SAMPLE SUNDAY---EPISODE 10

It's 2011, and I am LONG overdue for a new installment of Sample Sunday.  Today's session is a gem, in my humble hip hop opinion.  Death Of A Pop Star, the stellar album by underrated emcee David Banner and producer extraordinaire 9th Wonder, is full of sampling treats.  My favorite happens to be the last cut on the album, which was released December 21st, 2010, just in time for the holiday season.  The album was released at the end of the year, but was such a stand-out that I had to include it on my year-end hip hop review (see http://wisdom40.blogspot.com/2010/12/as-we-come-to-close-for-2010.html).  The song in question is simply entitled "Strange", and it is more of an indictment on the ills of society than anything else, with Banner and Big Remo supplying the commentary over a dense 9th production.



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The basis for this song comes from a classic, yet overlooked, song from The Sylvers.  "Cry Of A Dreamer" is a 1973 composition from the dope album The Sylvers II.  I distinctly remember this record spinning on my aunt's dark mahogany-hued component set in our living room in the early to mid 70's!  Before I digress any further, let me say that this song showcases the talents that the Sylvers family possessed.    "Cry Of A Dreamer" may not be as well known as "Cotton Candy" or "Misdemeanor", but it stands out as signature song in the Sylvers discography.  The recognizable sample starts at 0:14 of "Cry Of A Dreamer". 



If you haven't encountered or purchased Death Of A Pop Star, please do so immediately.  It is definitely one of the best buys from my standpoint over the past twelve month period.  I appreciate the fact that David Banner was able to connect with 9th Wonder to great effect.  Lyrically, Banner is not spittin' for the sake of riddlin', but he is bringing substanced by way of his Southern sensibilities.  Sonically, 9th Wonder is 9th Wonder, someone with a keen ear for soul.  The album is a must have, in my opinion.  Follow David Banner and his music via http://www.myspace.com/davidbanner.  You can visit 9th Wonder's discography and music via http://www.9thwonder.com/

Death Of A Pop Star (E-1 Music, 2010)

Go back and visit the Sylvers catalogue to listen to music that is simply not being created any longer.  Even though there is no official website for the group as a whole, there are plenty of sites that will provide information about the musical family.  A good place to start would be the following:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sylvers.

The Sylvers II (Pride, 1973)

It's great to be back on my Sample Sunday grind, and I promise to bring you thought-provoking and dope music that is overlooked and shunned by mainstream.  Mainstream acceptance shouldn't, and won't, dictate the flow of creativitiy!

WISDOM

"AS WE COME TO A CLOSE FOR 2010..."

     As we come to a close on 2010, we can look back and see a year of extremes, both highs and lows.  This has been evident on many fronts, including our hip hop world.  This year marked a point where underground and crossover melted together, causing the normal line of demarcation to almost be erased.  There were quite a few releases on the local and national scenes that raised eyebrows.  I witnessed many of the releases, listening intently for those artistic works to speak volumes.  After twelve months of open ears, there were some standout albums that should be recognized for artistic and musical merits.

     On the national level, many recognized, as well as up and coming, names dropped gems.  Nas and Damian Marley, Fat Joe, Little Brother, Slum Village, Rick Ross, T.I., Drake, Kanye, Nicki Minaj, Zion I, Kooley High, Bun B, The Roots, Eminem, and Reflection Eternal, as well as others, blessed ears throughout this beginning of the 21st Century's second decade.  Who made my list of the Best Hip Hop Albums for 2010?  In the words of Slick Rick, "heeeerrrrrre weeeee go".

Honorable Mention:  Slum Village, Villa Manifesto

10. Reflection Eternal, Revolutions Per Minute

9.  Black Milk, Album Of The Year

8.  Little Brother, Leftback

7.  David Banner and 9th Wonder, Death Of A Pop Star

6.  Big Boi, Sir Luscious Left Foot:  The Son Of Chico Dusty

5.  Nas and Damian Marley, Distant Relatives

4.  Drake, Thank Me Later

3.  The Roots, How I Got Over

2.  Rick Ross, Teflon Don

1.  Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

     It was a difficult proposition to rank the numerous quality releases for 2010, and I know I may have slighted a few artists deserving of accolades (Eminem, Bun B).  Originally, this list only had five albums included, but after careful deliberation I decided to expand the list.  It took me until 11:45 PM on December 31st to decide NOT to expand to twenty albums!

     I had to wait until Christmas night to determine that indeed Kanye West was deserving of Best Hip Hop Album of 2010, mainly due to the fact that my daughter gave his newest creation to me as a Christmas gift (thanks Adrienne).  Overall, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy encompasses all of Kanye's previous finer points on his past releases, from the College Dropout through 808's & Heartbreaks.  The production from beginning to end is epic and pristine, and lyrically Mr. West brings his A-game with personal and introspective verses throughout.  For those that already have the album, you know; for those without this masterpiece, add it to your 2011 resolution list!  It indeed is living up to advanced hype and current public opinion. 

     2010 offered much in the way of diverse musical tastes, even within the realm of hip hop, and I believe that the stage is set for 2011 to have even more impactful albums, with Lupe Fiasco, J. Cole, Q-Tip and others working on hopeful hip hop treasures.  Let's toast to hip hop!