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 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

BM5's October 2024 Favorites

Favorite Single

APT. - Rose feat. Bruno Mars

POP PERFECTION! Need I say more? Alright, I guess I'll let you know that I was heavily anticipating Rose's first single for her full length album to come. I knew it would eventually happen with her moving to the Black Label, but I had no clue it would be such an upbeat pop rock jam! Bruno Mars was a fantastic addition to the track and provides the exuberance that the game supposedly brings in Korea. I'm ecstatic to discover what else she brings with this album to come, if we get more stellar music at this level!

Favorite Rap Album

Chromokopia - Tyler, the Creator

Tyler, the Creator has risen up my list of artists to always check out. This project definitely solidified that spot to not be removed for some time. The album I feel gets even more personal and vulnerable than before, all while exploring the many different styles of production he's done over the years. The features all add something cool to the tracklist and I don't have a single song that I would remove from the experience. I highly suggest giving this a listen if you like hip hop that's left of center.

Favorite Kpop Album

Performante - tripleS Visionary Vision

I can swear by any tripleS project at this point. The consistency of quality is something that I can rely on without fail! The title track, Hit the Floor, brings a cool, old school hip hop feel that makes you want to dance along. Then the rest of the project continues to jump to the many genres that much of the tripleS units have hopped into before, but it never ceases to entertain. In fact, some genres they elevate like with Choom that has them touch the pop rock style, but lends itself to be compared to an anime opening. TripleS continue to prove true to their tagline: Idol of All Possibilities!

Full October 2024 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's August 2024 Favorites

Favorite Rap Music Video

Teleport - Logic

When I heard the long-awaited album, Ultra 85, was coming, I was full of anticipation! The songs that were released to usher in the era were great, but still had me looking for the true banger of the album. If you aren't aware, I've been a Logic fan for many years and close to his start. Therefore, getting this project and its entirely reflective perspective on his life and career was extremely gratifying. On the body of work is a few songs that encapsulate it well, but none better than this powerful, concise, and entertaining single. That's why I wanted to share this particular song with you this month!

Favorite Music Interview

Tyler, the Creator on Mavericks with Mav Carter

Tyler, the Creator, has truly grown into an artist that I can get behind. Early in his career, I've been appreciative of his production and quirky videos from time to time. Though, once he pivoted the content a bit and truly let his love of the art of music and video shine through, I saw it as the green light to finally jump on the Tyler train. This interview takes a look at his career and his view on the industry as someone who's always gone against the grain. I like quite a few of his takes and was intrigued at his look back at the trail he has blazed so far. Maybe you'll get a kick out it, too.

Favorite TV Interview

Bel-Air Roundtable

At the time of writing this, Bel-Air season 3 will be wrapping up this week. It has been a crazy, fun ride through summertime with the cast. There has been drama, laughs, and awesome cameos. The show continued to keep me entertained and happy that Peacock continues to give it a chance. I truly believe more people should do the same, since even when Will Smith looks at this new dramatized version that he produced in this reboot, he's proud of the new lessons and themes the series is able to present. I highly recommend the show and this interview about the third season, if you were unaware of this phenomenal reimagination of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Full August 2024 Favorites playlist: click here

Fair Shake Review: Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale - Tyler, The Creator

Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale - Tyler, The Creator

(Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop)

Don't get lost in the estate:

Dogtooth (Music Video)

Sorry Not Sorry (Music Video)

Wharf Talk (Music Video)

Heaven to Me (Music Video)

TheNeedleDrop Review

Turning the Tables Reaction

BM5's March 2023 Favorites

Favorite Collaboration

On the Street - J-Hope with J. Cole

When this was announced, I was extremely surprised to see these names together. Me being unaware of J-Hope's admiration of J. Cole, I just thought this was a random combination. What we got out of this, though, is a dope track that embodies each other's style perfectly. I love J-Hope's inspiring, carefree verse and dancing in this song. Yet the standout for me is the barrage of thoughts we see on display from J. Cole as he contemplates on his place in hip hop once again. It's spectacular! If you haven't heard it, yet, get to it!

Favorite Video Game Discussion

In Defense of Kingdom Hearts 3 - KingK

As a person who has a love/hate relationship with the "third" mainline entry in the series, seeing this title made me curious. I love this game for the fun it gave, even if some of the story beats felt a bit spaced out until the end. This analysis, though, made me rethink how the Disney worlds we visit fit the themes of the series. I found it so intriguing and figured I'd step out of the box and suggest to you, as well.

Favorite Music Video

Sorry Not Sorry - Tyler, The Creator

Tyler, The Creator has always been a talented guy. It took quite a while for me to come around to his style, though. His growth as an artist made me recognize his abilities for what they are: awesome! In this song, you get to hear him talk a bit about how he's been viewed throughout the years. In the video, you get to see him destroy all the past personas he's created throughout the years. These in tandem together make me praise his directorial work, which is something he's also been doing from the start of his career. It's amazing to see how far he's come since then. Let's celebrate that!

Full March 2023 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's May 2022 Favorites

Favorite Interview

Tyler the Creator (2022) - Nardwuar

Nardwuar is truly an interview savant! Tyler the Creator is such a music nerd! Combine the two in a record store that love to collect all the music goods of the past and you get quite an amazing video. Nardwuar, as usual, goes into deep connections to Tyler's past and interests in ways that still amazes him. Though hearing and seeing Tyler geek out over not only the gifts prepared for him, but the other merchandise in the venue as well was fascinating. You can't go wrong with a Nardwuar video, so give it a watch.

Favorite R&B Song

Everything - Kehlani

The entirety of Kehlani's Blue Water Road album is phenomenal, but one of my absolute favorites is "Everything". The simplicity of its production with arpeggiating guitar and wonderful vocals of Kehlani, paired with the touching lyrics make me fall in love. Honestly, this is an entrancing song that just makes me want to put it on repeat and drift away in the feeling it emotes with such ease. The video is above for you to enjoy, but give the whole album a listen if this tickles your fancy!

Favorite Kpop Video Essay

The History of f(X) - Midnight Theories

As a still Kpop baby, I love watching video essays about groups I don't know much about. This is especially true for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd gen groups. Although I have already taken the time to listen to f(X)'s entire discography, I haven't looked into how they were received in the moment. This channel, as typical, goes into depth about the group and all of their influence on the Kpop industry. I've heard before that f(X) were quite an important yet poorly supported group from SM, but this put everything into perspective. If you're a 4th gen newbie like myself, you might want to give this a watch to learn a thing or two.

Favorite Rap Album

Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers - Kendrick Lamar

I have a full review of this to come, so above I just have the pre-release music video, "The Heart Part V". The impact of this video alone is enough to have importance of mentioning here. The deep-fake technology at work here is expertly used to drive home the point of view of each prominent figure presented. All leading to how the view of the culture from Lamar's eyes, and possibly even the "cameos", has changed over time. This is an excellent precursor to how this macro look at his environment lends itself to look into the micro internally, which is what the album delves into. All the things surrounding the album is something to be in awe over, though some aspects may make outside ears uncomfortable. It will undoubtedly stand as an enduring work of art.

Full May 2022 Favorites Playlist: click here

Fair Shake Review: Call Me If You Get Lost - Tyler, the Creator

Call Me If You Get Lost - Tyler, the Creator

(Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop)

Click these links to Get Lost:

Corso (Music Video)

Juggernaut (Video Snippet)

Lumberjack (Live @ BET Awards)

Joe Budden Podcast Review

Shawn Cee Reaction/Review

BM5's July 2019 Favorites

Favorite Music Discussion

Drake is Michael Jackson, Kendrick Lamar is Prince - HipHopMadness

This channel is one that I hop in and out of whenever I see a good topic. Sometimes the content gets too gossip column for me to be subscribed to, but a title like this one had me intrigued. It's tough to see artists of today being compared to icons of yesteryear, yet this video made some pretty interesting comparisons when it comes to public perception in pop culture. Although I'm fairly convinced that the point is rather valid, I'm actually more of a Michael fan than Prince and Kendrick than Drake. Is that strange? You tell me...

Favorite Anime Discussion

Attack on Titan is Incredible Now. - Gigguk

If you haven't yet seen my Spring 2019 Anime Retrospect yet, then this one video goes into incredible detail about how I felt about Attack on Titan Season 3 part 2. In fact, it captures most of my feelings on the series as a whole so far as an anime only consumer of the franchise. The show is absolutely amazing from a narrative and action perspective and I can't wait to watch season 4 when it airs. Now if only I can convince Miko to try and pick the series back up. Gigguk was also not sold on the show after season 1...maybe his perspective on the follow ups can revive the hype!

Favorite Live Performance

Masego - NPR Music's Tiny Desk

After seeing my review on Masego's Lady Lady, I'm sure you've anticipated my excitement to see his Tiny Desk episode go live. Masego is quite the character and performer, so I had a blast seeing him work the crowd alongside wowing them with his vocal and sax stylings! If this charismatic performance doesn't get you into to checking out the music, I don't know what will. I, though, am a fan of TrapHouseJazz.

Favorite Interview

Tyler, the Creator - Funk Flex on Hot 97

I shamefully haven't reviewed IGOR by Tyler, but I loved it and seeing him finally do his press run for it has been a treat. His Zane Lowe interview was very nice and really gave insight on the creation of the album and reflection on Tyler's influence on the music scene as a whole. However, after seeing over the years the type of personality Tyler has and seeing what it was going to clash with the likes of Funkmaster Flex was eyebrow-raising. The results were decisively hilarious and pleasing to watch unfold before me within the hour and thirty minutes (freestyle included). Honestly, if you like seeing two people genuinely getting to know each other with preconceived notions, this is the entertainment for you.

Full July 2019 Favorites Playlist: click here