Regulate: West Coast Rap Classic: Prince, Warren G & Nate Dogg (R.I.P.), Michael Lynche

"COMPUTER BLUE"   PRINCE & THE REVOLUTION

Growing up in Minneapolis in the mid-80's was a special experience.   I attended concerts at First Avenue, have friends in the movie "Purple Rain", met Prince's dad, Lisa, Wendy, Jessie Johnson, Terry Lewis,....I could go on and on.  Prince's talent and especially his unmatched creativity in pushing the boundaries makes him a true musical genius.  Take his debut album: He wrote every song, produced it, AND played every instrument on it!  "Computer Blue" is an ever-changing blues, funk, rock, jazz, killer guitar jam.   It's complex, sexual, and a perfect example of how Prince "owns" the crowd when performing live.   

"REGULATE"   WARREN G. and NATE DOGG

LOVE This song!   It's been a ringtone of mine forever, classic storytelling mixed with the perfect California hip hop beats.    Check out one of the funniest Wikipedia posts ever:   
 http://www.thebookoffreak.com/shootin_the_shit/warren-g-regulate-wikipedia-synopsis

It's a play-by-play rundown of this West Coast rap anthem told in plain English without the rap slang.   Here's a sample:  
Observing these unfortunate proceedings, Nate realizes that he may have to use his firearm to deliver his friend from harm.
The tension crescendos as the robbers point their guns to Warren’s head. Warren senses the gravity of his situation. He cannot believe the events unfolding could happen in his own neighborhood. As he imagines himself in a fantastical escape, he catches a glimpse of his friend, Nate.

"THIS WOMAN'S WORK"  MICHAEL LYNCHE

From American Idol 2010, St Petersburg's Michael Lynche finished 4th overall.   But he left one of the biggest impressions that season.   During Hollywood Week, Michael received a call that his wife had gone into labor early and had his baby.   With emotions at their apex, Michael covers the perfect song for the occasion, "This Woman's Work" by Maxwell (and originally Kate Bush), you will see the reaction it got.