Music

Hey hey! So, I've been listening to a lot of interesting music lately and I wanted to share some of it with you. Most of these are old, but some are recognizable. Check out some of the African music...so good.

1. "Down" by Jay Sean feat. Lil' Wayne: This is very Enrique Iglesias-esque with it's thumping beats and repetitive hooks, but it's gets you going. Lil' Wayne's lines are epic: "Don't you ever leave the side of me/indefinitely, not probably/and honestly, I'm down like the economy." Haha! No matter what you think about him, he's incredibly witty and surprisingly intelligent.

2. "I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman" by K-os (pronounced Chaos) feat. Saukrates: You can never go wrong with a sample of Phantom Planet's California (the OC theme song). It's just timeless and it gives me nostalgic chills, just like one of my all-time favorite songs "Bittersweet Symphony" (here's a great soca version of the Verve's superhit). Despite the strange title of the track, maybe K-os was trying to channel some Fall Out Boy and their affinity for awkward titles, the song is a poignant, swagger-inducing, and yet, kind of mellow and eerie. And, it has nothing to do with Natalie Portman...unless, in some strange way, those adjectives I mentioned above are some characteristics inspired by the actress. If you like the Gorillaz (especially "Feel Good Inc."), you'll like this song.

3. "T.R.O.Y." (They Reminisce Over You) by Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth: This is the epitome of a great DJ/MC collaboration. T.R.O.Y. is classic, early 90s, cruising in your car, bumping your head to good music, music.

The next few tracks are some songs that I grew up listening to: great African songs made by some of the most incredible musicians/artists in the world.

4. "Agolo" by Angelique Kidjo: The energy, the imagery, and the mystery of "Agolo" makes for an incredible song. I don't know if Benin has ever had as great a cultural and musical ambassador as Kidjo.

5. "Show Me The Way" by Papa Wemba: This is English/Lingala fusion by the Congolese (DRC) artist is just fresh and innovative, and pleads for a connection with the listener.

6. "Sweet Mother" by Prince Nico Mbarga: How can you really enjoy a song that's 10 minutes long? That's what I first thought when I pulled out my dad's Prince Nico Mbarga (Nigeria) CD and started listening to it. This song was a jam when my parents were younger, and it's an ode to the women who brought us into this world and who care for us lovingly and endlessly. It's just one of those songs that you put on and just let go...just give it up; get on the dancefloor, enjoy the rhythmic beat, and move. The time flies and you barely notice.

Enjoy!