BM5's January 2025 Favorites

Favorite Singles

Nobody - JoJo

Ya'll should know by now: I see JoJo and I click! Why? Because she never misses!!! With the release of her new EP, JoJo led with a couple of new tracks including this one here that just makes me want to jam the whole way through! The drum groove and funky bassline with her phenomenal vocals is a winning combination, and I can't help but share. What are you doing reading this, though? PRESS PLAY!

Love Hangover - Jennie feat. Dominic Fike

Jennie has been steadily counting down to her full solo album release and I think I should breakdown my feelings in the process. With "Mantra", I thought this is a real fun, pop jam for the girlies. I can definitely dig it even if it doesn't hit my most replayed list. Then "Zen" dropped and I believed that it was an interesting listen with more intriguing visuals. It ultimately had me of the mindset of most likely to skip. Next up, brings us "Love Hangover". The placement of it here probably speaks for itself! The video was super fun and the song was absolutely a vibe I could jive with. So much, in fact, that I currently have this as my favorite solo release from her so far. What do you think, though?

Favorite Discussion

Square Enix Party Chat w/ Briana White & John Eric Bentley

Alright, now I know that gaming stuff isn't something that's brought up here often, but I couldn't help myself. Voice acting has always been a career I'm fascinated by and hearing some of their stories about the job and lives are some extremely interesting things to me. The Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy is another thing that has enraptured much of my attention, even with me recently completing the enjoyable, but lengthy "Rebirth" entry. Therefore, being able to listen to Briana (Aerith) and John (Barret) chat about their experiences and journeys was quite delightful. Figured I try to highlight it for you all, as well, this month.

Full January 2025 Favorites playlist: click here

Fair Shake Review: Trying Not to Think About it - JoJo

Trying Not to Think About it - JoJo

(Genre: R&B/Pop)

For when you think about it:

Worst (I Assume) (Music Video)

Anxiety (Burlinda's Theme) (Music Video)

Dissolve (Audio)

Global Citizen Interview (w/ Extra)

4D with Demi Lovato (Podcast)

Fair Shake Review: good to know - JoJo

good to know - JoJo

(Genre: Contemporary R&B/Pop)

These are good to visit:

Man (Music Video)

Lonely Hearts (Music Video)

Gold (Audio)

Zach Sang Interview

Joanna (Live on Honda Stage)

Making of "good to know" (Episode 1)

Chill (Stay In) (Quarantine Vibes)

BM5's January & February 2020 Favorites

Favorite Dance Video

The Present - VillN, M-PACT, Logistx

The cool thing about the B-Boys of Kinjaz and those affiliated with them is that they love to display the artistry of breakdancing in ways most people wouldn't think of. They combine the style along with a more traditional-like Japanese piece in the most beautiful way. The skill and musicality is fully displayed throughout and I HAD to share it with the audience here to enjoy!

Fair Shake Review: The Catch Up: Fall Edition

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.

BM5's March 2019 Favorites

Favorite Anime Analysis

The Moral Conflict of Justice - Replay Value

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.

Full March 2019 Playlist: click here

BlipMasta5's May & June 2017 Favorites

Favorite Anime Parody

TeamFourStar's DBZ Abridged Episode 58

TeamFourStar has never failed to tickle my funny bone. Yet, it's always a pleasure to see them also take the action scenes to the next level. It's finally the first match of the Cell Games with Cell and Goku taking center stage. Watch as TFS add their own flair to one of the iconic battles of the series!

Fair Shake Review: Mad Love. - Jojo

Mad Love. - Jojo

(Genre: Pop/R&B)

Jojo is a lady that I've always had an interest in way back when she told us it was "A Little Too Late" and to "Leave (Get Out)". But all puns aside, she definitely was one that captured my attention by being one of the first to appeal to both a black & white audience with the likes of Christina Aguilera at the time. As time went on, new music from this soulful singer became hard to find due to the Blackground label dispute. During that time, only if you were attentive you were able to catch her mixtapes, "Can't Take That Away from Me" & "Agape", and the "#LoveJo" EPs. After the announcement of her freedom from the label and joining Atlantic Records, the tringle EP (III.) had me eagerly awaiting a full album.

Being able to ride the line of pop and R&B, this LP delivered in all fronts throughout the tracklist. The songs reaffirm how she should be considered a predecessor of her now contemporaries like Ariana Grande & Alessia Cara. The singles push her R&B edge to the forefront with "No Apologies." featuring Wiz Khalifa and "FAB." featuring Remy Ma. Then "Music." as the final pre-released track is a ballad that has more pop appeal without sacrificing her strong vocal ability. This overall spectrum between genres span the album in a rather cohesive manner as Jojo performs them so naturally, especially having writing credits on every song.

Tracks like the sexy "Like This.", sultry "Edibles.", & melancholy "Reckless." highlight her R&B sensibilities. "Clovers.", "Good Thing.", & "Rise Up." really display her pop appeal. While songs that really blur the line like "I Can Only." featuring Alessia Cara, "Mad Love.", & "Honest." prove that Jojo has been made an underrated artist due her circumstances. I personally love the spite delivered in "High Heels." and the honesty in "I Am.". "Vibe." and "Good Thing." never fail to get me moving. Yet, my favorite might have to be "Edibles." because even though I'm not necessarily interested in taking any drugs, Jojo comes off as quite the temptress.

In summary, I have got to say that this is seriously a great album for Jojo's grand return to the greater public. Every single song on the album has heart and likeability which is perfect for her reentry to the mainstream. She not only fits right into the current landscape of radio, but still maintains a unique identity. I highly would recommend this to anyone who is fan of artists who bridge the gap of pop and R&B like the aforementioned Ariana Grande and Tori Kelly. As you can tell, because of the this project I can only show Jojo mad love!

For more Jojo without the K.C.:

Baby, It's You feat. Bow Wow (How I knew she was a crossover artist)

In the Dark (How I found out she's still dope)

Take the Canyon (One of my favorites from Agape)

Thinking Out Loud (This song's structure just chills me)

Demonstrate (This along with Disaster made us think of how she was back)