Arrested by Song #4: Hip Hop in Development

I was introduced to today's song, which I was reminded of recently by the helpful shuffle on my ipod, by my friend, bandmate and co-conspirator Alex Hawkins, who subtly put on the below video one lazy spring afternoon while we were failing to study. It's since become one of my all-time favourite hip-hop tracks, falling just short of knocking the Beastie Boys' 'Rhymin and Stealin' from the top spot. I'm no expert when it comes to hip-hop, but I enjoy older, more intelligent artists who leant towards social commentary (NWA, Public Enemy etc) than any recent chart-botherers. I do occasionally have bizzare cravings for Snoop and Dre which are easily satisfied and love a bit of crossover, but my tastes will always be dominated by whiny indie-rock. This track, however, is a summer anthem which is smooth, accessible and bright. Hip-hop can rarely be described as lovely but this is always the word which springs to mind. It is a relaxing song, and one whose lyrical content is beautiful and asks, in subtle, sweet exclamations, what happened to all the love, at least a decade before the bland chart-guff of the Black Eyed Peas asked the same question. Open some juice, put this song on and chill in the sun.