Aug
10
#Nowplaying Musical Musings: Mos Def – "Cream Of the Planet"
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WATCH THIS VIDEO
Anyone who knows me knows I am overly and obnoxiously in love and lust with Mos Def. Unlike many women, who chase the dollar dollar bills, yall, I drool over talent; it’s an aphrodisiac, and Mos Def is a triple, if not quadruple, threat.
Ski Beatz, likewise, is another talent that is worthy of recognition. Besides some other hip-hop classics, he also produced much of Curren$y’s latest album, and his production focuses heavily on the use of “real” instruments as opposed to only implementing sound produced by beat machines. In turn, the artist can actually perform with a live band without the instrumentals sounding forced. Hence, live concerts will actually be concerts, versus the “shows” put on by certain rap and hip hop artists, where shouting lyrics and mic-inhaling ensue.
When I heard this song, I literally put it on repeat for hours. The sound, the lyrics and the overall feel are intoxicating. And now that I have begun to settle in to my new NYC home, I truly feel like New York City could, in fact, be considered the “Cream of the Planet.”
I love this jawn; it’s definitely a dope piece of work. One point of correction – Ski Beatz is not a new producer in Hip Hop. He produced the timeless records “Politics as Usual”, “Dead Presidents II”, “22 Two’s” and “Feelin’ It” on Jay-Z’s classic debut, Reasonable Doubt. On Jay’s follow up Ski created “Streets Is Watching” and the single “Who You Wit.” Ski also discovered and produced the entire first album for Camp Lo, including “Luchini.” He’s worked with numerous artist since that period and is now having a resurgence in presence since reconnecting with Dame Dash at his DD172/BluRoc complex.
More on Ski Beatz: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ski_%28producer%29
I don’t usually leave comments on blogs, but Ski’s from my hometown, Greensboro, NC, so I had to rep. I know him personally and he’s overall a good dude. Working in the music business as well, I know how hard it is for someone to get their proper shine coming from where we’re from. Thx!
Peace & love,
-C.Wade