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, Joining resident turntablist DJ Jedi, we're proud to present the musical musings of Brutha Gimel (also known as Gimel Hooper), a double threat who not only is well known for his skills on the wheels, but also as a spoken word artist of considerable renown and one of the co-founders of LA's long-running venue Da Poetry Lounge. We now present Gimel's favorites for this week …
- "I'm Your Baby Tonight," Whitney Houston
First of all, I must pay homage to a musical legend. Whitney Houston, because of her amazing vocal talent and presence in music became the first female singer to get capture my attention as a child. Unlike Michael Jackson, Whitney was not a dancer. Nor did she have super theatrical videos to mesmerize me. Nope. What she had was a voice that resinated and made my senses stand at attention. I chose "I'm Your Baby Tonight" because I used to take my mother's cassette and get dressed for school while it played. Oh, the memories. Thank you, Whitney Houston. May you rest in peace.
- "You Got The Makings of a Lover (Pillow Talk Edit)," Mayer Hawthorne
For all of you lover's on the dance floor, keep dancing. The tempo was increased from the original version and the swing groove was put in place to give it that dance appeal. The horns remained to give the feeling of a serenade. Since today is Valentine's Day, you may wanna use this one to let her know how you feel as you dance her into the kitchen for her lover's meal. That may be reaching but add this to your playlist. It will make you feel good.
- "Happy Valentine's Day," Andre 3000
Here's an oldie but goodie [EDITOR'S NOTE: To whom? This song isn't even ten years old! Kids these days …]. I remember this song coming out on Andre's The Love Below and thinking why is he making a song about Valentine's Day. After listening to the song a couple of times, I realized he was saying that everyday is Valentine's Day. There shouldn't be one day that says represent love. Shoot that's killing your chances. Instead, if we make everyday a love holiday, we give ourselves a fighting chance at getting better at the practice of love and fewer people would be sitting around salty because they don't have love. Look at that. Three Stacks and I have solved the world's love whoa problem. Lol.
- "Someone Like You" (Skrillex remix), Adele
I'm sure everyone is familiar with the London chick with the golden voice by now. Especially after this weekend where she cleaned up at the Grammy Awards. Needless to say, Adele's 21 LP is a fabulous body of work. Well, recently I have been listening to more dubstep. Thanks to all of the fuss that's been made about this kid Skrillex, who has invaded the music world with his dubstep remixes. I anted to recommend one of his latest and I chose Adele because this song is so pretty by itself that I wanted to introduce a slightly twisted version. ARGGHHHH!!!
- "Baby Girl," Boog Brown
This is my second time recommending a song from Miss Brown. I must say, I am becoming a fan. She is out of Detroit and she has that rugged "D" sound with a feminine touch and let's face it, Detroit hip hop can use a woman's care. To be honest, all of hip hop can use more estrogen in it at this point. Boog Brown is a fair representation of quality hip hop music. Baby Girl itself, salutes the different types of inner city women out there grinding to make ends meet. "Baby girl, brown skinned goddess of the projects …" is the opening line. See where she takes it.
Check me out next monday night for where I will be spinning in WeHo for a 90's salute.
Barring unforeseen challenges, Brutha Gimel's Spin City should be waiting for you, right here on Komplicated.com, every Tuesday afternoon.
[Source: Brutha Gimel]