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 …
- "Young Sinatra," Logic
Once upon a time in the world of hip hop music rappers/emcees could really rap. Meaning 90% of the MC's that picked up the microphone spit with passion and put an emphasisits on performance. Those were the days. It would seem that the next generation of fly MC's are coming around. Logic is one of those emcee's. He definitely has the swag of a new millennium AZ. A la' "Life's A Bitch" from Nas' Illmatic, with a current appeal. I can't wait to see where he takes it.
- "Not Here Anymore," Phonte feat. Elzhi
I don't know if the underground feel good head nod group Little Brother will be recording anymore music together but I can sure say that I enjoy hearing one them pop up on tracks every so often. The way Phonte and Elzhi come off on the track has hip hop inspiring tone. I can just see young heads sitting in there bedroom with their friends playing XBox vibing out to this joint right here. Yet, with 9th Wonder on the beat, "Not Here Anymore" still has an adult allure for those domino and card games in the back yard.
- "Starfighter," Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
You ever hear a song and wish you could have been apart of the creative process even though you don't play an instrument? Well, that's how I felt when I heard "Starfighter." The way the horns serenade the beat is pure hip hop magic. There's no need for lyrics on this one. The brass section took care of all communication. Songs like this is why I surf the web, but this jewel practically fell in my lap from the Fusicology site.
- "Rack City" remix, Tyga feat. Wale, Fbolous, Young Jeezy, Meek Mill, T.I.
I feel like you already know how hot this single has been. I'm posting this remix because of the way Wale murders the beat. I gotta say, this dude has been impressing me lately and I think he takes pride in his rhyming ability like he knows he's standing on the shoulders of hip hop history. That's respect.
- "Valentine's Day," Melanie Fiona feat. Corte Ellis
In the spirit of the love holiday, I am giving this song mention. Plus, I think Melanie Fiona is a very gifted vocalist. I look forward to her making her presence known on a larger scale. Go 'head and play this song in your romantic setting and keep the mood fresh and hot. Haha. That was sappy, but you get the picture.
In addition to checking out Brutha Gimel out tonight at Da Poetry Lounge, this is what's good this week …
Barring unforeseen challenges, Brutha Gimel's Spin City should be waiting for you, right here on Komplicated.com, every Tuesday afternoon.
[Source: Brutha Gimel]