Inside Taylor Swift’s Surprise Album Release

This year has been difficult for so many people amidst the COVID 19 pandemic. Plans have changed, events cancelled, and schools closed. Among the numerous concerts that have been cancelled is Taylor Swift’s Lover Fest, in which she had planned to perform songs from the album she released in August of 2019.

On July 23 Taylor shocked the world revealing that at midnight she would be releasing a new surprise album. On social media she shared, “Most of the things I had planned this summer didn’t end up happening, but there is something I hadn’t planned on that DID happen. And that thing is my 8th studio album, folklore.” On midnight of July 24 the 16 track album was released, much to the excitement of fans all across the globe.

This alternative Indie album has been an instant success and begs the question; what can’t Taylor Swift do? She has released hugely successful country and pop albums over the years and now has an impressive Indie title to add to her versatility. Although the album itself was recorded in isolation, Taylor collaborated with some amazing artists including: Aaron Dessner who helped co-write and produce numerous songs, and Bon Iver who helped write and sung with her on the song, Exile.

The album boasts emotional tracks including Exile, which is about a toxic or struggling relationship and the guy is simply wondering where everything went wrong. Epiphany is an emotional piece as well, which some have speculated to be about the doctors and nurses during this pandemic. One of the lighter hearted tracks is, The Last Great American Dynasty, which tells the story of how American composer Rebekah Harkness apparently dyed her neighbor's dog green after an argument.

Report: Rebecca Vanderkooi

Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon

Pop Smoke’s (real name: Bashar Barakah Jackson), posthumous album titled, “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon” has taken over social media. The Brooklyn, New York artist recently was tragically killed in his home in Hollywood Hills, California, back in February. Pop Smoke was an upcoming artist with a whole new sound. His drilling beats that have mostly been produced by Axel, have made many all over the world, mostly New Yorkers, fall in love with his artistry. He was only 20 years old when he passed away and he had so much talent.

Pop Smoke’s rise to fame started with the New York anthems, “Welcome to the Party” as well as “Dior.” His two mixtapes “Meet the Woo” as well as “Meet the Woo 2” had all the fans heavily anticipating his debut album. According to his management, the plan was to release 3 mixtapes and then release the debut album.

Unfortunately, his life was cut short and it was not able to happen this way. Soon after the announcement of the release of the album, it was said that Pop Smoke wanted a famous designer named Virgil to design the cover of his album. When the cover was released, all of New York protested the artwork due to it not being up to par and did not meet the fans expectations. 50 Cent, as the executive producer, gave the fans an opportunity to submit artwork to be featured as the cover of the album. In the end, the fans were satisfied.

Pop Smoke’s Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, giving the rapper his first chart-topping effort. The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption. News of Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon’s rise to No. 1, comes shortly after five people were arrested on July 9 in connection with Pop Smoke’s murder on Feb. 19.

Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon is the first posthumous album to reach No. 1 since 2018. Pop Smoke and XXXTentacion are two of the four hip-hop artists with posthumous No. 1s. They follow The Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac, who each have three posthumous leaders. R.I.P to the Woo.

Photo Credits:

Album cover: @50cent

Red shirt: @realpopsmoke

Report: Soila Douce (@soila.xx)

Escapism or Hope?

With the world engulfed in more turmoil with each passing day, people naturally turn to online entertainment for a reprieve from the chaos surrounding them. Musicians, actors, and performers across all industries have taken to social media to put on shows for mass audiences. These efforts were met with mixed receptions from the public, with many finding genuine comfort in the videos and others dismissing them as vanity projects in which wealthy celebrities condescend their significantly poorer viewers. Counteracting the skepticism, however, is the growing popularity of once-hidden talent.

A prime example of a lesser-known entertainer bringing joy with her online videos is roller skater Oumi Janta, whose skating lessons have gained traction on Instagram. Reminiscent of the roller disco scene of the 1970s, Janta performs various skating feats to upbeat music, interspersing impressive dance moves throughout the spectacle. After years of uploading these instructional videos, she has garnered adoring fans who are awed by her skills and enticed to begin skating themselves. Janta’s relationship with her audience truly feels reciprocal, as she engages viewers in a manner that uplifts them rather than attempt to placate them with hollow platitudes. Now that online content creators have more eyes on them than ever before, each of them has the opportunity to cultivate even larger followings.

Report: Nia Hunt

Music’s Influence on Fashion

The relationship between fashion is music is a quite remarkable one. Whether it is a memorable fit that is used in a music video or on stage or a fashion trend that an artist creates, music will always influence fashion.

70s Punk Glam

Rockers Brightly colored hair, large chains, black clothing, all became the new fashion trend when aggressive rock music was very popular. Vivienne Westwood, a British fashion designer was a big part of the punk movement. She was inspired by this idea of punk and so she combined clothing and music to create a new wave of fashion that really skyrocketed her career as a designer. Artists like David Bowie also brought out this idea of glam rock and changed the idea of fashion for many, wearing clothes that were androgynous. Bowie was one of the most notable influencers that inspired many, including Westwood.

80s Goth

Goth music turned into goth fashion with the dark traits of the goth music scene. With the dark black hair, black clothes from head to toe, black lips. Very uh dark? Well originally it started off like that, with very gloomy music. However as time went on, death rock evolved into something more. A love for the darker side of life, whether that was scary movies or loving to wear black. Fashion got spookier and more edgy.

90s Grunge

In the 90s, there was lots of anger toward the world, especially with teenagers. Kurt Cobain, leader of the very famous American rock band, Nirvana expressed that in his music and it definitely resonated with his fans. The 90s grunge look was a very popular fashion look we still see today. Pieces like flannel shirts, oversized tops and ripped jeans. Looks that represent individuality and not caring about what anyone thinks caught on rather quickly.

90s Hip-hop

Hip-hop began to get very popular around the late 80s into 90s, especially in places like New York and LA. Fans started to get into breakdancing and rap battles against one another. But they also began to mimic the way the rappers dressed. Tupac, one of the most significant and influential rappers helped bring out the style of jeans and bandanas.

90s Rave - 2010s EDM

Electronica was very big in the 90s and so were raves. Rave culture made a comeback in the 2000s. Individuals that enjoyed this scene would wear bright glowing colors, UFO pants and also dressed in a lot of skin tight clothing. The style was definitely fun and had all the “rave”.

Fashion is heavily involved with music. Today, rappers like Lil Baby, Future, Cardi B and countless others talk about the luxury brands they wear even in their songs. Popular musicians wear something and next week those same things can go up in sales. The overall style of the music you listen to resonates with one in a lot more ways than you think.

Photo Credits: Pinterest

Report: Melissa Adragna

I'm Black & I'm Proud: Songs to Uplift our Community

The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery are only the tip of the iceberg when addressing black lives lost to racism. At a time when blackness is seen as a weapon, it is hard to stay prideful and inspired. It’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We need a reminder of how great blackness is. Music is the soundtrack to life. Music is what has helped the black community through our greatest struggles. That is what motivated me to make the list of song that has helped me stay inspired and prideful this last week.

I’m Black & I’m Proud - James Brown

James Brown could not say it better! The funk song was written in 1968 but still speaks to many of the issues the black community faces currently. Addressing the need for black empowerment. This song is number one because right now black equates to “criminal” or “dangerous”. Instead, black people need a reminder of how amazing we are and take pride in how far we have gotten.

Alright - Kendrick Lamar

Used back in 2015 by young activists when protesting police brutality this song became coined the “unifying soundtrack of the movement”. This song is a message of hope, telling us that we will be okay as long as we are in this together.

Keep Ya Head Up - 2Pac

This track uplifts and defends black women. Written when Tupac was only 21, this song addresses how black women are often stereotyped and taken advantage of in and outside of our community. Instead, Pac used this song to show the strength and the importance black women are to the community.

Freedom - Beyoncé

The title speaks for itself. This song performed by Beyonce is meant to elevate the black people and demands “freedom” for oppressive authorities. The music video also illuminates the beauty, softness, and the strength black women exude, showcasing the mothers of Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner holding pictures of their sons. Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar touch on the issues black women face as well as the social injustices the black community faces as a group.

Fight The Power - Public Enemy

We have all heard this phrase before. This song is the reminder we all might need to continue to do our part if we want to reform to the police and justice systems. This song is on my list not because of its super uplifting but because it reminded me that we have the power to change our communities and government. So than months from now, our voices are still being heard.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia.com

Report: Lauren Tucker

Burberry Sessions

Fashion and music. Two of the most significant and influential industries we enjoy in today’s society become unified in an original project by the traditional and glamorous Burberry. The well renowned, reputable fashion brand has started to involve the element of live music to their social media presence. Titled “Burberry Sessions”, the much-loved brand is using their platform to promote the works of independent, unsigned artists who are up and coming in the music industry.

The newest addition to Burberry’s social media archive is particularly fresh and exciting, especially during these trying times. Young artists from around the globe are now being heard and adored through their intimate virtual performances. This is all made possible through social media, as the artists record themselves performing their songs and Burberry streams the performances, mainly on their Instagram feed, so followers can watch and experience the live renditions, both parties participating from the comfort and safety of their homes.

Rap, R&B, Hip Hop, Electronic, Punk, Rock, and Soul, as well as combinations of these, are the genres of music that the young musicians have presented thus far throughout their sessions. Similar to the differentiating genres, the diversity of the artists themselves is not to be overlooked. Individually, each artist embodies a unique ethnic background while simultaneously representing their local geographic roots. Together, these musicians highlight the inclusivity of the Burberry brand. Like most artists do, these talented entertainers are able to portray their irreplaceable personalities through original musical creations, making it easy for fans to connect with them on a more intimate level.

Burberry has truly expanded their horizons with the Burberry Sessions project by supporting talented, growing musicians who have such spark and potential to become a success in the music industry, as well as providing a comforting distraction during the COVID19 crisis. Fashion and music are vehicles through which strangers can bond with one another, despite any cultural or physical boundaries. Using their platform to offer the gifted individuals a chance to share their passion with the world, when they otherwise may not have had the tools to do so, is what fuels our ongoing, ever-growing respect and admiration for the Burberry brand.

Report: Alexandra Donnelly

Virtual Concerts & Fundraisers & Events, Oh my!

We are living in unprecedented times, as the coronavirus pandemic has been sweeping the globe. For many of us in the United States mid March is when changes started happening and lock downs began being implemented. This greatly changed how entertainment, concerts and other events are being held. Many of us can no longer go to a Broadway show, a movie theater, a benefit dinner or a concert. Events that were already scheduled to happen in person had to be transitioned to online events, many of which are free.

There have been numerous online events. On April 26th GLAAD, the world's largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group hosted “Together in Pride: You Are Not Alone.” This event featured performances from Kesha, the cast of Broadway's “Jagged Little Pill,” among many others. Throughout the night over $225,000 was raised for Centerlink and other local LGBTQ+ centers. Another event this April was, “Take Me To The World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration.” It was put on by Raul Esparza and featured numerous Broadway stars including an iconic performance via zoom of, “Ladies Who Lunch,” by Audra McDonald, Meryl Streep and Christine Baranski. Yet another event was a virtual benefit via instagram live for Say called “Under One Moon.” Say is a nonprofit organization that benefits those who stutter. The highlight of the night was an appearance by actress and activist Mariska Hargitay and her husband Peter Hermann.

Looking forward there are numerous exciting online events in the upcoming weeks. On June 27th Josh Groban is holding a virtual concert to sing his numerous hits throughout his career. Tickets will be on sale June 1st, the ticket will include an online access code as well as a T-Shirt for an extra $5. June 7th there will be a free Broadway Tony Awards celebration. Although the awards themselves have been rescheduled this event will be hosted by Tony nominee Lonny Price and will raise money for the American Theater Wing and The Broadway League. On June 6th Barack Obama, Lady Gaga and BTS will be a part of a 2020 Youtube virtual commencement ceremony for graduates. A quick google search reveals even more amazing events, some from local places like orchestras as well as some nationwide events. So please check that out. Stay safe, stay connected and stay entertained.

Report: Rebecca Vanderkooi

The Music I Can’t Stop Listening To

Rema Photo Credit: Medium

Nigerian rapper and singer, Divine Ikubor (Rema), recently released a song entitled “Beamer (Bad Boys). This song channels a lighter, more R&B-infused vibe similar to that of Mr. Eazi, Maleek Berry and a few other Afrobeats artists. Featured on this track is international singer, Becky G. I literally can’t stop listening to it!

Future Photo Credit: Sneaker Report

Future’s new album, “High Off Life” is what gen z would describe as “a whole mood.” Despite the Quarantine we’re all experiencing as a result of COVID-19, this album has plenty of songs that feature the artists we love hearing on the radio during summer; Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Baby and Drake to name a few.

Sumney Photo Credit: Genius

Alternative artist Moses Sumney released “grae,” an album consisting of a series of short songs that lean more into his alternative sound than R&B. More importantly, he managed to get Jill Scott to feature on a song and sampled her song, “Cross My Mind.” This is the music I listen to when I’m just wanting to relax with my beverage of choice, likely on a Saturday evening.

Polo G Photo Credit: Hot New Hip Hop

Polo G is a rapper that I recently discovered and whose music I absolutely love. In his recent album, “The Goat,” the artist manages to merge both meaningful, heartfelt songs with the lighthearted summer bops we all want to blast in the car after leaving a day party. Whenever I want a boost, this album is my go-to.

Report: Julian Alexander Randall

High Off Life

Future’s highly anticipated album is finally here. The Haitian-American rapper recently released his latest project titled “High Off Life” and it has caused quite the buzz on social media. This is his first project following the hit 2019 album “The Wizrd”. The songs have had all the men feeling as though they can relate the hit rapper. This is Future’s seventh No. 1 Album. High Off Life was at No. 1 on the most recent Billboard 200 chart. It earned 153,000 equivalent album units for its debut week which ran until May 21 which was mostly streamed and the rest purchased.

Future is known as one of the most influential artists of the past decade and he’s managed to conquer the charts by emulating a sound that has reshaped rap as a whole. Ever since he peaked with DS2, he has continued to release music steadily. Although Future spent the first half of the 2010s changing his sound and experimenting, this new album emulates the signature sound that all major Future fans were waiting on. The entire album centers around men evoking confidence in life and not necessarily focusing on women, but rather themselves. A lot of women think that his lyricism may give the idea that women are disposable in his opinion but that is up for discussion.

The Atlanta rapper has been under some fire on social media due to his personal family drama, but what makes this album so iconic is that despite all that, he claims “Life is Good” which is one of the top songs on the album featuring Drake. The album is for sure an album for the summer and has so many hits that will make you feel like nothing else can bother you because life is going great. Future will continuously be an iconic rapper for all those who listen.

Photo Credits:

Album cover: @future

Colored picture: @future

Report: Soila M Douce

Music At What Cost

In the past year, Summer Walker quickly rose to fame like many other musicians at a young age. As a woman, the music industry can use and abuse then throw you away if you’re not the total package. It’s not enough to just have the voice of an angle anymore, not since sex started to sell.

Many talented female artists such as Lil Kim, K Michelle, and Nicki Minaj have undergone extremely dangerous plastic surgery to their body to appeal to the music industry and its fans. Today, artists are speaking out and freely about their toxic journey in the industry that has led them to their addictions to be accepted and promises to be made a star and make it to the top. Industry professionals have brainwashed women to thinking unless they channel their creativity through drugs or make millions showing their assets, then they had no career.

The most recent is Summer Walker. She’s previously spoken out about how she’s dealt with her newfound fame and constantly being in the spotlight. On her last tour, after dealing with the performance part of her fame Summer only performed at nine of the tour dates canceling the original 29. She then took to Instagram to explain what she was feeling to her fans, “I’m not going to be able to finish this tour because it doesn’t really coexist with my social anxiety and introverted personality.”

Summer Walker - Before

“I’m a person; I have feelings. I get tired, I get sad and it’s just a lot.” She added, “I want to give you all what I can, so I’m going to keep making music and I might do a few more shows, but I can’t finish.” “I hope that you understand that wellness/health is important.”

Following this courageous act, Summer Walker decided to take a break from social media after receiving backlash on multiple occasions following her canceled tour and her public breakup with London on Da Track On May 16, it seems she is a new woman. Summer Walker is practically unrecognizable in her newest Instagram video and photos showing off what looks like a new face and body. It makes you wonder, what led her to this new transformation with a noticeably new bigger butt. Is she the newest victim of mental abuse from the industry and social media?

Is she the new Lil Kim? Why is it that the music industry teaches young black women that unless they have curves they’re talent means nothing? It is an industry that makes hit records and millions of dollars on a regular basis and young black women and their mental health pay the price.

Report: Josephine Coiscou

Quarantine Playlist

Quarantining and social distancing during this pandemic is definitely starting to get everyone a bit stir crazy. Jumping from Zoom calls to another, meeting your boss or talking to your professors about the final or project has got everyone crazy. But how do you unwind and really sink into your moods? Music. Here’s a quick playlist to get you through the day and all the different vibes you may be feeling.

For the quick workout:

Cardio, yoga, and those 15- pounds are all we can do at home since we can’t go to the gym anymore. So we’re going to compensate. Hold that pose a bit longer, run that extra half mile, or just one more rep. Here are some songs to get that heartbeat jumping.

Instructions- Jax Jone (feat. Demi Lovato, Stefflon Don)

Stayin’ Alive- The Bee Gees

Work R3HAB Remix- Rihanna, Drake, R3HAB

Blueberry Faygo- Lil Mosey

Bali- Rich Brian (feat. Guapdad 4000)

Lo-fi Work Zone:

Though we’re social distancing, we still have to work. Some of us have finals, projects, presentations, dissertations, and such to finish up. These are great to listen to when you just need some chill background noise to work to.

Unfaithful- H E R B

We Used to Talk Every Night - Elijah Who

Cruzin’ - Orca Vibe

Bossa- Soulwanderer

Black Coffee - Nicobox

When we just need to cry a bit:

Never bottle up your emotions, and plus we’re home we can let it out. Grab a box of tissues with these heartbreakers. Let it all out, cause that's just how it is sometimes.

Someone You Loved - Lewis Capaldi

When The Party’s Over - Billie Eilish

When I Was Your Man - Bruno Mars

Fall Apart - Post Malone

Who Hurt You? - Daniel Caesar

Songs that released in 2020:

2020 has definitely been a whirlwind, but also had some hot releases. And there’s more to come for this year. Look out for Lady Gaga’s new album coming May 29, which was delayed due to the current pandemic. The album is rumored to feature Ariana Grande, BLACKPINK, and Elton John.

Intentions - Justin Bieber

Blinding Lights - The Weeknd

Old Me - 5 Seconds of Summer

ON - BTS Stupid

Love - Lady Gaga

Silly Watch - Lil Uzi Vert

Boss B*itch - Doja Cat

Hangout with your friends over Zoom:

Here are some party hits to have with your friends during that weekly Zoom call, FaceTime, whichever you use. Party it up, virtually of course.

The Box- Roddy Ricch

Gimme Love- Joji

Savage Remix - Megan Thee Stallion (feat. Beyonce)

Rockstar - Post Malone (feat. 21 Savage)

SUGAR - BROCKHAMPTON

Album covers from the respective artists.

Report: Katie Mok

Kehlani Releases Quarantine Style Music Video for “Open (Passionate)”

She just dropped her latest album and new merchandise for her fans. Kehlani clearly isn’t letting quarantine stop her from putting out some of her best content. One of her most recent music videos “Open (Passionate) was edited herself and was shot quarantine style. Steamy, sexy and visually pleasing with trees and a forest green background, the video starts off with Kehlani soaking in a Jacuzzi with a wine bottle and what seems to look like two mimosas sitting on the side of her arm. Then she’s driving down a vacant highway with her dangling gold earrings and sunglasses. There are moments which capture the eye, when she’s wearing a bold orange dress which brings out her natural beauty down to when she’s standing on top of a car dressed with a dark denim coat and brown Louis Vuitton head scarf giving her an edgy look.

Kelahni’s second part of the track “Passionate,” features her in a much more relaxing setting. She can be seen in the driver’s seat of her own car, bundled up in a two toned puffer jacket that’s grey on the outside and orange on the inside. Although things appear more serene, Kehlani’s melodious voice and captivating lyrics speak to the soul. She sings “It’s only your passion how you move by/You fallin’ head over, right outta the sky/Fatal attraction, you lay down and die/Know how you get, I know how you do it.

If you haven’t streamed Kehlani’s new album “It Was Good Until it Wasn’t,” why not go ahead and do that? After all, Kehlani said in her own words on Instagram that she wanted us to. She posted on her Instagram account 2 days ago saying “it would mean the world to me if you go stream the album, i’m already hella grateful for whatever happens but this would be really insane.”

English singer-songwriter James Blake, who is featured in Kehlani’s song “Grieving” on her new album had some words of his own. On his Instagram account he posted their song together saying “So proud to play a small part on her completely fire album.”

While Kehlani blesses us with some of her best music, other artists are taking the time to live stream their concerts for fans to view, all while in the comfort of their own homes. This month artists such as Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, OneRepublic, Ellie Goulding, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, Sam Smith, James Taylor, Meghan Trainer and Tina are all set to perform for this year’s Red Nose Day Special. Other artists such as Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel and Sing will also be performing live concerts as well. Who knows how long we’ll be in quarantine but it seems this is the new direction music and live streaming are taking.

Photo Credits:

Picture of Kehlani:YourinfoDaily

Picture of Blake Shelton: nbcumv.com

Report: Juana Norales

The Queerness of Little Richard's Fashions

Rock and roll icon Little Richard tragically passed away on May 9, 2020, and his innovation and legacy in his genre cannot be overstated. For decades he entranced audiences with his flashy, energized performances—a key component of which was his trendsetting fashion sense. His penchant for shimmering garments not only defined his aesthetic, but also symbolized his queerness. In fact, his unapologetic femininity was a defiance of the heteronormativity of his time.

Little Richard’s queer identity was crucial in shaping his onstage wardrobe. After performing in drag shows under the moniker “Princess LaVonne”, he permanently adopted a more flamboyant style of dress, complete with turbans and capes. When his hit songs “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally” launched him into the spotlight, the brilliance of his sequins and spangles shone even on black-and-white television sets of the 1950s. While he was not free from mockery for his feminine attire, Little Richard was overall a phenomenon who garnered a racially integrated fanbase. Thus, he only grew more ostentatious in the following two decades, indulging in even more sequins and flaunting lamé crop tops and brocade tunics.

Little Richard’s toned-down (albeit still lustrous) fashions in his later years were likely attributed to his old age, but they also paralleled his distancing from his own queerness. In recent years he vilified homosexuality, and his diminished brilliance was representative of this retrospective self-hatred. Little Richard’s internalized bigotry is indeed an unfortunate note on which to end a lifetime of rebellious theatricality, but he has nonetheless influenced generations of male musicians to don their own sparkling outfits and embrace their feminine sides.

Photo credit: https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/little-richard-rock-n-roll-fashion-impact

Report: Nia Hunt

Erykah Badu Vs. Jill Scott Instagram Live Battle

On May 9, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott graced the world with an amazing Instagram live battle. The battle was hosted by producers, Timbaland and Swizz Beats, and was sponsored by Femme It Forward. The battle attracted some of r&b’s biggest stars and even Michelle Obama. Over the past couple of weeks, Instagram live battles have become very popular and are now being used to bring people together during the pandemic. To no surprise, this battle was highly anticipated as two of neo-soul’s greatest artists would come together to appreciate each other’s artistry.

For many fans that tuned into the Instagram battle last Saturday night, Badu and Scott’s music allowed them to reminisce about a simpler time. With everything that’s going on in the world, the battle offered peace, even if it was only temporary. Being that both artists have been making music for over 20 years, the battle only scratched the surface of each artist’s catalog. Despite that, both women showed how timeless good music is. These Instagram battles definitely have their perks. After the battle, both artists saw an increase in streams. Both Erykah Badu and Jill Scott played a mixture of their hits and deep cuts that some fans were introduced to and others revisited. While the music is what attracted so many people, the virtual concert had a deeper meaning. The message was sisterhood. Aside from the music, one of the most beautiful parts of the Badu vs. Scott battle was the respect that they had for each other as women and as artists. “Jill & Erykah isn’t even a battle… it's a vibe session. They’re just playing full songs, telling background stories and vibing out”, says @theblackreginaG (Twitter), a fan who watched the battle on Saturday. It was clear that both women were genuinely fans of each other’s music, which eliminated the “battle” atmosphere.

Generally, when you hear the word “battle” there is an implication of some sort of opposition. The music industry is notorious for putting artists up against each other, especially among female artists. It was very important to see that two women can have equal success and not feel threatened by each other. For three hours, the battle exuded peace, love, and the beauty of art. This was definitely one for the culture.

Photo Credits: @Verzuz.tv

Report: Brionna Thompson

"Savage"

Beyoncé and Meg the Stallion astonished the world with their shake to the music industry. The remix to the rapper's viral hit "Savage" on Thursday, April 29th, had the beehive (fans) emphatically freaking out over their unique collab on several media platforms.

"And this is why she's queen," one listener wrote on the popular social media of Twitter, along with Queen Bey's verse in which she name drops Onlyfans, TickTock, And her beautiful mother Tina Knowles-Lawson, in which she claims to get her “savagness” from. This sparked a lot of different interests in people to step into their own “savage”power.

For instance, Kerry Washington declared “Savage" the song could not get any better which was a tweet written for Beyoncè where she pays homage towards the queen. I think it’s safe to say many fans can agree, her adding a touch of her magical voice on the song helped to drive the song to number one!

Report: Stacey Rattray

Get An Inside Look At the "Insecure" Season 4 Soundtrack

Season four of the HBO comedy series, Insecure premiered on April 12, and they’re back with a new soundtrack of bangers and slow jams. Issa Rae and Insecure's music supervisor, Kier Lehman have created the perfect blend of well-known hits and undiscovered tracks for a flawless soundtrack. Here are a list of songs featured in the series:

1. “A Boy Is A Gun” by Tyler the Creator

2. "Sandstorm" by Mereba Feat. JID

3. “Cool Enough” by TeaMarr

4. “Self Motivated” by Tamar Bubble

5. “Numb Numb Juice” by ScHoolboy Q

6. “Feelin It” by Blimes and Gab

7. “Wiggle” by Binki

8. “Big Boss” by Tamara Bubble

9. “Waste My Time” by Zaia

10. “Sky Mind” by Radient Children

11. “Lil Mama” by Lo Village

12. “HopScotch” by Michael Sneed

13. “Feng Shui” by Jidenna

14. “Boy Bye” by Brockhampton

15. “Uno” by Ambjaay

16. “Look At Me” by Poe Leos feat. Kay Dinero

17. “Temperature” by TeaMarrr

18. "Petrol Bliss" by Choker

19. "Ready Set" by Kash Doll feat. Big Sean

20. "Hottest In The City" by Ty Dolla $ign

21. "Attention" by Bosco

22. "Shade" by Sonyaé

23. "You Can't Save Me" by SiR

24. "FUN!" by Vince Staples

25. "Apache" by Incredible Bongo Band

26. "Road to You" by Alex Isley

27. "Mood" by SiR feat. Zacari

28. "Whatever Whenever" by Kamaiyah

29. "Technicolor" by Sunni Colon

30. "Only If" by Steve Lacy

Report: Amanda T Lou

Classy, Bougie...You Know the Rest!

Houston, we have a problem! Once again, Beyonce (better known as Queen B), has stopped the world once again. We all know that all our hotties have been anxiously waiting for this moment. Megan Thee Stallion has always stated that her dream collaboration would have to be with Beyonce. Her wish indeed came true and dominated social media and the charts.

The original song speaks about women empowerment and how women can be a combination of a lot of characteristics, all wrapped in one. Musically, the Texan rapper uses her go-get-it attitude, along with her ridiculous flow to convey her message perfectly over a beat that is reminiscent of nostalgic hip-hop music videos. The original song topped charts, and it has the app Tik Tok to include on its success. Tik Tok has been an app being used heavily throughout this period of social distancing and quarantine. The remix is making listeners reminisce over how a remix is supposed to sound. Many listeners gravitated towards the remix because of Beyonce, and because the song sounds like a different song. A better one at that! It is the absolute best combination of Beyonce's vocals and Megan Thee Stallion's bars. Let's not forget that although Beyonce is a world-renowned singer, we could hand her a Grammy for Rapper of the Year!

These two black women have topped all of the fans' expectations and have made an anthem that will not be going away any time soon. It has made women all across the globe realize that "If you don't jump to put jeans on, Baby, you don't feel my pain." Megan Thee Stallion's Savage has been one of the top challenges on Tik Tok, but the remix with Queen B might top it. This Houston collaboration is one for the books!

Cartoon picture: @maateusforte Mateus Forte

Black and White picture: Wonderland Magazine

Report: Soila Douce

Dark Lane Demo Tapes Review

No one was expecting Drake to release a mixtape. Dark Lane Demo Tapes released on May 1. Dark Lane Demo Tapes is a combination of “some leaks and some old joints from SoundCloud and some new vibes”, says Drake. On top of this out of the blue release, Drake also announced that he plans to release his 6th studio album in the summer of 2020. Drake announcing the mixtape and the album together implies that Dark Lane Demo Tapes is supposed to hold fans over until the summer and keep his name in the media.

Somewhere along the way Drake’s music has changed. His old music gave off the idea that he had something to prove, it showed his hunger to be at the top of hip-hop. On the other hand, the new music sounds like he has absolutely nothing to prove. After listening to the mixtape, it was clear that the intention was to highlight the diversity of Drake’s sound. The mixtape did a good job of showcasing the best of both worlds, as far as Drake before and after he went mainstream. The further down the tracklist you go, the more mainstream the music becomes. Depending on what type of Drake fan you are, you will either love the project or hate it.

Drake fans stand behind him regardless of what he puts out. For some fans, it has become harder to enjoy his music because of how mainstream it has become. Personally, Dark Lane Demo Tapes was mediocre. Every artist is not meant to go mainstream. A common misconception is the idea that you have to go mainstream in order to be at the top. Throughout his career, Drake has reshaped the mold of what hip-hop music sounds like, which is what made people fall in love with his music. But lately his music has not reflected his artistic ability which Dark Lane Demo Tapes proves. This project was disappointing, however there is still hope that the “old Drake” will make an appearance on the new album come summer 2020.

Photo credits: @champagnepapi

Report: Brionna Thompson

Shop Justine Skye x H&M

The Jamaican/African- American artist is truly shining in multiple unique fields! The model, songwriter, & singer Justine Skye can do anything she puts her mind to clearly. The popular artist, Justine Skye is known for her dance-oriented Hip- hop and R&B affected sound. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1995, Justine started to gain attention in teens when she tagged along with an entertainment lawyer, which happened to be her mother to a music panel held by performance rights organization BMI. Ever since the star has flourished in not only music but also fashion. Yes it’s true her voice sounds amazing and she also has an excellent taste of style. To prove this you can check out her awfully new clothing line that she has collaborated with H&M. In this clothing line Justine Skye displayed her unique interest in fashion by choosing trendy sets & eye- catching colors. This line can be worn by a broad range of ages. This shows how she cares about her diverse customers. This also shows how multitalented the star is. From music to fashion, she always producing work worth-whiled! She is sure to draw in a lot of people to her line so shop now before it’s too late!

Report: Stacy Good

Alicia Keys Halts Album Release and Shines The Light On Essential Workers

The release of Alicia Keys’ 7th studio album, ALICIA, has been uncertain for a while. Like many other projects, the self-titled album has continuously been pushed back due to COVID-19. This pandemic has put a lot of things on standstill and has slowed down music releases. Initially, the album was supposed to complement Keys’ recent book, More Myself. The book is described as both an autobiography and a narrative documentary. More Myself has been promoted by Oprah Winfrey, as the book is being released on Winfrey’s book imprint. More Myself is supposed to capture the journey of self discovery, while the album is supposed to highlight her self discovery. While the book and the album did not release together as planned, Keys has still released some of the music on the album.

The album, Alicia, has four songs that are currently available. Keys’ most recent release, “Good Job”, is a perfect song for this worldwide crisis. “I wrote this for all the people that work so hard and never hear the words Good Job. I believe in us though, I believe in the way we are showing up for each other and caring”, says Alicia Keys. Some artists believe that the attention should be away from the music right now, however songs with positive messages, like “Good Job”, are what helps get people through hard times. “Good Job” shows gratitude, respect, and recognition of the sacrifices being made on a daily basis by essential workers.

Photo Credits: @aliciakeys

Report: Brionna Thompson