(JUAN.of.a.KIND)

Prince - The Greatest Romance Ever Sold [Neptunes Extended Remix] (feat. Q-Tip & Pharrell)

Going to peep the artist currently known as Prince later tonight. I’ll admit I’m not a huge Prince fan (more of an MJ guy) and I know the man’s discography about as good as the average person. But I do have great respect for the artist, largely due to the tremendous influence he has had on the careers of musicians that I greatly admire (i.e. ?uestlove, D’Angelo, The Neptunes and many more). Plus, getting to see a living legend do his damn thing live in person is surely an opportunity that one cannot pass up (the tix are compliments of my sister). And tonight’s musical event provides the perfect excuse to post this silky smoove example of turn-of-the-millennium Neptunology. The artist probably won’t perform this particular joint (unless Tip and Skateboard P are somehow miraculously featured as surprise guests) but I’m looking forward to my first live Prince experience regardless (for all of those iconic hits and elaborate extended jams).

Pusha T featuring Tyler, The Creator - Trouble On My Mind [Prod. The Neptunes]

Pharrell, Chad, Pusha and Tyler all delivering the ill-tastic goods on this joint. Summer is no doubt the best time for a brand new Neptunes heat rock. Christmas in July, indeed.

Re-Up Gang - Show You How To Hustle

From the excellent 2008 mixtape We Got It For Cheap, Vol. 3: The Spirit Of Competition. Here are the Clipse, Ab-Liva and Sandman rhyming over one of the illest self-produced (i.e. beats that they kept for themselves) Neptunes soundscapes ever. This is of course the beat to Skateboard P Presents Show You How To Hustle from Pharrell’s fan-tas-tic In My Mind LP from 2006 (written, arranged and produced entirely by P). It’s been a minute since I’ve listened to any of the three WGIFC mixtapes, but nonetheless they all remain as ill documents of dope rhymes over dope beats (unauthorized stylee). Star Treezy!

Snoop Dogg - Drop It Like It’s Hot (Remix) (feat. Pharrell & Jay-Z) [Prod. The Neptunes]

“Spendin’ money, mang…” (c) Chef Boyar-P

Kelis - Milkshake [Neptunes Remix] (feat. Pharrell & Pusha T)

IMO, this near 5-minute chaotic monsterpiece (complete with a quirky soundscape that fittingly evokes visions of thick milkshake mixing) trumps the original infamous 2K3 radio hit (which was also a Neptunian production). Because after all…”this is the re-mix.” Kelis dear, please find some way to get back in the studio with Pharrell and Chad; pretty please, with sugar on top and milk in the shake. Because you literally made beautiful(ly ill) music together. Happy Friday Night.

Pharrell - Fun, Fun, Fun [Prod. Pharrell Williams] (Despicable Me OST)

What a great summer song for the whole family! Almost makes you wanna go back to elementary/secondary school just so you could have that awesome “school’s out for summer” feeling again (almost). Also, Skateboard P’s back and on the attack with his endearing “phalsetto” stylee (it’s been a while). Whatta good time, indeed! Edit: This joint feels like a summer prequel to Happy from N*E*R*D’s Seeing Sounds. Although it’s much more care-free, playful and…well…HAPPY. This one’s definitely fo’ da keedz.

As for the film itself, I’m taking my nephew (now 3.5 years old) to see it tomorrow afternoon. He’s peeped the trailer quite a bit over the past few weeks and is rather excited (especially for that roller coaster scene). So if you’re keeping score, the little man’s first theatrical experience was Astro Boy last October (perfect timing). And now his second cinematic experience (and first in-theatre summer film) will be an enjoyably amusing villain-with-a-heart movie that’s got a score and soundtrack (10 tracks, Illmatic style…haha) both produced by The Neptunes.

Yes indeedy, I’m making sure that this kid is on the proper pop cultural track alright (I take this job seriously, I do).

Mystikal - Shake Ya Ass (feat. Pharrell) [Prod. The Neptunes]

I’m sure many of you will recall this infamous hit from all the way back in 2000 in some form or fashion (back when it was EVERYWHERE on the radio and in the clubs, mostly in the edited form of “Shake It Fast”). From New Orleans’ own unintelligible grunting monster (in the tradition of James Brown’s ad-libs) Mystikal (who was released in January 2010 from a six-year jail term), comes this oldie-but-goodie and a certified club banger fo’ dat ass. *cue the shoulder-shaking wind instrument-based beat*

It’s been a couple of weeks since the initial airing of the season one finale to David Simon’s incomparable Treme. And just like with any Simon scripted drama, you truly cannot judge things until you’ve seen the entire picture in the proper context (in this case, all 11 hours worth in chronological order). Sure, that’s a lot to ask from the viewer, but at the same time the bigger the investment, the bigger the reward (provided that the material is excellent which, in this case, it is). So if you gave up early on or didn’t even watch the series (as indicated by the low ratings according to HBO standards), then you missed out on one of the most brilliant, fascinating, authentic and truly moving television experiences I’ve ever witnessed (and I watch a lot of TV…probably too much, actually).

Anyways, the reason I’m posting this is because, mixed into all of the wonderfully classic New Orleans local jazz music, there was none other than Shake Ya Ass being featured early on in the series premiere of Treme, way back in April (which I just re-watched recently). The joint in question comes up in the scene where Davis (Steve Zahn) starts blasting music out of his apartment window to piss off his yuppie neighbours (and this track will certainly do the job). In addition, this amusing moment will most likely remain as the one and only intersection ever between 2 creative artists whom I greatly admire: David Simon and The Neptunes. So on that note: to our American neighbours, drink it up responsibly and “shake ya ass” thoroughly this holiday weekend. Whereas the partying/chillaxing/recovering continues for my fellow Canadians as we’re coming fresh off of our Canada Day celebrations this past Thursday. No doubt the hot & fun summer is now in full effect, so show me whutchaworkinwit! (but WAAAAAATTCH ya’self!)

Michael Jackson - Never Can Say Goodbye (Neptunes Remix)

One year later and we still miss you, Mike. May his majesty rest in continued peace.

P.S. The ‘Tunes KILLED this remix (point blank) of an already legendary Jackson 5 track. It’s a low down dirty shame that P, Chad and MJ never worked together as I imagine that there would have been many more magical joints like this timeless gem. “OH!” (c) Pharrell (at which point the ill, bridge-like drum pattern kicks in; I simply adore that part)

11. Pharrell - In My Mind (2006)

Choice Cut (Sub) - I Really Like You [Prod. Pharrell]

Sure Shots: That Girl (fave track, already posted), Stay With Me, Show You How To Hustle

Magic Juan note: I’ve spent more time listening to this album in the past 3.5 years than any other LP I own (here’s some solid proof). Despite that, it’s still a flawed album (which is part of its charm), hence it just missing out on the TOP 10 (since I feel that every album listed from 10-1 is flawless). However, for being such a treasured album in my mind (ha), I gave it the top spot on the bottom 10 as consolation. Yes, I’m tough, but fair.

If you recall, my Planet Neptunes countdown only covered beats that the ‘Tunes produced for other artists. Maybe someday in 2010 I’ll tackle my list of favourite beats that P & Hugo kept for themselves. And I Really Like You (the standalone track, which is what I posted if you haven’t pressed play already) would definitely make that yet-to-be-written list. Because…”I really like [it] girl, oh girrrl; I know, this is it.” *cue the Stevie Wonder-esque harmonica-playing*

18. Kelis - Wanderland (2001)

Choice Cut: Shooting Stars (feat. a rarely uncredited Pharrell Williams) [Prod. The Neptunes]

Sure Shots: Young, Fresh N’ New (my album fave, already posted though), Get Even, Star Wars [hidden track].

Kelis’ sophomore album (which was never released in North America) is a flat-out Neptunes masterpiece. Import it or DL it or whatever. But just listen to it somehow if you’re a fan of said duo’s work and have never heard the album in full (a good sound system or a set of headphones is a must, anything but laptop speakers). Kelis and the ‘Tunes were all real hungry on this LP and it shows. Also, it’s clear that they were hitting somersaults without the net because much of the production isn’t exactly what you would call radio-friendly, but more like unconventional future radio-friendly (something that became a deciding factor in only releasing the album in Europe and Japan, where music fans are generally considered more sophisticated, something I don’t disagree with). P and Chad fell clear off their rocker on some of these joints and didn’t really give a f*ck. As a result, Wanderland became Kelis’ most daring and creative album to date IMO.

It’s too bad that the Harlem born and raised recording artist never rose to diva superstardom like I feel she should have since Kelis has always possessed WAY more talent (all starting with her sexy, edgy, raspy bangin’ voice) than many of the big female names you see in bright lights today (you know who they are). But that’s the way the world turns/cookie crumbles I guess. Although now she’s getting mad paid in alimony/child support dollars (Nas lost in marriage, but at least he’s still a microphone god). I’m still waiting for the day/night that Kelis reunites with Pharrell and Chad in the recording studio. It’s been far too long and only good things have ever come about from their collabos —-> See: Kaleidoscope, Wanderland and the infamous Milkshake joint (although I prefer the Neptunes Remix).

Wale - Inhibitions (Let It Loose) [feat. Pharrell]

Neptunian production in full muthaphukin eff-izz-ect! From the forthcoming Wale LP Attention Deficit.

I’m not really feeling any of the so-called hipster rappers of the current generation. But Wale so far seems to be the exception to the rule (especially when he’s on his hip hop sh!t). The kid can actually rhyme well and he puts some style into it. That and he f*cks with The Roots, The Neptunes and 9th Wonder. Much respek. Am looking forward to the album.

Edit: Upon numerous listens, I am really digging this track. Wale is charming as usual and sounds fantastic while effortlessly flowing over a Neps beat. As for the beat: the electronic noises and synths are all there, but the chill tempo and grimey, rumbling bass sounds more like a dirty HHNF-era Clipse beat which is a great thing; hungry and totally ill with a futuristic edge to it. As a bonus, Pharrell actually sings pretty good here (surprisingly) in his trademark falsetto voice and the hook is equal parts catchy, stylish and hilarious (with the chuckling and the double entendres and what not). I admit I was rather excited when I heard awhile back that Wale was working with The Neptunes on a joint on his new LP. And the hype has certainly been met with this track. I love it. So press play and let it loose!

Jay-Z - So Ambitious (feat. Pharrell) [Prod. The Neptunes]

From the forthcoming Blueprint III LP. This joint sounds like it belongs on Reasonable Doubt (which still stands as Jigga’s best album IMO).

“Y’all gotta hear this shit.” (c) Skateboard P

*waiting patiently for the BP3 instrumentals to surface*