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.
Token has been an emcee that I check in on periodically. This was one time that I was glad to pop in. The collaboration with Tech N9ne has them trading a series of technical prowess and speedy delivery. I definitely got a kick out of the song as well as their lip syncing in the tour bus a while having a blast. If you dig that type of hip hop, this should be on your radar!
Favorite Choreography
Billie Eilish's Bury a Friend - Galen Hooks
She's done it again! Galen continues to amaze me with the way she can adapt to any style of music and the different interpretations from her students are spectacular too. The song itself had me intrigued as Billie is an artist I'm watching curiously as she matures. The great production of this track had me excited to see the approach Mrs. Hooks would take and she did not disappoint. Give it a watch, won't you?
Favorite Live Performance
Make Me Feel - Janelle Monae at the Grammys
I already love the song, the album, the artist, & the woman. I appreciate that she's slowly getting more attention from the industry higher ups, since she should already be held in high regard. With Dirty Computer's nomination, I was looking forward to the inevitable Grammy performance and Django Jane didn't let me down. She had a strong presence with this very Prince-esque single and mixed in a few of the other singles, as well. Truly a musician for the ages and this is the proof!
Favorite Music Video
Stripped Bare - Alyson Stoner
Alyson Stoner is certainly a child star that blossomed beautifully. Yet like many who came before her, that experience hasn't always been the best. This song and video really captures the struggles with being a young bread winner for the family and thrust into the limelight for the world to see. You can truly hear and seeing how freeing it was to release these chains from her past to move on to a future on her own terms. She's much more than Camp Rock and Missy Elliot videos, so she's ready to prove it to the world whether they care or not.
