Wednesday, March 31, 2021

BM5's February 2021 Favorites

Favorite Analysis Video
Why Stans are Important - bby gang


Stan culture is something that has become an ever prominent phenomenon in the social media age. In fact, one may see stans as unreliable sources of information on art. This video essay focuses on K-pop fans, more accurately Army, and how their fandom affects how they view the entertainment they receive. Critique is something that is commonly viewed as something that should be as objective as possible, but this video uses the familiarity of the fans as a case study of how it can be useful perspectives although subjective. Does having a more informed opinion mean more than an outside judgement or can there be equal room for both forms of criticism. This is the thought this great video delves into.

Favorite Movie Discussion
Malcolm, Marie, & MESS - Tee Noir


This month gave us our fair share of black art, but Malcolm & Marie certainly had a lot of people talking. It's polarizing plot and characters stirred a lot of conversation throughout the black community. This is one of the many videos that I've seen that I feel covers many of my views on the film. The movie certainly was spectacularly shot and splendidly acted, though the depiction of the relationship and how it "progresses" have many frustrated. Therefore lies the question, is this a good or a hot mess of movie?

Favorite Anime Discussion
Why We Love Horimiya - Mother's Basement


This Winter 2021 anime season has been nuts so far! There's been a lot of shows that I've been enjoying, but Horimiya is definitely a contender for my favorite on the list. This is one video that clearly explains the appeal of this romance anime. When it comes to having true blue relationships that you can watch grow and make you want to root for, this has plenty presented in the running for first place. Still need to learn more, then check above!

Favorite Music Discussion
Kenny Beats on the Regional Sounds of Hip Hop - Broken Record Podcast


Although the part of this podcast that I shared is a few years late, it was released this month and is still rather relevant. This topic is certainly one I've had discussions with some of my fellow artist friends, but this podcast really made me rethink how regional styles do still exist despite the easier nationwide distribution of music. There are some parts that meander a bit in the interview, but it's still interesting to look into how environments and blending of sounds evolve each regions signature vibe/style of rap. If you're a hip-hop nerd like myself, this is a talk you won't want to skip out on.

Full Feb 2020 Favorites Playlist: click here

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Fair Shake Review: Evermore - Taylor Swift

Evermore - Taylor Swift
(Genre: Folk/Alternative Pop)


Evermore links to swiftly click:
Willow (Music Video)
Champagne Problems (Lyric Video)
Gold Rush (Lyric Video)
'tis the damn season (Lyric Video)

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Fair Shake Review: Good News - Megan Thee Stallion

Good News - Megan Thee Stallion
(Genre: Rap/Hip Hop)


These links are good for the news:
Body (Music Video)
Don't Stop (Music Video)
Body Live (@ the American Music Awards)
Apple Music Interview (w/ Nadeska)

Sunday, March 14, 2021

Fair Shake Review: Moonchild - NIKI

 
Moonchild - NIKI
(Genre: Alternative Pop)


Running with a Switchblade link:
Switchblade (Music Video)
Lose (Music Video)
Lose (Worldwide Edition)
Selene (Lyric Video)
Pandemonium (Lyric Video)

Friday, March 12, 2021

Fair Shake Review: Positions - Ariana Grande

Positions - Ariana Grande
(Genre: Contemporary R&B/Pop)


Links to position yourself as a Arianator:
Positions (Music Video)
34+35 (Lyric Video)
My Hair (Audio)

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Quick Anime Review


Afro Samurai (2007) | Rating: 3.5/5

One thing you're gonna hear a lot on these Quick Anime Reviews is that they're part of an anime challenge. I participated in MyAnimeList's Anime Challenge last year and I watched so many series and it really helped me get through my "Plan to Watch" list. Ever since I heard the hype surrounding Samuel L. Jackson doing an anime, I was very curious on checking this out and...I'm glad I did. This OVA is far from perfect, but it was entertaining nonetheless. Jackson plays two roles in this series and it shows that he can do his normal shtick, but also dial it down for a more intimidating and serious demeanor. The characters and story are interesting, but from episode to episode, I just wished there was a little more detail...or something. I do look forward to checking out the sequel movie, Afro Samurai: Resurrection in the near future.


ARP Backstage Pass (2020) | Rating: 3.5/5

This idol anime was a little different than what I'm used to and it took me a little time to adjust to the format. At first, I was thinking about completely dropping it, but the characters really kept me going forward and overall, I don't regret sticking to it. While this isn't my favorite male idol series, I did enjoy the approach of having these characters be interviewed on their backstory and how they were formed and at the end of the episode, they comment on it, showing off their colorful personalities. I enjoyed the music and the CGI animation was very well blended with the traditional. I also liked the balance between their onstage and offstage personas to get a real feel for why they act the way they do during certain situations like competing against one another or adjusting to a new genre. Also, the shorts were pretty amusing as well.


Beastars: Season 1 (2020) | Rating: 4/5

I started off watching this show with BlipMasta5, while checking off another prompt on my challenge. In the end, we both finished the show on our own time. This show was plastered everywhere on my Facebook with tons of furry memes about enjoying it. Meanwhile, I was happily watching BNA. It took me a little while to get into this show and I was surprised how adult it was. As things progressed, I slowly understood all the jokes and praise the show received; it was like a mature version of Zootopia. The dynamics of all these characters' issues were a bit more complex than simple predator/prey. It mixed in normal high school issues with labeling, assuming gossip was fact about people (or should I say animals), family pressure, and perfectionism. I'm glad to hear that this show has received a second season as the end left me wanting just a little more.


Zombieland Saga (2018) | Rating: 4/5

For some reason, I thought I talked about this show already in a Monthly Favorites post, but I have been slacking on those, so it might be in a draft somewhere. Since I didn't, I friggin' love this show! Once Truck-kun made contact with Sakura, it was all uphill from there. The characters were extremely enjoyable and I'm glad we were able to learn about most of them. Hopefully, in the second season we get a little more backstory on them and the manager. The songs and story were tons of fun and made me smile (or feel something deeply) with every episode. There was a good balance of diversity among the characters that make it easy to find a favorite among friend groups (or cosplay groups). The animation was well done and there's plenty of memorable moments to talk about [Rap battle, anyone?]. Hopefully, this'll be a series that anime fans can talk about for years to come.


Yuri!!! on Ice (2016) | Rating: 4/5

My dearest friends, I have finally watched this show (for a challenge) and I very much understand why so many people love. It was truly a beautiful story that happened to have a little gay element in it. It didn't focus on any sexual tension or crush, but the whole story was about having confidence in yourself and finding inspiration with those who truly love and support you and not in necessarily a romantic way either. The show was heartwarming and watching it 4 years later was definitely worth the wait. I enjoyed the choreography on the ice and the various characters from all over the world. I'm surprised it has taken this long for them to jump on a follow up, because this definitely competes with the hype of shows like Free!. It did something different for its audience that play with the dynamics of shipping because "these teammates are so close", but instead this show makes the character relationships feel very natural and realistic. I appreciate that! I very much anticipate what Yuri!!! on Ice The Movie: Ice Adolescence will have to offer us in the, hopefully, near future.

If there's something you want me to review, check out Muddy Cult's Patreon on how to submit requests.

Monday, March 8, 2021

Fair Shake Review: The L.I.B.R.A. - T.I.

The L.I.B.R.A. - T.I.
(Genre: Hip Hop/Trap Rap)


Links to TIP him in your favor:
Pardon (Music Video)
Hypno (Music Video)
Ring (Music Video)