This channel has truly become one of my favorites that react to western music. This saga of the dad, Kevin, going through Kanye's discography for the first time has been amazing. For him to finally experience the sound shift that 808's is and completely understand, love, and feel it is so satisfying. Even if you haven't heard the album yourself, this video is a great way to enjoy it.
Apparently, Lim Kim has been around for quite some time, but she has been a great new discovery for me. It all started with this song with Sera Ryu reacting to it. I truly was pleased by the really great production mixed with her angelic vocals. I, then, knew I had to look up more about her and found she was on Arirang Radio to promote the new comeback. The full dive is on the way, but I certainly am intrigued by this creative mind. How about you?
Favorite Music Breakdown
How to Make an SM 2021 Song - ZSunder
ZSunder has been a producer that I have long admired since discovering Loona in their early days. Over the years, he has impressed me with the skill and efficiency of the compositions and understanding of the kpop sound. Before there was a breakdown of a Teddy/Blackpink song and now here's the presentation of a SM track. It's done to perfection, from the analysis to the execution. Get a load of this!!
Favorite Interview
Wayne Brady Ruined My Wedding... - No Chaser Podcast
Sorry, ya'll, I've got another podcast to drop on you all. This was a hilarious conversation between Tim Chantarangsu, Ricky Shucks, Nikki Blades, and guest, Wayne Brady. That's all you need to know. Haha! They go into how they know each other, how Wayne was supposed to officiate Tim's wedding, and so much more. My gut was busted for a whole hour through. Maybe it'll be the same for you!
Favorite Music Video
Family Ties - Baby Keem feat. Kendrick Lamar
A grand return that only slightly overshadows the tracks foremost owner. Baby Keem and Kendrick collaborate over 3 different beats as they trade flows from cousin to cousin. Baby Keem starts off with that wild energy for the streets as some svenes overlay displaying the environment and lifestyle appropriate to the lyrics and delivery. Then by the third beat switch, Kendrick enters with a strong statement towards the top 5 in the industry, then maneuvering through dizzying flows and rhyme patterns that boggle the mind. The visuals also matches the intensity of Lamar's presentation of why he's still one of biggest threats in the rap game. Elite is the only judgment you can make after a first listen leaves us anticipating which artist tickles your fancy the most.
There's been a few releases this month that have brought me much surprising joy. One of these came from Rich Brian's new project, 1999. I wasn't expecting him to further dive into his singing bag and 80's synth pop influences. This song was one of the standouts from the album and I had to share it with you all, if you haven't seen my review, yet. Hope you get as joy from it as I did.
Post Up - CL
The other surprise for me this month was "re-introduction" of sorts from QUEEN CL! I failed to mention this in my "Don't Do K-Pop" video, but I was trying to make CL be my gateway into K-Pop back when "Hello Bi+ches" and "Lifted" were being released. Obviously, that push in the western market was much more of a nudge. Therefore, I had to rekindle my relationship with CL when she finally left YG and dropped In the Name of Love EP which was a collection of previously written material. Now, it seems CL is ready to take the crown back from whoever you think that has it! Because, if you thought that she lost it..."That's cap!"
Favorite Short Film
A Long Time Coming - Wong Fu Productions
While tensions rise in American society, we see the importance of be socially aware. This can cause friction not only with random people online and friends, but even your own family. Being that people of color in the US all have many struggles, some that may have been caused by other minorities, fighting against overall injustice is something that everyone can get behind. Yet, the means of which to do that is always a concern. The addition of a pandemic isn't helping either. This short film does a fantastic job of suggesting how perspective and having open mind can help lead to conversations that can lead to understanding. Until we can come to that common ground, we can't build a solid foundation for the future. Enough of my short opinion piece, though. I'll the video do the talking and let you come to your own conclusion.
Favorite Music Discussion
Why Pop Music is Obsessed with This One Note - Andrew Huang
You know, I don't know why I haven't subscribed to this gentleman, yet. This time, instead of a "4 Producer, 1 Sample" video, we will talk about music theory and how it affects pop music. Yep, I bet you didn't think something like that could be so important to commercial music. Though, there really is a bit of science to creating music that pleases general audiences with how our brains typically operate. Here Andrew breaks down the current trend of what is called the "supertonic note". When he shows how many songs are currently utilizing it these days, I'm sure you'll be amazed like I was. Although, The Weeknd might be upset about how people are trying to dip into his secret sauce...
Zach Sang has become one of my favorite interviewers lately. He truly makes his guests comfortable and is able to get really genuine answers from them. Then Dan, his co-host, sometimes makes the most hilarious interactions with the guests as well. In this case, I got to hear more about Niki than I have in any other interview, though I haven't seen many. This happens soon after the Head in the Clouds festival and seeing how she views her career and the impact it has on Asian culture throughout the world is fascinating. I'd give it a watch if that interests you like it does myself.
No, Not All Popular Music Sounds the Same - MisterAmazing
I've heard this sentiment a lot, but it's interesting to see this topic heavily researched and presented in this manner. Yes, it's very true that there are trends that prevalent, but we also have some of the most diverse landscapes in the mainstream that we've had in a long time. This video does a great job putting a perspective that many don't see when only listening to the same stations/playlist on a day to day basis. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
Favorite Music Video
Mixed Baby - DeStorm
DeStorm Power is a creator that I've been following for many years. He's done many styles of hip hop from pop & dancehall, to covers and club styles. Recently, though, he's been releasing more material discussion difficult topics with opposing opinions. The latest one, at the moment, happens to be this one that made me say I have to share this. The two points of view were decently explored and makes you truly think of how racial divides even affect people who don't have racial biases. The direction of the video was also well done alongside the acting. Check it out for the proof!
Favorite Freestyle
Lil' Dicky - Sway in the Morning
Lil' Dicky is a freaking anomaly in the industry to me. He's a comedic rapper that can actually flow with the best of them. There was the Lonely Island hype about a decade ago, but I still never saw a Lil' Dicky coming in the future. He's certainly an artist that is very talented, yet there are times when I wish he didn't always joke. If he didn't, there wouldn't be as many "oh, he's corny" comments. These freestyles are the evidence of this fact. So sit back, have a laugh, and imagine, what if he took rap more seriously and realize it will never happen.
Zack Fox: The Cave Episode 5 - Kenny Beats
I don't like to include favorites that were released in the current month, but this discovery this month was too hilarious not to include. The comedian rappers just get in their bag nowadays. Honestly, this is some shock rap that plays off like a bunch of friends just having a ball in their spare time. Logically, this just creates an entertaining time! If you dig some wacky nonsense with a bit of wit, then prepare to play the video over and over and over...
Favorite Anime Discussion
Aggretsuko: The Anime Perfect ONLY for Adults - AkiDearest
The first season was great. The second is great. This review is great. Hahaha. As I slowly get closer to being comfortable with reviewing anime again, I have to defer to this video on one of the shows that I highly enjoyed this season. The storyline of this season definitely was relatable to me. Adulthood certainly comes with their own troubles that aren't explored a lot in anime, so it's great that there's a show like this that is getting attention in the community. I highly recommend this series if you haven't given it a chance yet. Laughs and feels will ensue!
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.
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!
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.
