It’s Stevie Wonder’s Birthday Today…

…in case you were wondering. I won’t draw this one out for too long as not much else can be said about him. All I’ll say is

Brushing Up On The Piano…

Many moons ago you could find the kid hammering away on some ivory keys over a tune he couldn’t give a care about. I knew I had musical talent growing up since playing piano wasn’t that difficult and the sax was even easier. But I never truly applied myself b/c other things (and distractions) were flat out more fun.

What Are Your Favorite Stevie Wonder Songs?

It’s an understatement to say Mr. Wonder is a great singer/songwriter. His contributions to American music not only transcend genres. His fanbase has reach across many generations WORLDWIDE so it’s safe to say he’s a national treasure. Dude’s subject matter has reach beyond love songs too. He’s scribed about economic hardship, depression, society’s ills and even Christianity among other topics.  I’m a huge fan of this living legend If you couldn’t already tell. He always finds a way to get spins on my iTunes despite the abundance of rap&BS in my library.

I have so many favorites from his catalog that I’d be here all night if I listed them all. So I decided to share a few favorites with you all. Keep in mind this is not a “top Stevie Wonder” list at all. Well now that that’s settled lets get to the good stuff.

Spot The Sample 3 – Robin Thicke’s “Meiplé” (Me I Play) Feat. Jay-Z

This flick never gets old.

I checked this song out on TSS over the weekend. Then I heard it in the car on Hot 97 yesterday. Then I realized someone upstairs must be sending me signs to do another Spot The Sample post. Either that or it’s just one eerie coincidence after the other.

Now that that’s out of the way, here goes the latest sample challenge. This is probably the easiest one considering I gave a clue on where you can find it. And with that I just made the search that much easier for you. My thoughts on the song? Jay-Z’s face in the pic pretty much sums it up although I do like how the vocal sample was used on the hook. All in all the song isn’t terrible but it’s just not for me I guess. Anyway, get ta huntin’!

Answer to Spot The Sample 2 (Plus Whatever U Want Video)

Well that wasn’t too hard now was it?

Kanye chopped up vocal sample from…

Get MOTIVATED By Leroy Smith

It seems like Nike’s ad campaigns always find a way to entertain me.

Spot the Sample! LL Cool J’s Loungin’

I’m launching a little series called Spot That Sample! The rules are in the title pretty much. All you have to do is check the music above and spot the source material.

Today’s entry features LL Cool J’s “Loungin'”: one of the singles off of Mr. Smith back in ’96. Trackmasters were behind the boards on this one and Al B. Sure! of all people helped out with the lyrics. My best guess is he helped write the hook. Then again if you ever heard the song they sampled they didn’t change much.

R&B Could Use More Talent Like Ryan Leslie

When I take one of my “rap breaks” I tend to turn to r&b/soul tracks so I can keep my ears satisfied. Lately 90’s Slow Jams and the odd Jamie Foxx song have been the go to players. I’ve also developed an appreciation for Ryan Leslie: not only for his singing, but for his production and songwriting skills (outside of rapping) as well.

KRS One, Buckshot, Black Milk, & MJB ON THE SAME TRACK?!?!

Madness!

You read it right. KRS, Buck, and Mary J Blige make appearances on “On The Grind:” a Black Milk production.

Nina Sky’s Blender Photo Shoot

Oh they bad but you already knew that. First seen at h.e.r.