musical matrimony 003

old.

This timeless track from the late Gil Scott Heron debuted on the first MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) album, No Nukes. Heron wasn’t shy about standing up to the evils he saw in the world; this song rang out as a cry for safer power solutions after the 1966 partial meltdown of a nuclear plant on Lake Erie. Brian Jackson contributed the bittersweet synth sounds you hear warbling around Heron’s meandering message. It’ll come back up. This song has been sampled, lauded, covered, and decried, but it stands the test of time as an American classic.

new.

We got some dope new music this week. In YGTUT’s words, “we got options, pick or choose.” We’ve been bumping that new A$AP anthem, “Pups.” Ferg and Rocky hit a trademark back-and-forth flow on the single from the former’s upcoming EP, Concrete Chandeliers, always answering the recurring question: “Where my dogs at?” This winner’s not the pick of the litter though.

Ari Lennox dropped a bare bones snap along with her new Album, Shea Butter Baby. This one is a soothingly simple song about being “Broke.” Featuring the precise verbal incisions we’ve come to expect from Lennox’s label mate J.I.D., this new cut reminds us “I’ve been low before,” with a smile. The whole project brings a beautiful balance of sweetness and that sauce, so start here and then travel to the beginning to listen through.

borrowed.

Brian Jackson licked a particularly tasty synth selection at the 1:55 mark in today’s old tune. Kanye thought so too, so he chopped it, looped it, and served it inside one of his deliciously layered sandwiches. Common didn’t pass on this beat. They made it to a jam.

blue.

Here’s some historical Houston shit from the Boogie Woogie Queen herself, the legendary Katie Webster. The “Two-Fisted Mama” was a respected studio musician by 15, toured with Otis Redding, and made her mark as one of the Gulf’s greatest musicians. Webster left us too early in 1999, but even from the grave she can make you feel it from five miles away.

Y’all have a beautiful day. Go make something.