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Ladies Night Out As Told By Yonce

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Words Beyond Lyrics: Does It Smell Like Teen Spirit?

One word. Nirvana. Two words. Kurt Cobain.

Nirvana has become one of the greatest rock grunge bands to ever grace an American stage and Kurt Cobain well, his music legacy is one we can’t forget.

Nirvana established itself in the late 80’s as a part of the grunge scene in Seattle. It was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic. Dave Grohl the drummer joined later. They released their first album Bleach in 1989. Two more full-length albums would come after in their seven year career, following Cobain’s death in 1994. Since their debut, Nirvana has sold over 75 million records worldwide.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” was the first single off of Nirvana’s second album Nevermind in 1991.

It was written by Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl. It was said that Cobain created it as a rip off Pixie song. The unexpected success of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" in late 1991 drove Nevermind to the top of the charts at the start of 1992. That year was said to mark the point where alternative rock entered mainstream. I find it ironic considering Nirvana was never for the “mainstream” but “mainstream” was for Nirvana. Smells Like Teen Spirit” helped  Nirvana set off the "grunge" craze, which was known for its loud guitars, angst-ridden lyrics, and flannel. Grunge was a look and sound that was distorted and emotive, led by bands coming out of the Northwest.

The concept of the video was said to be “a pep rally from Hell” and was inspired by the movie/song Rock and Roll High School by The Ramones, and 1979 movie Over the Edge. Initially MTV refused to air the video but when they did it was on their alternative show 120 Minutes. It was only after the song became a hit, that MTV put the song in heavy rotation.

Be as it may, let’s talk about the lyrical content of “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. Musically it’s one of the greatest riffs of all time. The song was as modeled after the Pixie’s sound as mentioned before. Outside of the verse chorus format, the main chords are used during the intro and chorus to create a loud and quiet sound we’re all so used to. But lyrically,  “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a little dark. Should be alarmed ? Probably not as the band is grunge-rock. But let’s take a closer look into the dark poetry.

“Load up your guns, bring a friend

It’s fun to lose and to pretend

She’s overboard, self assured,

Oh I know, a dirty word”

If I didn’t know any better , I could say that this would offset a high school shooting.  But devastatingly enough I think of how Kurt died, which was a shot to his head. I think of a cheerleader who lives up the popularity frenzy when I hear the first verse. However my perception changes because I can’t figure out if it’s “overboard” or “over-bored”. If it’s over-bored, it changes the narrative. With “over-board” I imagine a girl who hates her high school/life but pretends to be fine.  It’s almost like he’s making a mockery of what we typically see as “teen spirit”. As if to say “I Love is so much” with dry sarcasm. Granted the chorus is “Hello, Hello, How Low?” as if celebrating and acknowledging someone being down instead of the typical “I’m happy, in high spirits”.

“With the lights out, it's less dangerous

Here we are now, entertain us

I feel stupid and contagious

Here we are now, entertain us

A mulatto, an Albino

A mosquito, my libido, yeah”

The chorus reminds of a typical horror movie or the purge. The Killer has everyone in the room, turns the lights out and just let the bullets fly. It’s like the people who the spotlight is always on them they have no room to be vulnerable, so when the lights do go out they have that opportunity to be them true selves.  “Here we are now, entertain us” was said to be something that Kurt said at parties but for this song I feel like it’s saying you can show us who you really are now, entertain us, amuse me, like are you really, who you say you are? This song is supposed to make you feel uncomfortable “A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido” but everyone’s dancing because the music is great.

“I'm worse at what I do best

And for this gift, I feel blessed

Our little group has always been

And always will until the end”

I feel like this pertains to Cobain’s success as an artist. Nirvana isn’t your typical rock band, and Cobain wasn’t the “typical” voice you heard at the time, especially on mainstream airwaves. However, he’s iconic and Nirvana still stands as one of the greatest rock bands ever.

“And I forget just why I taste

Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile

I found it hard, it was hard to find

Oh well, whatever, nevermind”

It’s like he’s saying I forgot why I indulge in this kinda madness, darkness, but then he’s like “I guess it makes me smile”. It’s like he finds comfort in this dark place but questions it. Everyone is always looking for answers. The end of song which consists of Cobain ripping his voice to shreds of “A denial” makes me think that he’s trynna say people are in denial of who they are and how they feel. He also could be talking about himself,  his feelings of denial and his tendency to self-loath.

It’s important to note that Cobain suffered from manic depression. The song is very hunting considering his death that followed. The lyrics as I mentioned before is dark poetry but it can be very invoking. It’s beautiful. Ironically the words “Teen spirit” isn’t even mentioned in the song, but it was said to have became the anthem for “Generation X” and Cobain was the spokesperson. It was reported he mentioned the dislike of that notion because he said “he was confused just as everybody else”.

When “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was released it took the Rock world by storm, considering its stale continuation of what they called “hair bands”, pop-metal acts, and overdone makeup. I believe this was a song of the current time. It peaked the times. It gave voice to the youth who couldn’t put words to how they felt. They knew they felt something they couldn’t deny, especially in the Reagan era, which brought uncertainty and angst. Young listeners wanted something new, that spoke to their experiences. Teen spirit doesn’t always “smell” like a pep rally,  but it sure as hell rocks out like one.

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Getting Down w/ Funky Oldies

It’s Time To Get Funky

Trying to gather the top 10 for this was VERY hard. So I’ll just share a “snipet” of my funky jams playlist. I LOVE music so much and most of all I love dancing. If you can not groove to any one of these songs, my dear friend you have not one funky bone in your body. Most of the artist you hear and see is because of my parents. I appreciate them for the exposure to such good music. This group of songs are well put together because it’s nothing but dance floor, cookout jams. I found myself wanting to add more disco jams ( I LOVE DISCO) but that’s another playlist. The groovy bass lines, exuberant voices, and funky energies will surely make you wanna move. 

*Disclaimer* For the songs that don’t have a video under them, just click on the title to hear them. 

*Flashlight - Parliament*

Beware. This will almost be played at every black family function and if they don’t play this, LEAVE immediately (jk but with all seriousness). They will play this and for good reason.  It should be illegal for how funky this beat is. I mean everything  about this song is funktafied. Yes I said funktafied. If this song comes on I’m dancing no matter where I am.

Whip It - Dazz Band

The beginning of this song always get me hyped. The voices are so smooth and supercool. Everytime I dance to this song I imagine I have a whip or move my hips in small circular motion like I’m hoola hooping or whipping my hips. I can’t help it. Don’t judge me.

Fantastic Voyage - Lakeside

The bass is so dope on this song. Then there’s a little rap before the beat drops. This song always remind me of the movie Johnson’s Family Vacation with Cedric the Entertainer. The video is very simple but very cool because everyone is dressed like a pirate.

Ain’t Gon Hurt Nobody - Brick

This has to be one of my favorite of all time. Most people know the Kid‘N Play version but this is the original song. I always feel good when I hear this song or Kid'N Play version. The bass on this song is cool too and then there’s some horns. The guitar solo in this song is also dope. The song overall is a classic.

Got To Be Real  - Cheryl Lynn

The beginning of this song also gets me excited. The horns come in and then the bass drops, it’s amazing. Just take a listen.

Give It To Me Baby- Rick James

Umm it’s Rick James. Need I say more ? I had a hard time choosing which song to list. I was torn between Super Freak and Mary Jane. Mr. James is just messy but legendary.

Square Biz - Teena Marie

Teena Marie is a funktafied diva. I have my mother to thank for this classic. Her voice is amazing. She does a little rap at the bridge that just makes this even more groovy. Brings back great memories of Pinesol early Saturday mornings.

Brick House- The Commodores

If anyone ever decides to marry me one day, they are definitely playing this at my wedding. How can I describe this song ? I love how I stretch out the sounds of House ( sounds like Owwwww’s). You have to move to this, especially at the break down/bridge. The horns are crazy. Reminds me of “Play That Funky Muisc” by Wild Cherry a little bit. (Also on my playlist).

Let’s Groove- Earth, Wind, & Fire

It’s Earth, Wind & Fire. My generation will have no clue about who this group is and how all the great adjectives in a thesaurus or dictionary wouldn’t be enough. It’s real music. Real music makes you feel, and I feel every groove when I listen to this. The sensuous voice of Maurice White makes this song much more than another disco jam.

*Runaway Love- Linda Clifford*

This is a classic black house song. I can’t help but move and sing along. Her vocals are so strong but sassy and funky. I love it.

Boogie Oogie Oogie- A Taste Of Honey

Everyyyyything about this song is funky, from the bass guitar to the symbas, and the synthesized piano. I feel better everytime I hear this tune. I will dance anywhere anytime.  My children’s children will know about this song. (Reminds me of “Groove Is In The Heart” by Deeelite also in my playlist).

She’s A Bad Mama Jama - Carl Carlton

Another classic they will play at my wedding. If my husband doesn’t feel this way about me , we wouldn’t even get married. I wouldn’t mind shuffling to this down the aisle. But I aspire to be bad mama jama if all else fails lol

Got To Give It Up- Marvin Gaye

Yes, Blurred lines is made off of this song. You guys may not be able to hear it, but I do. It’s another great classic by the legendary Marvin Gaye. His soulful high pitched voice makes it hard for me to sing along and not sound like a dying cat but it doesn’t stop me from moving.

Rest assured this is just a snippet, but it will surely get you out your seat or moving in it. The songs that I starred is what is played at almost every black cookout. “Runaway Love” by Linda Crawford is what is considered “house” music for African Americans. My funky jam playlist is very versatile as far as artists and the era of each song.  Most of the artists I got from just from dancing at family cookouts/events and cleaning up the house Saturday evenings with my  mom. I still listen to this playlist when I’m feeling down, cooking and or cleaning. I’ve earned the family title of DJ because I’ve played most of these songs and more to get the people out their seats. I hope you did too. To here more you can click here.

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Artist Interview: Ree Trillz

Ree Trillz is one of the many up and coming artist coming out of Newark, New Jersey. He’s also one of my long time friends from elementary school, so  it was a bit exciting to do this interview. As the manager of his rap group Bircle World and one of the participating artist, Ree Trillz  sits down and talks to me about his journey in the music business. 

Hey, how’s it going ?

Everything is cool, just got back from Las Vegas for my birthday. It was wild. The next time I go I have to bring the squad with me because I had so much fun.

Really wow that must of been exciting.

Yeah it was. But now it’s time to get back to business and continue working on my projects.

Right, right. Tell me about that. Like when and how did you decide music was something you wanted to get into. I mean I know we were in chorus together but like sheesh *laughs* Take me to the beginning.

Word, I got you Aiight let’s see..first of all music just always followed me. But this is what really inspired me , like back in the day when my mom used to clean up, she would play a lot of those R&B songs like 90s R&B songs. I would think like this is really good music ya know, at a young age. So I would try to mimic and sing the songs. Then, my father introduced to me to new edition and Bobby brown and once he did that, it was over. Like I stole his cd one day and then I begged him to play it at this cookout I went to.  I’m like ya’ll gotta play this group. Then you remember I was in chorus. We were in chorus together. But yeah after I would just do stuff like that.

That’s what I’m saying. I can’t sing anymore, ya know your girl lost her pipes but you’re raping now. I know back then you would goof around a lot but at what moment did you decide you wanted to take this SERIOUS ?

I want to say about maybe a year ago. I mean I always made music. I made music since I was a youngin. But like at first it was just a dream like ya feel me? At first it was just like oh I’m doing this but I didn’t believe I could do it. I mean I believed I could DO IT, but I didn’t think I could REALLY DO IT. Yeah, I wanna say less than a year honestly that I started taking it serious because like it can get deeper. You know when you taking it serious when it gets deeper meaning there’s a lot that go into making music. I don’t rap on beats that I can’t make money off of and whole bunch of other stuff. I’ve always been business oriented too so that’s another thing. But  I’ve  always made music for fun, well not for fun but just to hear myself. Over the years my music transitioned to actual music and not just words. Like the first time I actually started recording was with my older cousin. She used to rap. She was one of my favorite cousins too so I was with her all the time. She gave me the name Lil Neal and I repped it so hard. I remember the first song I had and the lead on it. It was a little rap like “My name is lil Neal, whatever I spit is ill, I come through the block,  chicks like ewww is that lil Neal”. Its corny but that was the first rap I ever had. I would always freestyle too ya know, just goof around and my cousin would gass/hype me up. I was mad young. She introduced me to a lot of stuff. Like we would go to studios and make music. But then she got her own equipment  ya know like a macbook, mic,some speakers, etc. Once she got that, I formed my rap group, Bircle World. I was like yeah we got this.

Lit. That’s lit. You got the equipment and formed a rap group. What made you decide to do that ?

Well they were already my brothers, my homies. We called ourselves Bircle which stands for circle of brothers. We was just a squad in high school, we all met in high school, 9th grade and we was all in the same class. It was crazy. We did a cypher in military park the summer of 11th grade and after that the group just formed. Once my cousin got the equipment, I started bringing them through to record, they got cool with my cousin and we were all just chilling. Now it’s Bircle World. We’re tryna expand and establish a brand.

What is the condition of the group like now? Any Bobby Brown’s ? *laughs*

Yeah, most definitely. Being in the group now, it’s good but it’s problems that come with it too. A lot of egos come out, even when you guys are close/homies. Some people in the group might get big headed because of the people ya know gassing you up and not everyone can handle that kind of pressure. Then there’s jealousy. The New Edition movie really showed how that can happen. Shit can get real. Some people want to shine or some people feel like they’re being outshined. Sometimes it’s like they can’t focus on what they’re doing because they’re too busy focusing on what you’re doing, if that make sense?

Yeah no definitely, you’re saying that people can’t focus on what they should be doing because they’re worried about someone else/others. I get it.

Right. It’s just when we do something, we do it as a group. One of the homies might want to work on something for themselves but we put our money together to do things as a group. So it’s like we all go to the studio together because we all put our money up to go. You might not be on the song that we’re working on but it’s like you’re obligated to contribute because it’s the group, it’s your name. It was times I went to the studio and I wasn’t on the song but I still paid to go. Dedication and hard work is what I feel like a group should be  but as of right now we already put out a tape together so everyone is just doing their solo projects. We’re still a group though.

Wow. Have you guys at least done any shows together, or are you waiting ?

Yeah we performed on the day I came back from Minnesota, so maybe a couple weeks ago. It was amazing. We shook the crowd. Nah, we’re not waiting. We just want to hone our craft and put out more new music first.  At this point we’re just doing solo projects. It’s funny because I’m like the manager of the group, so I get a lot of recognition. But I’m also an artist too. Although I might not have had a lot lot of music on the tape we just dropped, the type of music I do make, people like it. It’s not just rap, there some singing too, and what I like to call the trilogy effect.

The trilogy effect huh ? Please explain.

It ties into my style and personality as an artist. I can sing I can rap, and I got something else too that I call the trilogy effect. It’s just something that I’m trying to incorporate into my development as an artist. It’s like in between rap and singing and what I like to call crazy. Sometimes I can get on the track and do ad libs, yelling, or sound effects. I can’t really explain it, you’d just have to hear.

Well alrighty then *laughs* So about these solo projects. Have you thought about going solo completely?

Nah. But like I said everyone just working on their solo projects. Right now I’m working on new material, because all the music that’s out right now for me is old. I’m waaay different now I really progressed. It’s all about finding your sound. I’m finding my sound and image right now. Like for an example my stage name is Ree Trillz, short for Ree Trilogy. The trilogy part ties into my style. I can sing, I can rap, and then there’s the trilogy effect. I’m just trynna incorporate it into my artist development. To get people interested. I might change my name who knows, I’m still growing as an artist especially when it comes to my sound.

Cool. You mentioned before you’re like the manager of the group. Would you ever stick to just the business or continue to do both?

I’m gonna continue with both because if you don’t do it like that, then you’re gonna get got. It’s like everybody is looking to get you, and nobody really has your best interest at heart. So  if you don’t know what you’re doing, then people are gonna try and screw you over. When people book you for stuff, they try to get you to do it for free when they feel as though you don’t know who you are yet. That’s why people sometimes get managers. With the business side of music it’s different, you can’t be a rapper rapping on beats from youtube. I mean you could but it’s not yours, which mean it’s available for everyone. Our first project we did as a group, we were rapping on youtube beats. We didn’t have a producer or wasn’t really paying for our music and studio time and stuff like that.We didn’t do it the right way. It’s a process to make your music sound good and legit. Like really good. You gotta get or make the beat, get exclusive rights to the beats, have the producers send  you the beat separate so your engineer can put it together. It’s just alot to make it sound good. I can’t wait  to do my solo project.

And you’re working on that now right. I bet you’re excited right?

I am. My engineer just made me a new beat and right now I’m just waiting for him to send it out. All of my beats are owned by me. When you own your beats you can make money off of them. You can’t make money off of something that you don’t own. It’s gonna be dope. I’ll be singing on this project. People don’t know yet that I can really sing. I’m working on an EP now called ‘Fairytale Deferred’ and a mixtape called ‘Tired of Being Humble’. It’s gonna be lit.

Well thanks for chatting with me. I wish you all the best of luck with the group and success with putting your music out.

Yeah, no problem. Thank you for the interview.

The pleasure was all mine.

To hear some music from this group/artist you can click here or visit their website here http://bircleworld.wixsite.com/bircle/music?lightbox=i11z55

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Cultural Criticism: What’s Going On with Marvin Gaye

“To be truly righteous, you offer love with a pure heart, without regard for what you’ll get in return. I had myself in that frame of mind. People were confused and needed reassurance. God was offering that reassurance through his music. I was privileged to be the instrument.” - Marvin Gaye

Imagine it’s 1970’s and you’re still fighting for the rights you were trying to get in the 1960’s. Not a great time to be alive, but one of the greatest depending on who you ask. Everyone was fighting for equal rights; women, African Americans, what we know as the LGBTQ community and Native Americans, and the infamous Vietnam war. Much like today in the 21st century. The only difference is the name of the President. Granted Nixon is the president for this “New Rights Era” until he resigns after the Watergate scandal. Whether you were hippie at Woodstock, an activist,  protester against the Vietnam war, or the resigning cabinet of Nixon, you could not ignore the soundtracks of protests, disco jams, and folk/hippie music. 

Marvin Gaye is one of the many pioneers of this of this era and in the spring of 1970 he would shock his label with the outcome of one of his biggest hits “What’s Going On”.

The spring of 1970’s was such a turmoil for Mr.Gaye. He lost his duet partner Tammi Terrell due to a tumor in the brain, his marriage was in shambles, he had stopped performing and went into seclusion and his brother had just returned from the war with such moving stories that it inspired him to address social issues in his music. All the artist at Motown were advised not to take on protest songs, so Berry Gordon was definitely not on board with the release of the song. However, Mr. Gaye was said to be the radical artist at Motown, so when the song “What’s Going On” fell into his lap he took advantage of the song and made it a huge success. He even had to threaten to not record in order for the record and album to be released. It was nothing like they’ve ever heard at Motown so everyone thought it would flop. Fortunately they were wrong. 

When the single and album hit the market place it exploded like crazy. It was an instant hit. It sold over 100,000 copies in one week.  It went to #2 on the Billboard Pop Charts and #1 on the R&B Charts

https://open.spotify.com/track/34b3a3Pz9Jlz0092LMyNAB *Take A Listen Here*

The concept around the album which is named after the song “What’s Going On” some could say was inspired by the latest events in his life. The song itself looked at the forces like the hippie movement spilling into the realities of poverty, police brutality, abandoned children, urban decay, the mystifying of the war, drug abuse, and racial misunderstanding. Malcolm X, Dr.King, and Robert Kennedy had all been gunned down. Renaldo 'Obie' Benson of the Four Tops who originally began penning the song after witnessing cops manhandle and arrest several young anti‑war protesters in San Francisco. Hence the lines "Picket lines and picket signs/Don't punish me with brutality”. Mr. Gaye would soon but later add more lyrics and melodies. It was a subtle war song, that took everyone by storm. 

“Father, father

We don't need to escalate

You see, war is not the answer

For only love can conquer hate

You know we've got to find a way

To bring some lovin' here today”

Not only did it help change national conversation but it gave other artists like Stevie Wonder more artistic freedom with their music. It was said that the song started as a party and ended as a prayer. By the end of the decade many young people were using their hard-fought freedom to simply do as they pleased, and whether it had to do with drugs, sex, fashion, music, their liberation was personal and they wanted the world to know it. Unfortunately Mr. Gaye would die at the hands of his father on April 1, 1984. 

Sources Cite:

http://performingsongwriter.com/marvin-gaye-whats-going-on/

http://www.npr.org/2000/08/07/1080444/npr-100-whats-going-on

http://www.history.com/topics/1970s

http://vietnaminterviews.weebly.com/whats-goin-on-by-marvin-gaye.html

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A Poetic Justice: Kendrick Lamar

Where do I begin when I talk about  the savior of rap? Now I could be over exaggerating, but tell me REAL Hip-Hop fans am I ? Kendrick is what rap has been missing. Haters will disagree but then again they wouldn’t live up to the term, now would they?  

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, yes his last name is Duckworth graced the stage with his presence started off under the name K.Dot. He took the world by storm releasing a number of mixtapes especially his fourth one (O)verly(D)edicated that got him major recognition in 2010. After that he got signed to an independent label TDE and the rest is history.

When Kendrick stepped to the scene, his sound was different, his style was different and his flow was different. He’s even known as the king of west coast rap (though I don’t disagree, I think Tupac or Ice Cube would be more fitting). Ironically, the west coast is known for it’s gangsta rap scene but Kendrick is different. Sure he raps about drugs, gangs, and violence but not in the ways you are used to hearing. He gives you what I like to call on the inside but outside approach. Drugs, gangs, and violence maybe what’s around him but he’s above it. Not to say that he’s too good for it, but he know’s the political, social, and economic part it plays in his community and he’s not afraid to share it. He’s a good kid in a mad city and fortunately he’s able to capture that in his music. He’s able to capture the essence of the alternative west coast life. He’s a conscious rapper with a gangsta rap flow and I love it.

Now what is it that he does for rap ? Simple yet complex. He hit the scene when rap was either about making club bangers or talking about the city life in more glamorized terms, Kendrick hit the scene with a more different approach. Nonetheless, he may have talked about the street life, but he told it in more sensible way. He did it with a dope beat and he did it poetically. His lyrics meant something, had meaning, made you think and it made you bop your head. Hip-hop needed this. It needed this rebirth of the lyricist, the word master, the emcee, and not just a hit banger. Hip-hop also need that friendly but imperative competition between rappers in which died since Tupac and Biggie. He set the hip-hop world on fire when he released his verse on the song Control because it did just that.

Granted, this article might be a little biased because I’m a HUGE Kendrick fan, but as an even bigger fan of Hip-Hop, Kendrick is a big deal. He has a purpose. He’s one of the few rappers that try to be positive in his music, tell stories in his music, and still be a lyricist. I could even add he’s somewhat defying the typical “rap” stereotypes. Instead of just rapping about glorifying weed and alcohol and all the other typical stuff you hear, he’s saying I’m not into that, it’s not for me because it’s not for everybody. Instead of having wanting airbrushed women in his video, he’s saying I want natural women. That’s a big deal in the hip-hop industry because of all the superficiality that surrounds it. He’a breathe of fresh air from what we typical hear from today’s rappers. He has a way of bringing you into his world, captivating you in ways that leave you for more. His upcoming album drops the 14th of this month and I for one , can not wait ! Here’s one of the songs that captured my heart for Kendrick; Poetic Justice. 

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Music Scene: Party Rap

Now as a true hip-hop fan, I can tell you hip-hop started in basement parties. Hip-Hop is the alternative of disco, so there’s no definitive moment when what I like to call “party rap” started, because the party never stopped. Rapping was another addition party that came be dominant. However if I had to pinpoint the different types of rap, I would break it up into 3 parts; the party rap (think Bad and Boujee by Migos), the socially conscious rap (Blacker The Berry by Kendrick Lamar), and gangsta rap or as we know it today in a more subtle form “trap” music.

In this blog I want to talk about the party rap scene. People were dancing and break dancing before any real rap took place. But to be socially conscious can be draining and talking about the daily trials of the street life can be saddening, which is I why I see party rap as the feel good music of rap. You  can’t really pinpoint when exactly it started because those same socially conscious and gangsta rappers would produce feel good music too. But there’s one particular era in rap where I feel focuses on this field of rap and that is the late 1980’s into early 90’s.

From Heavy D  to the Fresh Prince & Dj Jazzy Jef, this scene was booming and full of many hits as we know them today, even though this generation only know of the covers by other artists and not the original *(see Sir-Mix-A-Lot Big Butts for Nicki Minaj’s Anaconda)*. This era even produced the first female solo rap artist MC Lyte. This era was full of the extravagant hair styles, biker shorts,bold colors, big gold earrings, leotards, and eccentric styles of rap artists. But let’s get into the music. This playlist is a compilation of all my favorites from this era in which I’m sure you won’t help but move or bob your head. Listen to playlist here.

I’m quite sure I’m missing A LOT of other hits and artist of this era but if you did not move or jam to one of those, then something is definitely wrong with you ! However, maybe you’re not used to that sound and era and that’s okay because one of the wonderful things about rap is it’s ability to adapt with the current times all the while keeping the essentials. The songs in the playlist are throwbacks, so here’s a playlist for more recent times, ranging from my favorite dancefloor hits, going down south to crunk music, and back up north to what this generation knows as twerking and dabbing music. Listen to the whole Playlist here. 

There’s some songs missing on this playlist too but I’m hoping it won’t keep you from dabbing or twerking or jamming, whichever you prefer as long as the party keeps rocking. Enjoy !

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How It Sounds : La La La La

La La La has become a top favorite for one of my power down playlists. It’s instrumentals are like the soundtrack to my emotions and the lyrics are the poetry of my thoughts. It’s everything I wish I could or would say but can’t. It provides this vulnerable space where I can just be in the moment.  

Now I, in no shape or form know much about the music technicalities in order to describe the song in which I am about to discussed. Fortunately, I’ve been reassured that I don’t need to.  Ari Lennox is a hidden gem of an artist. She’s like a soulful hipster with such a distinctive voice like most underground artists, I’ve come to discover. I almost want to say indie/grunge/popish if that makes sense. What I find so unique about artists like her is that she is a hidden gem of an underground artist. Do you know how exciting it is to discover a hidden treasure?

Anyway, she’s a singer songwriter from Washington, D.C. Ari Lennox is also signed to J. Cole's record label, Dreamville Records, in which I am not surprised, surprisingly. Ari Lennox released her debut EP titled Ariography, and then three years later she released her second EP titled Pho last year October. I came across her listening to a playlist a friend of mine shared with me on apple music (s/o to Valorie). Her song La La La off of her second EP was the kick-starter for me and after that it was history.

La La La La is nothing like I’ve heard before. I could compare her to other artists but this track in particular, I can’t place my finger on it. I just know what I feel when I hear it. As I mentioned before I am in not in the business of technicalities, but there’s so much going on in the song without much going. It’s simplicity, I believe caters to the unique sound of her voice. Not to mention there’s this reversed clock ticking sound for a moment, that seems unusual but fits perfectly with the song. It’s the first thing you hear when you listen to the song and then you don’t because it’s followed by some piano chords that seem like they could be from an electric piano but the chords are also very organy. Nonetheless, all of it is just for a moment because then it goes back to her voice and an amped up acoustic guitar, which I believe was paired well considering the crudeness of her voice. There’s a part in the song I like to call a pre-hook or pre-chorus (if you will) that some songs have. It’s a repeated phrase at the end of every verse followed by the chorus. Granted, the beat doesn’t drop until the second verse which is unusual, because for most songs the beat drops at the chorus. 

As we get to the second verse there’s a bass hidden in the background, that I initially mistook for dubstep beat drop but it’s not, though I do believe a dubstep instrument was used for the obvious beat drop and clacking sound. As we reach to chorus the only thing missing now is just the piano. Prior to the ending you’ll find that the beat drops are gone and the only thing left is her voice, the clacking, and the guitar as she (does what most singers do at the end of their songs) sings in a higher range followed by a couple of background ooo’s. It’s almost like the climax, the grandeur act in the song. I guess its okay to note you could tell the layering of her vocals as well. The song ends with just her singing and few notes played by the piano as brings her voice back down. All of it may not seem like much when you hear it, but it has such an effective impact on the quality of the song, outside of her amazing voice. 

I’ll admit I’m more of a vocal/lyrical person. But I can and do appreciate the simplicity of the instrumentals in La La La. It’s magical. It’s simple. It’s mellow. It’s dreamy and it just puts me in a calm soothing space. I would say for most part it is tonal. Her soulful distinctive voice is what keeps the song alive. La La La is one of those songs that allow you to get lost in your thoughts  because you can easily put it in the back of your mind. However, you can’t put it in the back of your mind for too long because it can also demand your attention when you least expect it. I’ll also admit this song also make me emotional. Not just because of the way it sounds but because of the raw emotions that protrude from her voice and  the poetic nature of the lyrics. The overall song just wraps me in tight and captures me in ways that writing it about it only explains how it makes me feel 60% of the time. La La La is a home hitter for me because I can relate to the lyrics and emotions expressed in the song, but that’s the beauty of music. Some people won’t get the lyrics but if I sat here and deciphered every line, it’ll probably be another 500-700 words. Check out the video below 

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Power Down With Neo-Soul Playlist

Trying to gather the top 10 was very hard for me because my list is endless. I am very “old school” I like to listen to artists before my time and era of music. Most of the artist I grew up on are because of my mom playing their album over and over again, so most of the artists in my playlists are from the early 90’s into the 2000’s. However, there are a couple of songs that are of more recent times that still give that laid back vibes of the 90′s. This group of songs are well put together because it’s a playlist full of neo soul artists. This playlist is perfect for winding down after a long day or just relaxing on a chill afternoon. The soothing instrumental and sultry voices that cover each track is sure to put you in a good mellow mood with its smooth vibes. This is the playlist for you if you’re into neo soul music.*They are not in any particular favorable order.* 

Cranes In The Sky & Don’t Touch My Hair - Solange 

Who hasn’t listened to this song?  For those who didn’t know Solange had the voice, had their breath taken away with album. I love the whole album,  not only because of how it makes me feel, but because I can relate to every word, every song. Cranes In the  Sky and Don’t Touch My Hair is how I feel sometimes on a regular basis and I love how I can get lost in each song. I’ve been a fan of Solange since I found out she wrote the theme song for Disney’s Proud Family show. This album was a masterpiece.

Your Love Is King - Sade 

Not many people my age would know who Sade is, so shout out to my mom for putting me on to this Jewel. Sade is from the early 80’s. She’s more of a  smooth jazz artist with a distinctive voice. She could sing about toilet paper and make it sound so smooth. This is my top favorite song from her because the smooth jazz feel always make me feel so mellow. I wish I was in love so I can sing passionately the way she does. 

 Like A Star - Corinne Bailey Rae 

Corinne Bailey Rae is more of a recent neo soul artist. I discovered her when Myspace was still kinda popular but dying off. This song just makes me feel like I want to declare my undying love to the man in life even though I don’t have one. 

Beautiful Flower and/or Beautiful - India Arie 

 I have loved India Arie. since Video. Growing up I never realized what she would mean for young women like me. But this song to me is everything. It makes me feel like I can keep going and that everything is going to be okay when things are falling apart. I don’t feel so alone and this song at times makes me teary-ed.  This song is very uplifting and her voice is just raw and pure.

 Other Side Of The Game  - Erykah Badu 

Erykah Badu is like the cool aunt I never had. My mom also put me onto her and I’ve never looked back since. This song is full of great vibes. I usually listen to this when I’m just chilling because it puts me in a vibing mood. 

Kickin’ Back - Mila J 

Mila J is very recent. She typically does upbeat songs and her sister Jhene Aiko does the sultry songs (given the nature of her voice), but this song is very chill. It puts me in a worry free space. This song would be great for a summer late afternoon. 

Beautiful and/or  Magic - Tweet 

Tweet is another Jewel from the early 2000′s. Her voice is also distinctive and soft. I love this song and I just might play it at my wedding if someone decides to marry me one day (lol). 

Butterflies - Floetry 

Floetry is everything. Again, shout out to my mother for putting me onto such great neo soul artist. I also love Michael Jackson’s version of this. This song just makes me feel like I could melt in the name of love.

Heaven Can Wait - Michael Jackson 

Hello ? It’s Michael Jackson and it’s one of his slow sultry songs which brings out the essence of his voice even more. All of his songs make me feel some type of way especially his slow songs. Heaven can wait is great for relaxing down.

Cross My Mind & A Long Walk  - Jill Scott 

Jill Scott another Jewel that I got from my mom. I have never looked back. Both song are full of good vibes. Her voice is so relaxing and I love it.

So Beautiful - Musiq Soulchild 

Another Jewel from my mom. He’s a great and underrated artist. This song makes me feel beautiful and I wish there were more men out there like him.

Lost Without You - Robin Thicke 

 Robin Thicke is more recent. He would be considered Blue-Eyed Soul. Lately he’s been going back to his R&B side which is a good thing because his voice is golden.

Click Here to Check Out The Playlist ! Thank Me Later Enjoy !

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Essence J. on Sevyn Streeter at The Foundry House In Philly

So the moment I found out we had to do a concert review (which was either the first day or second day of class, I forget) I immediately looked for concerts to go to because for me it’s been a minute. I might have to see Beyonce in another life time because it’s going to be AWHILE  before she does another tour =(Sad but understandable face. I found one to go to which was the day after class on the 21th (Awesome sauce and sooo convenient). It was for Sevyn who is on her Girl Interrupted Tour right now and whom I absolutely adore. She was performing at the Fillmore House in Philly. It had been awhile since I been to Philly so this was gonna be an adventure. I ended up catching an Uber from Trenton to Philly to avoid being super duper late(listening to my god-brother telling me how it’s okay to be late  because I paid for my ticket). I ended up showing up a little after 8. But I made out good because  I didn’t miss that much.

I walked in while she was performing “I Like It”. She was absolutely ah.maz.zing.(amazing). The crowd was so hyped as she started to do her thing and bust out a couple moves. Sevyn by all means isn’t just a singer (unlike some artist who move around because it adds to their performance and just singing only works for people like Mariah Carey and Sade). She’s also a songwriter, entertainer, and producer. She’s written for artist like Brandy, Chris Brown,  Alicia Keys, Ariana Grande, Tamar Braxton, etc the list goes on. Anyway, This was one of her upbeat songs and is no doubt probably one of the songs she is known for. She wore a black crop top with black pants as well as her backup dancers. She interacts very well with her fans with call and response like most artist do. The atmosphere was great. Everyone was excited and in awe as I was.  I started off in the back, as I made my way in. I mentioned before this was an intimate but not intimate setting. I got to say hi to her mom who was like in a blocked off section by the crowd with the rest of Sevyn’s family. Technically I mouthed the words “you’re her mom” in very cool and calm collected way to a woman I assumed was her mom (due to my certification in Instagram stalking). She replied mouthing the words “Yes” and then I eagerly waved hi. ( I was definitely screaming inside) I made my way around as Sevyn started to go into her slow and seductive songs like “My Love For You” and “Before I Do” (which by the way are my favorite). She performed a lot of her hit singles like “It won’t stop”, “B.A.N.S.”, “nExt Ex” and songs from her new up and coming Girl Interrupted. All of it was so exhilarating. Her vocal ability as a singer gives me chills. I won’t deny I sang along to “Before I Do” and the rest of my favorites, but there were other times I stood there mesmerized (outside of recording on Snapchat before my phone died). She ended with the song “Don’t Kill The Fun” which brought the energy back up because everyone was in like in a trance when she sang her seductive and heart warming songs. She brought back the party vibe with her last song which was a great way to end the night. I partied, I was put in a trance,  danced and took pictures with a couple of strangers. It was all good vibes and good times. I would definitely recommend to anyone who are into neo soul , r&b artists. Sevyn is definitely an artist to watch  in my book.

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4 Your Eyez Only: Album Review

Close your eyes and listen, because you’ll do more than bop your head to the dope beats behind Cole’s passionate lyrics. You have no choice but to hang on to every plainly stated word because they demand that much attention, on top of the enticing beats. Cole’s ability to tell stories through his music or what I call personality driven songs, has allowed him to become one of hip-hop’s prominent figures today.

J. Cole had fans waiting too long. Two years to be exact, since his fourth studio album Forest Hills Drive was released back in 2014 and went double platinum. With all the anticipation and buzz surrounding this album given by the release of the document “Eyez” (before the album dropped) it’s only right that the album lived up to the suspense. I for one was not disappointed, as the new album represents the change, growth and maturity in his life and artistry. He had gotten married and had new baby, He literally went from “don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved” in Forest Hills Drive to singing  “I wanna fold clothes for ya, I wanna make you feel good”. It’s an album about love and hope in a world full of hate even with fame and fortune.

There’s so much to be discussed at hand about the issues that are brought about in his album. Issues that continually plague the black community, especially when it comes to young black men as they deal with the  toxic ideal of manhood pertaining to the “tough guy act”, love, mass incarceration and racial profiling. Songs like Immortality, Vile Mentality, and Neighbors which was inspired by an incident that happened back in March when the S.W.A.T team raided his house off of hearsay that he was selling drugs out of his house. Of course no narcotics was found. But there are also upbeat and tender touching moments throughout the album with songs like She’s Mine Pt1. & She’s Mine Pt.2, Fold Clothes and Deja Vu that shows Cole’s vulnerability as he passionately sings ( or a rap lullaby, I would call it) about the love for his new wife and baby, and an eulogy to his to dead friend.

Did I mention Cole is singing? Yes, he’s “singing” more and yes it is raspy, coarse and off key but it is on beat and it flows perfectly with the jazzy tones, bombarding bass, and “subtle but not subtle” percussions. All of it is what makes the delivery of lyrics a thousand times better. You can hear the raw emotions as he takes you through a psyche of his mind and those around him. He’s painting a picture of the mental scars of being a product of your environment, having the mentality of getting by, by any means necessary,  going against the odds, and still find time to make room for love and happiness. With lyrics like  “For you I’ll drop this tough guy shit”  “You are the reason that I fight, I ain’t never did nothing this right in my whole life…Am  I worthy of this gift?” and ”n*** from the hood is the best actors, we the ones that gotta wear our face backwards, put your frown on before they think you soft, never smile long or take your defense off, acting tough so much you start to feel hard, live from the city where they pull cards…..n*** from hood is the best actors, gotta speak in ways that is unnatural , just to make it through the job interview, if my n**** heard me they’ll say damn what’s gotten into you” (a dilemma that most kids face when they come from an urban area to a more “professional” environment) are an attest to that. But there are also songs like Change, that has a upbeat hopeful tone followed by the catchy hook “the only real change come from inside”.

For Your Eyez Only, may be for your “eyes to see” but it is only the mind that makes sense of what you feel when you listen to the album as Cole speaks about the trials and tribulations of the street life , inescapable reality of living in a poverty stricken, violent area only to be stereotyped and racial profiled when he leaves into to a more affluent neighborhood. However he does discover love and hope and proclaim them in the most heart warmingly way that gives this album the relatable human touch that Cole is known for. He’s showing us although you may have fame and fortune, it still doesn’t spare you from the toxic mind that define the color lines, but somehow there’s always hope for change. Check out a now trending fan theory interpretation of the album on Instagram (click the link). 

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Beauty, Blackness, Revolutionary: A Seat At The Table

by: Essence Jarrell January 26, 2016

A Seat At The Table is narrative of pain, fear, anger, healing and love. 

Say it isn’t so , Solo ? Solange Knowles is no newcomer to the music scene (outside the fact that Beyonce’ is her big sister). From songwriting to producing, acting, singing and modeling, Solange is a superstar in her own right and A Seat At the Table couldn’t have made it more true.

A Seat at The Table is Solange’s third album, featuring artists, songwriters, and producers like Q-Tip, Lil’ Wayne, Tweet, Kelly Rowland, The Dream, BJ the Chicago Kid, Raphael Saadiq, Sampha, Kelela, and many more. Not to mention it couldn’t have came at a better time. Between the police shootings of Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, the election, and her own incident of having white women throw trash at her at Orpheum Theater after being told to sit down. (In which she took to twitter and wrote a personal essay about it afterwards.).

In a world that silences people of color especially black women, A Seat At The Table was that voice. The album title is a statement itself, much like Beyonce’s hit single “Formation” and Superbowl black panther tribute. It’s the conversations black women have had among themselves that no one wanted to hear without understanding and all giving criticism.

The album is filled with her passionate silken vocals, along with soothing melodic tones. The music composition is not just to be played in the background but a response to the poetic nature of her lyrics. With excerpts from her father Matthew that talk about segregation and having to deal with the KKK when he was growing up, her mother Tina that talk about the beauty of being black, being pro-black and its unassociation with being anti-white, and last but not least Master P in which he talks about the struggle and strength of black people. Each excerpt sets the tone for the next track throughout the album. Not to mention the creativity put into the visual art of some of the songs off the album. Though it has minimal visuals and very repetitive,  it is what songs like Cranes In The Sky and Don’t Touch My Hair (ft Sampha) so impactful.

Critics may argue that the album is inclusive, but in a way that’s one of the points. Just because one can not initially understand this album doesn’t not mean one can not appreciate the artistic nature of this album. It’s confronting discrimination, marginalization, ignorance and appropriation. Songs like Weary, Cranes In The Sky, F.U.B.U. (ft. Chicago The Kid), MAD (ft. Lil Wayne), Cranes, and Don’t Touch My Hair (ft Sampha) are an attest to that. Not only does it challenge the angry black woman narrative but creates a welcoming space for conversation about racism. There are some upbeat funky pop songs like Junie, Where Do We Go From Here, and Ode To Self Care and F.U.B.U. , channeling the healing portion of the album. Nonetheless, it is an ode to black women that has lead both Knowles sisters to have the number 1 album in one calendar year. Unapologetic and bold, I am all here for this liberating soundtrack of the #BlackGirlMagicMovement that softly demands your ears to listen.

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-seat-at-the-table/id1159507212

Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/album/3Yko2SxDk4hc6fncIBQlcM

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioFQ9VqFIU4&list=PLUfYhiL9NqMfPoJQcAQ5josJ7YgF2xosI