My 366 Favourite Songs Of The Year | Jan 3rd - 9th [Lapalux, Robert Glasper & Jay-Z]

Okay. I've just finished crying gangster tears after watching Arsenal's FA Cup match against Leeds which we won, thanks to a goal from the legend that is Thierry Henry. That guy is pure claaaass mate. Anyway. Music. My favourite songs have all piled up this week so I'm lumping them into one big post!

Jan 3. Troy Bar

I have four videos to upload, for this day. Four. I went to Troy Bar (Open Mic night in Old Street every Tuesday) and it was the best night ever... Absolutely adored some of the songs that were covered; I'll Take You There by The Staple Singers, a couple of freestyles and a jazzy rendition of an old favourite - Golden by Jill Scott. I can't wait to share them with you! It amazes me just how much talent there is around me; I heard pure voices that night. But yes... Videos soon!

Jan 4. Orelsan - Suicide Social

I don't listen to as much French rap as I should to be honest - I'm completely slacking. Heard this joint by Orelsan, dubbed the "French Eminem" and I was gobbed. It's so scathing and aggressive. The thing about French rap is, the language allows rappers to be much more creative with words. Maybe one day, if I get gassed enough, I'll rap a lil somsing in français ... *shrugs* maybe. And so you're not phased by the language barrier, the video has words to it, so any non-French speaker can whip out Google Translate whilst having a listen. Considerate, non?

Jan 5. Schoolboy Q f/ Kendrick Lamar - Blessed

These guys are so, so serious. Kendrick Lamar certainly left a lasting impression on 2011 what with Section.80 and all that jazz, so it comes as no surprise that another 1/4 of Black Hippy, has come to nab his time in the spotlight. There's no way that the West Coast wordsworth won't appear on this year's XXL Freshman list - Schoolboy Q's skill and talent are undeniable. Too slick with it! Habits and Contradictions drops on the 14th. 

Jan 6. Robert Glasper Experiment f/ Erykah Badu - Afro Blue

Gotta love this cover of the Mongo Santamaría Latin jazz classic. I ladore the way Robert Glasper manages to catch the essence of hip-hop and jazz perfectly and as usual Erykah's vocals make any track sound sweet. Pay attention to the original posted below too.

Jan 7. Musiq Soulchild - So Beautiful (Lapalux Bootleg Remix)

Bruv. I've always said that I find Musiq Soulchild to be a bit yawn most of the time, so I'm thankful for this refix by Lapalux. Kudos to Mikey at AboutToBlow.com for the bring-in!

Musiq Soulchild - So Beautiful (Lapalux's bootleg remix) by Lapalux

Jan. 8. Razorlight - I Can't Stop This Feeling I've Got (Live On Jools Holland)

Today I was reminded of an old favourite. Makes me feel a certain way everytime I hear it!

Jan 9. Jay-Z f/ Blue Ivy Carter - Glory 

Papa Jigga wasted no time telling the world about how proud he is to finally be a father and I love it! We're seeing a new side to Jay; not hustla Jay, not Marcy Projects Jay, but family guy Jay *cue theme music*. And it's so cute! I love how he sampled Blue Ivy's cry and had the nerve to say she "featured" on the track. LOL -it's awesome. And though the production sounds a bit rushed (not one of The Neptunes best by a country mile) the sentiments on this track make it damn near impossible for you not to respect the guy. Everything from revealing Bey's miscarriage, to her place of conception; it's just an honest track. When little Blue grows up, she'll surely be able to brag about her super-cool Pop. Beautiful.