Archive for the ‘R&B’ Category

0151 Big Boi feat. A$AP Rocky & Phantogram – Lines @ 2:04

Tuesday, February 19th, 2013

“…the lines we’ve crossed, the lines we crossed, have always been why I’ve lost..”

This is such a strong album, I would have liked to have seen this given some respect at the Grammys. Big Boi is in a position to do whatever he wants, and here he goes crossover working with Wavves, Little Dragon, Jai Paul, and a group called Phantogram. Wait till you hear her voice below (@ 0:24). Combine that with a screwed intro, clipped sample, A$AP and Big Boi, and you’ve got a barn burner.

Lines 1:41 – 2:26

From Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, released through Def Jam Records, 2012

0146 Usher – Climax @ 0:32

Friday, January 25th, 2013

It’s not surprising to see Diplo (who produced this track) get put on by the mainstream. But I am surprised that he manages to sneak in a signature bass club “drop the hammer” sound effect. He’s letting us know he’s holding back a little, but still staying true to his original sound. Listen for it at 0:07 below.

Climax 0:24 – 0:37

From Looking 4 Myself, released through RCA Records, 2012

0142 The XX – Sunset @ 3:04

Monday, October 8th, 2012

There were lots of choices on this standout track from the new XX album. I had 2 parts chosen as the best part, when I realized it’s this part at the end that has it. It’s the post club, post dubstep, underwater atmospherics that take this part to the next level. It’s Jamie XX’s shout out to London, to Burial, and to his contemporaries in the happening UK bass scene. It’s a headphone listen, and oh man I’m hoping for a remix to hear this part get extended.  Best Part on the clip below at 0:33.

Sunset 2:30 – 3:15

From Coexist, released through Young Turks Records, 2012

Related Posts:

http://www.thebestpartsofsongs.com/2011/03/0111-jamie-xx-gil-scott-heron-ill-take-care-of-you-044/
http://www.thebestpartsofsongs.com/2010/06/0079-the-xx-stars-246/

0141 Frank Ocean – Pyramids @ 6:22

Monday, September 24th, 2012

“hit the strip and my bills paid, that keep my bills paid..”

It’s that trumpet part, oh man, sing it Frank. This guy is the next Prince.

Pyramids 6:14 – 6:52

From Channel Orange, released through Def Jam Records, 2012

Related:

The Video
SNL Performance with John Mayer
The Best Parts of Songs: 0131 Frank Ocean – Thinking About You @ 0:50

0133 Robert Glasper Experiment – Consequence of Jealousy @ 0:30

Sunday, March 25th, 2012

“Eeaaaassssiier for you”

It makes me happy that music like this still gets made. If there’s anyone to channel the great black soul and r&b music that came out the late 60′s and early 70′s, it’s Robert Glasper. Here, he brings on Meshell Ndegeocello for a late night lounge, piano soul romp through jazz history and back again. This is the re-re-birth of cool.

Consequence of Jealousy 0:19 – 0:48

From Black Radio , released through Blue Note Records, 2012

0131 Frank Ocean – Thinking About You @ 0:50

Monday, February 27th, 2012

“oh do you not think so far ahead, cause I’ve been thinking ’bout foreva”

Filtered synth and a drum pattern, but this lil ditty has soul.  He’s got an album coming out soon. You gotta respect that he told Kanye he doesn’t want him on the album, and that he’d rather do it on his own.

Thinking about You 0:50 – 1:25

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Unreleased

0130 Drake – Over My Dead Body @ 2:15

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

best part of over my dead body

“over my dead body”

The first time I heard this it was on some terrible speakers, and I didn’t quite hear it right. My friend was also making fun of Drake’s sing songy rap style. But damn, hearing it on headphones, yes, this is why I have this blog. To post these special moments of musical bliss. Those lil drums in the background, the way she says ‘baby’, shit man.

Shout out to Drake for the Take Care billboard too, so slick.

Over My Dead Body 2:15 – 2:35

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From Take Care, released through Cash Money Records, 2011

0114 Diddy Dirty Money – Coming Home @ :017

Friday, March 25th, 2011

“my kingdom awaits…”

You’ll appreciate how good this song is if you take a road trip to NY State without your Ipod and you’re stuck with only the car radio. You hear this part and for :30 seconds, maybe more if you include the Diddy part, you’ll forget about exactly how many times you hit seek on your rental Toyota Matrix stereo system. Her name is Skylar Grey, she’s on the new Dr. Dre track too.

Coming Home 0:00 – :29

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From Last Train to Paris, released through Bad Boy records, 2010.