dork magazine.

1. Good Times Theme / Camp lo – Black Nostaljack

I had to drop that Good Times theme in front of this because not only is it cool but Camp Lo flipped it in the video version of this song. I remember everyone really freaking out when Camp Lo originally dropped. They presented something so different for the time. The beats where straight out of a 70’s Soul soundtrack and the lyrics had all this crazy slang. I still call those b-boy style hats Hathaway’s because of these guys. Tracks like Swing had the underground going nuts, but this album is solid front to back. It’s a shame that Camp Lo disappeared for so long after this debut. When they surfaced again they never quiet captured the magic found here.

2. Sergio Mendes f. Q-tip & Will.i.am – The Frog

It’s funny how things just start matching up sometimes. Maybe it’s just the way it floats into your conscious. It’s like being interested in buying a MINI and then seeing them everywhere all of a sudden. I had only recently discovered who Sergio Mendes was before the name caught my attention in a local CD spot. I did my usual store review at the listening station and took particular note of this song. Will.i.am has been doing his thing the past year or two and who can be mad at a verse from Q-Tip.

3. De La Soul – Copa Cabanga

I remember at the time this came out I was working at a factory. I worked with this dude who rocked nothing but reggae and the most commercial hip hop. He did his best to explain why Swiss Beatz is a genius and I did my best to explain why Mos Def was the future. We went back and forth, but when this dropped we could both agree on De La. These guys are just one of the most consistent groups in hip hop. This whole album is pure enjoyment.

4. Ahmad – Back in the day

Whoa. Going way, way back. I usually remember music in terms of being in some specific place with my walkman, but with this I really remember the video. This puts me right in the middle of summer at my man Adam’s house. We used to play ball in the morning and then chill all day watching rap videos and drawing graffiti. Adams house was great because he had an outdoor pool and a steady stash of cola. This song was great then, but after all this time I really get it. Funny that those were my days. I miss those summers.

5. Jay-Z – Dear Summer

Wait. Jay-Z? Yes I love Jay too and even though I would normally dip into something a little less recognizable for the Dork show I thought Jay’s been getting a bit of a bad rap lately. We all need to remember how fly he is with his. On top of that this song is just so perfect to stroll with in the sunny weather. That beat is beautiful.

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