Friday, April 07, 2006
Throwback Friday #12.
Last Wednesday, I watched a new episode of South Park for the first time in AGES. It must have been at least four years, easily. See, its not that I don't enjoy South Park, but I'm not throwing up my hands in celebration for its existence. It certainly serves its purpose. I've just become more a fan of the Adult Swim line-up, specifically the Williams Street productions. If South Park was featured on Adult Swim let's say, I'd probably give it the same attention I do to a show like say, Futurama--- regard for its brilliance, but I'd rather wait for Family Guy to come on.
That being said, I applaud Matt Stone and Trey Parker for their ability to poke fun at Seth McFarlane's humor and make it believable. But the show really seems just a bit too drenched in its own sociopolitical irony to make me laugh like it used to. Well, that is, if that episode made any indication to its new direction. What do I know, I just watched my first episode.
I will give Parker and Stone credit though. They have the capability of making episodes with such massive expedience, that it makes sense why the show is still being commended for its brilliance. I didn't see the episode on Scientology, but taking into account that the episode aired only a mere week or two after Isaac Hayes quit the show due to South Park's "crossing the line once and for all" (paraphrased), I would certainly give Trey and Matt kudos too.
That is now. But let us go back to when Isaac Hayes wasn't a Scientologist. How sad is it that Wikipedia's article talks more about his involvement with a TV show when in reality Hayes wrote the fuckin' "Shaft" theme, won an Oscar for it, wrote some of the most timeless baby making music of all time, and contributed plenty of timeless samples drenched in hip-hop music. He didn't even become a Scientoligist until a year before South Park appeared on the airwaves.
For this edition of Throwback Friday, we look at one song that has been used in so many songs, its like the track itself is timeless.
Isaac Hayes - Ike's Mood (sendspace link)
An epic number of rare fanfare, coming on the brink of a new era in music in 1970, but seems to be ridiculously tough to find. Thankfully it made a notable appearance on this essential compilation, but sadly it can't even be purchased here in the States.
The producer of this next track was the first to sample "Ike's Mood", but in a different song than the one you are about to hear. Most notably used in Biz Markie's "Make the Music With Your Mouth Biz", Marley Marl stepped it up even more in '93 and gave the sample a speedier tempo so that it could barely be a recognized from its earlier inception, thanks to a ridiculously amazing loopjob.
Intelligent Hoodlum - Grand Groove (remix) (sendspace link)
Before he became Tragedy Khadafi, he was better known as Intelligent Hoodlum, and made his eponymous debut in 1990 with an album destined for classic status. Queensbridge representitive and an esteemed member of the Juice Crew, he switched his name to the Tragedy moniker in 1995 after already establishing himself as a major contributor to Queens hip-hop--- he was the one who started 25 To Life Records, the label that dropped the first Capone & Noreaga album The War Report.
This song is an introspective look into the feeling of loss for a family member, in this case Trag's grandmother. A video can also be peeped here. Excellent production, great spring music, and stellar lyricism from a criminally slept on artist.
Speaking of great spring music, just wait until I get at you tomorrow. Indie heads need not lose sleep.
Cheers,
~*E*~
