No Jesus, No Peace...Know Jesus, Know Peace

Earlier this week, Jesus and I went on another one of our infamous road trips. This time, however, our quest was not for vinyl, but for unbiased knowledge and absolute truths (neither of which we found, by the way). For those of you who don't know Jesus, you'll have to read some earlier posts...or consult a priest---I'll leave that to your discretion.

At any rate, whenever we go on these little expeditions, Jesus always sits in the driver's seat. I guess it's some kind of control thing. He usually lets me do all the talking, as Jesus only speaks when he has something meaningful to say. On this latest excursion, however, it was evident that Jesus had some things to get off of his chest. He casually mentioned that I ought to interview him for a post on Souled On, because after all, he is the most famous person I know. When I explained that I would rather wait until I had some time to prepare the questions, it became evident that it was going to be Jesus' way, or the highway. The dialogue that ensued went something like this:

Scholar: Umm...so what do you make of this whole idea that Christians in America are being terribly persecuted?
Jesus: Well, you can't really believe anything that Tom DeLay says, now can you? I think the whole notion is somewhat of an insult to people who've actually been killed, tortured, imprisoned, and raped for what they believe.

Scholar: Do you plan on watching "The Da Vinci Code"?
Jesus: Eh...I don't know. I genuinely wanted to see that flick, until I found out that Forrest Gump was playing the lead.

Scholar: What do you make of the Intelligent Design Theory?
Jesus: My dad calls it the Ignorant Dummy Theory. I have an aunt who looks sort of like a baboon, so the thought that we evolved from apes has always seemed somewhat more conceivable.

Scholar: Is anyone in modern times truly possessed by the devil?
Jesus: My first inclination would be to say no, but then you have cases like Bill O'Reilly, Dick Cheney, and Rush Limbaugh, all of whom could potentially use a good old-fashioned exorcism.

Scholar: Are you and George W Bush really as close as he seems to think you are?
Jesus: Nah. That brotha acts too damn crazy. I had to cut him loose.

Scholar: Do you seriously hate gay people?
Jesus: Nope...I actually have a lot of gay friends. Elton John, Ellen DeGeneres, and Tom Cruise are all really nice people.

Scholar: What color are you?
Jesus: Well, I take on many different shades, but mostly I am gray. That's what you get when you mix all of the colors together, right?

Scholar: Does the fact that Isaac Hayes quit "South Park" for religious reasons ensure him a place in heaven?
Jesus: Umm...nah. Black Moses brought him closer to salvation than that...don't you agree?

Scholar: Any parting words for my readers?
Jesus: Yeah. I like wine, but not the cheap stuff...

With that, Jesus said, "Let there be linkage"---and there was linkage...

At 33/45, you can download "Peace Pipe" by B.T. Express. Damn...that shit is funky: http://threethreefourfive.blogspot.com/2006/05/get-on-funk-train.html.

I Guess I'm Floating is featuring a few mp3s from Zion I's True & Livin' LP: http://iguessimfloating.blogspot.com/2006/05/you-kids-and-your-hippity-hop.html.

A few joints for reggae fans to check out:
Lee "Scratch" Perry's "Space Dub" at disco-not-disco:
http://speedrail.blogspot.com/2006/05/please-please-please-in-america.html.
"All Wi Doin' Is Defendin'" by Poet And The Roots at Mars Needs Guitars: http://marsneedsguitars.blogspot.com/2006/05/mojos-greatest-50-british-tracks-ever.html.
"No Burial" by Michael Rose at Breath of Life:
http://www.kalamu.com/bol/. Included in the same post this week at BOL are two other tracks you shouldn't miss---"Tryin' Times" by Roberta Flack and "Yu-Ma/ Go Away Little Boy" by Marlena Shaw. Due to my negligence, this post will probably only be up for about 24 more hours, but you'll still be able to access it through their archives.

A couple of joints from Dan the Automator's Lovage project (as Nathaniel Merriweather) are available at work for it---"Sex (I'm A)" and "Strangers on Train":
http://benlovesmusic.blogspot.com/2006/05/stroke-that.html.

Al Green and Billie Holiday each recorded a song called "Guilty". They are two entirely different tracks, but you can currently download them both at WFMU's Beware of the Blog: http://blog.wfmu.org/freeform/2006/05/guilty.html.

By now, you must know how I love Irma Thomas. Peace to No Frontin' for posting another fine example of her indisputable excellence---"It's Raining": http://songz.blogspot.com/2006/05/all-my-exs-live-in-texas.html.

I could be in the minority with this, but I've always counted "Lyrical Tactics" by Natural Elements as one of the best joints on DJ Premier's New York Reality Check 101 LP. You can currently download the mp3 at Chasing Red, along with several other worthy tracks, such as "The Message" (Cymande), "I Get Lifted" (George McCrae), "Criminology" (Raekwon), "For Once in My Life" (Stevie Wonder), etc: http://chasingred.livejournal.com/160228.html?mode=reply.

Ear Fuzz recently posted a few solo songs by members of The Temptations. Download "It's So Hard for Me to Say Goodbye" and "If You Let Me" by Eddie Kendricks, as well as "Feel Like Givin' Up" by Paul Williams. Sadly (and somewhat ironically), Williams shot himself before the latter track had even been released:
http://www.earfuzz.com/2006/05/friends-since-grade-school_21.html.

Have you heard "Ping" by Busta Rhymes yet? This joint is only recommended for those who are intrigued by the concept of him rapping over the theme song to "Three's Company". Cop it at Think Tank:
http://leafhouse.blogspot.com/2006/05/busta-rhymes-samples-threes-company.html.

At Silence Is A Rhythm, Too, you can download Candi Staton's "You Don't Have Far To Go", a cover of a Merle Haggard song that appears on her latest LP, His Hands:
http://siart.blogspot.com/2006/05/handful-of-covers-here-are-some-tasty.html.

Speaking of Candi Staton, you can download her version of Elvis' song "Suspicious Minds" at My Old Kentucky Blog. There are several covers of this song included in the same post---just don't sleep on the one by Dee Dee Warwick: http://myoldkyhome.blogspot.com/2006/05/suspicious-minds.html.

Also at MOKB, you can download Betty Everett's rendition of The Beach Boys' song "God Only Knows", along with a wide assortment of other versions: http://myoldkyhome.blogspot.com/2006/05/god-only-knows.html.

More Lupe Fiasco mixtape joints are up at Palms Out Sounds. Download "The Pen & The Needlz", "Sittin' Sideways Freestyle", "1st & 15th Is Back", and "Absolute Fiasco": http://palmsout.blogspot.com/2006/05/extra-fly-pt-2.html.

Cop "Little Renee" by Digable Planets at Underneathica:
http://underneathica.blogspot.com/2006/05/heat-up-chrome-jammy.html.

By now, most heads are aware that Beanie Sigel got shot the other day. In case you only come out of your cave to read Souled On, let me assure you that Beans survived the attack.
Read more details about the incident here: http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/entertainment/14665770.htm.
Download two of his joints ("Feel It in the Air" and "Roc the Mic") at callmeMICKEY: http://callmemickey.blogspot.com/2006/05/being-beanie-sigel-sucks-part-891252.html.

An incredible post over at Feed Me Good Tunes includes tracks by C Rayz Walz ("Buck 80"), Mobb Deep ("Win or Lose"), Darondo ("How I Got Over"), Edgar Allen Floe ("The Torch", produced by 9th Wonder), Sixtoo ("Sidewinder"), DJ J Period & CL Smooth ("Win or Lose"), Kool Keith & Kutmasta Kurt ("Takin' It Back"), and Declaime & J. Rawls ("Revolution"):
http://feedmegoodtunes.blogspot.com/2006/05/25-minutes-and-45-seconds-for.html.

Download Otis Redding's "Wonderful World" at Cacophony and Coffee: http://cacophonyandcoffee.blogspot.com/2006/05/dont-know-what-slide-rulers-for.html.

The Rawking Refuses To Stop posted a couple of "eccentric soul" songs---"I'll Be on My Way" by Bob & Fred and Soul President's "Got to Have It": http://rawkblog.blogspot.com/2006/05/eccentric-soul.html.

I know that the thought of Gnarls Barkley being mashed with The Shirelles could be kinky, nauseating, or both. However, I have to give props to DJ Schmolli---this is a trillion times better than I would have imagined. Download the mp3 at Between Thought And Expression: http://djmonstermo.blogspot.com/2006/05/tom-verlaine-mp3-sonic-youth-mp3.html.

If you aren't familiar with Ammoncontact, all that I can say by way of a description is that it's jazz/hip-hop/funk/electronica music. Download a couple of their joints ("Beautiful Flowers" and "Elevation") at sabas.jud.as: http://sabas.jud.as/node/167.

Fans of gospel and soul need to know about Barbara & The Browns if they don't already. Feel It recently posted the mp3 of Barbara Brown's song "Watchdog". From there, you can also catch a link to Deep Soul Heaven, where you can download numerous recordings by the entire group. Don't sleep on "I Don't Want to Have to Wait", no matter what you do: http://darcysfeelit.blogspot.com/2006/05/grrrrrrrrr.html.

Analog Giant has kindly posted several Pharoahe Monch mp3s, including a few remixes: http://analoggiant.blogspot.com/2006/05/tuesday-dig-bring-back-monch.html.

Visit Music Is Art to download "Rosa Parks" (Outkast), "Running Away" (Bob Marley), and "We Need A Resolution" (Aaliyah):
http://musicisart.blogspot.com/2006/05/watch-weather-change.html.

Before I go, I have to express my appreciation to The Broke BBoys for blessing Souled On with a link. No bullshit---I've admired what these guys do for quite some time, so I'm honored:
http://www.brokebboys.com/.

You know, if I ever quit fuckin' with Mary Jane, I might actually update my permanent links list one day. Jesus said he'll help me get on my game, and he's a man of his word.

Know Jesus, Know Peace, bitches...

It Was All The Same, But Then The Antidote Came

MUSIC:

On a scale of one to ten, fresh joints by The Roots deserve at least an eleven. At callmeMICKEY, you can download "Don't Feel Right", a phenomenal track that you should cop without a second thought. Set it in motion...it's the next movement, y'all: http://callmemickey.blogspot.com/2006/05/mp3quickie-roots-new-roots-jam.html.

And for nostalgic purposes, a few classic Roots videos:
"Clones": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4incsYE7LoM&search=the%20roots%20.

"Proceed": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61D7ZU5AhkQ&search=the%20roots%20.

"The Next Movement": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suKOImV9kxM&search=the%20roots%20.

Also recently circulating around the internets is the new Pharrell track (feat. Kanye West)---"Number 1". This particular joint doesn't impress me all that much, partly because it sounds like a recycled version of "Frontin'", but you can judge for yourself. The song is currently available at Think Tank, along with a link to Neiles Life, where you can download six other mp3s by "The Ice Cream Man":
http://leafhouse.blogspot.com/2006/05/pharrell-number-1.html

Kanye's been disappointing me quite a bit lately, but I can't front on "Grammy Family" (w/ Consequence and John Legend) for even a second. On the real, son...dat shit is cooler than a fan. You can cop it courtesy of Spine Magazine, along with the best Obie Trice song I've heard lately ("Cry Now"), and CL Smooth's "American Me":
http://www.spinemagazine.com/index.php?task=.

Ear Fuzz recently posted a couple of tracks by a group whose excellence is often overlooked---Bloodstone. Since Kanye's name has been all up in this post already, I feel inclined to mention that Mr. West sampled one of their songs on T.I.'s "Doin' My Job". Download "Tell It to My Face" and "Ran It in the Ground" here: http://www.earfuzz.com/2006/05/running-it-in-ground.html.

Download "Shakey Ground" by The Temptations at fiftyone:fiftyone: http://fiftyonefiftyone.blogspot.com/2006/05/funkin-around.html.

Comfort Music is currently featuring three tracks from The Cunninlyguists' Strangestrumentals (the instrumental version of their most recent LP, A Piece of Strange). Download "Never Know Why", "Nothing to Give" and "Hellfire", sans vocals:
http://www.comfortradio.org/comfortmusic/.

Music is Art is featuring "Anyone Who Had A Heart" by Dionne Warwick: http://musicisart.blogspot.com/2006/05/this-time-its-goodbye-dear.html.

Soul Shower recently posted a nice selection of mp3s. Download "Love Ballad (L.T.D.), "The Way You Do the Things You Do" (David Porter), "Tears of a Clown" (Smokey Robinson & the Miracles), and "Come and Get Yourself Some" (Leon Haywood): http://soulshower.blogspot.com/2006/05/belated-mothers-day-wishes.html.

Two Ray Charles songs are available at Locust St.---"Lonely Avenue" and "I Want to Know": http://inkhornterm.blogspot.com/2006/05/1956-ray-charles-i-want-to-know.html.

Indoor Fireworks recently posted a nice selection of De La Soul joints. Download parts two and three of "Ego Trippin'", "Eye Patch", "I Am I Be", and "Area": http://indoorfireworks.blogspot.com/2006/05/i-cherish-twilight-i-maximize-my-soul.html.

Speaking of De La, Cable & Tweed is featuring the Badmarsh + Shri remix of "Me, Myself, and I": http://cableandtweed.blogspot.com/2006/05/soco-music-experience-this-weekend_19.html.

At this point, why not throw in a few De La videos? :
"Ego Trippin'": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QszJ9ED5Zgk&search=de%20la%20soul.

"Itzsoweezee": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU2qEGHtsLA&search=de%20la%20soul.

"Rock Co.Kane Flow" (live performance, featuring MF Doom):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqhAADKm96Y&search=mf%20doom.

Download Marvin Gaye's version of "Hitch Hike" at Moistworks:
http://www.moistworks.com/2006/05/1-2-3.html.
Marvin fans should also check out this live performance of "What's Goin' On/ What's Happening Brother?" (from the 1973 film, Save the Children):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9KC7uhMY9s&search=marvin%20gaye.

Moistworks is also featuring yet another fantastic Irma Thomas song---"Time Is on My Side". The original versions of several other tracks covered by The Rolling Stones are included in the same post. Download songs by Robert Johnson, The Valentinos, Benny Spellman, The Coasters, and Slim Harpo: http://www.moistworks.com/2006/05/time-is-on-my-side-irma-thomas.html.

Cop Method Man's "Take the Heat" (produced by Dr. Dre) at Between Thought & Expression: http://djmonstermo.blogspot.com/2006/05/roots-mp3-method-man-mp3-clerks-2.html.

A few old school reggae joints are available at Mars Needs Guitars. Download tracks by Bob Marley ("Punky Reggae Party"), Jimmy Cliff ("The Harder They Come"), and Peter Tosh ("(You Gotta Walk And) Don't Look Back"): http://marsneedsguitars.blogspot.com/2006/05/stir-it-up.html.

Cop "Rough Around the Edges" (Busta Rhymes w/ Nas) at Rebel To America: http://escobartheory.blogspot.com/2006/05/new-song-pt-ii.html.

Finally, at Mental Combat, you can download Idiot Proof''s Rhyme Vandals: 70 Minutes of Lyrical Bombing. The mix features tracks by artists such as Company Flow, Dilated Peoples, Tame One, Looptroop, KRS-One, and Typical Cats: http://mentalcombat.blogspot.com/2006/05/rhyme-vandals-mix-i-did.html.
Part 2 is also available now. It's 66 minutes in length, and includes joints by Souls of Mischief, Talib Kweli & Rakim, The Shapeshifters, DJ Vadim, and more: http://mentalcombat.blogspot.com/2006/05/return-of-rhyme-vandals.html.

ART:

Since the final music link I posted is a mix paying homage to graffiti artists, I thought it would be appropriate to post a link to one of the most popular sites dedicated to this somewhat controversial art form. Artcrimes.org showcases graffiti from all over the globe, and includes an ample supply of information, interviews, and links to other graf sites:
http://artcrimes.org/.

POLITRICKS:

Check out Will Durst's article "Impeachment? Hell No, Impalement", in which he gives an exhaustive list of reasons why we are (and should be) sick of George W. Bush: http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=20489.

LIFE:

At Typebrighter.com, you can see some of the ugliest, freakiest, and stupidest tattoos you can possibly imagine. What kind of dumbass gets a breakfast plate tattoed on the top of his head? What kind of twisted pervert gets a tattoo of Michael Jackson fondling Macaulay Culkin on his leg? Behold the insanity of it all:
http://www.capohedz.com/typebrighter/2005/10/really-bad-tattoos.html.

End quote: "Who wants to be well-adjusted to injustice? What kind of human being do you want to be?"---Cornel West

The History Of A People Is Found In Its Songs

As promised, I'm back on track with the remainder of your musical crack...

Hopefully by now, you've come across O-Dub's guest post at Moistworks. If not, be sure not to sleep on his post. Oliver shares a few tracks that were cut from his recent Soul Sides compilation, and explains why these songs were thrown out of the mix. Download "Date With the Rain" (Eddie Kendricks), "Foolish Fool" (Dee Dee Warwick), and "Strong As Death (Sweet As Love)" (Al Green):
http://www.moistworks.com/2006/05/strong-as-death-sweet-as-love-al-green.html.

Also at Moistworks, you can currently get your download on with tracks such as "Love Me Or Leave Me" (Nina Simone), "Black Minute Waltz" (James Booker), "Prelude in C-Sharp Minor" (The Nat King Cole Trio), and more:
http://www.moistworks.com/2006/05/black-minute-waltz-james-booker-junco.html.

Nialler 9 recently posted a fairly substantive selection of mp3s. Cop joints by Blackalicious, DJ Shadow, This Kid Named Miles, DJ Krush, and Cut Chemist:
http://www.nialler9.com/blog/?p=55.

Speaking of Cut Chemist, I have come across an infinite number of posts/articles about him recently, mainly due to the buzz over his upcoming LP, The Audience's Listening. I had a wide variety of sources to choose from, but Mental Combat is offering the most extensive selection of his tracks that I've come across so far. Besides material from the new album, you can also download some of his other mixes, and link to his official website:
http://mentalcombat.blogspot.com/2006/05/new-cut-chemist-is-coming.html.

Musically, Ursula Rucker has flirted with a number of different styles and artists. One thing that tends to remain consistent, however, is the unique quality of her lyrical poetics (for lack of a better term). The good people at Dilated Choonz are currently offering her track "What???". Download/preview it here: http://dilate.choonz.com/index.php?id=319.

Independent/underground hip-hop fans may want to check out those two "classic" Mr. Complex joints over at The Sole Life---"I'm Rhymin'" and "Why Don't 'Cha?": http://solelife.blogspot.com/2006/05/i-dont-understand-its-too-complex.html.

Random thought interlude---I've always given unquestionable props to MF Doom's "Benzoin Gum", but the video seriously gives me the creeps: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bslY-AVO5ww&search=mf%20doom. More metal-faced madness in just a second...

It's Gil Scott-Heron week over at Breath of Life. Download "Pieces of a Man", "Give Her A Call", and "Home Is Where the Hatred Is" (as covered by Esther Phillips: http://www.kalamu.com/bol/.

When peoples started chatting/posting about the recent Visioneers project, I couldn't seem to get quite as excited as everyone else. Take that to mean that I'm not just jumping on the bandwagon when I say that the song "55 Dollars" is worth a whole hell of a lot more than I originally would have thought. Cop the mp3 at Scenestars:
http://scenestars.net/2006/05/visioneers-55-dollars.php.

Soul and gospel fans are likely to be somewhat familiar with the name Vanessa Bell Armstrong, as she sort of did the whole Al Green thing with her musical career. I was going to explain that analogy further, but if you don't know what I mean by that, you either: a) suck, or b) don't give a shit about Al Green. Either way, what's the point? Raise your hands if you love Jesus, and then put at least one of them down so you can download "What Shall I Render?" at Words and Music: http://soundsandtexts.blogspot.com/2006/05/rama-lama-ding-dong-penguins-orioles.html.
Read Armstrong's bio here:http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Vanessa%20Bell%20Armstrong.html.

Analog Giant just posted some more songs featuring members of the Wu. Cop "Been Through" (M1 ft. Ghostface Killah) and the Edgecrusher remix of "Advanced Pawns" (GZA/DJ Muggs). You can also download other dope stuff from the same post, including the MF Doom/Four Tet remix of Madvillain's "Rhinestone Cowboy" :
http://analoggiant.blogspot.com/2006/05/cold-coffee-and-dig.html.

Before we're through talking about the Wu (in this completely one-sided conversation), I wanted to make sure that I sent you over to MOKB to download Method Man's "Yah' Mean" (w/ Fat Joe and Styles P):
http://myoldkyhome.blogspot.com/2006/05/kids-love-covers-rap-music.html.

At callme MICKEY, you can download what alleges to be the last track that Proof recorded before his untimely death. Other songs are also included in the post, such as A-Trak's reggae remix of "Fireman" (Lil' Wayne), and Chief Xcel's Budoo mix of "Rhythm Sticks" (Blackalicious): http://callmemickey.blogspot.com/2006/05/sunday-selections-proof-two-gallants.html#comments.

Temperatures continue to rise throughout the nation, and Music Is Art has done a themed post about "sunshine songs". Several tracks are available, most notably "Sun Is Shining" (Bob Marley) and "Ain't No Sunshine" (Bill Withers):
http://musicisart.blogspot.com/2006/05/songs-with-sun.html.

Miblog Weighs A Ton pays further tribute to the group Pleasure by posting two more of their songs, as well as a couple of hip-hop joints that were inspired by them. Witness how "Bouncy Lady" and "Joyous" laid the foundation for tracks by Jeru the Damaja and LL Cool J:
http://miblogweighsaton.blogspot.com/2006/05/more-pleasure.html

I can never pass up an opportunity to mention The Meters. Thankfully for my obsession, When Apes Rule The Earth recently posted "Rigor Mortis" and "Funky Miracle": http://randomapes.blogspot.com/2006/05/meters-look-ka-py-py.html.
Before I go, I'm going to make one last attempt to ensure that my readers leave feeling satisfied and happy. If all else has failed, download:
"Happiness" by The Lifesavas at Music For Robots:
http://music.for-robots.com/archives/001458.html...
and/or "Love and Happiness" by the aforementioned Al Green at To Die By Your Side: http://todiebyyourside.blogspot.com/2006/05/im-looking-for-home-for-my.html.

Apologies to any of my readers who may be bored with two days of nothing but music links. However, as the title of today's post implies, music is history. Whenever I feel like justifying myself for going on a musical rampage, I can always fall back on the notion that music encompasses everything else this site promises to be about---politics, art, and life.

Some of you are thinking that shit's lame, and I don't really blame you. No fear,though--- be back soon with a post that's at least as mixed up as Tom Cruise's current thought processes.

Peace, fam...

Herb Got My Wig Fried Like A Bad Perm...

I recently came across a couple of links that helped to justify centering today's post around the Wu-Tang Clan, but truth be told, I don't require much provocation to focus my attention on one of the greatest hip-hop groups of all time:
1) Method Man has a new song with Lauryn Hill called "Things They Say"---download the mp3 at Am I High? Included in the same post are J Dilla's mix of "Secrets of the Sand" (Mood), and Pep Love's "Pacific Heights": http://amihigh.blogspot.com/2006/05/dont-underrate-my-pen.html.
2) I honestly expected to hate this, but El Michels Affair's instrumental versions of Wu classics are so dope it's fuckin' ridiculous. Mental Combat is hosting two of the joints they revisited---"C.R.E.A.M." and "Glaciers of Ice": http://mentalcombat.blogspot.com/2006/05/wu-tang-cover-versions-from-ny-funk.html.
**If you are interested in hearing more by El Michels, O-Dub posted their cover of "Walk On By" over at Soul Sides:
http://soul-sides.com/2006/05/caprells-jo-ann-garrett-el-michaels.html.
**Speaking of "Walk On By", most soul fans are familar with the Isaac Hayes version of the track. His rendition provided the musical foundation for "I Can't Go To Sleep"---a Wu-Tang track on which he also made a guest appearance. Check the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFzsgtNuXWk&search=wu-tang.
And download the mp3 here: http://impunite-zero.blogspot.com/2006/05/revue-de-web.html.
3) Most Wu fans know about this already, but you know I have to look out for my peoples still dwelling in cave-like structures. Visit their official website here: http://www.wutangcorp.com/.
4) Random Wu video madness:
"Triumph": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGtHifrp0-0&search=wu-tang.
"Reunited": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49poe2B5pMg&search=wu-tang.
"Can It Be All So Simple?": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptA9f9Xuebo&search=wu-tang.
"C.R.E.A.M": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDfToFcJ2J4&search=wu-tang.
"Glaciers Of Ice": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so2VllVA_1k&search=wu-tang.
5) Whether or not you've ever seen Bill Murray, RZA, and GZA's classic scene in the film "Coffee and Cigarettes", there's absolutely no reason not to watch it right now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwCy6yn4SDY&search=gza%20rza%20bill%20murray. Pure cinematic genius...

If you haven't yet come across the new Outkast joint "The Mighty O", you can cop a high-quality version of the mp3 at Nah Right:
http://nahright.com/news/2006/05/08/outkast-the-mighty-o-clear/.

Bows + Arrows recently posted several mp3s for any funk fans in da house. Download "It Doesn't Really Matter" (Zapp & Roger), "Agony of Defeet" (Parliament), and "Thunder Thumbs and Lightnin' Licks" (Brothers Johnson): http://www.bowsplusarrows.com/2006/05/pure-musical-satisfaction.html.

Spoilt Victorian Child is featuring two versions of "Long after Tonight Is Over"---one by Jimmy Radcliffe, the other by Irma Thomas:
http://www.spoiltvictorianchild.co.uk/2006/05/tonight-with-you.html.

No Frontin' has been back in full effect since his brief blogger hiatus. Download "I-Hi" by Devin the Dude: http://songz.blogspot.com/2006/05/then-as-it-was-then-again-it-will-be.html, and "Everybody Goes" by Royce da 5'9: http://songz.blogspot.com/2006/05/random-hip-hop-lyric.html.

Visit Rebel To America to download DJ Premier's mix of "Memory Lane" by Nas. You can also cop the original version of the track, as well as the sample source---Reuben Wilson's "We're In Love":
http://escobartheory.blogspot.com/2006/05/time-is-illmatic-pt-ii.html.

Download "Dynamite!" by The Roots at The Late Greats:
http://staergetaleht.blogspot.com/2006/05/brief-beta-alpha-cal-glance-at-my_08.html.

J-Live's joint "The Best Part" is currently available at Evan's Song A Day: http://evanryt.blogspot.com/2006/05/j-live-best-part.html.
Peace to Evan for posting a link to Souled On.

Further gratitude is extended to Obi at Soul On Ice for making me one of his "Dilated Peoples": http://obifromsouthlondon.blogspot.com/.

I'm sure that my regular readers were expecting a much larger and more diverse post, but unfortunately, I have less important things to tend to right now...like life itself. I'm still holding linkage by the ton, so expect a post tomorrow with the rest of what's good.

Until then...Blaze up whatever you like smokin'...peep those Wu vids...pay all due respect to the "sites I'm souled on"...and above all, be easy.

"Rap is a gimmick...I'm for the hip-hop, the culture"---Method Man
(I love Meth, but who stole his soul and made him start doing bad TV---not to mention pushin' all that deodorant and shit?)

Use Me...But Leave My Mind Alone

Earlier today, I randomly asked several different people to identify the man in the picture above. No one even came close to arriving at the correct answer, but I did receive a few interesting responses along the way. The most bizarre guess was Britney Spears, which of course, was a particularly stupid answer. After all, there's no way that this guy would have been idiotic enough to bear offspring with Kevin Federline.

I know that the suspense is now killing at least a few of you, so for those of you who are as perplexed as my mentally challenged sampling pool, this dude is none other than Solomon Burke---the self-proclaimed King of Rock 'N Soul. I would love to sit here and drop some knowledge about the man's legendary contribution to the world of music, but as usual, I have quite a bit of linkage, and very little time. If you're interested, you can receive a wealth of information from his official website: http://www.thekingsolomonburke.com/.
You can also download his song "What Am I Living For?", courtesy of The "B" Side. I can't say enough wonderful things about this particular recording, and if you enjoy the track, don't hesitate to further explore his discography. I can almost guarantee that you won't have any regrets:
http://redkelly.blogspot.com/2006/05/solomon-burke-what-am-i-living-for.html.

I feel the need to mention a few more highlights from recent posts over at The "B" Side. Most of the tracks featured on the site are excellent, but here are direct links to some of my personal favorites:
"Brand New Thing" by Otis Clay: http://redkelly.blogspot.com/2006/04/otis-clay-brand-new-thing-hi-2206.html.
"This Hurt Is Real" by O.V. Wright:
http://redkelly.blogspot.com/2006/03/ov-wright-this-hurt-is-real-back-beat.html.
"I'm Gonna Take What He's Got" by Etta James:
http://redkelly.blogspot.com/2006/04/etta-james-im-gonna-take-what-hes-got.html.

Speaking of Etta James, I've always liked her music, but my girl Nichele has so much love for her that I've developed an even greater appreciation for her unique style and sound. You can download another one of her songs, "The Wallflower" (w/ The Peaches) at Looking at Them. This song is part of a relatively large post, which includes a variety of tracks from a Rhino compilation called Respect: A Century Of Women In Music. Download other classics, such as "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" (Bessie Smith), "Show Some Emotion" (Joan Armatrading), "Hello Stranger" (Barbara Lewis), "Bold Soul Sister" (Ike & Tina Turner), "Remember (Walkin' In the Sand)" (The Shangri-Las), and more:
http://lookingatthem.blogspot.com/2006/05/random-classics.html.

The music of Joan Armatrading is being featured at Breath of Life this week. Included is a live version of her song "Tall in the Saddle", as well as mp3s of two of her tracks covered by other artists (Corrine Bailey Rae and Letta Mbulu):http://www.kalamu.com/bol/.

At Analog Giant, you can download a few joints from Madlib's Beat Konducta Vol 1-2: Movie Scenes:
http://analoggiant.blogspot.com/2006/04/madlibs-new-record.html.

Also at Analog Giant, you can watch the video (divided into three parts) of Stephen Colbert's brilliant speech at the recent White House Correspondents Dinner. Yes, this has been widely circulated around the internets, but this is for my peoples in the cave:
http://analoggiant.blogspot.com/2006/05/colbert-white-house-dinner.html. Props to my loyal reader Firpo for mentioning this in the first place.

Once you've witnessed what Colbert had to say, you'll want to check out Dubya's response at George Bush Is My Friend. Read this satirical e-mail, entitled "Stephen Colbert Can Eat My Ass":
http://www.satiresearch.com/go.asp?sid=47419.

Download Aretha Franklin's cover of "Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones at Some Velvet Blog:
http://somevelvetblog.blogspot.com/2006/04/sunday-covers_30.html.

Hopefully, you've already read the extensive interview with Boots Riley (The Coup) at Cocaine Blunts, but if not---time to wake up, sucka:
http://www.cocaineblunts.com/new/index.html.

Painfully brief video of Madlib and J Dilla (Jaylib) performing live:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwRwOYl6Ouo&search=j%20dilla.

Just for the hell of it...a link to one of my favoritest Madlib vids---"Slim's Return":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FEinac7X4U&search=madlib.

I haven't liked too many of the collaborations between Sergio Mendes and (insert just about any rapper's name here), but damn...this one changed the Scholar's schizophrenic mind. Download "Yes, Yes Y'all" (w/Black Thought, will.i.am, Debi Nova, and Chali 2na)
at Dilated Choonz: http://dilate.choonz.com/index.php?id=303.

Live Irma Thomas tracks are currently available at Soul Shower:
http://soulshower.blogspot.com/2006/04/irma-thomas-live-in-77.html.

As always, Remix Sunday at Palms Out Sounds was dope. I was personally most impressed about the inclusion of two Pete Rock mixes ("It's A Boy" and Respiration"). However, you can also get a different spin on songs by artists such as T.I., Lil' Kim, Gravediggaz, Nas, and more: http://palmsout.blogspot.com/2006/05/remix-sunday-13.html.

Nas also happens to be the artist featured this week for Sample Wednesday at Palms Out. Cop mp3s by The Delfonics, Joe Chambers, Whodini, Grover Washington, Jr., etc:
http://palmsout.blogspot.com/2006/05/sample-wednesday-8-nas.html.

A couple of joints by The Procussions are up at The Broke BBoys---cop "All That It Takes" and "We Gotta! (Get Up)":
http://www.brokebboys.com/2006/05/procussions-on-rawkus-records.html.

Mp3s for several underground hip-hop joints are now available at Eric's Archives. Cop tracks by Erule, Self Scientific, K-Otix, The Beatnuts, Amhad Jamal and more: http://ericsarchives.blogspot.com/2006/04/random-friday.html

Before I head back to the Mothership, I want to thank Cacophony and Coffee (http://cacophonyandcoffee.blogspot.com/), as well as Rebel To America ( http://escobartheory.blogspot.com/2006/05/roundup-pt-iii.html) for their support.

Peace, bitches.