MOTHXR - Stranger

NYC based band MOTHXR is so interesting to me. The guys blend different sounds like Pop,Rock, Electro, and R&B to create a sonically pleasing catalog including the moody, 80's inspired kiss off record "Stranger". Equipped with murky vocals and synths aplenty, the track takes you on a ride that you never want to get off of. My favorite line of course is the blunt, and very necessary, She thinks she knows me..I don't give a f*ck at all. An added bonus to the allure of the band is that actor Penn Badgley (most recognizable as Dan Humphry from Gossip Girl; love all his work though) is a member. Talk about an amazing artistic transition. You can catch MOTHXR on tour this summer. Don't be a stranger below. 

twitter.com/mothxr

Janine and The Mixtape - We Could Be Better

New Zealand native Janine and The Mixtape has been making quite the name for herself with her previously released track Hold Me. Now back with her 2nd EP XX, the sweet voiced singer delivers a standout by the name of "We Could Be Better". On the sultry record, Janine yearns for the love of a guy who isn't hers, singing You're not mine and I'm not yours, but I wish you were...we could be much better. I love the rawness and vulnerability, and add in a soothing vocal that can ease the stress and pain...she has a winner. Explore your feeling below. 

twitter.com/janine_mixtape

Video: Alyxx Dione ft. Jason Derulo - Chingalinga

Alyxx Dione rose to social media fame by possessing some really good genes. Originally apart of a group, the singer was able to branch out on her own with a little help from her similar Beyonce/Ciara facial features (Which is definitely not a bad combination). Finally ready to prove that she's more than a pretty face, Alyxx has released her debut video "Chingalinga" ft. her labelmate Jason Derulo. The catchy uptempo was def created with the radio in mind, equipped with interesting instruments and lyrics such as, I got the keys to the kingdom now, they chingaling when my chain hangs down. The visual on the other hand is pure gold...literally. Like a true princess, Ms. Dione sits upon her thrown as she's catered to, before switching outfits and breaking into a dance routine (Ya'll know how I feel about choreo in videos!). Jason chills with his homies before scooping up the beauty and whisking her off in his gold, push to start Lambo. The set was very elaborate, which isn't common for new artists to have nowadays so the label must really believe in this girl. I'm excited to see what's next to come. Shake that thang like there's no tomorrow below. 

twitter.com/alyxxdione

Young Thug ft. Popcaan - I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)

A new day, a new Young Thug song. On the rap/singers latest track "I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)" produced by Jamie XX, he spits his usual unrecognizable lyrics about enjoying himself while creating different melodies (I think that's what we like from him anyway). The sampled hook and unique, feel good, summertime-esque beat (Is that a Xylophone?) really make the song. Dancehall artist Popcaan can be heard adding a little culture to the hook, which I honestly think was unnecessary because of the strong sample. Overall it's a nice tune to ride out to with the windows down in sunny weather. "I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)" can be found on UK producer Jamie XX's album In Color. Bop your head below. 

twitter.com/jamie___xx

twitter.com/youngthug

twitter.com/popcaanmusic

Monica ft. Lil Wayne - Just Right For Me

 

 

Ring the alarm! The original Ms.Thang is back with a hot new single to match her fiery new hair. On "Just Right For Me", Monica shows restraint and soars with her golden, 90's vocal, as she professes her love for her husband, NBA player Shannon Brown. Lil Wayne opens the song, which starts off with a sample, but shortly hooks you in with heavy 808s and a strong melody. I love the fact that Monica has never strayed too far from her signature sound in the 20 year career she has enjoyed (Genuine R&B with a little ATL swagger). She has consistently put our good records, and "Just Right For Me" is no different, in fact...it has quickly become one of my favorite records from her. The Polow Da Don produced record serves as the lead single off her upcoming album Code Red. Take a listen below.

 

twitter.com/monicabrown

 

 

Video: Hilary Duff - Sparks

Actress/Singer Hilary Duff is gearing up to release her fifth album June 16th, but not before putting out the Tinder inspired video for her single "Sparks". The colorful visual starts off with Hilary at a radio interview admitting that she really uses the dating app, and shows footage of her friends helping her pick out guys. I love the Pop number and think it's a good look that she's incorporating more choreography into her performance. Hopefully she has more gems along the lines of this on the album. Meet your match below. 

twitter.com/hilaryduff

Mila J & BC Kingdom - D+G

R&B singer/dancer Mila J has been pretty quiet since making waves with her debut EP M.I.L.A, but she's back with a new record called "D+G" accompanied by the Inglewood duo, BC Kingdom. The three artists sing the entire song together with a light, breathy vocal, complimenting the moody nature of the track. This is a complete 180 to the mainstream uptempo tracks you'd expect from Mila, unless you're a fan of her earlier work where this sound was present. When I hear it, I automatically think of rain and the emotional state you get into when you're lonely, but it's not depressing at all. If this is the new direction she's going in, I'm here for it...and I'm very curious to find out more about Saint Heron's (Solange's label) BC Kingdom. Fill your heart with Diamonds and Gold below.

twitter.com/milaj

twitter.com/bckingdom

Video: Elijah Blake ft. Dej Loaf - I Just Wanna

Songwriter Elijah Blake is stepping from behind the scenes and putting the rest of his talents on display. In the video for his first single "I Just Wanna", the Detroit native and Def Jam signee meets a brownskin beaut in a shoe store and continues to follow her around town, showing off his slick dance moves. The choreography was fresh and impressive, giving hope to the dry male R&B arena. I could've done without Dej Loaf's rap/sung verse (there's an original version w/o her), but I understand why she was added. All in all I say kudos. Get f*cked up with Elijah below. 

twitter.com/sirelijahblake

Video: Joseline Hernandez ft. Stevie J - Stingy With My Kutty Kat

Well, well, well...Love and Hip Hop ATL stars Joseline Hernandez and Stevie J are finally unveiling what they've been in the studio all this time working on. The married couple gives us a peek into their bedroom in the raunchy, Western themed video for Joseline's single "Stingy With My Kutty Kat'. I actually got my life! Aside from the slightly amateur quality, the twosome served up lots of sex appeal, daring fashions, and last, but not least...the song is fire! From the catchy hook to the soulful piano keys, I really believe this is the hit they've been striving for (and you can understand her for once lol). Hopefully it can pick up enough interest that a major label comes knocking and they redo the video with a larger budget. But for now, get into the Puertorican Princess' latest catch phrase below. 

twitter.com/msjoseline

Sexton - Motives/Boy Welcome

Australian born singer Sexton amps the edge and represents for the ladies on the Mic West produced "Motives/Boy Welcome". Over an eerie R&B beat, the young beauty drinks Henny as she lays down the law to a f*ckboy (at points her accent is very strong, which I love). I'm eagar to see how well she comes across visually. In the meantime, listen to the self-proclaimed Snow Queen below.

twitter.com/snowqueensexton

MNEK - Believe

First let me say...this refix is AMAZING from top to bottom! UK singer MNEK dropped his impressive take on Cher's "Believe", equipped with a fresh House infused R&B instrumental lying underneath soaring, soulful vocals. I love when artists flip classics and they actually sound hot! I've never paid much attention to MNEK, but this definitely landed him on my permanant radar (that Baritone at the beginning...EVERYTHING!) Take a listen to the updated track below.

twitter.com/mnek

Video: Christina Milian - Rebel

When all else fails, give them face...atleast that's what Christina Milian has decided to do in the video for her Lil Wayne inspired single "Rebel". Ms. Milian serves up a variety or shoulder length cuts, while engulfing herself in a large parachute as the sultry slow jam plays in the background. Even though I prefer a storyline, different sceneries, and a dance routine, she looks very pretty, I must say. Hopefully the next single is a little more uptempo and sees the E star taking it to the next level.  Fall in love below. 

twitter.com/christinamilian

Miguel ft. Wale - Coffee (F*cking)

My favorite male singer, Miguel, returns with the lead single from his third studio album. The R&B rockstar further experiments on "Coffee (F*cking)", lining his signature lush harmonies against sexy, guitar driven sounds. The song immediately feels fitting for a classic coming of age teen movie (I'm a sucker for them lol) or just a soundtrack in general (sonically reminiscent of DRIVE). Joining the crooner is Wale, who spits a poetic verse about being more than an average joe. The anthemic vibe, especially the ending belts, really took me there. I love it, and can't wait for the video and album! Get into Miguel's Non-Decaf lovemaking below. 

twitter.com/miguel

Pia Mia ft. Chris Brown & Tyga - Do It Again

I was smiling ear to ear when I saw that one of my favorite singers had dropped a new single. Guamanian bombshell Pia Mia mixes rhythmic-pop with a little island spice on "Do It Again" which features Chris Brown and Tyga. The uptempo, Nic Nac produced banger sees Pia exercise her flawless falsetto as she sings about wanting to engage again after a one night stand. I love her tone and really enjoyed the runs and whistle note towards the end of the record. Tyga and CB both provide raunchy verses, equipped with just enough testosterone to welcome male and females listeners alike. I know her team won't disappoint creatively when it comes to the video, but I really hope she puts those dancing skills to use this time. Do it again with the Interscope signee below. 

twitter.com/princesspiamia

soundcloud.com/princesspiamia

Video: J $tash - Always Wanted

I randomly stumbled upon Florida rapper J $tash on Instagram and continued to follow because of his fashion and the visual aspect of his artistry. Via his Relax Records label and WSHH, he has released his new video "Always Wanted", and it's wavy to say the least. The young MC rhymes about his lavish lifestyle against the Paris back drop, while being chauffeured in a Rolls Royce and walking his Doberman's in front of a Mansion. I'm a sucker for creative direction and elegance so I can appreciate his sophisticated approach at something different. Check out the unorthodox video below. 

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