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Watch for Shuffled! every Thursday. Check out the Shuffled! archive for past shufflers.

Today’s Shuffler: Danny “Dandiggity” Le

Danny “Dandiggity” Le is a 26-year-old Vietnamese American poet hailing from San Jose, California. He has performed for crowds all over the nation at different colleges and venues for the last seven years. With his unique brand of storytelling and humor he hopes to build a bridge of words from California to Vietnam. A friend once told him he was “a jack of all trades” and he lives up to that title very well.

Dandiggity is an artist, designer, event promoter, community organizer, street culturalist, music reviewer for Onecypher.com, freestyle dancer, and lead singer in the Christian band Before Royalty. When he is not busy juggling a million projects Diggity enjoys hanging out with old friends and making new ones to share in his laughter. He is a Libra and knows life is always going to be beautiful.

If you peep his Myspace, he offers the following words of wisdom: “Envy and hate robs people of their ability to RISE.”

You can find him at www.myspace.com/dandiggity or www.onecypher.com.

Email him at dannythienle@gmail.com if you would like to book or collaborate with him on anything. Even going out for food.

Now on to the shuffle…

Differences
Lyrics Born (from Everywhere At Once)

Okay, my man LB is just too damn funky. This brother can rhyme and sing his ass off, finish his set covered in sweat, and still charm the socks off your mother. Well, maybe that last part might be twisting it, but it’s not far from the truth mind you. This track off his new album Everywhere At Once speaks directly to the age-old disparity between guys and girls. From topics about bathroom habits, relationships, and the opposite sex, Lyrics Born kills it with every verse, not to mention he has his wife Joyo Verlarde on the hook to spice it up a bit. But in the end, even with our differences, we make it work out somehow. How else will we procreate and continue to rule the earth? Straight up.

Just A Lil’ Lovin’
Outlines (from Our Lives Are Too Short)

This song flew under the radar stateside last year and I think it needs its proper dues. This Parisian trio took me away and made me a fan with the strength of this single. Though they were quickly labeled as a Hip Hop group, Outlines quickly broke that image with their eclectic production and musical ingenuity. Mixing Soul, Broken Beat, and Hip Hop “Just A Lil’ Lovin” turned out to be one of my favorite dance tracks of 2007. Not only for me, but also artists like Gilles Peterson, Kyoto Jazz Massive, Jazzanova, and King Britt were also hip to this crew’s sound. From the vocal samples to the “broken” up piano and drums, the whole song is screaming, “Listen to me!” I would be worried if I saw no one bobbing their heads or dancing to this song. This joint kicks major butt.

Swimming Pools
Thao Nguyen & the Get Down Stay Down (from We Brave Bee Stings and All)

Tell me why I’m only finding out about this woman now? Not only does she have the same name as my mother (freakin’ dope) but also she has a killer voice to boot. Her style is indie with a twang of bluegrass flavor but that shouldn’t deter you. Her songs are smoking upbeat ballads about life and memories. “Swimming Pools” is one such song about the musings of childhood and the bravery of youth. I couldn’t stop my toes from tapping along with the catchy tune. It’s good to see another Vietnamese American artist break into scene without being gimmicky about their ethnicity. Check out her first album Like The Linen for more tasty treats from Ms. Nguyen. She will make you happy.

Weird Fishes / Arpeggi
Radiohead (from In Rainbows)

There is no way I’m going to skip over my favorite band of all time. No way. Shoot, I own all their albums (and found all their B-Sides and covers). They have been making good music for the last decade and a half and this song just proves they aren’t slowing down for anyone. Though they have taken the experimental road since Kid A, they have never once let any of their fans down. This fast rhythmic song has energy and emotion, sucking you into a euphoric void navigated by the illustrious Thom Yorke. The song builds and builds, taking you on a journey a la Radiohead fashion. I don’t see anyone on their caliber; they are innovators. Plus, letting the fans have the album for free (before releasing disc versions for us fans who like to complete their audio collection) just shows that they are on the right path towards the future. And wherever they go, I’m sure to follow.

Business Time
Flight of the Conchords (from The Distant Future)

Genius. Pure genius music. Or is it comedy? Well whatever it is, I like it. I like it a lot. Dude, I just going to say this duo pretty much made New Zealand famous. Well, maybe Peter Jackson and Lord of the Rings did it first, and second, but they are definitely a CLOSE third. With the popularity of their hit show on HBO (in its second season!) and their new full-length album on the way, I’m sure Bret and Jemaine will over take all those orcs, elves, and hobbits in no time! This song is so sexy. It’s just the song I want to sing to my beloved right after a long day from work. I take off my tie and work pants, just leaving the socks for her enjoyment. Except, she’s about to go to bed and isn’t feeling the complete package in front of her, or the socks. That’s when I turn this song up and watch her melt into my arms. Oh yeah. Thanks to you Flight of the Conchords, it’s business time all the time.

Last 5 posts by shuffled

• Shuffled! Theresa Hwang - July 2nd, 2009
• Shuffled! Taiyo Na - June 25th, 2009
• Shuffled! Keith Chow - June 18th, 2009
• Shuffled! Returns Next Thursday - June 11th, 2009
• Shuffled! Jenn of Reappropriate.com - January 8th, 2009

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