Infinite Shuffle #13: Good Life, Bad Name

Hello Shufflers! Wow, this week flew by. Last week it felt like I had forever to do this newsletter, but this week snuck up on me for real. No worries though because I always come prepared with that heat so don’t fret.

I hope everyone is having at least one thing going well for them this November. Sometimes all it takes is one little thing to go right for you to keep getting through it.

Artist of the Week: Blood Orange (Devonté Hynes)

Devonté Hynes, also known as the artist Blood Orange is a master of his craft. Hyne’s sound is so unique and soothing that it just takes you to another planet entirely. One second, you’re on Mars. Next, you’re floating near Saturn. Then you’re partying on Pluto, which isn’t a planet anymore but seems chill with the decision. The 34-year old has blended so many musical elements from all over and turned it into a thing of beauty.

No project showcases that beauty more than Negro Swan.

Project of the week: Negro Swan (2018)

Everything about this album is incredible. From the art to the production to Hynes’ angelic voice. Usually, when I listen to a new album now I take the songs I like and then leave the rest of them hanging on the shelf like I’m grocery shopping. With this album, I took the whole shelf. I play this album a LOT when I’m trying to calm down, go to sleep, or clear my head. The sequencing on this album is top tier, as every song demands to be played in order.

You blink and suddenly you’re on track 13 and want to replay the entire thing. Trust me, you’ll want this project in your life.

Now for the rest of the songs of the week.

Jungle - Heavy, California

Damn, they have such great music videos. The dancers and choreography just fit so well together and they make the song much more memorable. The seven-member band is one that I would love to see in concert when this pandemic thingy is all over,

I’m trying to see more non-rap concerts now that I’m a bit older. I used to want to jump and mosh around all the time, but now I’m too old for that. At the last concert, I attended I was scared to jump around because I feared I’d lose my keys. I’m 25.

Oliver Francis - Good Life Freestyle

“And I ain't got a single thing to cry about New house, got some gold in my mouth”

I sing those lyrics all the time when I’m feeling down. The best thing about hip-hop is that its production can be both simple or complex. Either way, the song still has the potential to sound great. A lot of producers when they start out try to do too much and it ends up hurting the sound more than helping. With this song, you have a beat that lets Oliver float effortlessly and set the tone.

When it comes to Oliver, you’re always going to get some solid production, solid flows, and a vibey music video and that’s all I want in a rapper honestly.

Clever - Loyalty

If you’ve heard Juice WRLD’s “Ring Ring” or Justin Bieber’s “Forever” then you have heard of Clever. This guy has such a powerful voice. You might remember him from the way too short song “Stick By My Side”.

HOW IS THIS SONG ONLY 1:43. Anyway, the song we’re here to shine a light on today is Loyalty.

This song slaps man, Clever has truly found a sound and I hope more people recognize this lane and give him attention. That is all.

Shinedown - Second Chance

When we talk about throwbacks, we don’t seem to mention this classic often. Well, I’m here to remind you to…

Gang Starr - Band Name

In 2019, legendary rap group Gang Starr came back with a partly posthumous effort. The group’s rapper ‘Guru’ died in 2010 and there hadn’t been a Gang Starr studio album since 2003. In the ‘Bad Name’ music video, Guru’s son cut his hair (which takes a LONG time to grow btw) to take his late father’s place in the music video. The result is such a powerful message that we’ve been reminded of time and time again.

Hip-hop never dies.

RIP GURU

Sample of the Week: Michael Franks - St. Elmo’s Fire

This 1976 song is incredible in its own right. Michael Franks does his thing, but I want to focus on the “We Get High” part of the song

Well, producer C-Sick turned that into one of the best beats that Logic has ever touched.

Mixtape Logic was a truly special man. The Young Sinatra series featured some of the best sample work and production of that decade. From 6ix to C-Sick and everyone in between. Even when Logic seemed to falter in direction and lyric material (which happens sometimes) his production always seemed to have his back. Logic’s “No Pressure” album is actually really good and I encourage you to check it out.

That’s all from me this week. Stay safe. Love y’all.