Fair Shake Review: Iconology - Missy Elliott

Iconology - Missy Elliott

(Genre: Hip Hop/R&B)

Throw it Back (Music Video)

MTV VMAs (Live Performance)

Throw it Back (Sean Lew & Kaycee Rice dance routine)

Sway in the Morning (Interview)

Angie Martinez (Interview)

BM5's August 2019 Favorites

Favorite Live Performance

Lizzo - Tiny Desk Concert

Lizzo has been a name I've been seeing pop up here and there for about a year and a half. Finally, "Truth Hurts" permeated my ears due to it's prevalence these days. Therefore when I saw a family member share this Tiny Desk performance, I figured I better give it a chance. I'm so glad that I did, because I truly got to see the extent of Lizzo's talent. She's honestly going to be someone we all will be praising as one of the great new talents. Her gospel, R&B, and hip hop blend is quite a spectacle and what a showcase this is, including her lovable personality. Check it out!

Favorite Anime Discussion

Why You Should Be Watching Shojo Anime - Get in the Robot

I am a huge advocate of this message! For many years, I've been slightly embarrassed to admit that I'm a fan of a good amount of Shojo shows. Lately though, I've shed that shame and realized that these are great shows and I have absolutely no reason to think it's wrong to love them. This is all explained so succinctly in the video above. This will now be my reference point to anyone who wants to come after me and my shojo love!

Favorite Music Discussion

The Rise of Asian Rap Culture - VICE Asia

With the emergence of 88 Rising and other Asian talents, I've been keeping a very curious eye on the scene and its place in popular culture. It seems that it's been noticed by the culture itself as well with this mini-doc. Are we getting to a point where Asians can truly be widely accepted in the greater rap culture or will they still be a pocket in the landscape, much like the earlier days of YouTube (i.e. Timothy DeLaGhetto, Lil Crazed, D-Pryde, Dumbfoundead, & more.) I know that there's certainly great hip hop being created from these voices and I look forward to their stories being shared.

Favorite Interview

Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott - Sway in the Morning

In lieu of this ICON winning the MTV Vanguard award, Missy Elliott went to Sway's Universe for an interview. They really made sure to give her her flowers and acknowledge that she is one of the greatest of all time. She still remains to be extremely humble and in this interview, she still is able to realize how much she has contributed to not only hip hop, but pop culture as a whole! Hear some of the tidbits of what led to her creating her legacy and what she plans for the future, including her new EP, Iconology.

Full August 2019 Favorites Playlist: click here

Top 5 Recommended Music Videos

"WTF (Where They From)" by Missy Elliott feat. Pharrell Williams
It's been 10 years and she's back with an amazingly catchy comeback! If you don't know who Missy Elliott is, then let me explain why this is a big deal, aside from the decade long gap in her music career. Back in the day, this fine lady was one of the most influential female rappers of the 90s who was clearly ahead of her time with her fashion and music style. This newest video featuring Pharrell easily picks up where she left off 10 years ago without missing a beat. The beat and chorus is super catchy and it's hard not to get turned up from the fire that's being delivered. This is a great marriage of 90's and 2010s styles of Missy into one video while still being ahead of its time.



"Gold" by Chet Faker
Sometimes YouTube suggests some amazing things when you're watching other stuff and this is one of them. I've never heard of this artist in my life, but I'm happy that this video came into view for me. It's a smooth, sensual, down low dance track that isn't loud with its melody or have commanding lyrical delivery. It's sensual and smooth with beautifully choreographed and cleverly shot music video. Seemingly filmed in one take, I felt nostalgic watching these lovely ladies saunter and dance on rollerskates down this lonely road. It might not be perfectly synced, but it's successfully alluring and I'm tempted to learn such choreography on a new pair of blades.



"THEREFORE" by G.E.M.
Continuing her expansion of her diverse catalogue, this video doesn't stray from highlighting G.E.M's talents as an artist. With a bold and sharpened color palette, the visuals are elegant and perfectly theatrical. I enjoyed the simple and symbolic storytelling between the singer and the masked man. It's just enough to fit the tone of the lyrics and the sorrowfully upbeat and slightly conflicted music. Also, G.E.M's vocals remain confident and beautiful. She doesn't strain for the overdramatically vocal moments where the singer usually belts out their best Mariah Carey, but it sounds out of place or show off-y. It's a beautiful track that makes you want more and I'm happy to hear more from this talented woman.



"SECRET No.03" by Mejibray
In my eyes, this band has been pretty hot in the visual kei scene and for very good reason. In my opinion, they give me a similar sense of excitement as I felt when I first listened to the GazettE. This PV stays true to the band's visuals of style, sexiness, and individuality. I like how each little scene gives us a glimpse of each member's' personalities, while uniting them as one during the chorus. The song is just as fun and enjoyable as the visuals and it makes me want to join in their chaos.



"Eat" by Zion.T
If you haven't gotten on the Zion.T(rain), what are you waiting for?! This soft, but simply sweet song will definitely win you over. Turn the captions on and read these lovely lyrics of care. The delivery of these words are just heartwarming and gentle; I can't imagine anyone else singing these lyrics as sincerely as he does. The visuals and melody are simple, but effective. I don't want to spoil the visual story, but it reminds me of another smooth and beautiful music video by Verbal Jint featuring Phantom's Sanchez by the name of "You Deserve Better (Beautiful Enough)", which is a very good thing.