BM5's July 2026 Favorites

Favorite Live Performance

Kick Push - Lupe Fiasco x Nu Deco Ensemble

Lupe Fiasco really is a phenomenal lyricist and performer. The fact that we got to hear him with this classic song with a live orchestra is such a treat. If you love good storytelling and fantastic musicians, I don't know what else to tell you but to give this a watch! Honestly, the vibe is immaculate with them playing the beautiful strings of the sample in the original production and the mastery of breath control of Lupe on display. It's great to see more and more hip hop artists getting the chance to show that they are just as virtuosic as classically trained musicians and it's a craft to be respected. Please enjoy!

Favorite Music Discussion

The Sound That Took Over Pop - As Told By JP

This was a really fun find that the algorithm sent my way. This lovely video essay chronicles the time period where R&B's influence and producers slowly proliferated the pop industry through the late 90's and 00's. It was a neat deep dive in how things eventually became more and more akin to the trends that started in the hits in R&B. There was no denying that the lines continued to blur increasingly during that time where the genres began and ended which was clearly due to how the producers of the time were allowed to have their feet planted across both sides of the industry. Check out this cool breakdown for more details.

Favorite Interview

NE-YO - Zach Sang Show

Speaking of R&B, one of the greats in the late 00's and 10's came through on the Zach Sang Show recently. I thought it would be interesting to see how Zach would approach this interview since I don't see a lot of R&B artists on his platform. Though, the major crossover appeal of his music worked in his favor since he was able to dig into many of the hits in his 20+ years in the industry. NE-YO also is just an interesting person to learn more about in general and it made for an intriguing interview overall. I think it's a one to watch to learn more about the prolific songwriter.

Full July 2026 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's June 2026 Favorites

Favorite Anime Discussion

Let's Talk About Samurai Champloo - Mugen

Samurai Champloo is such an amazing show. It's from the fantastic director, Shinichiro Watanabe, and that means style and overarching themes galore, all paired with fantastic music. Sometimes things like that needs to hit you at the right time in life and this review is one that describes why this can be appreciated even today. Because it's always the right time to glean something from this historical, hip hop, action show. It's incredible! But if you don't believe me and don't mind spoilers, check out this review.

Favorite Kpop Discussion

RBW Destroyed Purple Kiss - Lightsoup

Purple Kiss is a group that I've always enjoyed. Their talent was on display with each and every release. Yet, their management definitely left much to be desired. Lightsoup digs into the history and discography of Pur-Ki in this video in a fantastic way. You can see just where RBW failed the group during their career and why it's a shame that we had to watch them disband much earlier than expected. Give it a watch with Purple Kiss on bloody top!

Favorite Live Performance

Tiny Desk Performance: Bow Wow - NPR Music

Bow Wow was a young inspiration when I saw him make it big. It was incredible to see someone be able to create hits the way that he did and crossover into acting and hosting shows. Now over the years, people may have forgotten where he started from and what he gave to the game culturally through his music. They may just remember the famous relationships and infamous "fake flexing" he portrayed. Though, this performance is a thorough reminder that he is a phenomenal performer and learned how to move a crowd at a young age. It even was a reminder for me that he's much more than "Marco Polo" & "Calvin" from Like Mike.

Full June 2026 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's May 2026 Favorites

Favorite Kpop Comeback

The Collective Soul and Unconscious: Chapter Two - Billlie

Above is one of my favorite songs, Work, from the new album from Billlie. I believe that this body of work is such a fun and explorative listen that showcases why Billlie is one of my favorite groups to follow. They are incredible recording artists and it all translates to their live performances vocally as well as through their choreography! I love their journey through many cool corners of EDM on the album while maintaining some colors of their jazzy approach to much of their discography. I highly recommend listening to make your own opinion!

Favorite Campaign Trailer

This is Sera: The Becoming of a Former K-Pop Idol - Jamiya Wilson Studio

As a VIP member of Ryu Sera's fan club, I heard rumblings about this project pretty early on. I'm excited to now spread the news of this documentary in the works finally as well as promote sending in your support. Jamiya & Sera are also putting their own money into the series to delve into many aspects of her life from before, during, and after her idol life. I believe this will be amazing to see come to fruition and any support will be appreciated. I just ask you give this a watch to determine if you'd be interested in this being made and distributed on a major scale.

Favorite Kpop Debut

Lost in Proof - Heart of Woman

Despite not having been able to check out the album at this point, I definitely wanted to show my love to this new group strictly from the title track. Heart of Woman is a new group that I simply saw some advertisements for leading up to their debut. I don't often let these influence who I dive into, but I gave them a shot this time and was pleasantly surprised. They came with budget in the video and great music production too. I would definitely say that they are similar to the sound Kiss of Life started with. Therefore, depending on how you feel can get you excited or worried. I lean towards anticipating what they have to offer, especially since I've seen others praise the rest of the album already. So an album reaction will be in the works...

Favorite May 2026 Favorites playlist: click here

Fair Shake Reaction: The Collective Soul and Unconscious: Chapter Two - Billlie

The Collective Soul and Unconscious: Chapter Two - Billlie

(Genre: Kpop)

A Collective of links for your soul:

Zap (Music Video)

Work (Choreography Video)

Erika Justine Reaction (to Work MV)

ReacttotheK Reaction (to Cloud Palace Before Sunset live)

Fair Shake Reaction: Crack Code - Kep1er

Crack Code - Kep1er

(Genre: Kpop)

I've cracked the code to this content below:

Killa (Music Video)

Killa (Dance Practice)

Killa (Relay Dance)

Form of Therapy Reaction (to Killa)

Roscoe Reaction (to Killa)

Fair Shake Reaction: UxLxve - XLOV

UxLxve - XLOV

(Genre: Kpop)

There's some content that you can't unlove:
Rizz (Music Video)

Rizz (Dance Practice)

Biii:-P (Music Video)

Form of Therapy Reaction (to Rizz)

Jessica Holyfield Reaction/Analysis (of Rizz)

Fair Shake Reaction: Nail - Yves

Nail - Yves

(Genre: Kpop)

She really nailed it with these:

Nail (Music Video)

Break it (Audio)

Form of Therapy Reaction (to Nail)

Kpop Ranked (w/ InternetsNathan)

BM5's April 2026 Favorites

Favorite Music Discussion

"Why Do You Like Kpop, You're Black" - Indigo Detry

Indigo is a creator that I've been enjoying for quite some time now, and hearing her thoughts as a longtime fan of kpop provides me with more context as a someone with more experience. As a black fan myself, this question has come up and the way that Indigo seems to approach the inquiry herself I feel mirrors much of my own. When it comes to culture, especially African-American culture, appreciation/appropriation is always a conversation that is inevitable to wrestle with when it comes to kpop and there's a lot of nuance that must be considered with it. Ultimately, it does come to each person's individual guidelines, but I think it helps to hear multiple perspectives, like the one I recommend here.

Favorite Comeback

Nail - Yves

She did it again! I tell you, Yves is on an absolute tear!! This is certainly going to be one of my favorite title tracks from her ever and I already had high praise for some of her last singles. Yet, it doesn't end there, since the album itself is quite an enjoyable listen. She continues to explore the varied styles of electronic and alternative pop in ways that are so pleasing to the ears, in my opinion. My favorite song is still the title, though. If you need a taste, the best morsel is to start here to whet your appetite.

Favorite Interview

Kehlani on Complex News

Kehlani had a lovely interview with Complex News, as well as Sway in the Morning, but it all marks the release of her self-titled album. She takes these great interviews to sit down and connect with her audience, and in this case, the interviewer. The openness and determination to also reinforce the importance of bringing the soul back into mainstream R&B has been much appreciated. I always love getting into the heads of creatives and their creations when they release. I think this was a fun one to explore right before diving head first into the stellar album.

Full April 2026 Favorites playlist: click here

Fair Shake Reaction: Tunnel Vision - ITZY

Tunnel Vision - ITZY

(Genre: Kpop)

Put your tunnel vision onto these:

Tunnel Vision (Music Video)

Tunnel Vision (Dance Practice)

DYT (Music Video)

Differently Alike Reaction (to Tunnel Vision)

ReacttotheK Reaction (to 8-Bit Heart)

Fair Shake Reaction: $tay the Night - VVS

$tay the Night - VVS

(Genre: Kpop/R&B/Rap)

If you stay the night, we're watching these:

$tay the Night (Music Video)

Da$h (Live Performance)

Erika Justine Reaction (to $tay the Night MV)

VV's and CC's Podcast (Episode 6: $tay the Night)