I came across this video today. Since I’ve started listening to Stalley recently, I thought it would be fitting to post this.
-MM
LATE: Video – Stalley feat. Rick Ross “Lincoln Way Nights (Shop Remix)”
Posted: January 1, 2012 by Mindy in Uncategorized0
Going to make an effort to start posting again regularly. Yesterday, we heard news that Heavy D died. May he rest in peace.
=MM
Two nights ago the University of Connecticut Huskies defeated the Butler Bulldogs 53-41 to win the NCAA Tournament! The win meant a lot to me since I’m a Connecticut resident.
Here’s my happy smile…
What if we all had a soundtrack to our lives, that always played, as if we were in a movie? Like say… if we got a promotion or met the man or woman of our dreams then a song on our soundtrack would play all by itself, making that moment that much more special? Yeah, that would be pretty nice.
Since I love music and I sometimes want to hear it 24 hours a day, I love the idea of having a perfect soundtrack to life.
Here is the 15 track soundtrack that I would want playing at special moments in the movie of my life . (I’ve selected classic R&B, hip hop and jazz songs so that I won’t get tired of them anytime soon.)
1) “Complete Me” - Phyllis Hyman
Listen
2) “Camay” - Ghostface Killah
Listen
3) “Freakin you Remix” - Jodeci featuring Raekwon, Cappadonna and Ghostface Listen
4) “What’s Beef” – Notorious B.I.G.
Listen
5) “Picture me Rollin” - Tupac Listen
6) “Regrets” - Jay-Z Listen
7) “You’re da Man” – NaS Listen
.8) “Going in Circles” – Isaac Hayes Listen
9) “Provider” - N*E*R*D Listen
10) “Can I Kick it” - A Tribe Called Quest Listen
11) “The Sweetest Thing” – Lauryn Hill
Listen
12) “Come Over” - Faith Evans Listen
13) “Ragu” – Ghostface Killah
Listen
14) “Blue in Green” - Miles Davis (For when a good jazz song is necessary) Listen
15) “No Detour” – Sarah Vaughan/Ella Fitzgerald Listen
One word…electrified!
Go Team!
-MM
This photo was taken today, March 9th, 2011, the anniversary of Biggie’s death. As we get closer and closer to the NCAA tournament and March Madness, my smile is going to get bigger and bigger.
Happy because it’s looking good for Uconn, and of course Duke. Going to fill out my brackets in the next few days. I can’t wait for the tournament to start!!!
-MM
I like sketching in my free time. It helps me use what I learned when pursuing my AAS in Fashion Design at FIT a few years ago.
-MM
Below is video of the night I went up on stage while Ghostface performed at BB Kings in October 2005. This moment in time is significant because I got to briefly dance with my favorite recording artist of all time! You’ll first see me at the 28 second mark and then I get my closeup from 1:24 to 1:45.
Oh what a night! I was sooooo happy because I love him and his music to pieces!
-MM
I took these a few years ago at the Black August Concert at Nokia theatre in NYC. I really enjoyed seeing acts like Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Saigon perform. Check out a few pics before.
Common
Mos Def
Mos Def
the BK emcee...Talib Kweli
Kweli
Common
I watched Duke lose to Virginia Tech a little earlier. It was a replay and I’m no longer smilling because of it. Going to do some school work in a few, since I wasn’t very productive today.
-MM
All set to go see him…
This was when I gave Gumby the finger at that Halloween party. I was tightly wound!
-MM
Bought my greyhound ticket. I was NY bound and everything….
“Sometimes the blacker the cherry….the sweeter the juice”
-MM
reminiscent of Basquiat
My artistic side
-MM
I can’t even get into how I feel about this.
no words…not a none.
-MM
“Ma..you make me feel good..”
guilty pleasure
-MM
Hartfelt Video: “The Sweetest Thing” by Lauryn Hill
Posted: February 15, 2011 by Mindy in UncategorizedMy favorite song of all times.
And I’m completely serious.
-MM
“Uhhhhh…..”
I’m Coming home, coming home…
solitude is the best.
-MM
“How can we make love if you don’t love me?”
Erykah at Orpheum (Boston) last June.
(my poor heart)
-MM
^digging all of the above
-MM
Brooklyn. Circa 2007.
"the glow" (sho-nuff)
-MM
This one is from 2 years ago. Bosh was still a Raptor then.
Probably the best picture I’ve ever taken.
poetry in motion...
“And I don’t need no hook for this shit”….
-MM
I need to get my mojo back, and fast.
I need to get back to fighting weight
Being in Nursing School doesn’t leave time for much. I’ll be back to updating when the fall semester ends. Until then, check out my archives…
-A
Joe Budden: Master Storyteller?
Posted: September 1, 2010 by Mindy in badass, cause I said so, current, Uncategorized
Ok, so let’s recap. We already know Nas, Big, Jay-Z and Ghostface top the Exceptional Story-teller list. (Well…….mine atleast) But what about Joe Budden? Can we add him to the list too?
I asked myself these questions upon revisiting a track on his Mood Muzik 2 mixtape entitled, “Three Sides to a Story“. On this particular track, Joe spins a riveting tale from three different perspectives.
In the first verse he describes the life of a young man, named Derek, whose life is riddled with drama. Derek is in and out of jail and lives a hard life and no matter what he does he always finds himself in a f*cked up situation. Derek’s sister Sally is the focus of the second verse. She is molested by her mother’s boyfriend but her big brother Derek is in jail, so he cannot help her. It is difficult to hear Joe recount her tale and even though it brings a bad feeling, you can’t help but continue to listen. He uses simple language to paint a vivid picture of anguish, horror and sexual molestation.You can imagine what this girl must have gone and envision the pain she must have felt. Joe uses just the right words to get his point across and transport you right to the scenes he so expertly describes. This is evidence of an extremely effective story-teller.
The third perspective is the culmination of this sad story. It is told from the stepfather “Bo”‘s perspective. I wont ruin it by telling you what happens but let’s just say that the ending is not a happy one.
With this track Joe Budden proves he can hang with the big dogs. I was always aware of his talent for grittier, more street infused rhymes but he also has a knack for the quieter, true-to-life soliloquies as well. With that said, I definitely feel that Joe Budden belongs up there with Nas, Jay, Big and Ghostface as a “Master story-teller”. And yes I’m basing that off just this one song, and I hope he makes many more like it.
If you haven’t heard the song, you can listen to it here on good old YouTube!
Know anymore Joe Budden songs that are a better example of his excellent story telling ability? leave a comment!
RELATED POST: Who’s The Best Storyteller: Biggie, Jay-Z or NaS?
HARTBEAT FLASHBACK: VIDEO -Tupac “Keep ya Head Up”
Posted: September 1, 2010 by Mindy in A little on the personal side..., badass, Champion!, hot ish, LOVE it!, Music, My faves, Piece of me, Uncategorized, Ventilation
You ever come across a song that you just have to stop and listen to whenever it comes on….no matter what you’re doing or where you are? Tupac’s “Keep ya Head up” is one of those songs for me.
This song started my love affair with Hip Hop in 1993. I remember seeing this video at age 12, four or five months after moving to this country from Jamaica. It had a profound impact on me and I fell in love with Tupac immediately after. This song had a very positive, wholesome message which did a lot to challenge what the grownups in my life claimed Hip Hop was all about and from that first viewing of the video, I was hooked. I began to listen to more Hip Hop and purchase his music as a result. I would soon realize that not all his music was as uplifting as “Keep ya Head up“, but I loved him just the same.
This song showed Tupac’s softer side but before long I was introduced to the more volatile, angry side which I loved as well. Tupac always had an important message to share and I always tuned in to hear it. My mother hated him because he was always in the news (remember? and not in a good way) and I remember she hid my “Don Kiluminati:The Seven day Theory” and “R U Still Down” cds because of this. It didn’t matter to me though. I always found a way to replace them.
Tupac inhabits position #3 on my greatest emcees of all time list. His music will always appeal to me and this song will always be one of my special favorites. Here’s the video:
Bonus video if you read the rest….
We all need flashbacks every now and then. But only the good kind.
Here’s a GREAT one for you. Remember N.E.R.D’s 2002 “In Search of” album? The monster debut by Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley?
If you don’t, here’s a reminder:
Is it coming back to you yet?
There is a song on the album called “Provider“. It isn’t as well known as “Lapdance” or “Rockstar”, but for good reason. This track is for those die hard N.E.R.D fans who can appreciate an alternative sound. It won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, but I really enjoy this heartfelt ode to selling drugs and dealing with hard times.
Check it out!
Pharrell looks yummy in this video. Bird chest and all…lol
And Too bad there’s no video for another album cut, “Bobby James”<—-(click me). That song is crazy dope!
Bonus: “That Girl” – Pharrell
I adore this song!
The “Jesus piece” has long been regarded as one of Hip Hop’s most beloved accoutrements.
It is an oversized platinum, gold or silver pendant, made in the likeness of Jesus, sometimes encrusted with diamonds and other gems . Worn on a heavy rope style chain, these pendants have been a staple of Hip Hop youth culture for nearly thirty years. (from Urban Dictionary.com)
I am not exactly certain who originated this popular adornment. Kanye West would probably argue that he made the ”Jesus piece” popular but I believe that the real honor should go to the Notorious BIG, who was seen wearing one in the popular image below.
“Cubans with the Jesus Piece” – The Notorious BIG (Hypnotize)
In recent years, rappers like Kanye West, Jay-Z and Kid Cudi have championed the ‘Jesus Piece movement’ by wearing these pendants embedded with colored and black diamonds and precious stones. Styles made from lighter wood have also been popularized by Kanye West, Jadakiss, LeBron James, Braylon Edwards and even Pau Gasol. Here is a Jesus Piece gallery with a few items ranging from beautiful to seriously hideous:
Kanye West's Piece
Kanye’s piece not, shining as brightly.There is something extremely gaudy about it…but hey, I’m not a famous rapper. What do I know?
Kanye’s Murakami Jesus Piece pictured above…(Pretty cool, eh?)
a better view of Kanye's Murakami "Jesus Piece"
Jay-Z's Jesus Piece
Jay-Z’s is some sort of burnished metal.
The “all black everything” Jesus piece
Kid Kudi's Jesus Piece
Kid Cudi’s looks exactly like Kanye’s. Maybe he borrowed it??
This one (above) is quite bizarre. Who would wear this?
chromed out Jesus Piece
The Jesus on this one looks like he has dreads....
supposedly this one is priced at around $20,000
South park Jesus Piece (Kinda cute)
This one is quite ugly (Forgive me Jesus!)
red wood Jesus Piece
brown wood
More of the people who wear them
Jadakiss and his wood Jesus pieces
even Pau Gasol for Christ's sake
And King James as well...
guy with all four colors available for the wood Jesus Piece
What’s notable is that most times the wearer isn’t even making a statement about any religious beliefs, just simply wearing one to be fashionable. And don’t expect this trendy fashion statement to go anywhere anytime soon either. With the affordable wood version more accessible than the costly precious metal and stones version, these pendants will be around for years to come…or as soon as this fad burns out. And of course fake Jesus pieces abound as well. With the ”Jesus Piece” branded as a classic, just like the cuban link chain now everyone can dress just like their favorite rapper or athlete…used to?
Just found this interesting piece…. right here that claims the Jesus Piece is dead. But I don’t think that’s necessarily true. I think it’s a classic and classics never die. It might go into remission for a while. But it will not die.
And just in case you were wondering what the point of this post was….I just always wondered about Jesus Pieces and who wore them besides Kanye West. Apparently not too many people still do. My Google search was futile. I guess Kanye is now sole owner of this trend, but it looks like he’s retired his Jesus Piece for this ridiculous hunk of metal. Oh well…long live the Jesus piece!
Because I am perpetually late, I just realized that Saigon had a video for his monster single “Believe it”. I definitely need to spend more time on Youtube.
This one was posted up September 2009. Atleast it only took me a year to find it…lol
So for archival purposes…and mainly for my own viewing pleasure, I present you…..”Gotta Believe it” by Saigon
Super Throwback! – (VIDEO: “Spaceship” – Kanye West feat. Consequence + GLC)
Posted: August 28, 2010 by Mindy in UncategorizedWell would you look at that?
I didn’t even know there was a video for “Spaceship” by Kanye West, GLC and Consequence until today, August 28, 2010. The album was released February 10, 2004!! I need a tremendous late pass!
Not sure how I missed this one. But now I have a deep feeling of closure. I feel satisfied having seen this video. The song is brilliant and finally having the visuals to go along with it is really fantastic.
This video rocks!
Further proof that I am always late – (VIDEO: “Disperse” – Consequence + friends)
Posted: August 28, 2010 by Mindy in UncategorizedThis Consequence video for “Disperse” was uploaded on July 29, 2008.
2008!!!
And I am just seeing it for the first time today. This is is my absolute favorite track off Consequence’s 2007 classic album, “Don’t quit your day job” and just in case you cared, It contains a sample from this track
Enjoy!
Well…now that my initital excitement has worn off, I can say without hesitation that this video sucked. I was expecting more. In the video’s defense, it went along with the song but it also looked really low budget. I could have done without Lupe Fiasco being shown dancing around all crazy every 3 seconds, even though he did have some shining moments. I don’t know though. I guess Consequence was trying to save money. The video was definitely an injustice to the song. And that’s all I have to say about that.
So I just noticed today that I’ve been fixating on the same music as the years go by. I just checked out a post I did 3 years ago and I’m STILL listening to almost all the same songs I wrote about then, today. This has to stop
BIG exclamation point!
My taste in music hasn’t really evolved at all in the past 10 years. I still like and listen to all the same old songs. The problem is that I haven’t heard any new songs recently that have moved me. Maybe the production just isn’t as good as it was in the past? I know one things for sure though. I can’t keep listening to the same albums like ”Diplomatic Immunity” and “Supreme Clientele” all the damn time! I need some new music to become obsessed with!
Recently, I got excited listening to Wiz Khalifa. I liked his style and the beats he used on his “Kush & Orange Juice” mixtape. I purchased his “Deal or No Deal” album on iTunes and I listen to it a lot. This was my first attempt at staying current.
Now I want to check out Curren$y. I’m not 100% sold on him as an emcee though. I find his voice…well…a teeny tiny bit annoying, but I previewed the album (well, I heard all the 30 second clips of the album) and it sounds like something I might like. Going to buy it.
Before I go any further…I gave Fat Joe’s “The Darkside” and Rick Ross’ “Teflon Don” a chance too but didn’t come away with much. This was my second attempt at staying current. I liked “Free Mason” and “Maybach Music 3” on ‘Teflon Don’ but nothing stood out to me on Fat Joe’s album. And that is probably going to be it for me and mainstream Hip Hop for a while. I find the albums to be uninspired, boring and contrived. And then I have this thing about not listening to music if I don’t like the artist’s voice… which is why I avoid Lil’ Wayne and TI like the plague. The only mainstream artists who I’ll pay any real attention to are Ghostface, Jay-Z, 50 Cent (well, most times), NaS, Kanye West and Mos Def . I’ve never gotten into Bun B even though I’m sure his album is very good. It’s just not my steez I guess. I may check it out though, just out of curiosity, just to hear what a Source” 5 mic” album sounds like.
So I have a real dilemma. I just can’t seem to come across a lot of good music that holds my attention lately.
Hoping that will change when I listen to or purchase these albums/mixtapes in the near future:
Distant Relatives – Nas and Damian Marley (Can’t believe I haven’t heard this one yet!)
Big Picture – Big L (I’ve never heard a Big L album. Guess that makes me a fake hip hop head)
Boy Meets World – Fashawn (He has a good buzz right now. I want to hear what he’s all about. But on second thought, I’m not really digging his voice. I have to see if I can get past that because there are some good beats on this album)
Fornever – Murs + 9th Wonder ( Never heard a full Murs album before either. Would like to check this out) I always do the 30 second preview of each track before purchasing. Upon doing that I only liked 2 tracks: “Vicky Veil” and “I used to Love Her (Again)” which I purchased on iTunes.
Till the Casket Drops – Clipse (I don’t own a Clipse album. Would be nice to hear whether or not they’ve evolved.) Gave it a listen and I like it!! The beats are tight! Purchased!
Kimbo Price – Sean Price (I like this guy…always have. Eager to hear this mixtape. Downloaded as of 8/28)
Double Barrel – Marco Polo + Torae (This is another album I’ve been hearing about. But I will dismiss it if I don’t like their rapping voices. Yes…I am surface like that)
Preface – Elzhi ( I like Elzhi and I want to give this a listen)
Another Heist – Camp Lo (Curiosity about whether this is good or not will make me listen to it)
Born Like This – MF Doom (Not sure how new this is but I love all things Doom)
Shibuya- Nicolay (not that familiar with Nicolay, but the title sounds cool so I’m game)
I am so desperate to add some quality new music to my iPod. Feel free to suggest some more albums I should listen to…Please and Thank you!
The 1st annual Beat Awards
Posted: August 26, 2010 by Mindy in badass, cause I said so, hot ish, hurray!!, Linkage, list, LOVE it!, Music, My faves, observations, Uncategorized, why does it sound so good
Welcome to the 1st annual beat awards, a glamorous affair where the best beats are recognized with countless accolades. I’ve presented awards to several deserving beats selected from a pool of my all-time favorite tracks. Please keep in mind that this is NOT a definitive list. Also, it is important to note that the awards were given to beats on songs that I play constantly ; and with good reason. These beats are truly incredible and deserve some sort of acknowledgment.
So without further ado, let’s get into it . Here are the awards in no particular order:
MOST SEDUCTIVE BEAT - “The Future” – (Joe Budden)
- There’s no surprise why this beat won this award. It is very sonically pleasing and extremely seductive. It makes me think the dirtiest thoughts and Joe Budden’s rapping style fits it perfectly. Thanks to ‘Dub B’s killer production skills, I could listen to this track on repeat indefinitely. Listen here
‘
BEST BEAT’ - “Mighty Healthy” (Ghostface Killah)
- This beat gets the blue ribbon for well, the best beat ever in my opinion. It’s hypnotic, hard-hitting and grimy and perfect for Ghostface Killah’s unrestrained flow. Produced by Mathematics. Listen here
HARDEST OLD SCHOOL R&B BEAT - “Going in Circles” (Isaac Hayes)
- Not sure who did this one but it does something to me. Maybe it’s the amazing back up singers or Isaac Hayes soulful crooning. Or maybe its the fact that Ghostface sampled this track for his “Malcolm” track. And we all know how I feel about Ghostface. Listen here
BEST J DILLA BEAT: Reminisce (Bilal feat. Common and Mos Def)
- Yeah I’m saying it. This is the best beat produced by J Dilla! I get super hype whenever I hear this track. It is super addictive too. I can’t really describe it, but know that it’s just as good as I say it is..Listen here
MOST SOPHISTICATED RAP BEAT - “Camay” (Ghostface Killah)
- There isn’t a smoother beat than this anywhere. I hear this track and I just want to start undressing…lol. When that piano riff comes in and Teddy P starts singing, it’s a wrap. The drums also help this track maintain a fine balance between sexy and grimy. Listen here
BEST HARDCORE BEAT- “When you hear the” (Mobb Deep)
-Produced by the Alchemist this one just has too many good qualities to name. The sinister tone, strong chords and odd wailing in the background make this the perfect murky track. Mobb Deep sounds ideal riding this beat. Listen here,
BEST RAINY DAY BEAT – “Speakin’ so Freely” – (Mobb Deep)
- This gem was produced by Havoc and what a beauty it is! I love listening to this song in the rain. It just puts me in a good frame of mind. There is something about the simplicity of it that is incredibly beautiful. I could listen to this one on repeat too for a really really long time. Listen here
BEST BEAT TO PONDER LIFE’S MEANING TO - ”Regrets” – Jay Z
-This is probably my absolute favorite Jay-Z song. It was produced by Peter Panic and I adore it! I love the softness of this beat and the way it comes in. I think about this song when I’m not listening to it. Very effective beat. Listen here
BEST BEAT TO GET AMPED TO - ”Cold as Ice” – MOP
-I know what you’re thinking: “Ante Up” is a much better beat to get amped to. You may be right, but there’s just something about “Cold as Ice” that gets ME hype. Maybe it’s all that base and the persuasive vocals. Listen here
MOST SOULFUL BEAT- “Never Change” – Jay Z
-Every time I hear this song I let out a huge sigh instinctively. I’ve used the word beautiful too many times in this post, but I can’t help it. This beat really is beautiful. This is one of those beats perfectly suited for an introspective, “Look at me now” type of song and Jay-Z seamlessly delivers. Listen here
SEXIEST NEW BEAT/CRACK MUSIC AWARD - “Never Been” – Wiz Khalifa
-Another beat that rubs me the right way. It’s quite unlike anything I’ve ever heard before and I like it! Produced by Sledgren. Listen here
MOST EXPRESSIVE BEAT- “Once Upon a time” – Raekwon feat. Takitha
This is one of those super sad beats that you should listen to on a cold rainy day. Listen here
MOST REFINED BEAT – “Bad by myself “- (Jim Jones, Stack bundles and Max B.)
The smooth sophistication of this beat was very unexpected. I’m not sure who produced it but I think it is so pretty! Puts me in a good mood instantly after I listen to it. Listen here
SMOOTHEST BEAT – “Want you to Want me” – (Tanya Morgan)
Another polished beat. It has a vintage sound to it that I absolutely love. This song also fills me with happiness. It has a nice groove. This is happy sexy music, people!
Listen here
BEST R&B BEAT – “Almost doesn’t Count” – (Brandy)
A Grammy award-winning very, very pretty beat. Brandy kills it on this song. Produced by Guy Roche.
Listen here
BEST BEAT FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT COLLABO – ”The What “- (Biggie feat Method Man)
This is another one of those timeless beats. If I smoked weed, this would be my song of choice to smoke to. It is the beat best suited for the epic collaboration between Method Man and Biggie Smalls. Produced by Easy Mo Bee, this beat gets the red ribbon for hotness!
Listen here
REALEST BEAT - “Politics as Usual” – (Jay-Z)
Another impossibly smooth beat. One of my all time favorites. Jay-Z’s ‘Reasonable Doubt’ album is chock full of amazing beats like this. This one was produced by Ski
Listen here
BEST BEAT TO START A REVOLUTION TO - “Rising Down” - (The Roots)
This beat commands your attention the moment it begins. It is extremely effective. You can feel the tension rising as it progresses and it sounds FANTASTIC turned up really loud. Produced by Questlove.
Listen here
BEST BEAT SUITED FOR INTROSPECTIVE RHYMES- “Dear Whoever” - (Skyzoo)
I like everything about this beat. I want to sing along when I hear it. Props to Illmind for this one.
Listen here
MOST BEAUTIFUL BEAT – ”You’re da man” - (NaS)
This has to be one of the most beautiful beats I’ve ever heard (for lack of a better way to describe it). The music is extremely calming and when paired with NaS’ soul stirring vocals this track really pops. Produced by Large Professor.
Listen here
MOST ’OFFICIAL’ BEAT - Free Mason – (Rick Ross feat. Jay-Z)
There is just something about this beat that appeals to me. It just screams “I have arrived and I’m not going anywhere”. I guess it’s fitting that Rick Ross and Jay-Z are rhyming over it. Produced by The Inkredibles.
Listen here
BEST SAMPLE USAGE – Never Die – (Young Chris)
The sample in this beat was used by the likes of Rick Ross before Young Chris got his hands on it. It is one of the best beats ever. It has all the ingredients that make an epic beat: arresting music, a fantastic sample and the ability to sound fresh years after it’s release.
Listen here
BEST ROOTS BEAT – Step into the Realm – (The Roots)
I love this beat. It is very dimensional. Nuff’ said.
Listen here
BEST ROOTS BEAT (RUNNER UP)- “Aint Sayin’ Nuthin New” – (The Roots)
I also love this beat. It puts me in a Philly State of Mind. I love the way it changes up. I love the brooding quality of the guitar (is that a guitar?) and the keys. This beat is every changing. Not sure who will accept this award though. Unsure of the producer.
Listen here
BEST BEAT WITH A LATIN FLAVOR – “Desperado” – The Firm
The spanish guitar on this track is ferocious! Makes me want to dance. Producers are Curt Gowdy and the Trackmasters. Great Job fellas!
Listen here
MOST SINISTER BEAT- No Hook – (Jay-Z)
This beat is serious. It’s dark and somber and the perfect companion to Jay-Z’s gloomy raps. I love it!
Listen here
BEST MOVEMENT MUSIC – Beautiful Noise – (The Diplomats)
Charlemagne and E Bass are responsible for this one. This is a simple beat but there is something undeniably magical about it. It commands your attention and emotions. Very effective!
Listen here
MOST RECOGNIZED BEAT- Where I’m From (Jay-Z)
There can’t be anyone left who hasn’t heard this beat. Whether on Jay-Z’s rousing “Where I’m From” or on the poppy Dirty Money track, the beat takes center stage to any vocals. It is so gritty, hardcore and timeless. Producted by the Hitmen.
Listen here
BEST EMOTIONAL MUSIC – Flashing Lights (Kanye West) 
The music on this beat tugs at your heart strings, touches your soul and does every other cliche’d thing you can say about authentic soul music. There’s something about the notes or the chords that evoke emotion. Kanye wins big.
Listen here
BEST FEEL GOOD BEAT- We Gon’ Make it (The Lox)
I dare you to play this song and not feel good. This is probably the best use of classical music in a beat.
Listen here
BEST “DONT SECOND GUESS ME”/TRIUMPHANT COMEBACK BEAT- “Believe it” – (Saigon)
Just Blaze strikes again with a miraculous beat for Saigon’s “don’t count me out just yet” killer single. Just realized there was a video for this! Sweet!
Listen here
BEST BEAT IN DIPSET CATALOG - “I really mean it” – (Diplomats)
Another very special beat and another bad creation from Just Blaze. I love the triumphant horns and the strong vocals. Like Juelz Santana said “Now that’s powerful music”.
Listen here
MOST HYPNOTIC BEAT – “Runnin” – (The Pharcyde)
It starts off sweet. You know you’re in for something and the beat progressively builds into a delightful groove. complete with the sounds of a record being scratched, a bangin’ base line and fantastic drums. The vocals blend perfectly with the beat making this one of the stand out songs in Hip Hop.
Listen here
MOST TRIUMPHANT BEAT – “Dip-set Forever” – (Cam’ron)
Produced by Kanye West, there is something very triumpant about this beat. It samples “Forever” by Chuck Cissel and I truly love it.
Listen here
So there you have it. The best beats in my humble opinion. Remember I just picked my favorites. Hope you agreed with a few of them. Feel free to add your own in my comments section and see you next year!
