First Mixing Session Goes Well

Microphone Adjustment Turned Music Lesson, Beneficial In Many Ways

By AMIR ALI SAID

I always liked making beats with my Father (A.K.A. Amir Said.) I learn a lot, and its fun. Plus, I get to help Pop create his beats. He teaches me how to sample, which I find really helpful. I like samples just as much as him. Sometimes, when Pop is making a beat he'll let me play the beat and/or rhyme over it. He also might let me add something to his beat, or allow me to make my own beat, and I get to practice using the MPC 4000. But above all, as of today, I've got a new found job, assistant mix engineer.

Today, Pop and I began a session were we mixed his vocals. For the majority of the time Pop was instructing me on how to do it. Initially, the lesson was given in order for me to put into action in the future. But after we realized we'd rather just continue our session we kept on going. To the point where Pop and I did three or four runs of vocals. Each time around we altered something different in order to find out where we needed to be. Eventually, I learned a lot about the basics of mixing and mixed my first set of vocals.

Mixing, rhyming, and creating beats are all two separate things. In fact, I think each component has their own equal toughness. But when it comes to mixing I think a few minor mistakes can be made that'll undo the whole project. Especially when it comes to vocals. I learned early on that there are different volume settings, techniques, and audio settings that play a part in effective vocals. I also learned that when doing vocals it matters how close or far apart you are from the mic. Another thing, probably the most important, it's not easy to learn the basics of mixing vocals. If you plan on attempting to do it, make sure you have an instructor who teaches well.

Making beats with Pop isn't just about learning how. The same goes with rhyming. Its a special thing for me. I take it seriously, and I'm enthusiastic about it whenever I have the chance. Making beats and rhyming over them is something that Pop is very good at, just like writing. So with both crafts, I try to get as much information as I can to get better. This is truly a great experience every time, and I hope to continue this until I grow up.

Run To Your Computers, Pandora Is Here

Internet Radio Service At It's Best

By Amir Ali Said

I heard of Pandora internet radio through Pop. This week was the first time I tried it out. The internet radio service is literally a personalized station of a variety of different music and artists. The way it works is, you choose a song or a artist, then that's the base of the station. Pandora then plays music similar to that song or artist. Songs are generated from tone's, voice pitches, and all types of other variables. It's really an incredible system.

I've started my station but haven't devoted a lot of time to it. Pop on the other hand, has created a solid station. It takes time to "teach" Pandora what type of songs you want it to generate. Then, when your listening to that song you like, you click thumbs up, so that Pandora can generate more songs like that. Thumbs down if you want Pandora to stay away from songs like that. The Pandora system is effective.

Another thing, Pandora shows lyrics and all types of things while the song is going on. Plus, with the free version, there is only one commercial for like every three or four songs. With the upgraded version, there aren't any. But having commercials sort of makes the radio station authentic. Pandora is a system that must be used on the regular, and it takes time to get what you want. But boy when you finally get Pandora adjusted to your interests, the music you'll be introduced to will help you.

Nas and DJ Premier Come Together to Create Another Masterpeice, 'Nas Is Like'

Song Swings Rhythmically and Soulfully Without Effort

By Amir Ali Said

"Nas Is Like" is one of my favorite songs from Nas. I first heard it last year on a routine YouTube trip with Pop. We were discussing lyricists and beat-makers and Nas came up. Soon after, Pop introduced me to "Nas Is Like." After one listen it became one of my favorite songs. From the beat by DJ Premier to the rhyme by Nas, the song came together to create a masterpiece.

Everything about the song swung rhythmically. The way the song starts off with a hard punch you in the face kick and snare with a keyboard sample in the backdrop, then "Nas Is Like" is said right before Nas comes in with the first verse. When he starts his verse the song goes into another direction. A string sample is now in the backdrop of the beat. Then Nas proceeds to put in work on this track. On each verse Nas' lyricism increases and reaches a new plateau.

Without a doubt, Nas is one of the Top three lyricists of all time. DJ Premier and Nas are certainly one of the greatest collaborators of all-time in music. Whenever they come together, usually the outcome is a great track. This song is just one of their many great tracks. From "Memory Lane," (my favorite), to "Nas Is Like," neither one of them hold back. Each song has a different rhythm and message, but each song is great in it's own way.

Rick James & Smokey Robinson, "Ebony Eyes," Melodic Soul Song

This Tune Is An Example Of A Duet Gone Right

By Amir Ali Said

Yesterday, when I took my break I turned to BET for a little. Everybody Hates Chris was on. It was the episode from the first season when Chris went to an adult Halloween party to impress a girl. At the end of the episode, Chris is embarrassed because the girl told him he couldn't dance with her. Then one of her friends ask to dance with him, and the night wasn't totally ruined. During their dance, the song "Ebony Eyes," by Rick James and Smoky Robinson comes on, and Chris imitates Rick James as if he's singing live. I remember "Ebony Eyes," just hadn't listened to it in awhile.

"Ebony Eyes" is one of those classic singles by Rick James. By bringing in Smokey Robinson only made it better. "Ebony Eyes" is a smooth and laid back soul song. The song starts off with a melodic drum and piano riff. With a couple "Oh's" in the background. Then the song goes slow as Smokey Robinson comes in with his vocals. The song swings nice and easy, as Smokey sings softly.

This is one of my favorite songs by Rick James. "Mary Jane" and "Fire and Desire" would be my other two favorites. The duet on "Ebony Eyes" is certainly one of the best. Smokey Robinson and Rick James coming together to make a song of its stature only comes around every once in a while.

"Yellow Sunshine," Spectacular Funk Classic

Little Known Soul Band Showcases Talents On this Funky Song

By Amir Ali Said

I hadn't heard about the group Yellow Sunshine until a year ago. On a routine route, Pop told me to play a CD. On the CD, there were a number of funk songs and break beats. "Yellow Sunshine" by Yellow Sunshine was the first song on that CD. My head started to nod as soon as it came on, and so did Pops. Almost like a synchronized head nodding session. As I listened to the song, I couldn't wait to go home and see who created it. Once I found out the song is by the group Yellow Sunshine, I laughed to myself.

This song is funky from start to finish with a swing that you won't believe. The song starts off with two snare hits. Followed by electric guitar, hi-hat, drum rolls, keyboard and claps. This riff swings in and out with ease. Then the vocals come in and the rhythm and song goes down, but at the same tempo, with the same riff, with the addition of bongos. The rhythm of the song is going in and out, but it never looses it's swing, which carries the listener throughout.

I've never heard of the group Yellow Sunshine. From a quick Google search, I learned that "Yellow Sunshine" is probably their most notable song. Not surprising, because when break dancing was big, this song had to be used a couple hundred times. This is certainly one of the funkiest songs I've heard, and should be studied by many.

Deniece Williams' "Silly" Could Teach My Generation Something About Music

"Silly" Is Dope, Yet Educational

By Amir Ali Said

By Amir Ali Said

Today's the first day that I heard "Silly" by Denise Williams. It's such a beautiful song. The way that Denise Williams sings engages the listener. Even how the song starts off, the vocals don't come in until around the 30 second mark; instead, it's a slow, up-tempo, cool melody to introduce the song. After 30 seconds in, Denise Williams comes in with the vocals in a low pitch tone. She sings her verse and then goes into the change during the hook.

"Silly" is a nice, mood-swinging song. Meaning, however you were just feeling the songs just takes you on a journey. Deniece Williams' singing helps the song move along. The way her voice moves in out of the beat engages the listener more than anything. She easily changes the pitch of her voice, both subtly and aggressively when she needs to.

Even though I'm 14 years old, music like this will always stick with me. Other kids in my generation will listen to Beyonce or Rihanna but I find refuge in listening to Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight. I think that if kids in my generation were to listen to the music I listen to they would like it. I also think that would change the way other kids in my generation think, thereby creating offsprings of children who preserve this kind of music. But instead music like this isn't played in rotation over the radio or on Ipod's. Here's a song that could be used as well.
Below is "Silly" - Deniece Williams, enjoy.

Charles Mann - "Say You Love Me Too," Slow-Tempo Soul Song

Little Known Artist Sings A Good Tune

By Amir Ali Said

Last night, before I went to sleep Pop started playing a series of soul songs. One song that stuck with me, that I wrote on my yellow pad was Charles Mann -"Say You Love Me Too." I've never heard of Charles Mann. In fact, a simple Google search of his name was hard work. Eventually, I found a link on wikianswers.com that said he was singer from Decatur, GA. According to wikianswers, he co-wrote, along with Dave Crawford, the hit record "I Like to Live to Love" for B.B. King. He also was involved in the productions of Jackie Moore's early hits just to name a few. Now for this song.

The song starts off with three organ hits, and the background singers come in with the chorus. Behind them is a slow riff of bass guitar, violin, piano, and drums. Then a snare hit, and Charles Man begins to sing. While he's singing bass guitar, violin, piano, and drums are all in sync for a solid riff. The riff goes on without going off track, and Charles Mann rides it. The swing to this song is incredible. Charles Man sounds like he's heartbroken, and his whole body is in the song.

Listening to an little known artist like Charles Mann shows me how many people sing that haven't or weren't discovered. It's incredible how he didn't go on to have a huge career as a singer. If you listen to this song, you can easily see him reaching in the top 5 of the billboards with this song. Plus, I can't even find solid information on Charles Mann and his life/career. However, this is a really nice song. Songs like this deserve more attention.

The Beat, "I Confess," Up-Tempo Ska Classic

Lyrics, Drums, and Horns Collide For Dope Ska Song

By Amir Ali Said

The Beat (The English Beat) is certainly one of my favorite soul/ska bands. Pop and I have a greatest hits album that we always listen to. It's really hard to maneuver through the CD because we like every song. We both have many favorites; "Mirror in the Bathroom," "Twist & Crawl," "Save It For Later," "Too Nice To Talk To," and many others. But, my favorite song is "I Confess."

"I Confess" starts off with a high-pitched piano riff. Then slow tempo rhythmic drums come into the picture, along with some vocals. For the chorus, the song goes into an up-tempo relaxed mode. Horns are coming in and out, and the bass guitar stays strong in the backdrop. The drums are moving all around, and the song has a nice swing to it. Another highlight of the song, is the vocals.

Dave Wakeling's vocals in all of The Beat's songs are energetic. In almost every song, he has a touch that makes you think about any and everything when listening. In "I Confess" his tone is up-tempo and almost sad. He's singing about how he ruined a couple lives, and now he realized he ruined his as well. That base of the lyrics is incredibly cool.

The Beat had three albums together, and a number of singles. Most of those singles made their way onto the Beat's best hits album that Pop and I have. Since the first time I heard the Beat, I liked their sound and the unity in the songs. The Beat is certainly a group to be studied because of their music. In those three albums the Beat illustrated Jazz, Funk, and Ska effortlessly. Unfortunately, The Beat broke up in 1983, after their final album, Special Beat Service. Although The Beat broke up in 1983, they are one of my favorite groups and the songs they had together are to be remembered.

Another Rock Classic, "Cold As Ice," By Foreigner

British-American Band Came Together for A Good Song

By Amir Ali Said

Let's see, two, three, maybe four years ago I first heard "Cold As Ice" by Foreigner? Yea that sounds a bout right. I'm not sure what I was doing, but I think I was watching a film and the song came on. From the first time I listened to this song I liked it. I just like the laid back nature of this song. Then I like how the song swings smoothly. The rhythm just moves nice and slow, but at an up-tempo pace.

"Cold As Ice" starts off with one of the best piano riffs I've heard. A solid consistent stab of the piano keys with some bass guitar and snare hits. Along with these instruments playing, Lou Gramm is singing. He sings for about 50 seconds, then there is an instrumental. Followed by the 10 second instrumental he goes into his verse and the song really swings. All the instruments combined together form one huge instrument of good music.

Foreigner was formed in 1976 and they had early success with their debut album Foreigner. Foreigner went on to sell more than four million, what song was on that album? You guessed it, "Cold As Ice." Plus this other song called "Feels Like the First Time," ever heard it? Chances are you did, I didn't even know Foreigner sang that song before today. After their debut album Foreigner went on to have some more success, slightly minimal compared to their debut. However, Foreigner has made a handful of money in their career.

"Thats What You Get For Being Polite;" Jackson 5

One Of My Favorite Songs From the Famous Soul Group

By Amir Ali Said

One of my favorite songs is "That's What You Get for Being Polite" by the Jackson 5. I first heard the song last year with Pop, while we were writing. The song is dope. Usually, whenever Pop and I drive somewhere, we'll listen to this song at least once. We listen to this song all the time. Michael Jackson sets off the song and creates the mood.

The Jackson 5 was a great group. The song "That's What You Get for Being Polite" illustrates the group in its prime. This is perhaps one of the Jackson 5's best songs . One thing I like about the group is how each song flows naturally. The way they sung in this song shows how great this family of singers were. The harmony and togetherness of the Jackson 5 is certainly on display.

One more thing, if you pay attention to the lyrics, they sound like the story of somebody's childhood. That person would be Michael Jackson. In this song, he sings so passionately that it makes me question if the song was about him. I know nobody's name from the group was used in the song, but Jackstill doesn't sound like it has nothing to do with the Jackson 5. This was certainly one of the best songs the Jackson 5 has ever sang.