Digital Crates: Jay-Z – The African Way

It's been a while since I shared some of the things I come across when digging crates digitally for music, mixtapes and the like. One that is in high rotation in my world right now is the audio documentary/ remix project by SA DJ, producer, creative director and consultant Papercutt (Thabang Moloto) has put together called Jay Z: The African Way.  Drawing from Jay Z's American Gangster work in accapella, he has created a mashup with iconic South African and Lesotho music from artists like Sankomota, Miriam Makeba, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbuli, Jonas Gwangwa and even...

read more

Digital Crates: DJ Chicken George

In the beginning: When I came to the realisation that, to hear good music, I couldn’t solely depend on radio, television, record labels and all the other components of the ‘formal’ music industry for music – because for many, it is simply a business, man. I stumbled upon DJ Chicken George. Talib Kweli either tweeted about him or tweeted him and, for some reason, that I can’t remember, I felt compelled enough to search out his podcasts, Peddlin’ Jazztronica!, starting with iTunes and then also on his site. While hip hop remains a strong foundation, Chicken George marries that cultural...

read more

Digital Crates: TVOne’s Unsung

Our stories hold lessons that others could benefit from. While there are those whose journey is smooth, without nary a ruffle, for most of us, life is an exercise in experience gathering, not always positive but generally of value, even when it doesn't seem to at the time. The idea of artists being overnight sensations is one that some try to push but the reality is that, for many, the trip to stardom is littered with potholes, burning drums and other potentially apocalyptic trials. In some ways, this is what makes the achievement even sweeter. We put people on pedestals. We celebrate their...

read more

Random Thoughts: Justin Bieber

A truly random post after an extended period of silence. This past weekend, I joined thousands of tiny and teenyboppers in the trek to FNB Stadium to watch Justin Bieber perform courtesy of 5FM on a night when many a father was a giant in their daughter's eyes, at least for the night. It was also Mother's Day and to see so many mothers and daughters bonding was also wonderful. My view of Bieber was altered by the documentary Never Say Never which gave a peek into his life before and after his discovery and the people around him, including his manager Scooter Braun who 'discovered' him....

read more

Snoop’s Reincarnated

Snoop Lion's new reggae album Reincarnated has been posted online to live stream until the release of the album next week. I have said before I'm not sure how I feel about this reincarnation but I suspect this is one of those albums that will need multiple listens and a fresh, unbiased view. For example, with Lighters Up, while I am feeling the production, I would have loved it more as simply a Mavado and Popcaan track. On the other hand, I'm definitely feeling So Long. [youtube]http://youtu.be/vIVK8WYBEuI[/youtube] The  featured artists are kind of random and include Miley Cyrus and Drake....

read more

Father, Son & The Music of Michael Jackson

The Jackson 5 kind of looked like me. Sung nothing like me, fortunately. Reflected a life I thought fun and colourful. My father still has the Off The Wall record. It is my favourite Michael Jackson album - musicianship of the highest order. I do appreciate it more now that I’m older. It wasn’t always that way. My favourite used to be Thriller. I remember when Thriller came out. I was 10, going on 11. I got a ‘Michael Jackson’ haircut. I remember the Thriller video – a betamax – doing the rounds. I remember getting the jacket. I remember the Billie Jean performance at Motown’s 25th...

read more