10 Apr

Posted at 16:17h in Music
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This week, Busta Rhymes dropped a video for his new single, “Where I Belong” (featuring Mariah Carey). The song was recorded many years ago, and its video was actually filmed this week in 2017. Both song and video were kept in the vault for years, most likely due to delays in the release of its parent album, Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God, which dropped last October — seven years after it was first announced.

“Where I Belong” is clear in its attempts to recreate the magic of Busta and Mimi’s 2003 collabo, “I Know What You Want,” employing a similar call-and-response hook and similarly breathy vocals from Mariah. Rick Rock, who produced “I Know What You Want,” is back on production duty (along with Navi Beats).

The “Where I Belong” video is a sequel 18 years in the making, with Michael Jai White and Tae Heckard reprising their roles — and the latter looking as if time stood still. Check it out below.

09 Apr

Posted at 23:46h in Music
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Gwen Stefani just dropped a visual for “Slow Clap,” and unlike the original audio we got a month ago, it features a verse from everyone’s favorite icy girl, Saweetie.

“Slow Clap” is melodious and catchy and everything we need as the weather starts to warm up. The song is an absolute return to form for Gwen, and by the time you watch the video and see all its “urban” accoutrements, it will definitely start to feel like 2005 again. As one fan put it, the queen of cultural appropriation is back.

“Slow Clap” is the second single from Gwen’s as-yet-untitled fifth studio album, which is slated for release later this year.

09 Apr

Posted at 22:25h in Music
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Doja tapped SZA for “Kiss Me More,” the lead single from her upcoming album, Planet Her.

Co-written by both artists along with Dr. Luke, tizhimself, Rogét Chahayed, Carter Lang and Yeti Beats, “Kiss Me More” is a nu-disco that will have you nodding on the first listen.

While the song is great, it is a bit surprising that two female artists chose to work with Dr. Luke, who has been in a seven-year legal battle with Kesha, who accused him of drugging and raping her. But I digress.

Watch the “Kiss Me More” video below.

08 Apr

Posted at 23:02h in Music, Throwback
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As the world continues to pray for DMX, who suffered a heart attack six days ago and is still in a coma, there is no better time to honor this hip-hop legend.

“Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” was the third single from the rapper’s debut album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot. Produced and co-written by Swizz Beatz, DMX supposedly rejected it at first, saying that it sounded too much like a rock song — and in a way, he was right. And whether or not it was intended, DMX maintained a kind of appeal that is unique to rock stars — moderately successful singles, but hugely successful albums and live shows.

Given how much of a classic it has become, it’s hard to grasp that “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” only peaked at No. 93 on the Billboard Hot 100. But as I have mentioned in other posts, the charts don’t always tell the full story.

Join me in celebrating DMX and this iconic song!

08 Apr

Posted at 22:26h in Music
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If you’ve been on TikTok at all lately, you’ve probably heard this song, which was the soundtrack to a viral challenge earlier this year.

The #TrackStarChallenge shows social media users — usually young women — running as the hook of “Track Star” by Mooski plays. For the longest time, I thought he was singing about a young woman who’s about her business, running and staying on the move to get her paper right. I was wrong.

“Track Star” is about a woman with commitment issues who ends every relationship prematurely. The not-so-great singing and association with a silly viral challenge may lead some to overlook the lyrics, but if you pay attention, Mooski is spittin’. Also, this kind of vulnerability is what’s missing in R&B right now.

The track star in the video is singer Coi Leray. She puts Mooski through hell and breaks up with him only to try to get back together. Watch the video all the way to the end. You won’t be disappointed.

01 Apr

Posted at 22:03h in Music, Throwback
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Last week, we didn’t have any TBT post because yours truly was celebrating a birthday. To make up for that, I’m blessing you with two selections.

Y’know…someone once told me that her pastor said that March 25 was the second-most important day of the year. Because it was the day Jesus was conceived. I laugh, but I agree that 3/25 is indeed special.

Sarah Jessica Parker, Juvenile, Big Sean and Gloria Steinem, among many other illustrious figures, were born on that glorious day. And as if that day didn’t have its fair share of legend babies, Aretha Franklin and Elton John had to come through. I mean…look at the material.

As a belated celebration, this week’s second TBT post is a 1993 performance of “Chain of Fools” delivered on the TV special Aretha Franklin: Duets. This version is special because Smokey Robinson, Rod Stewart and birthday mate Elton John sing backup for Queen Aretha. Legends only.

01 Apr

Posted at 21:31h in Music, Throwback
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It’s the first of tha month, and it’s also a Thursday, so was there really any other choice?

While “Crossroads” is by far the biggest hit in the Bone Thugs-N-Harmony catalog, “1st of tha Month” is arguably just as memorable. Released in June 1995 as the first single from the group’s sophomore set, E. 1999 Eternal, the song is an ode to welfare checks, which are issued on the first day of the month. Because so many other things happen on the first day of every month — like rent payments and other bills — the song has come to mean different things for different people.

Happy first of tha month!


19 Mar

Posted at 11:17h in Music
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Justin Bieber tapped Daniel Caesar and Giveon for “Peaches,” a groovy mid-tempo that is perhaps JB’s most soulful release yet. The song is the fifth single from Justin’s sixth LP, Justice, which dropped today.

While Justin’s sound has always been R&B-ish, on “Peaches,” we get to make a direct comparison that shows that he really doesn’t have an R&B voice. Daniel Caesar and Giveon ride the beat with a certain ease that Justin couldn’t quite replicate, but he gets a B+ for effort.

Watch the video below.

18 Mar

Posted at 21:41h in Music, Throwback
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If you ask the average person to mention who comes to mind when they hear “multi-hyphenate,” there are a few names that tend to come up first: Jamie Foxx; Jennifer Lopez; Queen Latifah. And for good reason.

Unfortunately, one name that often gets left out is that of singer, songwriter, producer, actress, fashion designer and beauty queen, Vanessa motherfucking Williams. The only explanation for this is that her acting career has eclipsed everything she’s ever done, thanks to Oscar-worthy performances like the one she gave in Soul Food, where she delivered the greatest movie scene of all time. However, Miss Williams also had a very successful career in music, and before that, was the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America.

Over a seven-year period, Vanessa Williams achieved seven top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including four top 10 hits. Her signature hit, “Save the Best for Last,” ruled the chart for five weeks in 1992 and was nominated for Record and Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards the following year.

Today, which is Miss William’s 58th birthday, I want to remind you all to put some respect on her name.