Michael Kiwanuka - Bones
I guess I would leave this world alone
cause without you I’m just bones.
I hoped his album would sound this good. So so good.
At what point does the experience of a person who picked up rap late get considered credible enough for them to weigh in on their experience?
But for so many of these fans it turns into this contest of “I’m more rap than you.” Ok, congratulations here’s your merit badge. Now can we consider the topic at hand? Or write a substantive rebuttal about the legacy of nerds in rap to provide even more exegesis for those newbies who will inevitably be attracted to dive in thanks to an article like this?
Reflecting on acceptance, geekdom & a love of hip-hop (via artisntreal)
My humble attempt at trying to unpack people’s criticisms of a not-so-bad article (except badly misconstrued) about geeks taking mainstream takeover of hip-hop. The thing that drives me nuts — and part of why I don’t even touch it — about rap criticism is these people who feel this reflexive need to overcorrect the rap narrative, as if hip-hop remains this hallowed cultural burial ground that’s nearly above reproach.
It’s fine to disagree, I just think their criticism completely missed the point.
Be the materials, know your limits only to break your limits.
Are you listening? God dammit boy, pay attention!
Try it again. Little bit more juice this time.
Try it again. Yeah a little bit more elbow grease this time.
Try it again. Concentrate, a little more focus this time.
You can kick and scream and yell but damn I’m only tryin’ to help.
Susana Baca is the foremost singer of the Afro-Peruvian sub-genre. She’s been doing her thing for decades now. I saw her live in Boulder like six years ago, which was absolutely awesome. She released an album Afrodiaspora in 2011 which I didn’t hear, but I’m getting caught up now. If you’re searching through her catalog on Spotify or elsewhere and want songs to start with, check out Afro Blue Zum Zum, Maria Lando, Panalivio Zancudito & Xanahari.
But so far I’m really enjoying this new album. It’s absolutely worth your time.
Cecil Taylor is really challenging jazz.
Band Baaja Baaraat - Ainvayi Ainvayi
Seriously, how can you sit still?
It’s on Netflix. Go watch it right now.
I never had light in my eyes anyway but maybe things are different these days
Justin Vernon (with Eau Claire Memorial HS Jazz I & Mike Noyce) - Since I Fell For You
This is just such a good cover, especially when you consider it’s high school kids backing him up. For the unfamiliar, this is Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) back playing with his old high school jazz band and jazz teacher. It’s super solid.
