Chance the Rapper released two new tracks, “The Man Who Has Everything” and “My Own Thing” (featuring Joey Purp), just under three hours ago. Both tracks sound like standard Chano, or should I say, standard Chicago rap.
“The Man Who Has Everything,” produced by Nascent and Jeremih, reminds me a bit of “Jay-Z’s “Marcy Me”; “My Own Thing” — produced by Stix, JustSpvnk, B-Real, Eric Butler and Verner — reminds me of the gospel-infused up-tempo on Coloring Book. Both songs are dope. Check ’em out below.
Lingerie, pasties and lots of ass-shaking. The sex appeal was on a hunnid thousand trillion in the just-released video for the “Good Form” remix, and given the song’s lyrics, I would’ve been disappointed if we got anything less.
The new verse from Lil Wayne was a great addition. Look out for a few famous faces in the video, including Lauren London, Evelyn Lozada and Tyga.
If I had my way, every day would be Thursday. That way, I’d be able to make a TBT post every single day.
I cherish these TBT posts because they allow me to share music that I really love. It is also a lot easier to discuss music that you already have a relationship with — it’s like having to describe an old friend versus a person you just met. Much of my life includes discussions about classic songs that I love, so these posts feel very natural.
This week’s selection is especially important because it is one of my favorite songs of all time. For as superficial and materialistic as I can be, I always remember that the best things in life are free. In 1992, Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson — with an assist from Bel Biv Devoe and Ralph Tresvant — collaborated on a song with that very message, and it was glorious.
Written by Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Michael Bivins and Ronnie Devoe, “The Best Things in Life Are Free” was the second single from the Mo’ Money soundtrack. It samples George McCrae’s “I Get Lifted,” which was written by Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch — both from K.C. and the Sunshine Band. As far as melodies go, they don’t get much sweeter than “Best Things.” It’s so good that almost nothing else about the song matters, except that it has the dopest new jack swing beat ever. And as if that wasn’t enough, the lyrics are beautifully simple — you will find yourself singing along even if you didn’t want to.
“Best Things” peaked at No. 10 in the US and No. 2 in the UK, which is more evidence that some of the best songs of all time weren’t No. 1 hits. Though it had a music video, I’m posting an audio of the track because the video featured a house version of the song that — though awesome — doesn’t come close to the original. Enjoy this classic!
Young Thug just released the video for “Chanel (Go Get It)” earlier this week, and I gotta say, rappers of today love themselves some special effects. The video features dancing skyscrapers, dancing trees, floating boulders, and a giant snake weaving through a forest. Oh and let’s not forget the Lamborghini that melts Terminator-2-style. Watch the video below.
I skipped on reviewing (or even listening to) Takeoff’s solo album because I had low expectations and I am still kinda recovering from the review of Quavo Huncho — it wasn’t a terrible album, but it wasn’t amazing either and it was hella long. And I’m also tempted to downgrade its rating, but whatever.
Anyway, upon hearing “Casper,” I’m seriously considering giving The Last Rocket a chance. The song manages to be very Migos-esque without sounding tired, and Takeoff snapped on every verse. The video is also dope — it features Takeoff ghostriding his Wraith on the moon. Because that’s what young rich niggas do. Check it out below.
Travis Scott just dropped a Skrillex-produced remix of “Sicko Mode” and it is [fire emoji]. Skrillex went full Skrillex on the beat, and it actually works. Check it out below.
I always forget that Tamar Braxton is a legitimate artist because the first things that come to mind when I think of her are reality TV and Instagram drama. That being said, I have never heard a Tamar song I didn’t like — I’ve never done a deep dive in her albums, but all of the singles I’ve heard have been solid. “Wanna Love You Boy” is no different.
The video looks like it was shot on somebody’s Galaxy S5, but I like it anyways. The colorful outfits and droptop Cadillac give me ’90s vibes, and I live for nostalgia. Watch the video below.
We now have a video for “ZEZE” and Travis Scott directed it, so you know it’s good.
The video is presented as “behind-the-scenes” footage, where we get to see all of the mishaps that could happen during the production of a music video, complete with a moody video director (played by art prodigy Steven Savoca). We also get what appears to be actual footage of Travis Scott directing the video. And, of course, we get all the special effects. Because Travis Scott.
Today in 1998, the video for Britney Spears’ debut single, “…Baby One More Time,” premiered on MTV’s Total Request Live. And just like that, a star was born.
With that very first music video, Britney Spears changed the game and became the prototype for young white female pop singers. Over the next five years or so, record labels would churn out one act after the other that was modeled after Britney in look and sound. As you can imagine, none of them were able to replicate her success because there is only one Britney. If there ever was a case study for an artist that had the much-coveted X-factor, it would be Britney Jean Spears.
The “…Baby One More Time” video was set in Venice High School (where Grease was filmed), with Britney rocking the now-legendary catholic school girl uniform. According to Nigel Dick, the video’s director, much of the video’s treatment came from Britney, including the decision to tie the shirts at the midriff.
“…Baby One More Time” would go on to become the first of Britney’s four No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100 — it was also the first for songrwriter and producer Max Martin, who would go on to write 21 more No. 1s (and counting). I was only [redacted] years old at the time of this video’s release, and I didn’t quite get the hype, but it was clear that it was a new day in pop music.
Kelly Rowland just dropped a new single titled “Kelly” and it sounds like she really wanted to blend in with a lot of what’s on the radio. She’s sing-rapping over a beat that you might hear on a Migos or a Travis Scott album. It’s not the worst song ever, but I know Kelly is capable of so much more. Listen below.