"Are You That Somebody" (Acoustic Cover)- BANKS

"Are You That Somebody?", Aaliyah's 1998 effort for the Dr. Doolittle soundtrack remains the greatest R&B track to arise from that decade. There's really no other way to parse it. Every element of a classic is in the song. Timbaland's stuttering production which had yet to take on the full-icon status it would later enjoy. Static Major's evasive, but crucially important backing vocals that slip in and out with the beat. And then at the center of the perfect storm is Aaliyah. While the song is rife with crisp drum strikes, her voice never swells to that loud, knocking level. She's content to dwell in the shadows and whisper her affection, rather than belt it from a rooftop. In the past few years, her lesson of less is more has become the motto of an entire crop of indie R&B singers.

One of those singers is the American-born/British-raised BANKS. On last year's stellar "Waiting Game" she carefully crooned "I'm thinking it over, the way you make me feel sexy but it's causing me pain," entirely cognizant of the kind of damage such an admission would deal. Such pained self-awareness is essential for a track like "Are You That Somebody?” one major reason why the artist's cover of the tune for BBC Radio 1 works so well. Ditching drum machines for a hiccupping guitar, she embodies the role of the "goody goody" who has a "naughty naughty" personae lurking underneath. Like Aaliyah in the original she delivers the omission in a hushed whisper, not wanting just anyone to know everything about her. "See I'm trusting you, with my heart, my soul," she croons in a moment of great candor. When you're risking so much, you can understand such carefulness.

What's New(s)?

Honest Cowboy

MMG member and resident introspective rapper Stalley is prepping for the August 8 release of his Honest Cowboy mixtape and until that day hits, he's supplied the appropriately-named Menace II Society ode "A-Wax" (in honor of the MC Eiht portrayed character). The blustery soulful beat supplied by the Block Beattaz (sampling Wiz Khalifa) allows the Ohio-MC to indulge his inner champagne sipper, while dismissing any complacency; promising passion "bout my game like Joakim Noah." Listen to the song below and check out the promo video for the mixtape here.

"A-Wax"

Timbaland talks Nas, Drake, & Aaliyah

In an all-too-brief interview with Revolt, mega-producer Timbaland can be found giving us the inside-scoop on a whole slew of rap stories. Fresh off the success of Magna Carta...Holy Grail, Timbaland reveals he sat behind the boards for "Sinatra in the Sands", a follow-up to MCHG's "BBC". This time Nas takes top bill, backed by Justin Timberlake & Jay Z (still can't get used to not typing that hyphen). Timbaland calls Timberlake's performance on the song "completely stupid,"and says the song will appear on Nas' next album.

Timbaland also takes time-out to talk about recent reworkings of Aaliyah tunes from Drake & Chris Brown (why they can't work) and his new found appreciation for Drizzy.  Of the Toronto emcee, Timbaland guarantees "he's gonna be around for a long time."

Atoms for Peace perform "The Clock"

 

 

 

Tonight Atoms for Peace's residency at the London Roadhouse comes to an end and to make that departure a bit more bearable, concert-recording platform (and current "business" partner) Soundhalo has made available a clip from Wednesday night's show. "The Clock", a clattering tune from Yorke's solo The Eraser project is given more heft and immediacy here by the band's on-point percussion section and Flea's steadily moving basslines. Check out the video below and dates for AFP's fall U.S. tour after the clip. 

Sept. 24- Liacouras Center (Philadelphia, PA)

Sept. 27- Barclay's Center (New York City, NY)

Sept. 30- Patriot Center (Fairfax, VA)

Oct. 2- UIC Pavilion (Chicago, IL)

Oct. 3- The War Memorial Auditorium (Nashville, TN)

Oct. 6- Austin City Limits (Austin, TX)

Oct. 13- Austin City Limits (Austin, TX)

Oct. 16- Hollywood Bowl (Los Angeles, CA)

Oct. 17- Santa Barbara Bowl (Santa Barbara, CA)

Oct. 19/20- Treasure Island Music Festival (San Francisco, CA) 



Check back in Monday for even more in the newest in new(s).

One in a Million

That album title of Aaliyah's about "one in million," is an underestimate. The R&B genius is one of a kind. While other divas were slowly figuring the whole hip-hop thing out, Aaliyah embraced it with open arms. On tracks like her magnum opus "Are You That Somebody?" she soared over and slide with beats that could be effortlessly rapped over. Working with producers like Static Major and Timbaland, she simply couldn't be stopped. All these years later, her songs remain stunningly fresh. Her life may have gone too soon, but her music will live forever. 

In honor of what would be her 33rd birthday, here's a video retrospective of her greatest moments. 

"Age Ain't Nothin' But A Number"- Age Ain't Nothin' But A Number

"If Your Girl Only Knew"- One in a Million

"Got to Give It Up"- One in a Million

"We Need A Resolution"- Aaliyah  

"Miss You"- I Care for You

"Are You That Somebody?"- Dr. Doolittle Soundtrack

"Needsumluv"

Channeling-her inner Aaliyah, Harlem-firebrand Azealia Banks has dropped the skittish "Needsumluv." Sporting a sample from Aaliyah's "One in a Million," and featuring production by machinedrum, Banks dials-down on the "X-rated," lyric of tracks like "212" unleashing a song of conflicted-love. "You don't really wanna leave her, but you're tired of her," she sings on the opening line. With infectious-brilliance like this, nobody should being tired of Banks any time soon.

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