Devotion #14

When was the last time you heard a real anthem?

I have to thank the lil’ homey H.E.R. for reminding me just how dope this track is – stellar, nostalgia-laced lyricism; creative use of a widely-known sample, including the original Nat King Cole passage at the song’s close (which probably cost a mint to clear); a gorgeous chorus sung by Miss Chrisette Michelle; kick drums the ways kick drums are meant to be heard. Nas is an anomaly in mainstream hip-hop, because unlike many of his peers, you can remove the music from his songs and let the words stand on their own merit. He raps with a clarity and Everyman appeal that is rare from someone of his caliber. Soft-spoken by nature, Nas commands you to listen to him because he always seems to have something to say – something topical, something meaningful, and something relevant to the greater cultural good. This is why his releases will always be important to the sustenance and evolution of hip-hop music. I can’t wait for his next, due in December and affectionately titled, “Nigger.” That's going to be a fun one, for sure.

Now, who wants to go to Uncle Paulie’s?!?!

MNO – “Julia” – Backspin: A Six Degrees 10-Year Anniversary Project (Six Degrees 2007)

There isn’t much I can say about the Beatles self-titled masterpiece that hasn’t already been said in the 39 years since its release. It’s far beyond a “personal favorite” for me. The Beatles may possibly be the one album I have listened to the most throughout my life, with X-Clan’s To the East, Blackwards ranking a close second. I found MNO’s cover of “Julia” very tastefully done. It’s a pretty little electro thing, which expands on the Beatles original by utilizing chimes, vibes, and off-center percussion to create an ambient and almost jazzy turn on what was first an unaccompanied John Lennon acoustic solo. While not as poignant as its predecessor, MNO’s “Julia” is one of three worthwhile covers – including the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” (Shrift) and Pink Floyd’s “Echoes” (Banco de Gaia) – that close out this compilation.

For a quick comparison of the two versions, listen to the Beatles’ “Julia” here.

And here is “Mother Nature's Son” from The Beatles, just because I think it’s great.

Clutchy Hopkins – “Love of a Woman,” featuring Darondo – Walking Backwards (Ubiquity 2007)

Who is Clutchy Hopkins? Damned if I know. I hit up a contact at Ubiquity, and all he had to offer was, “Clutchy is Clutchy, homes.” So Clutchy remains a mystery to me. But if dealing with him is anything like dealing with that Quasimoto clown, I don’t think I want to know who Clutchy is. My sister went on a date with Quas once and hasn’t been the same since.

This guy seems to have a pretty good handle on the Clutchy mystique – that is, if “pretty good handle” means “no fucking clue.” But I’m glad someone is on the case. I’ll definitely keep my ear to the streets on this one, so one day, when Clutchy lands on the cover of Spin, I’ll be able to look back and say that I didn’t know him back when no one else knew him, either.

The Peelers – “I Don't Want To” – Let’s Detonate (Beercan 2006)

The Peelers are a band out of Chicago that play good, honest rock and roll. The gentlemen in the picture are also Peelers – members of the London Metropolitan Police Force during the mid-19^th century. It’s nice to sit back and let Google Images do the work. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but when it comes to rock criticism and analysis, I’m not one for overkill. These guys aren’t trying to cure cancer. It’s rock and roll. Sometimes, you might need a thousand words. Other times, you only need 15.

Theory Hazit – “Gossip Synopsis” – Extra Credit (Hip Hop IS Music 2007)

There are references to Theory Hazit’s Christian beliefs all throughout his debut, Extra Credit. So it’s safe to assume that Jesus is his Homeboy. But Jesus and I aren’t as tight. I’m pretty much accepting of all denominations, but I’m a lot closer to this kid as a representative of the Jewish faith than I am to the Chosen One. Hell, a friend of mine almost had me convinced last week that Jesus was Prince. Religious preferences aside, I have great admiration for Theory Hazit as an artist, because the rapper, DJ, and producer has crafted one of the best hip-hop releases of the year. And I’m not just whistling “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos” here. It’s hard being moved by rap music right now, especially after taking in so much for so long and having to deal with a good portion of the current crop being garbage. But for the gospel according to Theory Hazit to keep the attention of a hater like myself, he must be doing something right. And he is – attacking “Gossip Synopsis” with content and lyrical dexterity that MCs in higher tax brackets probably wish they possessed. Blessed are the poor, indeed.