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 September 2024 Favorites

Favorite R&B Single

Diamond Ring - RUSSELL!

People who have been visiting Muddy Cult frequently shouldn't be surprised by my love of RUSSELL! This song was one of my favorites from the album Dearly Loved. There's also a deluxe version out now, btw. Yet Diamond Ring is now here with a video and the song has been in rotation since it dropped. RUSSELL! fully in his R&B bag has been a wonder for my playlists and I think it's only right I try to get him on yours. This is just a taste of what he has to offer.

Favorite Music Interview

Idea Generation: Tinashe - Complex

Tinashe is one of the creatives that I've enjoyed since her major label debut, Aquarius. Over the years, she's dealt with multiple ups and downs with the music industry. This interview chronicles her journey and perseverance. It's quite inspiring to witness her resilience in real time and hear her reflections on the path she's on. Her music continues to be amazing and it's great that she gets to see her hard work starting to break through once again, but on her own terms. Hope you'll enjoy checking her perspective.

Favorite Kpop Single

Pinball - Rescene

This is a group that has risen up my list of promising rookies. Their debut that included "YoYo" as a b-side made me keep tabs on them. Once "Love Attack", their latest title track dropped, I looked forward to what the rest of the EP would bring and "Pinball" is what left the biggest impression. The music throughout was all very enjoyable, but whenever Rescene comes through with the R&B influences, I think they bring out amusement that is unmatched. I think they recognized that since they decided to promote this as a second title track now with a music video and music show performances, as well. Therefore, I implore you to give this joint a chance.

Full September 2024 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's January 2024 Favorites

Favorite Kpop Song

Wife - (G)I-DLE

Boy, oh boy! The release of this single hit like a brick. So catchy! So Iconic! It's Coco Loco!!! Lol I can't get enough of the song and dance to this. It's just an attitude that is undeniable. I don't have anything else to say, but check it out.

Dash - NMIXX

NMIXX is a group that continues to impress me. They've had 3 singles with this latest mini album release. Each of them have a different sound and they were still able to bring back the Mixx Pop concept. Although, Run for Roses was a single that didn't follow suit, I have to say the return was a welcome endeavor for me. Soñar definitely had a smooth transition to its change up, but Dash chose to be bolder. I was shocked on my first listen, yet what left me floored were all the harmonic choices with the top-line. All of the ladies brought their skills to the table on each song and this one took the cake for me. What do you think?

Favorite R&B Song

am I enough? - RUSSELL!

More RUSSELL! Who can complain? This is another tune with a throwback feel with KBeatz on production. This incredible duo always make fantastic music and this is no exception. We're getting closer and closer to a new album from RUSSELL! and this is a great morsel to get us ready for it. Give it a listen now.

Full January 2024 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's December 2022 Favorites

Favorite Singles

R U Up? - RUSSELL!

We know how this works: Russell! comes back with a new single after being silent for a while and I'm all over it like hot sauce on chicken. He's had a pretty rough year which has led to scant releases, but it seems he's gearing up for more music and this is the first step. This track is such a vibe, a sad vibe, but a vibe nonetheless. The visuals put to it are wonderful and I just love to put it on loop. I hope you can add it to your playlist, as well!

Ditto - NewJeans

We know how this works: NewJeans puts out another single and I'm on it like white on rice. LOL! The difference with this music video (and side B) is that this has quite the storyline. Many debate behind the meaning behind it, but I'm inclined to agree with the theory about growing up loving kpop. Either way, the song itself is such a great jam that blends drum n bass and jersey club beats with a smooth chord progression. This is another joint I can put on repeat for the day and be set. How about you?

Favorite Anime Related Media

Dragon Ball Z Abridged: Episode 30 Commentary - TeamFourStar

If you know my history with TeamFourStar and the DBZA series, you should know that it's something that I've always enjoyed. Getting some of the behind the scenes stories on the series has been fun to catch whenever they drop on YouTube. Therefore, I share the finale of the second season. They'll be coming back with the third and final season's commentary after a small break, so if this intrigues you like me, make sure to subscribe to FourStarBento.

Full December 2022 playlist: click here

BM5's October 2022 Favorites

 Favorite Music VIdeos

Feels So Right - Russell!

It feels so good to hear Russell! at it again. The song is so smooth and the video is a very nice recap of the young man has been up to. This is all to get us prepared for what he calls Russellmania. Let's hope that this will be another memorable era for the young artist!

Nxde - (G)I-DLE

This is such an amazing video for (G)I-DLE! When they come with a concept, they make sure to execute 100%. Truly the visuals for this is wonderful with the inspiration of Marilyn Monroe and Banksy. The great thing is being able to see how wonderfully distributed the performance is for all the members. They all embraced this concept with gusto and they brought that energy to the rest of the EP, as well. I'm a proud Neverland. Are you?

Where I Go feat. H.E.R. - NxWorries

The unexpected return of NxWorries is so pleasant. Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge are such a dynamic duo and they brought the magic right back out of their hats. The fun is also brimming throughout the video as they gallivant with the talented H.E.R. in tow. I'm ecstatic at their comeback and anticipating what else they bring with the new project. I'm sure it'll be as slick as suede!

Full October 2022 Favorites playlist: click here

Fair Shake Review: Boy Lonely - RUSSELL!

Boy Lonely - RUSSELL!

(Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop)

Don't leave these boys lonely:

Headtop (Music Video)
Respec & Protec (Music Video)
Sucker (Lyric Video)
Roll Another One! (Audio)
Boy Lonely (Album Trailer)

While We Wait, Lovely, Let's Take This 1 Up (Kehlani, RUSSELL!, & T-Pain Reviews)

While We Wait - Kehlani

(Genre: Contemporary R&B)

Lovely - RUSSELL!

(Genre: Contemporary R&B)

1UP - T-Pain

(Genre: Contemporary R&B/Rap)

BlipMasta5's December 2018 Favorites

Favorite Cover

The Boy is Mine - Post-Modern Jukebox

Being a child of the 90's, this song is a staple in my list of R&B classics. I finally decided to cave in to the Post-Modern Jukebox hype this year and was pleasantly treated to this 1940's take on the song sung by the Goglia sisters. If you've been hesitant to check out what PMJ is able to do with many current and throwback hits, this is a clear example of how good songwriting is transferable to any style of tune...especially when you're skilled in how to compose that change.

Favorite Parody

Thank U, Ness - Jacksfilms

Last month, "Thank U, Next" took the world by storm, including me. Hence, how do you capitalize on its popularity? Parody. I've been a Jacksfilms fan for many of years and when he gets to parody something, it's always a pleasure since it's more rare these days. He was able to take the excitement of Super Smash Brothers Ultimate coming out and Ariana's chart topper to create something of a fantastic amalgamation! Get a quick laugh in before the year's end, huh!

Favorite Live Performance

Nintendo (Acoustic) - Qveen Herby

The Qveen released another banger of an EP and decided to strip it back to piano for this performance. This highlights the care taken toward the writing as well as her chilling vocals. This was one of the songs that I enjoyed quite a bit on the project, but this rendition is much more ear candy than its counterpart. Please give this a listen if you dig songs about the games played in relationships these days. Oh, I guess you didn't want to be sad today...

Favorite Music Video

Sweepstakes - Russell!

Once again, a favorite artist of mine gets more promotion. Haha! After such a strong year with his "debut" album, RUSSELL, and mixtape, Carnival, Russell has left us a teaser of what's to come in 2019. Sweepstakes is another fun party track akin to much of Carnival's first half and is paired with the quirky visuals to match. This brief earworm will have you placing it on repeat as we all look forward to two planned releases for the coming year: a rap album and R&B album, most likely Loverboy 2. For all ready to get lit, turn it up and press play!

Full December Favorites playlist: click here

BlipMasta5's June & July 2018 Favorites

Favorite Cover

What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life - Brail Watson

This song is a classic! Cool thing about this song, though, is its significance to Brail himself. He was requested to sing this to his professor and his wife and this later became the song Brail serenaded his now wife when they got engaged. This rendition really shows off the incredible versatility of Brail's voice when you compare it to his past work along with the fantastic talents of guitarist Pearce Odegard. Play this one time and try not to be swept away by these breezy performance. I'm sure you'll fail!

Fair Shake Review: Russell - RUSSELL!

Russell - RUSSELL!

(Genre: Hip Hop/Trap Rap)

Watch these lovely links so they aren't lonely:

The Walls! (Music Video)

Strawberry Shortcake (Music Video)

Feed the Family (Music Video)

Album First Reaction/Review (NICK's take)

The Walls! Reaction (ThatsBvnktv's review)