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