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January

January 16, 2004
And so 2003 comes to an end. I haven't met many people who aren't glad the year is over. But, the year did bring some major highlights for me professionally, such as Naked Lunch, Branch, my birthday at Namaasakar, Flow, Chetty Red, a CD launch at Lush, and a host of other parties I was able to spin. Personally, I am a godfather again (little Anthony was born on 12.13.03), congrats to Craig and Meghan. I also enjoyed two of the best days ever - taking Jalen to the circus and then for his first haircut. What a special kid... Regardless, I, too, am looking forward to what 2004 will bring. I'm locked in to two new regular parties and have lots on the horizon. Plus, the Knicks heard I wasn't watching anymore and made some moves to bring me back (so amped!)... Look for the birthday party to end all birthday parties in April (the BIG one).

- Jeff Van Vader

Shouts: Happy Birthdays to Big Davin, Tracy, Duke, Tasha, Dave, Leigh, Natasha, Marc, Michael, and, of course Dr. King. And, big thanks to all those who employed me this year (too many to mention) - for weddings, birthdays, and all other events. You know I appreciate it.

"Gettin' Grown"

So, I'm sitting here vibing to DJ Eleven's latest creation, "Soul Vol. 3." (did your thing, Eleven!), wondering if I'm getting old too quickly. I mean, I see the grays making their presence felt on the dome - one even had the nerve to infiltrate the infamous goat! But, I'm not talking about physically; my body gave up on me years ago. I'm talking about old in spirit. Gillian already tells me that I'm going to be one of those old guys hanging out in front of the barbershop scolding the neighbor's kids. Mostly, it would be the educating kind of scold - you know, not telling them to stop throwing snowballs at the bus, but more like, "You kids don't know nuttin' 'bout music - com'ere listen to this!"

I don't know. It seems like these days the only music that really brings me joy is old school; old school R&B, reggae, 80's, hip-hop, house, whatever. It's not that I don't like anything that's put out these days, but it doesn't give me that... that... feeling. You know that feeling? The one where you're in the middle of a conversation with someone and you hear a song and have to pause and say, "Excuse me, but this is my jam." Then you say, "Ok, it's over - what were you saying?"

The one where you're in the shower and your song comes on (I mean, it's your song!), and you have to step out of the shower, wetting up the whole bathroom, just to raise the volume? Then, you proceed to butcher the harmony and words because you never actually learned what it was saying, you just loved the way it made you feel?

Or, the feeling you get at 2:30 when you have your jacket on in the spot ready to leave, come say peace to me, then return at 3:30 cursing me, "Yo! I've been trying to leave for like an hour - could you stop dropping these joints so I can go home?!" (And, you know what I'm playing at that time...)

That's the feeling I'm missing. Obviously, it takes time before a song can become a classic and evoke that type of response. But, do you listen to the New Year's Eve countdowns on the radio or TV? Which of these songs do you think you'll hear a few years from now and just be taken back to 2003? Which artists are going to set it off for you in 2013 when the DJ drops them? I have no crystal ball here, but I do have some thoughts. There are a couple of joints from '03 that I really believe will still kill the crowd years from now. I consulted Billboard's Top 25 R&B/Hip-Hop for '03 as a starting point. Here are five I think will bring the house down:

5. Insert your favorite Jay-Z single/duet of '03
4. "In Da Club" (not my choice but, hey - it was Jalen's favorite)
3. "Like Glue" (video mix, of course)
2. "Get Low" (who won't do the 'to the window' dance?)
1. "Step In The Name Of Love" (I just can't see folks not 'have to dance' to this one)

I'm sure there are others - feel free to let me know what I missed. For now, chill with these. I'll keep my copies clean to play when we're partying in the retirement home...