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.

Music | What I've Been Listening To

Greetings old and new readers! I've been quite a lazy bum this week so I haven't really pulled my finger out and done anything. I just relaxed, read some books, watched a couple movies and of course, listened to a lot of music. The weather really influenced what I lent my ear to since the sun decided to show it's face and shine it's rays in London these past couple of days! So expect this post to be filled with upbeat tunes you can vibe to; some classic, some new. This coming Thursday sees me attend Nas and Damian Marley's concert at Wembley supported by my special lady, Erykah Badu! I'm super excited - should be doper than soap on a rope. Also, I'll be posting my interview with Shane Eli who I met a couple weeks back so keep your eyes peeled. Here's hoping your week is fun and exciting as mine! *sloppy kiss*

Love.

Pusha T - Fear of God

Whether or not you're a fan of twin coke rappers the Clipse, Fear of God is a mixtape I recommend to any and everyone. One half of the acclaimed Virginia rap duo and G.O.O.D Music signee, Pusha T's debut mixtape is an all round crowd pleaser with freestyles galore. The fact that Pusha credits his brother Malice as being the more insightful rapper of the two is a commendable stab at humility - he shows his ability to produce solid 16s and hold his own among other rappers (Rick Ross, Ab Liva and 50 Cent feature). Underrated or not, Pusha will only get better and I have no doubt that his debut album will be testimony to that. 

Cook It Down

Can I Live

Alone In Vegas

Sting and The Police - The Very Best of Sting and The Police

If you do not know who Sting and The Police are, click 'x' right now... You disgust me. One of the most innovative bands to emerge out of Britain during the late 70's and 80's The Police and front-man Sting are truly accomplished musicians. I must have been in primary school when I first started listening to these guys and I've been a fan ever since. Their reggae, jazz and punk infused style of rock is what I love about them, it's a fresh take on the usual ebullience and razzmatazz (shout out to Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon) of the rock and roll scene. In short, I definitely fuck with The Police.

Englishman In New York

Seven Days

Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

Me'shell Ndegeocello - Bitter

She probably has one of the most difficult names to spell but her music is beautiful. Singer and multi-instrumentalist Meshell Ndegeocello released Bitter in 1999 and each song on the 12 track album is raw and as captivating as the first. Meshell's cushiony vocals lay perfectly alongside the array of instruments used - each guitar strum, cymbal crash and piano note is masterfully recorded resulting in a mellifluous and timeless record. I love it.

Faithful
Bitter
Fool of Me

Music | What I've Been Listening To

Spending hours at the laptop, filling out applications and typing up French essays does get quite boring without music lemme tell ya. And it does nothing at all for your eyes! Thankfully, these tracks have kept me motivated and inspired throughout a productive week. And here they are...

Stalley - Lincoln Way Nights

Hands down one of my favourite mixtapes of 2011; every single track is a winner. The aptly named 'Bruce Springsteen of hip-hop' amazes me with this release - I haven't stopped playing it since I got it. Certified amazing shit.

She Hates The Bass

Assassin f/ John Mayer

Monkey Ish (RIP Pimp C)

Nujabes - Modal Soul
Another of hip-hop's most promising producers, Japanese native Nujabes, like J Dilla, died way before his time. Modal Soul is almost like a jazz/hip-hop fusion... I absolutely adore the musical arrangement on Feather. R.I.P.

Feather f/ Cise Starr & Akin from CYNE
Thank You f/ Apani B

Kendrick Lamar - Overly Dedicated
Named as one of XXL's Freshmen for this year, Kendrick Lamar's Overly Dedicated is an inspiring piece of work. If you don't know who this rapper is by now, listen to The Heart Pt. 2 below and "I swear to God you will know who Kendrick" is!

The Heart Pt. 2 f/ Dash Snow
Ignorance Is Bliss

Jill Scott - The Real Thing, Words and Sounds Vol.3
Ms Scott definitely changed her tone with this album taking a more self-empowering and sensual route than her previous two releases. I could listen to her voice all day... easily one of my favourite albums of 2007.

Crown Royal

My Love

Video | Monsieur Nov - Tous Les Jours Tous Les Soirs

Right okay, here is Monsieur Nov's new video for Tous Les Jours Tous Les Soirs. While I absolutely love the track itself, the video is so awkward! Going by the sexual nature of the song I expected Monsieur Nov to be at least topless. Instead the video girl poses in the shower (alone), frolicks on the bed (alone) touches herself... I'm disappointed. I think this will be the first and last time I watch this video... it's completely nul! I advise you to get Monsieur Nov's album Groove Therapy and listen to the track on the album instead. It's miles better that way!