https://youtu.be/w1QgdXfV4Kw

Happy Thanksgiving

Jazz music. I have always considered jazz the classic music of modern times.

I have no idea why. Yes, I do.

The Hamilton Mixtape – This is a solid supplement to the fantastic cast recordings of the Broadway phenomenon. There is great original music from The Roots, Common, Nas, and the mastermind himself, Lin-Manuel Miranda, plus standout covers by Usher and Alicia Keys. I was kind of disappointed with the Chance The Rapper and Francis and the Lights rendition of “Theodosia,” which I was really looking forward to, and there are a number of songs by lesser known artists that are definitely the weaker moments on the mixtape. Queen Latifah and Ashanti and Ja Rule make some nice throwback appearances. Overall, a good album with great moments.
6.5/10 (Recommended/Highly Enjoyable)


Childish Gambino – “Awaken, My Love” – More Donald Glover brilliance. Yeah, the kid makes good music too. This album sees Glover’s transition from solid rapper into great musician fully realized – it’s not a rap album, it’s a tribute/cautionary tale to his baby boy disguised as a convincing Prince impression. “Redbone” is a candidate for my favorite song of the year, featuring possibly the best production I’ve heard in 2016 and a solid performance by Gambino that is greatly enhanced by vocal effects – it’s song-making perfection. “Zombies,” “Baby Boy,” and “Terrified” are other highlights, and truly, the more I listen to the album, the more it is growing on me. 7.5/10 (Highly Enjoyable/Essential Listening)

More 2016 Album Thoughts

Listening and watching to this right now thinking it is probably one of the top 10 best videos ever.

Was inspired to rank contemporary rappers today if anyone cares to see my choices: 2016 Rap Rankings

Fabulous version, and thinking of the days when it was a great relief to have someone to talk to.

good video...horrible song

Iconic

I listened to this and "A Case of You" tonight from her Both Sides Now album. I really like her mature voice.

Can't stop listening to this song.

That voice is like fingernails on a chalk board to me.