Fair Shake Reaction: The Core - XG

The Core - XG

(Genre: Pop/R&B)

Build core memories with XG:

Gala (Music Video)

4 Seasons (Music Video)

Hypnotize (Music Video)

Jeff Avenue Reaction (to Hypnotize)

ReacttotheK Reaction (to Gala)

Zach Sang Interview

PS118 (Jurin x Rapsody) (Music Video)

BM5's November 2025 Favorites

Favorite Single

Little Miss - Girlset

VCHA is officially a thing of the past! It has been for a while really, but this was the true reset the members needed for their rebrand. They tried setting things off with their transition single, Commas, but the true mark they required to make a statement was this tune right here! The Y2K pop R&B vibes are in full effect and it seems like they truly got to define what their new direction will be and it fits like a glove. Them and the labels their on know it, too, since the marketing push behind this has been on 10 ever since. Though, I don't blame them. What about you?

Favorite Collaboration

PS118 - Jurin Asaya feat. Rapsody

When I saw that this new single from one of the XG girlies was going be a collaboration with Rapsody, I knew I would be astonished. I hit play and instantly knew that this would be a barfest. Punchlines and smooth flows kept zooming past at every turn and I loved how it all fit the intergalactic theme of XG as a whole. It was also pleasing to hear how smooth these lyrics were over the production, but that Jurin actually got to contribute to some of the writing herself alongside the veteran, Lyricks. This is a collab for the books, truly. It has me curious what other solos/collabs will come with the album in 2026.

Favorite Live Performance

Goyo Club Performance - Yves

Yves has had a phenomenal year with the deluxe versions of I Did and Soft Error adding to her stellar start of her solo career in 2024. Her capturing a song from each album, including the debut Loop in this quick performance was quite a treat. To hear her vocals be able to sound just like the record, including the soaring vocals of Ex Machina made me respect her growth and ambition as she's grown as an artist in such a short time outside of her past group activities. I continue to be in awe and anticipation of what she'll do next.

Full November 2025 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's Dec. 2023 Favorites

Favorite Music Discussions

The Sabrina Carpenter Effect - NickyandCoco

This is a cool little discussion about the slow rise to fame Sabrina Carpenter experienced versus the more overnight success many strive for. As a fan of Sabrina, this little look back at her music career was very neat. With the rise of opportunities for fame, there's a lot of thought that should be put into how the expediting of exposure can be more hurtful than helpful. This look into Miss Carpenter's case is a great example of how the steady grind can be more beneficial. Give it a watch!

Dissecting MF DOOM's "Mm...Food" - Digging the Greats

More greatness from this channel!! MF DOOM is a rapper's rapper, but also a phenomenal producer. This project really got to show us a bit of all of that paired with his unlimited creativity. So how do you break down such a project? Well, you take its presentation and morph it into its analysis. That's exactly what this fun video does, and it's quite the enjoyable experience. Check it out!

Favorite Performances

Shooting Star - XG (on First Take)

It's First Take. It's XG. It's amazing. Need I say more?

Scarface - Tiny Desk NPR Music

It's Tiny Desk. It's Scarface. It's artistry. What more can I say?

Full Dec. 2023 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's September 2023 Favorites

Favorite Interview

Fathers of K-Pop (Monotree) - ReacttotheK

It's always a pleasure to see the interviews of producers and top-liners from ReacttotheK. They ask such great questions for insight. The second part of this particular interview is no exception. Getting a good look into the different styles & perspectives of each member of the collective was really interesting. Especially for a producer like myself. Maybe it'll be a great watch for you, as well!

Favorite Music Video

B-List - Chanmina

Ever since Miko introduced Chanmina to me, I've been a fan of her and her style. She got to show her playful side, once again with this particular video and I just had to share it with you all. Give it a quick watch and enjoy the fun concept and spectacular music. You won't regret it!

Favorite EP

New DNA - XG

The entire EP is phenomenal, but the above music video, "Puppet Show" I figured I would share in tandem with this release. The music throughout the project cover many different moods and styles, but cohesively exude the XG attitude since debut. The visuals for their music have continued to get more and more epic and this was the epitome of the era. If you've been hesitant to jump onto the XG train, then I suggest you try this track out to lead into the album if it hits you right. ENJOY!!!

Full September 2023 Favorites playlist: click here

BM5's June 2023 Favorites

Favorite Rap Cover

XG Tape 3-A - Maya & Harvey of XG

These two ladies of XG came with the flow over this track, Two Tens by Cordae & Anderson .Paak! I just had to give them their props with wordplay and delivery. It's such a smooth track and they floated over the top of it like pros. That's why I dig it (a little bit) more than Jurin & Cocona's remix to Nothin' by N.O.R.E. Both are great, but this one is just undeniably able to make you bob your head along with it. See for yourself!

Favorite K-Pop Discussion

Why the Le Sserafim Trilogy is Perfect - Hyeautiful

I never really tried to find a through-line between the projects of Source Music's new girl group; I just tried to enjoy the music and knew they were all about confidence. This video, though, made me really ruminate over how each song truly tries to tell a story of their journey of self-acceptance and bravery. I occasionally check Hyeautiful's content from time to time, and I must say that this video is quite the gem. Do you agree with his viewpoint?

Favorite Rap Song

Attention - Doja Cat

So, this could partially be because I'm waaaaay behind on music I need to review, but I still wanted to highlight this single anyway! Doja Cat has been an artist that has intrigued me ever since her breakout throwaway single "Mooo!". She's since grew into a pretty big pop star with rap sensibilities, almost like Starships era Nicki Minaj. She fully dove into catchy flows and earworm hooks with her little care attitude and libido shown proudly. Yet, I always knew from hints sprinkled in some songs that there was capable emcee hidden. Doja vowed she was going to tap into it more with this new release and this first single has me excited. Are you digging this switch in focus?

Full June 2023 Favorites playlist: click here