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31 Flavors of Love - The Ultimate Valentine's Day Hip-Hop Mix · by Oh Word
Rappers got a lot of love. They got love for their hood, their crew, their moms… They especially love hip-hop and they won’t let you forget it. In fact they love hip-hop so much that they make lots of songs where they personify and feminize their microphone (Masta Ace – “Hold U”), the track they are rhyming to (J-Live “Kick it to the Beat”, Pharoahe Monch “Rape”) or hip-hop in general (Common Sense – “I Used to Love H.E.R.” and a million songs since).
One thing they don’t do too well is romance. If a rapper is speaking with love for a particular female, there are about even odds that she’s just a metaphor. Over here at Oh Word we like literate chicks and they see through that metaphor game right away. They also don’t tolerate too much debasement. Sure a little playfulness and frank talk makes for good foreplay but what honey is going to swing the episode to the back-seat of your jeep if you’re gonna tell her “don’t lie – take it in your eye”.
Running smooth game is about finding balance. You want to set the right mood for sexy-time without being disgusting. You want to let the girl know she’s special without coming off soft. Pimping ain’t easy. And with that in mind we’ve created this romantic and flirtatious mix of 31 dope love songs that should please hip-hop fans of either gender.
You can use this for your special lady friend come Valentine’s Day. And don’t say we never helped you get laid.
1. Prince Paul You Made Me (AKC)
Since it’s Prince Paul, we’re fairly certain there’s some kind of massively twisted inside-joke embedded in this beautiful instrumental. If you figure it out, please don’t let us in on it.
2. Pharohe Monch The Light
Monch’s “The Light” stands the test of time better than Common’s.
3. Pete Rock and CL Smooth Searching
This was a respectable rap ballad with an R&B hook in an era when any track softer than “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’” was readily dismissed.
4. Pharcyde She Said (Amsterdam Version)
The Pharcyde will be forever remembered for their obnoxiously overplayed ode to unrequited love but this remix of “She Said” by Jay Dee may be their finest moment.
5. The Roots f/ D’angelo The ‘Notic
On a superior remix that was curiously relegated to the Men In Black soundtrack, Black Thought longs for a reunion with an old flame while D’Angelo breathes new life into an Earth, Wind, and Fire chorus.
6. Count Bass D w/ Dionne Farris Seven Years
Rap tends to celebrate the excesses of bachelorhood but Count Bass D. and his MPC make settling down with wifey sound nearly as palatable as the fast life .
7. Eric B. & Rakim What’s On Your Mind
The God MC seduces a high-class queen with the irresistible combination of pure game and The Cosby Show, over a sample from ‘Curious’ by Midnight Star.
8. Boogiemonsters Honeydips In Gotham
Ugly sistas be quiet; this joint is dedicated to the cocoa-buttered down mocha-brown ‘dips you’ll see in Washington Square Park on a hazy day in June.
9. Bahamadia I Confess (The Roots Remix)
The Roots back their Philly sister Bahamadia’s incomparable flow and transform the cheesy original into the definitive fly love song.
10. A Tribe Called Quest Electric Relaxation
Ronnie Foster’s “Mystic Brew” was already shimmering gem even before the Tribe intervened.
11. OC Can’t Go Wrong
On his sophomore LP the D.I.T.C. wordsmith eschewed lurid tales of wayward bisexual temptresses for an espousal of devotion to his hypnotizing, mesmerizing high-school sweetheart over DJ Ogee’s understated but soulful production.
12. World Renown Butter Love
Yet another K-Def diamond-in-the-rough that never saw the light of day? You don’t say! Title says it all – neither Parkay nor margarine.
13. Jungle Brothers Black Woman
The most adventurous, least celebrated, and most spiteful Native Tongue affiliates take a break from bragging about their dicks to wax rhapsodic on love and respect.
14. Method Man f/ Mary J. Blige You’re all I Need (Razor Sharp Edit)
The next snap-hop YouTube rap star was likely conceived to the ghostly thump of this respectful interpretation of Marvin and Tammy’s haunting duet.
15. Rumpletilskinz Sweet Therapy
If you only caught their videos, you’d assume that life in Uniondale, Long Island consisted mostly of stomping through vacant lots but people there also fall in love.
16. Ghostface Camay
Admittedly, having a girlfriend who holds a managerial position at Paragon would be kind of ill.
17. Lost Boyz Renee (remix)
Finally, a song tailored specifically to legal scholar/thug relationships.
18. Goodie Mob Beautiful Skin
Quirkily romantic and yet convincing.
19. Black Star Brown Skin Lady
A song so good its horrific hook is soon forgotten.
20. Lord Finesee Let’s Get It On (instr)
We’re all sensitive people and we all need a cigarette/ wine break, right?
21. Guru ft. N’Dea Davenport Trust Me
Guru as nebbish fretting over his insecurities to a nurturing and sexy N’Dea Davenport; a romantic comedy on wax.
22. KMD Plumskinz
Peachfuzz or not, Zev Luv X. and co. needed to get theirs, too, and they did so, over a sample of Bobbi Humphrey’s scintillating “Black and Blues.”
23. Digable Planets Swoon Units
Think Jet Screamer wooing Judy Jetson in the midst of a hashish haze.
24. Lone Catalysts Ayanna Monet
Making a pass at Posdnous’ daughter in the future on some ol’ next shit.
25. Poor Righteour Teachers Shakiyla
Wise Intelligent kicks elevated game, Culture Freedom warbles.
26. Lord Finesse Gameplan
The original Funkyman suggests that he gets women “open like a Ceasarean” and still gets the drawers.
27. Devin the Dude Too Cute
You know the interludes in When Harry Met Sally where couples sit down to talk about how they almost didn’t get together. Imagine one of those but with a chick who probably is “too cute” and a stoner named Devin as the dude.
28. Al-Tariq Nikki
Post-Beatnuts and newly converted to Islam, Fashion is smitten by a sensational shorty.
29. De La Soul Eye Know
Otis Redding’s whistle, overt samples from Steely Dan’s ode to an, ahem, art film star, and good clean De La flirtation
30. UGK f/ Outkast International Players anthem
Andre’s whole verse especially “spaceships dont come equipped with rearview mirrors” outweigh the bravado from his concerned groomsmen.
31. Trendz of Culture Valley Of The Skinz
Vignettes of a “ghetto Romeo and Juliet” over hard drums and iridescent excerpts taken from Roy Ayers’ “Everybody Loves The Sunshine.”
Download all 31 tracks here.
Complimentary CD-R cover here.
2. Pharohe Monch The Light
Monch’s take on the Stevie Wonder classic stands the test of time better than Common’s.
^^ You aint neva lied!
— Willy Mo Feb 12, 02:26 PM
“Hmmm, I didn’t wanna play myself out, I played it off, stopped and I bought a Guinness Stout”
Can’t be taught…
— J-Mass Feb 12, 02:32 PM
i forgot about the prince paul cut. i always wondered if there was some underlying shit i missed, given the nature of the project it was released on, but i am ok to be ignorant, b/c that jawn is so beautiful. nice comp.
— khal Feb 12, 02:42 PM
Quick correction on “What’s On Your Mind”- that’s not a Marvin vocal sample. That’s “Curious” by Midnight Star. That notwithstanding… good list, especially the Pharcyde remnix that only I seem to remember amongst my circle of friends.
— DANJ! Feb 12, 02:49 PM
Dan J – thanks – why in the hell did I associate the vocal sample with Marvine Gaye? I need to stop drinking champagne in the mid-afternoon….
— R.H.S. Feb 12, 02:57 PM
stevie wonder wasn’t sampled for “the light”.
bobby caldwell provided the vocal hook, and the detroit emeralds provided the drums.
— M*REEZY Feb 12, 02:58 PM
Great comp fellas. Imma get my groove on a couple of days early… ;)
(Alternatively, I’ll spend the rest of my free time this evening geekily revising the Illmatic Deconstructed post. Eff it, love can wait.)
Peace,
Dan
— Dan Love Feb 12, 03:47 PM
M Reezy – my bad again. I wrote this at 4 a.m. Rafi, edit the damn thing before I’m humiliated further.
— R.H.S. Feb 12, 04:07 PM
Done and doner.
— Rafi Feb 12, 04:11 PM
Camay by Ghostface. Thats my shhhhh right there. Alot of good picks here.
Let me light the candles and find a groupie lol ;-)
— Donny Goines Feb 12, 05:42 PM
nice selection
— Bless 1 Feb 12, 06:49 PM
Amazing list. LOVE the cover.
— AaronM Feb 12, 07:03 PM
excellent stuff brah…Rumpletilskinz, Boogie Monsters- havent heard them in a long minute.
— CommishCH Feb 12, 07:05 PM
Dope mix…peep my valentine’s day love fest mix tape…. free download..
http://www.snapdrive.net/qs/60e46d6e42a9
makes a great gift..with some flowers
— eddie beats Feb 12, 09:04 PM
lol@that pic. funny stuff
— Trey Stone Feb 12, 09:34 PM
i got the “i confess” remix cassette single somewhere in my childhood bedroom back in Seattle. nice mix but re: the light, i think common’s version aged better. i liked pharaohe’s more at first but i think common’s vulnerability got to me in the end.
— jb Feb 12, 11:01 PM
I’m feeling the new music player! Outside of the Breath of Life website, this will now be my new “radio station” of choice at work.
— Vee Feb 13, 09:32 AM
donny g… does this mean you are gonna give us some groupie stories now?!
— Lady Chavez and Fluffgirl Feb 13, 11:04 AM
I think Black Shampoo from Wu Tang Forever should be on here. U God’s cornball ode at the end of double LP world excited still amuses me.
— Thought Pageant Feb 13, 11:33 AM
R.H.S.-
I was actually saying that “Beautiful Skin” should have been in the mix twice (jk). I was so absent minded yesterday
You’re right about the LL thing too.
In all reality this is a GREAT mix. My hat goes off to you guys…
— Benner Feb 13, 12:13 PM
Nice! Would have liked to have seen J Rawls “Far Away” on this mix, but ain’t complaining.
— dvnb Feb 13, 01:06 PM
cool. would have also enjoyed “mind sex” by dead prez
— Purpose Feb 13, 02:35 PM
The light isn’t a sample of Stevie Wonder classic(though I see why you assumed that) it’s actually Bobby Caldwell
— Wanderland Feb 13, 02:57 PM
I considered J. Rawls feat. Apani and Mr Complex “Far Away” because it is a beautiful song but upon further inspection it is not actually a song about romantic love…
LOL@ “Mind Sex.” Fuck outta here with that crouton hemp backpack crap.
Just kidding, relax… “Mind Sex” is an ok song in theory and the beat is good but those guys aren’t exactly smooth with it…
— R.H.S. Feb 13, 03:36 PM
why? we feel like if you can manage to make something semi-lyrical out our croutons and futons, you deserve a spot on the list!...oh and “a fresh bed of lettuce” haha
— Lady Chavez and Fluffgirl Feb 13, 04:02 PM
Peace and Respect,
From Prince Paul to Shakila and then some… better than good list—I can even say great to this. Keep the Creativity Mega.
Peace and Respect,
JAW
— JAW Feb 13, 05:24 PM
Has anyone listened to this in its entirety and in the order it was intended? Not to toot our own horns (no Fred Wesley) but I think rafi and I did a great job on this one. It would be extra dope if someone made an actual (well, 21st century internet) continuous mix of this…
— R.H.S. Feb 13, 05:34 PM
oh man, “mind sex”...growing up “let’s get free” (along with “blackstar” and anything by the roots) was like the default hip hop album for white punk rockers – I wanted very badly to like it based on the ideas alone but even then I was put off by how corny they were. I mean, I’ve been vegan for eight years and even I can’t defend “be healthy” (drink water/eight glasses a day/cause that’s what they say – wtf?). the first four or five tracks are great though – a very (very) poor man’s knockoff of PE.
fine list – that KMD joint has one of my favorite beats of all time.
— padraig Feb 13, 05:53 PM
“cool. would have also enjoyed “mind sex” by dead prez”
I don’t know about anybody else but my seduction technique involves croutons, futons and chess…
60% of the time it works, every time.
— DocZeus Feb 13, 07:02 PM
All of these songs are dope, but tracks 7-9? Retarded. They really work well together.
“Honeydips in Gotham” was the jam. That Eric B and Rakim song, and all of the album cuts never got enough praise. And somehow, I had never heard that Bahamadia remix.
— eauhellzgnaw Feb 13, 08:08 PM
@ R.H.S.
I listened through the whole thing in the order it was posted over 2 sessions. It definitely does flow well together, it was probably just over an hour per listening session and it seemed like time flew. Great work.
— theory Feb 14, 07:42 AM
“Wildflower” Ghostface
“Teenage Love” Slick Rick
“Just a Friend” Biz.
LL COOL J????
— Peter Piper Feb 14, 11:05 AM
Oh you know you’re right . “Wildflower” would have fit in PERFECTLY. Good call.
— R.H.S. Feb 14, 01:22 PM
This Mix needs Rhymefest’s “Build Me Up”
— BR Feb 14, 02:27 PM
It may be a little morbid, but Pharcyde’s “The Rubbers Song” is a lost gem of a B-side, innit?
— Levi Feb 14, 02:30 PM
^ Rhymefest’s “Build Me Up” is another song that totally wouldn’t fit the vibe of this collection.
I am a fan of the song though and included it in our 2006 mixtape
— Rafi Feb 14, 02:33 PM
Oh and the only LL Cool J love song that isn’t a travesty is the remix of “Loungin”. Real talk.
— R.H.S. Feb 14, 02:51 PM
Dope list except missed 1 of my favs: Cormega “Coco Butter”
— KingShabazz Feb 15, 12:31 AM
After catching up on the last 2 months’ worth of posts, I now squarely believe that Ohword switching it’s whole style will be as permanent as a S. Carter retirement. Can’t leave rap alone…
Great job guys.
— Sach Feb 23, 07:43 AM
I used to argue with my friend that in Renee they were coming back from John Jay COLLEGE in Hells Kitchen (my neighborhood). My friend thought they were coming back from John Jay HIGH SCHOOL in Brooklyn (his neighborhood).
— jf Feb 26, 12:14 AM
Nice call on the Count Bass D track, too fresh.
— Jason Mar 2, 05:06 AM
Nice tracks, I digg this stuff.
— Roca La Famila Mar 15, 05:15 PM
King Sun “Hey Love”....Man I am too Old School for you cats…
— CP Apr 6, 10:45 PM
Yeah you are.
You’re like 2 months behind us I’d say.
— Rafi Apr 6, 11:13 PM
LOL@ people still insisting that we should’ve included songs that were blatantly misogynistic and/or psychologically twisted ….
— R.H.S. Apr 7, 08:30 PM
this are all old songs, this is a site with new HIP-HOP LOVE MUSIC http://kiddo.clan.su
— queppa Apr 11, 12:48 PM
sexual seduction!
— snoop May 8, 11:07 PM
Raekwon “Ice Cream” feat. Ghostface, Cappadonna & Method Man
I own it on a purple cassette and…
— treese May 29, 02:17 AM
Maaannnn, that Boogiemonsters was MY SHIT back in middle school. The whole tape was fresh. Dope list overall!
— MetroGnome Aug 21, 03:17 PM
Great work on this mix…I am mad late on this, but who cares…love the site…keep it up…I am throwin’ this mix up on the blog…
— iLLVibes Sep 6, 02:20 PM
Yeah terrrrific mix. I really almost downloaded all the songs indep. and didnt realize there was a link
How about Whatever you say by little brother?
fits the vibe don’t it?
— Joe Russo Sep 14, 02:56 AM
ya’ll forgot about mind sex – by dead prez…that the ultimate in pussy seduction!
— hiphopchamp Dec 13, 01:11 PM
Yo…This ish is incredible! Real hip-hop! Thanks a million. If you can’t get no ass on this one…something must be wrong with the twizzard!
— DJ H.I.M. Feb 12, 04:27 PM
LL cool j – i need love
slick rick – teenage love
— fernaste spumante Mar 26, 01:57 PM
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Waiting for a reply :-D, Noella.
— Noella Mar 29, 08:34 PM
Hi, Ohword.com staff, I am the publicist for Antagonist, who has just completed a mixtape collaboration with Southern Entertainment Award Winner DJ Ames titled “International.” I have attached the download information with a packet of the music and would greatly appreciate it if you would consider featuring his mixtape for reviews and interviews. Attached to the e-mail is a press release, a download packet etc. Antagonist is a great up-and-coming artist with a great story line, great production, and is a top-notch professional in the music business. We would greatly appreciate a review on the album, a spot featuring his songs, or a feature story in your publication. Enjoy these great tracks by Antagonist.
-Jason Blasco
JMB Publicity and Publicist for The Hook
Vice President of Full Circle Entertainment Management in Boca Raton, Fla.
(209) 275-9458
JMBPublicity@gmail.com
also check out Jim Jonsin’s www.beatbakery.com , turning beats into bread
Check out my latest interview with Taylor Hicks on Dale Kawashima’s songwriteruniverse.com :
DOWNLOAD LINK: http://rapidshare.com/files/218706372/DJ_AMES_PRESENTS_-_ANTAGONIST_-_INTERNATIONAL.zip
DJ AMES PRESENTS:
ANTAGONIST
“INTERNATIONAL”
INTERNATIONAL INFO:
Fresh off his “Mixtape Host of the Year” award at the Southern Entertainment awards, UK’s DJ Ames has joined forces with rising superstar Antagonist to create “International”. A mere two months from the release of Antagonist’s critically acclaimed mixtape “Blood Diamondz”, these two gentlemen have created a classic. “International” is a poignant tale of struggle, of a man destined to take over the industry by any means possible. Starting off with a bang, “Benjamin Lipz” is vintage Antagonist at his best. Spitting over a “Cake” reminiscent track, by French producer JacoJack, Ant rides the beat with the greatest of ease. He exhales many memorable punch-lines, and begins this sermon by proving his flows are beyond legit. “C’est La Vie” comes next, and is an Antagonist produced Lo-Fi banger. Ant delivers a unique commentary on the necessity to remain optimistic, even in these times of extreme duress. The chorus oozes emotion, and will have folks everywhere saying “Ooooh Yeah” in that old Bob Marley type fashion. Can you say, “summer-time anthem”?. Two of the disks best chances at platinum single success come quickly after. Production team Stevie K and Courtez Banks aka The Hook provide a choppy backdrop for “Caught Up”, a perfect tale of club love turned real. Antagonist often finds himself at best when speaking to the female’s, and this is one of his finest sonnets. At the same quality, yet very different, “Rock Star” is like something you’ve never heard before. Ant’s blend of rock and hip hop has finally succeeded where so many have failed before. Not only is this track a pop mega-hit in the making, but it’s pure song-writing bravado. Antagonist produced this track as well, and played the guitar parts. The authenticity of both the hip hop, and rock genre’s shines through, and proves the depth of Antagonist’s artistry. Pounding on harder, the further it goes, “International” provides a wealth of wonderful music, and a welcome escape from today’s monotony. From the block burner’s “In the Streets”, “Movin Forward”, and “I’m Right Herrrrrrre” to the out-there tangents of “Dulce Como El Azucar”, and “Crazy”, Antagonist proves he’s comfortable on a variety of instrumentals, and absolutely shines on every track he touches. The best part about this CD is the growth Antagonist is showing in such a short period of time. Confidence leads to expression, and no punches are held back here. Elevating beyond the street themes permeating his last several offerings, Antagonist shows a very deep side of his character on “Alone”, “Take Me Away”, and “Crazy”. All of these tracks are Antagonist produced, and they all share a similar stripped-down, raw appeal. It’s as if Ant has tapped into the collective conscious of the world, and is regurgitating it back to the masses from his own unique perspectives. That’s the sign of a star, and that is exactly what Antagonist has risen to with “International”. Although we believe International, is exactly where Antagonist is going, it’s apparent he hasn’t forgotten his roots. Ant steps back into a pair of chucks and gives Cali a fine nod on the Maro produced “LoLo”, and the self-produced “My Life”. As a whole, this the type of project that comes along every 10 years. This a CD that will propel a rising artist into a worldwide phenomenon. It’s amazing that this is simply a mixtape, for it could outlast many albums. Adios, goodbye, we see you’re about to go on an adventure Anthony, and it’s going to take you to the top!
TRACK LISTING:
1. Chuuuuch (Intro) Produced by: Antagonist
2. Benjamin Lipz – Produced by: JacoJack
3. C’est La Vie – Produced by: Antagonist
4. Caught Up – Produced by: The Hook
5. Lock on the Doors Ft. Real Life – Produced by: Slayer
6. Rock Star – Produced by: Antagonist
7. 48 Days (Interlude) – Produced by: Nikki Nitro
8. In The Streets – Produced by: Antagonist
9. My Life – Produced by: Antagonist
10. LoLo – Produced by: Maro
11. I’m Right Herrrrrre – Produced by: Cam Bodia
12. Crazy – Produced by: Antagonist
13. Movin Forward – Produced by: Stupid Genius
14. The Hook Interlude
15. Dulce Como El Azucar – Produced by: Antagonist
16. You Can See It – Produced by: Antagonist
17. Love – Produced by: Antagonist
18. Alone – Produced by: Antagonist
19. Take Me Away – Produced by: Antagonist
20. Punani (Outro) – Hidden Bonus Track – Produced by: Antagonist
CONTACT ANTAGONIST & CALIFLORIDA PRODUCTIONS:
califloridaproductions@gmail.com
www.mrantagonist.com
www.califloridaproductions.com
www.twitter.com/mr_antagonist
http://califloridaproductions.blogspot.com
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International Back Cover – Digital Version.jpg
— Jason Blasco Apr 9, 01:38 PM