Music That Makes You Move

Malik Frierson
9/26/14
 Heeeello music lovers it has been a good while since you've read the words of me and after a substantial amount of time I guess now is the time to bring you another article. Today I'm going to tell about music that just makes me want to move! You ever just here that one song that's filled with so much energy so much passion that you just had to get up and shake your body all over the place? Well I have multiple songs that have that effect on me. I want to share some of those songs with you today. So with out further a due here are songs that make me just want to get up and move.



•"Come and get your Love"-  Redbone
  
This classic song from way back when was recently featured in the boxoffice hit Guardians Of The Galaxy. When I first heard this song I couldn't help but feel the urge to get up and dance to this glorious sound that is this song. The instruments go great together with the fantastic vocals of the song. They form a very heavenly combination that makes a rush of energy surge through me. If you ever feel like dancing I highly recommend this song. Trust me you won't regret it.


•"Holiday" - Green day


  This is the type of song that makes you jump up in the air over and over again while playing a sick air guitar. Holiday is a song so filled with charisma, passion, and energy I find it hard to believe that anyone could resist moving to this piece of rock glory. The lyrics are colorful, the instruments are awesome, and the song give "A don't give a F*** attitude." Which is what makes it darn dance worthy.


•"Sail"- Awolnation


  This is the type of song that makes me do my own weird version of the classic dance move "The Robot." Anyway Sail is a fantastic edition to this list. It uses many different features equals up to a fantastic result. The song is a beautiful marriage between electronic rock and alternative rock. Give this song a listen and see if you don't get the urge to do your own messed up version of "The Robot."


•"Smooth Sailing"- Queens of The Stone Age



 This is a song for all my hardcore rock fans out there. This song is a little bit slower then the other songs but it's powerful. When this song starts it just hits with a surge of force and you just get the urge to move to it. For me it's just a series of shaking my pelvic area. ( You're welcome for that loveley image) The vocals are a bit odd but that's what's attractive about them. You really feel like you can move to what the singer is saying. Then there's the guitar and drums. Both of them just ooze power and make you move to them.


•"How You Like Me Now"- The Heavy.


The final song I bring to you is a more well known song. This list needed a little more funk anyway so let's get funky! "How You Like Me Now" is a awesome frigging song. It's playable in a myriad of diffrent situations. We're you dumped by an ex but now you're doing better than them? Play this song and dance. Did you get fired by a jerk boss and you found a better job? Play this song and dance. Have you ever just proved haters wrong? You know what song to play. This song makes the listener feel confident and full of pride. The talented vocals and awesome instruments makes this a perfect dance song. The best thing to do is to find someone who doesn't like you, play this song, and dance right in front of him or her.


Thanks readers for you know...reading. Let me know what songs make you dance. Any way see you next article.

Acronym Album Review: "Souled Out" & "X"

Tamira Thomas

9/26/14

My Review of Souled Out and X

It has been a while since I've posted.....glad to be back!

Since August, I had much anticipation for school starting in September, but I also had anticipation for Jhene Aiko's Souled Out and Chris Brown's X. 

Before I get into the acronym review, let me tell that both albums get a thumbs up from me. While others rather point out flaws in their music, I appreciate both concepts of the albums. And though, I don't blindly follow behind artist, I love both albums and if not that I enjoy a majority of the album. They are the best of both worlds: Jhene's album is mellow and chill yet so artistic and Chris's is upbeat and creative. 

Best Songs on the Albums

On Souled Out : (Not naming singles) W.A.Y.S., Spotless Mind, Wading, Brave, Eternal Sushine, 

Lyin King, and Promises.

On X : (Not naming singles) X, Came to Do, Time for Love, Do Better, See You Around, Don't Be Gone Too Long, Body Shots, and Drunk Texting.

.........

J is for Juxtaposed

Souled Out? Like Sold Out....(to contradict all that Illuminati bullshit).

H is for High

This album can make you feel so mellow and high. And like myself, you don't even have to smoke to feel that way.

E is for Experience

This album is an experience. She tells a story.

N is for Nami 

Nami is her daughter. I found it so cute and creative for her to feature her on the song "Promises".

E is for Enough

This album was enough for me. OK. The first time I listened to it, I was expecting a little more from Jhene Aiko, but the production and realness of it is too much for me to say I didn't like it or even hated it. Actually I kinda loved....not in love with it but I loved it. (Ain't feeling them bonus tracks though).

C is for Creative Approach

People talk about how this album was all over the place. But HELLO people...maybe that was the point. Chris approaches almost all genres of music: hip hop, RnB, alternative, electronic, pop and dance. I guess some people can't deal with his diversity. 

H is for Hate

WHY IS HE RECEIVING SO MUCH HATE? Whether its for this album or for his personal life, people really keep coming at his neck. I'm not going to talk about his personal life but I will say this isn't his best album lyrically but I really did enjoy it. And I will admit....I am TeamBreezy! 

R is for Real

Through out the whole album, there was one thing he did keep consistent: his realness.

I is for Interludes

I really enjoyed the interludes on this album.

S is for Soulful

Though it is rare with him nowadays...there were soulful songs like "Autumn Leaves" and "Do Better".

Thanks for Reading! Oh and happy 20th post ^_^.

10 Songs with Brilliant Percussion

Tamira Thomas

8/28/14

These are the my top ten songs I believe have awesome percussion in them. Shout out to the drummers! (Whether it was a machine or human). Some are songs that are from my phone's playlist (so its not completely random) and some are those songs that just stuck with me because of the percussion.

     

10. Metric - Help, I'm Alive

    You know what I love about this song? Of course the drumming (which I learned to play myself) but also the rawness and how upbeat it is. I don't really consider myself a hardcore rock fan but I do listen to and appreciate rock music this. And let's be honest.....percussion is one the most defined things hip-hop and rock have in common and I enjoy both. Take a listen below:

9. Kanye West ft. Pusha T - Runaway 

     I originally loved this song for the piano (it's very easy to play) but I also noticed the how great the percussion is. People wonder why Kanye is talked about so much.....well because of songs like this, they're really good. And let me mention Pusha T's misogynic verse (ouch) but overall, great song. 

8. Childish Gambino - The Longest Text Message

     Well Gambino tried so hard for this not to be a love song but it just simply is and the marching band-like percussion compliments the topic. I have to admit, I don't love this song like I use to but it made the list.

7. Drake - Trophies

     This song is just fire in my eyes. I think I officially have a love/hate relationship with drake and his music. And I love this song. Especially for the percussion and when I learned how to play it....I was too hype! 

6. Santigold - L.E.S. Artistes

     I adore the weirdness of this song! And the grooviness of the drumming makes it define as rock but alternative rock...which I love. I also loved the fact that Santigold is from Philly! Look at the rather creepy video below:

5. Vic Mensa - Lovely Day

     When I hear this, it always reminds me to try and have a "lovely day". It also reminds me of how awesome drumming can be especially when you're good at it. I don't know if the percussion was processed or played live but either way, it went great with the flow of the song....it's just one of those feel good songs.

4. Dirty Projectors - Stillness is the Move 

     With this one, I had to switch out one of my favorite songs (Kilo Kish - Sick), which I didn't like doing but it earned the number 4 spot. The only thing with this band is that I wish they made more songs like this one where the percussion (and the guitar) dominated but they don't and if they do, they don't grab like this song. So this is my favorite song from them (credit to NBA 2k13, thats where I first heard it).

3. Amerie - 1 Thing

     May God bless me with drumming skills like such in this song. That's really all I have to say. Oh and nice vocals from Amerie. 

2. Chaka Khan ft. Mary J. Blige - Disrespectful

     This song is the very reason I came up with this idea for this post. Me and my mom were just jamming in the car with this and a light bulb just brightened in my mind. Though the percussion itslef is slightly similar to "1 thing", this song is so soulful and I enjoy it so much....listen below:

1. Destiny's Child - Lose My Breath

    No words, just listen to those drums....

Amazing right? Hopefully the girls didn't take you off your focus of listening LOL. Thanks for reading!  ^_^

Music on the Mind: Heat Miser and Snow Miser

 Malik Frierson
 8-22-14

       Hello music lovers. This will be a quick and short post about my music related thoughts. So rejoice people who don't like to read that much Not a lot of words this time.. I your friendly neighborhood handsome nerd completed the ALS ice bucket challenge today. After I completed the rather refreshing challenge you know what popped in my head. The Snow Miser song from That Christmas movie " A Year Without a Santa Clause." Now if you had a childhood then you know that song. You also know of its warmer opposite Heat Miser from the same movie. I remember each winter being excited too hear those songs. I would watch the movie just too hear the songs. The songs themselves aren't that different just a quick change to some of the lyrics and boom. The songs are no where near forgettable. If you listen too them you'll probably have it stuck in your head for a good couple of days. They also give you a great sense of nostalgia. They'll take you back to being an excited little kid around Christmas time. Listening to these songs will put you in a good mood and might also give you a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. I urge anyone who has never heard the Heat Miser and Snow Miser songs to please go look them up you wont regret it. Thanks for reading and see you next post.

The Lannister's Song

            By Malik Frierson
           8-13-14

I love Game Of Thrones. It is a fantastic show. But as much as I would love to talk about Game Of Thrones this is a music blog. So I'll talk about a famous song from Game Of Thrones. (Loophole) The world of Westeros  has many songs but none as infamous or memorable as "The Rains Of Castamere." Let me explain the history of the song. In Game Of Thrones there are many families vying for control of the country of westeros. One is the Lanisters led by the powerful Tywin Lannister. Big families like the Lannisters have small families to serve them. one of them was the Reyne family from Castamere castle. The small family of Reyne attempted to rebel against there masters the Lannisters. Tywin wasn't having that so he had the entire family killed and castle Castamere burned to the ground. No survivors were left. After the destruction of house Reyne Tywin had a song made to immortalize his victory. The song was named "The Rains Of Castamere" The song lyrics are as follows

                         "And who are you the proud lord said that I must bow so low?
                             Only a cat of a different coat that's all the truth I know.
                              A coat of gold a coat of red the lion still has claws .
                    And mine our long and sharp my lord as long and sharp as yours
                             And so he spoke and so he spoke that lord of Castamere
                             But now the rains weep o'er his hall with no one there to hear.
                             Yes now the Rains weep o'er his hall and not a soul to hear."
                                                                            
 This song appears all through out the show and usually means something bad is about to happen. For instance a couple of soldiers sing it before a big, bloody battle, and It is played right before a big massacre scene.It has a medieval gothic feel and fits well with the tone of the show. It will get stuck in your head and will stay there. Depending on your favorite Game Of Thrones character. My favorite character is a stark so typing this is going to leave me very depressed. Anyway thank you for reading music lovers. now if you'll excuse me I have some Game Of Thrones episodes to cry at. This is your resident handsome nerd signing off.

                                       
                                  

Artist Spotlight: Phil Beaudreau

Tamira Thomas
8/11/14

Phil Beaudreau 

 .......doesn't he kind of look like Superman (my favorite superhero)? So cool. ^_^  

    

     

      Let's talk about how I first discovered this handsome fella's music a month ago. Well I was streaming some rap mixtapes on YouTube and I thought I listen to Casey Veggies's (being that I never listened to him before). The first song featured Phil ("Life Changes"). At first listen I enjoyed Phil's voice so I looked his music (not even finish listening to Casey's....sorry). Then the first song I heard of Mr. Beaudreau's was "Anyway", which was the sample Casey used for "Life Changes".  I LOVE THAT SONG. So real. From there on, I loved his music. And the real point of this is to say this guy is TOO underrated. And I wish I knew more about him being that he isn't "famous" enough to have a bio. All I know is that he went to Berklee College of Music, he use to be in an alternative rock band called Shaimus and he currently makes music with a rapper/producer named Dawuan Parker (they are called AoE).

His mixtape/album Ether is amazing. (it can be heard on SoundCloud or itunes)

      

      While its relevant I minded as well talked about the songs feautured on it. The best songs to me on it were "Little Wild Fire", "Buried Alive", "Take It High", "Anyway", "This is Why", "Something Better" and "Rollolloll" (funny title). That's more than half of the album and not to say I didn't like the ones not mention but these are my favorites. But I can say he has yet to make a bad or terrible song. 

Did I talk about how I much I love his voice? Well I do. And I don't think I've heard another like his. Very unique.

Just to give you a taste of his music, listen to the song below and thanks for reading.

Band Spotlight: Trocadero

     Malik Frierson
     8-7-14
                     Well hello there music lover. I assume your a music lover because your on a music centric blog. Today I'm going to introduce you to a band that I think is absolutely fantastic and that is Trocadero. Trocadero is an experimental rock band from Massacusets.

 They've been active since 1997 but officially became Trocadero in 1998. There first gig was in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Since then the band has grown in popularity since they partnered with the famous gaming organization Rooster Teeth. Trocadero's most famous work is probably the songs they made for the Rooster Teeth's famous web series "Red Vs. Blue". Trocadero have about three albums and a few singles. The reason I'm giving the spotlight to Trocadero is because they bring there own style to the table. Their songs are original, creative, and exciting. Trocadero continue to make songs for the web series " Red Vs. Blue" the most recent being "Contact" which is one of my favorite songs by the band, it has the elements of being stranded and mixed with awesome rock. If you love originality, ingenuity, and awesome sounding music look no further Trocadero is here for you. So you can get a taste of the band I'm going to leave one of my favorite Trocadero songs below enjoy and thanks for reading.

Song Spotlight: Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani

#ThrowbackThursday 

This kickass song is from 2004 from one of my favorite underrated and low key Caucasian arist, Gwen Stefani.

I miss her in the music world.

With the upbeat and groovy instrumental and the tough and raw lyrics from Stefani.....I'll say this is my favorite song from that year. And you can say its a bit righteous and overzealous but it's put you in a confident and happy mood. Oh and did I mention the again upbeat and fun video. It's so bananas! LOL, I'm so corny but give it a listen and thanks for reading!

Be sure to check out my SoundClound: https://soundcloud.com/mira2x .

Female Rappers: The Few and the Feuds

Tamira Thomas
8/7/14

For starters, let me give credit to one of my friends, Jayde, who gave me the idea to talk about this topic. Actually, I'd like to call it an issue because......"Why can't we all just get along?"

Now let's get real. How many female rappers can you name?......Probably just the ones below:

Nicki Minaj and Iggy Azeala, huh? Mainstream media has brought much attention to these two. And although Iggy dropped an album this year which many people loved (and I still didn't listen to but I love her song "Work"), Nicki still won the Best Female Rap Artist Award. And I'll give my opinion about it: there was much shade thrown at that award show. 
    At some point in my life I did consider myself a fan of Ms. Minaj and I did buy her first two albums. But nowadays in which she has made songs like "Lookin' Ass N****", she just doesn't appeal to me anymore. But somehow, I still believe everyone still has to respect the fact that she is THE most famous female rap artist (pretty much what Lil' Kim use to be) and therefore is "running the game." Hey, but maybe one day Iggy will catch up to her.

                                                                                                       

 The Few...?

    There are a good amount of female rappers. But none come to fame and when I mean fame, I mean to the spotlight and mainstream industry. When everybody knows who you are. But does that mean you're the best?
No. But yes. 

    You see these ladies? I feel like they are underrated but they are right where they need to be. It is true to say everybody doesn't need fame or to be mainstream to exactly make it. They both have a pretty solid fan base. BUT in my opinion, honestly, only some of their music is good. Maybe 50%.....every other song. When it came to Minaj's music, I could vibe to almost every single song.
    
       From Azealia Banks (at the top), I love her songs "1991", "Liquorice", "212" and there may be other but those are just to name a few. I also liked the fact that she was featured on Childish Gambino's album.
      And from Angel Haze, I love her songs "Echelon" and "Werkin' Girls". I guess it's her story that I respect most about her. She's really misunderstood sometimes.
Oh, yeah.
    These two were beefing, not that I want to talk about that old ass beef but Angel made a really dope diss song, "On the Edge", much better than Azealia's.   

                              
   There are more interesting female rappers. Just to name a few: Lola Monroe, Snow Tha Product, Brooke Candy, Amber London, Trina (if she's still around anymore) and LETS not forget about my girl Eve, she still does her thing. But honestly, on a regular basis I still only listen to Nicki, Azealia, and Angel. 

The Feuds

    When I say feuds I don't mean swinging and hair pulling like its Bad Girls Club, I mean throwing MAJOR shade and never collaborating. I mean don't male rappers collaborate on songs or even entire mixtapes together but it is us righteous females that cannot? 

    I know rap artist are very competitive, that's one of the things I love about Hip hop itself. Just the other day, I got all hyped when I heard Gambino stated at a concert that he was the "best rapper alive". I agree with him, LOL. Then when he said he's better than artist like Drake and Kendrick Lamar and others, that really shows the competitiveness.

   But I can't remember the last time I heard two female RAP artist collaborate for a song. And before I couldn't even get a chance to post this, I read about the return of the Lil' Kim-Nicki Minaj beef.......sigh.

    Uggghhh. These two have been beefing since day one.....well actually since Minaj started to rise to fame. I can say I have seen the resemblances of Kim's personas and fashion in Nicki's. But now she's got her own style and has moved. But here goes Ms. Lil' Kim. She abruptly release a diss track to Nicki...again. I think its for promotional use. But it's really getting old. Everybody's wondering how and when will Minaj respond. But I hope she doesn't.

   I'm wondering when will the day come when these two will squash whatever it is and collaborate. I'd think that would be really cool. Hell, when will any of these female RAP artist collaborate and do something dope?

Tell me your thoughts and thanks for reading! ^_^ 

   

Awesome Hooks of 2013

Tamira Thomas
8/3/14

Some Awesome Hooks from 2013

These are what I believe to be some of my favorite hooks from the past year. Some of these artist mainstream and some are not (underground I guess). The songs are all different but one thing each song has in common are awesome hooks that draw you in and are the main reason I love each and every song. Now I couldn't give you all of them but here are some of them....by the way there's no specific order.

Vic Mensa - Orange Soda 

This song actually had to grow on me and I happen to take fond of the hook. Vic is said to be very similar to Chance the Rapper but I happened to like Vic better and one of the reasons is because of this song. Lately, a lot of rappers are starting to get their singing on and Mr. Mensa does a good job at it. Be sure to check the song out if you haven't already, but just imagine Vic's soulful voice singing this:

 "To get you what you need

Make you love it, make you want it

'Cause baby you are so amazing".

Kilo Kish - Goldmine

This song was love at first listen. Then the hook just made it better. People really are sleeping on Kilo. So much talent, that's all I can say. Since I don't exactly know how to define her music as a whole, it doesn't really matter what type of music you listen to, you will enjoy this song and most of her music. Here's the hook:

"I've been looking pretty hard but I come up empty

I've thinking that the only one 

For you is me (repeat)

Baby, baby (repeat)

Babe".

Childish Gambino - The Worst Guys ft. Chance the Rapper

Well first off, LOL. Just from experience, when I was chilling with my friends and they heard this song (well the hook), the question was "what did she need?". That's often the question. But I think Gambino and Chance left that for you to decide......even though we all really know the answer. I'm sure all Gambino fans absolutely love this song, so if you're not really one.....give it a listen, you'll love it. The hook:

"All she needed was some....." (repeat).

Kilo Kish - Ghost ft. Childish Gambino

As you can tell already, I am a big fan of these two. Such an awesome song. Such an awesome hook:

"And everywhere you are

I fall in love and scared in the dark I can pretend

You're all that I need

I love the thing you are

Holding on to this Lost in the dark 

and you pretend

you're here to save me"

Beyonce - Mine ft. Drake

Somehow I can relate to this hook and I enjoy it more than the rest of the song, besides the outro.  Here it is:

"Do you wanna roll with a good girl?

Do it big do it all for a good girl

One time, this is a song for the good girl

Don't sleep when you know you got it good girl

One time, this is a song for the good girl

Wanna roll, wanna roll with a good girl

One time, this is a song for the good girl

And I still keep it hood, still treat you like I should

Wassup?"

Childish Gambino - 3005 

Now just like every song so far, this one will have you singing, jamming, and rapping along. Its just amazing and that is why I cherish it. Though the only hook on my list with explicit language, it means a lot to me. Be sure to listen to it because if you haven't already, you're missing out. 

"No matter what you or what you do

When I'm alone I'd be with you

Fuck these other n*****, I'll be right by your side

'Til 3005, 'hol up".

Big Sean - World Ablaze ft. James Fauntleroy

I must say I'm not a huge fan of Big Sean, but I do value his music somewhat and this song is why. Of course with the help of James Fauntleroy, I enjoy this hook. 

"Now, when the world's ablaze, the stars will fall

The lights go off

Say its going to be, alright

Its going to be, alright

Cause, when the world's ablaze, the stars will fall

The lights go off

Say its going to be, alright

Its going to be, alright".

Drake - From Time ft. Jhené Aiko

Even though Drake's verses were dope, Ms. Aiko is the reason I love this song. Her voice, her words, that hook....love it!

"Cause I love me, I love me enough for the both of us

That's why you trust me, I know you been through more than most of us

So what are you, what are you, what are you so afraid of?

Darling you, you give but you cannot take love".

J. Cole - Power Trip ft. Miguel

"Got me up all night, all I'm singin' is love songs.......
Would you believe me if I said I'm in love?
Baby, I want you to want me
Would you believe me if I said I'm in love?
Baby, I want ya".
I guess I saved the best for last because I love both hooks in this song. Some say without Miguel, this song is shit because I would still love it, though his lovely voice adds much soul. And though I picked J. Cole's most popular song from last year, I loved a lot hooks/verse from his entire album. Hopefully in my next post I'll talk how many, many, many songs get ignore just because they're aren't the single or played on the radio (like they should). But anyway, that'll be for another time.

I hope to see more great hooks and just music from these artist this year. And I know you do too. Thanks for reading!


Also, be sure to check out my SoundCloud: m.soundcloud.com/mira2x .

Bringing Music Of The Past Into The Future

         By Malik Frierson
         8/2/14
This weekend since I'm a huge nerd I went to go see the master piece that is Guardians Of The Galaxy. Now I know what your thinking "Why is Tamira letting the nerd talk about nerd movies on a music blog?" Well I'm talking about The movie's superb soundtrack. So sit back, relax, and get your reading glasses on cause I'm about to review the Guardians Of The Galaxy soundtrack.

     The Guardians Of The Galaxy soundtrack also known as "The Awesome Mix Tape" is a collection of classic pop and rock songs from the 70s and 80s. From the Jackson 5 to The Runnaways there are a wide variety of classic songs to listen too. Each song has a charm to them which makes you want to listen to them over and over. From slow and calm to energetic, your sure to find something for you if you have an appreciation for the classics. Each song is featured in the film thanks to the protagonist Peter Quill and his stylish Walkman.  I dare you to try and listen to any of the songs and not at the least tap your foot  or bob your head to them. They get stuck in your head and you don't want them to leave. My absolute favorite songs from the album has to be "Hooked On a Feeling" by Blue Swede and "Come and Get Your Love" by Redbone. Every time I heard either I got the urge to dance to the music. The music of this album was so good it made me question the quality of the music produced today. Other songs featured on the album are "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"," The Pina Colada Song", and "Ooh Child". I urge you if you haven't listen to this album please do your self  a favor and listen to it you'll almost certainly have a good time listening. So on a scale from 1 to 10 how good is this album? I say 20. This has been your resident handsome nerd thank you for reading.

Top 10 Love Songs (Part 2)

My Top 10 Love Songs (1-5)

By Tamira Thomas
7/23/14

These are the top 5 love songs. Okay, to me they are.

#5 Chris Brown - Should've Kissed You

Well first off, I'll say I love the song just as much I hate the video. But it's up to you if you want to watch it. It just seems lame but whatever. Anyway, this song is perfect for that common awkward "friend zone" situation, where you just want to tell that special person how you feel. Also, when you want to kiss them!

#4 Disclosure ft. Sam  Smith - Latch

I don't know why this video stir up controversy. Oh, because two women made out? The video showed different types of people becoming romantically involved: gay and straight. Those who felt uncomfortable watching need to get a grip. Though to some the video may seem eccentric, I think the song is awesome, with the amazing instrumental from Disclosure and the lovely vocals from Sam Smith. The lyrics are pretty great, as well. It's an all-around great production.

#3 Katy Perry - Not like the Movies

No video for Katy here (her videos are usually awesome) but the song didn't really need one. That's how perfect it was. And that is also why it got my number 3 spot. You how everybody thinks love is like it is in the movies? Well, that's how Ms. Perry wants it in this song and who could blame her. I think everybody, deep, deep down, wants that "fairy tale feeling".

#2 Childish Gambino - What kind of love 

 
  https://soundcloud.com/childish-gambino/what-kind-of-love

As you can see, this song is only on SoundCloud (because someone leaked it before it could go on his album, jerks). I was scrolling on SoundCloud and happen to find this song and thank God, I'm glad I did. When Donald Glover sings, it's just special, then when he sings about delicate subjects like such, it is beyond words, so I immediately made this song number 2 on the list.

#1 Aaliyah - At Your Best, You Are Love

Number one! This is the type of song, someone thinks of the one they love or are crushing on, when they listen to it....I do. Especially when you're both hitting a bumpy road. I do believe in music therapy and so this song could possibly help. This is also one of my favorite songs from Aaliyah. Though she can't take all the credit. It was originally song by the Isley Brothers.

Songs That Almost Made the List (No Order)

OutKast (Andre 3000) - Prototype

Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love

Drake - Find Your Love

Denetia and Sene - Blah Blah Blah 

Robin Thicke ft. Pharrell - Wanna Love U Girl

What do you guys think? What are your top five?

Be sure to check out my SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/mira2x 

Thanks for reading!

Is It Really Rap?

Ameerah Stewart
7/22/14

Recently, I've been really into the Bangtan Boys, a Korean rap/hip hop boy band. But.. Those titles don't really make sense altogether, do they? Well, you're not the only one who thinks so. South Korea has been shaken up by these 7 teens and rappers from all over the peninsula have had something to say about their situation. 

The most known instance of opinion is underground rapper B-Free's for when he publicly dissed the main rappers of the group, Suga and Rap Monster, at a hip hop radio event. Things were implied such as they can't be real rappers and idols, they succumbed to the crutch of a company, they're sell outs, they're not hard anymore, they can't rap, blah blah blah blah.

And some people defended this guy by saying the "great guru spirits of rap history voodoo magic" said that one couldn't be a rapper and be in a company without creative license, or can't rap with others, or be girly, etc. 

BUT.

These rappers do have creative license. They rap about what they feel, they write most of the lyrics for their songs including vocals, and they write ALL of their raps unlike other certain Korean "rappers" *coughGDragonTOPTaecyeonLJoeCAPKeyMinhoMickyUKnowNumerousOtherscough*. Cough cough.

And no band-rappers? Whoa.. What about the 90s? Salt 'N Pepa, the roots, Public Enemy? If anything, these boys are doing the rap game in Korea a favor. Very few rappers there tend to be paired or joined with vocalists as a team like you used to be able to find in the oh so selfish USA. But, can a Korean even be a rapper anyways? Tell me what you think!

Top 10 Love Songs (Part 1)

My Top 10 Love Songs (6-10)

By Tamira Thomas
7/22/14

Before I get into the first half of my list, let me say this is my opinion in love songs I can relate to and enjoy (without crying....because they're are so beautiful and that's what love should be like). But I do hope you agree with some of my list.

  #10 Beyoncè - Halo

I'd never thought one of Beyonce's songs would make my list (due to her recent turn of raunchiness in her music) and it barely did but this song is great. This is back when I actually considered myself a fan of hers. It was 2008 when Bey dropped this angelic love song. The video was just as great as the song starring herself and the handsome Michael Ealy. 

#9 Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown - No Air

This is song is life (no pun intended). When I first heard this song and seen the video, I really thought Chris and Jordin were dating and in love or something because the way they song this record you felt what they were saying. This is definitely also one of the best duets I've ever heard. I don't know if you ever felt like you couldn't breathe without that person around but it isn't suppose to be taken literally but it's just to say without that special person, you don't even want to breathe (live).

#8 Miguel - Sure Thing

Miguel actually wrote and sang this song to win his long-time girlfriend (which he did, how cute). This delightful song always won my heart over to make it my number eight spot. "You can bet and never got to sweat that" this song will have you jammin' and feeling the love.

#7 Aaliyah - One in a Million

This song is a one in a million. And so is the great and late Aaliyah. I have to admit I've been skipping this song lately on my playlist but it definitely was one of the first song I thought of when I thought above love records. This talented soul sang beautifully to her love in this RnB classic. 

#6 Jhené Aiko ft. Childish Gambino - Bed Peace 

Now it was funny for me to go from my oldest favorite female artist to my newest favorite but Aiko gets spot number six. The lovely melody made this song seem even more lovelier (which is why I recently learned to play it on the piano). Then there's Gambino on it (imagine if sang, it'd be perfect). Actually, this song is perfect, both of my favorite music artist on one song talking bout' love. Also I totally ship them! 

Song Spotlight: Love Is Hell by Theory Of A Dead Man

By Malik Frierson
7/21/14

Are you tired of all the love going on around you? Did you recently have a bad experience in your love life? Well I've got just the song for you! Theory Of A Dead Man have always made pretty cynical songs. Their lyricshave always  painted a less romantic picture about life. Maybe that's their charm. A song I found myself listening too a lot by them is "Love Is Hell".  The song itself is purely anti love. If you've been dumped, cheated on, or manipulated by a significant other odds are this is the song for you. This song was always on the top of my playlist after I had been through a breakup. The instruments also fit very well with the tone of the song. Giving a hard, and brutal sounding electric guitar that sounded how an angry heartbroken person would feel. All in all it's a great song that deserves some recognition so heartbroken or not take the time to give it a listen.

Top Five Original Songs From Gaming

By Malik Frierson
7/19/14

         Incase you haven't noticed, I the person who writes some of the articles you read on this blog am a huge nerd. I love gaming, comics, and super heroes. In gaming there is tons of music. But every once in a while You will find a certain track that is just so amazing, memorable, and so damn good you just have to hear it a bazillion more times. So I have picked five original tracks from videogames that just make my geeky side giddy with glee.

5. Kefka's theme from the Final Fantasy series
 Kefka is one of the most famous video game villains ever. He has many unforgettable features to him whether it be his clown like demeanor, or his dangerous unpredictability. Today though we're going to focus on his theme. Kefka's theme just feels perfect for the character. It has a sadistic evil clown feel to it. When you hear it you know some serious evil is about to happen. This song just feels sinister which is why it makes the list.



4.  No Happy Endings from Grand Theft Auto V

 The last track I picked went well for a character. But this track goes well for key moments through out GTAV. The track "No Happy Endings" is played all around GTAV and helps set the mood for important story points in the game. The track itself sounds amazing. To me it has a 80s feel. Rock Star picked the best moments to play this track too. In one instance you play as fan favorite Psychopath Trevor who flies to North Yankton to uncover a secret hidden by your so called friend and fellow GTA Protagonist Michael. In the scene, you fly over the fictional state of San Andreas and then the open sea all during a stormy night. Lightning starts cracking through the sky and then the track starts playing and makes it all such a perfect scene. The track also plays during parachute missions. It creates a sense of awe while you slowly float down to a beautifully realized Los Santos.  

3. Suicide Mission from Mass Effect 2

Imagine leading a crew of the best of the best into hell. If there was a song for that feeling it would be this track. In Mass Effect 2 you must lead a crew into a suicide mission. Your choices as a leader decide if all or none of your crew makes it out of this mission. The Mission is so big it needed its own theme. The composer Jack Wall succeeded at making an intense orchestra track that fits well the sci-fi tone of the game. When you hear the track you feel like your under pressure but also you feel that all you need to do is push through and you and your crew will make it.

2. Armed With Death from The Walking Dead Game

The Walking Dead Game is an emotional roller coaster from start to end. This is ever apparent in episode 5 "No Time Left" when Lee makes one final push through a herd of walkers to save Clementine a little girl many gamers have grown to love. While Lee fights his way through a herd of walkers this amazing track starts playing. I found my self yelling "YEAH" and "I'M COMING CLEM"  as I cut through each walker. The music is an adrenalizing track which sounds like it has elements of country and rock. This track feels like I'm listening to raw emotion, which is why this track takes #2.

1.Dovahkiin from Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
 
The number one spot is taken by the phenomenal track Dovahkiin. From the amazing masterpiece that is the game Skyrim. Dovahkiin was created for the game but sung in a foreign language created specifically for the game. It makes you feel like you actually are a powerful warrior and a force to be reckoned with. The song is so good I have it set on repeat on my phone as I type this. The track feels very norse so it has a historical charm to it. It also sets the mood for when your in an epic battle with a dragon. It will make the nerd in you jump with joy.

Well thanks for reading this nerd's favorite video game tracks. If you're reading this far you should stick around and read the other articles on here, they are pretty damn good. Some are written by the supreme overlord of this blog Tamira and then there are some written by her incredibly handsome co-writer, me. So stick around there will be tons more music centric stuff to read. This is the handsome co-writer nerd signing off.

Jhene Aiko Drops New Track: "The Pressure"

By Tamira Thomas
7/18/14

More Music from Jhené Aiko!

cover of single "The Pressure"

     A month ago, Jhené released her single "To Love & Die" ft. Cocaine 80s, which had to grow on me but overall I enjoy. Yesterday, she dropped another single called "The Pressure" and let me say I fell in love with it at first listen. In my opinion, I enjoyed it more than "To Love & Die". Both will be featured on her highly anticipated album: Souled Out. 

  

    In her second single, she talks about her relationship with this guy and is trying to tell him there's no pressure and she understand the pressure he's facing because she is too. I can't but relate to this song just like many of her soulful and meaningful pieces. I think that's why I enjoy it so much because it reminds of her dated music and when I first discovered her.

     I actually hope more of her songs from Souled Out will be as soulful and as down-to-earth as "The Pressure" was. I guess we all see on August 25th, the designated date for the album release. I can't wait! How about you guys?

   Give it a listen at: https://m.soundcloud.com/jhene-aiko-1/the-pressure .

Gaming Soundtrack Of The Week

By Malik Frierson
7/18/14    
This week the gaming sound track of the week goes to Grand Theft Auto 5.

The music of Grand Theft Auto 5 was a mixture of different genres to make a fun time. Rock, hip hop, country, alternative, and pop can be found on this sound track. Like the game it self it appeals to a wide variety of people. From artist like Kendrick Lamar, to Favored Nations, to Rihanna the collection is very varied. all of the songs are featured in game and fit well together. There's something enjoyable about committing a crime while listening to Rihanna. As I listened to the sound track I found myself enjoying songs from genres I usually don't enjoy. This sound track is so good it's criminal (pun intended0. Even if your not a gamer or you don't play Grand Theft Auto you should take the time to listen to this soundtrack I'm sure you'll find something you like.

Rebellious Rock Songs

By Malik Frierson
 7/16/14
  What is it about Rock music that is so appealing to many? I say it is the  rebellious spirit of the genre. Rock music has a defiant feel too it. The lyrics the violent and fast feel of the songs. From the 50s to now rock music has been fueling rebels for decades. These are my Top 5 Rebellious rock songs.

5. Whore By In This Moment                  In This Moment is a heavy metal band. The lead singer Maria Brink is a very talented person. The song Whore feels very rebellious. When you think of the word whore negative thoughts come to mind. you think of someone who is distasteful lacking in class. In This Moment flips the word whore upside down. The song actually demonstrates power in it. The lyrics state " I'm the girl you've been thinking about the one thing you can't live with out. Yea I'm the girl you've been waiting for." This shows  a different interpretation of the word whore which is a woman with power over someone else and challenges the public's opinion on it.

4.Riot By Three Days Grace
This one is more obvious. From Three Days Grace comes Riot. From the violent guitar sounds, to the emotion filled lyrics the song appeals to our anger at the unfairness of the world. It lets us know that we are strong together and it will feel good when we fight back. Whether you've been dumped, cheated, bullied Riot will fill full of the energy to just go crazy and fight back against those who have wronged you.

3.In One Ear By Cage The Elephant
      In One Ear has a not care vibe about it. In the beginning the singer list about all the negative things said about him and he states he doesn't care he's going keep doing what he loves. Its about enjoying and doing what you love and blocking out the people who don't want you too be happy about that. Rebel by being happy about your life.

2. Holiday By Green Day

   " Holiday" is an energetic song that fills people who listens with energy. The song has been described by the lead singer of Green Day Billie Joe Armstrong an anti war song. The song was apart of Green day's famous album American Idiot which was filled with songs that displayed the rocker's view of the issues that were happening post 9/11. "Holiday" is personally my favorite from it's fast beat and energetic feel but it also has a strong message hidden underneath.

1. Kick In The Teeth By Papa Roach

 Kick in the Teeth is a song that oozes defiance. It starts out stating that the world is a terrible place but the singer shows defiance. He basically says I can take what ever is thrown my way. In the music video the singer is constantly beat down but he keeps getting back up. Its a song about being resilient and not letting things keep you down. Rebel against those who want to keep you down.

Well those were my top 5 rebellious songs thanks for reading.