Skizzy Mars

A number of years ago I heard a song named "Douchebag" by a young rapper from NY named Skizzy Mars. It's a catchy and comedic account of being perceived as an asshole and generally being misunderstood, but eventually giving in and embracing it.  ("They say that nice guys finish last? Well, thank God I'm a douchebag.")  I followed him for a while on Soundcloud and was impressed with each further release.

Things haven't changed a great deal in 2014. He's still an immature rapper in his young 20's who makes songs about partying and his relationships with girls - but there's something appealing about his laidback flow, funny lyrics and genre-exploring samples / production. He rejects being associated with the "college rap" wave of young rappers, but for me his style reminds me of Chiddy Bang.  I would call his music "pop rap".

Check out this song Numb. If you like it, head over to his website and download the whole mixtape / album for free:  http://skizzymars.com/

I don't think we're in love
That's just the drugs
Don't they make you feel numb?
You can't feel at all
Maybe if we loved ourselves
It wouldn't be so hard 
It wouldn't be so hard
To love each other

I ain't tryna do what everybody else doing

I heard this song on the radio this morning and instantly recognised it. Very catchy and upbeat pop song from a Norwegian duo called Nico & Vinz (previously known as Envy), who have roots in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. The tune was initially very popular in Scandinavia in 2013, before achieving international mainstream success in 2014. Interesting piece of trivia: "Am I Wrong" is apparently the most "Shazamed" song ever - what a title to hold!

All That I Want

You eyes, they did flutter again
And you mouth it did hang wide 
When you told me every little thing is going to be alright 



But we were younger then,

And now we're not
And if there was a plan made 
Then we forgot about it
And if there was time 
I could figure it out now
But life is short
And I don't care for most of it
I don't care for most of it
Because you're all that, all that I want
Because you're all that, all that I want
Because you're all that, all that I want
Because you're all that, all that I want

What a difference your love makes!

Haven't posted anything on this music blog in a while, but thought I'd give it another shot.  This song is in tribute to the woman I love, who has made me the happiest man on earth! ♥  Indeed, What a Difference Your Love Makes :)

I got hooked on this track a few weeks ago. Basement Jaxx have made some classic house jams over the years, e.g. Where's Your Head At, Red Alert, and one of my favourites back in 2009 Raindrops - all of which are still fun to dance to.

Next week, on 25 August they release their first new album in 5 years, entitled "Junto".  If you get a chance, check out the other singles from it: Never Say Never, and Mermaid of Salinas.