Tag Archive for: song of the week

Jurassic 5 No More

speaker I am very sad about this news. One of my favorite groups have called it quits. Jurassic 5 have put out quality music for years. I’m in shock that they are parting ways. I’ve never heard any news or rumors of problems between the members. They put out such good music and were so cohesive as a group, more than any other group in hip hop. I really can’t believe it happened. According to group member Chali 2na in an AllHipHop.com interview:

There is no real heavy back story. You’ve got to remember, it’s been 14 to 15 years of us doing stuff together. And without exposing any dirty laundry, you have to look at this as a long-term relationship. It’s really like being with a woman. When you’re with them to the fullest, you have the most incredible time of your life. But with tough times, things also get real tough. J5 is in a position now where we weren’t always together. And it basically came to an end. We have done a lot of amazing things, and experienced a lot of amazing things. We’ve met a lot of people. It’s been an irreplaceable journey. And I would never have guessed that in my wildest dreams. But right now, this is a new chapter for all of us.

In honor of the great group they were, here is one of my favorite songs by them from their debut EP. The song is called Concrete Schoolyard.

[audio:http://pieceofshep.com/audio/Jurassic-5-Concrete-Schoolyard.mp3]

The Philadelphia Experiment-Grover

Philadelphia experimentWhat do you get when you cross three great musicians all hailing from the city of brotherly love? You get one of the best jazz albums to come out in recent years. The Philadelphia Experiment was the result of a virtually impromptu three day long jam session involving the supremely talented Christian McBride (bass), Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson (drums, also from the Roots), Uri Caine (keyboards) and joined by Pat Martino (guitar). It turned out to be one of 2001’s best-selling jazz records. I know it’s fairly old, but I do suggest that if you love jazz and have not heard this album to give it a shot. You can go buy it from the ropeadope store.

[audio:http://pieceofshep.com/audio/Philadelphia-Experiment-Grover.mp3]

Deltron 3030- 3030

speaker This is an excellent song from Deltron 3030, a group comprised of Del the Funkee Homosapien, Dan the Automator, and Kid Koala. The album is a concept album that is set in the year 3030 and tells of Del’s alter ego, Deltron Zero, fight against huge corporations that rule the universe. The songs on this album are great, and so are the skits promoting futuristic events, products, and more. Dan’s beats and Kid Koala’s scratches add depth to Del’s lyrics. It really is a superb album. Here is the song 3030 from the album.

[audio:http://pieceofshep.com/audio/Deltron3030-3030.mp3]

Ivan Tucakov- Cinnabar Mix

speaker This song is a very good song from the album Caf̩ del Mar РVolumen 13. Ivan Tucakov is a world music composer, guitarist, producer and promoter currently living in Vancouver, Canada. The song is a great example of Latin jazz and it really showcases Tucakov as a great musician. His guitar on the song is quite amazing and hypnotizing. Listen and enjoy friends.

[audio:http://pieceofshep.com/audio/11-IvanTucakov-CinnabarMix.mp3]

Cut Chemist- The Garden

speaker Many of you may recognize the name Cut Chemist from the superb hip hop group Jurassic 5. He’s also worked with Ozomatli and ska band Less Than Jake. He recently came out with his first full-length album entitled The Audience’s Listening. The album is an amazing blend of samples and scratching taking you on a trip through some music you probably haven’t heard before. I really enjoy this album, and this song The Garden has some great samples in it. This isn’t rap, it is hip hop. For those who don’t know the difference, turn on the radio and listen to what’s being played. That is rap. This is hip hop, or at least one aspect of it. So give it a listen and check out this amazing album.

[audio:http://pieceofshep.com/audio/04-The-Garden.mp3]