6 in the morning…
How do you start your days? Moving around on a daily basis creates a certain amount of chaos in my head. It was cool when I was 17 but now I just kinda yearn for a place to call home. Looking around and seeing unfamiliar territory when I open my eyes is part of the deal, but never something I’d suggest anyone should get used to.

I got into the habit years ago to awake to music. I’m familiar with what’s on my portable devices, so they all feel like home to me. Before opening my eyes, I reach for earbuds and let the day slowly wind up. One of the side effects is that it sets the tone for the rest of the day and I carry that with me into the studio, or even just out to get a cup of coffee. On certain occasions, it’s nice to share it with the person you awake next to. It’s a beautiful way to color those first moment of togetherness.

This morning was all about broken hearts. ElekTro4 and I recorded my first solo album together as Bombay Sapphire. It’ll never see the light of day. But Billy Martin (Medeski, Martin + Wood) coaxed ElekTro4 For President out of us for one of his remix albums.

That was followed by this newer jawn . That said it all.

Long day. Sessions.

Here’s a few I bumped for thugs after cyphering + talkin smack all day:

Without fail, no matter the genre, rappers will always love true lyricists. I tested that out with Gary Jules + it holds up. Lines like “there’s poetry in sickness / life is beautiful but cruel / that’s just the way it is” can connect with everyone. Peep out The Devil Keeps Grinnin. I copped it early for Sho ‘Nuff ’cause she put me onto Gary Jules from the Donnie Darko soundtrack.

A whole lot can be said about Regina Spektor now that you can peep her on VH1 + vote for her. It’s the older stuff that put me onto her. She spit her slang like a rythmic Bjork over classical piano. This one didn’t get too much thug love, but eh, it was a stretch anyhow. She’s on a shortlist of singers we’re getting @ for the next album.

Jon Brion rounds out the selections for today that got bumped. The work speaks for itself. Head nods abound. I could hear the thoughts such as that would be hot if it got flipped like. Exactly. Since getting this CD, I’ve had nights where I listen and then decide that I quit. I kept telling myself that when I grow up, I’ll be the first rapper to work with him. Ayo Kanye - you sunk my battleship!