Urban Thought Collective

A couple of days ago I realized something. What’s that, you ask? Most of the people who leave comments on my posts are women. I thought to myself, “Yeah. Yeah. Need to post some ladies.” Unfortunately, my inner dialogue isn’t all that riveting. At any rate, this week is all about the ladies. Enjoy!

MARY J. BLIGE: “BE HAPPY”
“Life is too short to be trying to play some games.” Sing it Mary! During freshman year, this song was played everyday at dinner. At first, I loved it. Then, I hated it. Then, I loved it again. There’s just something about Mary J. She brings them emotions out of you!

THE CONSCIOUS DAUGHTERS: “SOMETHING TO RIDE TO (FONKY EXPEDITION)”
My true west coast heads will definitely appreciate this joint. Hailing from the Yay Area, these two ladies put it down during my 12th grade year. I couldn’t wait for these videos to get played on BET’s “Rap City.” Remember when “Rap City” was still relevant? [Moment of silence] Unfortunately, their two albums only moved half a million units combined, so their career was pretty much a wrap. Oh well, we’ll always have Paris.

LAURYN HILL: “EX-FACTOR”
Lauryn Hill said her heart was in Zion. I wish her heart still was in rhymin’.” True dat Kanye. True dat. I don’t know what’s happened to Ms. Hill, but she’s been on that ish as of late. Rohan Marley must’ve passed her the stickiest of the icky, cause she is gone. But enough of that. Let’s put away the bad vibes and focus on the good ones, like this song. It’s just so soulful. If you can’t feel it in your heart, that means you don’t have one.

BRANDY FEAT. MC LYTE, YOYO & QUEEN LATIFAH: “I WANNA BE DOWN (REMIX)”
The original was so-so, but the remix was dope. I can’t even lie. However, the Ray J cameo just cracks me up. Dude has been a complete toolbox for over 13 years. When the previously unknown, completely untalented co-star of your sex tape is more famous than you, your life has gone awry at some point.

And now…for something singularly perfect.

NINA SIMONE: “AIN’T GOT NO…I’VE GOT LIFE”
“I got life.” If you don’t know who Nina Simone is, then you need to read up on her. For those in the know, just sit back and watch a master at work. This groove is so perfect. This track is definitely a pick-me-up when I’m feeling down. I think it’s a good way to kick off the week.

Diallo Tyson is a filmmaker, comedian and old school music junkie. When he’s not busy, he is a rapper with the group “Two Pimps and a Dream.” Step into a groovin’ time machine every week on UTC.