 2011). This one features the soulfully uplifting vocals of Jimetta Rose, paying tribute to their mutual friend and musical collaborator, J-1 of Master Blaster fame, who passed away recently. You can cop the song via the attached link. All proceeds go directly to J-1's family.
- Azealia Banks feat. Lunice, "Runnin'" free download available
No telling when this 20 year-old female prodigy's highly anticipated debut LP will be dropping. Conservative estimates say sometime around September 2012 via Interscope Records. In the meantime, I'm stuck perusing her Soundcloud for table scraps until the full length hits the streets. "Runnin'" is the joint I'm feeling the most at the moment, as she puts on a verbal clinic over a catchy, minimalist, Lunice beat. Hop on while there's still room on the Azealia bandwagon. This lady's gonna be a big deal REAL SOON …
Here are a few spots I'll be performing at this week. Hope to see you …
Monday, 3.12.12
MOMLA: Motown On Mondays
(Jedi, Expo, and occasional guests spin originals, samples, rarities, covers, and distant relatives of Motown classics)
9pm-2am
Free admission
Location: The Short Stop
1455 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026, 21+
Tuesday, 3.13.12
Downbeat 720
(Open mic/stage/performance space for high school)
7pm-9:30
Free admission
Location: Miles Memorial Playhouse
1130 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401, all ages welcome
Wednesday, 3.14.12
Luminous Movement
(Live music throughout the night, with DJ sets from Jedi and Drez)
9pm-2am
1301 5th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401, 21+
Barring unforeseen challenges, Spin City should be waiting for you, right here on Komplicated.com, every Monday afternoon.
[Source: DJ Jedi]