Hip hop rarely makes it onto my iPod and when it does, it tends to be fairly obvious stuff. Anyone that knows me knows of my love for all things Beastie but I prefer my Hip Hop on the more chilled out side probably due to my minor addiction to Prefuse 73 during university.
One such artist is Japanese hip hop producer Nujabes who mixes Jazz, Disco and Big Band with Hip Hop to create songs with swing instead of swagger. This is no more obvious than in today's choice Thank You.
Modal Soul was Nujabes final release back in 2005 before he was tragically killed earlier in 2010 in a car crash. An artist that shied away from interviews, live appearances or any kind of general public attention, his reputation quickly grew from the underground Japanese Hip Hop scene into the more diverse world as his work became imported and spread over the internet.
Thank You is the perfect encapsulation of everything Nujabes strived for. Beginning with big brass stabs and double tracked drums, the track is purposeful without the typical Hip Hop aggression. Lyrics are provided by New York MC Apani B who talks of her gratitude at the opportunity to travel to Japan and do what she loves with Nujabes. Rarely in Hip Hop is there a genuine appreciation of the life stars lead but Apani B's honest and almost conversational style of rapping leaves you with a sense of genuine thanks. As expected, the production is smooth with reed organs and luscious strings forming a glisteny and sumptious canvas for Apani B's lyrics.
If you're not a Hip Hop fan, I think there'l be something in this song that you'll love; be it Nujabes wonderful compostion, the bold jazzy sounds or the touching lyrics, he will undoubtedly continue to be missed.
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