Filed under: Feature
12/23/2008

Best of 2008: Jose James

Words:

Brownswood’s acoustic jazz vocalist, Jose James, got inspired by dubstepper Benga and hip-hop experimentalists Gnarls Barkley.

Who was the best artist of 2008?

Benga. A contemporary genius: live and direct.

What was your favorite album of 2008?

Benga’s Diary of an Afro Warrior (Tempa). This album showed me how musical and creative a mind he has; “Night” is an instant classic, a very important song. Artists like him and Flying Lotus help me to understand the world I live in as an international artist.

What was the best music trend of 2008?

There is a return to the love of the music in general and of live performance, going back to the roots. Also, the continued blending of genres and artistic sensibilities, as showcased by artists such as Gnarls Barkley, Beck, and M.I.A.

What was the worst music trend of 2008?

The intense focus on music for 10-year-olds.

What will be big in 2009?

Great songs by individualistic artists and producers that reflect the growing multi-cultural worldview. Mix it up!