Fav. 5 *TIBS FAVS.™: September, 2009

Sure, we're a week into October already, but that doesn't mean we can't bask in the month that was September. It's GWHH's monthly recap of my 5 favorite tracks of September with some bonus links of the best posts of September at the bottom. I'm not much for rankings but the system below has been a great way to recap the month of must-have tracks for the readers who may have missed it. For those who are up on their Gowhere, it won't hurt to read my fresh commentary as time usually inspires another perspective. Be sure to create a profile so you can drop a comment and let us know what you think! Enjoy!

Alicia Keys "Doesn't Mean Anything" [iTunes]

Producer: Kerry "Krucial" Brothers & Alicia Keys - FULL, CDQ, 1st Single off upcoming album, The Element Of Freedom *TIBS FAV.™

You know we post R&B and Alicia Keys represents the genre in the monthly recap with the release of her first single "Doesn't Mean Anything". I gushed about it on first listen and still stand by its brilliance a few weeks later.

Quick tangent: do you know anyone who doesn't like Alicia Keys? Not that I've talked about the topic with everyone I know, but I haven't had anyone say anything negative 2 me about her, ever. Warrants mentioning that I also haven't met Mashonda.

Somewhat longer tangent: I have, however, had people talk to me about R&B, thinking that I like the genre more than hip hop based on my daily favorites. I'd figure I'd clear the air. There's no doubt I love R&B as well as hip hop but here's my general mindset about the two genres. I like hip hop more; I was brought up on it, there's 100x more creativity, and my all-time favorite artists are predominantly hip hop. What people are noticing however is very understandable and here's why (WARNING: Italics alert): I like more mainstream R&B artists than mainstream hip hop artists. Also contributing to the above notion is that I have a much better grasp on the hip hop genre overall (mainstream and underground) than R&B, where my reach to underground R&B artists is comparatively limited. Because of that, the majority of the R&B on the site comes from mainstream R&B artists. It also helps that there's not nearly as many underground R&B artists to underground hip hop artists. There is one genre that reigns over all tho: ~~country~~ (LMAO!) good.

Mickey Factz & B.o.B. "Mind Got Blown"

Producer: 6th Sense - FULL, CDQ, Track off the NBA Live 10 Soundtrack *TIBS FAV.™

Flat out this is an uptempo, fresh hip hop track from two of the XXL freshmen: Mickey Factz & B.o.B. You get a rockish and a dance feel in the production, which results in a unique production. B.o.B. kills the hook, lyrically and vocally, reeling you in right away. Factz' verses grow on you over time and overall, you got a track that appeals to mainstream and underground fans alike. It's not your dumbed down hit either, yet you can still dance (or spaz?) 2 this one. The rare combination of all of the above elements make it the anthem of NBA Live 10, to which my deep affections for were made public HERE. And now for our first ever commercial in a Fav. 5 post, enjoy "Mind Got Blown" and NBA Live 10 below :D

KRS-One & Buckshot "Past Present Future" f/ Melanie Fiona & Naledge

Producer: 9th Wonder - Track off the album, Survival Skills *TIBS FAV.™

Gotta say this combination was unexpected when I first saw the names 2gether. All four artists 2gether have previously never worked 2gether :D ...Well besides KRS-One & Buckshot obviously. But the mix of all four results in a must-have track that appears on the duo's album, Survival Skills. Melanie Fiona kicks off the track from the very first second, illustrating her range and versatility whilst pulling in the listener. Then once you digest the track a little more, you'll learn to appreciate the verses and punchlines of all 3. This could have been number one this month if... Naledge takes his signature sports references to another level by cleverly name dropping ~~Jackie Moon~~ Brian Scalabrine. I'm surprised he hasn't been name-dropped yet by anyone quite frankly, especially after D-Rose made him famous for reasons beyond his striking resemblance to the Will Ferrell Semi-Pro character (hah!) and his generally inept basketball skills. And yes, I can't wait for the NBA season to start... I even did a fantasy basketball mock draft last night. I digress.

Savant "'Til Death Do Us Part"
Producer: DJ Jesaya - FULL, CDQ, Track off the EP, The Delayed Entry EP *TIBS FAV.™

Sa-who? Savant, that's who! This September I was introduced to the MC w/ Chicago ties and he made quite the first impression on me with "'Til Death Do Us Part". The rhyme structure, use of the sample, and the overall relevant messages about serious relationships ALL stood out on its own. Combine all three and you got a track that everyone will at least appreciate and one that I'm confident hip hop fans will really enjoy. No, this wasn't the most replayed track of the month for me; quite honestly, this doesn't set the right mood before goin' out on the town, BUT this is one that I have vibed with when I just want to kick back and really listen 2 music. Be on the lookout for more from Savant on GWHH in the near future!

"[I really don't think] It's even worth it to invest when my best is 10 times better than any man's best
[I really don't think] That any man's best could manifest if he's obsessed with every set of double D cup.. breasts"

Kid Cudi "Sky Might Fall"
Producer: Kanye West - Track off the album, Man On The Moon: The End of Day *TIBS FAV.™

The number one spot may come off as a shock to you because this gem off of Kid Cudi's debut album, Man On The Moon: The End of Day, is not necessarily new. A preliminary version of the song leaked back in the spring and I've been bumpin' it at an insane amount ever since (it's tops in my iTunes Top 25). The snippet initially leaked and perfectly matched the Transformers 2 trailer with its ominous, powerful tone; it's sad really that it wasn't used officially. Then with the album's release this September came the final version, which bore addition to a mini 3rd verse and an orchestra. Love renewed. The added verse (maybe breakdown is a better term?) is oddly inspiring and concludes the track perfectly. Adding an orchestra to a production for me is like adding bacon to a cheeseburger (yes, please). And the Kanye West-produced track is already masterful in its own right. While some say it's a leftover 808s beat, I acknowledge that it's similar, still different, and wonder aloud for more.

As for what was existing in the spring, Kid Cudi delivers one of his highest quality verses with the vivid imagery he depicts in the second verse (extracted below), taking the listener (well, me at least) into another zone - a zone that has inspired creativity in my outside design work and more. In fact, Kid Cudi's music as a whole has become my go-to option when I gotta think creatively on the grind. He's one of the few artists I feel like I'm vibing with on the same level when he raps or sings. "Sky Might Fall" was one of the records that kept me moving forward past the obstacles of the design process, in turn creating a profound personal experience only matched by a select few songs/artists. Is there a song or artist that does the same for you?

"Grey clouds stuck together fam,
Lightning piercing through another land
Over the desert wit' the lost play,
Soul searching each an' every way,
And then you see tha,
Awesome sounds so profound,
When it... It'll grip you...you can see it,
If you hear it you can feel it too,
Somethin' special I am runnin' to,
'Til then I go,
Away very far away,
To another universe where all the people say,
Its the new new place for the special to embrace,
Like a martian who seemingly,
Wandered out the place,
Take what you need from the valley of tha hope where,
Even if you dry you'll be floatin' higher up,
You can say bye bye bye,
Sky might be fallin' but remember you can fly high"

- Kid Cudi "Sky Might Fall"