Mos Def – Umi Says
This has always been one of my favourite tunes to listen to when I may be feeling down. The raspy tone of Mos Def’s voice is somehow so soothing and the message of this song explains how a lot of people us feel at times. “I aint no perfect man i’m trying to do the best that I can with what it is I have”
Stevie Wonder – Superwomen
Stevie Wonder is by far my biggest musical inspiration and his music has literally gotten me through life. His lyrics always have such deep meaning and usually shed’s light on world problems and important topics. I go through Stevie sessions from time to time when that’s all I listen to.
Bill Withers – Lovely Day
This is just one of those feel good songs. I can always listen to this tune and be instantly uplifted. His voice is unique and very soothing. I will always have a special place in my heart for this tune.
William De Vaughn – Be Thankful
If you have not figured it out by now I am a sucker for male R&B. This is such an amazing classic tune. The message is simple and pure. Be thankful for what you have even if it’s not much. This is one of those Sunday afternoon crusing tunes. FKJ did a remake of this tune that is absolutely sick. You can download it on his youtube.
Steely Dan – Black Cow
Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are a match made in heaven. Steely Dan will always be some of my favorite music. I listened to it growing up as a kid from my father. Their unique harmonies have always given me goose bumps. I had the chance to hang out with their band during a Detroit tour stop and watch their Mix engineer work which was one of the coolest music experiences of my life.
D’ Angelo – Me & Those Dreamin’ Eyes Of Mine
D’Angelo is such an incredibly talented musician he plays many instruments and has an absolutely beautiful voice. It’s hard to pick a favorite song of his but this is definitely one of my them. He is a true talent and it’s rare to see someone now a days who can play, sing and write.
Cybotron – Alleys of Your Mind
This is one of Juan Atkins alias’s this album is what locked me in to electronic music for good. This album means everything to me and it’s the reason I am a dj. Juan’s music is still so ahead of it’s time and still sounds so fresh. Juan Atkins = Detroit Techno.
Brothers Johnson – Stomp
Tthis is one of the first Disco songs I ever heard growing up and I always get happy when I hear this come on. I remember having a house mix of this back in the day that was on red colored vinyl that was always in my bag.
Teena Marie – Square Biz
My favorite female voice of all time. Her sound was always fresh and quite different from anything else. My sister and I used to sing her tunes when we were little. When she passed away I was absolutely crushed. Her voice is something special. This song is a great representation of her sassy attitude you can hear in her music.
Ronnie Laws – Tidal Wave
Tidal wave is one of my favorite jazz tunes. When I was young my mom would sneak me in to this bar on Sunday’s we would
eat food and stick around till the evening started, we would always mange to hear some tunes before they would tell her I couldn’t stay. I remember hearing this one and always being captivated by it. This tune has been sampled many times by house and hip hop producers and I’m sure has been an inspiration for many.
