A theme post? Sure why not. Recently I’ve noticed I’ve been listening to a mess of really heavy songs (as least according to what my iTunes is telling me). I’m not sure what the connection is to my listening habits as of late, but it seemed like a good reason to showcase some new and old cuts I’ve been giving play.

Round 1 - Chaka Khan w/ Mary J. Blidge. You read right. This is some hard shit here. I really have no idea where this is from, or what the story is with it. I know it’s new and it sounds like some Rich Harrison formula shit. I’ve been bumping this as of late, so I figured I’d spread it around. Anyone got any info on this cut? Spill it, cause I’m all ears.

Chaka Khan - Disrespectful (feat. Mary J. Blige)

Round 2 - Saigon - DAMN. I admit, I was not feeling the Saigon stuff I was hearing, but this cut is FIYAH! Of course, Just Blaze is on the beat and it’s nuts. I keep thinking I’m going to get sick of Just Blaze beats, but they keep coming. I’m pretty sure his secret weapon is dippin into rock records (shhhhh!). This cut is killin it and is heavy rotation. Keep your earholes ready for the album soon coming.

Saigon - Don’t You Baby (yet unreleased?)

Round 3 - Willie Hutch. That’s right, we dippin way back on this one. From the Foxy Brown OST, this is a recent favorite of mine. I’m not sure why. I think it just hits that same vein for me that Baby Huey did with Hard Times (we’ll save that for another post). There’s just something about it that gets me. It’s thick, it’s heavy, and it’s even got the bongos cracka lackin. Willie works it out, no doubt. SO good. R.I.P.

Willie Hutch - Out There

PS - The homie Hugh Knight is on the block - check it

The homie Kevin Mega dropped this one on me last night. I got a soft spot for the girl, but apparently I missed this new cut. Once again, the “formula” works well for Amerie: hard ass break + slightly odd, common samples (mostly stabs) = banger (repeat). If this is again Rich Harrison (anyone confirm?), you can’t knock the man’s game. The One Thing flip was crazy nice, and Love’s Off The Chain was a throwback to loop rockin’. Though production wise not too groundbreaking here, Hate 2 Love U again working that formula to great result.

Amerie - Hate 2 Love U

SOUNDS GOOD WITH
i don’t like to sample spot too much, but it’s not like this is a deep one - and the OG is a classic.

Kool & The Gang - Give It Up

Amerie got R&Bizzle on lock! Rumor has it the new album is dropping in 07 and this time around she don’t need a Richard Harrison beat for her first single (not a dis, just nice to break the formula). Here’s some cuts off the mixtape that’s floating around. Cee Lo laid it down for “Take Control”, and “Money Maker” is just a mixtape special with Amerie flowing over that Ludacris beat - but I ain’t mad. I’d much rather listen to this version anyway. Do your thing girl!

Amerie - Take Control

Amerie - That’s What You Are

Amerie - Money Maker (Luda beat)

BONUS CUT
Amerie - Love’s Off The Chain (older b-side)