People tend to do “best of” lists at the end of each year. This year, i decided to do one of my own. I am happy to have so many opportunities to share the music i love with people on a regular basis. But truthfully, i only present a fraction of what i actually listen to. For that reason, i’m sharing my ten favorite songs of 2012 that didn’t make it to a mixtape or my party playlist. Some of these didn’t even make it to my Facebook wall (shame on me, i know).
I guess one point of this post is just to remind folks that i LOVE music. I appreciate ALL genres. So, even if you know me as a Hip Hop and African Diaspora DJ, please don’t think that i don’t get down with EDM, alternative rock, and more! So, here they are. I hope you enjoy my Top Ten (and then some) tracks of 2012.
Top TEN of Twenty Twelve
Add-2 – Cotton Fields
[i got acquainted with Add-2 as i was gathering tracks for Radiant Souls Mixtape Vol. 2. This brother is sick with the lyrics, and his beats — many produced by SLOT-A — are pure inspiration]
Sabo – Sigueme (Sabo & DJ Afro Mix)
[dope remake of one of the songs that made me a house head!]
MONOTONE – Invitation To Dance F. RubyGold
[(technically, this was released in 2011 according to youtube) i stumbled across this song quite by accident over the summer when it showed up in my record pool, which NEVER has African music! i listened and became instantly hooked by the music and the beautiful voice. when i looked the song up, i noticed the the voice belonged to RubyGold, the beauty from “Teka Munike.” This track is a staple in my headphones, but didn’t make it to any mixes or parties. i’ll correct that in 2013]
Cajmere & Gene Farris – Donna’s A Flower
[i never get enough of this song. there’s nothing more to it]
Swedish House Mafia – Save The World
[before the EDM-is-killing-dance-music folks launch an attack, please just listen to the song. It’s truly beautiful. The music is superb and the lyrics are nice. Give it a good listen, THEN critique it to your hearts’ content]
Stonebwoy Burniton – Climax F. Samini
[this one did get a little play time. Unfortunately, the sound quality is so horrible — yes, i PURCHASED this track — that i only played it once at Sonic Diaspora in DC. If i can get ahold of a better version, i’ll play it at every gig i can in the future.]
Erin Leah & N’Dinga Gaba – Rocker (N’Dinga’s Uptown Remix)
[I LOVE every version of this song]
Chromatics – These Streets Will Never Look the Same
This track is pure dope. The bass is hypnotic and the singer’s soft voice compliments it’s edginess.
Bahamas – Caught Me Thinking
It’s amazing how artists can make breakup songs sound so lighthearted and fun.
Passion Pit – Constant Conversation (St. Lucia Remix)
This track is synth heaven!
ONE BONUS TRACK
[so, this song technically came out late in 2011. that’s close enough, right?!? regardless, i’m obsessed with this track and absolutely love the video, even it if is a bit stalkerish]
… And Five Honorable Mentions:
Euphonik, “Lose Yourself” (Delaney Duvall Remix)
Young Wonder, “To You” (Ambassador Remix)
Expect MUCH more RubyGold from me in the near future!!!
Brotha Onaci 