Fair Shake Reaction: Alpha - CL

Alpha - CL

(Genre: Kpop)

All Hail the Alpha links:

Spicy (Music Video)

Tie a Cherry (Music Video)

Let it (Music Video)

Lover Like Me (Music Video)

Chuck (Music Video)

Alpha (Live Performance)

Epic Eve Pink Haul 2

BM5's September 2020 Favorites

 Favorite Music Videos

DOA - Rich Brian

There's been a few releases this month that have brought me much surprising joy. One of these came from Rich Brian's new project, 1999. I wasn't expecting him to further dive into his singing bag and 80's synth pop influences. This song was one of the standouts from the album and I had to share it with you all, if you haven't seen my review, yet. Hope you get as joy from it as I did.

Post Up - CL

The other surprise for me this month was "re-introduction" of sorts from QUEEN CL! I failed to mention this in my "Don't Do K-Pop" video, but I was trying to make CL be my gateway into K-Pop back when "Hello Bi+ches" and "Lifted" were being released. Obviously, that push in the western market was much more of a nudge. Therefore, I had to rekindle my relationship with CL when she finally left YG and dropped In the Name of Love EP which was a collection of previously written material. Now, it seems CL is ready to take the crown back from whoever you think that has it! Because, if you thought that she lost it..."That's cap!"

Favorite Short Film

A Long Time Coming - Wong Fu Productions

While tensions rise in American society, we see the importance of be socially aware. This can cause friction not only with random people online and friends, but even your own family. Being that people of color in the US all have many struggles, some that may have been caused by other minorities, fighting against overall injustice is something that everyone can get behind. Yet, the means of which to do that is always a concern. The addition of a pandemic isn't helping either. This short film does a fantastic job of suggesting how perspective and having open mind can help lead to conversations that can lead to understanding. Until we can come to that common ground, we can't build a solid foundation for the future. Enough of my short opinion piece, though. I'll the video do the talking and let you come to your own conclusion.

Favorite Music Discussion

Why Pop Music is Obsessed with This One Note - Andrew Huang

You know, I don't know why I haven't subscribed to this gentleman, yet. This time, instead of a "4 Producer, 1 Sample" video, we will talk about music theory and how it affects pop music. Yep, I bet you didn't think something like that could be so important to commercial music. Though, there really is a bit of science to creating music that pleases general audiences with how our brains typically operate. Here Andrew breaks down the current trend of what is called the "supertonic note". When he shows how many songs are currently utilizing it these days, I'm sure you'll be amazed like I was. Although, The Weeknd might be upset about how people are trying to dip into his secret sauce...

Full Sept. 2020 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's December 2019 Favorites

Favorite Comeback

CL

The return of CL is something I've looked forward to for a looooong time. To be honest, I was hoping her U.S. debut would be my entry into K-Pop artists, but alas that fell through. At last, though, we have her return with In The Name of Love EP. All of the videos were fantastic and it sure did make plenty of Blackjacks emotional to see it released. Let's all just celebrate her freedom from YG!

Favorite Freestyle

Locksmith on Sway in the Morning

Locksmith has always been an amazing emcee. His combination of wordplay and substance has continued to have me in awe and wonder. He's a deep thinker and he's very motivational as well. The only thing that baffles me is how he's soooo unknown or underrated. This freestyle even had Fat Joe giving him props as one of the best to ever do it. Just give it a listen if you would like to hear hip hop at its technical peak.

Favorite Live Performance

Megan Thee Stallion - Tiny Desk Performance

This year was a breakout one for Megan as the "Big Ole Freak" took off. Her fem forward approach to music really added to the takeover of women in hip hop. Something that's amazing to notice, though, is how her technical ability is also up to par with her nasty demeanor. Her charisma oozes from the screen from this performance along with Phony Ppl. Plus, the premiere of their collaboration was one of the best surprises from the video. Why don't you get a taste of the "Hot Girl Summer" to keep you warm this winter?

Favorite Music Video

Stormy Weather - Tinashe

Tinashe is FREE!! Another fantastic artist that needed to shed the major label had a release this year that makes me ecstatic. This video is perfect evidence of that being the truth. Tinashe in her album, Songs For You, got to explore everything that she can do musically and this video showed her artistry in dance, as well. The choreography is incredible and it is extraordinarily shot. We got to embrace this wonderful piece with every view we can give it, so spread the word!

Full December 2019 playlist: click here