2021 was the revival of a YouTube series I started 9 years ago by the name of Miko's Music Connection. So, my listening habits started to change on Spotify. Every entry in the series I binge the artists' discographies and later their videographies. Every now and then, I was able to listen to some new releases from my Need to Listen playlist. Maybe some time within this year, I can rewind back to my backlog of iTunes transfers. Enough rambling, here's some stats from my last.fm [and Spotify].
It's actually kind of strange for me to list this a favorite, but Arkada puts a lot of my thoughts into words in this "eulogy" of sorts for Funimation. As a longtime subscriber of the medium/brand, it's tough to find that everything is being transferred to Crunchyroll. When we look at the reputation of both entities, it makes sense, yet I still can't help feel it's bittersweet to see the overall brand die (or absorbed into another company.) I really do hope that this merger goes smoothly and leads to improvements for not only the consumer, but also the studios they often license and sometimes produce for. Watch the video above to pay your respects, then begin to pay monthly instead of yearly like I had to. Haha!
Favorite Interview
A Conversation with Nicki Minaj & Joe Budden
Despite some of the controversy Joe has had last year, I must say he knows how to generate discourse and conduct great interviews. Nicki, on the other hand, has been in a weird state of limbo for me, as she has been featured often with varying results and releasing singles that intrigue me in the current state of hip hop. Being that Nicki Minaj is currently on her "comeback" of sorts, I've been enjoying a couple of the songs she's been dropping as an elder statesman in the scene. Here, they discuss her career and life along with her influence on the many popular artists who are direct descendants of her success. I admittedly must acknowledge that this had me not only respecting Nicki more as an artist, but anticipating her next moves in the industry.
Favorite Rap Album
Melt My Eyes See Your Future - Denzel Curry
Above will be the music video for "Troubles feat. T-Pain", which is a fantastic single. I don't want to say too much here, since I do have a review for this album. Yet, I can certainly say this album is one of the most focused, yet diverse project I got to hear this month. I'm so pleased with the growth of Denzel Curry as an emcee and this tune has freaking T-Pain! Love that GUY!! Lol. Sorry, that's all I'll share for now. Just jam to the album already!
Favorite Kpop Album
ReVe Festival 2022: Feel My Rhythm - Red Velvet
This month has been jam packed with comebacks, yet Red Velvet came through with their crowns on their heads and ballet shoes on their feet. Gracefully, they delivered another EP that is amazing from start to finish, firmly placing them in the running for Album of the Year. Within a week of its release, I have put it on repeat more than any other project so far. But once again, if you want further details, I have a reaction to the entire album. Also, I do have a reaction to the music video! Reveluvs know what's up! If you allow me to go on a slight tangent, I'm obliged to mention that their Japanese single, "Wildside", is another highlight from them this month.
This show is one of the most hidden gems these days. That's partially due to its hard to find nature in a legal manner. It's one of my top 5 anime of all time and I find that not many people bring it up. I was so glad to see Arkada of Glass Reflection shedding some light on it, though. The great thing about it is that I was recommending it to a coworker when later that day he released his review. I can't recommend this show enough to people who enjoy seinen dramas that love to dive into questions of morality and psychological manipulation. Need more convincing, let the man above speak to you! Haha.
Favorite Music Discussion
How Pop Music Got Too Personal - The Take
This channel is one I occasionally watch and this topic really caught my attention. We all know that popular music does a really good job of keeping things relatable to the general public, yet there are certainly a wealth of superstars whose careers are full of personal hits. The way songs have increasingly became more like peeks into artists' diaries has been an interesting trend to look into. This video did a decent job of doing such a thing. Now the question becomes whether it's best for us as consumers to love it simply for the sake of the "tea" or to empathize/sympathize with our celebrities.
Favorite Song
Selene - NIKI
NIKI is an artist that I've fallen in love with over the years. As a singer-songwriter in the pop/R&B field she's slowly been growing her skill set and expanding her appeal. With her release of "Switchblade", she announced her next project, Moonchild, to be a conceptual full album. This had me excited as her EPs have ranged from a few different styles and the visuals for the single were stunning. The only caveat was the fact that the single didn't blow me away. This second single, "Selene", though...COMPLETE OPPOSITE! Haha!!! The funky almost disco joint had me captivated for weeks which is fitting due the theme being "possessed" by Selene. NIKI's vocals and lyrics are so playful and seductive, then having them paired by the funk bass licks and beautiful horns throughout. It's truly a thrill ride for the ears that you can't help but move to. NOW, I'm highly anticipating the album!
Favorite Music Video
Naughty - Red Velvet: Irene & Seulgi
When I did the reaction to this Monster mini album, I only heard everything but this CD exclusive/subtitle track. I loved every single song, but knew that I had to wait for the music video to hear "Naughty". When I saw it drop, I was extremely hype, especially since I watched an interview where Seulgi mentioned that they had to learn tutting for the comeback. I was slightly confused, because I couldn't see that being too necessary to learn for "Monster". Yet, the choreo for "Naughty" shut me up! Nearly the entire routine is based in the dance style that I know for a fact is very difficult to master. It's not simply basic techniques that they have to execute either, making me thoroughly impressed. I've had to learn a bit of style in a few dances and I can attest to it not being easy to do with the quality of synchronicity and consistency that these women have done in the video and live stages. It doesn't hurt that the song is great, but I can honestly say that the video is what makes this release spectacular!!
My first exposure to NCT 127 was this album and this song blew my mind. I was really enamored by the song's structure, but then I came across this video here. I was thrilled by the intro and everything that followed after. Honestly, I dug how the movements fit the theme and how smoothly it went into the groove as soon as the chorus drops. Then, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the routine was choreographed by Brian Puspos, who happens to be one of my favorites. What a wonderful combination of events that made this glorious source of entertainment. Do you agree?
