A cornerstone of Hip-Hop's late 90's indie-uprise, DJ Spinna made much of his first impression on listeners as the musical background of his group The Jigmastas (having released an impressive slew of 12" singles on his then self-run label Beyond Real during this time) as well as providing the canvas for an array of that era's lyrical giants. As an emcee in New York City, if you didn't have a Spinna production under your belt, well, you just hadn't accomplished all there was to accomplish. Everyone from Mos Def, Talib Kweli to Pharaohe Monch boasted Spinna beats to prove their worth to the scene. At the height of indie-kingpin Rawkus Records heyday, Spinna was in demand, also churning out timeless classics of the era from the likes of J-Live, Mr. Complex and The Polyrhythm Addicts (his all-too-brief collabo-group with Apani B., Shaabam Sadeeq and Complex).
As collaborative production work flooded his studio, from hip-hop legends like Sadat X & Grand Puba (Brand Nubian), Masta Ace and Guru (Gangstarr) to even The Jungle Brothers. Yet, while his stock as a the go-to producer rose so did his value as a key, if not crucial, remixer. At the time reworking hits for the major-label likes of De La Soul ("Stakes is High") Das EFX and MC Eiht.
Turning heads throughout the industry, Spinna's sonics soon infiltrated numerous genres. Tapped by everyone from George Michael to Mary J. Blige to Motown Records (for his brilliant Michael Jackson homage to "We're Almost There"). It's here his production presence would flourish greatly, as Spinna would go on to revive and revise Soulful marvels like Donald Byrd, Eddie Kendricks, Betty Carter, Roy Ayers and Al Jarreau. Always relevant to the current, Spinna has taken to new mixes for the J Dilla-bred Platinum Pied Pipers and Bay Area songstress Goapele as with the well respected Les Nubian. Though it goes without saying that one of the more memorable mixes goes to his monumental version of Shawn Escoffery's "Days Like This". In turn, catapulting Spinna into his now stately, touted presence in the dance music scene. Which made the transition to BBE Records smooth as ever, for his landmark solo production album "Here To There". It also spawned another record label, Spinna's own, Wonderwax. A home for his soulful dance classics, the imprint came to fruition in 2003, and has seen memorable releases from contemporaries such as Rich Medina, Lady Alma, Blaze, The Free Radikalz and Selan.
With so much studio work, it's a marvel Spinna travels as much as he does. The constant, globe-trotting performances he's become equally famed for have brought the DJ as far as Iceland, Australia, and South Africa as well as countless jaunts through England, Europe and the U.S. Not to forget, his hugely successful tours of Japan, where Spinna is held in the highest regard throughout the country for his craft in music. Not always the lone crowd-controller, Spinna's collaborated on stage alongside contemporary luminaries like Gilles Peterson, Jazzanova, Joe Claussell, Bugz In The Attic, Osunlade, Jazzy Jeff, Kenny Dope, Keb Darge, DJ Scratch (EPMD), DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist. He's a true showman and versatile as ever.
Yet nothing compares to his celebrated Stevie Wonder inspired WONDER-Full DJ-performances (aside friend and contributor Bobbito Garcia). Garnering overwhelming fanfare each occasion done - whether NYC, LA, San Francisco, Japan or beyond and if a WONDER-Full event is booked at a club you can put money on a line around the block and thousands of Stevie Wonder admirers rocking the house. And while he's gained so much attention and accolade for his tributes to Stevie, Spinna is not incapable of doing the same for any other pivotal forefather. Visit New York City any given month and find a number of Spinna themed throw-downs in the city's esteemed venues - each as memorable as the last.
Its true that there are other likeminded DJ/Producers in the world comparable to DJ Spinna, but for the most part, they choose a genre and master it. Ask them to flip another variety with the same intense knowledge and sleek-savvy and you'll be hard pressed to find someone that'll do it to Spinna's extent.
With a brand new album "InterGalactic Soul" at its completion (set for release in May, 06), Spinna's venturing to new reaches in his quest to musical harmony. Tapping into his perfected take on a truly cosmic boom-bap to a sexy, stylishly accessible brand of House and dance music that is unique only to him.
Remaining a musician for the ages, Spinna's true successes happily await in the future. Won't you come along for the ride?
Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing
DJ Spinna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
I got your picture hangin' on the wall
I realize it's just a picture in a frame
I read your letters when you're not near
But they don't move me
And they don't groove me like when I hear
Your sweet voice whispering in my ear
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
I play my game, a fantasy
I pretend I'm not in reality
I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me
No other sound is quite the same as your name
No touch can do half as much to make me feel better
So let's stay together
I got some memories to look back on
And though they help me when you phone
I'm well aware nothing can take the place of being there
So let me get the real thing
So let me get the real thing
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
In DJ Spinna's song "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing", he is covering the classic song by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. The lyrics depict the desperation and longing for the physical presence of a loved one, and how the memory of them through letters or pictures can only do so much. The chorus, "Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby", emphasizes that nothing can replace the real presence and touch of the person they miss.
In the first verse, the singer has a picture of their loved one hanging on the wall, but it's not the same as having them physically there. It's just a picture in a frame that can't see or respond to them calling out their name. In the second verse, the singer mentions how reading their letters doesn't have the same effect as hearing their voice whispering sweet nothings in their ear. They then share that no other sound is quite like their loved one's name, and no touch can compare to their comforting arms.
Throughout the song, the singer is expressing their longing for the real thing. They acknowledge that memories and phone calls can help, but they are well aware that nothing can take the place of being physically present with their loved one.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
There is nothing that can compare to having the real, authentic experience with you, my love.
Ain't nothing like the real thing
The only thing that truly matters in this world is genuineness and authenticity.
I got your picture hangin' on the wall
I have a representation of you on display, but it's not the same as having you physically here with me.
It can't see or come to me when I call your name
The picture cannot interact with me or respond when I reach out to it.
I realize it's just a picture in a frame
I am aware that the picture is merely a visual representation of you and not the real, tangible thing.
I read your letters when you're not near
I look to your written words for comfort when you're not physically with me.
But they don't move me
Your letters do not have the same emotional impact on me as your physical presence does.
And they don't groove me like when I hear
Your letters cannot make me feel the same way as when I hear your voice.
Your sweet voice whispering in my ear
The sound of your voice is a source of comfort and pleasure for me.
I play my game, a fantasy
I engage in a mental escape from reality to cope with your absence.
I pretend I'm not in reality
I try to distract myself and live in a different reality where you are still with me.
I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me
Physical affection and support from you is essential in easing my emotional distress.
No other sound is quite the same as your name
Your name holds a special, irreplaceable meaning to me that no other sound can replicate.
No touch can do half as much to make me feel better
The soothing touch of your physical presence is unmatched in providing me comfort.
So let's stay together
Let's continue to be together and not let anything come between us.
I got some memories to look back on
I have some fond memories with you that I can reflect on when you're not with me.
And though they help me when you phone
Talking to you on the phone while reminiscing on our past experiences brings me comfort.
I'm well aware nothing can take the place of being there
Although memories and phone calls can bring me comfort, nothing can replace your physical presence.
So let me get the real thing
Please come back to me, my love, and let me have the real, authentic experience with you once again.
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
As I said before, there is no substitute for having the genuine experience with you, my sweet love.
Ain't nothing like the real thing
I cannot stress enough the importance of authenticity and genuineness in our relationship.
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Once again, I reiterate that there is absolutely nothing that can compare to having the real, true experience with you, my one and only love.
Ain't nothing like the real thing
I will continue to emphasize the significance of authenticity and genuineness in every aspect of our relationship.
Writer(s): Ashford Nickolas
Contributed by Mila M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.