RESPECT THE ARCHITECT: STEVIE WONDER

Today is the 59th "Born Day" of musical genius, Stevie Wonder. I have many childhood memories of waking up to my mother singing along with Stevie's records on Saturday mornings and me watching in awe, as his bead-clad head would sway back and forth during various Grammy performances.

The man has been creating beautiful music, since he was a child and his catalog is beyond serious. His influence can be witnessed through some of our generations most gifted musicians. Below are a few of his classic songs that have been sampled by respected hip hop artists. Enjoy and always remember to Respect The Architect.



Original: Love's in Need of Love

Sampled For: 50 Cent for "Ryder Music" (produced by Hi-Tek)
Ryder Music - 50 Cent





Original: That Girl


Sampled For: 2Pac's "So Many Tears" (Produced by Shock G)
So Many Tears - 2Pac




Original: I Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer


Sampled For: Common's "Retrospect for Life", feat. Lauryn Hill (Produced by James Poyser & No I.D)
Retrospect For Life (Featuring Lauryn Hill) - Common

RESPECT THE ARCHITECT: MARVIN GAYE

I was recently having a conversation with a close from about the deterioration of true musicians in certain genres of music (mainly hip hop and R&B*). I often find myself wondering which artists TRULY have the talent, drive and professional stamina to secure a place and stand the test of time.

I wonder where our generations Aretha Franklin is. Who is our generations next Marvin Gaye? Where will our classics be pulled from and why does it seem that many of artists we hear on the radio and see in videos are lacking authentic soul and passion for what it is they do?

I wonder if it comes from lack of struggle or life experience...or the inability to pull from their own personal struggles and transfer that emotion into music, as many of the true greats have.

When I watch the above performance by Marvin Gaye, you could see the passion and emotion in the performance. The man rocked for a FULL house of his peers, dolo on the stage. Just him and his mic.

And he shut it DOWN.

No hype man. No entourage. No back-up singers. No back-up dancers.

Just pure talent and passion.