The HighLife

Today 64 years ago, 1945 for the mathematically challenged, Robert Nesta Marley (2/6/1945 - 5/11/1981), commonly known as Bob Marley was born.  His music has definitely been in my life for as long as i can remember.  Most people don't realize that while he was alive he struggled to really reach the American audience the same way he did with Europe and Africa.  Eric Clapton did a lot to change that.  But it's simple really, British Commonwealth nations are more interconnected.  In his hey, at least in Nigeria, there was probably only one other artist that surpassed him in popularity, Fela Kuti.  And he was Nigerian.  His posthumous album, Legend, is still the top selling reggae album of all-time, and now his offspring are producing some of the best reggae out there.  He was with us for only 36 years, but in that he made a difference that is still being felt in his home country, and the world at large.  Here's to greatness!

Judge Not/ One cup of coffee - The first two singles he ever recorded (1962)

Concrete Jungle - First British tv performance, his introduction to world if you will (1973)



So take some time today to put up your lighters, burn one down, and simply celebrate the life of one the best and brightest of our kind. One love.

Sort of like the end of year dispatch.  Here's a playlist of music selections that were featured in January's Jumpoff posts.  Enjoy!

As the year comes to a close it's a good time to reflect on the happenings of the previous 12 months.  In that time a lot has happened that we can all be thankful for.  This space where we can share art, music, words, randomness, was only just a thought this time last year.  To everyone that has been a part of this endeavor from the get, i know i speak for George and I when i say, thank you!!! Really, this would not be possible without your collaboration, support, encouragement, and appreciation. So again, thank you!!!  I figured, i'd show my own appreciation by catalogging all the tracks (well, almost) that i posted in The Jumpoff this year, and creating a playlist.  It's chronologically organized, so if you want to find the actual post you can follow the song trail. Welcome to The Jumpoff!

Dispatch #1

Dispatch #2

Dispatch #3


Each and everyone is a confluence of cultures, tastes, interests, and understanding.  It is at the point where all those meet that we are able to fully express the best that is within us.  So as 2009 dawns, take time to actualize your own expression.  Whether on The Highlife or not, through art, words, or music, the world is a better place with your voice in it.  So make your voice heard in 2009.  That said, here's to expression!  Happy New Year!!! Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi

Yes, yes, y'all! It is freakin' Friday!!!!! Thank you Jesus!  I'm in an especially fine mood today, and so i decided to do something a little different.  No A/B-Sides. Just a playlist, mixtape if you will, to get you through the weekend.  There's definitely something in it for everyone.  Welcome to The Jumpoff!

Friday Jumpoff Mixtape

Well then, to all you beautiful people out there, stay cool. Rock it till the wheels come off!  Until next time, be easy.

Afolabi

Happy Friday!!!  Let's get straight to business; it's Friday and i'm sure there are many of you out there already in weekend mode, so why fight it? Welcome to The Jumpoff!

A-Side

A progeny of one of the most legendary musicians ever to walk the planet.  His father did a lot to bring reggae and its culture to the forefront of society's consciousness, and he and his brothers have done a lot to keep it moving forward.  He released his debut album in March 2007, and then proceeded to win the Grammy for Best Reggae Album for 2008.  From that album, Stephen Marley ft. Mr. Cheeks - Iron Bars

B-Side

This next group literally just came to my attention this morning, and you can officially call me hooked.  Another product of my favorite state in the Union, California.  They are a hiphop group; but even with a lot of the style biting that goes on in hiphop today, they are most definitely original.  They come off as just having fun on their tracks (plus some very hilarious videos), but behind the perceived unseriousness lies an awareness/consciousness that few hiphop artists will ever achieve.  Overall, lyrically or beat-wise, these guys are sick!!! Ugly Duckling - Left Behind

That's it for today. Enjoy your weekends! Until next time, be easy.

Afolabi

Hey there people. I'm in catch up mode this week, but it's ok, the music isn't.  I'm posting this to make up for yesterday, but never fear. Today's edition will be coming forthwith.  Welcome to The Jumpoff!

A-Side

The first song is by an artist that i think we've highlighted before on The Jumpoff, I can't remember now.  Anyhow, the more i hear from this artist the more i am impressed by the variety of the music.  This particular song is straight reggae.  It may be a little bit of an updated reggae sound because of the heavy drum line, but as opposed to dancehall or other modern reggae vehicles it's got a ska-like riddim that keeps it bouncy.  Kardinal Offishall's cameo on the track also lends it some added authenticity.  Estelle feat. Kardinal Offishall - Magnificent

B-Side

I don't think there is one person in the world that doesn't know the song "Nothing Compares 2 U" (written by Prince, popularized by Sinead O'Connor).  Well, since then Ms. O'Connor has gone on to work with a slew of well known artists, including Peter Gabriel, Wyclef Jean, Massive Attack, and U2.  As it turns out, she spent some time in Jamaica in 2004 working on a Sly & Robbie produced reggae album, Throw Down Your Arms, from where this track is pulled.  The title track also happens to be a remake of the Burning Spear version.  At first, it might throw you off hearing her in the reggae format, i certainly was, but you'll be surprised how quickly that wears off.  Sinead O'Connor - Throw down your arms

Alrighty, that does it for this edition of The Jumpoff! Stay tuned for more later. Until then, be easy.

Afolabi