Long Beach based singer SUBLU links up with producer JHawk (Jerkin' Movement - Pink Dollaz, The Rangers, Asia Lynn etc) for her interesting cover of Ciara's breakout hit, "My Goodies". The track starts off as a pretty standard rendition, but quickly takes a turn into an EDM/Dance slapper when the chorus kicks in, and I must say...it's definitely the best part. Listen to the Cali natives reignite the Crunk&B flavor of the past below.
Underneath the she-ets...my girl Pia Mia returns with a brand new track called "UNDERNEATH" (prod. by Nic Nac/written by Bobby Brackins). The short, but fiery uptempo sees the Guamanian sensation get hot and heavy with a significant other, singing out, 500 degrees, 500 degrees, you hot as 500 degrees. On first listen I was up out my seat dancing along lol that's how poppin' the song is. Pia's vocals are flawless, navigating from soft, to full, to falsetto effortlessly throughout. She shared a sneak peak of the dance routine so I'm assuming there's a video coming soon, and with any Pia Mia video...MOVIIIIIIIE. Here's to hoping "UNDERNEATH" will help ignite the fire on getting her debut album out. Break a sweat below.
Bronx rapstress Connie Diiamond is introducing creativity back into the game with her latest video, "Summer Sixteen Freestyle". Over Drake's instrumental, Connie spits straight bars while her eyes change back and forth between white and brown. It's obvious that she has skills, but it's her strikingly similar appearance and style to a certain rap legend that has captured and kept my (and many other's) attention. I mean let's just address it head on...she looks like Missy Elliot. I felt like I was watching a throwback Missy video, just with a harder flow...and the flow is what's going to set her apart. Quirky and clever lines like, If you a hatin' b*tch, you been a fan...I'll get my right hand bitch to fuck your man, will definitely have social media users quoting and captioning their photos. I'm hoping she continues to knock it out the park creatively with her visuals. Watch Connie Diiamond shine below.
Jasper, one of my favorite producer's (Cherish,Lloyd,Ciara), has started to establish himself as a label head, with the introduction of rising R&B star Malachiae. Now he's decided to take female singer Kiersten Anais under his wing, and with her newest effort...she doesn't disappoint. "Standards" is an 808 heavy midtempo which sees the 18 year old share her self-worth among the guys, letting them know that they're not ready for her in a serious way. Kiersten's voice is super dope to me, and she has an unique look, which is a start to a recipe for success. Listen to the Las Vegas native's "Standards" below.
Keke Palmer is most known for her successful acting career, but true fans of the young star know that she excels in another area...music. Years after releasing her debut, and mixtape, Keke is back with a sensual electro-r&b banger titled "Enemiez". The Jeremih assisted lead single sees the two exchange risque lyrics such as, I want you inside of me, can you fill this empty space?, helping shed the teen image Ms. Palmer has grown out of. As far as this video?! THIS IS A VIDEO! We haven't seen a video this eventful is a while, especially from a new-ish artist. Keke leaves no creative stone unturned, flexing her acting muscle, and serving intense (you see that jab combo?!) choreography reminiscent of Janet. I love that there was a strict theme and certain mood embodied throughout. Judging from her social media, this sophomore album is sounding like an urban winner so lets hope "Enemiez" becomes the hit it deserves to be. Fight for love with Keke below.
I came across Houston rapper Tim Woods on the Instagram Explore page (which I love surfin' lol) and was drawn in intially because of his look. I watched his "H2O" video and liked the more alternative vibe he gave off as opposed to another "trap" type rapper. Tim dawns a Daisy crown as he dabs in an open field, tosses cash, and lies in an empty bathtub. This is definitely a smokers anthem, equipped with murky, hippie-esque visuals. It would be interesting to hear him on a track with Jhene Aiko...hmm. "H2O" is the first single stemming from Woods' Pushing Daisies project dropping soon. Go under the influence below.
Super producer DJ Mustard is stepping into the corporate world as owner of 10 Summers Records...and with that obviously comes new talent. Ella Mai is Mustard's first female artist and she doesn't disappoint. The London bred singer adopts a more Cali sound, while still adding her personal touches (showcased on her EP, Time). When I heard "Don't Want You" I immediately fell in love. The song starts off as a somber ballad and turns into a kiss-off club banger, which is always a clever move in my book. Two things come to mind when I hear it...90's and Kelly Rowland. I say they do a big budget video for this single and really push it because it's too good to let go to waste. Ella Mai is pretty, has a strong voice, and has DJ Mustard behind her so I'm sure she'll be fine. Get into "Don't Want You" below.
Singer/Actress Christina Milian has enjoyed a busy 2015; starring in Fox's hit show Grandfathered, E's Christina Milian Turned Up reality show, expanding her clothing brand We Are Pop Culture, and releasing her latest musical project, 4U. From the aforementioned EP spawns the scorned lover's anthem "Liar". Christina decides to keep it simple, going back and forth with her conscious against a stripped backdrop and minimal makeup. I thought the simplicity made the lyrics seem more heartfelt, as you saw the expressions in her face change. Milian looks gorgeous as always so at the end of the day, anything she appears in looks visually appealing. I'm hoping there's an official album coming soon...until then, peep "Liar" below.
I've been patiently waiting for this video. The general public never recognizes my hometown San Diego,CA as having it's own identity, or even producing mainstream talent; Rapper Young Lyxx is here to change that with his pride-filled visual for the Goose produced "Daygo". First let me say that I enjoyed this the most because of how humble Lyxx genuinely is. The song is a banger off bat, and shouting out local hotspots and hood landmarks was pretty fly. Of course growing up partially in the southeast, I've been to Fam Bam (Fam Mart) a million times so seeing that brought back memories (Lil Mackn nameplate, star earrings, scrunchie socks, vans, fabric paint, Legion Hall, Functions LOL). It also was cool seeing cameos from people I know and/or am familiar with representing Daygo to the fullest, coming together to support a movement. We've had a few people break out and become stars, but none in which we can notably identify as a billboard for the city...until now. I honestly believe that the YoungNMade Y$M boss will be one of the few (if not THE ONE) who will reach success and help forward the knowledge and move the culture. Young Lyxx's latest project G$LMPD$TRCT drops March 15th. Watch the Yellow Nguyen directed "Daygo" below.
Money is always GREAT motivation, just ask New Orleans rapper Young Greatness. In the video for his bubbling hit "Moolah", Greatness shows us around his hood and visits what seems to be a viewing at first, all while exposing us to his city's culture ala Mardi Gras. I absolutely love this song! The production is so melodic and hard-hitting thanks to the legendary Jazze Pha (One of my favorite producers of all time). A catchy, relatable record tied in with an authentic visual is always a recipe for success. Whip up that work and get to the moolah below.
California based girl group Ceraadi has taken their buzz to a whole new level thanks in part to Christina Milian's hit E! reality show, Christina Milian Turned Up. After their stint on the show, the young sisters dropped the uptempo banger that is "Whatever" and it's hot. On the feisty, R&B track, Emaza, Znuie, and Saiyr sing and rap about not being impressed by a man's ego. The ladies will definitely be feeling this. The girls have been working closely with producer Dem Jointz, so it's looking like a bright future for the starlets. Get into Whatever below.
Houston is making a resurgence back into the music scene with the introduction of young rappers Dice Soho and Trill Sammy. I recently relocated to Houston and have been hearing a lot about these guys. Proving that there's more power in numbers, the solo artists team up on the trap banger "Just Watch" and truly gives us a show. Dice and Sammy jam on a rooftop while sharing their luxury habits, and busting some effortless dance moves. ENERGY! ENERGY! ENERGY! is all that comes to mind when I'm watching them. It's going to be really interesting to see how they maneuver the rap game, but either way...I'm here for it. Dice Soho's 0 Degrees mixtape is available now for download. Turn up Texas style below.
Feisty, young singer Mali Nicole wastes no time letting you know what the deal is via her new video, "A Hunnid". In the performance driven clip, the LA beauty cruises the streets with her girls and slides into some smooth choreo before having a Waiting To Exhale moment lol. Compton rapper AD holds it down for the guys, spitting a hard verse during a dice game. "A Hunnid" can be found on the singer's latest EP, Central Ave Vol. 1 available on iTunes now. Keep it real with Mali below.
Canada is on fire right now...Drake,OVO,Justin Bieber,The Weeknd,Tory Lanez...and now Maurice Moore. The amazingly talented singer/songwriter gifts us his ode to Bay Area songstress Kehlani in the form of "Typhoon". Maurice's voice floats over the slinky, bass heavy joint, exercising his lush falsetto to profess his admiration. From top to bottom this track is a winner! Everything I love (with the exception of a fire bridge) in a steamy, slow jam is embodied within this record. As a writer, I definitely appreciated the play on words throughout the hook and the 2nd verse (Kehlani song titles). This guy is going places. Dip into "Typhoon" below.
Guamanian sensation (and one of my favorite artists) Pia Mia is striking while the iron is hot via her 2nd single "Touch". The blonde bombshell continues with the island vibe, donning nine fashionable looks, performing smooth choreography, and even sharing a little on screen romance with Straight Outta Compton star, O'Shea Jackson. Pia incorporated all of the things that made me fall in love with music videos to begin with...multiple outfit changes, dancing, and over all creativity (check out the truck she turned into a pool!). Look out for the young star's debut album dropping next year under Interscope Records. Watch Touch below.
Actress Keke Palmer is stepping out for the second time as a musical artist with her new video "I Don't Belong To You". In the black and white clip, the former teen star shows that she is all grown up and knows exactly who she is, as she struts her stuff to the London On The Track produced, R&B number. Now this is what I'm talking about! Keke looks gorgeous in a variety of sexy looks showing off her toned body and exudes the confidence to make it every bit believable. The song is catchy as hell and touches on a topic we've yet to hear from a woman on a mainstream front, which I thought was very clever. Power actor and singer Rotimi stars as the leading man, while the ever beautiful Cassie drops in for a surprise ending. Experience the shockingly sensual video below.
Atlanta singer Jacquees holds his fans over with his latest track "Bounce", while they wait for the release of his debut album. The Rich Gang star keeps with the sexual theme on the slow-burning R&B banger and it's gold. I love a good sex song, especially with a little knock to it...so this is a winner in my eyes. Take a listen below.
Girl group Obs3ssed step onto the scene with their throwback inspired video "Flexin". The singing trio take it back to the early naughties with Christina inspired wardrobe and Britney like dance moves, all the while keeping it current with fresh R&B styled melodies. I love a good girl group so I'm all the way here for it. Here's to hoping that this isn't a one off and these ladies do big things. Watch the no scrubkiss-off anthem below.
R&B rockstar Miguel has been enjoying a few years of success off of his experimental sound. His latest single and video "Waves" further pushes his agenda into uncharted waters. The urban funk track sees the ever sexual crooner expressing his intimate needs, while the video plays out as a psychedelic, punk show equipped with women galore and a few famous features (J.Cole,Wale,Vanessa Hudgens). I absolutely love "Waves" and it's parent album Wildheart. Miguel has successfully blended lush harmonies with exuberant guitar melodies to create enjoyable, real life experiences,,which is much needed in the current state of music. Get lost at sea below.
It's not everyday we get to witness an artist as unique as LA rapper JayWill. The bisexual emcee lets it be known that guys come a dime a dozen in the colorful video for "Come and Go". In said clip, Jay gets pampered by shirtless hunks, gets his nerd on with a couple of school girls, and even switches it up by rocking a long ponytail while busting out some choreographed moves. This visual shows how you can successfully intertwine being yourself with being commercially viable...and the song...so catchy and honestly is something I could see Nicki Minaj being apart of, which is a compliment if you ask me. My favorite line (probably because I'm from Cali lol) is def My next n*gga name Raekwon is a criminal from Piru, and if nobody ever (insert) a n*gga that gangbang shit I do. With his fearlessness and creative eye alone, he will go far. As Gucci would say, Miss one..next 15 one comin'. Watch below.
