in chicago so it seems appropriate to post another of my new favourite songs.
STREET LIGHTSyou can find it under the playlist 808's and Heartbreak
i have always been a fan of mr. west. people may call him arrogant or whatever, but his antics never eclipse his talent. I met him when we were both artists signed to roc-a-fella records, he was already a respected/successful producer but hadn't yet finished college dropout. The next time we met was in LA when the label sent me out to LA to work with him. I walked into his hotel room and he was there with his jaw wired shut playing tracks off his album. I have to admit that I was confused, he was blasting Jesus Walks and I was thinking to myself, why the hell did they send this jewish kid out to work with a christian rapper???? He played me a couple of other songs and I realized that my second impression was off base and we got to work. Although we never really finished the songs we worked on I left with a great deal of respect for the man and he is still one of my favourite artists making music today. He is unapologetic, takes risks and delivers albums that aren't about a couple "radio" hits padded with filler. He makes full albums and this time has, in my opinion, put together a beautiful record that fulfills the promise made by the title.
yup, i don't think I can recall any other song recorded by a hip hop artist that has broken my heart the way joni mitchell, damien rice or nick drake can. I know I am placing him in strange company, but that's where this song falls in my ipod playlist. If you haven't listened to the track yet do so!