Hey guys! We’re halfway through the week! It’s been one of those weeks where everyone I have spoken to has expressed their tiredness! I’ve put down 3 songs I’ve been listening to, some new and some older. Most of the songs have that calming vibe that will hopefully comfort you this ‘long’ week. Have a listen below!
1. Bellah – Never Loved (2019)
I love discovering new artists and hearing people with unique sounds. Bellah ticks all those boxes with her debut single. I’ve had this song on repeat since I first heard it. I love how calming the song feels but also is the kind of song you can blast on your speakers. I read an interview where Bellah talks about the idea that sometimes closure from a relationship can come in different forms. She sings in the song “My diary’s a waste of paper ” as she stated previously she got tired of writing down her feelings. For Bellah it seems singing her feelings was a kind of therapy for her. I look forward to hearing more music from her in the future.
Check out the song below:
2. Summer Walker Ft Drake – Girls Need Love Remix. (2019)
Draaaaaaakkkkkkkeeeeeeeeee????? Okay! This is the OLD Drake! I love his feature in this song. He came in so smoothly. The song reminds me of old school Drake as well as his song “Teenage Fever”. Summer uses the song to argue the double standard associated between men stating what they want openly while women are taught to be silent. I liked how Drake’s verse balanced Summer’s especially when he sings “Pleasure not meant for one side, you should just do what’s best for your mind”, which compliments the message of the song.
Have a listen below
3. Stwo Ft Jeremih – Neither Do I (2017)
This song released a couple years ago is another song that fits with the chilled theme for this post. Stwo, a producer with credits such as “Weston Road Flows” by Drake recruits Jeremih for this hit. Jeremih serenades the woman in this song repeatedly singing ;”Do you know what it feels like to fall in love”.
Hi everyone, I know I usually talk about songs and lyrics but this post is dedicated to two important videos that have recently been released.
MoStack – Daily Duppy
The first video is a Daily Duppy from from UK rapper MoStack. He’s possibly one of the UK’s best rappers at the moment and this freestyle showcases his versatility. He raps about his lifestyle “see my eye bags, I carry nuff baggage” demonstrating his use of clever puns which is shown throughout the whole freestyle. The beat/instrumental used in this freestyle is great too and MoStack rides the beat like a pro. Some of my favourite bars are; “We don’t speak but your secrets won’t leave my mouth” and “How dare you think a weapon’s more stronger than prayer, I’m more than blessed, I’m more than flex”, MoStack is so talented with his words. This is definitely one of my favourite freestyles from a rapper and I love the rawness and the mention of his love for fellow UK rapper J Hus. I like freestyles when an artist spills out their true emotions and this is exactly what MoStack did. I look forward to more music from him coming in the near future.
PS: Free J Hus!!
Dave – Black
Before I start this I just want to remind everyone about Martin Luther King’s famous speech; “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character”. This dream is seeming less and less likely as the days go on.
UK rapper Dave is infamous for his thought provoking music and incredible videos. This song and video is no different. This song is the first from his upcoming debut album ‘Psychodrama’ produced by the legend that is Fraser T Smith. Dave uses this track to discuss social and racial inequality and how it is to be a Black man in a white man’s world. As a fellow Nigerian, I love the accompanying video as it was filmed in my country and shows the beauty of it. As a Black woman, I love the issues raised, I feel this a song I would love my younger cousins to hear and to digest. I relate to so many things mentioned in this song as i’m sure many other people do. Statements like “Cause you need to do double what they do so you can level them” are things my mum told me from a young age and advice I know many other young black people have been taught. So many statements in this song are powerful; “A kid dies, the blacker the killer, the sweeter the news and if he’s white you give him a chance, he’s ill and confused” reminding me pretty much of the term “Black on Black” crime. We never say “white on white crime” so why is it a specific issue when black people are concerned? I love the awareness Dave brings to these issues and it’s so sad to see the constant battle many of us have to face just because of the colour of our skin. Another point to add is that Dave features many fellow Black celebrities in the video to showcase the positive role models we have. Dave ends by saying “Black is all I know, there ain’t a thing that I would change in it” which is my sentiments exactly. Have a watch below;
Hey all, Happy Sunday! I know Sundays for most are quite relaxing or religious and laid back. I have compiled a list of a few songs I’m playing at the moment that have that chilled back vibe. Remember to check out my Spotify playlist on the top of the page! Have a listen below and next week I will be back with more content for you.
Kehlani Ft. Ty Dolla $ign – Nights Like This (2019)
Fun fact: Kehlani was actually the reason I started writing about songs. Originally I started writing as a therapy for me to express my thoughts and problems and it was all due to hearing one of her songs. She has the ability to sing a song and get you invested to the point you start seeing the similarities in your own life. I’ve already talked about my love for Ty Dolla in features and this song is no different. The pair in this song are perfect. This song plays on the idea of deceit and dishonesty as she sings; “You gon’ say you want me, then go switch it up, just gon’ play with my emotions” implying that she’s been messed about. You can feel the pain she feels in this song; “Feel like it’s too hard to fall in love again”, the experience has even made her wary of trying again. Overall, this is one of my favourite Kehlani songs. Have a listen below.
Eric Bellinger Ft. Chris Brown & OG Parker – Type A Way (2019)
This song is taken from Eric’ new 32 song EP titled ‘The Rebirth 2′. I’ve been a fan of Eric Bellinger for a while, he’s a great songwriter and has some great songs. He has a unique catchphrase “This gon’ be your favorite song” which I love hearing at the beginning of a song. OG Parker is a producer and sometimes I feel like producers don’t get enough credit so shout out to him has the production for this song is on point. Chris Brown and Eric fuse so well in this song that sometimes it is hard to even know who was singing. They have similar talents where they can hit high notes and low notes in the same breath. I like the fact that the song is quite mixed in terms of both of them singing. A featured song is mostly just a little piece of the featured artist but this is more a collaborative effort. Have a listen below:
Hypo Ft. Yxng Bane & Asco – First Night (2019)
This is a UK feature and boy is it catchy! The song reminds me exactly of Usher’s song “I Don’t Mind” (2014) where he states that if a woman chooses to be a pole dancer it doesn’t mean she is “loose” which is the stereotype associated with that profession. Similarly to Usher’s song Hypo, Yxng Bane & Asco sing about the same premise and even argue that sleeping with a man on a first night does not mean the guy will not “wife” her. The UK guys make a good group and I’m sure you’ll be singing the chorus repeatedly after a few listens. Have a listen to the song below as well as Usher’s song that possible served as inspiration for them.
Usher’s original
Hypo version.
Pia Mia – Ocean Drive (2017)
Pia is most famous for her song “Do it Again” with Tyga and Chris Brown but I’m surprised this song from her wasn’t more of a hit. I like how the tone of the song changes and the sound gets more upbeat throughout the song especially during the chorus. This song will be best to listen to with a speaker that has a great Base or with both headphones in at the loudest volume. If you close your eyes, in pretty sure you can picture yourself on a beach somewhere, I certainly can!
Angel – Thug Juice (2018)
UK singer Angel has just signed with a major record label which is great. He is so talented and has such a distinctive voice so I’m glad he’s getting the recognition he deserves. This song fits in with the theme of this post. If you want a song to chill to and just bop your head slowly, this is the perfect song. Have a listen below.
Hello everyone! Today’s post is based on Motown hits/era. After the Grammy tribute last week it got me reminiscing. Motown is the name a record label originally founded in 1959, the label/lifestyle played a huge part in the fusion of African Americans in popular music. Artists such as Diana Ross, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5 to name a few. Eventually Motown became more than just a record label but a genre of music. Here are a list of a few of my favourite Motown hits!
Gladys Knight – Midnight Train to Georgia (1973)
This is one of my all time favourite songs! The song was featured on Gladys Knight & the Pips’ 11th album “Imagination.” Personally I believe it is one of the greatest love songs I’ve ever heard. One of my favourite lines that is repeated throughout the song is when Gladys sings ” I’d rather live in his world than live without him in mine”. Throughout the song she sings about a man that has to leave and travel to Georgia while she is in LA. It seems like he did not find what he was looking for; “He kept dreamin’ (Dreamin) Ooh that someday he’d be a star (A superstar but he didn’t get far)”. Gladys is saying that she loves him enough to leave her “world” and her home to go and join him in Georgia (his world). There is no love without some compromise or sacrifice and this song is a prime example of both.
The Contours – Do You Love Me (1962)
As a 25 year old, Motown is not really my generation however with timeless music, no matter your age or generation you are almost guaranteed to hear a cover or an adaptation somewhere. I first heard this particular song on the teenage show ‘Sister, Sister’. The song is a real dance song and the way they belt out “Do you love me” throughout the song will have you wanting to dance along. In the show i saw it, the sisters Tia and Tamera were performing it with their friend Ray who happened to have a crush. The scene was quite comical which played into the theme of the song. Have a listen to the song below.
The Supremes – You Can’t Hurry Love (1966)
“You can’t hurry love, no you just have to wait…she said love don’t come easy, it’s a game of give and take”, classic words sung by The Supremes (with some vocals from Diana Ross). This song focuses on the idea that nothing in life can be rushed like love, you have to give it time. The whole song is based on the advice a mother has given advising her daughter to have faith regardless of heartbreak or the fear of loneliness, the right person will come along. Have a listen below:
The Temptations – My Girl (1964)
A classic hit! This song which I believe is co-written by the legend that is Smokey Robinson is a song which is played even till today. A beautiful love song. The song reminds me of a sonnet. The men sing about how love makes them feel due to a specific girl; ” I’ve got so much honey, the bees envy me, I’ve got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees…all these wonderful emotions they receive from being in love. Have a listen below:
The Jackson 5 – I Want You Back – (1969)
As soon as I hear the intro beat of this song i’m ready to burst out into song. Michael and his brothers as young as they were, hit all the notes in this song beautifully. It’s hard to believe that 11 year old boys were the ones singing this song. I also like the use of the instruments throughout which gives it a feel good factor.
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell -You’re All I Need To Get By (1968)
Its a wonder how much bigger the late Tammi Terrell could have been if she didn’t unfortunately die so young. Tammi and Marvin Gaye always made a great duo. This song apparently was recorded while she was recovering from a surgery following her cancer diagnosis. This song has gone on to feature in many romantic films and with the words they sing it’s no surprise.
Happy Valentines Day everyone Hope you all had wonderful days/nights!!
Just a quick one. Here are 5 of some of my favourite modern love songs. I’ve focussed on the theme of the beginning of the relationship when everything is all rosy and fresh. I have also included my current slow jams and throwbacks Spotify link. I am in the process of filtering out some songs from there and as soon as I have a new an improved slow jams mix you will all know. Have a read and listen below.
1. Fantasia – When I See U (2006)
I’ve written about my love for this song before and boy is it perfect for a day like today. Fantasia sings her heart out in this song and you can’t help but feel the love. The opening verse describes how it feels when you have that crush or first love for someone; “I put your picture on my mirror, start to blush when somebody says your name” a feeling many of us know. The main reason I love this song so much is because of how relatable it is. It’s one of those songs that will have you thinking of a particular person as you belt out her verses. Fantasia’s voice in this song is sensational and the video is just as beautiful. Have a listen and watch below.
2. Beyoncé – Dangerously In Love (2003)
Okay so this is one of my favourite Beyoncé songs of all time. I love the sentiment behind the song and the calming vibe it provides you with. The opening lines “Baby, I love you, you are my life..my happiest moments weren’t complete if you weren’t by my side”, beautifully sung. Beyoncé harmonises with her own voice in this song and I feel like we are intruding on a duet between herself and herself! The lyrics are beautiful in this song.
3. Usher – U got it Bad (2001)
If we’re being honest 99% of Usher’s discography can be featured in this list. I picked this one because it plays on the theme of the beginning of falling in love. The song plays on the idea Usher is ready to leave his player ways as he has found the woman of his dreams. Again, this song focusses on the honeymoon period; “You got, you got it bad. When you’re on the phone, hang up and you call right back”, the beginning of the relationship when you’re in looooooove. Have a listen below.
4. Jennifer Lopez Ft. Fat Joe – Hold U Down (2005)
“You don’t know how much you mean to me, whenever you’re down you know that you can lean on me”, wiser words have never been spoken. I love how wholesome this song makes me feel. The idea that in a relationship you both help and support each other. I like how the partnership is demonstrated with the merging of verses with JLo singing her verse and Fat Joe rapping his but sometimes linking together.
5. Bob Marley & The Wailers Ft. Lauryn Hill -Turn your Lights Down Low (1999)
Last but not least one of the greatest songs from Bob Marley or Lauryn Hill in my opinion. I know I’ve written about this song before but I will always bring it up when talking about love songs! This remix features the two legends’ voices merging like it was meant to be. My favourite lines have to be when Lauryn raps “Loving you is a like a song I replay, every three minutes and thirty seconds of every day”…I mean what better analogy to express love than with music! Haha! Honestly the harmonies in this song are heavenly! Check the song out below.
Unfortunately over the weekend we were presented with sad news that UK rapper Cadet had sadly passed away. I have previously written posts on Cadet and talked about his amazing lyrical ability. It’s a sad time for the UK music scene as I believe we have truly lost a talent. Part of the reason I love music so much is because of how lyrics can make you feel. Cadet was one of those people that I knew with any song he was part of, I would want to hear what he had to say. He always referenced real life events which I loved and found very original.
An amazing thing I noticed with Cadet was that he always let people know how much they meant to him. All of the messages I have seen written by his loved ones show he always told them he loved them. I love that. Unfortunately we never know God’s plan for us on this earth but i’m pretty sure his was to spread love and inspire those after him. Life can be taken away from us at any moment so one thing we should take from this…to always express how we feel. Never give up on something you can’t go a day without thinking about and ALWAYS be gracious. He will be truly missed by the music scene but I am sure he’s resting in peace and somewhere up there spitting his bars and spreading even more love and positivity. 🙏🏾
1.Cadet – Slut freestyle (2015)
So! This was the freestyle that actually made people see him as a potential lyricist. The raw emotion and storytelling in this freestyle is possibly one of the best I’ve seen. We were shown his vulnerable side from the very beginning and I admire that from a rapper.
2.Tinie Tempah Ft Cadet & Youngs Teflon -Might Flip (2015)
Cadet has the first verse in this song from Tinie’s mixtape. This was probably one of the first songs he featured in after his success with his freestyle. At the time there was a lot of controversy over the nightclub DSTRKT, which Cadet cheekily mentioned in his verse. Starting his verse with his usual catchphrase “Cadet, Cadet” he raps “me and my heart we been moving like DSTRKT, so baby girl we ain’t letting you in”. I remember hearing that for the first time and thinking ha! This guy is clever!
I’ve written about my love for this song before. This is definitely one of my favourite songs from both Cadet and Shakka. The song is such a feel good song and extremely catchy. The song is taken from Cadet’s second mixtape.
This is a typical Cadet song. A stripped back piece of work where he spits his soul with no gimmicks or unnecessary extras. A song that will have you thinking about life and experiences. Similarly to his “Slut” freestyle, Cadet speaks about his life and his weaknesses.
The reason I think alot of people fell in love with this song was because it really explained the struggles Cadet faced. Again, another record where he wasn’t scared to tell the truth and be seen as vulnerable. He openly apologises to his cousin and fellow rapper Krept and grips onto your emotions.
6. Da Beatfreakz Ft AJ x Deno, Swarmz & Cadet – Pumpy (2018)
Cadet’s verse on this was the best verse from the whole song in my opinion. He really owned this song “want your ball like she Pele”…”I got asthma, lemme pump that” two examples of the puns he used. He was definitely very inventive with his use of them.
7. Cadet Ft. Ay EM X Tion Wayne – Trendy (2018)
This will be one of my favourite songs from Cadet. One of his most recent ones and in his words “Can’t talk trending without talking CADET!! CADET!!”. Have a read one of one of my earlier posts on this song.
This song originally started off as one of his signature freestyles. After the million views and increased interest, he made it into a released song. This was Cadet’s first song to turn silver and was his highest entry in the charts. Cadet shows his versatility by sticking with his signature comedic bars but making a song that can be on commercial radio. My favourite thing about the song was the fact he incorporated social news inside the song. He referenced the Dele Ali challenge, Shiro’s Story, his old songs as well as the Tion Wayne picture incident.
Cadet was infamous for his freestyle raps, here are a few of my favourite freestyle / battles;
