the role player-a study of miss Vinia Mojica

role player
n.
1. One who assumes or acts out a particular role.
2. One who engages in role-playing.
3. Sports A team athlete who plays mainly in specific situations.

Vinia Mojica has been singing background vocals on hip hop and soul records for the past twenty years, and she's somehow managed to remain relatively unknown. You know how in sports, every championship team must have their one or two all stars? Its the same with music. Artists like Vinia Mojica remind us all that sometimes role players are just as crucial to success as the stars themselves. Role players doing their jobs humbly are often the reason why the stars get to shine so bright.

Much like early JayDee (J-Dilla) productions, her songs are the types that people listen to and immediately like but never can pinpoint why. Her workings are subtle, entrancing, and incredibly melodic. From her contributions to the early Native Tongues to her recent delving into downtempo and experimental grooves, I'm sure you'll find the sounds of Miss Mojica as enchanting as I do.

(humming BlackStar's "Knowledge of Self Determination" as we speak. Yes, thats her singing Minnie Ripperton on the hook..)

Download the mixtape here.




a few of her more commonly knowns....

“Time Traveling (a Tribute to Fela)” from Common's Like Water For Chocolate.
-On this classic album from the brother Common Sense, Vinia’s voice opens up the first track, chanting Yoruba style, setting the mood, establishing the groove.

“KOS Determination” from Black Star's epic, Black Star

“Climb,” - Mos Def "Black On Both Sides"
-This record sounds like the soundtrack to the long ride home. You’re half-asleep and half-drunk and half-considering calling that ex-girlfriend or boyfriend who would really rather not hear from you – especially not at three-thirty in the morning. Looking out of the car window, you see the telephone poles and houses floating backwards through the night. The street lights looking all hazy. (courtesy of Mtume ya Salaam)

De La Soul – “A Roller Skating Jam Named ‘Saturdays’” – From De La Soul Is Dead (Tommy Boy, 1991)
-click here for the video.

Hi-Tek feat. Mos Def & Vinia Mojica – “Get Ta Steppin’” – From Hi-Teknology (Rawkus, 2001)

A Tribe Called Quest – “Verses From The Abstract” – From The Low End Theory (Jive, 1991)
-One of my favorite tribe albums...with legendary bassist Ron Carter on the bass. So innovative for hip-hop.

enjoy!


*PS....just found this track of hers, "Idols"!!! soundtrack to my day. check it out.