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?
Reasons
DJ Spinna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like aching promises I feel them in my bones
Slipping through my fingers to dance upon the road
The reasons for my life are more than I can hold
But oh, the sweet delight to sing with all my might
To spark the inner light of wonder burning bright
You're not alone
You're not alone
The reasons for my life are buried in deep places
Words once could awaken them
These seeds that I have sown
Ringing through the madness to crash against the cold
The reasons for my life cannot be bought or sold
The reasons for my life are filling all my spaces
Like rushing waters flow, they carry me along
Twisting through my memory to pull free from the load
The reasons for my life are more than I was told
In DJ Spinna's song Reasons, the lyrics convey a powerful message about the meaning and purpose of life. The singer reflects on the many different aspects that make up his existence, from the people he has encountered along the way to the dreams he has pursued. The opening lines, "The reasons for my life are in a million faces/Like aching promises I feel them in my bones," suggest that the singer is deeply connected to the world around him and that the people he has met have left a profound impression on him. He feels that his life has a greater purpose, something beyond his immediate experiences, and this purpose "slips through his fingers" and "dances upon the road," taunting him with its elusiveness.
As the song progresses, the singer's reflections on the "reasons for his life" become more introspective. He notes that these reasons are "buried in deep places" and can only be awakened by words, by the seeds he has sown over the years. The image of these reasons "ringing through the madness" and crashing against the cold emphasizes their power and vitality. Ultimately, the singer concludes that the reasons for his life cannot be bought or sold; they are a part of him, an integral element of his being.
The message of the song is universal and resonates with listeners on a variety of levels. It speaks to the idea that our lives have a greater purpose, that we are all connected in some way and that our actions and experiences have a ripple effect. It encourages us to embrace the journey of self-discovery and to share our unique perspectives and gifts with the world.
Line by Line Meaning
The reasons for my life are in a million faces
The things that motivate and inspire me come from all sorts of people and situations
Like aching promises I feel them in my bones
The reasons for my life are so strong that they physically affect me
Slipping through my fingers to dance upon the road
The reasons for my life are elusive and hard to grasp, constantly changing and taking unexpected turns
The reasons for my life are more than I can hold
The reasons for my life are so abundant and diverse that I cannot fully comprehend or contain them all
But oh, the sweet delight to sing with all my might
Despite the challenges, it brings me immense joy to express myself and pursue my passions with full effort
To spark the inner light of wonder burning bright
Through my pursuits, I strive to ignite a sense of curiosity, awe and inspiration in myself and others
You're not alone
Others share in the human experience of finding and pursuing their own reasons for living
The reasons for my life are buried in deep places
I must delve into my innermost thoughts and feelings to truly understand what drives me
Words once could awaken them
In the past, certain phrases or experiences have triggered my motivating forces
These seeds that I have sown
I have put effort and intention into cultivating the sources of my inspiration
Ringing through the madness to crash against the cold
In the face of negativity and chaos, my reasons for living ring true and resolute
The reasons for my life cannot be bought or sold
The things that drive me cannot be acquired through material means or external pressure
The reasons for my life are filling all my spaces
My motivations and aspirations are pervasive and ever-present in my life
Like rushing waters flow, they carry me along
My reasons for living propel me forward and guide me through life
Twisting through my memory to pull free from the load
My reasons for living are entwined in my experiences and memories, helping me move past obstacles and burdens
The reasons for my life are more than I was told
As I explore my own motivations and passions, I discover that there is more to life than what others may have led me to believe
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Monique M
I haven't heard this song in like 5 years...glad i found it..
Kenyon Mills
Did anyone else notice The Steve Miller "Fly Like An Eagle " Sample in here.....pretty sneaky !
SoulfulHouseMafia
Good shit. This was back when OM Records was all about the true downtempo, soulful house music. Before they sold out to the Electronics BS.
No Name
so cool!
cesar boura
yeah - is cool !
-edCronologik Video Magazine
dj spinna made this HARD jazz beat remixd or made with another, but it was RAW STREET JAZZ... and i wish i could find it, it was RUGGED !
RAMLIA1
♥♥♥
이상훈
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OneidaNativeGirl16
You can turn theses songs to work on itunes for iPod ????????????? How????