I’m back. 

Valentine’s Day is around the corner; the Saints won the Super Bowl Big Game (my bad, NFL people) and I’m sitting here typing this bad boy.  It’s been a difficult time since my car accident, but I’m hanging in there.  I should have something witty or funny to say right now, but I’ll save all that for the rundown guide for this week. 

Gil Scott-Heron - I’m New Here [XL Recording]

Let’s begin this shindig with a bang: Gil Scott-Heron.  Those of you who know your Hip-Hop history should be familiar with this man, said by many music historians as the godfather of rap music.  But it’s been a rough road for Gil: an addiction to cocaine that put Gil in the pen numerous times throughout his career. But there is a sliver lining in the tale. XL boss Richard Russell met Gil while visiting him in Rikers Island. Together, they put out an album that is way surpassed anything that I can imagine, whether it’s Hip-Hop, soul, blues or any other genre you can think of.  Rather than give you my critique, go here and take a gander.

Sade - Soldier of Love [Sony]

I’ll just go out and say this. Sade is definitely MILF material.  I mean, she’s 50-years-old and yet—shit, she still looks hot.  And I don’t mean that in a polite “Oh you’re so pretty. You have a nice face” type of all.  No.  I mean…OK, I can’t say without getting into a lot of trouble. As for the music, it’s amazing how she’s been able to keep up with the times and yet still find a place to be herself.  That is true mark of an artist, ladies and gentlemen.  The title track is just amazing, with a militaristic drums stomping along while Sade sings with her smooth and tortured voice. Just amazing.

Rockabye Baby! - Rockabye Baby!  Lullaby Renditions of Journey [Rockabye Baby Music]

I know by now, you’re thinking, “Man, all this stuff is just way too loud for head. I want something that will put my weary ass to sleep. However, I also want to it to rock!  Will there ever be something that will combine the two?”

Yes. Yes, there is.  I’ve covered other albums from this label before and I’m just amazed as to the amount of albums they’ve put out. They even have a Bob Marley rendition of lullabyes.  Seriously, a Bob Marley album you can relaxed too without the used of controlled substances.  Nifty, ain’t it?  And yes, in case you were wondering, this album of Journey does have “Don’t Stop Believin’”.  You can actually hear it here if you want.

Canibus - Melatonin Magik [War Lab Records]

Remember this dude?  He had a little bit of fame by dissing L.L. Cool J, Wyclef and, on this new album, Eminem. Yep, he’s going after Marshall Matters. Truth be told, Canibus is one of the unappreciated rappers out there. It’s a typical case of solid rappers not getting the shine he deserve due to poor promotion by the label, weak production, poor distribution, or a combination of all three.  Melatonin Magik has Canibus spitting some nice lyrics. Though not on par with his debut album, Can-I-bus, he’s still got the skills to blow away most of the rappers today. 

P.S. You know that rap feud with LL Cool J?  Canibus won that.  FACT.

Georgia Anne Muldrow - Kings Ballad [Ubiquity Records]

It doesn’t seem that long ago when I let you guys know about Georgia Anne Muldrow.  Matter of fact it just a few months ago I clued you in on her latest album Early.  Well, a few months have passed and she’s already got another joint to pique those ears:  Kings Ballas. To say that this is another typical Neo-Soul album would be insulting to her. Though she does travel familiar territory, she takes the journey with in a pink Cadillac, complete with shark fins in the back and rolling on hydraulics. The second track “Doobie Down” is just a plain funky tune, with the bass part being provided by what I think is a tuba (I could be wrong.  The quality of the audio sample was pretty low).  But please check it out if you can.