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.
Drake is Michael Jackson, Kendrick Lamar is Prince - HipHopMadness
This channel is one that I hop in and out of whenever I see a good topic. Sometimes the content gets too gossip column for me to be subscribed to, but a title like this one had me intrigued. It's tough to see artists of today being compared to icons of yesteryear, yet this video made some pretty interesting comparisons when it comes to public perception in pop culture. Although I'm fairly convinced that the point is rather valid, I'm actually more of a Michael fan than Prince and Kendrick than Drake. Is that strange? You tell me...
Favorite Anime Discussion
Attack on Titan is Incredible Now. - Gigguk
If you haven't yet seen my Spring 2019 Anime Retrospect yet, then this one video goes into incredible detail about how I felt about Attack on Titan Season 3 part 2. In fact, it captures most of my feelings on the series as a whole so far as an anime only consumer of the franchise. The show is absolutely amazing from a narrative and action perspective and I can't wait to watch season 4 when it airs. Now if only I can convince Miko to try and pick the series back up. Gigguk was also not sold on the show after season 1...maybe his perspective on the follow ups can revive the hype!
Favorite Live Performance
Masego - NPR Music's Tiny Desk
After seeing my review on Masego's Lady Lady, I'm sure you've anticipated my excitement to see his Tiny Desk episode go live. Masego is quite the character and performer, so I had a blast seeing him work the crowd alongside wowing them with his vocal and sax stylings! If this charismatic performance doesn't get you into to checking out the music, I don't know what will. I, though, am a fan of TrapHouseJazz.
Favorite Interview
Tyler, the Creator - Funk Flex on Hot 97
I shamefully haven't reviewed IGOR by Tyler, but I loved it and seeing him finally do his press run for it has been a treat. His Zane Lowe interview was very nice and really gave insight on the creation of the album and reflection on Tyler's influence on the music scene as a whole. However, after seeing over the years the type of personality Tyler has and seeing what it was going to clash with the likes of Funkmaster Flex was eyebrow-raising. The results were decisively hilarious and pleasing to watch unfold before me within the hour and thirty minutes (freestyle included). Honestly, if you like seeing two people genuinely getting to know each other with preconceived notions, this is the entertainment for you.
Replay Value is an AniTube channel that I've been watching for about half a year now and I wanted to share one of his videos that I really enjoyed this month. I also haven't been able to show my love for the show Psycho-Pass and this really goes into how Episode 3 digs deep into the theme of thin line of justice and morality. This is a cool channel showing us how great a show I love is, so why not share it you all!
Favorite Music Discussion
Is Drake the Biggest Hip-Hop Artist Ever? - DeadEndHipHop
Anyone who's seen my Drake reviews knows my feelings about him and his music. With the re-release of So Far Gone, it inspired DeadEndHipHop to discuss it after 10 years and whether Drake has become the biggest rapper ever. Many points were brought to the table for both perspectives of yes and no. After watching the video, maybe we can discuss what you think in the comments. I certainly could say that he could be the biggest, despite my opinion that he's often a hit or miss artist. Let's talk about it!
Favorite Live Performance
Squirrels - Wax
This is why I love Wax. He's soooo talented and makes stellar music, but sometimes uses it to be absolutely ridiculous. I won't spoil anything about the video, just know that I'm looking forward to when all the Acoustic Sessions get compiled to buy. Support your favorite artists!!!
Favorite Video Game Analysis
Kingdom Hearts 3 Review - BestGuyEver
I subscribed to BestGuyEver, after I endured his huge lecture on all of Kingdom Hearts before KH3's release. His personality and presentation is quite amusing and his takes usually differ than most others. Therefore, I was really curious to know his opinion of the latest Kingdom Hearts game, especially being a fan of the franchise myself. If you're interested at all in the game, then this should be a fun watch.
Favorite Dance Video
Demonstrate by JoJo - Brian Puspos
This is a combination of two of my favorite artists to follow. Brian has been a choreographer that I always anticipated his R&B routines, including his own songs. Yet, JoJo is another singer who I've been a fanatic of ever since her mixtape tapes in her adulthood. Demonstrate was one of those singles that was created within that time period, yet the label situation stifled its exposure. The recent re-release of her older material changed that, though, and Brian took advantage of that to make some dang good sexy choreo. I highly suggest keeping an eye both artists from the songs to the dances.
I've slowly become familiar with Doja Cat this month and it started with a break down of her song, "Go To Town". I soon realized that she has a fun personality who is open with her sexuality and presents it with wit. Yet, this viral video is what made me do the deep dive. If you haven't seen it yet, this really puts her carefree nature on display! It's pure fun with a bit of smart humor. As I dug deeper into her catalog, she uses that skill to talk about love, sex, and fun in a number of ways musically. If you're not offended by "crass" talk, I'd advise giving her album, Amala, a listen.
It's late 2008 and the birth of Young Money is well underway with one its star players emerging as the actor turned rapper/singer Drake. I slowly realize that Jimmy finally started to take his rap career more seriously and made connections with Lil' Wayne. Intrigued, I looked into his work and saw the potential. As time went on, I've witnessed him maintain his average rapper status and his "I can carry a note" singing, all while adopting any new trend to keep his name in the forefront of the hip hop game. In my experience, Drake delivers a great ear for production (usually) and clever wordplay from time to time. Though his authenticity as an emcee has been called into question often, many have to credit him for creating a lane that many would try to retread again and again just to stay relevant.
Thank Me Later solidified Drake's style to me. Take Care showed me he was becoming more ambitious with his sound. Nothing Was The Same had him proving his mark on game is indelible. If You're Reading This, It's Too Late made me see he let his success get to his head. Drake's emotional side has always been a double edge sword as it attracts females, but at times exposes his possessive/dependent tendencies. Then his hard persona can range from just a witty rapper to an unbelievable caricature of what a tough guy is supposed to be. This is why it seems like he's acting, since it never seems like he presents a multi-dimensional personality. He just plays a role for each song topic, but with the same finesse as his Degrassi days.
That finally brings me to Views, as it was a highly anticipated release. With no shortage of radio hits leading to this album, even I was curious to how this would sound despite my complete dislike of IYRTITL and disregard of What a Time to be Alive. I press play on the very first song, "Keep the Family Close", and instantly begin to get a sour taste in my mouth. Knowing Drake knew expectations were high, I feel you can just hear his efforts to make this seem epic and cinematic. As mentioned before though, it comes as conspicuous as his acting: it feels forced and noticeably unnatural. Every once in awhile there comes tracks that appear genuine, but others that could definitely could be ghostwritten and performed by our good boy, Jimmy. The album does execute one thing Drake set out to do, which was take you through Toronto in Winter and keep you company until Summer. He achieves that through his wrangling of production and a few sound bites in between songs.
Yet, this is just my results from my listens to the project. I ended up getting a few tracks I enjoy from Views, namely "Hype", "Weston Road Flows", "Too Good", & "Views". Plus, I'm still not tired of "Hotline Bling" due to my avoidance of the radio, although many wonder why its inclusion was even necessary after being out so long. I, personally, shouldn't be surprised with my takeaways from this project because I fared the same way with pretty much every project from Drake. Therefore, I can see fans of the actor formerly known as Aubrey not enjoying this album since it has just as much pop appeal as he's always had. Thing is, I've surprisingly heard some Drake fans were disgruntled with this LP. Some attribute it to the 20 song tracklist and others that there's just a little too much singing. Overall though, the "6 God" still has the hip hop game in his hands and Toronto is officially a "9" now since he's turned it upside down.
Notable side assessments: Some of his corniest lines and most red flags for relationship behavior included. Kanye's better "Pop Style" verse not included.
