Playlists poppin’! One major goal I have for californyinz this year is to step up my playlist game. I definitely fell off, and I’ve realized that music is the one thing that makes me truly happy. So a message to myself – DO BETTER – in 2018. I plan to make this a weekly thing, preferably on Sundays so you can enjoy the sounds on your day off and also enjoy them throughout the week to keep you moving.
This first playlist is titled ‘strip club shawty.’ Now before you get all judgmental, chill. I went to a strip club last February for a friend’s birthday, and I couldn’t help but notice how fire the music was that the dancers were dancing to. Songs that I love, songs that I forgot about, and songs that I had never heard before. I mean Sam Hunt’s “Speakers,” which is a country song, was one of the tracks. Who would have thought: 1) at a strip club 2) that I would have liked that song. So, I decided to Shazam a majority of the songs while I was there and turn them into a playlist. Yes, I know – almost a year later. Two hours and 12 minutes (33 songs) of strip club sounds. Track listing below and the link in pink. Check it.
Yoooo. I am here for this track. Justin Timberlake is back with the first single from his upcoming album, Man of the Woods, titled “Filthy.”
While the song is nearly five minutes – pretty long – I think it sets up a good intro to the rest of the album, whatever that may be.
The song starts super loud and continues to build. It builds to the point of making you think, okay I’m ready for what’s next. Then cut to the 30 second mark and YASSS. That’s what I was waiting for AND wanted. The sexy and electronic sound was giving me major FutureSex/LoveSound vibes. One Twitter friend, @DanteMarquis, described it as “Last Train To Paris meets Prince vibes.” I dig that.
You’re jamming until about the 4:30 mark where it all starts to slow down a bit, and we’re greeted by a female speaking voice. Could it be JT’s wife, Jessica Biel? IDK, but the ending has me excited for what’s to come. So don’t blow it. JK. But seriously.
Listen here! And Man of the Woods is expected to drop on February 2.
Wowowow. This song is giving me life. I was hooked right from the first five beats. The uptempo, high energy beat is everything, and I can guarantee it will make you move.
Just as you’re getting into the feels of N.E.R.D, Future’s voice begins to emerge at about the one minute mark. You can hear him saying “one thousand,” which is the title of the track. And this little Future intro got me too ready for the rest of the song.
And then at 1:07min, we get that *fire emoji* pumped up verse which has almost a suspending-like sound. Future ends at about 1:40min, and we are back into the high energy beats of N.E.R.D. To me, Future’s verse + the beat resemble Jim Jones and Ron Browz “Champagne” ft. Jules Santana. Can you say throwback? Compare below.
Cut to 2:10min, and we are blessed with a new sound – an almost electric, fantasy sounding beat. It reminds me of the Mario Kart Rainbow Road theme song tbh.
The rest of the song you’re pretty much guaranteed to live your best life, and then with only 30 seconds left, you are hit with that fire. I would love to watch some choreo (or participate in some) to this outro.
If this and Lemon are any indication of what the rest of the album will sound like, I’m all about it. No_One Ever Really Dies is expected to drop on December 15.
Currently listening to November 18th on repeat today. I’ve realized I posted about this song on November 18th in 2015, but this post is a bit more informative.
“Up so high even when I’m coming downnnn.”
When Drake begins the song with those first words, I die. His voice is so smooth and sultry sounding, and he’s singing to us in that deep voice… wowowowow.
And as I’m trying to catch my breath, the beat switches up at about one minute in, and I die again. The whole song is straight vibes. I can’t handle it actually. Then cut to about 1:22, and Drake is now singing. Swoon. And back to that chopped and screwed vibe at 1:45.
And I’m not one to typically listen to (and actually like) a chopped and screwed song, but this one is done in a tasteful and subtle enough way that you’re not thinking WTF is happening while listening.
As I listen to “November 18th,” it truly takes me back to 2009 when I first became a fan of Drake and when this song was initially released, as well as the project you can find it on – So Far Gone. It gives me all the feels, and I really can’t explain it.
Now Drake opens the song with a Houston (H-Town) reference and mentions the city a few other times throughout. People ask why Drake is so tied to Houston. “I thought he was from Toronto.” Well, yeah. I’m from Pittsburgh, but I feel like I’m tied to Los Angeles. Can The Boy live?
Let me educate –
Houston is where Drake flew to meet Lil Wayne for the first time after Wayne heard his music and wanted to meet him. This was before Drizzy was signed to any record label or was even really heard of in the music scene. That and Drake sold out his first show in Houston at the concert venue Warehouse Live. I meannnn. Those are pretty big tings, so I can fully understand why Drake has such appreciation for that city. He even hosts a Houston Appreciation Weekend every year. Need to attend that.
Now go and listen to this song before the day ends.
We didn’t receive just any new music today. We were blessed with new music from some legends – Eminem, Beyoncé, N.E.R.D, and André 3000. Like, come on now.
“WALK ON WATER” – EMINEM FT. BEYONCÉ
I’ve read some mixed reviews on this song. Actually, the first review I read was “this is trash.” Chill. I highly doubted a song with the rap god, Eminem, and the queen, Beyoncé, would be “trash.” And I’d bet that those who are hating on the song are all about that mumble rap life. Bye. “Walk On Water” is real and truthful. Eminem comes off as super humble to me in this as well. The combination of Eminem’s raw poetry with Beyoncé’s angelic and powerful vocals makes for a moving track. Listen below, and let me know what you think. Em’s Revival album is expected to drop on November 17.
“ROLLINEM 7’S” – N.E.R.D FT. ANDRÉ 3000
This sounds like it picked up where “Lemon” left off with that same bouncy beat, and I am here for it. The initial instrumentals make me feel like I’m at a super dope jazz club. Around 2:54, we get a switch up on the beat. Digging it. And then for the final verse, we get the legend who is André 3000 aka Three Stacks who continues to spit that fire. Listen below!
Well Pittsburgh is still buzzing with the Stanley Cup shining in our town again… you gotta love the Penguins.
I can remember numerous times Sydney Crosby would come in to eat at Bravo, and I felt so bad because his lips were always so chapped. But I assume that is the price to pay for quality time on the ice.
For those of you who do not know, I am a hostess at Bravo Cucina. I applied for the job back in October of 1999 thinking I would earn some extra money for Christmas. Well, 18 years later, I am still working there. Have to admit, I love it. Located close to the Pittsburgh Airport, you would be amazed at the many athletes and celebrities that pop in.
I went to the Daryl Hall & John Oates a few weeks ago. These are two great old-time performers. And yes, I broke out into tears when they performed “Sara Smile.” I would always sing that to Sara as a baby. And I love the fact Sara has no ‘h’ in the spelling… just like my baby girl’s.
So let’s chat about Stevie Wonder for a moment. Such a great and talented performer. A TRUE LEGEND in the music industry. No matter your age, there has to be a Stevie song you like. One of my favorites is “Higher Ground.” Okay, so I am not trying to be a Debby Downer, but the world is suffering with terrorism and senseless crimes. SO SO SAD. Take a listen to “Higher Ground.” The lyrics resonate with your heart, and the great sounds make you want to dance. It is an immediate spirit booster.
I think we all need to reach our higher ground!
Check out the Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran & Gary Clark Jr. Tribute for Stevie Wonder at the 2015 Grammy Awards (check out Tony Bennett jamming in the audience)
“Higher Ground” – Stevie Wonder
People keep on learnin’
Soldiers keep on warrin’
World keep on turnin’
‘Cause it won’t be too long
Powers keep on lyin’
While your people keep on dyin’
World keep on turnin’
‘Cause it won’t be too long
I’m so glad that he let me try it again
‘Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
I’m so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin’
Till I reach my highest ground
Lovers keep on lovin’
Believers keep on believin’
Sleepers just stop sleepin’
‘Cause it won’t be too long
I’m so glad that he let me try it again
‘Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
I’m so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin’
Till I reach my highest ground
Till I reach my highest ground
No one’s gonna bring me down
Till I reach my highest ground
Don’t let nobody bring you down (they’ll sho ‘nough try) God is gonna show you higher ground
Drake was feeling v generous yesterday. Not only did we get the 46th episode of OVO Sound Radio, but he also gave us three new tracks. Well, technically two since we heard “Signs” earlier this week but it’s officially on Apple Music. And I know I already posted “Signs” a few days ago, but I wanted you to have all the new tracks in one place 🙂
Peep below!
“Signs” – Drake
I love all three minutes and 55 seconds of this song, and it could have either been on Views and/or More Life.
Listening to it puts me in a very chill mood. His voice is so smooth and then he breaks out into the deep Drake voice and you just die.
“You can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning.” What’s that? Facts.
Now this was a surprise. I’ve already listed to PND’s most recent EP, Colours 2, which is where “Freak in You” is from so when I was listening to OVO Sound Radio and heard Drake on the track I was like… waiiiit a second. Pleasantly surprised for sure.
Vibes on vibes with this remix.
Two of my favorite lyrics from the song are:
“I’m just more ready than petty nowadays.”
“Young and in control, even when they stoop low.”
Listen below –
“No Complaints” – Metro Boomin ft. Offset & Drake
Looks like this will be the first single from Metro Boomin’s upcoming project, Boominati, which he’s been teasing on his Twitter.
Out of these three songs, “No Complaints” is definitely the most lit, and I actually could hear it on If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late and/or What A Time To Be Alive. Banger.
I would love to see this performed live, and I can only picture the excitement of Drake on stage, jumping around with Offset and Metro Boomin.
Now I must go get ready for the final night of the BET Experience. Tonight’s concert lineup is: A$AP Rocky, ScHoolboy Q, Rae Sremmurd, Gucci Mane, Migos, Young Thug, and Lil Yachty.
Do you know how excited I was typing in the above title? Probably not.
“Signs,” inspired by Louis Vuitton’s upcoming collection and produced by 40, is the first piece of music Drake’s released since More Life. I also just realized I haven’t published my review of that album… slacking.
He premiered the track during the Louis Vuitton fashion show during Paris Fashion Week.
I just listened… his voice, you guys! And 40 is just a producing genius! I am loving the vibe of “Signs” – for real. I know I like just about every one of Drake’s songs, but this is what I needed. It’s also refreshing to hear this sound among the mumble rap we’ve been given from other artists recently. Definitely not hating on that type of music but just saying.
Okay, listen below. Start around the 4:40 mark, and let that ish play.
Yooooo. I was in the middle of writing my #NobodySafeTour recap and saw on Twitter that a new Jay Z song is in the works.
Remember that Sprint x Tidal teaser that aired during the NBA Finals? Well a new clip has surfaced, and the background song appears to be new Jay Z. Happy Father’s Day to you, sir!
I definitely do not have Tidal, but you can click here to watch the 30-second spot.
As promised earlier this week, Calvin Harris posted to his social media channels that he’d be releasing another track from his upcoming album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1. PS – I’m really hoping for a Vol. 2, and Vol. 1 hasn’t even dropped yet. Moving on.
This song is complete summer island vibes. TBH, each song Calvin Harris has given us from this upcoming album has had summer vibes. Low-key I’m more excited for this project than DJ Khaled’s which has E V E R Y one on it.
Back to “Feels.” Let me keep this short and sweet.
Pharrell starting this song… amazing! Definitely the right choice. Then we move on to Katy Perry’s vocals. She keeps the energy going with her spunk. But moving on to my favorite verse of the song… Big Sean’s.
“Godamn I know you love to make an entrance Do you like getting paid or getting paid attention You mixed the wrong guys with the right intentions In the same bed, but it still feel long distance She’s looking for a little more consistency But when you stop looking you gon’ find what’s meant to be And honestly I’m way too done with the hoes I cut off all my exes for your x and o’s I feel my old flings, was just preparing me”
That bolded and italicized lyric is the key to life! Big Sean is hitting me with the actual feels in this song which you can (and should!) listen to here.
Well done, Calvin Harris. Looking forward to Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1.
Californyinz 