Nasty

It's about time that Nasty's blackout over a bare-bones track gets a similarly classic set of visuals.

DJ Tools part 2

The last installment of DJ Tools was back almost a year ago... so I guess I shouldn't even call it an "installment." As I've been keeping a closer eye on which posts get the most hits, that particular post consistently ranks at the top. So I will be giving you some more DJ tools now and in the near future. Below are some of my most recent finds and rips...

One of my favorite Nas tracks and, unlike most of the instrumentals God's Son raps over, this beat makes the track even better. As a bonus, the 12" I ripped this from is the UK version and includes a smooth, guitar-laden remix instrumental.

Nas, "I Can (instrumental)"

Nas, "I Can (The Juliano Creator remix instrumental)"

"Boombox" is the song that made me open my eyes to Blueprint. What's crazy is that Blueprint not only made the "Boombox" beat, but also the El-P-esque "Lo-Fi Funk" instrumental as well.

Blueprint, "Boombox (instrumental)"

Blueprint, "Lo-Fi Funk (instrumental)"

This beat is more suited for A Tribe Called Quest, but LL still got nasty on it.

LL Cool J, "Pink Cookies In A Plastic Bag... (instrumental)"

*DJs, keep in mind these are all vinyl rips and are not quantized

Fashawn, "Memory Lane"

Fashawn tackles Nasty Nas' classic with uncanny technique.

Fashawn, "Memory Lane"

His debut solo album, Boy Meets World, is out now.

Dollar Crate Special: Diane Schuur

I hadn't heard of Diane Schuur until my girlfriend and I saw her at the historic Blue Note in NYC about a year ago.  Before she even stepped on stage her positive energy radiated through the quaint club.  She cracked some jokes and made light of her reliance on a guide to help her on stage (due to her lack of sight).  I've never seen a picture of her where she isn't wholeheartedly smiling.  If you never saw her, you can still hear her smiling in her music.  In most of her songs she is able to put a happy twist on even a somber song.

I found both of these albums in the Dollar Crates of an Uptown record store.  Half of "Deedles" is unfortunately poppy.  The rest is her sweet spot: jazz.  Her range is vast and her mind is musically sharp which makes for beautifully fun jazz.  She often does a give-and-take play with other musicians.  A perfect example is her scatting on "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing".  She matches notes with the sax so well.  This song is her element.  I also included a download for her "New York State of Mind" because it is the standout track on "Deedles".  Schuur can tackle many different types of songs, but I actually feel she falls short on nailing "NY" because she lacks the swagger that the instrumentation and subject calls for (Nas got it).  I still love this song, though, because 1) I have a soft spot for the Big Apple and 2) the jazziness she brings to certain parts of the song are unique interpretations.

Diane Schuur, "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing"

Diane Schuur, "New York State Of Mind"