BM5's April 2024 Favorites

Favorite Dance Video

Return of the Dance Video - Ian Eastwood

One of the great choreographers of the online dance video craze decided to pay homage to those times with this video. It certainly was a blast from the past to see these set ups to be filmed and edited in a way that isn't contained to the dance studio. There's definitely still a few crews that drop a video like this here and there, but I for one am happy to see Ian back in action outside of the surprising outings I've seen him in the background. (I'm looking at you, Jungkook! He was standing next to you! Haha!!) I hope you enjoy this video, too.

Favorite Music Related Video

How I Write Platinum Hit Songs - Wax

If you're new around here, you should know that I've been a HUGE Wax fan since around 2007 or '08. What drew me to him was his genius wordplay, effortless delivery, and versatility as a musician. He's dropped raps and sung songs all while playing his guitar from time to time, and rhyme to rhyme, he's always left me impressed. Therefore, this little peek behind the curtain was quite the treat to see his process. It baffles me how quickly he can string words together in ways that seem preplanned; you can never tell what parts he has locked in and what he's working out on the fly. It's quite amazing to witness. Please, get a load of this!

Favorite Anime Discussion

The Problem with Problematic Media - Explanation Point

This is truly a nice deep dive about how many anime tropes we've been desensitized to. How we should handle and consume it all should always be an active choice, but at times, we can become so complacent and apathetic to the moral conundrum. Here Explanation Point truly lays it all out for us, since he realizes it's something we all must wrestle with as anime fans, even when we try our best to call out unsavory content that's heavily promoted. In fact, many of these points could be carried on to other forms of media, which I think it's worth the time to watch whether you're into anime or not.

Full April 2024 Favorites Playlist: click here

BM5's May 2021 Favorites

Favorite TV Analysis

The Neurosis of Cat Valentine - CJ the X

This video...ooh, this video! Well, it's quite the trip to put it bluntly. CJ definitely presents this video so well, I felt the almost hour and a half whiz by with an ease. Victorious along with Sam & Cat were never shows that I really watched being outside of the demographic, but I was highly aware of the role Ariana played in the series. Or I thought I did until I watched this deep analysis into the psyche of the character she portrayed. Truly everything about this is entertaining, so please give it a watch!

Favorite Interview

Purple Kiss w/ Edward Avila

Edward is a character. That's what makes him so disarming in front of the idols he gets to interview. That leads to some of the funniest moments, all accented by his impeccable editing. In this particular interview, Purple Kiss got to demonstrate just how talented they are along with displaying their hilarious personalities. I'll never forget the many spontaneous moments throughout the video and I'll return to it fondly each time. Your thoughts?

Favorite Rap Performance

Mushroom Trip Freestyle - Wax

Wax has been at it again. He's got quite a few songs he's been drip feeding us lately and this one just brought me back to when I was first discovering him. The incredible technical ability he has and ridiculous sense of humor he injects in his material always has me grinning from ear to ear. This is a seasoned veteran just doing a simple verbal workout and I'm here for it. If you like BARS, enjoy this healthy serving!

Favorite Title Track

First - Everglow

I'm not quite sure I'm comfortable saying that Everglow has my favorite comeback as a whole, but I'm certain that this title track reigns superior. The music video, the styling, the production, the singing, the rapping, and, most importantly, the CHOREOGRAPHY!!! If these haven't proven that they're a performance based group to you yet, this here will be all the convincing you will need. The charisma in every step, facial expression, and vocal delivery is palpable. These girls came to slay and to come FIRST!

Full May 2021 Favorites: click here

Fair Shake Review: B.A.A.A. - Wax

B.A.A.A. - Wax

(Genre: Singer-Songwriter/Alternative Hip Hop)

Become the Sheeple at these links:

Rare Specimen (Live Performance)
Better When You're High (Audio)
Push On (Audio)
No Chaser Interview (Podcast w/ Timothy DeLaGhetto)
Wax Raps Over an EOM Beat (Live Performance)

Fair Shake Review: Acoustic Monday Album - Wax

Acoustic Monday Album - Wax

(Genre: Singer-Songwriter/Alternative Rap)

Digital links to Acoustic Mondays:

Turtle (Live)

Handbasket (Live)

Coffee (Music Video)

Good Feeling (Live)

Squirrels (Live)

BM5's March 2019 Favorites

Favorite Anime Analysis

The Moral Conflict of Justice - Replay Value

Replay Value is an AniTube channel that I've been watching for about half a year now and I wanted to share one of his videos that I really enjoyed this month. I also haven't been able to show my love for the show Psycho-Pass and this really goes into how Episode 3 digs deep into the theme of thin line of justice and morality. This is a cool channel showing us how great a show I love is, so why not share it you all!

Favorite Music Discussion

Is Drake the Biggest Hip-Hop Artist Ever? - DeadEndHipHop

Anyone who's seen my Drake reviews knows my feelings about him and his music. With the re-release of So Far Gone, it inspired DeadEndHipHop to discuss it after 10 years and whether Drake has become the biggest rapper ever. Many points were brought to the table for both perspectives of yes and no. After watching the video, maybe we can discuss what you think in the comments. I certainly could say that he could be the biggest, despite my opinion that he's often a hit or miss artist. Let's talk about it!

Favorite Live Performance

Squirrels - Wax

This is why I love Wax. He's soooo talented and makes stellar music, but sometimes uses it to be absolutely ridiculous. I won't spoil anything about the video, just know that I'm looking forward to when all the Acoustic Sessions get compiled to buy. Support your favorite artists!!!

Favorite Video Game Analysis

Kingdom Hearts 3 Review - BestGuyEver

I subscribed to BestGuyEver, after I endured his huge lecture on all of Kingdom Hearts before KH3's release. His personality and presentation is quite amusing and his takes usually differ than most others. Therefore, I was really curious to know his opinion of the latest Kingdom Hearts game, especially being a fan of the franchise myself. If you're interested at all in the game, then this should be a fun watch.

Favorite Dance Video

Demonstrate by JoJo - Brian Puspos

This is a combination of two of my favorite artists to follow. Brian has been a choreographer that I always anticipated his R&B routines, including his own songs. Yet, JoJo is another singer who I've been a fanatic of ever since her mixtape tapes in her adulthood. Demonstrate was one of those singles that was created within that time period, yet the label situation stifled its exposure. The recent re-release of her older material changed that, though, and Brian took advantage of that to make some dang good sexy choreo. I highly suggest keeping an eye both artists from the songs to the dances.

Full March 2019 Playlist: click here

BlipMasta5's October & November 2018 Favorites

Favorite Music Video

TupTim Thai - Brail Watson

One of my favorite songs from Brail's Christ Crunken Commentary, TupTim Thai, finally got a music video. The great thing about it is the fact that it even takes place in the restaurant the song gets its name from! There's a lot of fun being had from this bass heavy tune and sprinkled in social commentary to make you think after you dance. The video then concludes with a quick discussion about the origin and effect of the "N word". Plainly laying out a quick point of view based on his research and leaving you to determine your own conclusion on the word and its usage. I highly recommend giving it a watch, for you will find something to enjoy in it.

BlipMasta5's May & June 2017 Favorites

Favorite Anime Parody

TeamFourStar's DBZ Abridged Episode 58

TeamFourStar has never failed to tickle my funny bone. Yet, it's always a pleasure to see them also take the action scenes to the next level. It's finally the first match of the Cell Games with Cell and Goku taking center stage. Watch as TFS add their own flair to one of the iconic battles of the series!

4 Hip Hop Reviews (Mighty Jai, MC Kenna, Pryde, Wax)

Dreams $old Separately - Mighty Jai

(Genre: Rap/Hip Hop)

This dude has been on my radar since last year after seeing his performance at HipHopalooza 3 in Tampa. This St. Petersburg emcee captivated me with his down to earth style with exuberant confidence. I then scoured the net to find his projects and came across a SoundCloud with a few singles attached. Therefore, I waited patiently for a full length LP or mixtape while putting his underground hit, "I'm Tellin' Ya", on repeat.

Finally, this came out and made me jump with joy! This album allowed me to finally pinpoint what his style reminds me of: 8 Ball & MJG, Scarface, Big KRIT, and my hometown's Stik Figa. His ability to relate his story and mix it with braggadocio-laden tracks gave this perfect balance. I highly recommend this to lovers of southern hip hop greats, for he can definitely be one in the future. Favorite songs include "Peachy Keen", "King Solomon", "Live it Up", & "One Time".

Stylistica - MC Kenna

(Genre: Rap/Hip Hop)

Since his last projects HYDU and HWY '98 earlier this year, to hear that he had more to release this year was a surprise. With this EP, MC Kenna continues to bring his signature rhyme style inspired by 90's rap while expanding the production he displays it on. This was a nice addition to his ever-growing discography as he continues to grow his name in the area and make moves towards the industry. If you've been enjoying watching the journey of this emcee, I recommend giving this a listen. I personally enjoy the tracks, "27", "VooDoo", & "Wood Tip".

Are U There? - Pryde

(Genre: Rap/Hip Hop/R&B)

Not too long after the release of Pryde's last album, i don't belong here, he showed signs that grief and depression were overwhelming him. After finally taking the time away to grieve his mother's death, the announcement of a new EP aside from the formerly scheduled album, Russell, had many curious what its outcome would bring.

Are U There? marked the signature sound he maintained since the name change with a single, "Piece of Me", that almost resembles his older style of production. He mixes rap and r&b as he has in the past, but has a more focus on the r&b side on the latter half of the EP. Though, he still manages to give his bangers as usual with the second single, "Pour", and "Jheez it's Lit". Some of my favorites include the latter, "Grand National" and the very personal, "Beautiful Life".

The Cookout Chronicles - Wax

(Genre: Rap/Hip Hop)

Wax is someone I've always loved as an emcee being that he's always been a lyrical genius. Plus last year's album, Livin Foul, made me giddy since I knew he was back to making music more frequently. His fun and witty approach to songwriting always pleased me especially since he would use his talent to speak on relatable topics as the every-man.

This album is no exception to that M.O. as the whole project is the perfect BBQ soundtrack cohesively transitioning to funky hip hop, boom bap, and bossa nova & blues influenced rap. Wax brings his trademark punchlines in songs like "Chunky", "Bike Rap", & "Bulletproof". Then he questions love in "First Love", "Love Will Make You Do Dumb Sh*t", & "Never Thought I'd Be in Love Again". Then you're able to kick back and relax to the grooves of "So High" & "Inner Tube". People who enjoy heavy wordplay with a little bit of funk should enjoy this greatly. I have and definitely repeated these tracks: "Bike Rap", "A.O.", "Lackadaisical", & "Wet Brain". I really can't find any tracks skippable!