Weekly Gems 2/14: V-Day Special
I understand I’m already a week behind so I decided to make this weekly gems special! Love is in the air this week, so I am doing a Valentine's Day Special—songs to listen to on the way to your date with your significant other or to listen to while reminiscing about a past love.
Give You the World - Steve Lacy
In his incredible album "Gemini Rights," the final track, "Give You The World," sets the perfect ambiance for a slow dance or a heartfelt gaze into your Valentine's eyes. It includes the nostalgic charm of a 70s love ballad, with its gentle instrumentation. Especially with the occasional sweeps of strings that give a sense of euphoria. As Lacy serenades his partner, expressing his desire to give them the world, the song captures a tender and romantic essence that resonates deeply.
Aquafina - Ken Carson
Had to include one of my personal favorite artists in here, of course. In my opinion, this ranks as one of Ken Carson's top three songs because it explores a different theme from his usual tracks centered around partying, wearing upside-down crosses, and flaunting Balenciaga and Rick Owens. The softer vibe, with Ken rapping about finding his Aquafina (unfortunately being a bottom-five water brand, but we get the gist), sets it apart. Loesoe, known for producing hits like "Miss the Rage" by Trippie Redd and "Hotel Breakfast" by Bladee, crafted the very mellow and vibey beat, showcasing his versatility. Sadly, the song wasn't officially released on an album, but it's available on his mixtape "Lost Files 4 (X Two Three)" on SoundCloud.
The Dress - Dijon
My great friend recently introduced me to Dijon, and when he played this song, I instantly fell in love with it. Dijon's voice is amazing, and the chorus is incredibly catchy and memorable. There's almost a nostalgic quality to it that draws you in. I haven't had the chance to listen to the entire album "Absolutely" yet, but after hearing this song, I'm definitely looking forward to checking it out soon.
Prototype - Andre 3000
Absolutely no introduction is necessary for this masterpiece. André 3000, also known as 3 Stacks, stands as one of the greatest artists of all time, and having "Prototype" in his catalog only further solidifies his unmatched talent and creativity. The timeless quality of this song is remarkable; it could be released today, and its freshness would seamlessly blend with the contemporary music of today. André 3000's ability to transcend eras and effortlessly craft music that feels both ahead of its time and timeless is truly awe-inspiring. "Prototype" not only showcases his vocal prowess but also highlights his phenomenal production by solely producing the song.
4 Page Letter - Aaliyah
Again, absolutely no introduction is necessary for this timeless classic. "4 Page Letter" stands as one of my favorite Aaliyah songs, showcasing the iconic R&B production of Timbaland, without the usual, yet iconic, massive use of percussion, and the brilliant songwriting and background vocals by Missy Elliott. Together, Aaliyah, Timbaland, and Missy formed an unbeatable R&B dream trio, churning out hit after hit. Aaliyah's delivery on this track is nothing short of amazing, as always, making it the perfect song to ride back home to after enjoying a romantic Valentine's Day dinner with your partner. The smooth vibes and infectious groove of "4 Page Letter" create an irresistible atmosphere that perfectly complements those intimate moments.
And that’s a quick fiver for you all. I appreciate you guys taking the time to even look at this article. To help me stay consistent I will rotate this around other MIC members starting with Ike Nabuife next week! As Andre 3000 would say, “Stank you, very much”.