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 going all hip hop this week. I got my hands on some butter and I just wanna spread the love.
- "Don't Look Down," Kanye West feat. Lupe Fiasco, Mos Def, Big Sean
Funny thing about having a column to suggest new music to fans is that sometimes I'm getting re-acquainted with heat. "Don't Look Down" is that fire I found and didn't get around to listening again until recently which happens to feature three of my favorite MCs of today in Lupe, Mos & Kanye. Big Sean is like the little brother tagging along but willing to do dirt to prove he belong and let's just say,"he fired off." I'm saying though, vibe out to the distorted ghetto over the beat.
- "We Are At War," DJ Premier feat. Bumpy Knuckles (available in this week's #musicmonday column)
Yes! A hot new joint from the underground king of fly tracks himself, DJ Premier. I guess I don't have to tell you how much of a fan I am of "Primo." "We Are At War" is vintage Premier with the bass line, drums and cuts. Bumpy Knuckles serves the track well, similar to the time they recorded The Militia during the Gang Starr days. This is the definition of street hip hop music for sure.
- "Set It Off," Erick Sermon feat. Swizz Beatz, Fred the Godson, Mone
This is a true hip hop legend returning to the game. Erick Sermon of EPMD fame is serving us some flavor with a few of his pals setting it off for real. If you like that boogie down sound where lyrics and beats get you amped, this is your new joint. You already know Swizz is about that hypness. I see why"E Dub" put him on the track. It's like the Def Squad met up with Ruff Ryder and spazzed. It's time to set it off!
- "RapRise.com Cypher," Crown Holders
Last week I dedicated the column to unsigned indie artists. I wanted to include this group. I saw them live once and the energy they brought to the stage left me wanting to hear more. I chose this video because of the back and forth tag team style flow The Crown Holders came off with. The vocals and humor kind of remind me of Will Smith in both MCs clever delivery and sarcasm. Here's a taste.
- "N****s in Poorest," Mos Def
I know the mighty Mos has changed his name to Yassin Bey but he is most definitely still fresh. Remember when he did The Rape Over on his LP The New Danger? Well, he's ripped another Jay-Z track ("N****s In Paris") and sprinkled some realness to bring brothers back down to earth and deal with everyday social issues of today. I love the Malcolm X drop. Man, Mos. I mean Yasiin flipped this track lovely!
In addition to checking out Brutha Gimel out tonight at Da Poetry Lounge, here's where else you can find the talented troubadour …
Barring unforeseen challenges, Brutha Gimel's Spin City should be waiting for you, right here on Komplicated.com, every Tuesday afternoon.
[Source: Brutha Gimel]