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[MP3 / In Memorium] Roger ‘Ranking Roger’ Charlery: 21 February 1963 – 26 March 2019
(Gallery, click to scroll through)
All my childhood heroes are leaving us too soon!
I was gutted at the news of English Beat and General Public star, Roger ‘Ranking Roger’ Charlery‘s passing three weeks ago.
I’ve loved all three of The (English) Beat‘s first classic album releases since I heard them in my (ahem) youth and they still sound as good today as when I first discovered them. Hearing Roger’s last album, Public Confidential (YouTube album stream link), released in January of this year, made me realize how integral he really was to their sound. The album is AMAZING! It’s everything you loved about The Beat but still sounding fresh and vital, not like a tired nostalgia trip. And here’s something I totally missed that a friend pointed out: album track, “Who’s Dat Looking” is basically a response record to “Mirror in the Bathroom”… in the voice of the mirror. Mind blown! Talk about ending on a high note!
As I said on Twitter, I wish they would get Stormzy, Giggs, Skepta, Dizzee Rascal, Stefflon Don and anyone else who’s relevent right now on a UK hip-hop remix of his track, “Skank Away.” What an amazing thing that would be #fortheculture and way to honor and pay tribute to this Black Aglo-Caribbean musical legend. Even if that never happens, thanks for all the great music, Roger and for being such a positive spirit. R.I.P.
[MP3 + Live TV Performance Video] Beast Coast – Left Hand
Underground supergroup, Beast Coast fetauring Joey Bada$$, Flatbush Zombies, UA, Kirk Knight, Nyck Caution, CJ Fly recently perfomred their single, “Left Hand” live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Check out the video of the performance above.
Like what you see? Beast Coast just started their Escape From New York tour this week also.
[MP3] Beck – Saw Lightning (Produced by Pharrell Williams)
New #YeehawAgenda vibes Beck produced by Pharrell Williams! Whaaat??!!!
[MP3] Rapsody – Sojourner Feat. J. Cole
How did we miss a new Rapsody single featuring J. Cole last Fall? Oh yeah, that’s right, we were in LA on other pursuits. From the album, 9th Wonder Presents: Jamla Is The Squad II.
