Artist: Black Milk Title: Sound the Alarm feat. Guilty Simpson [2:44]Sounds Like: As close to J Dilla as anyone can get
When J Dilla (arguably the greatest hip hop producer to ever live) passed away a little under two years ago, the hip hop world was potentially in danger. Who would carry on Dilla’s legacy? Dilla’s beats were like nobody else’s; somebody had to carry on the same brand of off-kilter rhythms and chopped-up samples and drum lines. Fortunately, Black Milk’s work began to surface soon after Dilla passed away. Hailing from Dilla’s home of Detroit, Black Milk is carrying on Dilla’s legacy, working with a lot of same artists, such as Guilty Simpson, who’s featured on this track. “Sound the Alarm” is an energetic display of Detroit’s unique brand of beat-making.
~Paul Sieger
Artist: StrokesTitle: Someday [2001, 3:03]Sounds Like: Simple rock
This is usually received as that song that everyone knows, but can’t remember the name of the artist at all. And just so everyone knows, it’s The Strokes, a band that started out in NYC. Sure the song isn’t anything new, but it’s definitely a good listen. The song just has a vintage feel to it, but also keeps a modern tone. Just like most of the rest of the album. The message of the lyrics is a bit cynical and a bit hopeful, a kind of a sweet and sour. The music, however, keeps a large upbeat sound and can easily keep you smiling. So if you haven’t picked up this song, or album for that matter, in the last seven years, you simply should.
~Jesse Syse