……In comparison to their pedestrian (and likely obligatory) 1998 release, ironically entitled The Love Movement, We Got It crackles with energy and inspiration. Phife’s pitch mellowed with age, but his familiar cadence won’t be denied, matching Q-Tip rhyme for rhyme on the urgent opener, “The Space Program” and rolling into Jamaican patois on the blistering… Continue reading A Tribe Called Quest’s “We Got It From Here…..” CD Preview/Review Link
Category: Grooves & Beats
All things entertainment – music, movies, theater, spoken word, books, etc.
Alicia Keys’ “Here,” CD Preview & Review Link
“Segregation, determination, demonstration, intergration, aggravation,humilation, obligation to our nation.” The Temptations’ 1970’s hit, “Ball of Confusion,” although released in the 70s, aptly describes of the world today. The contentious election cycle aside, issues like police brutality, racial profiling, and foreign/domestic terrorism keep people buzzing about what should happen next, and that’s Alicia Keys brings forth… Continue reading Alicia Keys’ “Here,” CD Preview & Review Link
Rollin’ With Ray-Ray: An Evening With Raphael Saadiq (2009)
Chill, coy and of course, mad cool—-I have been a fan of Tony Toni Tone since they hit the music scene in the late 80s/early 90s and met them for the first time when I worked the request line at a Dallas radio station. I was on my way out the door when I saw… Continue reading Rollin’ With Ray-Ray: An Evening With Raphael Saadiq (2009)
“Eric Benet,” CD Preview and Review Link
….In the span of 12 tracks (13 if the bonus Tamia duet is included), Benet and his longtime collaborator, Demonte Posey, stay true to his proven template of classically-rendered instrumentation anchoring modern twists on love and relationships. Eric is traditionally soulful throughout, yet incorporates elements of other genres that invigorate and expand his style: “Can’t… Continue reading “Eric Benet,” CD Preview and Review Link
Dave Hollister’s “The MANuscript,” MOC Preview/ST CD Review Link
…..A Blackstreet alumnus, Cali-based pastor and now performing in touring stage play adaptation of the 1990s film Love Jones, Dave Hollister’s gospel-edged croon is one that we’ve kept in steady rotation since his unforgettable cameo on Tupac Shakur’s 1988 smash, “Brenda’s Got a Baby.” Always one to keep his catalog authentic enough for his peers… Continue reading Dave Hollister’s “The MANuscript,” MOC Preview/ST CD Review Link