BM5's December 2025 Favorites

Favorite Music Video

Non-Stop - HANA

HANA just continues to stun me, ya'll. I don't know why, but I never expected them to come out with another rap centric track, yet they did and with style! The production of the track had me jamming with the baile funk start to the trap influenced core to the rest of the track. It rocked my world with the trading verses and catchy chorus that succinctly described my journey with the group: "Who's HANA?" turning into "Where's HANA?" I need more, and so do you! So it's right here for you.

Favorite Single

Sag Harbor - Tyler, the Creator

If there's one thing Tyler is going to do, it's drop some heat out of the blue. He did it again to cap off the year with an ill track that has him reflecting on the successful year that he's had along with the bit of controversy he's faced with some of his fan base. It's amazing how he's grown into an artist that can float between these topics with ease and pizazz. The beat, the lyrics, and the flows just captivate you and leave you wanting more. Therefore, I'll be jamming this right beside the album, Don't Tap the Glass for quite some time. Care to join me?

Favorite Anime Discussion

Why is Gachiakuta So Black? - Meanie Mosey

Gachiakuta is a newer anime that has been released that I've enjoyed quite heavily during the Fall 2025 season. The action, style, and characters have been something that have piqued my interest with each episode. Though, it wasn't long until I started to realize that there's a lot of others that have been feeling similarly and that the trend is that they're my complexion. This video was one of the few that I feel kind of goes into some of the features of the show (especially when watching it dubbed) that attracts black anime fans to this series. Though, I also just have to give respect to the creator for also honoring some of our culture that inspired parts of the franchise. What do you think?

Full December 2025 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's October 2025 Favorites

Favorite Music Videos

Ex Machina - Yves

Yves has been on a tear ever since she debuted as a soloist under Paix Per Mil. With the deluxe version of Soft Error, came an extra single called, "Ex Machina". This beautiful track let's Yves' vocals soar and lilt over this acoustic guitar focused tune was paired with a video that could break hearts. It symbolically depicts how relationships can lead to each other's destruction if toxic behavior and dependence is able to run wild. What do we call that? Pure cinema! Please check out this masterpiece for yourself if you haven't already.

Lost and Found - Xdinary Heroes

Xdinary Heroes have become a band that I truly feel I need to cherish more and more with each release. This music video is full proof of that. The message in this one hits so hard with that longing to keep that passion or love for something that seemed to get away from you. It hit me hard, while still making me want to sing along at the top of my lungs...and I don't know Korean like that. Haha. This month's music video shares may make me seem like an emotional mess, but when it moves you, it moves you. Does it do the same for you?

Favorite Documentary

The YouTuber Who Made a Real Anime. - Gigguk

Every longtime fan of anime always wonders, "What if I could make my own anime one day?" Few people have been able to make that a reality, at least those from outside of Japan. This journey was documented for the longtime anime YouTuber Gigguk, and it showed how stressful it truly is to make that dream a reality. It's amazing to even get the opportunity, but as he chronicles what it took to get it to a standard he could accept while capturing his heritage, his personal story, and expressing the appropriate emotions, you see how challenging it can be. For anyone who loves to see the behind the scenes for even a "small" project like this or wants to draw closer to the man behind the channel, Garnt, I highly suggest giving this a watch.

Full October 2025 playlist: click here

BM5's April 2024 Favorites

Favorite Dance Video

Return of the Dance Video - Ian Eastwood

One of the great choreographers of the online dance video craze decided to pay homage to those times with this video. It certainly was a blast from the past to see these set ups to be filmed and edited in a way that isn't contained to the dance studio. There's definitely still a few crews that drop a video like this here and there, but I for one am happy to see Ian back in action outside of the surprising outings I've seen him in the background. (I'm looking at you, Jungkook! He was standing next to you! Haha!!) I hope you enjoy this video, too.

Favorite Music Related Video

How I Write Platinum Hit Songs - Wax

If you're new around here, you should know that I've been a HUGE Wax fan since around 2007 or '08. What drew me to him was his genius wordplay, effortless delivery, and versatility as a musician. He's dropped raps and sung songs all while playing his guitar from time to time, and rhyme to rhyme, he's always left me impressed. Therefore, this little peek behind the curtain was quite the treat to see his process. It baffles me how quickly he can string words together in ways that seem preplanned; you can never tell what parts he has locked in and what he's working out on the fly. It's quite amazing to witness. Please, get a load of this!

Favorite Anime Discussion

The Problem with Problematic Media - Explanation Point

This is truly a nice deep dive about how many anime tropes we've been desensitized to. How we should handle and consume it all should always be an active choice, but at times, we can become so complacent and apathetic to the moral conundrum. Here Explanation Point truly lays it all out for us, since he realizes it's something we all must wrestle with as anime fans, even when we try our best to call out unsavory content that's heavily promoted. In fact, many of these points could be carried on to other forms of media, which I think it's worth the time to watch whether you're into anime or not.

Full April 2024 Favorites Playlist: click here

BM5's Spring 2023 Spring Anime Retrospective

Spring 2023 Anime Retrospective

MyAnimeList Profile: click here

BM5's 2023 Winter Anime Retrospective

BM5's 2023 Winter Anime Retrospective

MyAnimeList: click here

BM5's April 2023 Favorites

Favorite Kpop Discussion

My Thoughts on 4.5 Gen Girl Groups - Sera Ryu

One of the main reasons I loved seeing Sera's reactions to kpop nowadays is hearing her perspective. It's not often I feel you can get the thoughts of a native Korean's opinion on music there, especially with someone who has lived through the industry as an idol. Getting a glimpse into her point of view on some of the bigger girl groups I follow in this video was very intriguing and I wanted to share that with all of you who are into kpop, as well. Hopefully you enjoy it.

Favorite Anime Ending

Gospelion in a Classic Love - The 13th Tailor

You want to know something interesting off the bat? I almost wouldn't have ran into this song if it wasn't for Mother's Basement adding Magical Destroyers to his "Ones to Watch" series for this season. Reading the description to this show didn't interest me to watch the first episode, but by the time I was convinced the second episode was up and I got to hear the ED for the first time. This bad boy is such ear candy with the piano, guitar, sweet vocals, and absolute vibe. I've had it on my playlist ever since. In fact, once the soundtrack drops, I'm certain to listen because the music for this show is awesome. Check it out!

Favorite Performance

Goated - Armani White feat. Denzel Curry

Loved this fun flex tune the moment it dropped. The music video was super fun and the bars were dope. Denzel was such a great addition to this track from this now up-and-comer, Armani. The minute I saw that they had an Open Mic performance on Genius, I had to click it and saw the chemistry in action. They played off each other extremely well, hyping each other up and contributing to the ad libs. It made me imagine how much more lit it would be in front of a crowd. Either way, this is one of my favorite rap jams this year.

Full April 2023 Playlist: click here

BM5's January 2023 Favorites

Favorite Music Video

OMG - NewJeans

I swear I try to not repeat the same groups so soon, but when you're operating on a level like this, I can't help myself. When paired up with Ditto, we see that the b-side focuses on the consumers relationship with kpop artists. While OMG has to do with how the artists feel in the relationship with their fans. It's a mind-bending video with each member seeing themselves in different roles and delivered with another infectious song. I couldn't stop myself from sharing this wonderful piece, even if you probably couldn't escape it yourself.

Favorite Album

Stamp on it - GOT the Beat

GIRL POWER hasn't came as hard, in my opinion, as this particular release. Every single track comes with girl crush bordering boy group energy, but with undeniable bad girl vibes. They come through with intriguing production from start to finish, even if some are put off by their unabashed flavor. In my case, I eat up every note, run, rap, and moment throughout. If I ever get the chance to see them perform "Rose", I will be the happiest man alive. It's quite the journey, as is the rest of the project. I can't recommend it more to folks who love their music to hit hard.

Favorite Anime Discussion

The History of English Dub Anime Openings - Internet Pitstop

I stumbled upon this video in my recommended column on YouTube and I'm glad I clicked. I never seen someone cover the importance and history of many of the dub openings that litter my childhood. Oh yeah, Mother's Basement did. Anyway, it was quite a fun and interesting watch. It was super fun to relive and even hear the opinion of someone else on many of the theme songs I know and love, along with some I haven't heard before. You tell me, have you grown to understand what makes a great dub opening?

Full January 2023 playlist: click here

BM5's Fall 2022 Retrospective

BM5's Fall 2022 Anime Retrospective

My Anime List: click here

BM5's December 2022 Favorites

Favorite Singles

R U Up? - RUSSELL!

We know how this works: Russell! comes back with a new single after being silent for a while and I'm all over it like hot sauce on chicken. He's had a pretty rough year which has led to scant releases, but it seems he's gearing up for more music and this is the first step. This track is such a vibe, a sad vibe, but a vibe nonetheless. The visuals put to it are wonderful and I just love to put it on loop. I hope you can add it to your playlist, as well!

Ditto - NewJeans

We know how this works: NewJeans puts out another single and I'm on it like white on rice. LOL! The difference with this music video (and side B) is that this has quite the storyline. Many debate behind the meaning behind it, but I'm inclined to agree with the theory about growing up loving kpop. Either way, the song itself is such a great jam that blends drum n bass and jersey club beats with a smooth chord progression. This is another joint I can put on repeat for the day and be set. How about you?

Favorite Anime Related Media

Dragon Ball Z Abridged: Episode 30 Commentary - TeamFourStar

If you know my history with TeamFourStar and the DBZA series, you should know that it's something that I've always enjoyed. Getting some of the behind the scenes stories on the series has been fun to catch whenever they drop on YouTube. Therefore, I share the finale of the second season. They'll be coming back with the third and final season's commentary after a small break, so if this intrigues you like me, make sure to subscribe to FourStarBento.

Full December 2022 playlist: click here

BM5's Summer 2022 Anime Retrospective

Summer 2022 Anime Retrospective

BM5's August 2022 Favorites

Favorite Interview

Aespa w/ Zach Sang

Aespa has been spending a lot of time in the US lately. One of the things they got to do while in the States was do a radio interview with Zach Sang. Here they get very comfortable, especially Giselle, and have such a great time spilling a bit on their past and present. I loved every second. Zach Sang interviews are always pretty great and it shows here with the laughs and heartfelt moments. Plus, seeing the other members showing their increased English proficiency is cute. Enjoy!

Favorite U.S. Single

Dance Now - JID

This song! Bro, JID has been one of my favorites of late, and this has solidified why. In this song you get hear his uncanny flows, witty wordplay, and down-to-earth content. All of this is placed over an ill beat that makes you want to bounce along to every rhythm JID laces over it. The chorus just hypes me up so much, and the video itself is also quite a fun experience. I can't recommend this more if you're into clever street raps.

Favorite Anime/YouTube Discussion

The ENTIRE History of Anime YouTube - Gigguk

Although this slants a little more to the YouTube side of things, if you're an anime fan, you must be aware of at least a few of the phases of AniTube. The way anime has been reviewed and discussed online has gone through many changes, but there hasn't been much content chronicling the metamorphosis. This was the inspiration behind the creation of this particular video presented by one of the earliest voices in Anime YouTube, Garnt of Anime Zone...currently Gigguk. There were some things noted that I didn't even know in the earlier days that exists. If that kind of thing fascinates you, give this a watch!

Full August 2022 Favorites playlist: click here

Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million Haul

BM5's Spring 2022 Anime Retrospective

Spring 2022 Anime Retrospective

BM5's Winter 2022 Anime Retrospect

Winter 2022 Anime Retrospective

Miko's Music Stats 2020

I know I haven't been doing the "Most Shocking/Disappointing/WTF Asian Music Moments" in a few years, but I wanted to try something more personal and different. I haven't been the best at keeping up with music. In fact, I have a massive backlog on my iTunes library dating back to 2014/2015. It's really disgusting! Nonetheless, I have been listening to more Spotify to somewhat keep up with what's new. So, here's some stats from my last.fm [and Spotify].

BM5's March 2022 Favorites

 Favorite Anime Discussion

RIP Funimation - Glass Reflection

It's actually kind of strange for me to list this a favorite, but Arkada puts a lot of my thoughts into words in this "eulogy" of sorts for Funimation. As a longtime subscriber of the medium/brand, it's tough to find that everything is being transferred to Crunchyroll. When we look at the reputation of both entities, it makes sense, yet I still can't help feel it's bittersweet to see the overall brand die (or absorbed into another company.) I really do hope that this merger goes smoothly and leads to improvements for not only the consumer, but also the studios they often license and sometimes produce for. Watch the video above to pay your respects, then begin to pay monthly instead of yearly like I had to. Haha!

Favorite Interview

A Conversation with Nicki Minaj & Joe Budden

Despite some of the controversy Joe has had last year, I must say he knows how to generate discourse and conduct great interviews. Nicki, on the other hand, has been in a weird state of limbo for me, as she has been featured often with varying results and releasing singles that intrigue me in the current state of hip hop. Being that Nicki Minaj is currently on her "comeback" of sorts, I've been enjoying a couple of the songs she's been dropping as an elder statesman in the scene. Here, they discuss her career and life along with her influence on the many popular artists who are direct descendants of her success. I admittedly must acknowledge that this had me not only respecting Nicki more as an artist, but anticipating her next moves in the industry.

Favorite Rap Album

Melt My Eyes See Your Future - Denzel Curry

Above will be the music video for "Troubles feat. T-Pain", which is a fantastic single. I don't want to say too much here, since I do have a review for this album. Yet, I can certainly say this album is one of the most focused, yet diverse project I got to hear this month. I'm so pleased with the growth of Denzel Curry as an emcee and this tune has freaking T-Pain! Love that GUY!! Lol. Sorry, that's all I'll share for now. Just jam to the album already!

Favorite Kpop Album

ReVe Festival 2022: Feel My Rhythm - Red Velvet

This month has been jam packed with comebacks, yet Red Velvet came through with their crowns on their heads and ballet shoes on their feet. Gracefully, they delivered another EP that is amazing from start to finish, firmly placing them in the running for Album of the Year. Within a week of its release, I have put it on repeat more than any other project so far. But once again, if you want further details, I have a reaction to the entire album. Also, I do have a reaction to the music video! Reveluvs know what's up! If you allow me to go on a slight tangent, I'm obliged to mention that their Japanese single, "Wildside", is another highlight from them this month.

Full March 2022 Favorites Playlist: click here

Miko's Declutter Journey: Mini Figures

Muddy Cult January 2022 Favorites

BlipMasta5's Favorites

Favorite Reaction Video

808's & Heartbreak - Turning the Tables

This channel has truly become one of my favorites that react to western music. This saga of the dad, Kevin, going through Kanye's discography for the first time has been amazing. For him to finally experience the sound shift that 808's is and completely understand, love, and feel it is so satisfying. Even if you haven't heard the album yourself, this video is a great way to enjoy it.

BM5's Summer 2021 Anime Retrospective

Summer 2021 Anime Retrospective

BM5's Fall 2021 Anime Retrospective

 

Fall 2021 Anime Retrospective