Mixtape Madness #3: MMP vs. BBG vs. JRK

According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.

MMP vs. BBG vs. JRK Mix

 

Over the past year I have been invited to and attended a few MMP or MMP vs. BBG parties. I have to admit, they're a lot of fun. MMP of course is Madonna, Michael, and Prince whereas BBG typically refers to Beyonce, Britney, and Gaga. Often, these parties are touted as "guilty pleasures." But I say, why feel guilty about pleasure? And why limit yourself to just six artists? So, were I a DJ, I'd expand this party to include JRK (Jay-Z, RIhanna, Kanye) and add Matt & Kim and Passion Pit to the MMP, and finally, replace Britney with Biggie. 

Now, I will stray a bit from our typical Mixtape Madness format for this mix. For one, I did not limit myself to the length of a tape or CD. This is a party mix that deserves a little more time. Plus, I am now the proud owner of a sweet iPod stereo system so look for longer mixes in the future as well. Secondly, seeing as this mix is quite long, I won't be explaining each song and its position, just a few here and there. With that being said, get ready to shake it to the What's MMP vs. BBG vs. JRK mix!

1. "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
2. "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson - To this day, one of my all-time favorite songs. 
3. "Ray of Light" by Madonna
4. "Hypnotize" by the Notorious B.I.G.
5. "Beware of the Boys" by Jay-Z and Panjabi MC
6. "Gold Digger" by Kanye West and Jamie Foxx
7. "Sleepyhead" by Passion Pit - If you ever have the chance to see these guys live, do it. It's an amazing concert experience.
8. "Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare" by Matt & Kim - See #7.
9. "Single Ladies" by Beyonce
10. "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson 
11. "Hung Up" by Madonna - Thanks to Abba, Madonna's only decent song in years.
12. "Little Secrets" by Passion Pit
13. "Daylight" by Matt & Kim
14. "99 Problems" by Jay-Z
15. "Number One" by John Legend & Kanye West - Kanye's verse on this song is hysterical.
16. "Vogue" by Madonna
17. "Naughty Girl" by Beyonce
18. "Run This Town" by Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West - Had to include this one with the entire JRK represented.
19. "Please Don't Stop the Music" by Rihanna - I love the nod to MJ in this track.
20. "Shake Your Body" by the Jacksons - There are few songs I'd rather hear at a party than this one.
21. "Let's Go Crazy" by Prince
22. "La Isla Bonita" by Madonna
23. "American Boy" by Estelle and Kanye West
24. "Lessons Learned" by Matt & Kim
25. "On To The Next One" by Jay-Z
26. "Big Poppa" by Notorious B.I.G.
27. "Rude Boy" by Rihanna - This song didn't grow on me until I heard the latest Girl Talk album.
28. "Wanna Be Starting Something" by Michael Jackson
29. "Crazy in Love" by Beyonce
30. "Flashing Lights" by Kanye West and Dwele
31. "Kiss" by Prince
32. "Cherish" by Madonna
33. "The Reeling" by Passion Pit
34. "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems" by Notorious B.I.G., Ma$e and Puff Daddy 
35. "Like A Prayer" by Madonna
36. "Thriller" by Michael Jackson
37. "Monster" by Kanye West, Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, and Bon Iver - These songs ended up next to each other completely by accident, all I did was switch the order so now "Monster" follows "Thriller." It works.
38. "Darling Nikki" by Prince
39. "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson
40. "Live Your Life" by TI and Rihanna
41. "Stronger" by Kanye West
42. "Stop the Love You Save" by the Jackson 5
43. "1999" by Prince
44. "Hot Tottie" by Usher and Jay-Z
45. "Homecoming" by Kanye West and Chris Martin
46. "Tonight, Tonight" by Passion Pit - Great cover of the Smashing Pumpkins song.
47. "H to the Izzo" by Jay-Z
48. "If It's Lovin That You Want" by Rihanna
49. "Dreams" by Passion Pit - Another great cover, this of the Cranberries.
50. "Juicy" - Notorious B.I.G.