“See Me Now” should have been a monster of a track. Kanye West & Beyonce on an original track together? But sadly, it failed all my expectations. So naturally I was a little apprehensive to check out the latest leak “Monster” featuring Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver. But, maybe Jay has one on Beyonce, because this track goes in. Set to be featured on Kanye West and Jay-Z’s upcoming collaborative EP “Watch The Throne” that will consist of 5 tracks.
Each year on the anniversary of the untimely death of R&B’s angel, Aaliyah, I sit back and recount all my favorite moments, songs and videos she graced us with. Even though it’s now a year shy of a decade since she was taken, I won’t go into too much detail about how amazing her artistry was (click here for last year’s post) but I thought it would be fitting to introduce a new series of post here on MESH. with her.
Every so often, I will feature “In No Particular Order”–the top five songs (in my opinion) of various artists. I feel there is no one better to start this off with than Aaliyah. Now keep in mind, most artists’ best material isn’t their released singles but yet the hidden or slightly buried gems on their albums. So as the title mentions, in no particular order, here are the top five Aaliyah tracks.
1. “Never Comin’ Back”–One In a Million
This smooth track might not come to mind when you mention Aaliyah’s name. Lifted from her sophomore album, the “live recording” inspired track is one of Aaliyah’s strongest and has an undeniable groove. The horns compliment her silky voice and effortless falsettos.
2. “It’s Whatever”–Aaliyah
Perhaps my favorite Aaliyah song, “It’s Whatever” is a sophisticated track that shows Aaliyah’s maturity, musical growth, and ability to create relative music. A song that proudly states it’s whatever because love is so strong, everything about the track works. The smooth instrumental, sensual melodies and familiar vibe all come together effortlessly on this standout from her last album.
3. “I Care 4 U”–Aaliyah
Much like “It’s Whatever” this track from Aaliyah’s last masterpiece also showcased a mature woman, confident in herself and her feelings of the world and others. “I Care 4 U” is infectious, with a nearly climatic build-up towards the end, it is vocally one of Aaliyah’s strongest efforts.
4. “Are You That Somebody”/ “One in a Million”–Dr. Doolittle Soundtrack/ One In a Million
I know what you’re thinking–hey, he’s cheating with this one. I couldn’t decide between which track ultimately is associated with Aaliyah’s name. You think of both when she is mentioned. “One in a Million” is the song credited for redefining R&B as Aaliyah’s angelic vocals were oddly matched with a gritty Timbaland beat. The magic was reproduced with her mega hit “Are You That Somebody” that solidified Aaliyah as an R&B staple. Plus, who could forget that video?
5. “At Your Best (You Are Loved)–Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number
This remake of the classic Isley Brothers tune was lifted from Aaliyah’s debut album. It’s funny to imagine such a soft–falsetto driven ballad amongst the track listing of much grittier material. “At Your Best” was the stage for Aaliyah’s vocal ability. Much like the original, this track and its remix remain as classics to this day.
Honorable Mentions: “Come Over” “4 Page Letter” “I Refuse” “If Ur Girl Only Knew”
I must admit, as an Aaliyah fan, this was incredibly hard to do. I know a lot of you are probably scratching your head at the list, but read the reasons why and give the tracks a listen. Aaliyah was a unique and raw talent. It’s hard to imagine what the industry would look like if she were still with us. Some debate she would have remain amongst the likes of present day Monica or Brandy, while others saw the maturity in her last album as an indicator that Aaliyah’s potential was sadly never reached. Either way, her beauty and elegance are always adored, cherished, and missed. R.I.P Babygirl.
It seems like 2010 will mark the year of the rushed album. With Trey Songz rushing along his next album and countless others putting out material only months after their last effort–Gucci Mane joins the ranks. The artwork for his next venture The Appeal: Georgia’s Most Wanted has been released. With the first single “Gucci Time” the album will release on September 28th.
It’s no denying, this is about to be a big year for Kanye West and the entire G.O.O.D. crew. One pit stop on the way to taking over the music industry this year, is the release of the G.O.O.D Ass Mixtape that proudly boasts 30 tracks from the likes of Kanye, Big Sean, Common, Kid Cudi, Consequence, Mr. Hudson, Amber Rose and more. It has that end of summer vibe and since it is the end of summer, well damn it–go vibe.
**Download the mixtape by pressing the downward arrow on the player
Here are some fashion finds I discovered this morning. I’m trying this new Polyvore thing I’ve been put on to for showing a bunch of fashion finds at once, let me know how you guys like it.
My manB[dot]Jay has produced some heat for Mac Miller of Rostrum Records. The latest track Good Evening, off of Mac’s upcoming mixtape K.I.D.S. is solid. Miller has a nice flow and I’m banking dudes got a solid future, especially backed by Wiz’ label. But i’m moreso impressed with my man B[dot] . If you remember, I reviewed his mixtape DiamondsDunks&Backpackz a while back and it was apparent he had talent. I almost feel like the faraway watchful eye over kid, becuase I really feel like he’s going somewhere.
Featuring a sample of Drake and Lloyd’s “A Night Off” from So Far Gone, Good Evening is upbeat, infectious, and dope. Give it a listen and download below.
K.I.D.S. by Mac Miller [homie who couldn't take the bong hit in the Kid Frankie video lol] is set to drop August 13th . We’ll be on it.
Even though I’m a fan, I chose not to post the latest Infrared Nike Air Max 90′s, but recently I’ve been seeing them all over NYC and it’s clear they’re a hit [of course, they are a classic afterall] so I decided, why not.
And just so you can see how they wear in person , I snapped some photos of DJ Uhm Hmm [i guess he wasn't fuckin with revealin the gov't lol], a native Brooklynite I ran into rocking the Infrared’s last weekend in the subway.
It’s always great seeing art bring real, spontaneous emotion. Janelle is a true artist doing things her way and staying true to herself, and though it’s a slow burn she’s really gaining a lot of industry respect and success in doing so. If you haven’t already, make sure you give her latest album The Archandroid a listen; definitely one of the best R&B albums of the year thus far.
Below is the music video for “Cold War,” one of my favorite tracks off the album. Real simple. Real powerful. Enjoy.
I’m trying to find my peace
I was made to believe there’s something wrong with me
And it hurts my heart
Lord have mercy, ain’t it plain to see?
New Rule: Anytime a certified gangster rapper sings a Whitney Houston ballad, it officially goes on the blog .
Just one of the gems found in the video below from the Pitchfork Music Festival held in Chicago July 16-18th. Featuring a really fantastic lineup of over 30 performers (Sleigh Bells, Gibbs, BesteCoast, Raekwon, LCD Sound System, Robyn, Big Boi, etc) i’m sure the festival was pretty fuckin amazing; especially after watching this.
Below we have Gary Indiana MC Freddie Gibbs and LA indie-pop trio Best Coastsit down and chop it up over God’s great greenery . Listen as they talk how much Freddie smokes per studio session, medical marijuana, and provide their own rendition of “The Greatest Love of All.” Trust me, it’s priceless..
Btw, gave Freddie’s mixtape Str8 Killa No Filla a listen not too long ago and it’s niice. But more on that next week with the mixtape serious..
We try not to post too much Howard stuff on the site. We recognize that a lot of our viewers are from outside the Mecca, and while we love our alma mater, we don’t want to run any of you off. But sometimes.. it’s necessary to remind everyone just why us Bison on the Hilltop are the proverbial “cream of the crop.”
Enter:Reel Pangea Film Productions
We introduced you to the upstart film company a while back in one of our What’s New, Who’s Next segments . Started by prospective seniors Kristen Iverson and John Knight, Reel Pangea has been making a huge impact on the student body this summer, all in preparation for their magnum opus: a remake of the classic Notorious BIG “Sky Is The Limit” music video.
Peep the preview of their remake below.
Well there you have it. Look out for the final product later this month.
P-Thugg [yes, we're serious] and Dave 1, more commonly known as electrofunk duo Chromeo finally released the video to one of my favorite summer tracks, Don’t Turn the Lights On.
Usually eyes in weird places [literally and figuratively] freak me out, but this shit was cool.
Kanye West‘s “Power” video might be an epic event waiting to happen. Artistically, it seems that the video might be one of the best 2010 has to offer thus far. Here is a slight behind the scenes look at the making of Kanye’s latest masterpiece.
Disclaimer: I am apart of #TeamPalm (a rare breed yet a loyal one).
#TeamBlackberry it seems that in attempts to remain relevant, RIM is gearing up to release its newest device and operating system. Coined the Blackberry Torch, the device is very reminiscent of Palm’s Pre handset. It sports a touchscreen and slide-out keyboard, the first of its kind to be among the Blackberry family. It will also utilize RIM’s brand new Blackberry 6 OS. I mean, it doesn’t look to promising to me but I could be wrong.
Here’s what really sucks about it–it will launch exclusively for AT&T (why do they get everything?)
2009 Black Weblog Awards BEST GROUP BLOG Winner!!!!!
We are delighted in the support you guys have given us and hope you continue to support us as we look to take the MESH LIFE to a whole new plateau of success. We look forward to accomplishing great things with you. Thanks again!
Copyright
If anything we post on this site infringes upon your material, contact us and we will gladly remove it. Everything we post is for promotional purposes only.
Aaron
