The HighLife

Hello there.  Live and direct from the bean, here's a fresh installment of hiphop for your ears.  Some may say that hiphop is in a decline right now, and that so-called hipster' rappers and their eclectic tastes are blurring what can really be called hiphop. So here's an answer to those concerned about hiphop. Hiphop is hiphop, regardless of how it presents itself, you'll know it when you hear it.  Welcome to The Jumpoff!

A-Side
Much has been said about this artist lately.  He's received a lot of press from just about everyone in the past few months.  Truth be told, he actually deserves it.  Many artists come out within the hiphop game (why is it called a game anyway?) that people are quick to jump on as the voice of a generation, blah, blah, blah.  This guy is one of those.  But to his credit, i really do believe that he's got the ability to carve out his own lane and usher in a flood of like-minded successors in the years to come (Check out his Mixtape about Nothing/Seinfeld).  I may be biased because he's also Nigerian, his first name is my middle name, and the fact that i'm already predisposed to his very cosmopolitan style.  But all that aside, my advice to you is to stay tuned for more of Wale - W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E (Justice Remix)



Uncut version

B-Side
I went to a concert last summer at the Middle East in Cambridge.  The headliner was Gift of Gab, and there were some other heads on the lineup.  I left the show show that night disappointed with everyone i saw except one.  I first came across this guy on some remixes he did on some RJD2 tracks, which i liked.  Then after seeing him live, i was even more impressed.  He's quite slept on right now, but i think that needs to change.  Here's a quick set of his.  Those of you Mad Men fans out there will surely recognize the second song in the list.  Aceyalone (feat RJD2)



Well that will do it for today ladies and gents.  Stay cool. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi

Wassup, wassup, wassup.  How's it going boys and girls!  Hope everyone had as good a Christmas and New Years as i did. But that's all behind now.  Time to take on 2009 like it owes you something.  Welcome to The Jumpoff!
 
A-Side
I would like to thank Harrisburg radio for this track.  I have my reservations about Harrisburg radio in general, but it at least got something right when i heard this song the other night.  Originally recorded by the UK group, Hot Chocolate, in 1973.  The lyrics are about an interracial love affair, ooooh.  This is the state-side version, recorded a few months after the UK release, and it reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.  The Stories - Brother Louie



B-Side
This group is a chicano hiphop group from LA. I heard this track in the Morgan Freeman-Paz Vega movie "10 items or less".  Which is a really good movie by the way.  Anyway, i'm a sucker for the trumpet. And when i heard them horns go off on this song, just dripping with the latin feel, i was taken.  Done and done.  My mom always says, "ill blow my own horn, because if no one else does it's going to rust".  So on that note... Delinquent Habits - Let the horn blow


Aight then, i'm done for today. Go out there and toot your own horn.  Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi

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

Finally, with the conclusion to the swing-jazz-big band related posts, for now at least.  It's been a while coming, but i'm just glad i can get this out before the new year is upon us.  So while you're getting all decked out and classy for your new year's celebrations you can get down to these swanky sounds inspired by the men (and women) who were at the forefront of this genre of music, The Rat Pack.  No one partied harder, lived more fully, and loved more passionately than they did. To quote an article from about.com; "...however history judges them, their talent cannot be denied.  The last species of early 20th century American Man, they claimed their territory like gods."  For if they hadn't, the early 21th century American Man would be worser for it.  Welcome to The Jumpoff!

Swank

That'll do it then ladies and gents.  Stay cool.  Until next time, be easy.

Afolabi

I've been trying to get this post up for so long that i'm not even going to write too much else.  All i know is that i am more than determined to get this one and the post for the 19th up before 08 comes to a close.  Welcome to The Jumpoff!

Sarah Vaughan - Nina Simone - Etta James

I have not the words to fully encompass the talent that is within this set of songs.  From Sarah "Sassy" Vaughan, to the High Preistess of Soul, Nina Simone, and Mama herself, Etta James.  These ladies represent everything that any female singer today claims to be or aspires to be. On that note, i'll step aside and let them do their thing like only they can.

Greetings and salutations!  Happy Tuesday! If you're just jumping on this, i'll catch you up.  This week's theme, swingin' jazz and the like.  Welcome to The Jumpoff!

Sammy Davis Jr. and Bobby Darin

I feel like a lot of people know who Sammy Davis Jr. is, but if you ask them to name a song he sang there'd be a lot of blank stares. It would behoove you to jump on his catalog immediately. Arguably the hardest working member of the Rat Pack, he helped break a lot of racial barriers for black musicians and performers all over the United States.  Mr. Bobby Darin, on the other hand, is probably the opposite.  He sang some of the most memorable tunes to date. Most people can name songs that he sang, they might even know the words and melody of entire songs by him, but then you'd get blank stares if you asked who sang the song.  It'd probably be worse if they were asked to identify him.  Needless to say, here's a set with music from both these artists to help you get to know them a little better.

 

The last two songs in the set are actually from the musical, Guys and Dolls, which i personally think is the second best musical of all time.  Check out the Brando-Sinatra version if you get a chance.   Well, that will do it for today.  Until next time, be easy.

Afolabi

Hello, hello.  Hope i find you well.  I started the week in a swingin' mood and i think i'm going to keep it that way.  Welcome to The Jumpoff!

Nat King Cole and Dean Martin

There are few people, in any age or era, that can come close to the gravitas and cool that these two cats embodied.  I was going to split them up and highlight their music individually, but it works so much better as a set.  Get out your smoking jackets, pour yourself a strong one, and catch the rhythm.

 

That does it today. Stay cool out there, or warm, you know what i mean.  Until next time, be easy.

Afolabi

Hey there to all you swingin' charley's.  Hope you're having a gas of a day.  If you haven't already caught on to the theme of the day, don't worry, you've got some time.  Welcome to The Jumpoff!

A-Side

We'll start contemporary.  This Canadian crooner has been plying his trade for a number of years by keeping it real swank.  In an era where his sound can be overlooked as a relic of the past, he's stayed true to his calling and is finally getting some notoreity for it. Here he is on a remake of a Van Morrison classic.  Michael Buble - Moondance

This next artist may not have invented the game, but he sure played it better than anyone else that came before him.  And while he was at it, redefined what it meant to be "cool" for generations after him.  The one and only 'ol blue eyes.  Take notes people.  Frank Sinatra - Cheek to Cheek

Alrighty then, that is today for all you cool cats and groovy chicks.  Until next time, be easy.

Afolabi

It's been a great music week, and there are some tracks that i just need to get out of me, lest i explode.  I'm not going to write too much today, the music is sufficient enough for that.  Welcome to The Jumpoff!

We'll kick it off by jumping off into the...

Deep End

Gnarls Barkley - Who's gonna save my soul

Jeff Golub - Isn't that so?

 

Tom Waits - Down in the hole

Amen, amen, amen!  You done waded through the deep end of the river called soul.  Now it's time to shake off the dross and...

Get Down

Gym Class Heroes feat. Estelle - Guilty as Charged

 

Colin Munroe feat Saukrates and Black Milk - Break Off

 

Jamie Lidell - Another Day

Robin Thicke -Something Else

So that will do it for today.  Hope this helps you get your mind right for the weekend. Party like a rock star, or at least try to reach cover band status. Until next time, be easy.

Afolabi

Hello there to all you beautiful people out there.  Hope your day is going swell.  I've got a bunch of new tracks lined up for y'all today; dig in and get comfortable.  Welcome to The Jumpoff!

A-Side

First up is a group i got into while i was in college.  There's something about their music that generally puts me in a good mood.  It turns out that they just, today, released a new album of remixes by a slew of well known producers.  This song is one of my favorites from their first album, Songs about Jane, that was remixed for this project.  Maroon 5 - Sunday Morning (Remix)

B-Side

This artist has been dropping critically acclaimed albums for the better part of the last decade like it's easy to do.  I'm sure by this point most of you have heard the first single/title track from his new album, Universal Mind Control, at least i hope you have.  So the album officially dropped today.  But in the spirit of freshness, here's a track from it that you may not hear if you don't go buy it, but at the same time i hope hearing it will make you go get it.  Common feat Chester French - Universal Mind Control

Bonus Track

Oh yeah, it ain't over til it's over.  These guys came to my attention thanks to a commercial for Rhapsody, i think.  They had some success earlier this year with the song 'Squeeze Me', which is an amazing track.  Keeping in the theme of the day, they also have a new album out now.  It's got the totally awesome title of 'Plastic People".  This track from the album sampled a disco track by El Coco called, Mad as hell.  If you've heard the original, you can definitely appreciate the revisit.  Kraak & Smaak - Ain't gonna take it no more

Okay, now i'm really done.  Go buy these albums, now!  Stay cool people. Until next time, be easy.

Afolabi