‘Dave Chappelle’s Block Party’
The “Dave Chappelle’s Block Party” soundtrack spotlights comic mega-star Dave Chappelle’s freestyle stand-up material and performances by Mos Def, Erykah Badu, Common, Dead Prez, Jill Scott, Talib Kweli and the Roots, among others.
The soundtrack captures the exceptional combination of comedy and music, and was recorded on location as Chappelle threw a block party in downtown Brooklyn, inviting local residents to experience performances by the most progressive urban artists in music today.
In the movie there were brilliant performances by Kanye West and a newly reunited Fugees, but those performances were left out of the soundtrack. Despite the absence of those tracks, there is plenty of hip-hop goodness to take your mind off the missing persons. Mos Def’s energy is captured on several songs; the Black Star selection “Definition” and the always classic “Umi Says” and “Universal Magnetic.”
Although it is not as gripping as the movie, the soundtrack is a nice mix of conscious, organic hip-hop that every hip-hop fan should own.
Recommended if you like Common, Dead Prez, The Roots and Jill Scott.
Bad Religion – ‘The Process of Belief’ (2002)
Bad Religion’s “The Process of Belief” is one of the best examples of songwriting in punk music. This can be seen in the first three tracks of the album “Supersonic,” “Prove It” and “Can’t Stop It.” There are other great songs that question the political events going on in the world embodied in songs such as “Kyoto Now” and “Sorrow.”
“The Process of Belief” contains every ingredient that made classic Bad Religion albums so unique. Another amazing part of the album is the liner notes and artwork. The art is absolutely gorgeous, with layered tracing paper at some points as well as lyrical foldouts. This album can be listened to from start to finish as there are no filler tracks. Each song is worth your attention.
Recommended if you like Descendents, Pennywise and NOFX.