#Still The Best Nigerian Rapper

[ausetkmt]

At ChòpnBlọk in Houston, customers line up for dishes like the Golden bowl, which includes jollof rice with a Creole twist, plantains, roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts served with a vegan curry.Credit...Michael Starghill Jr. for The New York Times

West African Chefs Take a Page From the Fast-Casual Playbook

For these second-generation business owners, the familiar format offers a gateway to a wider audience.

At ChòpnBlọk in Houston, customers line up for dishes like the Golden bowl, which includes jollof rice with a Creole twist, plantains, roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts served with a vegan curry.Credit...Michael Starghill Jr. for The New York Times

Oct. 3, 2022

HOUSTON — At POST Houston, a popular food hall, the lines stretch long for ChòpnBlọk, where the Nigerian American owner Ope Amosu offers a familiar customizable template — rice, vegetables, protein — that are deeply influenced by his West African pride, and his London-born, Houston-raised identity.

Take the Golden, a nod to the Gold Coast of West Africa — and to Mr. Amosu’s stint as a prep cook at Chipotle while still working as a corporate sales executive. The hearty meal includes smoky jollof rice with a Creole twist, plantains, roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts, and comes with a vegan honey bean coconut curry that’s at once sweet and alluringly tangy. To top it all, customers can choose from various proteins marinated in Cameroon pepper.

The traditional West African restaurants that dot southwest Houston are cozy, dimly lit spaces and often family-owned. But at restaurants like ChòpnBlọk, which regularly appears on the city’s dining lists and is lauded on social media by celebrities like the “Insecure” star Yvonne Orji and the rappers Jidenna and Wale, the West African flavors and staples are quicker, more casual and — their owners argue — more accessible to non-African diners.

“We’re not trying to convince people our food is good or worthy — we already know that it is,” Mr. Amosu said. “I am, however, trying to tell our story and welcome people in who may be nervous about going to a place that feels a bit unfamiliar.”

In food halls, strip malls and shopping centers across the United States, fast-casual West African restaurants are proliferating, and the second-generation owners behind them are at once showcasing the range of these cuisines and debunking reductive myths about them.

At the Senegalese chef Pierre Thiam’s restaurant Teranga in New York City, deeply flavored customizable grain bowls help to counter racist Western perceptions that can diminish the value of the region’s cuisine.

“I hope that it helps dispel the lies that make you think of Africa as a continent of scarcity,” Mr. Thiam said. “There’s so much abundance, and there’s so much creativity that’s coming from the continent, and we get to show them that story through our food.”

The fast-casual model allows West African chefs to preserve the region’s classic flavors as well as incorporate elements of their American upbringings in a format that is recognizable to diners less familiar with the cuisine.

“We’re creating a gateway to West African food,” said Olumide Shokunbi, the owner of Spice Kitchen in Brentwood, Md.

Like Mr. Amosu, Mr. Shokunbi attended the school of Chipotle — one of the nation’s best examples of fast-casual success. During college, he began working at a Chipotle franchise on the side as he explored opening his own business.

His Spice Kitchen adopts some central components of the fast-casual model: biodegradable serving bowls, customizable meals and a varied interpretation of storied cuisines. Since it opened last fall, the restaurant has offered salmon and shrimp alongside suya — Nigerian seasoned, skewered and grilled meats — and sides like spinach efo riro, jollof rice and grilled corn.

At Suya Suya West African Grill in Philadelphia, the owner Dera Nd-Ezuma, who developed a love for tacos after immigrating from Abuja, Nigeria, to New Jersey in 2007, takes a similar approach. To amplify traditional dishes like steak marinated in Nigerian yaji, Mr. Nd-Ezuma leans into his love of tacos and offers them filled with chicken and steak suya in the requisite brown to-go container.

“There’s a reason why our restaurants are finding success,” he added. “People want to experience this cuisine, and they want to do it in a way that feels comfortable.”

Having gone to many of the city’s more conventional Nigerian restaurants, Mr. Nd-Ezuma said he sometimes found the atmosphere intimidating.

“When I get to go to African restaurants and I try to order, the menu can be a little bit overwhelming, so I can only imagine what it’s like for non-Africans,” Mr. Nd-Ezuma said.

Citing a psychology construct called “openness to experience,” which is a high predictor of whether someone would try different cuisines, Germine Awad, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, said that it’s not how something is served that draws patrons in, but rather their natural curiosity levels.

The growing interest in West African food within the restaurant industry aligns with immigration trends. “The more folks that come, the higher the demand for food that’s authentic and a true reflection of that community,” Ms. Awad said.

In 1980, there were about 40,000 West African immigrants living in the United States, according to data from the Pew Research Center. By 2019, that number had grown exponentially, to 890,000. Nigerian immigrants are the largest group from the region, with the most sizable communities living in cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, New York City and Washington, D.C.

The inevitable expansion of fast-casual West African restaurants will continue bringing these foodways to the forefront of American dining — an overdue change, Ms. Awad believes, in the culinary world.

“It’s not just enough to have these restaurants available to people, this cuisine has to be recognized for how complex and amazing it is,” she said. “That’s the true next step for expanding the idea of the average culinary experience in the United States.”

At Teranga in San Francisco (no relation to Mr. Thiam’s restaurant), the Senegalese chef Nafy Flatley-Ba creates dishes like chicken drumsticks marinated in baobab, tamarind and Dijon, a family specialty. Highlighting Senegalese flavors is a top priority for Ms. Flatley-Ba, but equally important is showing that women can and should play a leading role in contemporary West African dining.

“It hasn’t been easy to introduce fast-casual, yet super nutritious and healthy West African food,” Ms. Flatley-Ba said. “But I have been doing it.”

Some conventional West African diners might complain that the foods at these fast-casual restaurants isn’t traditional. But that’s not Mr. Amosu’s primary concern at ChòpnBlọk. The restaurant is a chance to revel in his heritage, by creating dishes that expand on the narratives of the region’s cuisines.

“Our stuff bangs, too, and everybody should know about it,” Mr. Amosu said. “There’s no reason why we should be so insular with the pride that we have for our culture.”

Authenticity and fast-casual service aren’t mutually exclusive, and Hema Agwu and Folusho Adeyemo, the Nigerian American owners of Brooklyn Suya in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, have no interest in compromising West African flavors to please Western appetites.

“It’s all about finding the balance of being both authentic and contemporary, you know, and open for a new audience,” Mr. Agwu said.

The menu reflects multiple cultures, integrating American ingredients like kale and avocado into their suya bowls, which can come with shrimp, chicken, eggplant or tofu marinated in suya spice. But the real common ground, Mr. Agwu said, comes on the side.

“Americans love sauce,” Mr. Agwu said. “We have to give the people what they want.”

[thebandcampdiaries]

Introducing: J Swave - A UK-based rapper with a distinctive twist

J Swave is a UK Rap artist with Nigerian roots and a truly diverse background. He has been making music for quite some time now, and the more tracks he puts out, the more he's able to entice a larger audience! He gained popularity right off the bat when he dropped his first mixtape, Catch the Swave, which received a huge amount of streams! His debut EP, III Styles, released two years ago, received over 50,000 streams in less than a month, which is a massive achievement for an artist who was basically fairly new to the scene at the time. More importantly, he is deeply connected to the community, and he continues to create powerful music, giving back and making songs that are very relatable!

The artist has recently released new studio work named "Round and Round", which feels like a massive example of his unmistakable creative vibe and his ability to blend different influences, so that the balance of different ideas in his music is truly outstanding, while still retaining a more immediate, catchy vibe that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.

Overall, J. Swave's music has a very melodic twist when it comes to the way the rhythm flows, allowing the vocals to sit in effortlessly and giving the audience an experience of sound that is decidedly more layered and interesting, with so much warmth and that pinch of unorthodox flow that makes the melody stand out from others on the scene. In all of his tracks, which you can stream via Spotify below, there is also room for a lot of energy, highlighting the artist’s skills as a rapper and vocalist.

Find out more about J Swave, and listen to his music, which you should be able to find on some of the very best digital music streaming services out there.

[gkingmusik]

C Best – Biography, Background, About, Discography

Ehirim james chidiebere popularly known as “C Best” is a Nigerian singer & rapper, and songwriter, his from IMO State, Ideato south Nigeria. He attended Edu agbara community high school in Ogun state, Undergraduate still schooling, He started his music career way back when he was 8 years old from children choir. Professional 2018, started performing on different events, due to his wonderful…

[africtrends]

ML Vibez BIOGRAPHY

Michael Michael uwem popularly known by his stage name as ML Vibez is a fast rising Nigerian hip hop rapper, Afro Pop singer, songwriter, stage performer, recording artist and a model. He is formerly signed to Ugo best global entertainment by Ugobest. He was born in 2002 in Cross River State in the south southern part of Nigeria. He is currently 20 years old, he is very handsome, gifted, skilful, creative and talented.

Mlarge Ml who's real name is Michael Michael uwem hailed from mkpat enin local government area, Akwa ibom state but was brought up in Calabar, cross River State into a Christian family, where he completed both his primary and secondary school education and obtain both his first school leaving certificate and west African senior school certificate. EARLY LIFE

Mlarge Ml lived his early life in Calabar rapping in the street and school at a very tender age. CAREER

Mlarge Ml while still in school moved on to create his own live band and not so long he was discovered by Ugobest who is currently the chief executive officer of Ugobest global entertainment and also the most popular Nigerian music marketer at Alaba int'l market, Lagos but currently ML Vibez is no more under ubm anymore he is now an independent artist. EDUCATION

The young talented music artist attended PEREKA MODEL HIGH SCHOOL Atimbo Calabar, cross River State Though not much about his educational background.

[sageglobalresponse]

23 entertainers to watch out for in 2023

2022 was a good year for Nigerian entertainers, and 2023 promises to be even better. In no particular order, Saturday Beats takes a look at the entertainers that will most likely make things happen this year

Wizkid

Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid has continued to consolidate his prime position in the industry. In November 2022, just days after he released the album, ‘More Love Less Ego’, the singer had a sold-out concert at the Madison Square Garden in New York, United States of America. It also claimed the number two spot on the US World Albums (Billboard) chart; as well as number 15 on the UK RnB albums chart.

The singer again made history in 2022 when he became the first African to headline the Rolling Loud Festival in Toronto, Canada.

Indeed, all eyes will still be on ‘Big Wiz’ in 2023.

Asake

No one saw him coming. Call Asake the rave of the moment and that will amount to belabouring the obvious. The YBNL artiste broke records with his ‘Mr Money With The Vibes’ album. When it was released, it set a new record on Apple music after becoming the African album with the most first-day streams, as well as the most opening three-day streams. The singer also headlined shows outside Nigeria. Sadly two lives were lost after a stampede at his concert at the Brixton O2 Academy, London, United Kingdom. After paying condolences to the victims, the singer has continued to do what he knows how to do best.

Burna Boy

Burna Boy’s vocal dexterity attests to why he is one of the most sought after musicians in the world at the moment. The Grammy Award winner continued to set records in 2022. His sixth studio album, ‘Love, Damini’, set a record as the fastest debut for an African song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its debut on the UK album chart at number 2 also made history as the highest charting afrobeats album in the UK.

The ‘Last last’ crooner was also one of the winners at the 2022 edition of the MOBO Awards. He carted home the award for the ‘Best International Act’. Last year, he became the first African to sell out the prestigious 20,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta, USA.

Having been nominated for the 2023 Grammy Awards in the ‘Best Global Music Album’ and ‘Best Global Music Performance’ categories, fans of the singer already have many things to look up to from him.

Davido

David Adeleke, aka Davido, is not just talented, he also has a resilient spirit.

On October 31, 2022, the news of the death of his only son, Ifeanyi, left him grieving, and many of his fans distraught. However, the singer has chosen to ‘stand strong’. Earlier in 2022, he sold out the 02 arena in London.

He was one of the entertainers who flew Nigeria’s flag at the FIFA World Cup 2022. He performed at the closing ceremony of the tournament in Qatar. The singer was also named the ‘Most Popular’ and ‘Most Searched Male Musician’ while his fan club – 30 BG— emerged the ‘Most Popular (Music) Fandom’ by NET Honours in 2022.

Adekunle Gold

Just like his moniker, Adekunle keeps shining like gold. In 2022, the singer embarked on his ‘Catch Me if You Can’ tour. He sold out the Toronto, Canada, venue of the concert weeks before the show.

Tems

Singer, Openiyi Temilade, professionally known as Tems, had some major career achievements in 2022. The ‘Crazy Things’ singer was nominated for the Golden Globes Award in the Best Original Score in a Motion Picture category. American rapper, Future, sampled Tems’ vocals on his Billboard hit song, ‘Wait For U.’ The sampled song which made the track’s chorus is ‘Higher’, a song from Tem’s Extended Play album, ‘For Broken Ears’. She also won the ‘Best International Act’ award at the 2022 BET Awards.

She performed at the 2022 Global Citizen Festival in Accra, Ghana, as well. Needless to say; her fans are expecting even more from her in 2023.

Deyemi Okanlawon

Deyemi Okanlawon is undoubtedly one of the most sought after actors in Nollywood at the moment. He featured in some of 2022’s biggest movies, including ‘Brotherhood’, ‘Blood Sisters’, ‘Elesin Oba’, ‘The Wild Flower’ attest to his star power and acting prowess.

Bimbo Ademoye

No doubt, 2022 was an eventful year for actress, Bimbo Ademoye. She played different roles in quite a number of acclaimed movies, including ‘Anikulapo’. She also started a YouTube channel where she shares funny content.

Ruger

Singer, Ruger, is ending the year on a high note with his song, ‘Asiwaju’. The video for ‘Asiwaju’ which was released weeks ago already has 3.7 million views on YouTube.

He had been nominated in The Headies 2022 ‘Next Rated’ category. He has been tipped to make headlines in 2023 with his groovy tunes.

Kizz Daniel

2022 is a year that Kizz Daniel will not forget in a hurry. Two of his songs, ‘Buga’ and ‘Cough’, dominated the music industry. As of the time of filing this report, ‘Buga’ had 107million views on YouTube.

However, the singer also had his fair share of scandals when he was arrested in Tanzania for failing to perform at a concert he had been paid for. Prior to that, Daniel had also arrived late for a concert in the US. However, he is apparently living up to his billing of having ‘no bad songs’.

Oxlade

Singer, Oxlade, wormed his way into the hearts of many with his track, ‘Kulosa’, a love song which further emphasised his talent. As of the time of filing this report, the song had 11 million views on YouTube. He also released the remix of the song featuring Cuban-born American singer, Camilla Cabello. Eyes are on him to see what he would deliver in 2023.

Phyna

The Winner of Big Brother Naija ‘Level Up’ (2022) edition, Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, became an instant millionaire when she got the winning the N60m prize money.

She also showed that she could have a future in Nollywood, as she featured in one of Broda Shaggi’s skits.

BNXN

Singer, Daniel Benson, aka Bnxn (formerly Buju) was tipped as one of the entertainers to watch out for in 2022, and he lived up to expectations. His Extended Play album, ‘Bad Since 97’ got rave reviews from both fans and industry stakeholders.

In September 2022, he won The Headies 2022 ‘Next Rated’ award.

Ayra Starr

Mavin Records singer, Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, aka Ayra Starr, is definitely not an artiste one should underestimate. Her song, ‘Rush’, was one of the tunes that dominated the airwaves in 2022.

The track also made a former US President, Barrack Obama’s Top 2022 Songs list.

She was also Boomplay’s most streamed female artiste of 2022.

Iyabo Ojo

Outspoken actress and filmmaker, Iyabo Ojo, did not appear in many movies in 2022 but she regularly set social media abuzz with her her humorous videos on Tiktok and other antics. She was one of the cast members of ‘The Real Housewives of Lagos’ TV series.Many of her fans were shocked when Ojo on her birthday about two weeks ago, unveiled the love of her life, Paul Okoye, better known as Paul O, who is a showbiz personality. He is one of the go-to guys when it comes to getting endorsement deals for artistes.

Toyin Abraham

Despite not appearing in many movies in 2022, Toyin Abraham bagged several endorsement deals. In an interview with media personality, Ebuka Uchendu, she referred to herself as one of the richest actresses in Nollywood. She recently released her movie, ‘Ijakumo’, featuring Kunle Remi, Antar Laniyan, Bimbo Akintola and others. As of the time of filing this report, the film had already made some cool millions, and was poised to make even more.

Don Jazzy

Singer, producer and record label executive, Don Jazzy, is undoubtedly one of the most influential personalities in the music industry. His Mavin Records is home to top artistes, such as Ayra Starr, Johnny Drille, Ladipoe and Crayon.

The businessman bagged endorsement deals in 2022, appeared in skits, and started a business, ‘Jazzy’s Burger’.

Sabinus

In a space of months, Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, aka Mr Sabinus, transformed from being an emerging content creator to becoming one of the most popular skit makers in the country.

He did not just win the ‘Content Creation Award’ category of the AMVCA 2022, he bagged some endorsement deals as well. His skits, especially because of his facial expressions and mannerism, continue to resonate with Nigerians. In the course of the year, he hosted his own show in the UK, and another one in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Rema

Call Rema one of the biggest Nigerian artistes of 2022 and you won’t be wrong. His ‘Rave and Roses’ debut album charted 10 songs on the US Billboard Afrobeats Chart following its release. As of the time of filing this report, the video of his hit song, ‘Calm down’, had attracted 301m views on YouTube. The song also made Obama’s song list.

Meanwhile, fans will not forget in a hurry how in November 2022, he sold out the O2 Brixton Arena, London.

Macaroni

Adebowale Adedayo, aka Mr Macaroni, has continued to maintain a place as one of the leading skit makers in the country. His influence is also felt in the area of human rights, as he relentlessly fights for the rights of others.

In 2022, he clinched several endorsement deals and won many awards. This was even as he regularly spoke at events to empower young Nigerians.

Kunle Remi

From wining the Gulder Ultimate Search competition in 2010, Kunle Remi has grown in his acting career. Undoubtedly his most popular role so far, Remi acted the character of ‘Saro’ in Kunle Afolayan’s movie, ‘Anikulapo’. He also acted as a pastor in Toyin Abraham’s movie ‘Ijakumo’.

TG Omori

ThankGod Omori, better known as TG Omori or Boy Director, is a talented music video director and cinematographer. He directed the music video for Kizz Daniel’s hit song, ‘Buga’. He has also worked with artistes such as Burna Boy, Asake, Fireboy, Mayorkun, Olamide, Pheelz and others.

Portable

Love him or hate him, Habib Okikiola, aka Portable, has constantly been in the news for both good and bad reasons since he came to the limelight in the latter days of 2021. This was after his song, ‘Zazuu Zeh’, featuring Olamide and Poco Lee, became a hit. As of the time of filing this report, the song had 10 million views on YouTube.

Meanwhile, his antics on and off the stage have been widely talked about. On several occasions, he fell out with colleagues and other entertainment industry stakeholders.

Indeed, many people have their eyes on the singer to see what he will do in 2023. Though some are of the opinion that he will soon fizzle out of relevance, his fan base has actually been increasing.

[babiousblog]

Portable hypes himself, Agrees with a fan about being the second-best stage performer

Portable hypes himself, Agrees with a fan about being the second-best stage performer

Portable hypes himself,agrees with a fan about being the second-best performer stage performer. The street singer noisemaker (or is it a rapper, what does he do really?) shared a tweet from a fan. The tweet read; “After Burna Boy, Portable is the 2nd Nigerian Artist with the best stage performance but we’re not yet ready for this conversation.” Though the fan put BurnaBoy first, I still find this…

[buzzzfly]

Burna Boy Net Worth in 2022, Age, Height, Wife, Songs

The talented and wealthy singer Burna Boy is one of Nigeria's and Africa's most successful and wealthy artists. His talents include rapping, singing, and dancing. Burna is estimated to have a net worth of $20 million. Find out more about his bio, age, marital status, girlfriend, career, albums, and cars. Burna Boy Quick Biography Celebrated Name Burna BoyReal nameDamini Ebunoluwa OguluCountryNigeriaBirthday2 July,1991Age32 yearsHeight6 feet 1 inchWeight84 kgMarital StatusSingleFatherMotherSamuel OguluBose Ogulu ProfessionSinger, songwriter, rapper, dancerBurna Boy Net Worth $20 million Family Burna Damini Ogulu, a real-life boy from Port Harcourt, was born in Nigeria. He was raised by his father, who ran a welding business, and his mother, who translate. His mother, Bose Ogulu, would later become his manager. Born and raised in southern Nigeria, Ogulu began making beats with Fruity Loops. Before moving to London for further education, he attended Corona Secondary School in Agbara (Ogun State). The next step was to study Media Communication and Culture at Oxford Brookes University, followed by Media Technology at the University of Sussex. Career A year after releasing the lead single from his debut studio album L.I.F.E. (2013), he gained prominence. A deal between Burna Boy and Bad Habit/Atlantic Records in the United States and Warner Music Group worldwide was completed in 2017. His unique dancing style, which was featured in the video version of the song, has propelled him to stardom on the album L.I.F.E. 40,000 copies of the song were sold within minutes, and the marketing rights were later sold to UBA Pacific for an impressive ten million naira. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZzDOygmE_I His third album, "Outside," was also a success, debuting at number three on Billboard's Reggae Albums Chart and winning him the 2018 Nigerian Entertainment Award for Album of the Year. He made his major-label debut with Outside, his third studio album. Apple Music Up Next named him an artist for 2019 and he won Best International Act at the 2019 BET Awards. In July 2019, He released his fourth studio album, African Giant. At the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, it was nominated for Best World Music Album and won Album of the Year at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards. Burna Boy was featured by some international artists to show his ability and talent; he is not a local champion. "Lion King," in which many African singers such as Wizkid appear, as well as the song "Sunshine Riptide" by Fall Out Boy. Cars Collection Carmarthen. ng lists Burna Boy's collection of vehicles as follows: A Range Rover autobiography, a Ferrari 458 Italia, a Rolls-Royce Dawn Convertible, a Bentley Continental GT, a G Wagon, and a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Albums - Burn Notice - Burn Identity - Redemption - Steel and Copper - L.I.F.E - African Giant - Twice as tall - Redemption - Outside - On Space Girlfriend Stefflon Don is a Jamaican-British rapper and singer. Burna Boy hadn't been in a long-term relationship with her, but he did have a brief relationship with her. Burna Boy Wife Burna and Stefflon appeared to be doing well, and they were discussing marriage until it was revealed that Burna had been seeing Instagram model Jo Pearl for quite some time( Burna started dating UK singer Steff around the same time.) Jo Pearl wrote on Instagram two years ago that she had been in a relationship with Burna Boy. The couple was together in 2018, and she believed they were still together despite his trip to Nigeria. Her claims were made around the time when he started dating Stefflon Don. Burna Boy Social Accounts and Followers InstagramSee Profile11.8 MillionTwitterSee Profile7.7 MillionYou TubeBurna Boy3.31 Million Burna Boy Net Worth Burna Boy net worth is $20 million as of 2022, making him Africa's richest musician. It's no wonder that Burna Boy is one of the world's best musicians. Also, check out: Chief Keef Net Worth in 2022 FAQs What is Burna Boy's first song? Burna Boy emerged as one of Nigeria's hottest stars early in the 2010s with his fusion of dancehall, reggae, Afro-beat, and pop. "Like to Party," his 2012 single produced by LeriQ, proved to be his breakout track and led to his debut LP, L.I.F.E, a year later. Which tribe is Burna Boy? Burna Boy is Igbo by tribe Which language is Burna Boy? English, Yoruba, and Igbo are the languages of Burna Boy. How tall is Burna Boy? He is 6 feet 1 inch tall. Read the full article

[soglitz]

Based On Current Form, Is M.I Still The Best Nigerian Rapper? Who Do You Think Is Better Than Him?

Based On Current Form, Is M.I Still The Best Nigerian Rapper? Who Do You Think Is Better Than Him?

Opinions are wide on social media platforms right now after the Choc Boys dropped their Martell Cypher 2.

Overall, M.I was rated high based on his delivery, flow and subtle shades all embedded in his verse.

Yet, that begs the question, is M.I currently the best Nigerian rapper or we are all still rating him based on the songs he released four, five years ago?

The Hip Hop World has been…

[aion-rsa]

American Gods Season 3: Who Are The Orisha?

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This article contains spoilers for American Gods season 3 episode 4.

American Gods star Yetide Badaki, known to fans of the show as love goddess Bilquis, has an upbringing as unique as any fictional character from Neil Gaiman’s fantasy novel. 

She lived in England for three years, has lived in American since age 12, and went to college in Canada, but Badaki’s roots are planted in the soil of the country of her birth, Nigeria. Nigeria, Africa’s largest country, serves as the centerpiece of the larger tribal community known as Yorubaland along with Benin, Ghana, and Togo. Yorubaland is home to 55 million people and was one of the largest sources of the enslaved people to the United States of America. It’s also home to spirit world entities which are now about to enter into the American Gods’ canon: The Orisha.

Far from being a relic of the past, the Orisha still play an active part in African religion to this day, and it was something that Badaki was keen to see brought to the screen.

“There are quite a few fascinating gods and goddesses that I’d like to see, but my answer would be the Orisha,” Badaki said when asked about possible additions to the American Gods pantheon. “I can’t wait for everybody to meet all of them.”

The Orisha are hinted at in episode 2, when a young Shadow Moon stares at a cover of a magazine touting the beauty of Nigeria, with the face on the cover of the magazine speaking to him. Their proper introduction comes at the beginning of episode 4 “The Unseen,” where slaves break their shackles with the help of the Gods of their old world, with the Orisha promising, among other things, freedom and their strong blessing. Four new members of the pantheon of American Gods are pictured: Chango, Oshun, Yemoja, and Aye. 

In the original Yoruban tales, the Orisha are spirits sent by Olodumare (the source of creation) to guide all creation, with particular emphasis on the guidance of humanity as seen in the cold opening of “The Unseen.” The number of Orisha varies depending on the telling, with the group being either 400, 700, 1440, or more than anyone can think of, plus one more. That extra plus one, always handy on a guest list, ties the number of Orisha to a sacred number in traditional beliefs. 

Orisha straddle the world between the realm of spirits and men, with Orisha being either spirits born into the bodies of humans, or humans who have done such great deeds in life that they become Orisha through the power of their actions. They also serve as intercessors with Oludumare, speaking on behalf of their followers according to their areas of experience.

So just who are these Orisha and what are their particular interests?

The most noteworthy initial appearance is that of Chango, who breaks the chains to free the captive in the fields. Chango, played by Nigerian-American rapper and actor Wale, is the most fearsome and dangerous of the Orisha. An early leader of the Oyo Empire, Chango was a vengeful conqueror whose seven years at the head of the kingdom marked by constant warfare and conquest until his palace was struck by lightning and killed. 

Chango is known as the God of Iron who casts down thunderstones to smite those that displease him with lightning, and stones formed by lightning strikes are sacred to his followers, who span across the African diaspora from traditional Yoruba worship to Santeria and both Haitian and Louisiana variants of voudou/voodoo. Chango, as befitting a warrior, is represented by his two axes, the thunder of both sky and drum, and the color red. He is a renowned ladies’ man (he has three wives, after all) and the Orisha known for his ability to dance and love of a good party. Fittingly, his consecrated worship day is Wednesday, a fact that I am certain will be important later.

Alongside Chango is his queen and wife, Oshun, as played by American singer and actor Herizen F. Guardiola. Alongside Chango, Oshun has been widely adopted across a variety of religions, with an especially strong presence in the Afro-Brazilian religion Candombele, where she is revered as the Lady of Gold and is a patron of wealth and prosperity, with the bright yellow of flowers and the ritual fan called the Abebe being associated with her worship. As queen and wife, she is also known as the protector of pregnant women and children, and a powerful goddess of love. 

Read more

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American Gods Season 3: What Awaits Shadow in Lakeside

By Ron Hogan

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How American Gods Finds Stability (And More Neil Gaiman) in Season 3

By Ron Hogan

Her name is linked to Nigeria’s Osun river, and in traditional Yoruba beliefs, she is the goddess of fresh water and waterfalls, with her worshippers paying tribute to her at lakes, streams, and canals; as the messenger of the Orisha, she is commonly associated with peacock feathers, having transformed herself to get a message to Oludumare during a great drought. In Cuba, she is celebrated with a type of violin performance known as Violin for Osun, a blend of Western classical music and Cuban popular music; Guardiola’s father is a Cuban reggae musician, making this a fitting pairing.

Yemoja, played by Bridget Ogundipe, is another powerful spirit tied to water and birth, as she is the mother of humanity. When her water broke at the birth of the human race, it created the very waters of the rivers and seas that sustain us. As such, she has a powerful tie to motherhood and is a goddess pertaining to everything related to women, from conception and parenting to love and the “feminine mysteries”. As befitting a good mother, she is very slow to anger, but capable of great destruction as anyone who lives on a flood plane could attest. 

As someone tied to both womanhood and the water (rivers in Yorubaland, the ocean and seas throughout the Caribbean diaspora), she is often depicted as a mermaid, or as a nursing mother. (Her name is a contraction for the Yoruban words that translate ‘mother of fish children’.) Her colors are the colors of clean water, blue and crystal, and her symbols are anything related to the ocean, from shells and fish to anchors. Festivals are held for Yemoja throughout the world, particularly in Cuba, Brazil, and Uruguay, with worshippers traveling for miles to congregate at beaches and shrines and send offerings out to sea for Yemoja in small boats.

Last, but certainly not least, is Aye, played by Karen Glave. Of all of the Orisha, who all go by a variety of names depending on what religious tradition they are a part of; she is the one that is most difficult to track down. Yet, of all the Orisha, perhaps she is the most powerful. Aye is the Yoruban version of Mother Earth. More than simply being the planet on which we all tread, Aye is the force of creation given life. More than just a mother figure, she is a creator figure; a Yoruba saying goes “You have Aye; I have Aye; we all have Aye in our pockets.” 

To attempt to sum up Aye in a single phrase? She is power. Specifically, the power of Black women. Gestating life, creating a work of art, building a town, organizing a revolution? All of these things fall under the purview of Aye, because she is the great creative force without whom the Earth would have never existed; the male Orisha attempted to leave women out of the creation process and failed miserably until Oshun agreed to participate and Aye was born. As such, it is the labor of many working together who tap into Aye’s great power, a collective greater good in which displays of wealth are forbidden and sharing is not encouraged, but required. If you have ever known a kindly older woman who could cure a cold by administering a hot drink and applying salve, you have known one of Aye’s iyalawo (mothers of mysteries).

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When your spirits cross oceans and spread out across thousands of years, dozens of countries, multiple languages, and four continents, having accurate information can be an issue. The information presented above is by no means exhaustive, as the Orisha themselves cover many skills and cross many boundaries depending on the belief system examined. As the Gods changed in their time in America, the Orisha have changed throughout history thanks to the power of syncretism with Roman Catholic saints, Islam, Pentecostalism, Chrislam, and many, many other beliefs.

While I have done my best to explain the powers of the Orisha, no mere mortal would ever be able to limit the power of an Orisha to text on a page.

The post American Gods Season 3: Who Are The Orisha? appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[wyattvsmusic]

Wale - Wow... That’s Crazy ALBUM REVIEW

Often, my negative reviews are more about disappointment in an artist that I really like rather than an artist I like. That’s why my review of Wale’s 2017 album SHINE is one of the most negative reviews I’ve ever written. I don’t know if it is still up because it may have gotten flagged. Wale is a dope rapper that makes good albums and singles. My favorite album of his is 2015′s The Album About Nothing. That album was his best and showed him moving on an upward trajectory because he was getting better with every album. SHINE was a serious misstep in my opinion and was such a disappointment. However, Wale has been killing his features and I was excited to hear a new Wale album and I am so happy to say that Wow... That’s Crazy is a fantastic return to form. I knew I’d like this album based simply off the first track. Wale + a gospel sample will pretty much always win me over (some Intro About Nothing vibes). He sounds amazing on the track. Wale’s in his comfort zone throughout this album but that’s okay because it’s clear that outside his comfort zone wasn’t really working for him. On the other hand, Wale hasn’t really made a song like Love & Loyalty which is fantastic. The production just makes you happy and want to start dancing. I was unfamiliar with Nigerian-American singer Mannywellz but he was perfect for the hook. Also perfect for hooks was Ari Lennox on the next track, Cliche. The chill beat works for Ari, Wale and Shady Records’ Boogie. I didn’t care too much for Boogie’s debut album that came earlier this year but he had a very good verse. Wale’s got so many R&B singers on this album and some of those songs hit and some of them are misses. 6LACK brings Wale into his world on Expectations and Wale and Jeremih create yet another well-crafted collaboration with On Chill. On Love... (Her Fault), Bryson Tiller sounds like a mumbly Chris Brown. I actually don’t think that Bryson is the worst part of the song. The beat doesn’t do anyone any favors but Wale delivered with good verses. The song Black Bonnie was only a skip because of Jacquees, it wasn’t Wale’s fault. Another collaboration that surprised the shit out of me was Routine where the big 3 of MMG (Rick Ross, Meek Mill and Wale) show up to make another track. I didn’t hate this song but Meek Mill was really not helping make anything better. His verse was okay but I hated the hook and he’s still screaming for no reason. For a second, it seemed like he was straying away from yelling all the time. The yelling did actually make a dope contrast with Rick Ross’s low and laidback flow. Ambition with Ross and Meek is one of my favorite Wale songs because they all really showed up to rap but Routine doesn’t even come close. Now I didn’t like Poledancer with Megan Thee Stallion but Wale has had that strip club anthem on pretty much all his albums (remember Clappers from The Gifted?). I’m not a fan of Megan’s music because I don’t love a lot of that over-sexualized rap but she is a skilled rapper. There are some filler tracks toward the end which makes the album a little boring but the great songs outweigh that. Wale isn’t doing anything crazy different from his past albums but this is still the best album he’s put out since The Album About Nothing. It’s also a little more cohesive than his other albums. 

Fav Tracks: Sue Me, Love & Loyalty, Cliche, Love Me Nina / Semiautomatic, Debbie

[etiennedatiwa]

Deconstruction: the journey of a year long process of discovering myself.

Wassup. For those who don’t know, my name is Tiwa and this is my first serious blog post. Let me introduce myself. I’m a 21 year old Nigerian-British boy from London and I’m about to finish my Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. I’m an avid book reader and I also love video games, hip hop and pop culture. It’s nice to meet you.

Now that’s out of the way, I want to get straight to the point of this blog post. I’m gonna be describing how things have been going for me faith wise over the last year or so. Deconstruction. That’s an interesting word. It can be defined in various different ways. Here’s a definition: “A philosophical movement and theory of literary criticism that questions traditional assumptions about certainty, identity, and truth.” In a sense, it involves questioning traditional beliefs that you have grown up with and questioning the values that have basically shaped your entire identity.

I grew up in a Pentecostal African church. There was a big emphasis on dancing, singing and prophecy. We believed in the manifestations of spiritual gifts, i.e. the speaking and interpretation of tongues, prophecy, healing etc. We believed in the moving of the Holy Spirit and I would see people fall down in their seats, scream, shake etc. When I think about it, I was always slightly creeped out by the screaming lmao. Growing up, everything was very much black and white for me. We believed in the strict interpretation of the bible, we had long church services (why are 3+ hours service a thing? That’s a nightmare for this VERY introverted boy.) It was pretty much the same thing when I entered university minus the long services. I went to an Evangelical church and I loved serving on the worship team, I loved helping around when I could.

But…. there was a lot of emotional turmoil that I was dealing with. Firstly, being one of the only black people (especially young adults) was very isolating. I felt like an outsider because of the cultural differences of being an ethnic minority. Then over time issues of race began to come up. I’d never experienced any racism growing up in South London as I was raised amongst diverse groups of people. Coming to Middlesbrough, my eyes were opened and I was so shocked. But, that’s a story for another time. I realised I had assimilated to mainstream church culture.

I got saved (the moment you accept Jesus into your life as we do in Pentecostalism) when I was 16 back in 2013 and I experienced so much joy. I’d never experienced so much love like the way Jesus had and still loves me. I’ve had struggles obviously, but I’ve grown as a person. My Christianity was very much black and white and I never realised until last year (2018) how much of a bubble I lived in.

Therein lies my issue with Evangelicalism. The literal strict interpretation of the Bible causes more harm than good and it has done so much harm to women through the Purity culture (think “I Kissed Dating Goodbye”), the lack of social justice and to simply “preach the gospel”. I’d been raised in fundamentalism and my whole world shattered when I began to read about the experiences of LGBT Christians who were raised in strict Evangelical families. It started last summer when I read “Undivided” which is a memoir of Vicky Beeching detailing her experience growing up as a lesbian within mainstream church culture. She was a popular worship leader who came out a few years ago and she ended up losing everything… all because she decided to stop hiding who she truly was. It was a tough read and it completely changed how I saw my faith.

The Evangelical Church’s lack of empathy when it came to social justice and the way it treated the LGBT community. Not to mention the obsession with evangelism in the way of hellfire preaching, sales pitch evangelism etc. I’m an introvert and the whole going out and speaking to people about Jesus is scary. I prefer developing good relationships and having conversations about faith naturally as the relationship develops. I realised I no longer fit in to church culture. I’ve always felt like an outsider. I never fit in amongst the other guys at school who were sporty, I preferred to read instead. I get along with girls much better than I do with guys. I never quite fit in in my own Nigerian community. I was an anomaly.

Everything changed for me. I saw how problematic Evangelicalism was and I could no longer subscribe to many of the Christian beliefs I had grown up with. I’m no longer a fundamentalist. Unlearning so much toxic theology has been painful. I wasn’t sure what I would have left. But I’m thankful for two of my best friends who are Catholic who went through similar journeys as they transitioned away from Protestantism. They introduced me to the Coptic Orthodox book of Prayers known as the Agpeya and Church Fathers and these have changed my spiritual life. I finally became comfortable with being myself. Western Christianity wasn’t the ONLY way to do Christianity and I was overjoyed because I could never live up to the Evangelical standard. I realise there’s nothing wrong with having doubts and questioning and these keep us open to the revelations of God. An album that helped me during my deconstruction and reconstruction phase was “I: the Arrow” by rapper Andy Mineo which describes his own journey through doubt in his faith.

I still haven’t figured everything out yet, but I’m okay with that. I’m still somewhat a Pentecostal but I’m free from all the toxic and anxiety inducing rules Western Christianty caused me. As Andy Mineo said on “…Lost”: when I get above those clouds, I know that’s the Sun’s Out. I’ll be alright. I’m free to be Tiwa.

[traceecalifornia]

5 Female Rappers You Should Know

No other culture has impacted the world in the way that Hip-Hop has. While lyricists make up only one element of the all encompassing art, they are often placed at the forefront of it, and there are some pretty dope female emcees that are graciously and fearlessly leading the charge. Artists like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and an entire host of “Dolls” have seen an ongoing amount of commercial success due to their ultra seductive nature and sexually-liberated lyrics. Other rappers, like Jamla recording artist Rapsody, have made it a point to strictly popularize their flagrant ability to rock the mic.

With all the new female energy pulsating through the movement, here are 5 female rappers you should be listening to.

Noname

Fateema Nyeema Warner, also known as Noname, is a poet and rapper from Chicago. Her debut mixtape, Telefone, dropped back in 2016 with features from acts including Xavier Omär, Smino, and Ravyn Lenae. A dual genre act fulfilling both jazz rap as well as neo soul categories, the 27-year old artist’s songbird cadence over an ill selection of melodic beats coexist in the most natural way. Serving as a solid accompaniment, her floetic vibes will lead you on an explorative mission into the lyricist’s own train of thought. Noname recently released her debut studio album, Room 25, back in September and the body of work does not disappoint.

Noname is set to perform at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on February 21.

Kari Faux

Upon first listen, you’d swear this 26-year old Arkansas-bred emcee is one of the flyest California-born ladies to ever exist. Her smooth West Coast flow appears to melt into each track, creating some of the chillest vibes you’ll ever catch. After a series of mixtapes stemming from 2012, Kari’s debut studio album, Lost En Los Angeles, was released in 2015, to which HBO’s hit series “Insecure” turned to for use of her track “Lie 2 My Face”, but that wouldn’t be the only time the artist collaborated with the show on music related ventures. Her relaxed and laid back tales disperse the many troubles of daily life by providing a soundtrack for the escape.

Kari Faux’s latest album, Primary, became available in September of 2017. HBO’s series, once again, tapped the songstress for inspiration, this time featuring her track, “Lowkey,” from her second studio album, which is fire per usual. If you’re active in the L.A. scene, you might have witnessed a dope DJ set by the artist as well.

Kari is currently on tour with Mic Jenkins.

Tierra Whack

Grammy-nominated artist Tierra Whack is the total embodiment of eccentricity, and it’s lit! Hailing all the way from North Philly, Tierra is known for her exuberant wardrobe, quick-witted lyricism, and superb command of a number of cadences. Her debut album, Whack World, released in May 2017, features 15 one minute tracks that flow effortlessly. To make matters that much more interesting, the 24-year old musician also crafted a visual for each song and compiled them into one gnarly fifteen minute and forty-eight seconds long adventure.

Tierra Whack toured with multi-genre producer Flying Lotus back in 2017. More recently, she joined 6lack on his world tour, From East Atlanta with Love. Now, the immensely talented act is up for a Grammy in the category of Best Music Video for the 2019 Grammy Awards, and we’re all rooting for her!

Leikeli47

This masked New York native hides her appearance so that fans will focus on the depth of her musical abilities, but Leikeli47’s uniqueness spans far beyond her iconic bandana printed ski mask. In an attempt to remove all creative limits, the artist is known for crafting a signature sound using whatever mock instruments she can find at the moment.

Leikeli47’s sound is like a collective neck roll to a boss chic’s anthem, encouraging listeners to enjoy some quality turn up time while rocking out to a rhymefest. Wash & Set, the artist’s first album, was released back in September 2017. Her latest project, Acrylic, delivers all the nouveau of a fly ass full set.

Like Leikeli47’s peer emcee Kari Faux, the lyricist has also had music featured on HBO’s series, “Insecure”, with original music on each season of the show’s run to date.

CHIKA

First known as the viral sensation who called Kanye West out via freestyle for turning his back on the culture, Jane Oranika, also known as CHIKA, bends the new generation’s rules of style and technique to meet her own demands. The 21-year old Nigerian American rapper, singer & songwriter hails from Alabama, and has made much noise spitting fire self-made rhymes over popular beats, in some instances giving rebuttals to other artist’s POV, as was the case with her cover of J. Cole’s “1985”.

If this femcee looks familiar and you still don’t know where to place her, you may have come across BET’s Hip-Hop Awards cypher last year, where she previewed a dope freestyle and likely became your new musical obsession. She’s even gained the support of a number of acts in the industry including Wale & Erykah Badu.

Check out CHIKA’s creative flips, spoken word, and live music on her socials & Soundcloud.

[dilettantereviews]

Due to some personal circumstances, finishing this list took longer than I’m proud of, but I hope it’s worth it.

Isolation by Kali Uchis- This was a hard album to write for, not because of the quality (obviously), but because it’s so all over the place and hard to classify. I first paid attention to her through an ONTD original about pop stars with personas, then I thought of her as an indie pop girl, and her collaborations with rap and Latin artists make me compare her to women in R&B or urban music as well. But she’s just Kali. People always talk about “it took Ms.Nancy 8 years for her debut but it’s iconic!!” but for Kali I definitely feel it. The psychedelic baroque intro alone lets you know that you’re about you go on a journey of an album. Songs like Miami, Tomorrow, and Your Teeth, My Neck (and I guess Just a Stranger) all talk about the uncomfortable intersection between wealth and desire, while songs like Dead to Me (lol) give some brevity and energy to this album. For critics who think she can’t sing, Killer has a great Winehouse-esque performance. The album cover looks like a Prince Protege vanity set fantasy painting.

Joyride by Tinashe- Tinashe had a weird 2017, with Flame flopping, Light Up the Sky dropping, and a bizarre Taco Tuesday outing (why?!?! They said it was a networking event, but for who? The girl has more collaborations than all the different companies Pepsi distributes for), but her 2018 was better. We got a random HQ picture that turned out to be the first cover for a tringle that lead to Joyride. She answered many questions like yes, she did need to use legal options to release Joyride, and no, she didn’t like Flame. She release a great pop album that is a little Frankensteined together but you can still use all the songs. Although things seem murky now, I feel that Tinashe will keep giving us great, unique music. Personal favorites include No Drama, Faded Love, No Contest, and Ooh La La.

Caution by Mariah Carey- I keep seeing people mention that this is their first Mariah album, which is appropriate, because this feels like a new beginning for her. It’s my first Mariah album too, but I’ve seen one Popjustice member say that this is her only album where she mainly sings in a lower register and where the background instrumentals are darker electronics. I’ve heard that Me.. I am Mariah at least tried out new things, but this incorporated everything successfully. I’ve never really listened to Mariah before because I just figured it would be mostly ballads and midtempos, but this album kept things unique. Highlights include GTFO, A No No, Giving Me Life, and Portrait. This album is the sonic equivalent of putting your favorite Bath and Body Works moisturizer on, making a warm drink, and hiding under a weighted blanket, and who doesn’t want that in a year like this?

Take Me to the Disco by Meg Myers- People say that there are too many meaningless buzzwords (true) but I don’t think alt vs indie rock is one of those. Indie is generally minimal and guitar based but alt is left of the middle rock and expansive. Meg went for category 2. Following her great debut album from 2015, she went for a bigger, better, and darker sound this time. It reminds me of Tori (Tear Me to Pieces and Jealous Sea sound very Choirgirl), PJ, Trent, and the Smashing Pumpkins. Take Me to the Disco is a nice ballad that starts out the album, which doesn’t prepare you at all for Numb, the following track. Done and Funeral are also strong. Listen if you’re tired of slackers in music.

Childqueen by Kadhja Bonet- If music indicates mood, I don’t know what Spotify premium subscribing, Allmusic reading, time travelling aliens would know about 2018. Sure, there were some political albums, but I feel like the pace of crappy events was faster than (High quality) political music. Even on a personal level, 2018 wasn’t ridiculously iconic or anything for me, and I was still petty and had grudges to work on. That being said, I have no clue how psychedelic music became big for me this year. We had Moodoid, Melody’s Echo Chamber, The Internet (sort of), and Dita Von Teese. But my favorite is perhaps Kadhja Bonet, whose theatrical sounds are like the score to an old Disney movie. Mother, …, and Second Wind are great. Bonus EP was released this fall.

so sad, so sexy by Lykke Li- I haven’t really listened to Lykke before, so I figured her pop reinvention was a good time to get into her. This album reminds me of Nelly Furtado for indie songwriting but with hooks. Although sometimes the trap parts are a little awkward (use vaporwave instead!), this was a good reinvention. My favorites include Two Nights featuring Amine (he is NOT a rent a rapper!), Jaguars in the Air (you and me we’re psychedelic!), and of course, sex money feelings die. I would love a Jessy Lanza remix album commissioned.

Silk Canvas by Vanjess- Everyone loves whisper registers and high pitched whisper singing in R&B (Diana Ross, Janet, Aaliyah, Ciara, Cassie, Tinashe) but what I really love is a deep voice (or at least one that sounds a little raspy). Vanjess joins Her, Total, and T Boz and even The Weeknd in the deep vocals crowd. Don’t mark these Nigerian princesses as spam, just give them a stream, no bank accounts required. I like that they have a better understanding of making a cohesive album with different genres and still staying in a certain vibe instead of doing the same song 12 times. Even their remix EP gets that. Control Me and Addicted, the big singles from this album, are good symbols for their moody R&B sound but they have more than that. Touch the Floor is more uptempo in the vein of Kaytranada, as are the excellent Through Enough and Another Love. My Love reminds me of Aaliyah’s One in a Million. The One picks up where the 80’s revival trend left off, but improves on the synth funk sound. Even Cool Off the Rain, a 2 minute interlude, is worth listening to.

7 by Beach House- I don’t know what made this album click with me. This is my 4th album for Beach House, so I thought I just wouldn’t get them by now, I listen to dream pop and shoegaze enough where I thought I’d like any vibey music. This album didn’t reinvent the wheel but it has warmth to it, without losing their signature ‘when your arm has pins and needles and you need to wiggle yourself to a healthy blood circulation again’ sound. Favorites include Lemon Glow, Black Car, Dark Spring, and Girl of the Year. I also recommend Wax idols and Pinkshinyultrablast if you’re looking for more shoegaze..

Dita Von Teese by Dita Von Teese- This was always going to be a niche passion project by a burlesque artist, so I don’t think it was ever going to set the charts on fire, but not even the internet cared about this? If you miss Lana’s old Hollywood glamour, you should check out this album. It mixes 60’s psychedelics with electronic music to create a perfect loungy sound. I’m not saying I’m those “I miss 2012 Lana!!” but I stuck with her through her Old Hollywood Jackie Kennedy Born to Die phase, her 60’s Manson Girl Ultraviolence cult phase, her 50’s (?) maps to the stars Honeymoon, and 70’s singer songwriter Lust for Life phase, so I was excited to see what other incarnations we would get. Would we get a full on spaced out culty version of Honeymoon? An 80’s Midwest goth album? A late 90’s vaporwave mixtape? Okay, most of these are just words thrown together that nobody would want, but Dita’s album had the concept and the execution there, all it needed was the audience. The French songs have a certain sadness in them. I like Bird of Prey and Dangerous Guy as well, but the whole album is well produced and beautiful sounding, so you should listen to it if you just want some easy listening that’s riskier than most of pop and alternative’s current artists.

Black Panther- Yes, this should count as an album. I’ve seen people treat The Hunger Games soundtracks (yes, those movies didn’t spontaneously appear on TNT one day) as real albums and stan Lorde’s vision for it. I’ve seen people stan the soundtrack for A Star is Born, like it’s a real Lady Gaga album, but Black Panther is where y’all draw the line? Okay. Aside from the breakout single, you get a good vocal performance from SZA, a top tier Jorja Smith song, the best flute performance of 2018, and the downtemp Seasons. That a random soundtrack can have that much cohesion is good for Kendrick Lamar but bad for other artists.

[luvneedsnosyt]

My Favorite Albums of 2018

Here is my list of my personal top albums of 2018

You can find my separate list for top EPs of 2018 here.

My Previous monthly lists from 2018: January , February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

My list last year for my top Albums of 2017 can be found here.

*Indicated someone I saw live in 2018

Honorable Mention:

Alan Walker - Different World Genre: Electronic / Dance

Different World is life in a digital universe. On the surface the mechanical synth-based melodies might come off as a bit too artificial, but if you dispel the notion computers can’t be a musical instrument you can see there’s a heartbeat under the churning gears. In the context of the album all the tracks really work together harmoniously, a pretty amazing feat considering these songs were recorded and released over the span of three years. There is a intentional, common vernacular across the tracks that melds it together quite nicely. Despite the plasticity on top, this debut album is artificial intelligence exuding relatable emotion and infectious energy. I don’t know what’s more human than that.

Proof: Lonely (w/ Steve Aoki Feat. ISÁK & Omar Nior) / Darkside (Feat. Au/Ra & Tomine Harket)

Alina Baraz - The Color Of You Genre: alt-R&B / Soul

The soothing and sultry voice of Alina Baraz can seriously sing to me the phone book and I would rock back and forth in a happy place. The world was first introduced to Alina Baraz when she teamed with Danish producer Galimatias for their euphoric, synth-pop joint EP Urban Flora. For her first solo project Baraz goes for a bit more of a stipped down sound which allows her soulful vocals to shine as they whisk you away. This enduring and intimate album shows the future is bright for the singer and her low lit music.

Proof: Fallin / I Don’t Even Know Why Though // Bonus: Feels Right

Chloe x Halle - The Kids Are Alright Genre: alt-R&B

Sisters Chloe & Halle’s talents caught the attention of none other than Beyoncé who scooped them up for her label and now their unique and unpredictable form of R&B is catching the attention of the masses. The sisters broke out on the scene with 2016’s Sugar Symphony EP, followed up by the YouTube released mixtape The Two of Us. This debut album has been in the works since before that original EP was released and with most of the production handled by them is a true culmination of their hard work to get to this point. The hard work is already paying dividends with two GRAMMY nominations including “Best New Artist”.

Proof: Everywhere / Galaxy

CHVRCHES - Love Is Dead Genre: Synth-Pop

On their third album, Love Is Dead, for the first time Scottish band CHVRCHES used outside producers on a record. The result is a bit more expansive of a sound for the group then before. The moments of emotion and energy seem a bit more unhinged (in a good way). Lauren also adjusted her writing techniques from a metaphor heavy style that would allude to subjects to a much more straightforward vocabulary addressing things head on. It’s still the same identifiable vernacular of the band CHVRCHES but with a few new art pieces up on the walls.

Proof: Never Say Die / Miracle

Don Diablo - FUTURE Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop / Dance

Ten years after his debut, Dutch producer shows by he’s been a sought after producer for nearing twenty years. FUTURE shows how the producer has been able to craft entertaining and contagious pop melodies that resonate ohh so well.

Proof: Take Her Place (Feat. A R I Z O N A) / Found You (Feat. Bully Songs)

J.I.D. - DiCaprio 2 Genre: Hip Hop

J. Cole signee J.I.D. Didn’t waste time following up his 2017 debut album The Never Story. The Atlanta rapper already had a following established from independently released mixtapes and EPs before last year. The Never Story exposed to a wider audience this newcomer has got some lyrical skills and a silky, smooth flow, DiCapro 2 (a sequel to his 2015 DiCaprio EP) only exacerbates the exposure to his talent even more.

Proof: 151 Rum / Tiiied (Feat. 6LACK & Ella Mai)

JMSN - Velvet Genre: R&B / Soul / Funk

The shape shifting R&B of Michigan singer JMSN has been one of my favorites since his 2012 revelation of a debut †Priscilla† (which topped my 2012 albums list). His first album and EP were very much in the hazy low lit alt-R&B sound similar to The Weeknd and How To Dress Well. JMSN then molded his sound to a more straightforward form of R&B for an album. Again, not being complacent, his two following albums transformed again this time to sound like a jazz assemble backing a soul singer. Well, JMSN takes another left turn with Velvet incorporating some sultry funk. With dripping base lines and bouncing synth keys this is JMSN’s most vibrant sound yet.

Proof: Levy / Drama

Kylie Minogue - Golden Genre: Synth-Pop / Country

I am admittedly not a big country fan, and some more die hard country listeners my roll their eyes at me calling this album country. Kylie Minogue is going on 30 years in the industry and mostly been a danceable, synth-pop artist. For her fortieth album Golden, Kylie went to Nashville and incorporated country and bluegrass music tendencies into her sound; something that could be a disastrous ambition. I guess you don’t just luck into making music for three decades, because this interesting mixture is pulled off beautifully. Golden is an effective and innovative mash up of electronic music, synth-pop and country in a surprisingly delicious cocktail.

Proof: Stop Me From Falling / Every Little Part of Me

Logic - YSIV Genre: Hip Hop

With one of the most lethal flows in the game, Logic dropped off two projects in 2018. First was the follow up of his Bobby Tarantino Mixtape. The second was his fourth LP, but this time reviving his Young Senatra persona from mixtapes earlier in his career (the last one came out in 2013). YSIV or as it stands for “Young Sinatra 4” is another verbal assault by the talented rapper and one of his most confident records to date. The robust use of skits and interludes has always been a gripe of mine with Logic albums, and gladly they are noticeably absent here. No matter what persona he dons, Logic has some of the most ferocious lyrical prowess in the industry and he loves to show it off.

Proof: The Return / 1000 Miles & Running (Feat. Wale & John Lindahl)

MNEK - Language Genre: R&B / Electronic

Before this debut album was released British singer/producer/songwriter MNEK already had multiple GRAMMY nominations from his songwriting and production work with artists including Kylie Minogue, MØ, Madonna, Zara Larsson, Julia Michaels, Dua Lipa, Beyoncé and a whole slew of others. With the success of his stellar 2015 EP Small Talk he became a sought after commodity in the industry. For his debut album MNEK wanted to make a statement of who the man behind the boards and pen is. Language is an exhilarating listen front to back and an exciting mixture of intersecting genres.

Proof: Tongue / Colour (Feat. Hailee Steinfield)

SOB X RBE - GANGIN / GANGIN II Genre: Hip Hop

It’s been a busy year for the new hip hop foursome from Vallejo. They dropped their self titled Mixtape in 2017 to catch the attention of Kendrick who put a song by them on the Black Panther soundtrack. Striking while the iron was hot, the group released their debut album in February and their Sophomore album (or an extension of their debut) only a few months later in September. Growing up the Bay Area the group is obviously influenced heavily by the Hyphy movement. You can hear elements of influences from E-40, Keak da Sneak, The Team and others in that Hyphy sound; but with a contemporary twist.

Proof: Anti Social / Can’t // North Vallejo / Made It

Superorganism - Superorganism Genre: Indie Pop

Eight member group from various countries formed the band Superorganism in 2017. Together they would send tracks through Facebook and WhatsApp and each member would add some layers on to it. The concoction is a dense, multifaceted form of unique pop music. The various layers of instruments, synths, and samples intertwine to create a mesh of melodies that bounce along gracefully despite their mass.

Proof: Everybody Wants To Be Famous / Reflections on the Sun

Tove Stryke - Sway Genre: Synth-Pop

This short and sweet album by The Swedish singer is her strongest to date. There’s a subtle growing of confidence I can see from this album to its predecessor 2015’s Kiddo. Despite its short run time, Sway makes quite an enjoyable impression.

Proof: Sway / Mistakes

Typhoon - Offerings Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative

American rock band Typhoon follow up 2013’s White Lighter with their fourth album here. Offerings is a moving and powerful affair. Most of the tracks start off mellow and sweet with moments of crashing guitars and unfiltered emotion bursting out.

Proof: Rorschach / Darker

VanJess - Silk Canvas Genre: R&B / Neo-Soul

The sisters of first generation Nigerian immigrants started singing covers on YouTube before first getting signed way back in 2011. Their debut was worth the weight, Silk Canvas is some infectious forward thinking R&B with subtle nostalgia baked in. You can see influences from the likes of Rihanna, SWV, TLC and others.

Proof: Touch The Floor (Feat. Masego) / Best Believe

Bonus:

Major Lazer - Major Lazer Essentials Genre: Electronic / Dance

Since their debut album Major Lazer has been one of my favorites. Now three albums, multiple EPs and a couple mixtapes later, Diplo has announced a new album in 2019 (10 years after their debut) will be the end of the project for the immediate future as he pursues his other many projects. With this announcement Diplo released this compilation album of greatest hits and a handful of new tracks. My first thought when I gave my original spin through this collection was “damn, Major Lazer just had some gd hits!” Listening in one place to the standout tracks from 2009 to now is an exhilarating and entertaining experience centered around diversity and overflowing passion.

Proof: Blow That Smoke (Feat. Tove Lo) / Know No Better (Feat. Travis Scott, Camila Camila & Quavo) / Watch Out For This (Feat. Busy Signal, The Flexican & FS Green) / Tied Up (Feat. Mr Eazi, RAYE & Jake Gosling)

The List:

Last One Out: NoMBe - They Might’ve Even Loved Me Genre: Alternative / Indie Rock / R&B

German born singer NoMBe is here to seduce you and I say you should let him. They Might’ve Even Loved Me is a steamy collection of rock songs about love, sex and navigating through life. NoMBe’s vocals are subdued and sly enacting a sense of mystery. The backdrops are built on groovy bass lines and plucky guitar riffs meant to get your foot tapping and hips slowly moving. I can see obvious influences from The Killers, Kings of Leon and Prince. Deeper down I also see hints of Blood Orange, Twin Shadow and D’Angelo.

Proof: Young Hearts / Freak Like Me / Jump Right In / Sex

35. Rejjie Snow - Dear Anne Genre: Hip Hop

Hip Hop is usually about being forceful and having to reach out and grab what society has built roadblocks for you to attain. Irish rapper Rejjie Snow is the opposite of that. His subtle, jazzy production is minimalist and doesn’t directly ask for your attention. This allows the mellow, but skilled flow of Rejjie to take the lead. I wouldn’t label Rejjie’s rapping as slow, but it moves at a comfortable and steady pace and doesn’t need to be unnecessarily sped up. With the vibe being so well established, the listener can now comfortably hang onto every lyric which are well written in matters of love and maturing in life we all can identify with.

Proof: Spaceships (Feat. Ebenezer) / Egyptian Luvr (Feat. Aminé & Dana Williams) / Charlie Brown (Feat. Anna of the North) / Annie (Feat. Jesse Boykins III)

34. Kelela - TAKE ME A_PART THE REMIXES Genre: alt-R&B / Electronic

Kelela’s debut album Take Me Apart was one of my favorite albums last year. Her sound that was a mixture of Aaliyah, late 80s Janet Jackson laid over production that would fit on a Massive Attack album was such an enjoyable smooth and sultry listen. Her strong vision of her projects as a whole make for a cohesive listen. That strong vision carries over to this robust remix compilation that is not your average remix album. The diverse range of producers offering remixes make for a dynamic listen that teleport you to various new environments throughout. Kelela was part of the process curating this album with each of the producers, even recording some new vocals here and there if needed. It’s that devotion to her craft that makes me confident Kelela will be a long time.

Proof: KAYTRANADA_WAITIN_115 BPM / LSDXOXO_TRUTH OR DARE_123 BPM / NÍDIA_BLUE LIGHT_123 BPM / BADSISTA_BETTER_125 BPM (Feat. Linn da Quebrada)

33. Whethan* - Life of a Wallflower, Pt. 1 Genre: Electronic / Future Bass / Dance

The most impressive skill in electronic’s wonderkid Whethan’s arsenal is his ability to construct a diverse range of sounds within a genre that usually leads to being in niches. Since he first debuted in 2015 at the age of 16, Whethan had been a producer chameleon making tracks that don’t sounds like the last two or three or anything he released before had. Before this debut album was released he already got to work with the likes of Flux Pavilion, Charli XCX, Elohim, Ashe, MAX & Dua Lipa so his clout is rapidly growing in the industry. That’s from his ability to mold and morph melodies to his will. With apparently another album set to be released on 2019, the young Chicago producer is riding this accent with no end point in sight.

Proof: Radar (Feat. HONNE) / Top Shelf (Feat. Bipolar Sunshine) / Superlove (Feat. Oh Wonder) / Be Like You (Feat. Broods) // Bonus: High (Feat. Dua Lipa)

32. Kali Uchis - Isolation Genre: R&B / Soul

The soulful, vintage sound of Colombian-American Kali Uchis has an appealing and comforting nostalgia while also feeling contemporary and innovative. You can see her influences of 1960s Soul and doo-wop music as well as traditional Colombian music as the vertebrae of her stripped-back sound but also see how she’s molding it to her will to fit in 2018. Her tender voice can bounce along a track so gracefully in her unique melodies creating a dynamic experience despite a minimalist pallet.

Proof: Just A Stranger (Feat. Steve Lacy) / Tyrant (Feat. Jorja Smith) / Dead To Me / After The Storm (Feat. Tyler, The Creator & Bootsy Collins)

31. Mother Mother - Dance and Cry Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative

Canadian Rock band Mother Mother’s sound is an exciting coalesce of Modest Mouse, Arcade Fire and My Chemical Romance. Dance and Cry is a touching record of heartbreak and the hope afterwords. I admittedly haven’t listened to an entire project from Mother Mother before this, their seventh album, so I can’t really offer much history or how their sound may have evolved. However, this was a pleasant surprise when I first took it for a spin that kept surprising me every listen after, so I will personally be paying more attention to the band after.

Proof: Dance and Cry / Get Up / So Down / It’s Alright

30. Vince Staples - FM! Genre: Hip Hop

Long Beach rapper Vince Staples marches to the beat of his own drum with a IDGAF attitude. Seventeen months after releasing my personal favorite album of 2017, Vince is back with a new project; I’m not sure what to call it. Is FM! an album, a mixtape, just a recorded radio show? The thing is Vince could really care less about those questions, he just makes what he wants to. Put together as one radio show where the tracks abruptly end, there’s hosts playing stupid games with callers, quick commercial breaks for other rapper’s projects, the project comes out as an odd but accurate snapshot of 2018. With a run time under 30 minutes this album is like a shot of adrenaline and ends before any lethargic coming down. Staples verses are as strong as ever with the same bouncy beats we’ve known him to find to spit over with his normal laid back vigor.

Proof: Outside! / Relay / FUN! (Feat./ E-40) / No Bleedin (Feat. Kamaiyah)

29. St. Lucia - Hyperion Genre: Synth-Pop

South African frontman and main showrunner of the New York band St. Lucia returns with his lush and decadent pop music meant to overload your senses. St. Lucia has vaulted to the top of my personal bands list since their debut 2013’s When The Night; which led to me seeing them live 4 times in less than 24 months. Hyperion has a little less “pop” for me then it’s two predecessors, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still a joyous piece of tropical, electro-Pop. There’s even a few new wrinkles, like some George Michael inspired Gospel infusion on “Paradise Is Waiting” or the hints of 80′s rock in the margins of “Walking Away”.

Proof: A Brighter Love / Paradise is Waiting / Walking Away / China Shop

28. Joji - BALLADS 1 Genre: alt-R&B

Japanese singer Joji has come a long way from making a silly internet meme to this surprising debut album. Originally known for starting the “Harlem Shake” meme on his YouTune channel; forever making the actual dance from the 90’s forgotten. Sometime a couple years ago he decided to take music as a serious venture. There was some aspects I liked of his 2017 debut EP In Tongues but overall there was something not quite clicking for me. The seemed to be too much focus on the air underwater vibe and not enough on the song crafting. Well that seemed to be ironed out here with a beautiful debut album that has some heart wrenching moments. “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” was one of my favorite songs of 2018, and shows the once YouTube jokester can really dig deep and pull out raw emotion on a song.

Proof: SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK / TEST DRIVE / WANTED U / NO FUN // Bonus: SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK (Loud Luxury Remix)

27. ayokay - In The Shape Of A Dream Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop / Future Bass

Los Angeles based (Detroit born) DJ ayokay drops off his debut LP of sunkissed Electronic music. ayokay is not afraid to deal with some sadness in his songs, but they maintain a danceable vibe, emulating the mask we all wear in public over our emotions. Who’s ready to cry in the club with me?

Proof: Sleepless Nights (Feat. Nightly) / Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend (Feat. Katie Pearlman) / Stay With Me (Feat. Jeremy Zucker) / Half Past You (Feat. Future Jr.)

26. Tash Sultana - Flow State Genre: Indie Pop / R&B / Soul

Step into the lush and picturesque world created by the Australian multi-instrumentalists that is Tash Sultana. Sultana is a solo jam band as all fifteen instruments on the record are played by Tash, who utilizes looping programs to build these vast microcosms of sound. With the sultry vocals the sound is like Erykah Badu mixed with Aaliyah mixed with The Roots. The smooth vibes and dense backdrops take over on Flow State, a record that’s meant to get lost in.

Proof: Big Smoke / Cigarettes / Salvation / Mystik

25. Janelle Monáe - Dirty Computer Genre: R&B / Neo-Soul

Janelle Monáe is on quite a multimedia run right now and I don’t think it will slow down anytime soon. The singer/actor hasn’t technically won an EGOT award yet, but I see her flirting with the achievement soon. Already in two Oscar for Best Picture nominated movies “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight” (the latter winning), the accomplished singer shows we are only seeing the beginning of her talents. The “G” in the EGOT might not be far off with probably her most comprehensive and impressive album to date Dirty Computer gaining some GRAMMY nominations: including Album of the Year. Dirty Computer is also my personal favorite project from Janelle. She describes it as finding her true authentic self and expressing that more effectively to the world and I can very much see that. She also worked on this album with the late genius Prince before his passing and you can very much see his influences throughout. There’s the airy dancing synths emulating a bit of the later Prince from Art Official Age on “Crazy, Classic, Life”. “Make Me Feel” is dripping with funk similar to something off of 1999. Album closer “Americans” utilizes a empowering soulful keyboard riff that could be taken straight from any of the albums with The Revolution. Despite the heavy influence, Janelle doesn’t use it as a crutch but as a tool to take her sound to a new level. She never loses her strong sense of self though the project, I feel we are finally peeling some of the protective exoskeleton that is Janelle Monáe and learning more about the beautiful and inspirational person beneath.

Proof: Crazy, Classic, Life / Make Me Feel / Like That / Americans

24. Alison Wonderland - Awake / Awake (The Remixes) Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop

We all are just trying to find our “Happy Place”. Hopefully the therapeutic burst of emotion that is Awake can help Australian DJ Alison Wonderland (real name Alexandra) find her own. With her sophomore album,  I feel Alexandra has really found her voice and that’s with the keen ability to be able to personify the struggles of relationships, self doubt and mental illness for her fans. Usually, emotion within Electronic music is viewed with a level of plasticity to it. There should be no doubt in the genuine passion in Alexandra’s form of electronic music. She may think her admirers should “find someone that’s easier” but I prefer the emotional depth and honesty.

Proof: No / Easy / Church / Awake // Okay (Blush Remix) / No (Paces Remix) / Awake (KRANE Remix) / Easy (Kill Paris Remix)

23. Charli XCX - Pop 2 [Mixtape] Genre: Synth-Pop

Technically released in 2017, but late enough it didn’t make my list last year and got pushed to 2018, Charli returned with her second mixtape in nine months and, for me, my favorite project of hers since her debut album; possibly of her career. Pop 2 is a futuristic electro-pop record where genres are fluid and expression is currency. The thing I feel Charli has sort of unlocked on this project from her past is an ability to really convey emotion through this mechanical pallet she builds her music with. She’s always had a level of passion within her music but outside of a youthful lust and an empowering “fuck everything” the rest of the emotions expressed always felt they were being viewed behind a protective sheet of plexiglass. Songs like “Backseat”, “Lucky” “Tears” and the sneakily genius “Track 10” really show an ability to bring more emotional depth in her songs. Whether it’s in mixtape form (Charli expresses she feels more freedom with mixtapes) or official LPs Charli is showing a growth and maturity in her craft that has me excited for what she may bring in the future.

Proof: Backseat (Feat. Carley Rae Jepson) / Out Of My Head (Feat. Tove Lo & ALMA)  / Unlock It (Feat. Kim Petras & Jay Park) / Track 10

22. Madeaux - Burn Genre: Electronic / Dance

I suggest a good stretch, being well hydrated and grabbing a towel before pressing play on this exhilarating whirlwind of melody calisthenics. The official debut LP from the American producer takes the listener of a dark, immersive experience in a world of non-stop kinetic energy and organized chaos. To all the critiques of Electronic music that say it all sounds the same I kindly point them to this album because there isn’t another producer making house music quite like this out there. Burn is a thrilling, fast-paced ride that doesn’t allow much space for the listener to take a breath until it’s finished. I suggest having a post-workout recovery shake handy for after.

Proof: Like A Model (Feat. Poter Elvinger & WILLS) / Run with It (Feat. Tommy Lee Sparta) / Lights Low (Feat. OG Maco, ALGORY & JRich ENT) / Sweat (Feat. Class Actress & Black Atlass)

21. Twin Shadow* - Caer Genre: Alternative / Indie Pop / R&B

Twin Shadow is an artist who has a recognizable, identifiable sound, yet every album of his also sounds different then the other. His debut, 2010s Forget is a disorienting, hazy dream. A unique mixture of R&B, Alternative music covered in haunting synths and distortions; all with an 80’s nostalgia. 2012’s Confess continues the foggy 80’s vernacular but with a more neon light piercing through. The pounding drums and scratchy guitar riffs are more attention grabbing, and the vocals more pronounced. 2015’s Eclipse was a bit of a statement piece. A whole project of stadium anthems meant to be shouted with vigor and emotion. Caer takes a step back on the arena filler to a more resemble the subtle tone of his debut. Except, the 80’s nostalgia isn’t such a driving factor. This is the project by Twin Shadow that sounds the most like the year it was created in, yet still sounds like any other beautiful Twin Shadow record. A natural progression by the versatile artist.

Proof: Saturdays (Feat. HAIM) / Sympathy (Feat. Rainsford) / When You’re Wrong / Too Many Colors

20. Santigold - I Don’t Want: The Gold Fire Sessions [Mixtape] Genre: Indie Pop / Dancehall

Impossible to be confined in one box, Santigold continues her genre hoping she’s made a career of. I Don’t Want is a dancehall inspired mixtape she worked on for the majority during a two week session with the main producer Dre Skull. By stripping the album moniker, there’s a looser and improvised feeling to the project that lends itself well to the culture it is inspired by. You feel Santigold’s admiration for the Afro-Caribbean influenced sound which makes the joy expressed on the album transparently genuine and infectious.

Proof: Run the Road / I Don’t Want / Why Me / Don’t Blame Me (Feat. Shenseea)

19. Matoma - One In a Million Genre: Electronic / House / Dance

Norwegian producer Matoma wants to cast a wide net with his sophomore album here. Both musically and audience-wise. One In A Million is an eclectic electronic music album that not only crosses sub-genres but crosses oceans with its worldly inspirations. From Synth-pop, to trap, to Tropical House, to Reggaeton, Matoma clearly wants to show off his range and diverse interests. One of the best songs of the year was the gospel inspired “Sunday Morning”. I dare anyone to know breakout in uncontrollable dancing when the bellowing hook of that song comes in.

Proof: Sunday Morning (Feat. Josie Dunne) / Lights Go Down (Feat. James Newman) / False Alarm (Feat. Becky Hill) / Heartbeats (Feat. Nina Nesbitt) // Bonus: Sunday Morning [Zookëper Remix] Feat. Josie Dunne

18. RÜFÜS DU SOL - SOLACE Genre: Synth-Pop / Electronic

When lead singer Tyrone croons for someone to take him to a new place on “New Sky” I can’t help but think “dude we already are somewhere new”. Because that’s exactly what the Australian trio’s atmospheric music does, whisks me away on a magic carpet of melodic keyboards, floating synths, pulsating drums and haunting vocal samples. Their previous album, Bloom was a breakthrough for them and their unassuming electronic music to a more worldwide audience. SOLACE takes an even more self-effacing and introspective approach, but should only help them continue to gain admirers.

Proof: New Sky / Lost in My Mind / No Place / Underwater

17. Nao - Saturn Genre: alt-R&B / Neo-Soul

The delicate voice of Nao returns with her smooth and tender sophomore album. Nao’s debut album For All We Know was one of my top five albums of 2016. Saturn picks up right where it’s predecessor left off but with a slight pumping of the breaks. Saturn take a bit more of a traditional R&B approach but in the same pallet Nao has been working on her whole career. The subtle infusion of electronic music still is present building an enthralling drama across the album. The slower tempo leads to a slightly more intimate feeling on this album then before. In the early 2000s R&B was sent to the margins a bit but with 2012’s House Of Balloons and channel.ORANGE being the inflection point R&B has been growing again in the mainstream. Artists like London’s Nao are in the forefront of R&B’s ascent.

Proof: Another Lifetime / Make It Out Alive (Feat. SiR) / Curiosity / Drive and Disconnect

16. Said The Sky - Wide-Eyed Genre: Electronic / Future Bass

American producer Said The Sky drops his first ever full length project that was a long time coming. For those familiar with his early work there is quite a progression from his more dubstep beginnings to this more melodic vernacular. Being a trained pianist Said The Sky’s backing usually starts with a piano riff. Early on this piano riff was used more as a contrasting element; a calming and tender character to then get smacked around by the boisterous and raucous dubstep. Now the piano is utilized more for it’s rhythm as the backbone of the track; a strong complimentary piece rather then contrasting. This is an evolution I personally feel for the better here leading to a sophisticated and potent electronic album, brooding with a surprising amount of emotion and introspection.

Proof: Show & Tell (Feat. Claire Ridgely) / All I Got (w/ Kwesi) / Over Getting Over You (Feat. Matthew Koma) / Superstar (w/ Dabin Feat. Linn)

15. My Brightest Diamond - A Million and One Genre: Synth-Pop / Electronic / Indie Pop

Multi-Instrumentalist My Brightest Diamond has been a shapeshifter her entire career and that continues here with her fifth album. Starting out as a classically trained violinist and then self teaching herself more and more instruments and incorporating new genres in her sound every new project. For A Million and One she takes on Electronic/Dance music in a subtle and euphoric way. Most of the tracks are mid to slower tempo with free flowing synths and and 808 kicks. More dynamic moments are strategically planted throughout like the slow building “Champagne” or the explosive “Supernova”. A Million and One is an subtle, spectacle piece of electro-pop, that straps the listener in and shots them into the stars.

Proof: It’s Me On The Dance Floor / Champagne / Supernova / White Noise

14. Meg Myers* - Take Me To The Disco Genre: Alternative / Rock

I don’t really know how I happened upon Meg Myers music back in 2012, before her debut EP even was released, but I sure am grateful I did. Following the path of her career from that 2012 EP Daughter In The Choir to now has been quite rewarding. Every year new music has been released by Meg the project always is one of my favorites for the year, but Take Me To The Disco is finally her letting all the outside pressure and expectations go and just rocking the fuck out. Switching labels and making music separate from her long time producer Doctor Rosen Rosen, Meg had a newly found freedom on this record which led to a ride full of high, lows and moments of raw unfiltered emotion. Part of Meg’s unique skill when crafting a song is her ability to go from a soft, raspy and unassuming tone to a passion filled roar in seconds. The music knew when to follow suit as well with the main enclosures being acoustical and warm environments with alcoves of thunderous drums and crashing guitars. Whether it’s tranquil moment of vulnerability or impacting pockets of intensity and fierceness, Meg has a newly discovered level of confidence and power.

Proof: Numb / Tear Me To Pieces / Jealous Sea / Done

13. MØ - Forever Neverland Genre: Synth-Pop

For some, the ascension of MØ may have seemed pretty sudden. The mega success that was Major Lazer & DJ Snake’s “Lean On” featuring the Danish singer came a bit out of nowhere to some. I smuggly could say I predicted such an explosion since my introduction or her on Avicii’s “Dear Boy” followed up closely by her 2013 debut EP Bikini Daze. MØ didn’t feel a need to rush things despite the iron being hot as shit and took her time following up her 2014 full length album No Mythologies To Follow. Instead she dropped stellar one-off singles “Kamikaze” “Final Song” “Drum” and “Nights With You” before finally releasing last years EP When I Was Young. Forever Neverland continues on the maturity in her music desolated on her EP of last year. The hooks are still catchy as shit, her sound still has an ability to make you want to get up and move, but there is a further depth in her songs. MØ’s voice always was expressive and emotive but there was also a glossy surface layer that seems to have been stripped away over the years. She now has the confidence to let her voice scratch and wain a bit when a line carries more emotional weight. 

Proof: Way Down / I Want You / Beautiful Wreck / Red Wine (Feat. Empress Of)

12. Elohim - Elohim Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop / Dance

The mysterious Elohim has became a go-to collaborator for electronic music projects over the last few years. From Louis The Child, Oliver, Ekali, The Glitch Mob and others, Elohim’s name would pop up; usually on the album’s best track. Her soft and delicate voice always worked great as a juxtaposition to the often kinetic backgrounds. In her solo music, she is her own producer and she shows she is more than just a featured artist but also a contemporary to the other Electronic producers. Elohim is a diverse and incredibly dynamic piece, which surprises the listener with unexpected vocal samples or instrument riffs used in sophisticated ways. Whether is a mariachi horn, trumpet, violin, guitar, or just odd vocal cadences looped, Elohim has developed creative and unique techniques in her production that make a familiar yet singular sound.

Proof: The Wave / Sleepy Eyes (w/ Whethan) / Fuck Your Money / Half Love // Bonus: Eclipse / Connect (w/ Skrillex)

11. Fakear - All Glow Genre: Electronic / Future Bass

French producer Fakear is a newer discovery for me but boy and I glad I found his atmospheric electronic music. Fakear will be quickly compared to ODESZA and the similarities in their sounds are definitely apparent. However, the French DJ’s harmonious music has a bit more of an airy bounce, with some Tropical House infusion. The electronic genre is having a bit of a moment right now yet Fakear is still relatively not well know in the States. I don’t really see that lasting too long though as more find his music.

Proof: Something Wonderful (Feat. Ana Zimmer) / Lost In Time (Feat. Polo & Pan, Noraa & Clement Bazin) / Sacred Feminine (Feat. Ibrahim Maslouf) / Vision (Feat. Claire Laffut)

10. Pusha-T - DAYTONA Genre: Hip Hop

The Clipse debut album Lord Willin’ came out my freshman year of high school and was a very important album for me. Label issues unfortunately led to more mixtapes than albums released by the brother duo before Malice left the group. Luckily Pusha would eventually find himself on Kanye’s record label as his new home. His first two albums released on the record label were both good, but there must be something in the Wyoming air during the recording of this stellar album. As the first of five Kanye West produced albums released during the “Wyoming Sessions” no one really knew what to expect. Kanye’s erratic behavior leading up to the release left a lot of people side eyeing the whole group of projects. Then about 36 seconds into the opening track “If You Know You Know” when after a fiery verse from Pusha, the industrial beat drops, everyone gets an unexpected slap in the face. This is still one of the best producers in the world and we have one of the best lyricists rapping heat over this production. DAYTONA is quite the 20 minute tornado of an album. A focused and concise offering that does what it needs to do and leaves efficiently. Unfortunately, the rest of the “Wyoming Sessions” albums will be a bit of a mixed bag and Kanye’s erratic behavior on continues causing concern for his mental well being. DAYTONA shines bright as the most cohesive and sturdy of those albums with “If You Know You Know” being the best song to come from the whole session. With GRAMMY nominations and ending up at the top of many writers “Year End Lists” it’s time Pusha finally gets his shine Lord WIllin’ seemed to promise, only 16 years later.

Proof: If You Know You Know / The Games We Play / Come Back Baby / Santeria / Infrared

9. The 1975 - A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative / Synth-Pop

Through their first two albums, The 1975 was a band I enjoyed, but also wanted to enjoy more then I actually did. Their 2013 self titled debut album was an entertaining and engaging soiree of synth-pop and alternative music as a new aged love child of The Killers and My Chemical Romance. There was a definite growth and increased dexterity in their second album, 2016’s I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it, as the same influences are present but with a sprinkling of seduction and soul. What always took me out of their projects though was their abundance of influences often working against them. The projects missed a level of connectivity I desire. I appreciated the daring nature of the band to explore but some of those swings didn't feel fleshed out enough to connect completely in the context of the albums. When I first heard one of my favorite songs of 2018 “Love It If We Made It”, I thought something seemed different. It seems the band has finally discovered the missing ingredient; or maybe found the excess ingredient(s) to leave out. A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships is a masterful mixture of experiences and influences with a message really cemented in 2018. The experimentations are a bit more radical, but very strategic and only help build up the motif of the whole album. You can still hear the underlying emo-rockers heartbeat from their debut but this time ran through a Bon Iver inspired auto-tune. The themes of how technology can dictate our lives for better or worse give the whole album a context for any listener to identify with. Songs like “Settle Down” and “Somebody Else” from their first two albums were still in 2018 go-to songs for me; the talent was always there. Seeing the band develop and evolve to make this elaborate project is quite the feat to be respected and admired.

Proof: Give Yourself A Try / Love It If We Made It / I Like America & America Likes Me / Sincerity Is Scary / It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)

8. 3LAU - Ultraviolet / Ultraviolet (Remixed) Genre: Electronic / Progressive House / Dance

It’s been a long time coming for American DJ 3LAU (Justin David Blau) to finally release this blistering debut. First winning a remix competition for a Tiësto song in 2011, 3LAU made a name for himself over the years as a remix and mashup DJ; intermittently dropping one-off singles here and there. Ultraviolet shows the wait was well worth it. Being a multi-instrumentalist, 3LAU developed his own manipulation techniques of his instrument riffs and vocal samples creating lush melodic environments within his music. The result is a picturesque form of house music that can easily whisk you away in it’s vast, sparkling habitats.

Proof: Touch (Feat. Carly Paige) / Fire (w/ Said The Sky Feat. NÉONHÈART) / Walk Away (Feat. Luna Aura) / Star Crossed / You Want More (Feat. MAX) // Touch [Zeds Dead Remix] (Feat. Carly Paige) / On My Own [3LAU Electro Remix] (Feat. Nevve) / Star Crossed [3LAU DnB Remix] / Walk Away [Hibell Remix] (Feat. Luna Aura) / Fire [Paris Biohm Remix] (w/ Said The Sky Feat. NÉONHÈART)

7. Lykke Li - so sad so sexy Genre: Pop / R&B

Since her debut album in 2008, the vulnerable music of Lykke Li has been a staple in my headphones. I have enjoyed her delicate voice, always ripped with so much emotion matching the impacting lyrics dealing with love and heartbreak. Li’s previous album, I Never Learn was an onslaught of slow and gorgeous, stadium-pop ballads meant to be felt while singing along with at the top of your lungs. The listless themes are continued but this time the album’s expression is more with a glossy, sexy R&B persona; a change I personally am really feeling. With hints of The Weeknd and Rihanna as influences so sad so sexy is Lykke Li’s most sensual sound, one that suits her unique voice and songwriting well.

Proof: hard rain / deep end / sex money feelings die / so sad so sexy / better alone

6. Her - Her Genre: Alternative / Indie Rock/ Soul

Starring an upcoming tragedy in the face, the smooth French duo didn’t waiver or turn to negativity. Instead they focused on life and love. With one of the duo diagnosed with a terminal cancer, together Victor and the ill Simon carefully plotted out their debut album. They released two EPs the previous two years with standout tracks including “Five Minutes”, “Quite Like” and “Swim” which served as a strong introduction to the world, but Simons unavoidable death at age 27 was in August of last year. With the careful pre-planning Victor was able to finish the debut album in his best friend’s memory. Her is a sultry and warm affair. Simon’s bouncy guitar playing, Victors ominous key tones with both of their soft yet confident vocals create a free flowing and sexy sound that is very gracious and admiring of its female muse. Every song has an understatedness to it while it subtly exudes its passion. It’s unknown if Victor will carry on with Her without his best friend, but I am glad they were able to add this exclamation point to Simon’s life.

Proof: Five Minutes / Blossom Roses / Neighborhood / Wanna Be You / Swim (Feat. ZéFire)

5. Bishop Briggs* - Church Of Scars Genre: R&B / Soul / Pop

London born, with Scottish heritage, Bishop Briggs bursts on the scene with this debut album like a strategic boxer. Starting every song with subtle body blows to connect with a potent haymaker every chorus. Her main weapon is a dominant voice that every chorus she lets loose to acts as an imposing yet engaging flex of emotion and power. Born Sarah McLaughlin, Briggs took the name of her parents Scotland hometown as her stage name to not be confused with the well known Canadian singer whose music you hear on sad commercials about puppies. McLaughlin moved around in her childhood from London to Tokyo to Hong Kong to LA and has picked up an amalgamation of influences to use at her disposal in her music. One of the biggest musical influence apparent is her cerebral use of gospel music. Utilized as a form of strength and command at every hard hitting chorus drop which gives room for her tremendous voice to punch your ear drums like a boxing bag.

Proof: Tempt My Trouble / White Flag / River / Hallowed Ground / The Fire

4. DJDS - Big Wave More Fire Genre: Synth-Pop / R&B / Electronic

Timing can be a fickle thing. Sometimes by the slimmest of margins it can go against you, or go in your favor. DJDS’s career seems to be capitalizing on some impeccable timing that is all going in their favor at the moment. First, back in 2016, while finishing up their sophomore album, the LA producing duo were invited to work on Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo album; eventually earning them a GRAMMY nomination. This monster co-sign would help open doors they never had open in their previous years making music. In the two years they spent making this album they collaborated with people that eventually would break out on their own including Empress Of, Amber Mark, Marco McKinnis and Khalid. Those two years are summed up in this fascinating piece of genre blending music. There are moments of bouncy hip hop, sinuous Synth-Pop, Soulful R&B, scenic Indie Pop and fist pumping electronic dance.  Big Wave More Fire at times is as infectious as any other pop album and at times can be a bit artistically challenging to the listener, yet never loses its strong sense of place.

Proof: Trees On Fire (Feat. Amber Mark & Marco McKinnis) / Why Don’t You Come On (Feat. Empress Of & Khalid) / I Get By (Feat. Amber Mark & Vory) / Pick Me Up (Feat. Kelly Zutrau, Vic Mensa & Vory) / Falling (Kelly Zutrau & Marco McKinnis)

3. Kasbo* - Places We Don’t Know Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop / Future Bass

ODESZA is building quite a roster on their Foreign Family Collective label including the 23 year old Swedish producer Kasbo. With his debut album here, Kasbo shows he’s more than deserving of being part of this collective with this sonic display of dexterity in melody. Places We Don’t Know is an an album that knows it’s comfort zone and is confident enough to never deviate while also avoiding diluting itself. The glossy electronic textiles that stitch the album together track to track build a cohesiveness that makes it a front to back enjoyable experience; without any drop in quality filler. More exploration in the sound may be desired in future releases to avoid sounding stale, but in terms of a debut this pleasant project introduces him nicely.

Proof: Your Tempo / Aldrig Mer (Feat. TENDER) / Roots (Feat. Amanda Fondell) / Over You (Feat. Frida Sundemo) / Bleed It Out (Feat. Nea)

2. Jacob Banks* - Village Genre: R&B / Soul

The initial and most jarring entity you feel when you enter the universe that is Jacob Banks’ music is the gravitational pull that is his empowered voice. The British singer’s raspy and authoritative vocals can relay both a confident strength and introspective vulnerability in one tone. You are able to personally feel the emotion behind every note that leads to a compelling listen no matter how many times before you’ve heard the song playing.

Banks backs up his mighty voice with equally potent and diverse backings. Some of the songs come equipped with thunderous bass lines and percussions with light keys tap dancing among the turmoil. Some take a more straightforward approach with light and jazzy horns and funky grooves. Then some songs have transparent backdrops that almost go away completely, stripped down to a bare pallet for Jacob to command.

Whatever the situation Banks’ vocal prowess prevails. I predict the accent to continue and at a more exponential pace as more become familiar with the impressive singer.

Proof: Chainsmoking / Love Ain’t Enough / Prosecco / Be Good To Me (Feat. Seinabo Sey) / Unknown (To You)

1 Kendrick Lamar & Top Dawg Entertainment - Black Panther The Album - Music From And Inspired By [Motion Picture Soundtrack] Genre: Hip Hop / R&B

It’s probably getting pretty anticlimactic having Kendrick 1st or 2nd on my lists every year. But for the fourth year in a row Kendrick finds himself here again. Black Panther was one of 2018’s greatest cinematic achievements and smartly they looked to Kendrick to make a vivid and dynamic soundtrack to match.

Kendrick shows he has his finger on the pulse for Hip Hop and R&B in 2018 enlisting some of today’s best including The Weeknd, Vince Staples, Anderson .Paak, Travis Scott and of course members of his TDE crew ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, SZA and others. He grabs some of today’s best up and comers with Khalid, Jorja Smith and SOB X RBE. Surprises us with a couple unexpected James Blake features. And finds some new international artists not very well known in Saudi, Babes Wodumo and an absolute fire verse from Yungen Blakrok.

I cannot express how perfect of a curated Soundtrack this is. The music is diverse enough to cast a wide net but also has an underlying and unifying vernacular throughout to make one cohesive project. The production is rooted in African sounds with poly-rhythmic percussion and themes inspired by African ancestry as well as themes incorporated from the movie itself. Kendrick may or may not have been physically there during most of these recordings but you can feel his direction and influence throughout. His impact is not overpowering or controlling either but rather a supportive and inspiring collaborator that keeps the various ships steered in the correct converging direction. When a o-k but also phoned-in verse by Future is really the album’s low point, you know you’ve done something right.

Most may point to the crowd pleasing (and for good reason) songs like “All The Stars” with SZA and “Pray For Me” with The Weeknd as their album highlights but mine is the sneaky vigorous Vince Staples and Yung Blakrok featured “Opps”, that has quite the bite with it’s bark.

My admiration for Lamar is well documents on this blog. He really is controlling the way progressive and impacting hip hop can grow. Drake may have the numbers, but Kendrick is the more commanding artistic virtuoso making music in 2018. Kendrick knows it damn well and uses T’Calla as a metaphor for his spot on the throne of Hip Hop in the album opener: “Because the king don’t cry, king don’t die, king don’t lie, king give heart, king get by, king don’t fall. Kingdom come, when I come, you know why…”

Proof: Kendrick Lamar & SZA - All The Stars / ScHoolboy Q, 2 Chainz, Saudi & Kendrick Lamar - X / Khalid & Swae Lee - The Ways / Vince Staples, Yugen Blakrok & Kendrick Lamar - Opps / Jorja Smith - I Am / Ab-Soul, Anderson .Paak & James Blake - Bloody Waters / Zacari & Babes Wodumo - Redemption / The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar - Pray For Me

Others:

Good:

Above & Beyond - Common Ground, Action Bronson - White Bronco, Albin Lee Meldau - About You, Alessia Cara - The Pains of Growing, Allan Rayman - Harry Hand-On, alt-J - Reduxer, Ambrose Akinmusire - Origami Harvest, Aminé - ONEPOINTFIVE [Mixtape], Amnesia Scanner - Another Life, anaïs - before zero, Anderson East - Encore, Anderson .Paak - Oxnard, Ann Marie - Tripolar, Anne-Marie - Speak Your Mind, Apollo Brown & Joell Ortiz - Mona Lisa, Apollo Brown & Locksmith - No Question, Aquilo - ii, Arctic Monkeys - Tranquility Baseu Hotel & Casino, Ariana Grande - Sweetener, A$AP Rocky - TESTING, Atmosphere - Mi Vida Loca, Audio Push - Cloud 909, August Greene - August Greene, Ava Luna - Moon 2, Bad Gyal - Worldwide Angel, Bas - Milky Way, Bazzi - COSMIC, Bea Miller - Aurora, Beach House - 7, Beacon - Gravity Pairs, Bebe Rexha - Expectations, Bekon - Get With The Times, Belly - IMMIGRANT, Big Red Machine - Big Red Machine, Birdman & Jacquees - Lost at Sea 2, Bishop Nehru - Elevators: Act I & II, Bishop Nehru - Emperor’s Nehru Groove [Mixtape], Black Atlass - Pain & Pleasure, The Black Eyed Peas - MASTERS OF THE SUN VOL. 1, Black Milk - FEVER, Black Thought & Salaam Remi - Streams of Thought Vol. 2, The Blaze - DANCEHALL, 6LACK - East Atlanta Love Letter, Blood Orange - Negro Swan, Blu & Nottz - Gods in the Spirit, Titans In The Flesh, B.o.B. - NAGA, Bob Moses - Battle Lines, Bobby V - Electrik, Boogie wit da Hoodie - International Artist, BØRNS - Blue Madonna, Boy Pablo - Soy Pablo, The Breeders - All Nerve, Brez - The Grl., BROCKHAMPTON - iridescence, BROCKHAMPTION - Saturation III, Buddy - Harlan & Alondra, Bun B - Return if the Trill, Camila Cabello - Camila, Camp Cope - How To Socialize & Make Friends, Capital Cities - Solarize, Car Seat Headrest - Twin Fantasy, THE CARTERS (Jay-Z & Beyoncé) - EVERYTHING IS LOVE, Cardi B - Invasion Of Privacy, Cat Power - Wanderer, City Girls - Girl Code, City Girls - PERIOD, Chance The Rapper & Jeremih - Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama Re-Wrapped [Mixtape], Chanti Darling - RNB, Vol. 1, Charlie Puth - Voicenotes, Chelsea Jade - Personal Best, Choker - Honeybloom, Chromeo - Head Over Heels, Chris Dave and the Drumhedz - Chris Dave and the Drumhedz, Christina Aguilera - Liberation, Christine and the Queens - Chris, Chrome Sparks - Chrome Sparks, Claptone - Fantast, Clean Bandit - What Is Love?, Cloud Nothings - Last Building Burning, CloZee - EVasion, Col3trane - BOOT, Courtney Barnett - Tell Me How You Really Feel, Cozz - Effected, Craig David - The Time Is Now, Curren$y, Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - Fetti, Cut Chemist - Die Cut, Cypress Hill - Elephants on Acid, CZARFACE & MF Doom - CZARFACE Meets Metal Face, Dashboard Confessional - Crooked Shadows, Dave East - P2, David Guetta - 7, Death Cab for Cutie - Thank You for Today, The Decemberists - I’ll Be Your Girl, Denzel Curry - TA13OO, Dillon Francis - WUT WUT, The Diplomats - Diplomatic Ties, Dirty Projectors - Limp Lit Prose, DJ Critical Hype - The DAMN. Chronic [Mixtape], DJ ESCO - Kolorblind, DJ Luke Nasty - Cruise Control, DJ Koze - Knock Knock, DJ Mustard & RJmrLA - The Ghetto, Django Django - Marble Skies, Dr. Octagon - Moosebumps: An Exploration Into Modern Day Horripilation, Domo Genesis & Evidence - Aren’t You Glad You’re U [Mixtape], Drake - Scorpion, Durand Jones & The Indications - Durand Jones & The Indications, Earl Sweatshirt - Some Rap Songs, E^ST - Life Ain’t Always Roses, EDEN - virtigo, Eligh - Last House on the Block, Elephante - Glass Mansion, Elephante - Glass Mansion Remixes, Ella Mai - Ella Mai, Elley Duhé - DRAGON MENTALITY, Emily Warren - Quiet Your Mind, Eric Bellinger - Eazy Call, Estelle - Lovers Rock, Everything Is Recorded - Everything Is Recorded, Evidence - Weather or Not, Excision - Apex, Exitmusic - The Recognitions, E-40 & B-Legit - Connected and Respected, E-40 - Gift Of Gab, Family of the Year - Goodbye Sunshine, Hello Nighttime, Father John Misty - God’s Favorite Customer, Fat Tony & J.KELR - Full Circle, Felix Jaehn - I, FELIX SANDMAN - EMOTIONS, Fischerspooner - Sir, First Aid Kit - Ruins, Flatbush Zombies - Vacation In Hell, Florence + The Machine - High As Hope, Francis & The Lights - Just For Us, Franz Ferdinand - Always Ascending, Freddie Gibbs - Freddie, Fre$h - frēsh•ism, Future & Juice WRLD - Future & Juice WRLD Present… WRLD ON DRUGS, G-Eazy - The Beautiful & Damned, Getter - Visceral, Ghostface Killah - The Lost Tapes, The Glitch Mob - See Without Eyes, The Go! Team - SEMICIRCLE, The Good, The Bad & The Queen - Merrie Land, Gorgon City - Escape, Gorillaz - The Now Now, Greta Van Fleet - Anthem of the Peaceful Army, GRIP - PORCH, Gunplay - ACTIVE, Half Waif - Lavender, Hinds - I Don’t Run, Hollie Cook - Vessel of Love, HONNE - Love Me / Love Me Not, How To Dress Well - The Anteroom, Hovvdy - Cranberry, Hybrid - Light of the Fearless, Ice Cube - Everything Corrupt, IDK - IDK & Friends :), Illa J - John Yancey, Illenium - Awake (Remixes), I’m With Her - See You Around, Imagine Dragons - Origins, The Internet - Hive Mind, Interpol - Marauderm, J. Cole - KOD, Jackie Hill Perry - Crescendo, Jacquees - 4275, Jacques Greene - mixtape [Mixtape], Jade Novah - All Blue, Jaden Smith - The Sunset Tapes: A Cool Tape Story [Mixtape], Jain - Souldier, James Bay - Electric Light, Janine - 99, Janine The Machine - High Places, Jauz - The Wise and The Wicked, Jay Park - Ask Bout Me, Jay Rock - Redemption, Jean Deaux - Krash, Jedi Mind Tricks - The Bridge and the Abyss, Jeff Tweedy - WARM, Jericho Jackson - Khrysis & Elzhi are Jericho Jackson, Jess Glynne - Always In Between, Jessie Reyez - Being Human In Public, Jim Jones - Wasted Talent, Joey Purp - QUARTERTHING, Jonas Blue - Blue, Jorja Smith - Lost & Found, Juice WRLD - Goodbye & Good Riddance, Jungle - For Ever, Justin Timberlake - Man of The Woods, Justine Skye - ULTRAVIOLET, Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour, Kalin White - Why You Still There?, Kamasi Washington - Heaven and Earth, Kanye West - ye, Kash Doll - Brat Mail [Mixtape], Kayzo - OVERLOAD, Keith Sweat - Playing For Keeps, Kevin Gate - Luca Brasi 3, Keys N Krates - Cura, K.Flay - Everywhere is Somewhere, KIDS SEE GHOSTS (Kanye West & Kid Cudi) - KIDS SEE GHOSTS, Kimbra - Primal Heart, King Tuff - The Other, Kirk Knight - IIWII, The Knocks - New York Narcotics, Kodaline - Politics of Living, Kodie Shane - Young HeartThrob, Kooley High - Never Come Down, The Kooks - Let’s Go Sunshine, KR - In Due Time, Kygo - Kids In Love (Remixes), KYLE - Light of Mine, Lacrae & Zaytoven - Let The Trap Say Amen, Lake Street Drive - Free Yourself Up, Lane 8 - Little By Little, LANY - Malibu Nights, LAUREL - DOGVIOLET, Lauv - I met you when I was 18. (the playlist), Leikeli47 - Acrylic, Lenny Kravitz - Raise Vibration, Leon Bridges - Good Thing, Let’s Eat Grandma - I’m All Ears, Lily Allen - No Shame, Lil Peep - Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 2, Lil Wayne - The Carter V, Lissie - Castles, Little Mix - LM5, Lo Moon - Lo Moon, Logic - Bobby Tarantino II [Mixtape], Loyd - Tru LP, LP - Heart to Mouth, Lucy Dacus - Historian, Lupe Fiasco - DRAGOS WAVE, Lyrics Born - Quite A Life, Mac Miller - Swimming, MAJOR. - Even More, Major Lazer - Afrobeats [DJ Mix], Mariah Carey - Caution, Mario - Dancing Shadows, Marion Hill - Unusual, Marsha Ambrosius - Nyla, Marshmello - Joytime II, Masego - Lady Lady, Masta Ace & Marco Polo - A Breukelen Story, Matthew Dear - Bunny, Mayorkum - The Mayor of Lagos, Medasin - Irene, Meek Mill - Championship, Melody’s Echo Chamber - Bon Voyage, Meshell Ndegeocello - Ventriloquism, Method Man - Meth Lab 2: The Lithium, Metric - Art of Doubt, MGMT - Little Dark Age, Mick Jenkins - Pieces of a Man, The Midnight - Kid, Migos - Culture II, MihTy - MIH-TY, Mike Shinoda - Post Traumatic, Mike WiLL Made-It - Creed II: The Album (Music Inspired by the Motion Picture), Mikky Ekko - FAME, Mimicking Birds - Layers Of Us, Mirah - Understanding, Mitski - Be The Cowboy, Miyah Folick - Premenitions, Moon Taxi - Let The Record Play, Morgan Saint - ALIEN, Mr Eazi - Life Is Eazi, Vol. 2 - Lagos to London, Mulatto - Mulatto, Mumford & Sons - Delta, Murs - A Strange Journey Into The Unimaginable, Muse - Simulation Theory, Myá - T.K.O. (The Knock Out), The Naked and Famous - A Still Heart, Nas - NASIR, Natalie Prass - The Future and the Past, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats - Tearing at the Seams, Nef The Pharaoh - The Big Chang Theory, The Neighbourhood - The Neighbourhood, Ne-Yo - GOOD MAN, N.E.R.D. - NO_ONE EVER REALLY DIES, Nick Grant - Dreamin’ Out Loud [Mixtape], Nicki Minaj - Queen, NIKI - Zephyr, Nile Rodgers & CHIC - It’s About Time, Nipsey Hussle - Victory Lap, NJOMZA - Vacation, nobigdyl. - SOLAR, Noname - Room 25, N.O.R.E. - 5E, Now, Now - Saved, NR - Before It’s Too Late, ODIE - Analogue, Onra - Nobody Has To Know, Ookay - WOW! COOL ALBUM!, Pac Div - 1st Baptist, Pale Waves - My Mind Makes Noises, Passenger - Runaway, Parliament - Medicaid Fraud Dogg, Parquet Courts - Wide Awake!, Paul McCartney - Egypt Station, Paul Simon - In the Blue Light, Penelope Trappes - Penelope Two, A Perfect Circle - Eat the Elephant, Peter Bjorn and John - Darker Days, Phonte - No News Is Good News, Phony Ppl - mō’zā-ik, Phora - Love Is Hell, P-LO - PRIME, pluko - sixteen, Poo Bear - Poo Bear Presents: Birthday Music, Popcaan - Forever, Poppy - Am I A Girl?, Porches - The House, Post Malone - beerbongs & bentleys, Preme - Light of Day, Prince - Piano & a Microphone 1983, Princess Nokia - A Girl Cried Red [Mixtape], Prolifgate - Somewhere Else, PRyhme - PRhyme 2, Quavo - Quavo Huncho, Ralph - A Good Girl, RAY BLK - Empress, Rhye - Blood, Reason - There You Have It, R3HAB - The Wave, Rezz - Certain Kind of Magic, Rich Brian - Amen, Rita Ora - Phoenix, RL Grime - NOVA, RL Grimes - NOVA (The Remixes, Vol. 1),  RL Grimes - NOVA (The Remixes, Vol. 2), Robyn - Honey, Rome Fortune - Beautiful Pimp 3, ROOSEVELT - Young Romance, Royce Da 5’9” - Book of Ryan, R+R=NOW - Collagically Speaking, Russ - ZOO, Ryan Beatty - Boy In Jeans, Saba - CARE FOR ME, Sabrina Calaudio - No Rain, No Flowers, St. Beauty - Running To The Sun, SAINt JHN - Collection One, San Holo - album1, Sango - In The Comfort Of, Sean Paul - Mad Love: The Prequel, Shamir - Revelation, Sheppard - Watch The Sky, Shopping - The Official Body, Sidney Gish - No Dogs Allowed, Sigala - Brighter Days, Simian Mobile Disco - Murmurations, SiR - November, SKYGGE - Hello World, Skyzoo - In Celebration of Us, Slushii - DREAM, Smashing Pumpkins - SHINY AND OH SO BRIGHT, VOL. 1 / NO PAST. NO FUTURE., Smino - NOIR, Snail Mail - Lush, S’natra - Subject To Change, Snoop Dogg - Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love, Snow Patrol - Wildness, Soccer Mommy - Clean, Sofi Tukker - Treehouse, Son Lux - Brighter Wounds, SOPHIE - OIL OF EVERY PEARL’S UN-INSIDES, Starchild & The New Romantic - Language, Stefflon Don - SECURE [Mixtape], Steve Angello - Human, Steve Aoki - Neon Future III, Steve Hauschildt - Dissolvi, Stonie Blue - Blood Y Moi [Mix], Stro - Nice 2 Meet You, Again, Styles P - Dime Bag, Styles P - G-Host, Summer Walker - Last Day of Summer, Summerella - First Day of Summer, Surpentwithfeet - soil, Swearin’ - Fall Into The Sun, Swizz Beatz - POISON, Tamia - Passion Like Fire, Tammy Rivera - Fate, Teyana Taylor - K.T.S.E., Thatshymn - Pacific Standard Time, Thunderpussy - Thunderpussy, T.I. - DIME TRAP, Tinashe - Joyride, The Ting Tings - The Black Light, Tirzah - Devotion, Tokyo Jetz - Bonafide, Tokyo Police Club - TCP, Tom Misch - Geography, Tommy Genesis - Tommy Genesis, Toni Braxton - Sex & Cigarettes, Toni Romiti - Tomboy, Tory Lanez - LoVE me NOw, Tory Lanez - MEMORIES DON’T DIE, Towkio - WWW., Tracey Thorn - Record, Traci Braxton - On Earth, Travis Scott - ASTROWORLD, Trevor Jackson - Rough Drafts, Pt. 1, Trevor Powers - Mulberry Violence, Trey Songz - 11 [Mixtape], Trey Songz - 28 [Mixtape], TroyBoi - V!BEZ, Vol. 2, Troye Sivan - Bloom, Tunde Olaniran - Stranger, tune-yards - i can feel you creep into my private life, Two Feet - A 20 Something Fuck, Tyga - Kyoto, Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Sex & Food, Until The Ribbon Breaks - Until The Ribbon Breaks, Usher & Zaytoven - “A”, UZ - The Rebirth, The Vamps - Day & Night (Day Edition), Vance Joy - Nation Of Two, Various Artists - Fifty Shades Freed [Motion Picture Soundtrack], Various Artists - Ninjawerks, Vol. 1, Various Artists - Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (Soundtrack From & Inspired by the Motion Picture), Various Artist - Uncle Drew [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack], Vicktor Taiwò - First Movement, Victoria Monet - Life After Love, Pt. 1, Victor Oladipo - V.O., Wild Nothing - Indigo, What So Not - Not All The Beautiful Things, Wet - Still Run, Wiz Khalifa - Rolling Papers 2, The Wombats - Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life, WSTRN - DOU3LE 3AK, Xzibit, B-Real & Demrick - Serial Killers: Day of the Dead, Years & Years - Palo Santo, Yellow Claw - New Blood, YG - STAY DANGEROUS, Yhung T.O. - Trust Issues, Young Fathers - Cocoa Sugar, Young The Giant - Mirror Master, Youngr - This Is Not An Album, ZAYN - Icarus Fall, Ziggy Marley - Rebellion Rises, Zion I - Ritual Mystik, Zion I & DJ Fresh - The Tonight Show [Mixtape], ZHU - Ringo’s Desert, Z-Ro - Sadism, 5 Seconds of Summer - Youngblood, 88GLAM - 88GLAM2, 88rising - Head in the Clouds 

Meh:

Ace Hood - Trust The Process II: Undefeated, Amen Dunes - Freedom, Animal Collective - Tangerine Reef, AWALNATION - Here Comes The Runts, BANDGANG - In Too Deep, Benny - Different, Caitlyn Smith - Starfire, Carnage - Battered Bruised & Bloody, The Chainsmokers - Sick Boy, cupcakKe - Eden, cupcakKe - Ephorize, Curren$y - Parking Lot Music, Curren$y & Harry Fraud - The Marina, Daughters - You Won’t Get What You Want, Dave East - Karma 2, Dave Matthews Band - Come Tomorrow, DJ Critical Hype - More 9th (Drake & 9th Wonder Mash Up), DOM KENNEDY - Volume Two, Don Toliver - Donny Womback, Eminem - Kamaze, Fetty Wap - For My Fans, Fetty Wap - Bruce Wayne, Frankie Cosmos - Vessels, Future - BEASTMODE 2, G Herbo & Southside - Swervo, Ganja White Night - The Origins, Helena Hauff - Qualm, Hop Along - Bark Your Head Off, Dog, HUNCHO JACK (Travis Scott & Quavo) - HUNCHO JACK, Jack Huncho, Jean Grae & Quelle Chris - Everything’s Fine, Jeezy - Pressure, Keith Ape - BORN AGAIN, Kevin George - Hopeless Romantic, Larry June - Very Peaceful, Lil Durk - Just Cause Y’all Waited, Lil Pete - 4EverFocused, Lucis - Nude, MadeinTYO - Sincerely, Tokyo, Metro Boomin - NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES, Matt and Kim - Almost Everyday, MGMT - Little Dark Age (Matthew Dear Album Remixes), MIKE - Black Soup [Mixtape], Mr Twin Sister - Salt, Nightmares On Wax - Shape the Future, OSHUN - Bittersweet, Vol. 1, Owl City - Cinematic, Palm - Rock Island, Prof - Pookie Baby, Raury - The Woods, Rae Sremmurd - SR3MM, Red Cafe - Less Talk More Hustle, Reese LAFLARE - Reese LAFLARE, Rich The Kid - The World Is Yours, Rico Nasty - Nasty, SHIRT - Pure Beauty, Shy Boys - Bell House, Slim Thug - The World Is Yours, Slum Village - The Lost Scrolls, Vol. 2 [Mixtape], Social Club Misfits - Into The Night, Steve Perry - Traces, Takeoff - The Last Rocket, Too $hort - The Sex Tape Playlist, Trae Tha Truth - Hometown Hero, Various Artists - Future Presents: SUPERFLY (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), Various Artists - 9th Wonder Presents: Jamla is the Squad II, We The King’s - Six, Westside Gunn - Supreme Blientele, Wifisfuneral - Ethernet, Yves Tumor - Safe In the Hands of Love, Zaytoven - Trapholizay, 03 Greedo - God Level, 24hrs - HOUSES ON THE HILL

Bad:

Eminem - Revival, Jack White - Boarding House Reach, Kay! & Kenny Beats - 777, Lil Baby - Harder Then Ever, Quintin Miller - Q.M., Sheck Wes - MUDBOY, Starlito - At WAR With Myself Too, Trouble & Mike WiLL Made-It - Edgewood [Mixtape]

[myempirepro-blog]

The Insecure Man (ft. Funke Akindele & JJC Skillz)

News broke out that JJC Skillz and his superstar wife Funke Akindele are now separated.

--> READ THE BLOG POST HERE https://lolaandola.com/the-insecure-man-ft-funke-akindele-jjc-skillz/

--> WATCH VIDEO VERSION HERE

https://youtu.be/Q-JRZci5AgE

Who is Funke Akindele?

With tons of awards, she is arguably one of the biggest actresses out of Nigeria’s movie industry which is the biggest by volume in the world and number two with respect to everything else.

  She is featured in tons of movies on Netflix.  Just search her name.  She is also popularly known as Jenifa which is one of her most popular series and a movie version which if I’m not mistaking, she directed.

  According to wikipedia, she got married to a British-Nigerian rapper popularly known as JJC Skillz. 

  In December 2018, they welcomed twin boys as a couple.

  On June 30, 2022, JJC Skillz announces that they are parting way in a post I saw on an Instagram profile; instablog9JA

  I want to share some wisdom with you with regards to this from a man who has been married for well over a decade.

  But first… here is the announcement I saw…

  And I quote!

  “Dear Friends and family I need to let you know that Funke and I have separated. While it lasted we shared a lot of things together and have created 2 beautiful children. 

  The last two years have been extremely difficult for us. I know I have tried my best to fix things but I believe it is beyond repair now. 

  3 months ago and at Funkes insistence I moved out of the house and apart from AMVCA have not been able to get Funke to sit down in an amicable manner to discuss the future of our relationship. 

  I’m making this announcement so that the public is clear that we both are pursuing separate lives. 

  We still have issues that need to be addressed such as the custody and wellbeing of our children which is paramount as well as business interests which need to be disentangled but I have no doubt that these will be resolved one way or the other

  Mr Abdul Bello”

  The speculation from sources close to their camp is that Funke is proud… as in arrogant for those who do not understand Nigerian English.

  According to an Abimbola on Clubhouse who claimed to know Funke, he said… “though JJC Skillz is not perfect, Funke is not an easy woman to deal with.”

  A few months ago, JJC Skillz’s son from his previous relationship dropped some revealing information about their extended family.

  It included allegations of child abuse… some serious direct “panel beating” on his son’s head while actually driving in the middle of London street.

  As a step son, he also testified to allegations against Funke Akindele that… And I quote…

  “She slaps her workers and calls them names. She accuses people of dating JJC Skillz.”

  He went on to say Funke has cheated on his Dad.

  On the day of the announcement, there were 300,000 Nigerians on ClubHouse arguing JJC Skillz’ financial status before merging life together with Funke.

  But then I noticed that none of them was able to substantiate how he was making any substantial amount of money that we can match against what Funke Akindele had going for years before him due to her status.

  But I guess that’s beside the point.

  Apparently, JJC Skillz had his son live with them and many conflicts ensued that he clearly could not resolve.

  But let’s talk about this condescending statement he made.

  And I quote…

  “I know I have tried my best to fix things but I believe it is beyond repair now. “

  This statement is as typical as it comes when a man has just failed in a relationship or marriage (chop breakfast) and he is butt hurt.

  It’s disrespectful to himself at best.

  The least he could do is change all the I’s in that PR statement to include the mother of his kids.

  That will reflect more self-respect than trying to play Mr Perfect who survived a failed marriage.

  Is Funke Akindele Perfect or a Toxic Woman?

  Apparently, there was a leaked video where Funke was accusing him of cheating and using company funds without proper accountability…

  If you have access to that, please share with others in the comment area.

  Are you noticing a pattern with high status women with regards to marriage?

  Why can’t people be like Omotola Ekehinde (another actress) and her husband who is a  professional air pilot?

  To me, it’s been clear that Funke and JJC Skillz’ marriage has been going through the mud and it’s very sad for the institution of marriage.

  Here are the allegations…

  I’ve heard people quoting a blogger called gistlover claiming the cause of separation to be:

  Infidelity 

  Mismanagement of Funds and 

  Ego

  I heard someone say they should have gotten married with a joint bank account.  I think that’s an ignorant suggestion.

  The person said … and I quote “after all, he is the husband and why can’t he take money from their business account?”

  First of all… that’s all speculation.

  But let’s be clear. If you as a man choose to go marry a woman of higher status like Funke Akindele, the only joint document you should be expecting to sign is a prenup if her team knows what that hell they are doing.

  You can check out Kandi Burruss and Todd of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

  So this guy had been posting a few proverbial songs on social media for a few days prior to his terrible amateur announcement…

  This is all “unrealistic expectations” at best.

  Funke Akindele is damn near the biggest actress in Nigeria. How do you not expect that to come with a healthy amount of ego that is not necessarily deliberate?

  So even if she is guilty of the accusations of arrogance, that will be in addition to the natural.

  As usual, this is a terrible version of unrealistic expectation mixed with egotistical pride on steroids.

  Ok so apparently and allegedly, JJC Skillz and Funke Akindele lived in a 7 bedroom house but yet had to rent another house in town for his other extended family.

  Is This What Funke is Guilty of?

  So somehow, that 7 bedroom-family house is for the extended family and not a nuclear family?

  Please… in the comment area… help me make this make sense.

  I am in no way exonerating Funke here.

  But my job on this channel is to hold the leader of the household accountable.

  It’s not an indictment.  I am just pointing out your leverage point as a man which includes the choice to walk away and mean it when necessary as a leverage for best negotiations.

  Gentlemen. We can’t negotiate desire.  We can’t afford to discount the power of desire, attraction, emotions and seduction in romantic relationships.  These are skills you must learn.

  Funke is most likely not going to make a statement… that’s her track record.

  But here we have a man who couldn’t wait to run to social media to make such a condescending announcement about his own family.  Your ex-spouse, especially with kids made together, remains your family for the rest of your life.

  I have to be honest with you.  I expect to see more excuses for JJC Skillz outside of holding him to account for his decisions.

  After all, you as a man can control your decisions more than you can control another human being who clearly has a higher status in society than you.

  To be married to a Funke Akindele, a man will need to be 100% secured in himself.

  Newsflash: That’s almost impossible.

  Why can’t she just submit to her husband?  It’s not that simple.  

  Even if she tries to submit, insecurities of a typical man will creep to the surface and attract disrespect from a typical woman of higher status.

  We are not talking about people on salaries here.  There is nothing wrong with a wife making more money than you as a man… but don’t do it… especially if you think there is no such thing as an insecure man.

  That’s precisely what you are with that belief system.  Don’t bother trying it.

  Funke Akindele is a woman of a certain status and she’s been that… long before JJC Skillz came into the picture.

  If you’ve been paying attention, sadly, these things are predictable.

  That’s especially true in the modern age.

  This is the actual reality that many men are having a hard time adjusting for.

  I’ve noticed that they’d rather talk about their fantasies of going back to 1933 ways of doing marriage.

  Good luck!

  So the fact is that men need intensive coaching to marry in this time and age.

  Also divorcees should definitely stay away from marriage until intensive 1 year coaching.

  I offer all those things extremely affordably. The only excuse is ego.

Check out this episode!

[naijastudio]

Who is the Queen of Afrobeat Between Tiwa Savage And Tems?

Although Tems and Tiwa Savage are each in their own right musical superstars, they have once again been pitted against one another, suggesting that their admirers only want to name one of them the Queen of Afrobeats. It would be insulting to compare Tiwa Savage to Tems because she has set numerous records and paved the path for upcoming artists. However, given her career and sheer volume of songs, she is unquestionably the Queen of Afrobeat. The two of them are the divisive Nigerian musicians that are constantly debated on social media. A discussion on who the Queen of Afrobeat is has been initiated by them today. You must all be able to evaluate this. Tiwatope Savage originated from Lagos State in Nigeria. When she was 11 years old, her family moved to London, where she rapidly discovered a love for singing and performing (at 16, she sang backup for George Michael). The formal education, however, was always highly valued by her parents. The University of Kent's accounting program finally saw Savage earn his degree. It would be insulting to compare Tiwa Savage to Tems because of her record-breaking performances and role in paving the path for upcoming artists. Because of her longevity and large amount of hits, she is the undisputed Queen of Afrobeat. Tiwa Savage already boasts a long list of firsts under her belt, but in 2018 she took this accomplishment to a new level by becoming the first female to win the Best African Act prize at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Before winning and gaining a triumph for female musicians in Africa and Nigeria generally, Tiwa Savage had been nominated alongside Davido, Distruction Boyz from South Africa, Davido, and Nyashinnski from Kenya. On the other hand, Tems is a strong force that has an impact off the internet. When people thought it was impossible to top her achievements, the rebel gang leader gloriously exceeds their expectations. With her "Wait For U" duet with Canadian rapper Drake and American rapper Future, she achieved another impressive debut on the Billboard Hot 100. A sample of Tem's song "Higher," which is on her debut EP, may be heard in the song "Wait For U." Tem, the second singer from Nigeria to do so, made history by being the first African musician to enter at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. She is still not the Queen of Afrobeat, though. Read the full article