"The 20/20 Experience" was meh. After dropping "Justified" and "Future Sex/Love Sounds" which were absolute classics from beginning to end, his last 2 albums or complete set was a let down for how long we went without music from the King. I felt that music evolved since Justin took his musical hiatus; I love Timbaland to death, but I felt his beats didn't evolve as well. Now I heard JT is working on a new album and got me all gitty inside again. "Can't Stop the Feeling" kinda is a let down though, I understand it's a soundtrack song for a kids movie, but it's has that "Take Back the Night" feel, kinda early 90's feel good pop. I like the song, but I just have higher expectations for his music. Hopefully we get that new album sooner than later.
AlunaGeorge - My Blood ft. ZHU
It's spring and there's still no new AlunaGeorge album! But, they are consistently putting out new music and collabs to hold us over while they continue to tease us. This time for "My Blood", AlunaGeorge team up with the always mysterious ZHU for a downtempo soulful and sensual track. I dig the different feel to this, a little different from what we're used to hearing but I like it. What you think?
Previous: AlunaGeorge - I'm in Control ft. Popcaan
Becky Hill - Back To My Love ft. Little Simz
If anybody followed my last blog, I was real high on Becky Hill when she released her debut single "Caution to the Wind", which I'm still in love with to this very day. The former Voice UK contestant made a big splash two years ago but has been fairly quiet since then. Out of nowhere Ms. Hill drops "Back To My Love", with no explanation and no possible album release, it's just a solid SoundCloud release, which I'm completely fine with. Soulful, dope, powerful, everything I loved about her. Take a listen, you won't be disappointed. Hopefully this is the first of more new music and an actual project.
Previous: Becky Hill - Caution to the Wind
Vigilante Coffee Company
Stopped by Hyattsville, Maryland on my way back from Baltimore the other week to see the homie Chris Vigilante's Coffee empire! Vigilante Coffee Company first started back in 2012 in a Washington DC rowhouse basement; Vigilante has now found it's permanent home in Hyattsville, MD, about 30 minutes right outside the city. It was my first time actually stopping by the homebase, I've always heard amazing things for years, but I was super stoked I finally got to experience it first hand.
The setup was so dope with just a open clean look and relaxed atmosphere. When I pulled up, their dog Harold was roaming the cafe freely and Chris was skating around the front of the building, definitely not your typical coffee house. I got to sit with Chris and his fiancé Ashley and they were probably the coolest people I've gotten to talk with, they just had a chill vibe and positive energy and positive outlook on everything. They were so humble and hospitable as they got me a couple different drinks on the house. The first drink I had was called Tchembe. It was a Japanese Iced Pour over a Natural Processed Ethipoian Coffee. It was fruity and floral and just refreshing for the beautiful sunny spring day. The second drink I had was a traditional hot coffee, a Kenyan Gitura, it was bright with a little sweetness. Chris made me drink it black, I usually have my coffee with a flavored creamer and sugar, but straight up black was delicious and refreshing. I was definitely caffeinated after drinking all these. The awesome coffee was matched with even better company, it was just an awesome experience.
If you're in the Northern Virginia area or lower Maryland area, Vigilante is a definite must have. Chris was nice enough to send me off with a fresh bag of Ethiopian roast for the crib. It was great to catch up and see all the amazing success and hard work in person. Hope to visit again soon!
Go check them out on the Web: Vigilante Coffee Company
Drake - Views (Album Stream)
Finally. I'm not gonna write much, but I would've bought this album solely off the strength of "Summer Sixteen" and "One Dance". Unfortunately "Summer Sixteen" didn't make the cut. "Views" is a nice and well rounded 20 track album with features from Pimp C, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and a new one from Rihanna. What you guys think?
Previous: Video: Drake - Hotline Bling
Hello, World!
Calvin Harris - This is What You Came For
Calvin and RiRi just have that synergy and amazing connection whenever they work together. It's been about 5 years since they've collaborated but it's like they picked up right where they left off. It's not like as good as the tracks off of "Talk That Talk" but it's a solid poppy house track with an infectious hook. On repeat!
Previous: Video: Calvin Harris & Disciples - How Deep is Your Love
Austin Arenz
San Marcos, California
Kygo - I'm in Love
Kygo continues to build momentum towards his long awaited debut album "Cloud Nine" set for a May 13th release. "I'm in Love" sounds like a little bit of a change of pace from what we're used to but this is a powerful and soulful song. James Vincent McMorrow provides the superb chanting vocals, kinda reminds me of MNEK a little bit with the higher range. Just a feel good dope track.
Previous: Kygo - Here For You ft. Ella Henderson
Hello, World!