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.
Happy New Year ya'll. So glad to be here sharing another column.
As usual, I've been listening to music and thinking to myself, which of these songs would I suggest to music fans to give a chance? As a DJ, what would I listen to without someone requesting it? Hmmmm. How about these?
- "Pyro," T.I.
Yeah ya boy TI has struck again. I always wonder how rappers would attack the mic after doing a bid and I gotta admit this is a how it should be done. With heat and the intention of letting the people know you ain't lost it. I'm not making any predictions about TI's future but this songs got some sizzle to it.
- "Heartbeat," Childish Gambino
I know. I know. the name is a bit suspect and reminiscent of a Wu spin off band but his lyrics can play with the big boys. It turns out Troy (Donald Glover) from the television show Community has a talent for emceeing as well as comedy. Once again, I was thinking, "Another actor not knowing ho to stay in his lane" but the kid has style. Personally, I think Drake's competition may have entered the building.
- "You Don't Like It (So What)," Jean Grae
Jean Grae has got to be one of hip hop most slept on emcees. Maybe she's not commercially savvy enough. I don't know but she is definitely a lyrcist who has been serving the mic right for quite some time now. Check the bars on this joint. Ya girl has imagination, spunk and straight up rhyming skills. If you fancy yourself an underground hip hop head with a taste for lyrics, get with this.
- "I Do," Young Jeezy feat. Jay-Z & Andre 3000
Who said trap rappers don't know love? Who said love songs in hip hop no longer exist? Okay, this is no "I Need Love" but it is a cool attempt at not being overly chauvenistic. How many times have you been in a club and a fly tender roni caught your eye and for a moment you floated off into the land of daydreams? If this has ever happened to you, then this is your song.
- "Trouble" (remix) Bei Maejor feat. J.Cole, T-Pain, Trey Songz, Wale
The line up on this song has new generation hip hop/r&b all over it. It has the bounce and to attract the party heads and the vocals to keep the ladies interested. I gotta admit, it annoys me when r&b singers try too hard to be street by swearing and singing the "N" word and Trey plays that part in this song where he swears more than the rappers. He still delivers the vocals to give the song a smooth appeal while the rappers keep it cooler than a ice delivery truck. I can roll the street with this.
Don't forget to check me out at Da Poetry Lounge, every Tuesday night. 544 N Fairfax Blvd, 9PM to 12AM.
Also every Sunday night I spin in No Ho at Skinny's for Hot Wax Martini Lounge, 4923 Lankershim Blvd.
Barring unforeseen challenges, Brutha Gimel's Spin City should be waiting for you, right here on Komplicated.com, every Tuesday afternoon.
[Source: Brutha Gimel]