Emily Wells

In my opinion, there are only two types of people in this world. Either you're a Biggie fan, or you're not. It's as simple as that. The way I see it, any person who considers themselves a fan of hip-hop in any sense, better be able to recite the lyrics to "Juicy" off the top of their head at any given time. In my opinion (and undoubtedly many other people's) this song is the embodiment of everything hip-hop should be, while also having a universal message that any person who has faced opposition can relate to. I think it's a safe assumption though to say that the last person most people would expect to cover this song (let alone do it justice) would be a white girl who just happens to play the violin,ukulele and xylophone among many other unconventional instruments. Believe it or not though, this is the case. Using a drum machine and a few samples underneath her soulful vocals, singer/songwriter Emily Wells has created her own entrancing rendition of this classic.



Emily Wells-'Juicy'

The Symphonies: Dreams Memories & Parties, her sophomore release,is an atmospheric trip through the mind of a girl who grew up loving Vivaldi just as much as Biggie Smalls. Among these she also cites Bob Dylan, Outkast and Billie Holiday as some of her biggest influences. Perhaps the most captivating thing about this album may be how she effectively blends these influences together to form structured songs that give off a hip hop vibe while also providing a classical feel at the same time. The mix of drum machines,strings,analog synthesizers, glockenspiels, and violins provide a landscape of sound that is only truly processed upon repeat listens. Up to twenty-one separate tracks of violin were supposedly used on each song to create just part of what you are hearing, which is pretty crazy in my opinion. Besides her amazing musicianship, Emily Well's amazing voice and vocal range is a whole other thing to marvel at in itself. I often found myself getting chills while listening to this record, due in part to her beautiful but sometimes haunting voice. Each these songs are indeed symphonies in their own right, amazingly crafted and sonically complex, all while making you tap your foot along with them.

The Symphonies: Dreams Memories & Parties

10 years ago today

R.I.P.

"Satan said I'm learnin well, Big L's gonna burn in hell
front and get scarred cause your rap style ain't even hard
I run with a thievin' squad, and none of us believe in god"