Fair Shake Reaction: $tay the Night - VVS

$tay the Night - VVS

(Genre: Kpop/R&B/Rap)

If you stay the night, we're watching these:

$tay the Night (Music Video)

Da$h (Live Performance)

Erika Justine Reaction (to $tay the Night MV)

VV's and CC's Podcast (Episode 6: $tay the Night)

BM5's February 2026 Favorites

Favorite Singles

Cotton Candy Sky - RUSSELL!

You know a guy has to love his Russell releases. This month we have 2, but I enjoy this one most. It brings his raps back along with the singing. The production on the track is candy for the ear with two different vibes between the halves. He brought such a throwback vibe to the track that I couldn't help, but love it. It's nicely confessional with subtle punchlines throughout which is one of my favorite modes he gets in. Tell me if it fits your vibe, too.

Backseat - Lngshot

The debut of Lngshot has simply been phenomenal from the beginning to end, in my opinion. The greatest thing about it is the fact we got my favorite track from the EP as the last music video. The support that Jay Park's More Vision label is putting behind the group is fantastic to see as they came to the scene with such a solid showing. I'm excited to see where the group goes from here, for sure. They'll never take a backseat for now!

Favorite Kpop Discussion

Why Kpop Will Never Have Real Music Critics - Wireshred

This is something that I've thought from time to time. Just that title alone is a statement I find as an intriguing premise. As someone who actually does do some criticism, I do feel that I'm always pretty light on kpop. The genre as a whole is a full experience that doesn't just include the music, which also can lead to bias. Granted, this can happen in other music scenes, too, but when taking into consideration the consumers of the content, people tend to be set in their opinions or bias rather than accepting more balanced critiques. Though, maybe more people will be brave and be more objective with their takes, unafraid of rabid fanbases to come. Who knows if they could generate an audience?

Full February 2026 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's January 2026 Favorites

Favorite Comebacks

Disc 2 Track 2 - J. Cole

Having Cole back is such a joy! The long awaited Fall Off was teased with this new music video along with an album trailer. It couldn't build the hype up enough!! This track is gracefully written to chronicle J. Cole's life backwards from death to birth in an awe-inspiring way. It's not only the concept itself that makes it so captivating, but also the fact that he does it keeping the same rhyme pattern throughout the entire track. Rap nerds rejoice!! Oh, and I'm a rap nerd. I'm curious what else he has in store for us. Plus, I still have his Birthday Blizzard mixtape to check out still. Give the boy a chance!

Cloud Palace ~ Before Sunset live - Billlie

It's been sooo long since we've had a new Billlie comeback with the whole group. The way they decided to spoil us with our first taste with 5 different versions of the pre-release is such a blessing, too! Normally, remix albums I approach with little acknowledgement, yet with this group delivering 2 differing LIVE performances and 2 studio remixes with alternate approaches that still match Billlie's various colors: I am FLOORED! Plus, one of the versions give reference to other Billlie songs in the most tasteful way. I'm beyond excited for the full comeback. Have you heard about Billlie?

Favorite Music Discussion

How to Become a K-Pop Superstar (TED Talk) - Charlene Kaye

As such a huge kpop fan as I've become, to have Miko suggest checking out this a quick excerpt of this was a smart move. I instantly saw that a full TED talk was available to view and I had to chuckle the whole way through! Charlene is a comedian who also had dreams of kpop stardom, but realized it wasn't going to happen in this lifetime. Yet it didn't stop here from breaking down the multitude of elements needed to achieve your goal as an idol, whether male or female! If you have a sense of humor and love the genre like I do, I highly recommend this dose of laughs.

Full January 2026 Favorites playlist: click here

Fair Shake Reaction: In a Perfect World - Seuss Mace

In a Perfect World - Seuss Mace

(Genre: Rap/Hip-hop)

We have more content despite this imperfect world:

Old and Grey (YouTube Short)

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 2025 Musical Favorites

BM5's 2025 Musical Favorites

BM5's 2024 Musical Favorites

BM5's 2024 Musical Favorites

BM5's November 2025 Favorites

Favorite Single

Little Miss - Girlset

VCHA is officially a thing of the past! It has been for a while really, but this was the true reset the members needed for their rebrand. They tried setting things off with their transition single, Commas, but the true mark they required to make a statement was this tune right here! The Y2K pop R&B vibes are in full effect and it seems like they truly got to define what their new direction will be and it fits like a glove. Them and the labels their on know it, too, since the marketing push behind this has been on 10 ever since. Though, I don't blame them. What about you?

Favorite Collaboration

PS118 - Jurin Asaya feat. Rapsody

When I saw that this new single from one of the XG girlies was going be a collaboration with Rapsody, I knew I would be astonished. I hit play and instantly knew that this would be a barfest. Punchlines and smooth flows kept zooming past at every turn and I loved how it all fit the intergalactic theme of XG as a whole. It was also pleasing to hear how smooth these lyrics were over the production, but that Jurin actually got to contribute to some of the writing herself alongside the veteran, Lyricks. This is a collab for the books, truly. It has me curious what other solos/collabs will come with the album in 2026.

Favorite Live Performance

Goyo Club Performance - Yves

Yves has had a phenomenal year with the deluxe versions of I Did and Soft Error adding to her stellar start of her solo career in 2024. Her capturing a song from each album, including the debut Loop in this quick performance was quite a treat. To hear her vocals be able to sound just like the record, including the soaring vocals of Ex Machina made me respect her growth and ambition as she's grown as an artist in such a short time outside of her past group activities. I continue to be in awe and anticipation of what she'll do next.

Full November 2025 Favorites playlist: click here

Purple Kiss & Doechii Concert Recap

Fair Shake Reaction: Life on Film - GAT$

Life on Film - GAT$

(Genre: Rap/Hip Hop)

Below is the "filmography" of Gat$:

John Wicked (Music Video)

Stuntman (Music Video)

White Bronco (Music Video)

Cheapskate (Music Video)

What You On!? (Music Video)

Fair Shake Reaction: Jewell Ave John 3 - Stik Figa

Jewell Ave John 3 - Stik Figa

(Genre: Rap/Hip Hop)

More Stik Figa for your mind:

Jewell Ave John 3 (Album Playlist)

Fair Shake Reaction: Couch Time - Str8jakkett x Spoken Thought

Couch Time - Str8jakkett x Spoken Thought

(Genre: Hip Hop/Rap)

Join them on the couch:

Rap Life (Music Video/Vlog)

Dime a Dozen (Music Video)

Forces of Nature (Music Video)

So Be It - Clipse (Spoken Thought Remix)

BM5's September 2025 Favorites

Favorite Music Video

Shotty - Hyolyn

Ahhhh, Hyolyn has done it again. She came back with a danced focused music video on that R&B tip. Do you know what that means? The attitude is present, the choreo is fierce, and the body...is bodying! This mug produced by the Stereotypes bangs to a level we've needed from Hyolyn for some time after a few summery tunes. Hyolyn's vocals are still on point and so sultry. I think you'll be hard pressed taking your eyes off the screen, no matter who you are. Cause she's not your story!

Favorite Rap Single

Yeah Wynne - Wynne

When I saw this drop in my subscriptions, like every time I see Wynne pop up, I got excited. When I heard the beat after pressing play, I thought, "Oh snap! She's killing other people's beats again!" Glorilla would be proud to hear what Wynne brought to the instrumental. She came with her trademark cool demeanor and witty wordplay along with cheeky finesse. This was just the beginning of what would become a true mixtape for the fans. I couldn't be more excited to listen and to share with all of you.

Favorite Cover

Armageddon (Jazz Version) - ReacttotheK

I always love it when the classical and jazz musicians from this channel put their own spin on kpop songs. Thus, when I saw that they did one of my favorite songs of last year, I was beyond ecstatic! Their cool twist on the track made me giddy inside with the mix of staying true to the composition and adding their own flair at the right moments. If you have never heard one of this channel's covers, I would happily recommend this being one of your first ones. I wonder how Aespa feels about this version...

Full September 2025 Favorites playlist: click here

Fair Shake Reaction: First Time's the Charm 2.0 - Alan Z

First Time's the Charm 2.0 - Alan Z

(Genre: R&B/Hip Hop)

The charm is accessible below:

Demon Slayer (Performance Video)

Good Enough (Performance Video)

Libra Energy (Performance Video)

Pull Up (Lyric Video)

Touch and Go (Music Video)

TheImpactPlay Interview (@ Momocon 2025)

BM5's July 2025 Favorites

Favorite Dance Performance

It's Morphkin Time - The Kinjaz

Man, I feel like it's been ages since I've gotten to share purely a dance video. Kinjaz, man, always come through with some amazing moves! They sometimes like to do it with style too. This time they do it with comedy! Growing up on Power Rangers made this a super fun and nostalgic watch. Yet, as usual, the Kinjaz were able to never skip out on flawless technique and fun grooves for the audience to enjoy. So that's what I want you to do. Click above and enjoy this!

Favorite Music Discussion

Why the Industry Tried to Stop the Greatest Rapper of All Time - F. D. Signifier

Hopefully, what's listed above is still the title of this video. F.D. loves to change it up along with his thumbnails every so often. Either way, this is a big video essay all about Lupe Fiasco! I'm a HUGE Lupe fan, and seeing this pop up on my subscriptions was quite the treat. It's a great look into the career of the artist along with a bit of his upbringing. If you're unaware, as an emcee, Lupe Fiasco truly is one of the best to ever do it, but he's struggled to be respected in all demographics as such. This gives you the reason why, while giving him his flowers and criticisms equally. For my hip hop heads, this is for you!

Favorite Comeback

r u ok? - ifeye

There have been sooo many great comebacks this month, from kpop giants to the scene's underdogs. Though, this is one of the groups I never expected to sweep me off my feet. Ifeye debuted earlier this year and I was pleased with it. I certainly found them likable, but I didn't think they may release one of my favorite songs of the year with their follow up. R U Ok? comes with such a fun and upbeat energy that compels me to bounce from beginning to end. Then when you pair that with the choreography and their impressive presence, you've got an addictive experience. Please, oh please give these new ladies a chance and pray they don't slide into nugudom!

Full July 2025 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's June 2025 Favorites

Favorite Live Performance

Day & Night: Unplugged Live - Fifty Fifty

When I tell you that these girls can sing, I mean that these girls can sing and I have the proof. This unplugged version of their latest EP was such a treat to the eardrums. The songs themselves are already quite enjoyable, but to be able to pair it with their live vocals accompanied with live instrumentation is such a treat. I couldn't help but share this with you, if you haven't had the chance to do so yet. I'd stop wasting time though! Click it now!

Favorite Rap Single

So Be It - Clipse

For my hip hop heads out there, I'm sure you need no convincing to check this out. Matter of fact, you probably already knew of this glorious return of the mighty Clipse duo! "Ace Trumpets" was the first release with simply a lyric video, but this second release with the full blown visuals is a delicacy. Some of the slickest bad guy, drug dealer talk paired with the black & white scenes amongst luxury. All of this laid over the most menacing instrumental prepared from Pharrell as the foundation! This is comeback season and Clipse are taking no prisoners. Even Travis Scott caught some shots on this one. You don't want to miss this!

Favorite Interview

XV - The Fully Connected Podcast

If you don't know about XV, then this will show you how close he was to having that be the complete opposite. Growing up as a fellow emcee in Kansas, I had become aware of XV from Wichita as he was becoming one of the most promising rappers from the state. He's crossed paths with some of the biggest names in the industry, but sometimes things don't go the way you expect. His journey was incredible to hear him chronicle in this interview. And even though he's still continuing his career that can reach new heights, I advise you take the time to learn more about the kid with the green backpack now.

Full June 2025 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's May 2025 Favorites

Favorite Music Discussion

Why DJs Play "Old Songs" More Than Current Music - Steezy

This was a fun watch because it was nice to hear what a DJ's explanation of this phenomena is. When you look at the landscape of the music scene and how quickly music can leave the zeitgeist, you can almost come to a similar conclusion as Steezy. The thing that was interesting to hear was just how it affects events where people are gathered for the purpose of dancing to the setlist. Popular music really doesn't have the same reach as it used to, even if it's popular due to the democratization of everyone's listening habits. It's truly fascinating, but better presented in the video above. Why not give it a watch?

Favorite Comeback

Assemble25 - tripleS

I will never tire of tripleS when they always bring a sound that's so captivating. The title track "Are You Alive?" is really eerie, yet driving the piece that continues the trend of catchy "la-la-la's" to the eardrum. While the rest of the tracklist brings more various sounds that the girls are known to deliver from pop-rock, garage, drum n bass, and R&B. So many standout tracks on one project allows me to put the album on repeat for hours without a single skip. This is the perfect follow up to last year's OT24 debut Assemble24.

Favorite Interview

Logic | The Really Good Podcast - Bobbi Althoff

Bobbi, with an "i", is certainly a figure who has brought some controversy with her interview style and how she interacts with a lot of black entertainers. Her deadpan and sometimes disrespectful approach is something she does to most interviewees, regardless of ethnic background, but it always comes off less tactful with those from urban upbringing. Therefore, who knew the perfect match for her would be Bobby, with a "y", who can counter her quick quips and comedy bits with many of his own. He almost takes control of the whole interview making it an interesting watch diving into not only himself, but also Ms. Althoff herself. This definitely turned it into an amusing watch, if I do say so myself.

Full May 2025 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's April 2025 Favorites

Favorite Music Video

Psilocybae - Childish Gambino (Casey Frey)

This has been one of my favorite songs from the 3.15.20/Atavista album for years. It gave me such Andre 3000 vibes circa The Love Below era sprinkled with Donald's typical humor. The storytelling of it drew me with ease and I feel it was easy to picture what the video should look like. Bringing it to life, however is a different story. So imagine my surprise when I see it randomly in my recommended videos, this audio/visual treat presented by Casey Frey. It's perfect for the aura this track exudes and I can't help but share it with all of you. Get lost in the zany adventure with his Psilocybae!

Favorite Singles

KK - Penomeco

When I first came across Penomeco, I knew him for being a pretty entertaining rapper. Down the line, I was requested to check out one of his R&B projects and was impressed once again at his versatility. Then last year, I came to enjoy his Afrobeat inspired Organic2 which finally had me fall in love with his experimentation with the genre. I think he realized that he learned how to excel in the style, because lo and behold a brand new single, KK, has my body rocking all month. Please tell me that I'm not the only who can't deny this groove!

Gnarly - Katseye

Katseye and this pre-release single, man. I know that its release has a polarizing effect on the folks due to the lyrical content and some of the choreography. Though, I have to be honest that I love every bit of this. I totally buy into the supposed satirical nature of the song and the quirkiness of the choreo. Yes, they have a few moves that accentuate certain body parts, but in my opinion, they aren't in ways that I haven't seen worse. A little provocative? Maybe. Overboard? No. It's the embodiment of the influence of the Brat era and hyperpop genre as a whole. And I find it addictive as your local street drug! HAHAHA!!!

Full April 2025 Favorites playlist: click here

Fair Shake Reaction: A Small Fortune - Stik Figa x DJ Sean P

A Small Fortune - Stik Figa x DJ Sean P

(Genre: Rap/Hip Hop)

A small collection for the fortunate:

SQR BIZ (Audio)

SQR BIZ (Visualizer)

Rocket Science (Visualizer)

$elf Made (Visualizer)

Schpillin (Visualizer)

BM5's March 2025 Favorites

Favorite Music Discussion

The 'Theatre Kids' of the Music Industry are Taking Over - Anthony Aiken, Jr.

We love an appreciation of artists that love the craft of music and showmanship. This is an ode and an observation of the current landscape of the changing tides of the mainstream music scene. I can't help but wholeheartedly agree with his opinion on it too. I, from time to time, hop over to see what Anthony is thinking about in the culture and this was a video I knew I couldn't miss. So, I had a hunch that you shouldn't either. Give it a watch and tell me your thoughts!

Favorite Movie Discussion

Why Joker 2 is a Better Musical Than You'd Think - Mic the Snare

I'm not going to lie; I watched this movie recently and I actually enjoyed the experience. I didn't quite understand what made everyone so disappointed in it. It was quite an interesting presentation of the character in this version of the Batman universe. Soon after, I find this video drop from Mic the Snare and was baffled. In fact, he was able to make me appreciate the movie even more and use his video as a way to change people's mind about giving the musical a chance. So will you?

Favorite Collaboration

Just Us - Jack Harlow feat. Doja Cat

Ah, two figures in hip hop that have such a peculiar reputation in the scene coming together to make a sexy bop. Yeah, sure, give it to me! Hahaha. Now, Jack Harlow is still an artist that has more to prove to me as an emcee, but he knows when he has a hit on his hands. This is definitely one those. It's simply undeniable and the songs for the ladies is one of his fortes as a kid under the Drake tree. Plus, you can disagree that Doja is the perfect candidate to tag in for a joint with this kind of subject matter and production. They make a dynamic duo on this mug and I'm sure he enjoyed every second he got to be up close to the Cat on the video set. Do you think the song is HOT or not?

Full March 2025 Favorites playlist: click here