I thought the first time I heard this was a few weeks ago in Michael’s car. I felt the feeling of the funk inside of me. It’s a wonderful thing. I had to Shazam to find the name of the song because most of my Rick James knowledge comes from Charlie Murphy.
Jams
All songs posted to the site.
“Peace Keeper” – Bear Hands
JamsA friend of mine really likes this band, Bear Hands, and hasn’t shut up about them the past few months. I mean that in the nicest way possible, because I can definitely understand bugging people about a band you love until they finally give in and admit you were right.
“I Lived” – One Republic
JamsI have a station on Rdio specifically for music that addresses anxiety. This song by One Republic always stuck out from the crowd because it specifically touched self-ownership.
Hope when you take that jump you don’t fear the fall. Hope when the water rises you built a wall.
For me, these lyrics thump a resonating balance between my greatest moments and my greatest hardships. The water eventually rises on all of us and the only control we have is in reacting.
“Backyard” -Travi$ Scott
JamsYou’ve heard Travi$ Scott even if you don’t recognize the stylized name. He’s produced on Cruel Summer, Yeezus, Magna Carta Holy Grail, and smaller albums in the past few years. Now he’s moving from behind the scenes again after dropping his second mixtape Days Before Rodeo. “Backyard” lifts the second half of the tape with rag to riches rhymes over a driving bass heavy instrumental. It’s also an example, along with other tracks, of how the XXL Freshmen can adopt different styles (this could’ve been a Kendrick or A$AP song) and flows while keeping a distinct sound. Expect to be hearing more from the Drake approved Scott when he puts out his LP Rodeo later this year.
You can download both of his mixtapes below.
“She Only Loves Me When I’m There”-Ball Park Music
JamsIn contributing to a blog dedicated to showcasing cool music, there’s an inherent impulse to find really great music nobody has ever heard of, which is damn near impossible. There’s a fine line between posting about an on-the-rise band and “Hey check out this Green Day song from 2005.” But Daily Phat Jam isn’t necessarily about discovering new music and proving to the few people that’ll read it that we found it first. It’s just about whatever cool shit you’re currently playing.
“Paid in Full”-Eric B. & Rakim
JamsOne of the gems of the late 80’s “golden age” of hip-hop, “Paid in Full” is a song about something most fans of the genre can relate to- getting paid. The track itself is a playful ode to the business side of the rap game; a capitalist cypher which tackles an aspect of hip-hop often glamorized by well-off artists and bemoaned by starving producers.
[OP-ED] “Know Your Rights”-The Clash
Jams, OP-ED
“You have the right not be killed. . .Murder is a CRIME. . .unless it was done by a policeman. . .”
“Clean Up Woman”-Betty Wright
JamsBetty Wright deserves to be seen live. . .and even though I’ve never seen her live in person, I have seen her live through the magic of YouTube. She does impressions of other singers at the end, not that you need incentive to stick around.
“Take My Life”-Pusha T
Jams“Take My Life,” the ninth track on Pusha’s “Wrath of Caine” mixtape doesn’t exactly stray from King Push‘s usual subject matter–drugs, designer labels, and Clipse references abound. The mixtape’s name is “Wrath of Caine,” and the cover art is heavy on the ‘caine part, so these things should come as no great surprise.
“Lovit”-Marian Hill
JamsWant to feel like you’re in a smoky jazz bar without the potential for lung cancer? Marian Hill’s “Lovit” has you covered.
Daily Phat Jam 