MIKE'S DAILY JUKEBOX: Street Poetry By 2Pac: Hinder, Tupac, 98 Degrees, Hum

"LIFE GOES ON" 2 PAC

Tupac was a street poet and it's amazing how prophetic many of his rhymes turned out to be. "Life Goes On" is the gem of All Eyez On Me. The song cherishes the memories of friends who've passed but rather than mourn them, treasure those moments and make the most of your future. There is a powerful uplifting underlying message in this song. Take the time to reflect and be sad, but then it's time to move forward, life goes on.

"BETTER THAN ME" HINDER

Saw Hinder recently in Tampa at the Straz Center opening for Buckcherry. "Better Than Me" is the most emotional song Hinder has recorded. They're one of the best bands to listen to after a breakup especially "Nothing Good About Goodbye", "How Long" and this song. "Better Than Me" describes that struggle in wanting someone you love to be happy but knowing that you may not be the right one. It's hard to move on when you still love them.

I told myself I won't miss you
But I remembered what it feels like beside you

I really miss your hair in my face
And the way your innocence tastes
And I think you should know this
You deserve much better than me

"STARS" HUM

Cryptic lyrics (She missed her train from Mars?) from an Illinois alternative semi-metal band in the mid 90's. "Stars" lyrics are confusing (suicide? isolation? drugs? ), yet the energy in the guitar solos makes this a song to crank up and just enjoy the dynamic mood of the music. Hum didn't last long but songs like "The Pod" and "Stars" are worth checking out.

"I DO" 98 DEGREES

This video is primarily on the blog because of Ali Landry ;). First saw her on her famous Super Bowl Doritos commercial catching Doritos in the laundromat. This former Miss USA makes the Nick Lachey-led 98 Degrees video a true classic wedding song. Yes, it's sappy, over-the-top, but sometimes fuzzy, happy thoughts are the best feeling to have! Incidentally, I don't believe Tupac, 98 Degrees, and Hum ever toured together :)