Valentine's Day Love

Some big new tunes for your aural pleasure

First up: a Hood Internet remix of Canadian collaboration sensation "Make It Go" by Belly ft. Drake. Who knew that two white guys from Chitown could be so funky? The producers of this track blend a funky hook with a track that I otherwise hate. I have to admit, while Drake is far from what I'd call a good lyricist, I love how smooth he is. The beat blends perfectly with his vocal phrasing making this track nothing short of fiery.
"I know you got a dude but he don't understand
I take you to the islands he cant even buy you sand"



Also just for you here's Blak Twang and Alborosie with a cut that blurs the lines between rap and reggae. This classic, 'Stop n Search', is a scathing criticism of police brutality and disrespect. Both artists are truly at their best in this one and they have a Damian Marley - Nas sort of chemistry, as Alborosie's raggamuffin sounds blend perfectly with Blak Twang's UK patois. The track is an absolute banger and definitely one that should be played at high volume, preferably in a residential area. Special attention should be paid to Alborosie's chorus that begins around 2:30. Here's the text, or what I can make of it, since the actual lyrics aren't readily available:

"Dem a go stop and search
Dem a go push me an curse
Dem a go thief and sell back my Solomon herb
Dem a go give me strain
Dem a go wash my brain
Rastafari no chant in vain"


I'll sign off with a track by Ted Leo & the Pharmacists that tugs at the heartstrings while kicking ass with a crunchy yet hip guitar riff. I'll let the lyrics speak for themselves(scroll down below the video for some poetic goodness), but make sure you look out for the triplet-heavy background around the 2 minute mark, and please please PLEASE make sure you hear the drums slip in at about 2:30, and hear them blend in as if they were never missing.



Me and Johnny sittin' in the green grass -
I don’t remember too much from that far back in the past,
But man, oh man, was Johnathan a laugh
In those days.
Apparently he was my very best friend -
We spent warm summer days wishing they would never end -
But I only know from photographs I look at
Every now and again.

And J-J-Johnny -
Ooh, all he left us was an apple tree,
And ooh, where'd he go, and ooh, why'd he leave,
And ooh, why do I grieve?

Now I don’t ever see Johnathan no more,
But my life rolls on just like it did before,
And I only wonder what it is
That I even miss him for.


Happy days to you and yours, and I hope you had a happy Singles Awareness Day.