ill: “The One,” Tamar Braxton

She had all eyes on her (whether we liked it or not) as the boisterous baby sister on Braxton Family Values. Despite everyone’s opinions of her antics, she managed to hold our attention long enough to remind us why we tuned in the first place: her last name. She’s a Braxton. Sister of Toni. And we all know now that Braxton in lament terms translates to sang. 

Last year’s beautiful “Love & War” set the tone. Now Tamar gives us summer heat with the upbeat, infectious “The One.” Buzzing with B.I.G.’s “Juicy” as a hip-hop/soul background, Tamar declares why the battle for love is worth every scar. Hopefully a video to follow will finally prepare us for Tamar’s big break.

New New : “Say Yes” B5, video

First my sister tells me Chingy was headlining a show in Bloomington. Next, teen boy band B5 drop a new joint on 106 & Park. Is it 2004 again? The former Bad Boy sibling band has resurfaced after a long hiatus. They had attempted a comeback before as some Anime-K-pop hybrid called Audio. 0_0 Exactly. Now all grown up and out of that stage, Dustin, Patrick, Bryan and the other two are young men.

The new single is entitled “Say Yes.” A rather simple song with current influences, but is as basic as R&B songs come. No ridiculous auto-tune or explicit lyrics. Just three guys, two leads and enough choreography to make up for the years since Omarion and em went bump, bump, bump.

Not sure how this will pan out, but I’m going to support. While I wasn’t a huge B5 fan, I am a product of the 90s which included some of the best musical groups – R&B or pop. The fact that the music scene is vacant of groups right now is odd and a little discouraging, so hopefully B5 can use this empty lane to their advantage.

Songs of Summer ’13 : May

If you are currently reading this post, what you’re thinking is correct: where the hell have I been? Well between life and life, I hadn’t the energy to write. I’d open a blank canvass and just, stare. Preemptive writer’s block, no? Well no more. If this is the medium I feel I best express myself through, then I’ll be here whenever I can, God willing.

Now, with that out of the way, lets get to the music. It’s finally summer and here at illist90skd that means the Songs of Summer playlist is in full effect. The music as of late has been great, and the pending albums to surface only make the hunger for more unbearable.

2012 began a new frontier for me musically. I explored subgenres I never thought I’d like. I honestly stopped basing music choices on the artist or genre and founded my opinion on the music itself. If it moves me, I like it. Thus, I have a new found appreciation for the likes of Bruno Mars and the experimental chillwave. This fresh view continued into 2013.  Along with the S.O.S., I’ve continued my R&B Revival project as the once oft-forgotten genre has been given new life.

ill: “Power Trip” J. Cole ft. Miguel, video

Jermaine’s first official single from his long-awaited sophomore project is a definite trip. When first dropping I didn’t pay too much attention. He underwhelmed me with “Miss America” and I have yet to peep the Yours Truly EP. But we all know how powerful visual images can be. Being a product of the video age, I fell in love with the single once Cole rhymed life into a riveting, dark narrative. True fans will read between the lines of the story and its origin. Peep the video below. Born Sinner is due this summer.

ill: “Love” is Heaven Out of Candice Glover’s Mouth

This twelfth season of Idol has been like the last three or four unnecessary iterations. As much as the need for making a superstar from America’s favorite talent show is passé – due to DiY methods – Idol still reels in an audience. Mostly for the twitter reactions. But viewers, deep inside, watch each season hoping to be awed. We still wish for that “moment like this” when a Kelly or Carrie officially transforms from contestant to star.

I believe that moment was last night with powerhouse vocalist Candice Glover. Not since Melinda Doolittle, the shy background vocalist of Jordin Sparks season, has a singer commanded their gift with such ease and technique. While her counterparts, the females, are all pretty good, Candice has it.

She flexed her instrument at the close of last night’s episode with a chillingly beautiful over of Adele’s version of The Cure’s “Lovesong.” Each note, each run, perfectly executed. Just thinking about her performance brings tears to my eyes. That type of gift is very rare. Peep the magical moment below.

ill : “Fine China” Chris Brown, video

Stash away your opinions of Mr. Brown’s personal life. The past four years have garnered more news surrounding his love-in-a-hopeless-place romance than his once-flourishing R&B career. With the drama aside, the talent still remains and is front and center throughout Brown’s newest musical effort. The young (and only) heir closest to Michael’s throne is prepping his new album, X, for a summer release. Today he launched the video for its first single “Fine China.”

Riding a pure Jackson Off The Wall era bass line, Brown croons to a pretty young thing. It’s Chris in his element. From the dancing to the ad-libs the song breaths his idol. Even the video, directed by himself, has hints of drama reminiscent of Jackson’s “Rock My World.” “Fine China” is available for purchase via iTunes. I haven’t been fully behind a Breezy song since “Yo!” so this may just change my mind.

illReview: “The 20/20 Experience” Justin Timberlake

 

I wasn’t fully here for Justin’s return to music. Honestly I wouldn’t have even called myself a fan. I liked a few songs from Justified and would slo-mo mash potato to “My Love.” So while everyone cat called desperately for new JT, I solemnly looked on. Was it that deep? Did I miss something seven years ago? Yes Justin’s second album was HUGE but it took me a good few months to actually digest “SexyBack.”