TA STE a person whose liking for particular commodities extends past the mundane...
concept issue
/teist/
3 /we love the uk/ 11 /r&b new faces/ 15 /dirty computer/ 19 /yxng bane/ 23 /good music/ 27 /astroworld/ 31 /amerie/ 35 /toni & mariah/
/hot releases/ 7 /mnek’s arrival/ 13 /queen?/ 17 /on the rise/ 21 /cardi b/ 25 /scorpion/ 29 /take me apart tour/ 33 /the carters/ 37
hot Releases /masego/ Lady Lady is Masego’s debut studio album. Released in September to positive reviews. Masego’s music has been self coined as TrapHouseJazz. Lady Lady has all the elements of his previous music releases while sounding more developed and mature.
/amine/ OnePointFive is the second studio album from Aminé. It was released in August. The album features guest appearances from G Herbo, Gunna and Rico Nasty.
/estelle/ Lovers Rock is Estelle’s fifth studio album, Lovers Rock is a reggae album that many have anticipated from Estelle, following the lead from previously released songs such as the Sean Paul assisted ‘Come Over’. Estelle truly shines on this project.
/nao/ Saturn is Nao’s second album, named after the astrological concept of Saturn return. It was supported by the singles “Another Lifetime” and “Make It Out Alive. Nao began touring in support of the album late 2018 and will continue in 2019.
/noname/ Room 25 is Nonames debut album following her highly praised Telefone mixtape. The album was released to critical acclaim. It plays like a vintage coming of age tale.
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/ravyn lenae/ Crush is Ravyn’s third EP produced completely by Steve Lacy, he also features on two tracks. The sound is very different to her previous releases but the singer producer union has a clear strong chemistry that produces some great music.
/chloe x halle/ The Kids Are Alright is the debut album from duo Chloe x Halle. They began work on the album three years ago, before their EP, and mixtape. The girls cite Beyoncé and Billie Holiday as inspirations for their record.
/casanova/ Commissary is the debut album of rapper Casanova. Casanova delivers an infectious energy in his explicit music in a styling similar to Busta Rhymes. The New York native in time could surely make waves in Hip-Hop.
/leikeli47/ Acrylic is the masked Leikeli47’s second studio album. Acrylic see Leikeli pay homage to her origins and celebrate the stories of women and femininity in the hood.
/vince staples/ FM! is Vince Staples third studio album released in November. FM! was met with widespread critical acclaim making it onto 15, 2018 year end lists. FM! is quick and effective running for only 23 minutes.
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/spice/ Spice demanded attention as she called out colourism with her single “Black Hypocrisy” the song along with “Gum” and “Under Fire” are featured on her Captured mixtape named after her complex relationship in her VP Records deal.
/ariana grande/ Ariana Grande’s fourth studio album Sweetener was released to raving reviews. The majority of the project saw her connect with producer Pharrell creating tracks reminiscent of his early work with Chad Hugo as The Neptunes and singer Kelis.
/6lack/ East Atlanta Love Letter is 6lack’s second studio album. East Atlanta Love Letter acts as a follow-up to his debut “Free 6lack” it serves as an update on what’s currently going on in his life from being a dad, to relationships and dealing with fame.
/tamia/ Passion Like Fire is Tamia’s seventh studio album. The album debuted at number 145 on the US Billboard 200, and reached number 17 on Top R&B Albums chart. The album spawned the single “Leave It Smokin’”.
/tierra whack/ Whack World is Tierra Whack’s debut album released in May, its main producers being Kenete Simms and Nick Verruto. Each track is a minute long. Tierra Whack released a 15-minute visual album with a music video accompanying each track.
we love the Hailing from South London, Kadeem Tyrell is a notable name in the new wave of UK R&B/Soul Singers.
/kadeem tyrell/
Kadeem was raised by musical parents, his father a DJ exposing him to genres like Lovers Rock while his mother was a gospel singer. He began writing and singing at around age 16, he has since trained himself and aims to continue towards the next step: being professionally trained. He also invested in a home studio which allowed him to spend time developing and honing his craft. He lists many artists as his inspirations some notable names being R&B superstars Aaliyah and Brandy whose influences are audible on tracks like “Moon” and “Focus” from his EP Feels which was released this year.
/jaz karis/
BRIT school alumni Jaz Karis is one of my personal favourite faces emerging from the thriving UK R&B/Soul scene. The South London singer grew up on R&B music, Gospel, Jazz and 80s funk but isn’t quick to place herself into the R&B box as she would love to freely explore different genres of music. Artists she has named as inspirations include Eryka Badu, Frank Ocean and more. I had the pleasure of seeing Jaz Karis perform live as one of the openers for Ravyn Lenae this year. Jaz delighted with her warm, full vocals as well as a lovely personality that you couldn’t help but connect to as she spoke to the audience. Her debut EP Into The Wilderness was released last year, she also released two singles “Pretty Dreamer/Petty Lover”, the latter she performed on Colours which racked up 2 million views in 2 months.
UK /mahalia/
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Mahalia’s name has been somewhat inescapable this year, she has gained a lot of attention with her Seasons EP and various singles. Her debut album “Diary Of Me” was released in 2016. Mahalia although considered an emerging artist has been signed since she was 13 years old and released her first EP in 2012. The Leicestershire native labels her music ‘psycho-acoustic soul’ quickly fighting off the strict R&B box I’m sure the media would gladly throw her in. It’s a very fitting label for her music which features soft but raspy vocals and reflective lyrics. Mahalia supported musical peer Jorja Smith on tour and later set out on her third UK tour in 2018.
Jvck James is an emerging talent hailing from East London. “Fresh, essential and unapologetic” is how he described his music in an interview with HungerTv. The 19 year old singer-songwriter has made waves this year after gaining visibility from his Colours performance, he has also supported Mahalia on tour and performed with Chronixx this year. He has released a number of singles this year, his latest effort “Wave” however being a stand-out. James’ sound is silky and smooth reminiscent of neo-soul singers, he has real grit and character. This isn’t surprising as he has stated he discovered his voice singing R&B and Gospel music. He also expresses he was brought up with a good mix of music from a variety of genres. 2018 has been an amazing year for Jvck James and with no doubt he’ll take 2019 by storm.
/jvck james/
MNEK’S Arrival MNEK is by no means a name new to the music industry but it isn’t until 2018 that the masses have been able to become fully acquainted with him due to the release of his debut album Language. A singer, songwriter and producer, MNEK’s writer and production credits include the likes of Beyoncé, Madonna, Diplo, Dua Lipa and more. A solo career seems like a birth right when you inspect his long list of superstar credentials. Language spawned 5 singles of which only one “Colours” managed to reach the UK singles chart. The albums lead single “Tongue” a slick bassy production assisted with smooth vocals managed to reach 35 on the UK dance charts. Language is an eclectic pop album that draws influences from R&B, Garage, Latin funk, and other genres leading to an intricately crafted unique project. Language is catchy, fun and exploratory. Its refreshing to see a queer black male unashamedly express his truth through his music. The album was released to mixed reviews partly due to the fact many publications don’t know how to take in a dark skinned gay man making pop music, as he can’t simply be pigeon holed. This also translated into the albums commercial success with homophobia and racism still strongly instilled within the general public; his market is drastically smaller than a Sam Smith or a Troye Sivan. The albums roll-out also didn’t seem as strong and well put together as it could have been. Although MNEK has a great reputation, he still needed a greater introduction to the general public as he is essentially still a new artist. Nonetheless, Language is an amazing body of work full of quality pop anthems and potential radio hits.
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R&b’s
/ella mai/ Ella Mai won big this year with the release of her breakthrough single “Boo’d Up” from her third EP - Ready. Originally released in 2017, the single gained traction this year due to Mai’s ever expanding audience. It eventually peaked at No. 5 on the Hot 100. Notably, Rolling Stone labled the single “one of the biggest singles by a breakout female R&B singer in the past 10 years” Her next single “Trip” was another success peaking at No. 11 on the hot 100. Ella Mai’s nostalgic R&B sound is sure to be found on everybodys 2018 summer list. Her self-titled debut was released in October. Executive-produced by her label head DJ Mustard. The album reached No. 5 on the billboard 200. Mai delivered a solid throwback R&B album, with infectious choruses and deft production. Her debut exudes confidence, it would have been easy to deliver a subpar album to capitlize off her quick success but instead she crafted a well rounded project
new faces
/her/ HER is being dubbed by many as the new face of R&B. She emerged in 2016 metaphorically hiding her identity representing the fact she “was very closed off except for when {she} was writing or... in the studio.” HER’s faceless approach to releasing content amplified the messages and moods within her music, mainly the emotions which struck a chord with many people making them instant fans. In a time where many new and even past R&B artists are trialling the integrated rapsinging sound inspired by trap music; HER‘s debut EP was a breath of fresh air and stood out with her familiar but still current sound. With 5 EPs and a compilation album HER has made her presence known and propelled herself to the forefront of R&B music. 2018 has seen her artistry be rewarded with many accolades including 5 2019 Grammy nominations.
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QUEEN?
Queen has 19 tracks of which arguably only 10 should have made the final cut. The lyricism is present but the excess of music is only satisfying to her core fans. There is a lack of cohesion that From her humble beginnings to the present stage of her career, Minaj has had Nicki has seemingly struggled with when an it factor. She’s possessed a killer flow, putting together a body of work for while. This dampers the album making it less punchy lyrics and a supreme confidence that shone through in everything she did. enjoyable and excellent. Queen also lacks deeper material that we saw and appreciated on The Pink Print instead we Over her 14 year career we’ve seen her propel to the forefront of female rap and hear Minaj repeatedly proclaim her status and her deservedness of her position become an unavoidable name in hiphop. Four albums in, the self proclaimed which makes the album subjects feel very one tone. Queen has seen a number of accolades and achievements that will forever have her cemented in the discussion of women Queen is in no way a bad album, Nicki Minaj shines lyrically and her in hip-hop but now more than ever the adaptability is also highlighted as she Queens reign is being questioned and tackles majority of the track with finesse challenged. even though sonically this album is unlike much of what she has produced in This year has seen a lot of controversy the past. surrounding Minaj’s moniker. From rap feuds to morally questionable collaborations with other artist. Chun Li With this album Minaj has proven she is still on her game and her talent hasn’t has truly been seen as the bad guy. Her highly anticipated fourth album ‘Queen’ faltered however Queen lacks the polish was met with favourable reviews however and solidity to be crowned her best body its still up in air as to whether it is one; of work yet. lives up to its name or two; is as she proclaims her best work so far. From the release of her debut mixtape ‘Playtime Is Over’ in 2007, it was clear Nicki Minaj was destined for success.
Queen has followed The Pink Print & Roman Reloaded in the sense that they have not topped the solidity of her debut album ‘Pink Friday’. Minaj has made leaps and bounds with her talent but its often lost in the clutter of her albums.
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Janelle Monae’s third studio album Dirty Computer is a strong contender for album of the year, it is truly stellar. The concept album perfectly puts social issues to music in a way that isn’t abrasive or corny but rather natural and cathartic. The narrative of the album follows a story of being labeled by society, experiencing and accepting yourself and redefining your identity. Monae’s Dirty Computer is an authentic and raw experience which sees her becoming explicit and direct in her approach of true self expression. On the lead single “Make Me Feel”, we can her the late mega-star Prince’s influence. Monae has said he was instrumental on helping with the sound of the project. She also released what she has coined an ‘emotion picture’ to accompany the album with visual material which further drives and pushes the album narrative. The album musically floats between pop, hip-hop, R&B, funk and neo-soul seamlessly, no track feels out of place or unnecessary to the albums concept. Monae is singing and rapping on the album, her rap sections feeling almost like spoken word, on tracks like “Django Jane” & “I Like That” they’re used to drive hard messages that resonate with you. Dirty Computer’s raw expression not only sheds light on social issues providing individuals the visibility they long for, it also provides many an emotional release putting to music they’re struggles. Dirty Computer has and will touch many people in amazing and necessary ways.
Dirty Computer
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ON THE RISE /rico nasty/ Rico Nasty began rapping in high school releasing her first mixtape in the eleventh grade. Now at the age of 21 she has 6 mixtapes under her belt and has been on 2 tours which have seen her travel and perform internationally for her growing fan-base. Rico Nasty brings forth confident, edgy and abrasive raps over experimental new wave hip-hop beats. One of her most notable singles that clearly displays her style and talent would be Poppin, her biggest single so far. From her 5th mixtape Sugar Trap 2, it was also featured on the hit show Insecure’s soundtrack.
/megan the stallion/ The daughter of a rapper, Megan The Stallion cites her mother as her first female influence followed by Lil Kim. The Houston native began writing raps at 14 while sitting in her mothers studio sessions. She didn’t reveal her talent to her mother till age 18. Megan is a college student, studying and making music simultaneously. She released a mixtape in 2016 followed by her Make It Hot EP in 2017. This year Megan released her second EP, Tina Snow a more refined body of work than previous efforts the sound of the EP is presented through a Pimp C inspired character Tina Montana who is vulgar, sultry and cut throat.
FEMALE RAPPERS
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/city girls/ City Girls have made major waves this year after securing a deal with Quality Control Music after the release of their first studio track in 2017. They’ve since released a mixtape ‘Period’ in May and their debut album Girl Code in November. City Girls have been constantly releasing music despite half of the duo (JT) being incarcerated. City Girls are unapologetic and unfiltered in their lyrical content and confident in their delivery. After securing a feature on Drake’s no. 1 single, In My Feelings, Young Miami and JT have become notable names in the rap game.
/bbymutha/ If you are unfamiliar with Bbymutha, a quick search for her Free Brittnee EP will convert you into a fan. Emerging on the scene as Cindyy Kushh at the age of 17, Bbymutha’s presence and success has grown organically with each release over the years. This year she has released 4 bodies of work: Muthaz Day 2 & 3, Bbyshoe and Free Brittnee. Bbymutha’s music sounds like resilience, unwavering to opposition; her stage name even being her reclaiming the ‘baby mother’ stigma. She tackles themes of sexism, sexuality, relationships and sex positivity; Bbymutha’s music is progressive but hasn’t lost its grit and substance gained from her past.
/melatwins/ Youtubers MelaTwins released the song Fleek Bop at the end of 2017 and while many mocked the duo, but the song was a more than decent effort and saw the two begin to book shows and have a strong possibility of taking off as rappers. Since then they have released a remix to Fleek Bop featuring Ms Banks and another single ‘Bill Up’. It seems uncertain as to whether Melatwins will tenaciously pursue a career in music but if they do you can guarantee they’ll see a success.
/stefflon don/ Steff London first emerged in 2015 with a cover of Wretch 32’s “Six Words” soon after she’d featured on a few tracks and release her first mixtape ‘Real Ting’. The mixtape gained her a lot of attention. She then released French Montana assisted ‘Hurtin Me’ which peaked a No. 7 on the UK singles chart her highest charting single so far. Don released her second mixtape Secure in August 2018. Stefflon Don definitely has the potential to become a mainstream breakthrough already tasting success with the right steps she could become an international name in rap.
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/trillary banks/ Trillary Banks is an artist you’ve definitely heard. The Leicester born rapper delivers hard slow and slinky rhymes over tight dancehall productions. Her raps are witty, raw and often sexual. Her single ‘Come Over Mi Yard’ was a turning point for her when her underground bashment sound became really noticed sparking her rise in popularity. Trillary is still somewhat underground but she has a real chance to crossover to the mainstream and become a strong and notable name in London.
/ms banks/ Many may have been introduced to Ms Banks by her notable Fire In the Booth Freestyle. Since then the South Londoner as been making major moves. She supported Cardi B on her UK tour in 2017 and has got an online co-sign by Nicki Minaj. She started writing bars at 11 years old coming from a musical family she proclaims music was in her blood; even having an uncle who was an ex grime rapper. She released her stellar debut mixtape ‘The Coldest Winter Ever’ Which features notable tracks ‘Day Ones’, ‘Bangs’ ‘Chat 2 Mi Gyal’ and ‘Come Thru’.
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/yxng bane/
Yxng Bane has become an exciting UK artist that’s been constantly on rotation with constant appearances on the charts with hits like Fine Wine, Rihanna, Vroom, Bestie and more. Bane’s mixtape HBK was released in early November. The mixtape is based around past summer experiences he’s had as well as his current life, which sees him travelling and being away from home often. In an interview with wonderland he states this tape is a chance for him to ‘create a relationship with [his fans] so that they understand who Yxng Bane is.’ The mixtape managed to break the Top 40. The rapper/singer performs over captivating beats and seamlessly tangos with multiple genres on the mixtape from afro swing to hip-hop, twangs of dancehall and more. The tape sees appearances from Eyelar, Kojo Fundz & DJ Tunez. The tracks often jump between Banes punchy rap style and soothing warm singing voice making for a very varied project thats a great display of his versatility and talent.
Cardi B’s rise to fame has been a success story that has captured the public and left them in complete adoration of the new rap star.
before finally releasing her debut album which topped the charts and received raving reviews from critics. She released another two singles, one being I Like It, her second number 1. Cardi had become the only female rapper to be able to boast multiple number 1 singles. She’s become a major force in music and popular culture, everything she touches becoming lucrative.
The rappers rise comes as no surprise, her self confidence, crude and truthful behaviour made her an instant popular figure on social media. Strategically moving to reality TV the star built up her Many situations have arouse involving fan-base while releasing mixtapes Cardi, capable of having many musicians and singles gaining a bit of traction. blacklisted. From the public reveal of her not writing her own music to the Cardi, unlike many others, did not feud with fellow rapper Nicki Minaj that overstay her reality TV welcome leaving almost led to a public physical altercation. after 2 seasons. With this buzz she was The public has not lost interest in Cardi B able to propel her self to the forefront and neither have media outlets. of hip hop. She released her mammoth major label debut single Bodack Yellow This could be a lesson in likeability through Atlantic Records, it climbed the and portrayed honesty. Cardi has from charts for several months until finally instagram to super-stardom appeared reaching number 1. She became the to stay true to herself and shunned second female rapper to reach number 1 respectability politics. It could be with a solo single instantly solidifying that in this social media dominated her a spot in hip hop history. Cardi B’s era transparency is what is now most assault on the music industry had only appreciated in celebrities. just begun, she released two more single
belcalis almanzar
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/daytona/ The first step on GOOD Music’s 2018 rollout (the Wyoming Sessions) was Pusha T’s third studio album Daytona. Coming in at 21 minutes, the album was released to critical acclaim and has been labled by many as Pusha T’s best solo effort. It debuted at number 3 on the US billboard 200 and has snagged a Grammy nomination for album of the year The album wasn’t without controversy from the cover art - deceased Whitney Houston’s bathroom to the closing track ‘Infrared’ a Drake diss.
/ye/ Ye, the second of the five albums topped the charts, with generally favourable reviews. It spawned 2 singles Yikes and All Mine two top 20 hits. The release of Ye was almost certainly overshadowed by Kanye West’s many public tirades from his extremely vocals support of Donald Trump to his indication to the idea slavery was a choice. It was almost impossible to separate West’s antics and his personal opinions from his music. He has now become more of a personality and has started to overshadow his music.
Good music /kids see ghosts/ Kids See Ghosts is the self-titled debut if the duo Kanye West and Kid Cudi. The two developed a relationship as friends and musical partners, the idea for a joint album was sown many years ago but has only materialised this year. The third of five from the Wyoming Sessions debuted at No. 2 on the charts, no singles were released but the album garnered widespread acclaim and is featured on 15 publications end of year lists.
/nasir/ Nas’ eleventh studio album Nasir is the fourth instalment of the 5 albums and was debuted at No. 5 on the charts. Like the former no singles were officially released but ‘Cops Shot The Kids’ managed to chart and reach 96 on the Hot 100. It received mixed reviews and was another release plagued with controversy. Nas’ ex wife, superstar Kelis in a candid interview revealed the twos tumultuous marriage and life as divorcees.
/ktse/ The final stop on the 5 album roll out was Teyana Taylors highly anticipated sophomore album coming in at around 23 minutes. The album was a somewhat disappointment for fans who had waited 4 years since the release of VII due to the brevity of the release. Of the five it debuted the lowest on the charts at No. 17. It was released to positive reviews and made it onto a few chart end lists. Teyana Taylor her self was very vocal in her disappointment of the albums release and treatment from her label.
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Scorpion Drake’s fifth studio album Scorpion debuted at No. 1 in Canada and the US. The album was certified platinum on the day of released and became the first album to be streamed over one billion times in its first week. It was supported by seven singles that all reached the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Three of the seven “God’s Plan”, “Nice for What” and “In My Feelings” reached No. 1. Scorpion was ranked as the 2nd most popular album of the year on the Billboard 200. Scorpions release was plagued with controversy after the release of Pusha T’s venomous diss track “The Story of Adidon” in which it was revealed and confirmed Drake was hiding a child from the world. There was no coming back from that. While listening to Scorpion, Drake has stuck to his regular subject matter which after the reveal of his offspring seems juvenile. Suddenly, the reality of Drake being a 32 year old father becomes extremely apparent.
Scorpion’s best and most notable feature is it’s rich production, it sounds great, however 25 tracks and 90 minute run time makes the album very draining. There are scattered gems across the album, or rather albums as they’re split into a double disc, but the tone of the discs as a whole feels very droning and monotonous. The two disc split neither hurts nor improves the release. While amazingly produced, Scorpion as a whole is underwhelming and repetitive.
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astroworld Released on August 3, Travis Scott’s’ third album Astroworld was a complete commercial success met with universal acclaim. It topped the charts and has earned Scott 3 Grammy nominations. It was supported by 3 singles, of which the second “Sicko Mode” reached No. 1. The album is titled after the now closed theme park Six Flags AstroWorld and serves as part of the albums narrative. Scott stated in an interview with GQ “They tore down AstroWorld to build more apartment space. That’s what it’s going to sound like, like taking an amusement park away from kids”. He also explained that the album is a continuation to his debut Rodeo. Astroworld has a rich and psychedelic production, pushing Scott further forward as an innovator and pioneer in his genre. He has become one of the most musically diverse names in music.
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take me apart tour
Kelela released her debut album Take Me Apart in 2017, the progressive R&B album was met with universal acclaim. Lyrically illustrating themes of love, romance, relationship turmoil and more over metallic hard hitting and almost mechanical productions that evoke the rawest emotions. Kelela was on tour this year and brought her show to the Roundhouse, London. Her rich and husky tone captivated the audience pouring out emotive vocals, leaving her audience in awe watching her cathartic performances. One of the main gimmicks used by Kelela to elevate her performance was lighting and it worked perfectly in her favour. The use of light working in tandem with her music portrayed an authentic emotional experience. Everyone was sure to leave Kelela’s show emotionally satisfied with the echoes of her divine voice replaying in their heads.
/kelela/
31 The first artist to open for Kelela was Tiana Major9. She gave an amazing performance and stunned with warm, full vocals. Tiana has been making a name for herself over the past few years, official releasing music since 2017. Tiana is gaining recognition after her Colours performance and is surely working towards major thing in 2019.
/tiana major9/
/rina sawayama/ Rina Sawayama also opened for Kelela performing notable songs such as “Tunnel Vision” and “Cyber Stockholm Syndrome”. Rina brought showcased great vocals but more so displayed her pop star stage presence, equipped with back up dancers and dawning high fashion garms, she dazzled with high energy and audience engagement. A Japanese-English singer/model, Rina began her career in 2013 releasing quality singles and visuals. She exudes the nostalgic greatness of 90/00s pop redeveloped into our new cyber world. She released her debut album in 2017 that was met with favourable reviews, she has since released three singles this “Valentine”, “Cherry” and “Flicker”.
give her her flowers
Amerie created a unique R&B sound with producer Rich Harrison, the two are a singer-producer duo that ushered in a completely new sound. With lopped hip-hop beats and rhythmic gogo elements. Amerie was vocal about her need for percussion, drums, aggression in her music. With the music the two made Amerie landed her record deal. Amerie released her debut studio album All I Have in the summer of 2002 it was released to mostly positive reviews and over the years has been noted by many as a R&B classic. The album spawned the two hits Why Don’t We Fall In Love and Talkin’ To Me. Amerie became called upon for features from Nas to LL Cool J. The success of the album became clear as other artist began working with Rich Harrison and teaming up with other producers to create music very similar in sound to Amerie.
In spite of her success her label began to neglect her and her sound continued to be lent to other artist including J Lo, Omarion, Toni Braxton and more. Her third album Because I Love It was released with much difficulty and she gained another smash single Gotta Work. She eventually left Colombia for Def Jam and released her fifth album which wasn’t as successful. From there she went independent and released more music including her Drive EP. At the same time she stared a beauty and book discussion youtube channel and became an author. This year she released an album and an EP with a totally new sound unlike what we all remember her for.
Amerie has always been instrumental in the creative process of her music, throughout her career she has received writing, production and instrumentation 2005 saw Amerie’s biggest single 1 Thing, credits. Amerie has a highly emotive voice an international smash. Amerie chose the and great versatility in tone, timbre. song as her lead single but her label were She will always remain in the conversation of R&B. against her, she had to push the song herself and when it began to pick up the label eventually got behind it. Her album Touch was another smash and carried on her trademark sound adding heavier percussion and brassier instrumentation.
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/everything is love/ In the midst of their On The Run II tour, The Carters released their first studio album as a duo ‘Everything Is Love’, along with that the single Apeshit. The project was released to rave reviews receiving a metacrtic rating of 80 out of 100. The album serves as an almost round up to their previously released albums Lemonade and 4:44 which detailed the trials they endured through their relationship, notably infidelity. Everything Is Love proclaims their long standing love through all the pain, their supreme lifestyle and wealth, black pride and love over a wholly hip-hop sound with elements of trap, R&B and reggae.
Apeshit, the only single for the album, peaked at No. 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It’s one of the catchiest songs released this year, lighting up the club scene. The album as a whole is more easily listening than the emotional journeys of Lemonade and 4:44 but that almost symbolically works in the album trilogy’s favour, with the final album being the calm to the storm. The album however still has many highlights the opening track being one of them. Summer, arguably the best track on the album, sees Beyoncé deliver a soulful and sensual serenade to her lover, its definitely Beyoncé’s best vocal moment on the album due to the sheer emotion and conviction pushed through in her voice.
The ca
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legends
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/sex & cigarettes/ Toni Braxton delighted fans with the release of her first solo single since 2012 “Deadwood” the guitar-led track was positively received and was later accompanied with a music video.
heavy and sees Braxton singing about themes revolving around heartbreak and dwindling relationships, reminiscent of her previous joint album with Babyface “Love, Marriage & Divorce”.
The second single “Long As I Live” was released, peaking at No. 1 on the US Adult R&B Songs chart. The song has received two Grammy nominations.
With her voice having always effectively portrayed sadness Toni Braxton shines on this project, it’s nothing ground breaking when compared to the titans in her discography but it is still a great and well put together R&B album.
Sex & Cigarettes was finally released in march and was met with generally positive reviews, it also snagged a Grammy nomination. It managed to debut at No. 22 on the Hot 100 chart. With 8 tracks totalling for a total run time of 30 minutes, Sex & Cigarettes is very brief but nonetheless quality. The project is very ballad and mid-tempo
/caution/ Caution is the fifteenth studio album by the legendary Mariah Carey. The album was released to critical acclaim.
bend towards the brooding mid tempo sound. The 10 tracks feature Carey’s warm vocals and sees utilisation of her lower range. There are less extreme vocal It has so far spawned one official single moments on the album which further “With You” as well as 3 other promotional pushes the consistency of the albums singles “GTFO”, “The Distance”, and sound feeling like a vibey logical journey “A No No”. All received well by fans never taking any unexpected turns. especially the latter which many are anticipating a remix to with Lil Kim and Carey buries many odes to the past in the Cardi B. project from a Lil Kim sample to and an Eddie Murphy’s dialogue from the 1983 Caution is Carey’s first album in 4 comedy Trading Places. years, and its impeccable. Where it differs from its predecessor “Me. I Am Caution is a spectacular album that sees Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse” is in Mariah Carey continuing to shine as the the focused sound of the album. The list illustrious artist she is and always will of producers including DJ Mustard, No be. ID, Blood Orange, Skrillex and more all
TA STE a person whose liking for particular commodities extends past the mundane...
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to look through this zine. This first issue serves as a concept of what could be. This isn’t neccerially the final format for the zine or similar in content to what the future issues will include as I have many avenues to explore. Taste is a project I would like to build up and turn into a recurring magazine series revolving mostly around music. This issue is a taster of what is to come.
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