Top 10 Playlist, Vol. 4

And now for the latest addition to the Top 10 Playlists! The tracks below are all winners.  Some are from artists already included in this blog, and some are artists you will see posts about in the future. So, click 'play' below and add some fantastic music to your weekend. 

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Album Preview::Common - "The Dreamer/The Believer"

Just caught a first glimpse of two tracks off of Common's new upcoming album, The Dreamer, the Believer, due out on December 20th, 2011. Produced by No I.D., the album unveils a fresh electronica-fueled feel to back up Common's artistic flow, and includes guest appearances by two legendary poets, Nas and Maya Angelou. Below you will find videos for "Blue Sky", "So Sweet", and a behind the scenes promo video of the album photo-shoot.

"So Sweet" (filmed in Haiti) was originally only made available online with a $1 donation to J/P Haitian Relief Organization. It's now available for free, but Common continues to raise money to support relief efforts in Haiti.



Maya Angelou on Common:

“I wanted to speak about Common, who is extremely uncommon. When I first heard him, I knew he was rare. I thought, my goodness, this young man…hello. So good, so talented, well raised. When I met his mother, I understood much. I will always support him. I know that I stand on the shoulders of great men and women. And I know there are young men and women who stand upon my shoulders” - Maya Angelou

Seriously. Is there anything this guy does that isn't awesome? Loved by Maya Angelou? Raising money for Haiti? New album? Oh, and he just released a new autobiography, "One Day it Will all Make Sense", that is a New York Times Bestseller. Sick. And the ladies love him. Read why you should too here.

Kanye, Common, Pusha T, Kid Cudi, Big Sean & Charlie Wilson:: "Good Friday"

Good Friday


I recently found Good Friday while trolling some other fantastic music blogs. The track is sick, especially the infused piano hook, and the driving bass. A great tune to pump up your day. Are you ready to go? La La La Lala...

Misty Blue

Black Star:: "Respiration" :: Concert Follow-up

Before the show last night we all agreed that the best thing that could happen during a Black Star concert in Chicago would be Common joining Mos and Talib for "Respiration". About an hour into the encore the crowd's energy had gone from intense to bonkers, but no "Respiration". Then when we all thought our hopes may not come to pass, BAM! The below happened. I have never seen a crowd respond in such a frenzy like they did here, surging towards the stage, screaming, and jumping in pure bliss.



Maybe I have rose-colored glasses on 1-day post-concert. Maybe my shattered eardrums have affected my judgement. But I would argue that the show last night may have been the best I have ever seen. Yes, I said it. The best. The energy was so infectious, and you could see Mos and Talib were eating it up. Chicago, man. Wow. What a show. Not to be forgotten. Escuche la. La ciudad respirando.


Respiration