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#VibesAndTunesCH Thread
Last week, a few of us in Vibes and Insha'Allah had an idea. Why not have a session playing our favourite less popular songs from our favourite artists?
The idea grew wings. Why not open it up to everyone? Why not invite M.I?
Then this happened:
Last week, a few of us in Vibes and Insha'Allah had an idea. Why not have a session playing our favourite less popular songs from our favourite artists?
The idea grew wings. Why not open it up to everyone? Why not invite M.I?
Then this happened:
It is difficult to describe what it felt like, but think Vibes and Insha'Allah culture.
Who is your favourite rapper? Imagine being in a room with them, telling them the hidden songs that sound like they were uniquely made for you, and asking what it felt like writing those lines that moved you.
At every point, we asked M to walk us through his creative process.
At every point, we asked M to walk us through his creative process.
This was Jude Abaga in his element! The intentionality that goes into his work is unmatched.
There are multiple iterations of some of these songs, that is what makes them sound seamless.
He gave us stories upon stories, we took it all in. Context is everything.
There are multiple iterations of some of these songs, that is what makes them sound seamless.
He gave us stories upon stories, we took it all in. Context is everything.
We talked about the song 'Ashes', the stripped down expression of the pain of watching the ALUU 4 murdered by a mob on video.
The whole room stood still as he described how he got the inspiration to record that.
The whole room stood still as he described how he got the inspiration to record that.
Did you know M.I had to rewrite his verse on Phyno's 'Link Up' because Burnaboy's came with a verse that threatens you to rewrite yours before you become Big Sean on 'Control'?
Did you know that M.I and Kel created a PR stunt relationship?
So when he said "everybody wanna know if the boy date Kel" on 'I'm Hot', he was pulling our legs.
So when he said "everybody wanna know if the boy date Kel" on 'I'm Hot', he was pulling our legs.
We rediscovered old classics, people brought up some songs that we had collectively enjoyed a decade ago.
We discovered new songs, M.I played an unreleased jam which will be released in 2021.
We discovered new songs, M.I played an unreleased jam which will be released in 2021.
We had his friends in the room. @loosekaynon who was there to force him to tell the truth at every point. @Audu, whose job was to remind M that the unreleased versions of the hit songs were better.
@EvaAlordiah brought the charm, @Ebuka was just there for violence.
@EvaAlordiah brought the charm, @Ebuka was just there for violence.
There is a Dutch word, gezellig, which describes the feeling of convivial, joy and coziness - like putting up lights on a Christmas tree or hanging with old friends - that's how it felt.
To paraphrase the philosopher, Aubrey Graham, I'm looking forward to memories of right now.
To paraphrase the philosopher, Aubrey Graham, I'm looking forward to memories of right now.
Thanks to everyone that showed up. Thanks to everyone that listened. Thanks to everyone that wanted to join but couldn't.
And most especially to you, @MI_Abaga, my man.
Here is the full setlist.
And most especially to you, @MI_Abaga, my man.
Here is the full setlist.
