BM5's May 2024 Favorites

Favorite Rap Music Video

Dirt - Wynne

Man, Wynne did it again. She brought together a really dope metaphor and strung it through the whole piece in an awesome way. She also displayed it in a neat way over a hot beat. What else could you ask for? Oh yeah, another album. When's the next project, Wynne!? Hahaha.

Favorite Kpop Comeback

ASSEMBLE24 - tripleS

Above will be the music video for the title track for this album which in itself is an incredible piece of art. The message and imagery used to convey it on this song is incredible to witness. Yet, that's only the beginning! Dive into the full OT24 album and you will be welcomed to some spectacular music that is going bring you to the world of tripleS. The production, collection of "La's", and memorable melodies solidifies their place as one of my top 5th gen groups, and another group with one of the best discographies so far. I advise you to give them a chance if you haven't yet. I believe no one will regret it!

Favorite Interview

NIKI - Zach Sang Show

As we get close to the release of Niki's 3rd album, Buzz, she made a stop to the Zach Sang Show. They cover a good amount about what's been going on in her life since the 2nd album, Nicole. Alongside that, we also get to hear a bit about what we could expect from Buzz and what sound we should expect. Their conversation is such a delight as they meander into other personal tangents, but it never bored me. It's just a great little talk that I feel Zach always is able to bring out from each guest. Niki is just one of those guests who also make it amusing to hear from, too. What do you think?

Full May 2024 Favorites playlist: click here

Fair Shake Review: Nicole - NIKI

Nicole - NIKI

(Genre: Singer-Songwriter/Pop)

You've met NIKI, now meet Nicole:

Before (Music Video)

Oceans & Engines (Music Video)

High School in Jakarta (Music Video)

Backburner (Live on 50on50)

The Forty-Five Interview

BM5's May 2023 Favorites

Favorite Cover

Eunoia - ReacttotheK

Billlie's album is already one of my favorites of the year so far. Seeing that jazz musicians from ReactotheK did their own rendition made me even more ecstatic. I love what they were able to enhance from the original and I think they had so much fun doing it as well. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Favorite Live Performances

A Tribute to Pharrell - Tobe Nwigwe

The REFERENCES!!! Okay, to begin, I believe that Tobe is one of the few unique emcees of this time and for him to pay tribute to such a icon of creativity makes total sense. The musical nods they make towards Pharrell's career through the lyrics and even musical arrangement is so on point, I couldn't help but smile the whole way. If Pharrell himself was so amused, it can't be hard to believe that so will you.

Tiny Desk Concert - NIKI

Long followers of my reviews will know that I adore NIKI. One thing that I've always knew was how strong of a songwriter she is. One thing that I've been more critical of, though, are her performances. This is quite the exception, but I'm sure it's due to the setting. This more acoustic, intimate stage makes it so she doesn't have to exert herself to entertain a huge festival crowd. The music really gets to shine here and her vocals along with the band are at the perfect balance. Get a taste of it yourself.

Favorite Sera Ryu EP

Perfect Square - Sera Ryu

Alright, you got me. I just wanted to promote this project, yet for good reason. This EP is, in my humble opinion, the most solid that she's released this year so far out of the three. Each song has many selling points: the haunting nature of "Last Dance", the danceable vibe of "Star Crossed", the vocal layers of "Siren", and the balance of production and singing on "Zoom". Please support an independent artist and I don't think you'll regret it.

Full May 2023 favorites playlist: click here

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)

BM5's October 2020 Favorites

Favorite Title Track

Cool - Weki Meki

There's been soooooo many comebacks and debuts this month! It's been so hard to keep up. Yet even with some of the most important groups to me releasing music (Blackpink & Loona), my favorite title song has been "Cool" by Weki Meki. The swagger that they carry throughout, along with the choreography made me truly consider becoming a Ki-Ling. The beat is so infectious, the gang vocals make you sing along, and the raps just ride the rhythms with ease. In my favorites playlist are many variations of this song that I've enjoyed, so be prepared if you choose to watch the full list. 

Favorite Movie Discussion

The Death of Comedy Movies - Nathan Zed

This video was in my recommend list for a little while, so when I finally gave it a click, I was pleasantly pleased. I also had to think about how I somewhat agree with his perspective. With the way movies are of late, it's becoming harder and harder to pinpoint comedy movies that are universally accepted as cultural classics. If anything, we find more comedic moments laced throughout our superhero films or sprinkled into our dramatic films. We have a much more aware society that unfortunately tends to play it a bit safer with our humor or just completely become entirely insensitive. The content above goes much more into detail if you are interested.

Favorite TV Show

How Do You Play (Refund Sisters Season)

As I slowly surround my free time into more and more Korean content, I have been enjoying this arc in the variety show "How Do You Play" with Yoo Jae Seok. To learn about some of the icons of past Kpop generations and see them work with some of today's current superstars has been fascinating. Lee Hyori wanted to create a project group with Uhm Jung Hwa, Jessi, & Hwasa and this season, it became a reality. Watching the relationships between them all grow, as well as the other stars that are recruited in this side project, are so hilarious and heartwarming. Truly, I've enjoyed being able to watch this journey to build their team dynamic and make a dope single, "Don't Touch Me". Check out these powerful women, if you're into a good time!

Favorite Live Performance

Moonchild Experience - NIKI

This was a hard choice, because as I said before, there's been a lot of music to come out this month. This includes live performances and concerts, like a Loona concert, K:Contact, Joji, and more. Yet, I was really looking forward to seeing how Moonchild would be like live. Obviously, it was still a virtual concert, but the work put into the album's concept being brought to life on stage was a treat. The only gripe I have with the experience as a whole is the fact that the best song, "Selene", was the only song to be shortened in the setlist. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT!? Haha. Hope you still enjoy it as much as I did.

Full October 2020 Favorites Playlist: click here

BM5's July 2020 Favorites

Favorite Anime Discussion

Monster Review - Glass Reflection

This show is one of the most hidden gems these days. That's partially due to its hard to find nature in a legal manner. It's one of my top 5 anime of all time and I find that not many people bring it up. I was so glad to see Arkada of Glass Reflection shedding some light on it, though. The great thing about it is that I was recommending it to a coworker when later that day he released his review. I can't recommend this show enough to people who enjoy seinen dramas that love to dive into questions of morality and psychological manipulation. Need more convincing, let the man above speak to you! Haha.

Favorite Music Discussion

How Pop Music Got Too Personal - The Take

This channel is one I occasionally watch and this topic really caught my attention. We all know that popular music does a really good job of keeping things relatable to the general public, yet there are certainly a wealth of superstars whose careers are full of personal hits. The way songs have increasingly became more like peeks into artists' diaries has been an interesting trend to look into. This video did a decent job of doing such a thing. Now the question becomes whether it's best for us as consumers to love it simply for the sake of the "tea" or to empathize/sympathize with our celebrities.

Favorite Song

Selene - NIKI

NIKI is an artist that I've fallen in love with over the years. As a singer-songwriter in the pop/R&B field she's slowly been growing her skill set and expanding her appeal. With her release of "Switchblade", she announced her next project, Moonchild, to be a conceptual full album. This had me excited as her EPs have ranged from a few different styles and the visuals for the single were stunning. The only caveat was the fact that the single didn't blow me away. This second single, "Selene", though...COMPLETE OPPOSITE! Haha!!! The funky almost disco joint had me captivated for weeks which is fitting due the theme being "possessed" by Selene. NIKI's vocals and lyrics are so playful and seductive, then having them paired by the funk bass licks and beautiful horns throughout. It's truly a thrill ride for the ears that you can't help but move to. NOW, I'm highly anticipating the album!

Favorite Music Video

 Naughty - Red Velvet: Irene & Seulgi

When I did the reaction to this Monster mini album, I only heard everything but this CD exclusive/subtitle track. I loved every single song, but knew that I had to wait for the music video to hear "Naughty". When I saw it drop, I was extremely hype, especially since I watched an interview where Seulgi mentioned that they had to learn tutting for the comeback. I was slightly confused, because I couldn't see that being too necessary to learn for "Monster". Yet, the choreo for "Naughty" shut me up! Nearly the entire routine is based in the dance style that I know for a fact is very difficult to master. It's not simply basic techniques that they have to execute either, making me thoroughly impressed. I've had to learn a bit of style in a few dances and I can attest to it not being easy to do with the quality of synchronicity and consistency that these women have done in the video and live stages. It doesn't hurt that the song is great, but I can honestly say that the video is what makes this release spectacular!!

Full July 2020 Favorites Playlist: click here

BM5's September & October 2019 Favorites

Favorite Interview

Niki - Zach Sang Show

Zach Sang has become one of my favorite interviewers lately. He truly makes his guests comfortable and is able to get really genuine answers from them. Then Dan, his co-host, sometimes makes the most hilarious interactions with the guests as well. In this case, I got to hear more about Niki than I have in any other interview, though I haven't seen many. This happens soon after the Head in the Clouds festival and seeing how she views her career and the impact it has on Asian culture throughout the world is fascinating. I'd give it a watch if that interests you like it does myself.

Wanna Take This EP Downtown, Herby? (2 EP Reviews)

Wanna Take This Downtown? - NIKI

(Genre: Alternative R&B/Pop)

EP 6 - Qveen Herby

(Genre: R&B/Rap)

Fair Shake Review: Zephyr - NIKI

Zephyr - NIKI

(Genre: Contemporary R&B)

Let the zephyr whisk you:

Vintage (Music Video)

Say My Name (Music Video)

I Like U (Choreography to the first song I heard)

Sindhen Interview (The first one I've seen)

Oceans and Engines (Back in the Nicole Zefanya days)