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!

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!

Weekly Wrap-Up 6.26.15

June 26, 2015Leave a comment

I’m going to keep this Weekly Wrap-Up short and sweet…

#LoveWins !!

There are currently 5.59 million Tweets about this hashtag (trend) right now – and that number continues to grow. THAT is breaking the Internet.

And since I love all things celebrities, it only makes sense I include a link to celeb reactions to nationwide marriage equality. 🙂 You can check out a long list on Buzzfeed here.

As much as I still don’t understand why same-sex marriage was never legal in the first place, I’m truly happy that it is official, especially in the wake of all the negative issues and scenarios happening in the world right now. This is definitely a much-needed breath of fresh air.

Earlier this morning President Obama was quoted saying, “Americans should be very proud,” because small acts of courage “slowly made an entire country realize that love is love.”

So, congratulations to all same-sex couples who can now partake in marriage nationwide. This is definitely a step, no, a leap in the right direction for our country.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Weekly Wrap-Up 6.19.15

June 19, 2015Leave a comment

DRAKE VENTURES TO THE CPT
On Monday, June 15, rapper The Game was seen in Compton with Drizzy Drake on set of a music video. The Drake-assisted single ‘100’ is set to appear on Game’s upcoming album The Documentary 2, the sequel to his 2005 debut. Do know that I almost drove down there, but The Bachelorette and glass of champagne I was casually sipping on wouldn’t let me go.

Check out a behind-the-scenes video below.

DRAKE & NAS IN SPRITE ‘OBEY YOUR VERSE’ COMMERCIAL
I’m about to stalk up on some Sprite. As part of the pop’s (soda, whatever) inaugural ‘Obey Your Verse’ Lyrical Collection, lyrics from Drake, Nas, Notorious B.I.G., and Rakim will be inscribed on 16 cans that will feature positive and inspirational words from the rappers.

According to Rap-Up.com, ‘the rappers were selected based on their reputation for being true to themselves through their music and advancing the culture.’

I’m just really in it for the Drake cans, pictured left.

No, but I think is a great way to spread the positivity of rap (it’s not all negative, people) and in a very creative way.

Check out the new commercial below! You should also check out another one of my favorite commercials by Sprite and yes, featuring Drake. Check that one here.

SPEAKING OF POSITIVITY…
Big Sean released the visuals for his third single ‘One Man Can Change the World,’ off of his chart-topping Dark Sky Paradise album. The song, featuring Kanye West and John Legend, is dedicated to his late grandmother who was one of the first female black captains in World War II. She later became one of the first black female police officers in Detroit (where Big Sean is from) and served 30 years with the Detroit Public School System as a teacher and counselor.

Sean credits and thanks his grandmother for showing him the importance of hard work, perseverance, commitment, and faith, and with all of that, anything is possible. In her honor, he also recently launched #ItTakesOne campaign, which promotes random acts of kindness.

I first heard the track when Dark Sky Paradise dropped, and it gave me all the feels. I think we need a song like this, especially in the hip-hop community, at a time like this.

Watch the video below.

Now off to San Diego for the weekend!

Weekly Wrap-Up 6.5.15

June 5, 2015Leave a comment

Well, tomorrow is the day all of Robinson Township has been waiting for. 6.6.15 – Anthony’s high school graduation party. Tonight I’ll be taking a red-eye flight to head home to Pittsburgh to attend the extravaganza. #6615 is finally here, and I cannot wait to see all of my mom’s very hard work and party planning paid off. Considering she made all of the reservations, including venue and live band, for the party LAST February, yes February 2014, I’m sure it will be nothing short of amazing – much like my and Michael’s parties. But most importantly, we will be celebrating Anth! So very proud of him 🙂

For those who cannot make it and for those who will be attending but plan on having one too many shots of Fireball or Limoncello, expect a full blog post about the event next week. The selfie stick is packed. #frigginTaylorSwift

In other celebration news…

HAPPY #NATIONALDONUTDAY
This quite possibly may be my favorite day to celebrate other than my birthday. Who can really resist a piece of fried dough covered in literally whatever topping you want. My favorites are old-fashioned and cake donuts – covered in sprinkles, chocolate icing, coconut, bacon… I could keep going.

And if you’re fortunate enough to live in a massive city like Los Angeles, there is no shortage of donut shops. Check out this map, courtesy of Studio DIY (really cute website!), below to hit up all the famous and best donut shops in LA.

Map created by Studio DIY

And those not in LA, you can get your free donuts here. Happy celebrating!

Weekly Wrap-Up 5.29.15

May 29, 2015May 29, 2015Leave a comment

Praise the weekend is finally here!

ONLY IN LA…
…will you find Kendrick Lamar standing on top of a traffic light in downtown LA (on Figueroa and 11th – near Staples Center) to film a music video. The video will be for his track ‘Alright,’ off of his most recent album To Pimp A Butterfly. He already shot part of the video in Oakland, CA over Memorial Day Weekend.

Check out Complex’s article here to see videos of the Compton emcee filming.

#BEYONCEALWAYSONBEAT
Earlier this week the Internet went Ham Newton with the hashtag #BeyonceAlwaysOnBeat and posted videos of her performing but to different songs. It’s actually quite hilarious and props to everyone who created a video. One that has been circulating a good deal is the ‘Single Ladies’ music video but to the Duck Tales theme song. It had me quacking up. Watch it below.

BEHOLD
I can’t forget to make mention of my West Coast best, Bre, who is currently driving cross country back to Philly to start a new job.

While I am so very happy for her to begin her new adventure and chapter in life, I will be missing her dearly – truly a wonderful person inside and out! She has made my over 3.5 years of living in California pretty darn memorable – thank GAWD you also found The Purp – also saying bye to that too 😦 I can’t say much more because then I’ll start crying (yes, I have emotions), so this will do. One of these days though I will write up a post about this epic friendship and where/how it allllll began – over a bottle (we didn’t drink the entire thing) of Captain Morgan, of course. Love you, Bre, and see you sooner than later!

Happy Friday, yinz!

Weekly Wrap-Up 5.22.15

May 22, 2015Leave a comment

MY POWERHOUSE RECAP
Power 106 put together a nice little recap video. Check it below! You can also see pics (better than mine since I was in the nosebleeds) on their website here.

So I know Powerhouse was last Saturday but it was pretty epic, and I want to tell you all about it! My friend Parker and I got to the Honda Center in Anaheim (where the Ducks play) around 8pm, although the concert started at 7pm, we really didn’t mind missing Casey Veggies, Logic, and G-Eazy – no offense, guys. We got right to our seats at the end of Tinashe’s performance – sorta bummed we missed it, but whatevs. I’m sure I’ll be attending some other concert where she’ll be performing. Anywho. Next up was Nipsey Hussle, Tech N9ne, and B.o.B. It’s cool to say I’ve seen them perform, but they weren’t the highlights of my night.

Cut to where my excitement began to build. Ty Dolla $ign, Kid Ink, Ludacris, and last but definitely not least… Kanye West. Ty Dolla $ign, who I’ve always liked, got the crowd moving and even brought out the Regulator, Warren G, and DJ Mustard. Now if you don’t know who DJ Mustard is, he’s a super producer who has produced MAJOR hip-hop joints you hear on the radio today. You may also be familiar with songs that start out, “Mustard on the beat.” That would be him. And yes, he rocks a giant gold Heinz mustard bottle hanging from a chain necklace. It’s obnoxious and somewhat comical, but hey, he’s branding himself and also supporting Pittsburgh. Kid Ink was dope as usual, but Luda really got the crowd going. He played mainly his old songs, which I really appreciated.

Now for the headliner. Yeezus. I know I may lose some readers during this part, but the man is truly talented – I’ve been seeing many negative comments on Facebook about him not being an actual artist, especially since his most recent (and overly censored) performance at the Billboard Music Awards. Okay. Bai. I’ll save my pro-Kanye rant post for a rainy day. Back to his set! He also performed a lot of his older stuff, but we were #blessed to hear his newer material like “All Day,” “Only,” and his verse from Big Sean’s “Blessings.” Not gonna lie but when he performed that, I got more excited I think when they played Drake’s voice for the chorus leading into Ye’s verse. Yes, it was just a recording of Drake’s voice – he didn’t actually show up. I have issues I know. Kanye played for a solid hour despite his sore throat issues he was having. It’s just amazing to me that one person on stage, no backup dancers or band, can have 20,000 people rapping along with him and just filling the arena with so much energy! I live to experience things like this.

But that was my Powerhouse experience, and Power 106 did yet another fantastic job with the lineup and smooth transitioning in between artists. Any way you guys can get Drake to headline one of these like you did for Cali Christmas in 2011? 🙂

Happy Friday, yinz!

Weekly Wrap-Up 5.15.15

May 15, 2015Leave a comment

FREESTYLE: MEEK MILL – ‘ENERGY’
Meek Mill’s freestyle over Drake’s ‘Energy’ from If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late is straight fire. Some of Meek’s songs I can’t really listen to just because I feel like he is yelling at me. A bit too aggressive. But this. This is good. Listen below.

POWERHOUSE TOMORROW!

I don’t know much longer I can contain my excitement – it feels like I haven’t been to a hip-hop concert in eons. Tomorrow is Power 106‘s annual Powerhouse concert, and I cannot wait to dance like a fool to some Yeezus and shake my ‘money maker’ when Luda hits the stage and rap with Kid Ink (Chris Brown’s doppelganger), among others who are set to perform. The problem (not really a problem) with these major hip-hop concerts is that my mind starts racing as to who the special guests are going to be. That is definitely one of the perks of concerts in Los Angeles – you never know who will make a surprise appearance, and I get all geared up just thinking about it. What if Luda brings out Miguel for his newer song ‘Good Lovin’ or if Kanye brings out Kendrick Lamar for his verse on ‘All Day?’ I’ll lose it. Pics and videos to come next week!

And perfect timing – just came across this awesome behind-the-scenes video of Powerhouse, courtesy of HipHopDX. Check it here!

Weekly Wrap-Up 5.1.15

May 1, 2015May 1, 2015Leave a comment

“HAVE AN OPEN MIND AND AN OPEN HEART”*
With my love of and fascination with the Kardashian krew, you didn’t think I’d pass up Brucey, now would ya? I tuned into his interview last Friday, along with the 16 million other viewers. Some think it was a money stunt. Others think this may not be a real struggle or problem. Others also say, “I don’t care. Why should I care? It doesn’t relate to me.” Those are your opinions, and that’s great.

But these are mine:

1. If you actually watched it, he chuckled quite hard at the fact people think this is being done for money. The Kardashians didn’t even appear on the interview. I feel that if he wasn’t associated with the Kardashians, this ‘money stunt’ accusation wouldn’t be so intense.
2. I could never imagine being an Olympic athlete (or an athlete at all) or a person in general internally struggling with gender identity. Especially a male athlete and such a public figure, truly feeling like they don’t belong in their own skin. So yes, I’d say that was a struggle and difficult to tell the world.
3. You’re right, it is really none of our business – it’s his personal life. But just because you cannot relate to this issue, I cannot either, it doesn’t mean you should dismiss it. There are lots of situations and issues I cannot relate to, but I can still have empathy for that person.
4. His interview educated me on the transgender community and other terms/phrases associated with gender identity.

Ultimately, if Bruce’s interview had even the slightest impact on someone else going through the same thing, then that’s what truly matters. Saving a life, preventing a teenage suicide, or any age suicide for that matter, struggling internally with how to tell people. If all it did was save or help one person, then talk away, Bruce!

And if you really don’t care about what he has to say, the transgender community, Bruce, or the Kardashians, then you shouldn’t be wasting your precious time by posting negative statuses on Facebook. 🙂 Also, if you’re reading this and don’t care, keep all negative and nasty thoughts to yourself. Please and thank you.

*Said by Bruce Jenner at the end of his interview

VIDEO: DEORRO FT. CHRIS BROWN – ‘FIVE MORE HOURS’
For those of you who didn’t make it to Coachella this year, Chris Brown will make you feel like you were there in his newest music video. The video is basically a giant rage cage on a school bus. My favorite part is obviously during the dance break when CB shows off his epic dance moves. Love or hate him, he can dance. When he arrives at his final destination, he joins Deorro and Travi$ Scott on stage while spraying champagne at the Coachella crowd. It’s a pretty dope video. Check it!

CAN’T FORGET THE BOY!
And shoutout to Drake for winning ‘Crossover Artist Of The Year’ at the 2015 Billboard Latin American Music Awards. He beat out Pharrell and Jason Derulo in this category. He also took home ‘Tropical Song Of The Year’ for Romeo Santos’ song ‘Odio,’ where Drake is a feature. To read more, you can visit his ultimate (and my favorite) fansite, wordonroad.net.
Congrats!

Weekly Wrap-Up 4.24.15

April 24, 2015Leave a comment

MY TRIP TO THE OVO POP-UP SHOP

Last Sunday I ventured to the OVO pop-up shop Drake is hosting in Los Angeles. Like most pop-up shops or really any urban clothing store, they are very small inside. I approached the door, only to be stopped by a security/bodyguard type man, if you will, sporting an OVO t-shirt. I patiently waited until a few customers left, and it was my turn to go inside. Drake visited the shop on April 8, and I had to think that if I was there on that day, I would have fainted. The store is so small, we could have literally bumped into each other. ANYWHO. Check out some pictures below. And you know I had to buy something – the checkout bag is even OVO-approved.

BEYONCÉ AND JAY Z TO RELEASE JOINT ALBUM ON TIDAL

Earlier this week, internationally recognized DJ, DJ Skee, revealed the highly-anticipated joint project is nearing completion and will be released exclusively on TIDAL, Jay Z’s streaming service. Now I’ve downloaded the app but have yet to subscribe, even for the free 30-day trial. I’ve been reading a lot on the pros and cons of the app, mostly cons (the biggest being the $20 monthly fee compared to Spotify’s $9.99/month, which is what I have and love). I like the exclusivity TIDAL offers to its subscribers, such as this album for example. However, I think the app needs some fine-tuning and updating before I fork over $20/month. Now if Jay Z were to call me personally (like he’s doing to subscribers to thank them) to tell me why I need to sign up, then maybe I’ll reconsider. So for now, I can only hope the album will get put on Spotify or somewhere on the Internet so I can listen. Guess I’ll just have to be patient!

Do any of you use TIDAL? If you do, what do you think of it so far? Those who don’t have it, why not? Would love to know your thoughts.

Californyinz

Tag: weekly wrap-up