In My Write Mind

[originally posted May 2005]

Sigh.

Excuse me as I get misty for a moment. It happens every time I hear the song. You know the one … by the Native Tongues, i.e., De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and the Jungle Brothers. The one where Monie Love and Queen Latifah make cameos that set the party off. The one that sounds like one of the greatest studio sessions ever.

Yup. That’s the song. The “Buddy” remix. In my opinion, one of the greatest hip-hop songs ever made. And also one of the most important, if only because it solidified the Native Tongues as a unit well before Tribe’s Scenario remix propelled them into the stratosphere.

“Buddy” was, and still is, da shit.

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[originally posted May 2005]

… that’s all I ask.

One more moment to soak it all in, to embrace the smells and the sights. One more opportunity to feel like it used to, when things were stress-free and the most you had to worry about was whether you wanted a bomb pop or an Italian Ice.

One more drive through the neighborhood, chatting with people who were like family. All I want is one more.

One more great summer. Is that asking too much?

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[originally posted June 2005]

For some reason, that song always reminds me of her. My one time love, my ‘woulda-coulda-shoulda’, my “if.” She could be classified as the one that got away; but then I remember that song and realize that she’s really not.

Everything that happened … did so for a reason.

That Zhane song, “For A Reason,” which I have burned on my hard drive here at work, takes me back to the summer of the year 2000 each time it plays. Subconsciously, I must’ve burned it onto my drive because it was burned onto my brain. I’ve always loved the song … just like I’ve always loved her. So when Jean and Renee belt out their heartfelt “reasonings,” I sit there, enthralled, entranced … and in the past.

Let me explain.

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