Timeless Tuesday: Episode 002
Welcome back, Mic Drop Family, to Episode 002 of Timeless Tuesday. Timeless Tuesday is a series on Mic Drop, where the Mic Drop team selects their favorite timeless sounds for the week. Some may sound familiar, whether through samples, remixes, or their lasting impact. Each song on this list has earned its place as a classic in our book.
Let’s dive into this week’s selections.
“Girls Dem Sugar” – Beenie Man, Mya (2000)
Beenie Man and Mya are absolute icons of 2000s Hip-Hop and R&B. Mya’s sweet tender vocals, contrasted against Beenie Man’s thick Jamaican accent and adlibs, pair for the perfect combination of hard and soft. This Timeless Tuesday selection has been sampled by Kali Uchis and Don Toliver in “Fantasy”. Both duets adequately demonstrate the beauty in contrasting sounds, especially in music.
“Doin’ Time” – Sublime (1996)
Sublime’s “Doin’ Time” reimagines George Gershwin’s 1934 classic, “Summertime”, turning it into a laid-back anthem of love, loss, and the California lifestyle. The band, rooted in Long Beach, CA, crafted a sound that remains iconic decades later. Fans of this track may also recognize Lana Del Rey’s cover, which pays homage to the original while adding her signature melancholic touch.
“I Like It” – DeBarge (1982)
Here to welcome the slow jams of the list, “I Like It” made the selection this week for Timeless Tuesday. “I Like It” features soulful lyrics that showcase the quintet’s harmonious vocals, along with a smooth R&B groove. A quintet of siblings, DeBarge was a group that was heavily influenced by the Jackson 5, and used that inspiration to make a name for themselves. The track expresses the deep love and affection shared between lovers, down to the intricate details. This timeless slow jam is an absolute favorite.
“I like the way you comb your hair
And I like those stylish clothes you wear
It’s just the little things you do
That show how much you really care.”
“Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green (1972)
Now, we’re bringing some soul to the list, with Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together”. The best timeless songs are songs that are written about love. The lyrics in “Let’s Stay Together” celebrate devotion, commitment, and unconditional love through the good and bad times.
“Oh baby. Let’s, let’s stay together (‘gether)
Loving you whether, whether
Times are good or bad, happy or sad.:
Al Green’s falsetto is unique and unforgettable – it’s no wonder why this song is one of the most treasured love songs of all time.
“Cruisin'” – Smokey Robinson (1979)
To complete the second installation of Timeless Tuesday, Smokey Robinson’s “Cruisin” is my final selection of the week. A “feel-good” track that can help you forget about the stress of the day, “Cruisin” is one of my all-time favorites. “Cruisin” is a love anthem, featuring Smokey Robinson’s velvety vocals and an endearing message for lovers all over the world. This timeless track is perfect for the drive home (windows down), a slow jams playlist, or with a cup of coffee.
Tune in next week, for Episode 003 of Timeless Tuesday!
