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 April 2021 Favorites

Favorite Song

ASAP - StayC

The instant I heard the chorus from the teaser, I was so excited! After the video dropped, I had it on loop for days. I wouldn't be surprised if I reached 100 plays of the song itself within the first 24 hours of release. The composition of this song is so perfectly done, I knew this is going to be a song of the year contender. The flute-like motif, the great vocals, addicting rap, and infectious choreography made this my absolute favorite song in a month full of amazing music. Some from my biases, so that's saying something...

Favorite Online Concert

Songs For You - Tinashe

Tinashe is an underrated talent in my opinion. She makes some pretty great music and is able to dance, as well, making her a great performer. This online concert was proof of that with much of the Songs For You album on the setlist, alongside some other popular songs in her discography. Now there may not actually be live vocals, but the untrained eye most likely wouldn't be able to tell. Yet, regardless she puts on a superb show that I can recommend to any fan of contemporary R&B.

Favorite Music Analysis

The Most Elegant Key Change - Adam Neely

I love my music theory videos, especially when they are able to show where it and the average listening experience collide. In this video, Adam Neely breaks down the amazing writing choices in "All by Myself" and how Celine Dion's performance of it touches the listener. It also shows how music's ability to affect people emotionally is powerful, and being able to wield that power is a feat in itself. Videos (and songs) like this always remind why I love music so much.

Favorite Music Video

Night Before the Exam - ATARASHII GAKKO!

I love these girls! At first, I wasn't sure the basis of the song was; I just liked how the words matched with the beat. Then, I finally understood that it was like cramming for a vocabulary test. Ingenious! The Japan Leaders continue to bring their signature style of performance in this one take video with all the charm and energy as expected. They always bring different sounds to the table and concepts that get people familiar with Japanese culture. This is something that I'll always appreciate along with jumping around with every jam they release!

Full April 2021 Favorites playlist: sorry it's a lot this time (f.k.a. click here)

BM5's December 2019 Favorites

Favorite Comeback

CL

The return of CL is something I've looked forward to for a looooong time. To be honest, I was hoping her U.S. debut would be my entry into K-Pop artists, but alas that fell through. At last, though, we have her return with In The Name of Love EP. All of the videos were fantastic and it sure did make plenty of Blackjacks emotional to see it released. Let's all just celebrate her freedom from YG!

Favorite Freestyle

Locksmith on Sway in the Morning

Locksmith has always been an amazing emcee. His combination of wordplay and substance has continued to have me in awe and wonder. He's a deep thinker and he's very motivational as well. The only thing that baffles me is how he's soooo unknown or underrated. This freestyle even had Fat Joe giving him props as one of the best to ever do it. Just give it a listen if you would like to hear hip hop at its technical peak.

Favorite Live Performance

Megan Thee Stallion - Tiny Desk Performance

This year was a breakout one for Megan as the "Big Ole Freak" took off. Her fem forward approach to music really added to the takeover of women in hip hop. Something that's amazing to notice, though, is how her technical ability is also up to par with her nasty demeanor. Her charisma oozes from the screen from this performance along with Phony Ppl. Plus, the premiere of their collaboration was one of the best surprises from the video. Why don't you get a taste of the "Hot Girl Summer" to keep you warm this winter?

Favorite Music Video

Stormy Weather - Tinashe

Tinashe is FREE!! Another fantastic artist that needed to shed the major label had a release this year that makes me ecstatic. This video is perfect evidence of that being the truth. Tinashe in her album, Songs For You, got to explore everything that she can do musically and this video showed her artistry in dance, as well. The choreography is incredible and it is extraordinarily shot. We got to embrace this wonderful piece with every view we can give it, so spread the word!

Full December 2019 playlist: click here

Fair Shake Review: Songs for You - Tinashe

Songs for You - Tinashe

(Genre: Contemporary R&B/Pop)

Links for You:

Die a Little Bit (Music Video)

So Much Better (Music Video)

THE PROCESS (Behind the Scenes)

Die a Little Bit (Genius Interview)

Big Boy's Neighborhood Interview

A Joyride on The Edge (Two Album Reviews)

Joyride - Tinashe

(Genre: Contemporary R&B/Pop)

Back again with Tinashe! I awaited the follow up to Nightride for awhile. I was unsure whether some of the past singles would be present that seemed more on the pop side of the duo. "Player", "Superlove", & "Flame" seemed like high contenders, but over the years in its creation they were left off. When the date was finally announced, I knew we were going to get the true sense of the project with the following singles.

If "No Drama", "Faded Love", and "Me So Bad" isn't enough to let you know what to expect, allow me to break it down for you. This project is Pop/R&B to a T. The production has a lot of danceable beats and simple concepts, yet that doesn't make much of the album mediocre. There's a nice sexiness in songs like "Ooh La La" & "No Contest" and vulnerability from "Salt" & "Fires and Flames". It plays very cohesively as it slides across the spectrum of contemporary R&B and Pop making the Joyride title very warranted.

Overall, I feel this is a solid pop R&B record, although some songs don't quite do it for me like "Me So Bad"'s formulaic feel and "Faded Love"'s Future verse. I know some don't care for her voice, but Tinashe switched up her style a few times that I'm sure a few would find appealing to the masses. For me, I will continue to love "No Contest", "Stuck with Me", and "No Drama". Although, I have come to the conclusion that I actually prefer the denser and darker approach Tinashe took with Nightride. Certainly, give this a listen if you enjoy artists like Rihanna, Jeremih, & Kehlani. If so, you can join me on this Joyride!

The Edge - Mackenzie Nicole

(Genre: Pop)

Being the Strange Music fan that I am, I was excited to see that frequent collaborator and CEO's daughter set to release her first album. Hearing her on features and the leading songs she had on the more recent Strange Music collaboration projects, I loved Mackenzie's voice. With songs "Deleted" and "Actin' Like You Know" showed she had potential to bring her own edge to pop music that Strange Music would be smart to explore.

The sneak peeks into the album like singles "Preview" & "Anxious" had me a little worried, though. The Edge starts off putting her vocals in the forefront with an anthem-like tone asking for "One More" opportunity to share her talent with the world. As we move forward, we are presented more songs that fit the cookie cutter pop mold that the other songs made me believe would happen. The production along with the fellow songwriters presented an early 2010's EDM method of pop music for that "edge", yet it sounds like they still wanted to keep it for teenagers. The Radio Disney-ish approach to creation was disappointing to me, but I know there's a market for this sound.

To summarize, the album does dive into some of the feelings of the young 18 year old, but I feel is still presented with a bit of a filter. This will make the project marketable to more places, but it's still going to be difficult for adults to be invested until they let Mackenzie break out of that clean pop mold. It has fun tracks to jam to and get into your feelings to as well, but only if you can do so when lyrics only reach surface level of those emotions. I'd recommend this to lovers of singers like Katy Perry. As the first full-length Strange Main LP to be released, right now they still don't have me on The Edge of my seat. Hopefully, with more time, they can get there.

Fair Shake Review: Nightride - Tinashe

Nightride - Tinashe

(Genre: Contemporary R&B/Trap R&B)

Tinashe was introduce to me by our cult leader, Miko, way back when "2 On" was on the verge of being a smash hit. I was enamored by her style ever since. It carried a cool, confident attitude similar to Aaliyah & Ciara and maintained a voice of her own. After some research, I found that she writes and co-produces much of her material at the time and that was another impressive aspect I found in her artistry. Therefore, Aquarius was my first exposure to a full Tinashe experience and I was left pleased. Her follow up mixtape, Amethyst, seemed to lean more toward the side of Aquarius that didn't interest me though. Regardless, the singles leading up to Joyride/Nightride concept did keep me captivated.

Nightride is the first to arrive to the fans, providing more of the dark, atmospheric mood music Amethyst delivered with a little more polish. That didn't prevent it from experimenting more with the limits of the R&B as songs like "Soul Glitch", "You Don't Know Me" , & "Spacetime". Her lyrics on this project poetically deals with themes such as moving on after a bad relationship, her own convictions, & her will to fight for love. Yet a few songs can bring some groan-worthy lines, for example boys "steaming like ramen soup" on "Party Favors". The tracks all still fit well together with a few short interludes, including the odd "Binaural Test".

The trap infused R&B production of the project definitely provides the soundtrack for a ride through night, smoking optional. For my personal taste, I have to be in a certain mood for this style which hinders its replay value for me. But I do have some I return to often like "Soul Glitch" & "Spacetime" that expand on the sound trap rap has popularized and have interesting vocal performances. My absolute favorite would have to be "Touch Pass" that has such a infectious beat and gives off a Janet Jackson vibe.

For people into artists like Frank Ocean, late Rihanna, & Bryson Tiller, I would recommend giving this a listen. With this project, Tinashe definitely went for a particular R&B aesthetic that a few others are playing around with that they haven't lyrically been as proficient at, save for Frank Ocean. It just doesn't suit my taste as much, though the execution is notably on point objectively. The singles, "Ride of Your Life", "Party Favors", & "Company" I believe are perfect club bangers and the album cuts provide the depth to warrant a purchase for those into this style. Tinashe is set to release the second half, Joyride, this year, though and it's proposed to adopt more of her pop sensibilities. So in conclusion, I must say her voice & writing will continue to have me make the "Sacrifices" to check her out in the future.

Ride these links for more Tinashe:

Company (Official Music Video)

Company Live on MTV (How I first heard this song)

Party Favors (Choreography by Jojo Gomez)

Touch Pass (Freestyle by Danceramous)

Nightride trailer (The song is only in the trailer)

Player (Joyride single?)

Superlove (Another Joyride single?)

Flame (For sure a Joyride single)

Power 106 Interview (During the Joyride Tour)

Top 5 Recommended Music Videos

"EXiSTENCE" by SiM
It seems like every video this band releases gets me excited and this is no exception. The song starts with extremely high energy and some aggression that I see every now and then from them. The video is pretty simple, but it has high performative elements, especially when it comes to their bassist. There's a little bit of story interlaced between the band moments with a little angel and assuming little devil. The members seem dead in a car and a man is trying to figure out things...I'm guessing. Nonetheless, I know death and torment is looming around these characters.



"サヨナラ狂詩曲" by sibilebashir
**NSFW WARNING**
This is a band I randomly came across somehow and it reminds me of a forgotten and accused Gazette copycats [_vani;lla]. Their vocalist has a bizarre appearance and doesn't mind taking some sexy, yet violent risks with an unsuspecting man. The story is amusing and strange, but you can't help but keep watching this oddity of a story. The music, I'll admit, isn't for everyone as the vocal style is a little off putting or strange at times, but the music matches the strange happenings of the visuals.



"Kyousou Royale" by GOTCHAROCKA
Mixing elegant, polished visuals that you would see in new Vidoll, Versailles, and D PVs and adding their own fun little flair to the style is a refreshing change for the band. The music is everything fun in the sound and I enjoyed watching each member bounce around as they perform for us. I like the simple concept of puppetry and even this Hizaki look-alike playing around with sweet, handsome Jui.



"Awaken" by TimeZ
I saw this video on TeeTop's KPop list. I thought I'd look up the whole video and I ended up enjoying it. The story isn't anything new, especially if you're into the kpop genre. The boys are spies and are trying to capture this beautiful female criminal using disguises, technology, and various other clever strategies to get close to her. The song is a nice, easy listen with a very catchy chorus. Their voices are easy on the ears and I'm kinda tempted to check out their other songs and maybe even their Korean material.



"Cold Sweat" by Tinashe
Remember Rihanna's "Disturbia" video? This video is a more simplified version of that. This video is very stripped down and effectively edited to portray lack of control or even insanity. Tinashe performs her song with passion and torture as she utilizes body language to match the tone and content of her lyrics. This is one of my favorite tracks on her latest album, Aquarius, and it's nice seeing such an effectively beautiful and dark video to match such a great, haunting track. This video simply proves that you don't need a lot of flair and props to project emotional struggle.

Top 5 Recommended Music Videos

"Spellbound" by DBSK
Compared to the overproduced "Something", I enjoy this song and video way more. It still has that fun jazzy sound and keeps the theme of that gangster era. Sorry, I can't think of the proper label for it. Sure, this is more choreography focused, but it's still amazing in its simplicity. The choreography is sleek and synchronized. The box set is simple and fits the tone of the song. Although, it is too illuminated in places. It was nice that they borrowed their one-shot techniques from EXO's "Growl" for this video, but the awkward zooms are a little distracting at times. Fortunately, it doesn't take away too much from the overall entertainment factor of this video.



"2 On (Explicit)" by Tinashe feat. SchoolBoy Q
I first heard about this video (and Tinashe) through a post on Arcadey. I queued it up on my YouTube watch list and when I got around to watching the video, I surprisingly really enjoyed it. The music is very minimalistic and doesn't really offer anything new to the genre, especially since a lot of artists are using the same elements in their crappy songs. What makes it enjoyable is Tinashe's voice. It's confident and smooth as silk. She's like a combination of Mya and Ciara. I really enjoyed watching her dance. Unfortunately, SchoolBoy Q's "contribution" is unbearable. It ruins the mood with dumb sexual lines, but Tinashe's Sean Paul reference made things happier for me. Looking forward to listening to more of her music in the near future.



"Turn Down for What" by DJ Snake & Lil' Jon
Oh. My. God! This is the most ridiculously awesome thing I have ever seen and heard. I never thought I missed Lil' Jon so much, but I forgot how much energy he brings to such a simplistic, bass driven beat. The video is crazy. Literally. Nothing makes sense at all. Yet I can't help but grin like a crazy person and revive all the crunk from the early 2000s in my living room. I'm surprised I haven't heard this everywhere. This is the greatest thing ever, people! Make it happen. #MikosGraduationAnthem



"The Worst (Explicit)" by Jhene Aiko
I'm glad I checked out this video, because I've ignored for years after debuting with her cousin, I believe, on a B2K album. Whoa. Her voice is absolutely beautiful. Without watching the video, you can feel the conflict, pain, and desperation through her voice. The video has a simple story that vaguely tells you what happened. It matches the subtle dark tone of the music with the horror-like camera angles, unstable effects, and darkened color tones. Forgive me, Jhene, for ignoring you for all these years. I'm gonna listen to your new album real soon.



"Mr.Mr." by SNSD
It pains me to admit that...I actually genuinely like this song and the video is surprisingly good. It's a different look or at least concept I've seen from them. Please don't try to argue that with me either. The song is subtly earwormy and has an easy electro-pop beat. It might sound a little droney, but the high vocals lighten it enough that the song doesn't end up in the gutter. It has a deceively sweet tone to the vocals and even in the imagery, but it also has a tiny dark undertone. Something that makes it feel that this song isn't as sweet and cute as it seems. Despite my praise and repeat abuse for this song, I still don't see myself falling for SNSD's "charm".