Public Enemy - "He Got Game"

ARTIST: Public Enemy
SONG: He Got Game
GENRE: Hip Hop

Public Enemy, one of the most respected rap groups to ever have played the game, covers the classic Buffalo Springfield song, "For What It's Worth".

You should all know this song (well, both of these) already, so hopefully I'm just preaching to the choir. If not, please don't embarrass yourself any longer and just get the damn song.

Gelka - "Hidding Place"

ARTIST: Gelka
SONG: Hidding Place
ALBUM: Cafe del Mar 25th Anniversary

The ultimate in chill. Cafe del Mar DJs specialize in serenading millions to the sunset every year, and there is no better recreation of breezy summer evenings than these instrumental remedies. Some tracks are always better than others on these mixes, but be assured, this one is an absolute GEM...any ambient listener needs this beauty right away.

Josefos Pres. Claire Sky - "Do What You Want"

ARTIST: Josefos Pres. Claire Sky
SONG: Do What You Want
ALBUM: Venue 8

Off of a very solid compilation from the Athenian late night hotspot, Venue 8, a chill downbeat song for afternoon coffee or early evening cocktails. Not too much of an ambient feel, will keep you alert and going, while not hinting at the dance floor.

Underworld - "8 Ball"

ARTIST: Underworld
SONG: 8 Ball
GENRE: Electronic

Off "The Beach" soundtrack (very solid album on the whole). Give it the first 4:25 before it really comes into its own and makes the 2nd half, and the entire song a journey unto its own. Solid choice for electronic fans, with an ambient feel towards the end. A true epic of a track.

Me Phi Me - "Revival!"

ARTIST: Me Phi Me
SONG: Revival!
GENRE: Hip Hop

A little older school, off the Reality Bites Soundtrack (which is solid all around, by the way).

Hieroglyphics - "Step to My Girl"

ARTIST: Hieroglyphics
SONG: Step to My Girl
GENRE: Hip Hop

Great Cali hip hop group (AKA Souls of Mischief). Very easy to listen to. Their recordings always sound a little scratchy, but that's their style. Also check out "93 'Til Infinity," (under Souls of Mischief).

Fenomenon - "Pacific Memories"

ARTIST: Fenomenon
SONG: Pacific Memories
GENRE: Ambient/Chillout

An all time favorite for kicking it in the early morning hours. Smooth ambient feel makes it the ultimate chllout track. A must have for Cafe del Mar addicts, but has yet to grace the track listings of the Ibiza based compilations. Unfortunately, not available on Itunes as it's a bit more obscure. With a little effort, a free download can be found via google search.

Geto Boys - "G Code"

ARTIST: Scarface
SONG: G Code
GENRE: Rap

From Scarface's original group, this song has become my go-to rap anthem. Anyone who has any remote interest in rap or hip-hop can get into this song. Great lyrics, heavy beat, musical background flow. If you are unfamiliar with the Geto Boys, their biggest hit was "Damn It Feels Good to Be a Gangsta," featured in the movie "Office Space" (great flick).

Also check out: "No Tears." A Scarface solo.