Gritz N' Gravy: Gritz's Year In Review

Another year scribed in the Farmer's Almanac, another inevitable bout of depressing self-reflection. What have I done this year? Well, I spoke to Redman, coached some kids in a sport I've never played, worked extensively for almost no pay, and tried to get it cracking with my ladyfriend while listening to Luther Vandross' beautiful rendition of "Come All Ye Faithful." (She made me change it to John Legend—standard maneuver.)

It's been a roller-coaster ride -- not in a 50 Cent "Amusement Park" sort of way, but emotionally speaking. Yet throughout the turbulent year that I will remember as 007 (license to kill... time looking a for a job), hip-hop made my subway rides bearable and always made me smiling in spite of myself. From the dope to the ridiculous, the music certainly kept me entertained and engaged, and I saw some of the best shows of my life (Brother Ali, American Gangster Tour, and Rock the Bells). Let's all make a New Year's resolution to never ask if hip-hop is dead in '08.

Since we bloggers are all end-of-the-year list having ass mu'fuckers, I hope you won't begrudge me a couple of my own. Happy Holidays, and see you next year!

Gritz's Songs of 2007

These are literally my favorite songs of the year!

"Uncle Sam God Damn," Brother Ali



"Blue Magic," Jay-Z



"Paper Planes," MIA



"Waledance," Wale



"Fightin' the Nation," Kano



Gritz's Favorite Jams for Getting It Cracking

Some of these songs I have actually got it cracking with; others appear in a playlist that I made in college called "It's Basically Sex Music," but never found occasion to use. (And yes, I am on that new school flavor, sue me.)

"Pony," Ginuwine



"Rendevouz," Craig David



"Sex in the Kitchen (Remix)," R. Kelly



"I Forgot to Be Your Lover," Jaheim



"Poison Ivy," The Coasters



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