Beauty Begets Beauty: Or, Hot Babes with Beautiful Voices
by Clarice Bales
by Clarice Bales
I would like to begin by stating that the babes I’m talking about aren’t necessarily solo vocalists. Some are part of bands (and generally the “figure-head” of the band), others have their own thang going on; such as Janelle Monáe, Ana Tijoux, and Lykke Li. For the babes who are part of the band or a group, the songs I’ve picked are ones where they are the predominant or main singers of that song (so Lauryn Hill in “Killing Me Softly” or Yukimi Nagano in “Feather” and “Looking Glass”). Also, this “top ten” list is in no specific order of what I like to dislike, or things like that; it also goes into a background on some of the artists and the meaning of the lyrics. I’m sorry (and not), but it’s hard to choose favorites when they (the babes) are all gorgeous and the songs amazing.
10. “Disparate Youth” from Master of My Make Believe (2012) – Santigold
Santi White knows she’s hot and on top, given the acclaim she’s gotten for her albums and individual songs, and White positively utilizes her fame with her songs. Even though the title of the song is “Disparate Youth,” Santigold unifies those disparate youth, by saying “But if we go, we go together/Our hands are tied here if we stay” and tells them they’re beautiful, to never stop dreaming and make those dreams reality. This song is about people who don’t want to be forced into stereotypes or told by society what they should like and want more from life. While the song may not be 100% hip hop, that’s where Santigold’s roots lay and she uses an almost subliminal rhyming scheme to make the lyrics flow even more. The guitars, the synthesizer, the bass, and whatever else there is (I’m no musician) make us want to fly and “we know now we want more.”
9. “Feather” from Machine Dreams (2009) – Little Dragon
“Feather” is the kind of song you put your headphones on before a walk at dawn and let yourself go looking at an amazing landscape or something you’re deeply passionate about. The soft synths in the beginning make you feel like you’re floating like a feather and then drums come, allowing the rest of the song to open you up to the magic of the world. Once the beautiful Yukimi Nagano starts to sing with her amazing voice, you’re fully trapped. She even tells us we’re airborne, and while the beat doesn’t change much throughout the song (which I normally hate), her voice is like a beacon in the night, it guides us and tells us how we should feel. Even if you’ve never seen a picture of this goddess, her voice tells you all you need to know, and she puts you in a trance every song; especially “Feather.”
9. “Killing Me Softly” from The Score (1996) – The Fugees
When the song starts, Hill’s elegant voice echoes amongst us, telling us she’s being controlled by a man and his words. Then of course, in classic “Fugees style” the beat is dropped, everyone chimes in, introducing themselves, and Hill proceeds again. Instead of throwin’ out rhymes, Hill takes a different approach to this song, and lets her voice float upon sound waves. We get to hear just how diverse she can be in her singing style when she goes on when her solo of just singing certain sounds, but how can you not expect that from such a beautiful, powerful woman? Even in the certain parts where Wyclef and Pras throw in their voices, we’re still dreaming of Hill.
8. “Didn’t Cha Know” from Mama’s Gun (2000) – Erykah Badu
Similar to Lauryn Hill’s voice in “Killing Me Softly,” Badu knows how to use her power. Talking about her insecurities in this song (which is what the album was based upon, along with other themes), there is nothing insecure about her voice. The neo-soul song is effortlessly composed and flows along very smoothly, just like Badu herself. The use of “wah-wahs” and what seems to be bongos create a very ethnic (of course) sounding song, which Badu’s voice beautifully upholds.
7. “Wandering Star” from Dummy (1994) – Portishead
Where to begin with Dummy and “Wandering Star” in particular... Even though Beth Gibbons is approaching 50, she’s still got it. Her bright blonde hair contrasts with her voice (while she’s singing at least) that is evoked when Portishead plays. That deep, mysterious voice never fails to go along with the trip-hop beats of Portishead. When Gibbons stops singing and there’s the “solo” of the synth, you (or at least I do) get disappointed that the fallen angel’s voice is no longer there. When she sings about the wandering stars, you feel you’re in the black of space, and the only thing guiding you is Gibbon’s voice.
5. “Looking Glass” from Machine Dreams (2009) – Little Dragon
If you didn’t know who this artist was and the song randomly popped up on your Pandora station, you’d think it was from the 80s. And that’s what I love about it; this Swedish band really gets American 80s pop. Different from “Feather,” this song is more up beat and dance-y. While Nagano’s voice may be overshadowed by the synthesizer a bit, she’s strong enough to overcome it at parts. The beginning sounds like a machine starting up, churning its gears, and then fully functional. Nagano’s voice, soft, high toned, and dreamy fits perfectly once again, even in a song that is more up beat than most of Little Dragon’s.
4. “Heart is a Beating Drum” from Blood Pressures (2011) – The Kills
The Kills seem like your typical “grunge” (I use that word very loosely) rock band with all the loud guitars, heavy with distortion, and banging drums. VV and her partner Hotel (their stage names) uphold this with the hot biker look (especially VV) and tobacco addiction. But don’t let this description mislead you; there is more than just banging on drums and distorted guitars. The guitar solo in the middle gets your heart beating real fast. What sounds like someone using a ping-pong ball and paddle, drumming on the table adds a nice touch to the beat when VV stops singing for a split second. The Kills are more than just some run of the mill rock band; their songs are rooted in the blue collared people. If you’re looking for some fight music and hot biker chick type singer, you’ve got it all right here.
3. “Get Some” from Wounded Rhymes (2011) – Lykke Li
The Swedes are at it again with good music and even though I don’t know how to pronouns Lykke Li, she’s great and beautiful (which her voice “mimicks”). The drums make put your body in a trance that you can’t escape from until the end of the song; even then you want to skip back and play it again. While I don’t really care for auto tune or other methods that change singer’s voices, the echoe-y effect that’s given to Li’s voice (her first name) goes well with the song and makes it seem that more powerful.
2. “Shock” from La Bala (2011) – Ana Tijoux
To provide the dear readers with some background on Tijoux, this fine lady was perfoming on stage while very pregnant. We have this empowered and powerful woman, which shows in her songs. While the title is in English, the song is in Chilean Spanish (Tijoux is trilingual). The strings in the background at the beginning provide a grave setting for use, leading the way for the drums, then the horn, and finally Tijoux’s voice which bags on corporations and corrupt governments. Don’t let Tijoux’s feminine wiles distract you, she’s calling upon her listeners to take action against these governments, and does so with multitudes of rhymes and rhythm. Whoever tells you it’s hard to rhyme in Spanish (or any other language other than English) is dumb and clearly hasn’t heard this angel sing.
1. “Q.U.E.E.N ft. Erykah Badu” from The Electric Lady (2013) – Janelle Monáe
Immediately we know this song is gonna make us dance; not want to dance, we WILL dance. Janelle’s voice is strong as her words, the lyrics are filled with historical significance, and Badu’s appearance makes this song absolutely amazing. The beat never gets old and switches up a few times to bring a new pace to the song—most notably when Badu has her solo, which provide a nice transition to Janelle’s rap at the end. With “Q.U.E.E.N” Janelle shows us she’s 100% babe and always will up hold her message for equality. She uses her godly voice and talent for music to fight back against injustice in a catchy way when she sings “the booty don’t lie” it don’t.
Links for pictures for the blogs: (they come before the line of the song title, album, and artist’s name):
Santigold:
Yukimi Nagano:
For “Feather”:
For “Looking Glass”: http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/Yukimi%20Nagano01.jpg
The Fugees:
Erykah Badu
Portishead:
The Kills:
Lykke Li:
Ana Tijoux:
Janelle Monáe:
Top 10: Chilled-Out Electronic Music
by Dillon Jimenez
As society continues to convert to electronic mediums, our music industry seems to be growing in that same direction. With growing technology, more ways to make music off a computer is entirely possible and, with this, the amount of people that become a music artist. This can mean that there are many more bad songs, but with this comes the equal opportunity for awesome songs and artists. Many electronic genres are now extremely diverse that offer many different styles and sounds; this is why I narrowed it down to “chilled-out” electronic music. This list is for a genre of music that you can just mellow out to and allow the tensions of your day to melt away.
1. About You –XXYYXX
In a world of electronic music and remixes, XXYYXX is an audio genius that keeps things original, fresh, and sounds that will let you vibe at different levels. XXYYXX kept the production simple and powerful in this song, proving that unintelligible lyrics and bass modulations can guide listeners just as charmingly as lyrics. About You is a bass-guided story of the love and hate one may have towards a crush-of-choice. A crush isn’t easy to have, perfectly displayed by this song; you will always feel the tranquility and love you long after, but have to come to a hard realization of what may truly be, or how it actually is. This song allows you to come close to an audial ideal of love and you experience the crash-and-burn all the same.
2. Sleepless (Cosmo’s Midnight Remix) -Flume
Cosmo’s Midnight took the original song Sleepless by Flume and evolved it from a night-on-the-town feel to a night that everyone would be sure to remember. The production used between the original song and this remix is still extremely considerable; this remix has a lot more of an electronic “punch” to it. The sound value of it is amazing and they took the feel of the original song and just increased its bass and fluctuated between vibes of beats. With the audio from this track, you are sure to remember the last night you and the friends went out for the night and all had such a great time.
3. Marijuana –Chrome Sparks
After a day that wasn’t easy to get through, or a day when everything just seemed to go awry, the easiest way to unwind is with a well-known relaxant called Marijuana (by Chrome Sparks, of course!). Marijuana takes you on a mental journey into the mind of a stoner. With huge bass drops, chilled out beats, and trippy sound production, Chrome Sparks really takes you through an honest look at the mental and audial enjoyment of the real experience. This upbeat song is so well put-together with production and execution, every piece served its purpose. So for those afraid to try Marijuana: I say why not chill out! I promise that it is worth a listen!
4. M.O.P.E. –Ambassadeurs
M.O.P.E. is a creative array of lyrics, sounds, bass, and relaxation. Right away you can tell this upbeat song is happy and yet palliative. This song brings warm memories of long summer afternoons and evenings with friends; memories when it was fun and the challenges of the day were easier. The way Ambassadeurs utilized these acoustic sounds and tied them in with electronic modulations is absolutely captivating; listen to this song and let these complex sounds guide you. M.O.P.E. is an easy song to lose yourself listening to, however, it is worth it to just close your eyes and let this song take you away.
5. Winter All Over You (Baauer Remix) –First Aid Kit
Baauer comes from a long line of remixing non-electronic songs into trippy, modulated escapes from the “normal.” His remix of Winter All Over You takes you in and out of a strong electronic trance between the electronic chorus and the modified verses. This groovy, funk feel is extremely relaxing and yet is still tantalizing enough to have you grooving when the bass really drops. The production on this is so well maintained between the clips of audio, lyrics, and drum and bass. This Baauer remix is sure to have you kicking back with a smile on your face once you feel the bass.
6. I’m God –Clams Casino
With an intro that sounds like the promise of another overdone indie song, you would be pleasantly surprised by the start of the electronic part (even if you enjoy Indie!). This beat allows you to immediately coast of to the brinks of your imagination. With such beautiful production on this song, it’s no wonder why you become stationed on Cloud 9 in such a short amount of time. This song guides you on an internal journey that is experienced on an individual level per each listener; each song and each listen is a different, calming voyage.
7. Alone –XXYYXX
It is late and you’ve had a lot on your mind all day. Now you sit at home; wide awake, mind tired. After a long day, all you can think about is someone that you care deeply for; then the doorbell rings and this Love of yours shows up at the door. There’s a beauty to the silence of being alone, but a harmony when two lonely and loving people bring their silences together. This song is a journey of one becoming two, and the beautiful transition between them.Alone by XXYXX offers bass frequencies that will shake off the pressure of the day and allow you to feel the beautiful quiet of being “alone.”
8. Fineshrine –Purity Ring
Relationships come and go, but the ideal of “Love” stays forever defined in our minds. Fineshrine is the want to be in that “Love” and to just live it. The song really allows the listener to take a journey of realization with the vocalist; this song offers more lyrics than my other choices, which allows the listener to be dictated a journey while listening, and a lovely one at that. This song still puts your feet up for you and the different rhythms and sounds really help put you in the right mood to understand the want of this “Love” Purity Ring talks about.
9. I Learned –Wondr
After a long and stressful day, a reflection period is taken to have a break from the stress. This electronic song by Wondr is the manifestation of that mental silence. The production on this song is structured so perfectly; many different sounds, noises, and bass frequencies tie together one of the most relaxing songs that take your ears on an audible journey. I Learned is a soothing song you can be “OK” with turning your brain off to, and just listening to the ride. This song will whisk you away to quieter spring afternoons, when all you could hear are the birds and the wind around you.
10. Snowfall –Paper Diamond
Paper Diamond is known for his synthetic sounds and catchy beats, and his Levitate EP is no exception. Snowfall is the first song on this EP and it is by far the best way to ease you into an outstanding production of electronic music. Paper Diamond gets you to unwind a little and then brings in the classic drum and bass combo that soothes you into relaxation. His switches between rhythm and sound production is really what ties this song together, and being only two minutes, it perfectly maintains the listener’s interest.
Top Ten Hip-Hop Songs of All Time
by Monica Burres
Hip-Hop:
what can only be described as a beautiful mastery of rap featuring an
electronic beat permeates its audience with full force. Hip-Hop not only gets
you moving, it gets you thinking. A poetic display of story and fresh beats,
hip-hop moves its audience to transcend everyday life. The list below features
popular hip-hop songs displayed in order of creativity, movement, realness and
relatability. These artists were ahead of their time and left hip-hop lovers
craving more.
10: “Paid in
Full” by Eric B. & Rakim (1987)
With Eric B.
pumping out eclectic sound effects and sound bytes, the duo remind one of late
‘90s Enigma jams with a funky beat. Rakim’s rap style is smooth, the man is
truly a jiggy poet and one can’t help but cling to his every utterance. “Paid
in Full” incorporates Bollywood melodies, rhythmic dance grooves and House
shouts; a hip hop goulash that one can help but boogie to.
9: “La Di Da
Di” by Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh (1985)
Doug E.
Fresh beatboxes a sick background while Slick Rick pumps out his daily life in
a rap masterpiece. This is literally a recorded jam session, and it’s fly as
hell. “Mirror mirror, on the wall...who is the top choice of them all? There
was a rumble dumble, five minutes it lasted, the mirror said “You are, you
conceited bastard.”” Hilarious throughout its entirety, Fresh’s beats keep the
freestyle going and allow for Rick’s poetry to numb the audience.
8: “Planet
Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa (1982)
A club beat
reminiscent of ‘80s synth gone by, the funk is everywhere in “Planet Rock”.
True to it’s title, its as if on an ancient planet there exist nothing but
funky clubs with jigging aliens. The beat is a musical staple in itself, play
the instrumental without Bambaataa hip-hopping and the beat never tires. At
times it seems like it never ends, but no one wants it to end; “Rock it don’t
stop it!” Who doesn’t want to boogie to alien synth rap? Bambaataa’s style was
ahead of his time, and the man lead the way for future electro groups.
7: “Lost
Ones” by Lauryn Hill (1998)
This one’s
all about the rap. Hill kills it on “Lost Ones” and electrifies her audience
with progressive poetry. The beat is simple, including only an electric drum
kit, but’s that’s all this piece needs with Hill’s artistry backing it up. Her
voice is hard-hitting and stays with you like a favorite oil stain. A pioneer
of female hip-hop, Hill tells tales of how difficult it is to live life the
compassionate way and with good intent. “When it’s all done, did you really
gain from what you done done?” Her rap is powerful and the song moving.
6: “Let Me
Clear My Throat” by Clive Campbell(DJ Kool Herc) (1996)
A jam
incorporating sick tunes and badass lyrics, Kool Herc busts it. A Jamaican at
heart, Campbell rips a soulful beat with a danceable layout. The man is a
father to hip-hop, and adds a piece of himself to each track he lays down. “Let
Me Clear My Throat” is a jam sesh even the hip-hop Gods would appreciate, it’s
soulful, funky, club-friendly and possesses a freestyle element that is hard to
come by; realness. There is no faking it with Kool Herc, the man can spit.
5: “Push It”
by Salt-N-Pepa (1987)
Salt-N-Pepa,
the first female hip-hop group to rock the world combining hip-hop with dance
beats and sexually charged language. The beat is groovy, and their rap style is
incomparable-harder than even some male rappers. Premiering in dance clubs
throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, “Push It” combines a pumping tune with sexual
sound bytes and fast rap-it’s no wonder so many artists have sampled this song,
including Ciara, Destiny’s Child and Timbaland.
4: “Get Ur
Freak On” by Missy Elliot (2001)
Missy
Elliot’s a strong artist all on her own, and her presence is ethereal in every
performance as her voice lingers. The opening beat in “Get Ur Freak On” is
familiar of Hindu songs, and works so well as a hip-hop setup. Spitting about
her style and her fame, Elliot brings the heat. Her confidence is emitted
heavily in this track, while the beat is kept simple. There are no qualms with
this female rapper, as she lays it down like the best of the big boys. The last
stretch of the song is heavy, and where she lets her emotions rip. Final
thought: Elliot kills it with her sense of style.
3: “Come
Baby Come” by K7 (1993)
The opening
to “Come Baby Come” incorporates ‘90s b-boy with ‘20s jazz and this could not
have been a better combination. It’s a beat sure to stick with one for days,
and the rap is reminiscent of Rastafarian rhymes. There is a sense of Latin
roots in this track, it’s evident in K7’s voice-it lingers like a zesty salsa.
It’s hard not to break with the heavy “bading badingdingding” throughout the
jam-it’s a massacre of expectations and keeps one wanting more.
2: “It was a
Good Day” by Ice Cube (1993)
The opening
is smooth and sexy, with a beat one could find in a soul bar. Ice Cube’s intro
is heavy and hard, his voice that of a gangster who doesn’t give a f***. The
jam is simple, and the rap consistent; that’s what it makes it such an easy
listener, that’s all the audience has to do. There is no hidden agenda in this
song, it is simply a good song with a relatable rap that hardly anyone could
argue with. Ice Cube knows how to lay it down in a way that everyone can relate
to, without taking away from his art with a beat too flouncy. There is no need
to wonder whether the song is based on a true story or not, who cares? Who
doesn’t just want to experience a good day?
1: “Rapper’s
Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang (1979)
An old
school classic, “Rapper’s Delight” does what the title entails: delights. It’s
simple and catchy, with a groovy beat. All about hip hop, and making one’s body
rock, The Sugarhill Gang doesn’t disappoint. Simply rapping about their funky
style puts a smile on anyone’s face, and it’s hard to not clap along to the
beat. The group does not overpower eachother, each voice is unique and
heavy-clearly distinguishable without taking away from the jam. Like an
electric shock, it’s hard not to get up and move to this funky groove.
Underground Hip Hop Top 10
by Brandon Neil
I’d like to introduce this list with a disclaimer. This list represents the underground world of Hip Hop. These songs are not the party starters, nor will they be the catchy tunes that bug you in the back of your head. These are the messages from poets that will imprint their lyrics into your brain, forcing you to think critically about the music interpretations and how they impact the world around you. So, have a seat and prepare to not only hear, but listen to the raw emotion and talent that have been put into these songs: The Top Ten Underground Hip Hop Songs from the 2000’s.
10. Press Rewind – Del the Funky Homosapien
Let’s kick things off with something from the Oakland born and bred cousin of Ice Cube, Del The Funky Homosapien. This beat creeps up behind you and gradually surrounds you and holds you hostage while Del spits lyrics in your face. He steps up to the plate and lays down facts about his proficiency as a lyricist. He’s not here to kill you or threaten you; he’s here to embarrass you with his words. Turntable scratches fill in between verses while Del brings back his smooth but ice-cold flow. “Press Rewind”, off of the 2000 release, Both Sides of the Brain, brings Del to number ten in this UG Hip Hop countdown.
9. After School Special – Jurassic 5
Number nine brings us to a 2002 release by the Los Angeles hip hop group, Jurassic 5. Opening with a soulful and flashy introduction, a thick bass line accompanies the 4 out of 5 rappers during their verses. Soup opens, followed by Chali 2na, Akil, and Marc 7, claiming themselves to be the most legitimate, fresh, lyrical assassins in the business, while labeling their style to be as outlawed and heroic as Zorro. The upbeat slapping beat of this After School Special adds flavor to the list at number nine.
8. No Regrets – Aesop Rock
Coming in at number eight, Aesop Rock brings to the table a life lesson from the neighborhoods of Long Island, NY. Orchestral harp plucking opens up the door, making way for Aesop, allowing him to recite his story over a skipping bass rhythmic beat. With quick, cunning, flowing lyrics, he lays down the tale of a life being lived to the fullest. Unlike other rappers, who talk themselves up, Aesop describes a life of someone who isn’t held back by their dreams, yet lives them out to the fullest until death. He describes how different and odd that may seem to everyone else, while also inspiring the listener to stop dreaming and start doing. This life lesson of No Regrets brings Aesop Rock to number eight in the countdown.
7. By the Throat – Eyedea & Abilities
Coming straight out of Minnesota, Micheal Larsen (AKA: Eyedea) is arguably the greatest lyricist of our generation. The album, By The Throat, was released in 2009, a year before Eyedea was taken from us too soon. His last album expresses his deepest emotions, pouring out all over this somber album of poetry and art. The song, set at a difficult seventh place in the top 10, is about the loss of love. Dark and dramatic instrumentals gloom behind our lyricist as he perfectly puzzles together words that ultimately express his sentiments. With its beautifully sewn lyrics, combined with a quick and concise flow, putting By the Throat all the way down in seventh place was a chore that proved difficult.
6. Hay Fever – Eyedea & Abilities
Eyedea makes another appearance in the countdown, as number six, with Hay Fever. Another tragic tale about loss, his lyrics suggest the death of a close friend. Evocative of the 7 stages of grief, the song shifts from Defiance, then on to Anger, progressing on to Bargaining, and then to Depression. Eyedea raps the most pure emotion out onto the last verses, finally ending in the Acceptance in the loss of his friend. Thus, makingHay Fever, another powerful song that was hard to put outside of the top five.
5. The Waitress – Atmosphere
Coming down to the top five, we have my personal favorite Hip Hop group, Atmosphere, composed of Slug, Ant, and a few other rappers. Slug (real name: Sean Daley), is the ringleader of this group. Also from St. Paul, MN, and a clever writer too, there was no doubt he’d be a mentor for a young Micheal Larsen (Eyedea). In, The Waitress, Slug raps about a homeless man following a waitress that works in a coffee shop. Speaking in first person, he raps over a light, bluesy beat with piano instrumentals and flute riffs. At first the listener might think this song is about an ex girlfriend, but learns it’s about someone else in Slug’s life. With a very authentic feeling and meaningful lyrics, Atmosphere locks in the number five slot with The Waitress.
4. Always Coming Back Home to You – Atmosphere
Mocking the Gangster genre of Hip Hop, Atmosphere tells the story of a real night in Minnesota. The introduction references the rap song, “Shook Ones”, by gangster rappers, Mobb Deep. With lyrics suggesting theft, sex, and violence, Slug quickly follows up with a line that shows a more casual side of the life of a rapper. It’s not all about the hood-rat/gangbanger attitude in this song. It’s a tale of real life in a snowy Midwest urban setting. The hook of the song, which says, “No matter where I go, no matter what I do, I’m always coming back home to you”, ultimately expresses Slug’s true love: his hometown of St. Paul, Minnesota. With a little bit of hometown pride, Slug holds down number four as we get closer to the final top three Underground Hip Hop songs countdown.
3. Modern Man’s Hustle – Atmosphere
Claiming the bronze medal is Atmosphere, on his third appearance on the Underground Hip Hop Top Ten. DJ Ant, brings forth a dark and gloomy introduction for Slug to rhyme over. Opening with a tale of how he met the devil, Slug makes the listener harbor a negative feeling towards this woman he is comparing to the devil. Just as soon as it started, the intro ends, moving onto a light blues guitar beat with a very happy mood that changes the course of the song drastically. Slug ultimately continues onto the rest of the song with lyrics that represent a relationship he’s had with a girl and the struggles that they face in their life together. The words flow with the beat seamlessly, and the listener can really look into the soul of our rapper as he makes the top three in the countdown to number one.
2. Yesterday – Atmosphere
For the fourth and final time, I bring you Atmosphere in second place with the beautiful song, “Yesterday.” With neatly placed words and phrases, Slug portrays his feelings towards a person he has had problems with in the past. The melody of a blues piano backs him up with a steady beat that sends out a vibe of reminiscence and regret; perfect for the lyrics that Slug puts out in front of it. He raps about missing this person, and wanting to make things right with them, apologizing and taking blame for his faults that drove them apart. The whole song is beautiful, but it’s the last verse that moves this song all the way to number two. A twist ending that makes you start the song over again and forces you to listen to it in a different light.
1. Smile – Eyedea & Abilities
Finally, here we are, at the number one Underground Hip Hop song since the year 2000. It all comes down to previously mentioned, Eyedea: the greatest lyricist of his generation. “Smile” brings the most real thoughts and sentiments out in the open, with DJ Abilities producing a distorted guitar and drum-beat in the backdrop with a few turntable scratches to keep the hip hop vibe alive. Eyedea raps about current events and about how no matter how dirty and fucked up this world is; nothing will keep him from pushing forward with a smile on his face. His words and tone are paired perfectly with the mood of the music, and the message of perseverance to his audience. This song is the legacy of the poet that Micheal Larsen was. Whether or not I’m the only one to think so, “Smile” is what Eyedea wanted to be remembered by. So I carry this song with me throughout my travels, always remembering that life is worth living, no matter the circumstances. Rest in peace, Mikey, it must be lonely at the top.
