I recently discovered a UK artist that goes by the name of Khalil Devonne. His new song ‘Finer Things’ isn’t on a streaming platform yet but below is the video.
The song has a nice vibe to it and the video and visuals are very fun to watch. It will have you singing “you remind me of the finer things in life” all week. I love songs that are just feel good songs with good vibes and energy.
After Beyoncé’s Coachella performances, it has reminded me of her brilliant discography. Her first studio album ‘Dangerously in Love’ can be argued to be one of her best albums. The album is filled with love songs and classics. One of my favourites on the album is ”Me, Myself and I”. The introduction to the song is enough; “All the ladies, if you feel me help me sing it out” as her tone of voice changes.
The song is based on a woman who’s had enough of dealing with her boyfriends issues and womanising ways. The song shows how she implements the importance of self worth and how she gains independence from the breakdown of the relationship. The song could be considered to be a common song sang by women after a break up with the idea it uplifts them.
My favourite lines would have to be; “Got me, myself, and I) I know that I will never disappoint myself”. Sometimes we are given horrible experiences in life but the most important thing to learn is that nobody has you more than yourself.
Afrobeats are considered a style of music incorporating African music. Over the past few years it has become more mainstream and more popular.
“Woju Remix” released in 2005 is a song by Nigerian artist Kiss Daniel featuring fellow Nigerian singers Tiwa Savage and Davido. The song mixes Pidgin English with Yoruba language as well as English.
My favourite line is by Davido when he sings “She look my neck and say odikwa bright” meaning his neck is shining because of the gold around it. The song is a great song to play in the weather and the video is great. Take a listen and watch below.
I love Fridays!!!! Guaranteed new music. The next few months are proving to be very exciting in terms of future releases. Today’s feature is from US rapper J Cole’s new album ‘KOD’. The song is called ‘1985 (Intro to the Fall Off)’ & is the last song on the album.
1985 represents the year J Cole was born and it’s evident the song is a reflection on his life. The song is more like an open letter to new rappers. Cole uses the song to pass on useful advice to the newer generation; “I got some good advice, never quit tourin’, Cause that’s the way we eat here in this rap game”. An interesting line said is when he raps “They wanna be black and think your song is how it feels”. Hip-Hop has become one of the biggest genres in the world and especially America. However there was a time Hip-Hop was considered a negative format of music. It can be argued that now it is considered “stylish”, some demographics that were against it are now the people using the songs as a form of escaping reality.
Kanye West released “Only One” as the first single after his album Yeezus. Paul McCartney co-produced it and it is definitely one of Kanye’s more emotional songs. The concept is based on the fact the song is sung from the perspective of Kanye’s late mother Donda West as she looks down from heaven at her son and granddaughter. The ultimate line in this song is “No you’re not perfect but you’re not your mistakes”. Those lines are lessons to live by.
British R&B singer Angel released his debut studio album entitled ‘About Time’ in 2013. One of my favourite songs on the album is called “Blown Away” and it features Nigerian superstar Wizkid.
The song is based on the first feeling you get when you fall for someone; “I’m getting this feeling
That I’m falling in love with you”. Angels beautiful sensual voice and Wizkid’s Nigerian vibes mix so well. My favourite lines; “When you appear my heart starts racing. Whirlwind but I’m in the same place”. That wonderful feeling of love you get when you find the person meant for you is beautiful.
This week’s Tuesday tune is by Poo Bear featuring Jay Electronica & Justin Bieber called “Hard 2 Face Reality”. Lyrics such as “Sometimes it’s hard to face reality” relate to everyone. The song is based on the fact it’s hard to stay in touch with their loves while they’re busy being celebs and musicians. The song can also relate to everyone else by dealing with so much while life gets in the way. Sometimes it’s hard to just accept people are busy and not everyone can find time. I like the contrast of all three voices. Poo Bear & Justin’s soft voices blend and the rawness and Jay Electronica compliment the message of the song. My favourite lines; “The bigger picture and the smaller picture are exactly the same, it’s macro, micro”. This is a good way to think of life, sometimes what you are looking for is always there in front of you, you just gotta adjust the way you look at a situation or approach it.
Say what you want about Young Thug but he knows how to make hits. His song ‘Anybody’ featuring Nicki Minaj is definitely a match made in heaven. Thug actually sings very fluently and clear on this song and the addition of Nicki’s vocals blend so well.
The production of the song is also something that stands out. Nicki has stand out word plays as usual on features;
“You gotta picture me rollin’, packin’ a semi (wait) colon” & “Why don’t you act like a Hoffman, and go get to dustin’?”
There are only a few artists that have the ability to storytell to the point a whole song can grip you. UK artist Cadet is certainly one of them.
His regular freestyles are infamous and this song ‘Closure’ is a continuation of his previous song ‘Slut’. I dont want to ruin the storyline for you but ‘Closure’ is a personal open letter based on the events in the previous chapter. However, Cadet provides us with the shock factor and honestly, the song will have you at the edge of your seat.
Beyoncé’s third studio album released in 2008, “I Am… Sasha Fierce” was possibly one of her best albums. The album featured two disks. The first one focusing on her usual slow/R&B ballads while the second focused on her alter ego ‘Sacha Fierce’ meaning more uptempo songs.
The song ‘Scared of Lonely’ was featured on the deluxe version and focusses on Beyoncé asking for care and attention in the relationship. Beyoncé as the ability to convey the emotions she wings about. The song allows us to witness a vulnerable side; “I’m scared of lonely & I’m scared of being the only shadow I see along the wall”. The lyrics in this song portray Beyoncé as a woman who is being neglected from her other half.
The song showcases Beyoncés vocal range and the only regret was that this was not released as a single.
In 2015 British rapper Tinie Tempah released his ‘Junk Food’ mixtape. The tape featured some of the UK’S best artists. The mixtape was Tinie Tempah reminding people that he was still a rapper. This particular song ‘100 Friends’ features one of our best… J Hus.
The verse from J Hus could be argued to be one of his best guest verses. A particular line that sticks out “If she don’t like Hus, then she must like women”. Hus uses his clever punchlines to articulate his talent throughout the whole verse. Another great thing about this song is the production produced by the incredible Nana Rogues. He also produced ‘Been The man’, ‘We don’t play no games’, ‘Autogas’, ‘Look at me and ‘Might Flip’ on the tape.
Have a listen below if you haven’t heard the song or the mixtape.