OVO Sound Radio – Episode 37

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This week’s episode of OVO Sound Radio is brought to you by Oliver El-Khatib, Drake’s manager and OVO founder, and a guest mix courtesy of  DJ Maximum.  So far so good!

Thus far we’ve heard songs from P Reign, PND ft. Nicki Minaj, Migos, Baka, and more.  “Hush Up The Silence” (WizKid featuring Drake) was premiered as well!

DJ Maximum jumped on at 4PM – an hour into the mix.  This radio show is a total of two hours long – a pretty solid playing time!  And per Oliver, it’s only right they have DJ Maximum take over since the OVO camp is currently in London for Drake’s Boy Meets World Tour and that’s where this DJ resides.

I really dig these regularly scheduled radio shows Apple Music has rolled out.  A few reasons why below –

  1. It gives fans like me something to look forward to.  I’m a big fan of .WAV Radio and OVO Sound Radio as well as the Live from LA show.
  2. You never know what new music you’re going to get!  “New” referring to tracks being debuted by the artist hosting the show and just music that is new to your ears – music you’re being introduced to on the episode that’s already been released but you’re just hearing it for the first time.
  3. For two hours, you get music, interviews, and NO commercials, nor do you have to think of what song to play next.  The radio show takes care of it for you.  Love it!

Okay, back to this episode.  Oliver noted that Drake is in the studio every night working on “More Life.”  Still no release date!  It was supposed to drop near the end of 2016, then it got pushed back to the beginning of 2017, and here we are in February…  really looking forward to it though regardless of when it drops.  PS – The Tweet in my header image for this post is referring to “More Life.”

With Drake currently touring in London, snippets of new music have been dropping, but I refuse to listen to anything until it’s formally released.  #FanLove

Okay, did yinz tune into Episode 37?  What did you think?

Hope everyone is having an epic Saturday!

serge out!

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Review: Big Sean – “I Decided”

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Yassss!  So excited for Big Sean’s 4th studio album.  I had the opportunity to preview the album last night at his listening party in LA (thanks to Beats by Dre and DefJam).  And dang was it good.  We were encouraged to not post anything until the album officially came out, so thank goodness dropped the following day.  Everyone needs to hear this!

Okay, the review –

Intro | Nice little one minute intro to get this thing started.  It definitely sets the mood and gets the fans ready for what’s about to come.  The speaking also makes you question what this album will be about.

Light ft. Jeremih | And a beautiful transition right into the second track featuring the talented Jeremih.  Since we’re at the very beginning of the album, I’m a fan how this track focuses on Big Sean’s lyrics and voice.  There’s no music overpowering the two.  I like this approach for the album kickoff… you have to lead up to the bigger moments!  This track is almost like the Intro, Pt. 2.  I dig it.

Bounce Back | This song is fire!  Love that it’s at the top of the tracklist.  I woke up in beast mooooode.  You and I already know this song is amazing.  This is the Big Sean we all know and love.  You can bounce to it and rap along to it.  The ending of this song might be my favorite.  “Is you a real one?”  And the ending beat.  Dope.

No Favors ft. Eminem | The music on this.  Ultimate.  You can tell it’s leading up to something epic or someone epic aka Eminem.  The rap master himself.  In 8th grade I wrote a poem that I wanted to see Eminem in concert – have yet to do that.  Eminem’s voice has this boss sound to it.  Empowerment.  You can do anything.  Strong.  I’m typing this literally as I listen to the music.  And the creepy piano sounds make it that much more EPIC.  Yeah, we’ve all been waiting for this one.

Jump Out the Window | Wowwww.  This beat!!!  And the quick pause right before he goes into the lyrics.  “Your time was the only thing I wished was mine.”  What a lyric.  Definitely one of my favorites on this album.

Moves | I LOVE THIS SONG.  THE BEAT IS ULTIMATE.  While it’s one of the shorter tracks on the album coming in at 2:22min, it’s two minutes and 22 seconds of pure vibes.  Could I ask for anything more?  And if you haven’t seen the music video, watch it here.

Same Time, Pt. 1 (ft. TWENTY88) |  Another short track.  But I feel this is so because it’s listed as Pt. 1.  I don’t like assuming things, but I feel as if Pt. 2 may appear on either a Jhene Aiko project or on a second TWENTY88 project.  Wherever it appears next, I’m ready for it.  Their voices go together so well.  Magic.

Owe Me | “The smile on your face the only thing I can’t read.”  WOW.  This song keeps the vibe of the album going.  And Big Sean tells it like it is on this one.  I’m here for it.  And knowing that the next track is “Halfway Off the Balcony,” which we’ve already been blessed with, “Owe Me” is a great lead into it.  It’s a good transition, sound wise.

Halfway Off the Balcony | Out of “Bounce Back,” “Moves,” and this track – all songs he dropped before the album – this one is always stuck in my head.  So catchy.  In a good way!  “Chemistry means way more than anatomy.”  Hello.  Where are all these boys who think this way?  DM me if you know.

Voices In My Head / Stick To the Plan | I remember this song from the listening party.  Everyone was VIBING to it.  I love the switch up – the fact Metro Boomin produced this makes it even better.  And I like how “Metro Boomin want some more” doesn’t happen until the switch up.  And you’ll notice the tempo of the song picks up in “Stick To the Plan.”  Fire.  This song for me is motivation.  For what?  I don’t really know, but it just sounds like it.  And the ending… I hear you, Big Sean!

Sunday Morning Jetpack ft. The-Dream | Okay, this song is beautiful.  I first heard this when he premiered it on SNL a few Saturdays ago.  I’m glad he dropped this particular track by performing it live.  While all the songs are meaningful to Big Sean, I feel like this track is one of the more special ones, and you could tell that by watching him perform.  A rap song with real meaning – yes, please.

Inspire Me | This song was inspired by his mom.  During his listening party, she was not only there, but she was front and center when this track played.  She sat right next to her son with the biggest smile on her face.  It was really heartwarming to witness.  You definitely had a few “aww” moments in the crowd.

Sacrifices ft. Migos | Banger alert.  It’s pretty safe to say that any track with Migos featured on it is probably going to get you pumped up.  I’m sort of surprised this track is in between “Inspire Me” and “Bigger Than Me” – two songs that are more mellow and have a more serious meaning.  Not mad about it, but I feel like after hearing “Sacrifices,” I want the album to keep going with the fire.  On to the last track!

Bigger Than Me ft. The Flint Chozen Choir & Starrah | Okay, can we please acknowledge that Big Sean is always showing love and support for his home state that is Michigan?  I love it.  As an avid supporter of my hometown, I can relate to this and respect those who show constant love for and SUPPORT of where they came from.  What a beautiful way to end an album.  And a rap album of all things!

Overall Big Sean has grown so much as an artist over the past few years, and that is especially apparent on this album.  While I was selfishly hoping for an 18-track album, the above 14 songs satisfy my hunger for new music from the Detroit native.

So big props to Sean and his team on this one.  Go and support, yinz!  You can download on iTunes or stream on Apple Music.

Want to watch my review?  Check that here.

serge out!

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VIDEO: Big Sean – “Moves”

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Directed by Mike Carson, peep the visuals for Big Sean’s hot track “Moves” below.  It’s seriously one of my favorites off the album.  And his dance moves are giving me life.  A little Drake inspired, yeah?

Check it below!  What do you think?

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If You Feelin’ Like a Capricorn…

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…go and brush your shoulders off.  -Blue Ivy

Can we please talk about how many epic Capricorns there are?  I feel like within the past few weeks when a celebrity’s birthday has appeared on my Twitter timeline, I’ve been blown away by how dope they are.  They clearly have always been a Cap, but I feel this year it’s more in my face.

Let’s take a look.  Oh, and I may be biased because I, too, am a Capricorn.  The very last day.

December 22 – January 19

What are the characteristics of a Capricorn, you ask?

Capricorn, the tenth sign of the zodiac, is all about hard work.  Those born under this sign are more than happy to put in a full day at the office, realizing that it will likely take a lot of those days to get to the top.  That’s no problem, since Capricorns are both ambitious and determined: they will get there.  The Capricorn-born are extremely dedicated to their goals, almost to the point of stubbornness. Those victories sure smell sweet, though, and that thought alone will keep Capricorns going.*

And don’t try to tell me with the new shift in the moon or whatever the heck happened that a new sign was added and I’m now a Sagittarius.  Nope.  Definitely a Capricorn – a natural goal setter who needs structure.  And clearly stubborn.

A friend, who is also a Capricorn, brought to my attention that we end the year and kick off the new one!  Never thought about it like that.  Pretty kewl.

Okay, back to the list – in no order of importance:

  • Betty White – LEGEND
  • Michelle Obama – just amazing
  • Calvin Harris – smokeshow
  • John Legend – actual Legend
  • Denzel Washington – I mean.
  • Diane Von Furstenberg – fierce
  • Bradley Cooper – babe
  • Eddie Redmayne – baby face cute
  • BLUE IVY – Beyonce’s child
  • LeBron – the King
  • Gabby Douglas – Olympic extraordinaire
  • Martin Luther King Jr. – thank you.
  • Muhammad Ali – incredible
  • Liam Hemsworth – boyfriend
  • Pitbull – Mr. 305
  • Jim Carrey – hello, he stars in my favorite movie Dumb & Dumber

So there you have it.  A whole list of epic people.  There are more, but the above are folks who really stood out to me.

Now if you’ll excuse me I have to get some work done so I can go drink steins and eat sausages with my friends later tonight to celebrate.

Talk soon, yinz!

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*Source: astrology.com

 

2016IXTEEN Gave Me the Most Life

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On December 31, 2015, I was sitting on the beach in Hermosa reflecting on the past year and writing a list of goals for the following year.  Today, December 31, 2016, I’m sitting at home in Pittsburgh, PA doing the same thing – sans the beach.

To kick-off 2016 and with inspiration from Karen Civil, I started a blessing jar.  What is a blessing jar?  It’s a jar, of any kind (feel free to decorate it!), where every time something positive happens to you throughout the year, you write that moment on a notecard, date it, and drop it into your jar.  At the end of the year, dump out your jar and see all of the epic things you’ve accomplished and been a part of during the year.  This is my first time doing a blessing jar, and I’ve actually kept up with it – see below!

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So needless to say, 2016 has been a GREAT freaking year for me.

The biggest highlight in 2016?  Getting a new job.  Holy smokes, I can’t even begin to explain my excitement with this one.  My #1 goal for 2016 was to get a new job.  And even better, this new job doesn’t even feel like work.  I would always get SO jealous of those who said that and wondered if that would ever happen to me.  Well, I can say it now.  I work with creative and talented people, have met so many epic movers and shakers, and am constantly surrounded by like-minded individuals.  I can actually hold conversations with my coworkers about the new Migos or Drake track and they know what I’m talking about.  It’s the little things.  Very, very happy.  Shout out @airmikey.

And three additional epic moments this year would have to be my 27th birthday, sitting in the 10th row at the last night of the Summer Sixteen tour in LA, and being invited to and attending the Live Civil Brunch.

27TH BIRTHDAY
Reunited with friends (minus Mandy – she gets her own weekend during the 4th <3) (and not sure where Pelke is…typicalllll)

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SUMMER SIXTEEN TOUR
More life with friends

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LIVE CIVIL BRUNCH
Networked with new friends

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But really.  This year has been so so great and for those of you who say 2016 was the worst and needs to go away, how do you think 2017 will be any different?  Yes there were a lot of shitty things that happened in the world, but TBH shitty things will happen every year.  So all you can really do is focus on you and do things that make you happy.  That will help to push and block out the negativity.

So for me personally in 2017, I will continue to do the following –

  • Do things that make me happy with people who make me happy
  • Be selfish – sounds terrible but I only have to take care of myself so this is the time to do as much as I can
  • Attend even more concerts and listening parties

And a few new things –

  • Be more thoughtful and proactive when it comes to those in my life
  • Refinance my school loans (v. important)
  • Step away from all negative energy.  Ain’t no time from that.

What are you going to continue to work on?  Try something new?  Make a blessing jar?  Do it!

Wishing all of yinz a safe, healthy, and happy start to 2017.  Now to whip up a quick top album and concert post from 2016…

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MIXTAPE: Jeremih & Chance the Rapper – “Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama”

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I’m back, and I’m better.  That’s just a song lyric, yinz, so don’t worry.  But really, I’m back.  Sort of.  I haven’t posted in EONS, and I want to recap a bunch of things I’ve done over the last month or two but come on… how can I not post about a new and surprise mixtape from Chance and Jeremih?  What a great combo!

I’m about to listen for the first time so you should too.  My thoughts to follow post-listen!

QUICK REVIEW

I really enjoyed this project!  It was short, simple, and perfect to kick off the holidays.  Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if I find myself listening to this throughout the year.  Great job done by Chance and Jeremih.  What are your favorite tracks?

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NEW: John Mayer – ‘Love on the Weekend’

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John Mayer is back with his first single in THREE years.  The title is perfect for this song.  Seriously.  Give it a listen and you will hear/feel the connection between the title and overall sound.  Well done, John.

Now this isn’t the typical genre or song you will find me posting about, but I have always loved John Mayer and his music so it’s only right I continue to support him and his music three years later.  I mean my BFF Natalie and I would go to his concert every summer he made a stop in Pittsburgh.  The JM love is real.

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So yeah, listen to the track above (you can also check it on Apple Music) and vibe out.  And come on now, any song with the lyrics “You be the DJ, I’ll be the driver,” I’m going to listen to.  Anyone letting me DJ is a homie in my book.

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New Music From The Weeknd… Tonight

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UPDATE 9:07PM PST: What did I think of the tracks?  I like “Party Monster” better than “I Feel It Coming (feat. Daft Punk).”  “Party Monster” was way more vibes and “I Feel It Coming” was like trying too hard to be vibes.  Although I did enjoy the Michael Jackson sound of that track but not my favorite.  Which one was your fave?  Or did you love both?

UPDATE 8:36PM PST: The new tracks are finally here! I’m about to listen for the first time myself so who don’t yinz do the same?  I’ll be back with my thoughts post-listen.  But if you can’t wait for that, tune into my Snap right now (ergense) and watch a live reaction.  Yeeeee.

Here!

Okay yinz, we are getting closer to two new tracks (“Party Monster” and “I Feel It Coming”) from The Weeknd’s upcoming album Starboy.

He took to Twitter about six hours ago and posted the following –screen-shot-2016-11-17-at-4-31-39-pm

While we stay waiting, peep the tracklist below.  The fact he has a song with Kendrick and another with Future sort of blows my mind… in the best way possible.

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Can’t wait!

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New Music From The Weeknd… Tomorrow

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Earlier today, The Weeknd took to Instagram to let us know that he will be releasing two additional tracks from Starboy tomorrow.  I’m really looking forward to these.  Well, it’s actually a little bittersweet because I want to be surprised with ALL the tracks once the entire project drops but at the same time, I’m not complaining.

I don’t know what to expect from both tracks seeing as ‘Starboy’ and ‘False Alarm’ were both pretty different from one another.  Oh well – guess we’ll have to wait and listen tomorrow.

Track art below!

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Starboy is set to release on November 25 aka next Friday aka Black Friday aka I have off that day. So you can more than likely expect a realtime review :).

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