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Every week, we highlight the rad, the bad and the straight-up sad in music. This week, special guest contributor Salim Akil lets us in on his latest project and reveals five tracks he thinks we should add to our playlist right now. Editor's Pick: Sparkle Directed By Salim Akil
We've been following Salim Akil's work for years now, and you probably have, too; you just didn't know it. He's produced, written and directed for hit show's like Soul Food and The Game. Today, he releases Sparkle, a remake of the 1976 film, which chronicles the story of a rising musical star during the Motown era and the personal challenges that ensue. Though we tend to leave musical films to the women in our lives, Akil makes it easy to tag along. The music in Sparkle also takes center stage, featuring songs from the original film written by Curtis Mayfield and beats by R Kelly and Cee Lo Green. It stars Jordan Sparks, and is Whitney Houston's last film role. We asked Salim Akil to share five tracks with us that he thinks we should add to our playlists -- here they are.
--> Salim Akil's Playlist
"God Fearing Man" by Ben HarperAn epic meditative experience that opens the mind and heart. The words are so beautiful and sincere. Play this for your woman and she will give you anything you want. Anything."The Creator Has a Master Plan" by Pharoah SandersPharoah is at his best here communicating with the angels and humans. Open the windows on Sunday, let the sunlight in. Play this while you do your morning ritual; even if it does not involve exercising, you'll feel like you've run five miles and walked 10 old ladies across the street."You Don't Know" by Jay-ZThis reminds me so much of where I came from. It's got that "made in America," "Black male swagger" vibe that puts my mind where it needs to be. Spin this before a meeting and you will not lose."Tell Me A Tale" by Michael KiwanukaI like the clean and crisp feeling of his voice and the orchestra, and the horns -- all of it. It reminds me of Fela Kuti and Gil Evans at the same damn time."Stars/Feelings" by Nina Simone (Live at Montreux, 1976)So damn sexy, Nina and the song. Everything you ever wanted to know about American Black Women is wrapped up in this performance. This is just a true artist on the edge of the 1,000-foot diving board. And I love the fact that she makes an audience member sit their ass down. This is classic.
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