Nina.

It was 2003, I was 15 and skateboarding was the only important thing to occupy my thoughts. A good portion of my weekend morning's were spent in front of the TV watching my bootleg copy of 'Yeah Right'. It was through Robbie McKinley, Kanye west and Talib Kweli that I was introduced to the lady I now refer to as 'The Queen', Nina Simone. Every time I needed nollie heel inspiration I would sift through my cd wallet for my Kweli mix, skip straight to Get By and picture his opener.



I was always curious as to what the sample was but never put in the time to research it. I got a hit from my old homie Jess on MSN late one school night, "Sinnerman - Nina Simone" it read. Straight to Kazaa for the download and my dial up did the rest. Never had my feeble 15 year old mind been exposed to 10 minutes something as moving as this. I was truly entranced by this voice, the power, the eery rawness of it. Everything about this jam was sending my brain into overdrive. I had the track on repeat as my heart rate slowly lowered, the hairs on the back of my neck and arms finally rested and the remainder of my body eventually did the same.



From that night onwards I would continue to delve more and more into the collection of Nina Simone, never ceasing to be amazed by her productions. I'm fortunate enough that my mum's partner is a huge Nina addict so most of my digging could be done in the confines of my own living room. Over the years of ear time dedicated to her music I have yet to shake that haunting chill I first felt on that faithful night. Very rarely do you come across an artist that can reach deep into your soul and almost move you to tears, happy or sad, upon every listen.



When I first came across this track I found it hard not to smile and feel full of warmth (maybe even a little tear). Sorry Beatles, The Queen did it better.

Warmth is one thing iv'e had a lack of since settling in Toronto but this week has been nothing short of bliss. Walking around today I found it hard not to hear this tune backing my visions of sunny skates through the tulip filled streets of TO. Here's to spring!

Gil Scott Heron

For fuck's sake.

                                                           

Be no rain,

Be no rain

Thank you, Gil.

AKA Ralph Folarin

Although some people hate pretty hard on the dude, I gotta alot of time and love for Wale as a rapper. And I'm not just talking about his collection of mixtapes either, Im saying I genuinely enjoyed the dude's debut album as well. Mainly because he subtly laces his verses with a variety of sporting GK that would undoubtedly give the great John Madden a run for his money. He has always had a certain swag about him that compliments his unique flow, with a sneaker collection so extensive that he could probably provide enough kicks for the whole third world. Plus he is an avid Seinfeld fan. Say no more.

That is, until a Twitter update on the 5th of February changed all that. As you all should be aware by now, Wale was recently signed to the Teflon Don's juggernaut of a label (and a personal favourite of mine) in Maybach Music. Good effort you say? Yes, I concur. Thats dope. Now I wouldn't dare second guess The Boss's master plan, marketing onslaught or general vision to takeover the game, but Wale's portrayal as the Rose sippin, cashed up, ice stuntin', drop top driving rap superstar just doesnt sit right. To be totally honest the dude's straight up awky and his Self Made demeanour in the ever so viral MMG promo clips and music videos makes me cringe. What Ross does with such effortless simplicity, Wale quite obviously struggles to mimic and as a result just ends up sticking out more than a black guy at an ice hockey game. Not to mention his flow on a Lex Luger beat is just plain wack. Besides, Ricky Rozay has enough swag for two and doesn't need a sidekick just like Batman doesn't need Robin. Chris O'Donnell played Robin, that's evidence enough. Actually Robin's the worst.

In related news I'm getting pretty damn excited to hear Self Made when it comes out on Monday. Can't wait to DL it before then.