Hip-Hop

It is still a little sureal for me to be talking about Pacific Division opening for the likes of Nas and Q-Tip. Before them I was a band geek that marched the sousaphone, was stuck listening to oldies, and new nothing what so ever about hip-hop. It wasn’t until I met Like in P.E. one day (kicking his ass in football by the way), that my outlook on music really started to transform. He, Mibbs, and BeYoung put me on to artists like Q-Tip, Nas, Common, and the group that really changed my life, Slum Village. So as a way to thank them, you can bet I’m going to be pitching them on here as much as possible, because I know without a doubt, I wouldn’t be here without them. Besides all that sentimental crap, they’re a damn good group, so check ‘em out!

Note: Tonights show has been moved from the Nokia Theater and will instead be at the Highline Ballroom.

So my friend (yeah Jerry, this is you) has been bugging me about why I have not written about Q-Tip‘s recently released album The Renaissance. It’s a good question. I think sometimes I get so set in my ways, in trying to find new music and artists, that I tend to shift my focus away from the more established artists. However, I think I can make an exception for Q-Tip, especially since he never really fails to deliver. Although, come to think about it, he never really brings anything much different to the table than the smooth, jazzy, and soulful hip-hop that first made him famous with ATCQ. So I guess it just depends on what you look for in an artist, someone who is constantly evolving and pushing the envelope, or someone who will consistently bring you what you always loved them for. This is not to say that the album isn’t good and is a waste of money. It’s full of feel good, catchy songs that will keep your head bobbing for sure, especially the Dilla produced “Gettin’ Up”.

I am, however, a sucker for Norah Jones, so he had me hooked with “Life is Better”, just like I was with Talib Kweli‘s “Soon the New Day”. I love how she just pops up on albums that are a complete departure from the direction she takes her own music. First time I ever heard her on something different was on a CD my mom had given me, Nublu Sessions, by trip-hoppers Wax Poetic. Turns out she had been a member of the group before releasing debut album Come Away With Me. I was stuck on that track for a good couple of months, probably still am. So check out “Tell Me” (from Nublu Sessions) as well as “Life is Better” below, and if you haven’t heard the Nublu Sessions, I highly recommend checking it out here. With guests like The Brazilian Girls, Saul Williams, and N’Dea Davenport, you know your in for a treat.