October’s Very Own

October 24, 2015October 24, 2015Leave a comment

The day is finally here!

Cake originally made for me by Bre, but we switched it up a bit.

Happy birthday to the man who…

people are sick of me posting about on Facebook about 5+ times per day
has been the center of meme inspirations around the globe
has won 45 awards and has been nominated over 250 times throughout his singing career
has actually made me tear up and borderline cry when he releases new songs and/or music videos
has inspired me for the theme of my upcoming 27th birthday party in January
has music that immediately puts me in a happy or happier mood (this is not a joke!)
has yet to meet the love of his life aka me
has tied the Beatles (the BEATLES) with 14 simultaneous Hot 100 hits – a record that stood unmatched for 51 years (via Billboard)
became the first rapper to top the Billboard Artist 100 chart (via Billboard)
made me sit through probably one of the worst made documentaries I’ve ever seen about his life but still paid $14 for a movie ticket to watch – hoping that actually comes out on DVD though. And disclaimer: Drake didn’t even endorse this documentary.
had his music first found and listened to on MySpace in 2006
has a song for every mood I’m in
can make wearing a turtleneck with sweatpants look good
can make any outfit look good
really does inspire me with his passion for music and the art of rapping
who gives me a feeling I truly cannot explain when I listen to his music (sounds weird but… I just can’t)
one day I know I will meet, I don’t know when or in what capacity, but when I do, it will be one of the best days of my entire life.

So thank you, Drake, for giving me and the rest of the world music to sing along to, dance moves to learn, outfit inspirations, memes to create, and all the feels.

Happy birthday!

Happy Friday!

October 23, 2015October 23, 2015Leave a comment

Before we get into any music news or celebrity happenings, please take my words of advice…

BACK UP YOUR CELL PHONE!

I’ve been without a phone for the past week – I have a new one now (thanks, mom!) – but not one picture of the past four years of my life in California is on there. That was over 5,000 pictures and more than 300 videos. Do you know how many concerts, memories, celebs, that were documented?! Oh well. I just keep telling myself there are way worse things that could happen (which there definitely are) and now I’ll just have to do more epic shit. Excuse my French, but it’s true.

On to the Weekly Wrap-Up…

Adele Releases New Single + Visuals

Adele is back (praise!) with her newest single, ‘Hello,’ off of her upcoming album 25. Not only is there a new song for us to listen to, but there is a video, as well! Dang, does she have some pipes.

Watch the quite heartbreaking but powerful video below.

Kendrick Lamar Performs With National Symphony Orchestra at Kennedy Center

How dope is this! Kendrick Lamar, just a young boy from Compton, performed at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra. This is so great. He performed songs off of To Pimp a Butterfly on Tuesday during this monumental event.

Thanks to Peter Hutchins for catching this footage! Below is K. Dot’s performance of ‘Alright.’

You Used To Call Me On My…

We can’t forget about the real highlight of the week – the Internet’s reaction to Drake’s music video for ‘Hotline Bling.’

Below are some of the best ones.

Speaking of Drake, his birthday is tomorrow! Wahoo! And happy birthday to Derek and belated birthday to Maria. 🙂

Have a great Friday, yinz!

NEW: Kanye Gives us Two Songs!

October 19, 2015Leave a comment

Okay, well not entirely new, butttttt….

First we have a different take on the 808s hit ‘Say You Will,’ followed by a different version of The Weeknd’s ‘Tell Your Friends,’ which was actually produced by Yeezus.

I’m listening now, so you should too.

Enjoy! And it looks like this is a new SoundCloud account from Ye.

I’m also still waiting for that ‘Hotline Bling’ video to drop…

Lineup: Power 106 Announces Cali Christmas Stars!

October 18, 2015October 19, 2015Leave a comment

Christmas came early! The lineup for Power 106’s 2015 #CaliChristmas was announced this morning at 7:20am on #TheCruzShow.

While the lineup may seem smaller compared to previous years, I feel these are some high-profile artists. Quality vs. quantity, ya dig! And who knows the special guests they will bring out! I mean, Pharrell can bring out Snoop to ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot,’ Wiz may bring out Rae Sremmurd for ‘Burn Slow,’ and I’m hoping so much that Dej Loaf brings out fellow Detroit native Big Sean to perform ‘Back Up.’ Those are just my predictions. 🙂

Great job again, Power! I have always looked forward to Cali Christmas since my first time attending in 2011 – also the very first time I saw Drake perform. All the feels.

Presale tickets go on sale this Thursday at 10AM. Get the password by downloading the free Where Hip Hop Lives app here.

Happy Monday!

Video: ‘Hotline Bling’ – Drake

October 18, 2015October 20, 2015Leave a comment

It’s here! On Instagram yesterday, Drake confirmed the release date for the much-anticipated ‘Hotline Bling’ music video. He replaced the text on the single’s original artwork with today’s date of October 19. He announced at the beginning of the month at Austin City Limits that the video was going to be dropping soon, so you know that I am too excited it’s finally here.

This song is by far his biggest hit of the year, getting him so close to scoring that No. 1 title on the charts. Drizzy has yet to accomplish this task – the single is currently at the No. 2 spot, but he took to Instagram last week writing that if this single reaches No. 1. during his birthday month of October, “it will be the biggest moment of my career to date.”

There have been so many memes, parodies, and covers of ‘Hotline Bling,’ which goes to show its popularity. I even hear people humming the beat or singing the song who I never thought would be whistling to a Drake song – I love it!

The video is currently only available via Apple Music. I just watched it, and daaang. It is Drake being as Drake as he can possibly be with his dance moves, and I love every second of it. Never thought I’d see a music video of Drake dancing throughout basically the whole thing. He just went up quite a few points in my book – if he could even go up any higher. Lots of memes will be created from this – just a feeling.

Watch it here on the big screen!

You used to call me on my…

Weekly Wrap-Up 10.16.15

October 16, 2015Leave a comment

Chris Brown gives us the cover art for royalty

Chris Brown has released the artwork for his upcoming album titled Royalty, named after his adorable baby girl. Even you CB haters out there have to admit the photo is pretty darn cute. Chris has truly been channeling his inner-father with most of his social media posts being dedicated to Royalty. I’m anxious to hear the album because one, it’s a Chris Brown album, but mainly because I think the overall tone to the album will be different than past pieces of work put out by him.

Royalty arrives November 27, which also happens to be Black Friday, and will feature his most recent singles ‘Liquor’ and ‘Zero.’

tracklisting for ty dolla $ign’s debut album

Ty Dolla $ign has finally given us the tracklisting for his debut album, Free TC. He announced the 16-tracks during a phone call to his brother who is in jail and is who the album is named after. He also just graced us with a surprise mixtape, Airplane Mode, which I must admit I haven’t listened to yet, but my little bro, Anthony, said it was decent. I’ll be sure to check that out this weekend. I have always liked Ty’s music from the beat to the sound of his voice. Peep the tracklisting below – lots of features! The album drops on November 13.

FREE TC TRACKLISTING

1. “L.A.” feat. Kendrick Lamar, Brandy, and James Fauntleroy
2. “Saved” feat. E-40
3. “Straight Up” feat. Jagged Edge
4. “Solid” feat. Babyface
5. “Horses in the Stable”
6. “Know Ya” feat. Trey Songz (prod. Metro Boomin and DJ Spinz)
7. “Credit” feat. Sevyn Streeter
8. “Miracle/Wherever” feat. Big TC and D-Loc
9. “Guard Down” feat. Kanye West and Diddy (prod. by Hit-Boy)
10. “Sitting Pretty” feat. Wiz Khalifa (prod. by Benny Blanco)
11. “When I See Ya” feat. Fetty Wap (prod. by Cardo)
12. “Blasé” feat. Future and Rae Sremmurd
13. “Only Right” feat. YG, Joe Moses, and TeeCee4800
14. “Bring It Out of Me” (prod. by Stargate)
15. “Actress” feat. R. Kelly
16. “Finale” feat. SA-RA and PJ

Speaking of November 13…

Mr. Justin Bieber will also be dropping his next album on the same day, titled Purpose. While the official track titles have yet to be released, the album includes contributions from Nas, Travi$ Scott and Ed Sheeran, with production credits given to Skrillex and Diplo. More special guests will be announced soon.

The next single, ‘Sorry,’ will be released on October 23, so keep your eyes and ears open for that one. The album is currently available on iTunes for pre-ordering.

That’s all for this week. My friends and I will be giving my roommate Kylie a proper send-off back to the East Coast, seeing as this is her last weekend in LA! #Sad, but #sergesselfiestick will be in full effect, so stay tuned for a post.

Have a great one, and happy Friday!

‘The Hills’ Remix x2!

October 10, 2015October 10, 2015Leave a comment

Woah! I was not expecting this. Both Eminem and Nicki Minaj have put out remixes to The Weeknd’s ‘The Hills.’

For now, you can only listen to them through Apple Music. I’m not at home right now, but I just purchased the tracks on iTunes, and I really like what I’m hearing so far.

‘The Hills’ Remixes here!

Feel Good Friday For Reals

October 9, 2015Leave a comment

Aside from being a little under the weather, I am in quite high spirits today. Not sure why, but it’s just a good day and it’s Friday. Here’s some music news for yinz!

‘Digital dash’

Major congratulations is in order for Mr. Drizzy Drake. According to SoundScan, a music information and sales tracking system, Drake has scored the top-selling digital album for the first three quarters of 2015 with his If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late album with 951,000 in sales. And I have to let the people know this is more than Taylor Swift’s 1989 digital album sales, which are 809,000. She does however have the top-selling physical album, but we are talking digital here, so move along. Again, congrats to The Boy!

miguel ‘simple things’ remix ft. chris brown x future

Holy smokes. I ‘world premiered’ this remix in my car this morning on my way to work. It gave me life! Miguel’s sweet, sweet voice with Chris Brown’s added serenade and a splash of Future’s trap sound is the perfect mix. And I don’t know why I haven’t wished for this mix of artists before. Listen below!

**the game’s the documentary 2 out now!**

While I don’t typically listen to The Game on a regular basis, I do peep his music every once in a while. I’ve also seen him perform at the House of Blues in LA, which is now closed (sad face), and let’s just say everyone was on 1. He also brought out Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, so that was dope. I digress. I started listening to the album on my way into work, and from what I can hear, it sounds like a pretty solid piece of work. Lots of features and epic beats. I really dig the Kendrick track, ‘On Me,’ and ‘Don’t Trip’ featuring Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and will.i.am. Game is also putting out The Documentary 2.5, which will be released October 16. Stream it below!

for the record…

Drake and Serena are not engaged. There was some speculation, not enough to have convinced me it was true, but these reports are false. A rep close to Drake told TMZ that the ‘rumor is completely untrue.’ Phew! You can read more deets about it here.

Have a good one, yinz!

UPDATE: 8 cities, 8 nights, 8 intimate shows.

October 5, 2015October 9, 2015Leave a comment

The dates and locations for Kendrick’s ‘Kunta’s Groove Sessions’ tour have just been released! Tickets are available at Top Dawg Entertainment’s website. The dates are as follows:

October 20 – Washington, D.C. – Kennedy Center

October 22 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

October 24 – Columbus, OH – LC Pavilion

October 25 – Chicago, IL – United Center

October 27 – Atlanta, GA – The Tabernacle (with Jay Rock and The Wesley Theory)

October 29 – Dallas, TX – South Side Music Hall (with Jay Rock and The Wesley Theory)

November 1 – Washington, D.C. – Lincoln Theatre (with Jay Rock and The Wesley Theory)

November 8 – Los Angeles, CA – The Forum (Real 92.3’s The Real Show – sort of bummed Kendrick isn’t doing a separate, solo performance)

November 10 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater (with Jay Rock and The Wesley Theory)

[Article originally published on October 5]

While there’s not really any clear information about this yet, Kendrick Lamar took to Instagram about 30 minutes ago with the following post and caption. It’s billed as the ‘1st annual’ Kunta’s Groove Sessions tour. I have a pretty strong feeling one of the cities will be Los Angeles (insert praying hands emoji).

Kendrick insta 10-5-15

Many thanks to the ‘fan club’ (@parkercole12 & @sneaky_neek) for alerting me of this! Updates to come as more info is released.

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Happy SunBAE!

October 4, 2015October 4, 2015Leave a comment

I’m just going to leave this right here. Hope you all have an epic and relaxing day!