Avg Rating: 
4.5 ( 71 total votes )
On New Year’s Day, 22-year-old Oakland, California native Oscar Grant III was shot to death by a police officer responding to reports of men fighting on a Bay Area Rapid Transit train. The senselessness of the killing, compounded by the fact that Grant was lying face-down on the train platform when he was shot, spurred local protests and proceeded to spark outrage on a national level. In response to the tragedy, Atlanta emcee/singer/songwriter Novel has recorded a new record entitled Mad World. Taking inspiration from Gary Jules’ cover of the Tears for Fears song of the same name, Novel expresses his sorrow and confusion in sung and then rapped verses, addressing the unpleasant social and economic realities that force many Americans to live in fear and uncertainty. Mad World is not set to appear on any commercial release, but fans can look forward to the arrival of Novel’s debut album, The Audiobiography in March of this year.
This song first appeared on the
Top Hip Hop / R&B Chart
on January 12, 2009
Listen to More: Novel Written by richard
More From Novel
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Member Reviews and Ratings
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 2130 |
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I love this! I knew it was going to be a cover from this hit known from the "Donnie Darko" and the "Gears of War" commercial! This is flame! I love this! REALNESS! This here is a classic!
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 502 |
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Novel has GOT to be one of favorite artist EVER, He's incredible, he sings amazingly, then he can turn right around and rap like its nothing, and he makes what you could say a little movie, or comic in your head when you listen to his songs, He should be nearly at the top of the best artists in my opinon..
This song is reallyyy good, production is kinda old schoolish feelin to it, lovin the piano though!, Novel always comes his best. |
| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 736 |
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dam first time hearing this dude, this song is amazing. real talk. he can rap and sing, think imma keep a look out for his album
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 72 |
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Oh damn. Did not expect this. This is straight banger. This is I don't even think words can explain. Its a must listen. It is a amazing song.
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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 now this shit is major.got to cop this when it come out.
free my dude dre 1 |
| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Tastemaker Total Ratings: 502 |
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Oh, sorry for double postin, but Hey Z, Any news on the album that i think it was Novel, not forsure, said he was gonna release with just Chapters instead of song names, (Ex. Chapter 1, Chapter 2, exc..)? It's been awhile back also just if you forget..
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
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Damn this guy Novel is so versatile...his singing is so beautiful unlike Nelly trying to make a song and he can rap too. Awesome production and I love that piano melody in the background!! Great message..true lyrics! Classic
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 2281 |
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How have I never heard of that terrible trajady. Novel's version of this song is nothing less than classic and I have only heard the first min of it so far. I loved his version of Lupe's "Fighters" with Joel Ortiz. This is just as sick.
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Yeah this is pretty good. He has a nice voice and all in all everything about this song is on point. I like it. 4/5. I never heard bout this trajady either....hmmm that sucks for him and his family...
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Very unique and gooooooood!
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 4267 |
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"Different is sometimes not better."
But Not In This Case ..... Major props to djbooth.net ..... we on a roll today .... |
| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Tastemaker Total Ratings: 2130 |
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Oh snap....I didn't even realize this was about the news story I JUST watched the video for! I can't believe that ish. I HAVE NO RESPECT FOR COPS....PERIOD...FOREVER!
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 130 |
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wah. That kinda knocked the breath out of me.
Beautiful |
| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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This is an incredible song. He really delivered on this one. 5/5.
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1642 |
=[ the song has a great message, but im not hearin whats so great about it...
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Tastemaker Total Ratings: 502 |
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Yea there MH, that video was horrible.. i went and checked it out to, actually wrote a bit on a comment to em :X haha, i would post the link but i wont.
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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WHY AIN'T IT COMMERCIAL!!!! THIS WOULD REACH THE TOP 10 ON THE BILLBOARD!!! this has got to be my favorite song this year.
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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whoops heres my rating
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 8 |
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what can i say...WOW!!!
novel can do it i knew it! |
| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Ha! we had a whole disscussion about this song my 12 grade year of high school. I miss high school , well parts of it lol. school great song.
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 11633 |
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Agreed - Novel is amazing here. Thanks for sharing, my man!
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
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I really like this song. Really deep. I really hope he makes a video...this is going straight to the top!
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Novel put it down....
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 52 |
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I'm not usually into RnB but this is really well done and relevant. Props to this emcee.
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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Everyone here in the bay is angered by what happen. It really is a mad world. If only the riots didnt happen, we dont need to damage the property of those who had nothing to do with the shooting. But i guess its one way to get national attention. For those who dont know what happen http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2009/01/09/yvm.ohio.mom.killing.cnn
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| Posted on Jan 09, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Wow, this song is awesome. Won't write to much, don't want to ruin the songs moment!!
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| Posted on Jan 10, 2009 |
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Tastemaker Total Ratings: 2281 |
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I just watched the video. That was horrible. That officer needs to be prosecuted for murder. He was being held down by 3 cops lying on his stomach with his hands behind his back. The cop struck him and then pulled his weapon and fired into him. I saw it with my own eyes.
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| Posted on Jan 10, 2009 |
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BDF44, are you saying u SAW it in person!?
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| Posted on Jan 10, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 27 |
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good shit but i was working on the subject and the cover dank son, still gonna work on that beat though
R.I.P. |
| Posted on Jan 10, 2009 |
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Tastemaker Total Ratings: 2281 |
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No I'm sorry I didn't see it in person, I saw it on camera like most of us did. As soon as I pressed enter I realised that I gave the impression I was there, but I was not. That was a terrible thing to witness on any level and I feel terrible for everyone who was on hand to witness that and especially for Mr. Grant who lost his life.
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| Posted on Jan 10, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 555 |
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This is actually really good! I really like everything about it... and that surprises me!
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| Posted on Jan 10, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 55 |
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the lyrics r reely gud n da flow is classic
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| Posted on Jan 10, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 161 |
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WHOA WHOA AND WHOA...Novel comes correct on this joint.I am loving everything to do with this song. :)
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| Posted on Jan 10, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 161 |
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NWA said it best y'all.
FUC* THE POLICE. I hate all cops even though they are needed in society. |
| Posted on Jan 10, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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First time posting, been coming here for a months but I think its time I showed my face.
Nice song and nice cover, really will open your eyes about the police and its such an ongoing thing, I could listen to this every day and wouldn't get tired of it. IN fact, I have been since I heard it here. Classic all day |
| Posted on Jan 10, 2009 |
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They are supposed to finish the investigation by next week. No arrest has been made in Oscar Grant's death, which has sparked public outrage and accusations of police brutality.
PS I been playing this song all day too! |
| Posted on Jan 10, 2009 |
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THIS DUDE GOT SOME TALENT.BUT THIS NOT MY TYPE OF MUSIC. I GIVE IT A
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| Posted on Jan 11, 2009 |
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go a head and speek the truth man
and that realy |
| Posted on Jan 11, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 131 |
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4.5, gotta round up.
Oh man. |
| Posted on Jan 11, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 44 |
wouldnt ipod it.[yet].
but its an nice song....flows very well im w/ thatkid13.. |
| Posted on Jan 11, 2009 |
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This is so good stuff ----
Reppin' the new www.gutterplaylist.com, get your name out there DJs. It's gonna boom |
| Posted on Jan 11, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 3210 |
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I like this more than the original song. I loved the original one but after a while it did get boring and I didn't like so much dude's voice. This one has an hot voice and the beat is more energetic!
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| Posted on Jan 11, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 278 |
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That was HIP HOP!!!!!!! AMEN. Lovin when that kick and snare drops!!!!!
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| Posted on Jan 11, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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WOW THIS SONG IS SUPA REAL AND ON POINT WE DO LIVE I A MAD CRAZY WORLD
AND THA SONG IS A BANGER! NO MAKE THT CLASSIC!! |
| Posted on Jan 11, 2009 |
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this song is hott!!...finally some real music
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| Posted on Jan 11, 2009 |
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wow thats been waiting for!!!
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| Posted on Jan 11, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Great remake of the song.. I had just been downloading the original cover by Gary Jules after hearing it as a soundtrack to a Youtube video.. then came to this site and found a new cover.. this one is way better than the original. It's absolutely outrageous that the pig that murdered Oscar Grant has not been arrested or charged with a crime yet. Anyone out here with a blog.. spread the news of this story.. copy and paste whatever.. make sure muthafu*kas know what happened in Oakland, CA. No justice no peace - fu*k the police.
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| Posted on Jan 12, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jan 12, 2009 |
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yeah i was there in person new years night it happened right before everything went down - i'm from the bay urea and it all took place @ fruitvale bart station (oakland's subway system). fortunately i had gotten off about an hour before the shooting took place and the fight breaking out - but shiet is mad crazy world out there. police should be protectors of the law not above the f--king law! get the word out - no man deserve wat happened like that. killed him in cold blood likean animal. shiet is a shame nowadays!
Cant we all just get along? -RODNEY KING |
| Posted on Jan 13, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 7 |
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Amazing tune!
I keep listening to it! it's awsome... and the meaning is so powerful! |
| Posted on Jan 13, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
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This is real deep ish here, its rare that you find a triple threat in the way Novel is; Rapper, Singer Producer and apparently very good at all three. Blessings to the family + friends of Mr. Grant.
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| Posted on Jan 15, 2009 |
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jus couldnt get into it... hate to be the only hater but it jus isnt my style of music...
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| Posted on Jan 20, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jan 21, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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sadd
hecka makes me think n kinda depressed but i mean its true.. his voice is sooo good |
| Posted on Jan 23, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Hey people...Im new here...And i want to know...How can i download this song?...I like it too much!...But i cant get it! PPLZ HELP!...
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| Posted on Jan 23, 2009 |
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Got this song from Gears Of War haha. Originally by Gary Jules. Likin the remake.
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| Posted on Jan 24, 2009 |
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I first hear dthe original version by Gary Jules while watching a gears of war trailer, I liked it then and I like it now. Rare combo of a rapper and singer but he actually sounds pretty good, I'm gonna have 2 version of the songs on my ipod now!!!!!
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| Posted on Jan 25, 2009 |
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great song!!!
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| Posted on Jan 25, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Awesome. Nothing else needs to be said.
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| Posted on Jan 27, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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I never heard of Novel before. Then I saw everybody rated his track with such high regard, so I says, "lemmie check this out". So ok, I'm listening - this kat has a beautiful voice. I used to love Tears for Fears back in the day - so the sample is hot. He kinda reminds me of Terrence Trent D'arby. Oh snap! He's rapping too! Ok.....
So this can definately go mainstream. I think the production is slightly lacking some freshness, but overall, this is a good song. I'm gonna bring it back one more gen. Ok, after the second review - I like the song, I'm just not sure when in my regular rotation it would fit. But I think I wanna find a place for it. |
| Posted on Jan 27, 2009 |
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Wow...
Suprised with the nice kick & snare! Very good song!!! Very touching song... |
| Posted on Jan 27, 2009 |
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Not my type of music...
but that can't get in the way of what this song is worth. This artist is excellent. I can't believe I'd never heard of him till just now. CLASSIC. :) |
| Posted on Jan 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 17 |
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WOW, I mean wow, whoa. Excellent you guys got to remember though this is not a new song this song is redone. Gary Jules did this first, but its meaning its truth and its wisdom still hold true to this day.
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| Posted on Jan 30, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 17 |
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wait or maybe it was Tears for Fears not, but anyway it goes this song rocks.
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| Posted on Jan 30, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
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This song is real. These words came from the heart. Amazing.
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| Posted on Feb 03, 2009 |
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love this!
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| Posted on Feb 04, 2009 |
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yo this is some real stuff.
i liked the gary jules cover also and this is juss sikk! |
| Posted on Feb 04, 2009 |
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| Posted on Feb 10, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 26 |
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not wat i expected, still pretty good tho
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| Posted on Feb 22, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Awesome remix! RIP
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| Posted on Mar 15, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 194 |
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Good song.
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| Posted on Aug 06, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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when he first starts singin it sounds like "what i've done by linken park"... i never though stickin it to a hip hop song would made it that much better...
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| Posted on Dec 24, 2009 |
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classic
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| Posted on Dec 24, 2009 |
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| Posted on Dec 25, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 2065 |
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Holy shiz....Novel has done it again, title thru me off at first, but Novel's name next to any track's title is enough for me to check it out, just WOW freakin speachless....
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| Posted on Dec 25, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 214 |
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I am glad to see that this made the cut for best of 09... this is just purely a classic joint here... so well done.
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| Posted on Dec 27, 2009 |
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ehh... after hearing the original version (Gary Jules), I think the production needs some work. As for Novel... classic.
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| Posted on Dec 27, 2009 |
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hi's aight, not the strongest vokal performance, but it is good, i could picture a lot of other singers instead of him .
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| Posted on Dec 27, 2009 |
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| Posted on Apr 20, 2010 |
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Tastemaker |
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Some of the realest SHIT ever man this song touches the soul. Lyrical genius and the production is crazy. CLASSIC.
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| Posted on May 03, 2010 |
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| Posted on May 26, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 8863 |
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So amazing.
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| Posted on Oct 04, 2012 |
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