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.
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.
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...
"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.
Tiffany Pollard was introduced to the world and myself as New York from Flavor of Love. Ever since that time on the reality TV show, she has continued to stay on our TV screens and social media as an infamous celebrity. Her demeanor is both iconic and magnetizing, but combine that with the wry comedian Ziwe and you're in for an amazing time! To see these two worlds and personalities collide is quite entertaining and I have to say that this will go down as another classic interview from Ziwe. Maybe give it a watch.
Favorite Comeback
Code - Everglow
The great return of Everglow!!! Do I need to say more? Okay, I will. I'm so happy that they have gotten to move away from their old label and continue on as a group, even if all of the members weren't able to join the comeback. They come through with a title track that fits in snuggly to their usual song, but still tantalizes the eardrums. I highly recommend giving the whole EP a listen! Welcome back, ladies!
Favorite Kpop Interview
Asking Yves to Rank Every Yves Song - InternetsNathan
We have another Kpop Ranked with a former LOONA lady and I couldn't be anymore pleased. It was intriguing to see how she views her history and discography firsthand here. I only wish there were a couple of the songs that got to be included in the rankings because there were some that had music videos (namely Ex Machina) that still didn't quite get a mention. Other than that, it was a great watch and I think any fan would find it worth their time.
You know a guy has to love his Russell releases. This month we have 2, but I enjoy this one most. It brings his raps back along with the singing. The production on the track is candy for the ear with two different vibes between the halves. He brought such a throwback vibe to the track that I couldn't help, but love it. It's nicely confessional with subtle punchlines throughout which is one of my favorite modes he gets in. Tell me if it fits your vibe, too.
Backseat - Lngshot
The debut of Lngshot has simply been phenomenal from the beginning to end, in my opinion. The greatest thing about it is the fact we got my favorite track from the EP as the last music video. The support that Jay Park's More Vision label is putting behind the group is fantastic to see as they came to the scene with such a solid showing. I'm excited to see where the group goes from here, for sure. They'll never take a backseat for now!
Favorite Kpop Discussion
Why Kpop Will Never Have Real Music Critics - Wireshred
This is something that I've thought from time to time. Just that title alone is a statement I find as an intriguing premise. As someone who actually does do some criticism, I do feel that I'm always pretty light on kpop. The genre as a whole is a full experience that doesn't just include the music, which also can lead to bias. Granted, this can happen in other music scenes, too, but when taking into consideration the consumers of the content, people tend to be set in their opinions or bias rather than accepting more balanced critiques. Though, maybe more people will be brave and be more objective with their takes, unafraid of rabid fanbases to come. Who knows if they could generate an audience?
Having Cole back is such a joy! The long awaited Fall Off was teased with this new music video along with an album trailer. It couldn't build the hype up enough!! This track is gracefully written to chronicle J. Cole's life backwards from death to birth in an awe-inspiring way. It's not only the concept itself that makes it so captivating, but also the fact that he does it keeping the same rhyme pattern throughout the entire track. Rap nerds rejoice!! Oh, and I'm a rap nerd. I'm curious what else he has in store for us. Plus, I still have his Birthday Blizzard mixtape to check out still. Give the boy a chance!
Cloud Palace ~ Before Sunset live - Billlie
It's been sooo long since we've had a new Billlie comeback with the whole group. The way they decided to spoil us with our first taste with 5 different versions of the pre-release is such a blessing, too! Normally, remix albums I approach with little acknowledgement, yet with this group delivering 2 differing LIVE performances and 2 studio remixes with alternate approaches that still match Billlie's various colors: I am FLOORED! Plus, one of the versions give reference to other Billlie songs in the most tasteful way. I'm beyond excited for the full comeback. Have you heard about Billlie?
Favorite Music Discussion
How to Become a K-Pop Superstar (TED Talk) - Charlene Kaye
As such a huge kpop fan as I've become, to have Miko suggest checking out this a quick excerpt of this was a smart move. I instantly saw that a full TED talk was available to view and I had to chuckle the whole way through! Charlene is a comedian who also had dreams of kpop stardom, but realized it wasn't going to happen in this lifetime. Yet it didn't stop here from breaking down the multitude of elements needed to achieve your goal as an idol, whether male or female! If you have a sense of humor and love the genre like I do, I highly recommend this dose of laughs.
