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RIP to Bill Schonely, the voice of the Portland Trailblazers since 3 pointers were only worth 2, who coined the phrase "rip city!" If it weren't for the Schonz, we wouldn't have this gem. Anyone else's local team get in on the "rap craze" back in the 80s/90s?

 
I revisted the album Black Messiah by D'Angelo and the Vanguard yesterday. I came across it eight years ago when it was released and it served as an introduction for me to contemporary R&B. As someone who listened predominately to rock music, this was a challenging album to listen to but very rewarding at the same time.

What makes this album special for me is the use of live instrumentation throughout the album that gives it a rougher feel closer to 80's R&B of Prince and Michael Jackson. A lot of the R&B that came out during the 90's and early 2000's was very smooth and I dismissed it as "baby-making" music.

The intro track, Ain't That Easy, has a great groove with a deep pocket that never gets old for me.
 
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