As an individual with a rich appreciation of music, I love to share gems that I feel are often slept on. This week, here are some songs on my playlist that I feel should be more widely known: 1. “Monsoon” – Amber Mark 2. “The Woman you Love” – Ashanti 3. “No Bonnie” – Frank…
Category: Music
5 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2017
A lot of great music came out this year, but just like Matthew 22:14 states, “For many are called, few are chosen.” In accordance, here are the best hip-hop albums of 2017: 1. 4:44 – Jay-Z 2. DAMN. – Kendrick Lamar 3. The God Box – David Banner 4. No Dope on Sundays – CyHi…
4:44 (album review)
The album begins powerfully, with the record “Kill Jay Z,” we are immediately dropped into the mind of a reflective and introspective JAY. He touches on “sins” he has committed over the years, and mistakes that he has nearly made by losing his family, i.e., “don’t be Eric Benet” who did indeed let Halle Barry…
Do Pretty Girls Really Like Trap Music? (and other June 2017 releases)
2 Chainz dropped his anticipated album, Pretty Girls Like Trap Music last week, and I’ve given it a pretty thorough listen. My initial thought? Well, pretty girls do indeed like trap music, but we already knew that. The album overall has “trap” beats; heavy guitar, loud bass, and simplistic eight count raps. Simply put, it’s…
My Favorite Rapper has been Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
Anyone who knows me is fully aware that there isn’t a rapper I adore and love more than Jay-Z. There’s even an inside joke that I’ve been supporting his work and riding for him for so long that he owes me a first child, lol. All of that goes to say that I can’t allow…
Who’s the Better Storyteller: J. Cole or Kendrick Lamar?
I haven’t publicly come out and said this yet, but I’m a huge fan of the Joe Budden Podcast. On Episode 108 Joe Budden asks the question above, and honestly, I had to pause and write this post in response, before hearing their answers, because the question is just that good! I’m a huge Cole…
I Want Big Sean to Respond to Jadakiss
In case you missed it, Jadakiss lowkey dissed Big Sean on “Rate the Bars.” Everyone knows I live for a classic rap battle. I am of the belief that we grow most when we are challenged and pushed beyond our current limits. I have thoughts on who I think would win, but I’ll save that…
Rah Digga on “Rate the Bars” proves she might be trash?
How did Talib Kweli’s rap not make sense? That entire verse goes hard. I’m now skeptical of her capacity to judge hip hop. Like, if it doesn’t rhyme the rap is trash? Because it goes over your head means it’s wack? Come now, that just doesn’t make sense. I agree with Jay-Z that, “Just because…
The Best Albums of 2016
It is easily arguable that 2016 has been a year of loss, disappointment, death, and devastation. On these points, I won’t disagree, however, 2016 has been a great year for music. Here are the albums that almost made all of the turmoil of 2016 worth it, in no particular order: 1. A Seat at The…
Appreciating the Music of Tracy Chapman
It’s National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) history month! Therefore what better way is there to celebrate Music Monday than by honoring a musical icon of the community? We couldn’t think of one, so today’s feature is the legendary, Tracy Chapman. I’m not sure how many of you were introduced to the genius…
Do Yourself a Favor, listen to A Seat at the Table
I’m currently three songs in and I am fighting myself from crying just so I can write this. Listen, from someone who before this moment has not musically been a Solange fan, I’m telling you to stop reading this right now and go listen to this album! I could dissect each track on the album,…
More than a Shift, it’s an Awakening (album review)
Since watching her on the final season of American Idol, I have been a little obsessed with the beautiful songstress, Avalon Young. So, of course, I have to review her new album, Shift. I have to willingly admit that my opinion of this album, since listening over the past 72 hours, continues to shift. Upon…
Yes, I am Still Gushing Over Chance The Rapper’s #SoGoneChallenge Freestyle to his Girlfriend
The freestyle verse Chance the Rapper wrote for his girlfriend over “So Gone” by Monica, was definitely one of the highlights of early August. As always, Chance was charismatic in his flow and word choice, but what captivated me most about this video, even more than the lyrics, is Chance’s obvious and blatant vulnerability. So…
Music Monday: Tigallerro
I won’t lie, I’m ecstatic this album exists. As an Eric Roberson fan–who was left desiring more at his last concert–I am happy to say that this album is restoring my faith in him and his artistry. My goal is not to undermine the obvious genius of Phonte, the former one third of Little Brother,…
Music Monday: BoomScat
BoomScat This group! I have to preface with that because of how dope they are. Prior to seeing Boomscat live, a couple years ago, I had only seen pictures of them, but never heard any of their music. My initial thought? I’ve been missing out! Back in Chicago I heard Scat (Patience) sing, but…
Music Monday: Danni Cassette
I had the pleasure of witnessing this glorious talent perform over a year ago, at the first annual Honey Groove music festival in Washington, DC. The voice is comparable only to the magnetic energy exuded on stage. As the closing act, it was immediately obvious why Danni was selected to be so. I had been…
BJ the Chicago Kid has the best song of 2016
A lot of new music comes my way, and I try to give it all a fair chance, but you know a classic when you hear it; “The New Cupid” feat. Kendrick Lamar is just that. A lot of the comments on Youtube say that they’re only there for Kendrick Lamar’s verse, but the song…
New music releases that are making April worth it!
1. “Lake by the Ocean” – Maxwell Not going to lie, I was lying across my bed going too deeply down the rabbit hole when this song came up as a youtube suggestion. Of course I clicked on it and it was so soothing. I’m not a huge Maxwell fan, but my soul clung to…
Music Monday: American Idol Edition
Are you guys watching the final season of American Idol? If not, you’re definitely missing out. The top 8 are undoubtedly some of the best talent to ever grace an American Idol stage. Don’t believe me? I’ll prove it by highlighting my top two: 1. La’Porsha Renae Talk about a powerhouse voice! She is a…
To Pimp a Butterfly (album review)
Kendrick Lamar I still remember clearly the day I was fully introduced to the force of Kendrick Lamar (K dot). It was a hot summer day, a few years back, in Chicago. His name had been mentioned to me a few times before, but as a hip-hop elitist I didn’t give his music a…
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