With more time to think than usual, I’ve bestowed upon myself the task of picking my favorite song of all time. And if I had to pick one song as if my life depended on it, my song would be “WiFi” by DRAM featuring Erykah Badu. Released in 2016, this hidden gem on DRAM’s “Big Baby DRAM” album, “WiFi” is spectacular in all regards. The … Continue reading Let’s Talk About Wireless Connections
Two weeks ago, Netflix finally did it and saved quarantine. No longer do I sit in the kitchen watching CNN, count the number of times news anchors say “unprecedented” and consider taking a sip of my drink every time President Trump says something problematic. Instead, I can finally watch my favorite show of all time without risking the life of my computer through illegally watching … Continue reading Whoever’s Running the Show Over at Netflix: You’re Doing Great Sweetie
Continuing to prove large streaming numbers don’t actually mean shit, Duzzo Dave dropped a mid-size classic in 2015 with “The Pretty Boy Dave EP.” The seven-track mountain drive of an album is constantly understated — Dave’s too-cool-for-school attitude often comes at the expense of properly appreciating and announcing his talent. It’s a project that could’ve dropped as a mixtape on DatPiff five or seven years … Continue reading Pretty Boy Dave: Duzzo Dave’s Swaggering Debut
Gaining a cult following through membership in the Washington Slizzards collective and supporting his case with strong features on household hip-hop names like Statik Selektah and Curren$y, Haile Supreme is well-situated to reach millions of ears with his ear-wormy vocals and cheery attitude. With “Elsewhere” released only a week ago as a birthday gift to himself, Haile Supreme has positioned himself as a top-charting feature … Continue reading Haile Supreme Is Ready for His Break
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“DEEvsEVERYBODY!” is a personal album. As depicted in the project’s lyrics, cover art, website, and personal explanations, it’s a representation of how she feels as a young Black woman growing up in an oppressive world. Deetranada is unapologetic at every moment, showing the world who she is without compromising one bit. After making waves in the Baltimore and beyond with her new album, “DEEvsEVERYBODY!” we … Continue reading Deetranada’s Debut Showcases Fiery Raps, Clear Motivation [Interview]
“They say that the best weapon is the one you never have to fire. I respectfully disagree. I prefer the weapon you only have to fire once.” This quote was from the one and only Tony Stark, a fictitious superhero in the first “Iron Man” movie. Stark had it all: he was one of the richest men alive, had a personal assistant named Pepper Potts … Continue reading How Iron Man Can Save America
While much of this 20-something’s life feels like it’s slipping into habits of old during these COVID times — you know, living with my parents again, sleeping in the same bed I got my first period in, passing my high school chemistry classroom on every stroll around the block, and so on — my musical taste has slipped further beyond the nostalgic tones of high … Continue reading A Pleasant Regression Into Musical Boomertude During COVID-19
Feeling like I’m at a picnic on a blue-sky day surrounded by flowers, Fake Tapes has improved my quarantine considerably. Their self-titled EP released in 2018 is the kind of music that can only come from folks in pure creative mode. In other words, they aren’t limited by demanding label executives or massive crowds of fans. Taking inspiration from the music of Erykah Badu, Thundercat, … Continue reading Fake Tapes: A Groovy Breath of Fresh Air
Perhaps in preparation for his sophomore album, Slowthai dropped three singles in the past week, with “BB (Bodybag),” “MAGIC,” and “Enemy.” Fans looking for the aggression and wackiness they found abundantly on “Nothing Great About Britain” will find themselves satisfied here. Slowthai’s trademark enthusiasm for jagged ridiculousness is in full effect on each song. My favorite of the three is “MAGIC,” a collaboration between the … Continue reading Slowthai Surfaces With Energetic, Odd Flurry of Singles
Some of these artists left a strong mark on neo-soul in the 2010s, and others have yet to realize their potential fanbase and impact. But some things hold each of these artists together — a deep sense of soul’s past and present, a pitch-perfect voice, and the swagger it takes to amass a wide audience. Ari Lennox — Key album: “Shea Butter Baby” Her 2016 hit … Continue reading The Leaders of Neo-Soul’s Bright Future
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