gyal don't stop tick tock tick tock...

It's been a long time coming, but I'm finally posting this song. When Zay disappeared into the Caribbean and returned as the more powerful Trinizay, he brought back with him some ridiculous(ly awesome) music, and one day hanging out at his house I heard this song and as soon as it was over I said "Iz, what song was that? you need to give me it." This song is steadily pushing its way up my Most Played songs in Winamp, and deservedly so. I don't really know how to describe it but this song is a musical masterpiece from front to back.

Download: Vybz Kartel - Whine to the Ground [zshare]

Bonus(es):

Senor Kaos - Word Play rmx ft. Wale & Curren$y prod. 9th Wonder [zshare]

A nice, bouncy 9th Wonder beat to play at your summer rollerskating jams

QuESt - Ayo Freestyle [zshare]

QuESt continues to put out solid music, of course this is not really a freestyle, and Q delivers on both the hook and the verses.

QuESt - She's Wrong [zshare]

Another song where QuESt does all the vocals, and it works. He's got two mixtapes on the way in the next couple of months so keep an eye out.

Hollyweerd - Triple Chrome Undipped/Hold Up Zeldaq [zshare]

Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and watch Stagolee stamp on the beat

Donnis - Underdog [zshare]

Donnis has started to make his name on the nets recently with his Snack Packs vol. 1 & 2, and he definitely gives reason to take notice on this song, featuring some very nice horns on the beat.

It's raining on me in Korea, so there'll be more coming soon.

...but I'm not worried at all

[Photo by Guy Sargent]

All of these tracks deserve their own separate post.
Keep that in mind.
Here is a short list of my favorite songs at the moment...
Enjoy.




Thiago Pethit: Fuga Nº1 [zshare]

I love Portuguese. And I love Beirut.
So this song became an instant favorite.


Menahan Street Band: Tired of Fighting [zshare]

I have to thank Soul Sides for getting me into this group. THANK YOU!
I've been listening to them for a while now, and not until recently did I actually look into the group. And everything just came full circle.
Sharon Jones & Dap Kings [Yes, please!] + El Michels Affair [more on these guy later] + Budos Band [!!!] = Menahan Street Band. What more could you ask for.
And this song. This song is my new "That Hump". And that's saying a lot.


Novel: Sky Might Fall [zshare]

I'm not a big fan of Kid Cudi's "Sky Might Fall". So I was definitely open to some remixes and covers. Novel did not disappoint. His soul version is amazing. This track has been on repeat for a while now. Cudi should seriously consider producing from some R&B acts.


Dionne Warwick: You're Gonna Need Me [zshare]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this song. It's just simply amazing.
"You're gonna need me one day" is something that everyone has said at least once.
On my list of all time favorite songs. Thank you, Dionne.


MC Solaar: Caroline [zshare]

There's no surprise that MC Solaar is France's most well know rapper. Not knowing any French at all, one can easily recognize this man's talent.
"Caroline" is about love, loss, and a hint of gambling. It's filled with beautiful poetry and plenty of wordplay [the interwebs told me so].
The most infectious line "L’as de trèfle qui pique ton cœur" is literally "The ace of clubs that stings (also ’spade’) your heart".
Marvelous.

[translated chorus]
I’m the ace of clubs that trumps your heart
The ace of clubs that trumps your heart…
The ace of clubs that trumps your heart…
Caroline…


El Michels Affair: Shimmy Shimmy Ya [zshare]

Wu Tang. Kids chanting. Horns.
How could this cover [?] get any better?
Check this pretty dope article over at NPR by O.Wang. Won't disappoint.


Vybz Kartel: Last Man Standing [zshare]

I was in Trinidad & Tobago from January to May.
Basically what I'm trying to say... this isn't the last V.Kartel song that will be posted here on the Interstate.
This is a great example of some popular dancehall at the moment. And it turns out that rap feuds are universal. This is a great diss song, and the crowds get hyped at T&T parties when it comes on.