Ever wondered what that song in the intro of this year’s lecture highlight clips was? By popular request, here is Jake One’s and Mara TK’s Look What You’ve Made Of Me, recorded at the Red Bull Music Academy 2007 in Toronto.

A man of deeds and not of many words, Jake One spread many of tip and tricks of clever sampling and keyboard maltreatment as a technical tutors at the Academy in 2006 and 2007. Being one of hip hop’s most in-demand beatsmiths for a couple of seasons straight, this Seattle-based ASR-10 junkie delivered serious heat to rappers as varied as 50 Cent and MF Doom. Recently he stepped to the forefront with his debut album White Van Music on Rhymesayers, notably featuring everybody from Motor City underground staple Elzhi to G-Unot’s Young Buck to hyphymeister Keak Da Sneak.

Maori singer/beatmaker Mara TK brings lashings of soul vocals smooth like cookies and cream on a summer's day, sandwiched between a biscuit of hip hop and roots. Cross-pollinating moments of Marvin Gaye with the steady throb of King Tubby's laidback arrangements, this advocate of the can-do DIY aesthetic throws guitars, beats and vocals together with the ease of an expert. Mara, a one-time turntablist champ and current Music Conservatory attendee, knows how to apply himself, but manages to make it all seem effortless by way of hazy reggae and the lazy shrug of his downbeat soul.

For those that know.

PODFOOD #7: Mara TK and Jake One – Look What You’ve Made Of Me (Various Assets)
(Right-click and download)

BONUS:
Toronto Treasures - Mara TK (New Zealand)
Ontario Beats - Live at the Supermarket - Jake One (Seattle, Washington)