Richardine Bartee
This week’s #5NewVideos list consists of Missy Elliott, 6LACK, Larry June, and more.
Missy Elliott – I’m Better featuring Lamb (Personal)
The last time we wrote about Missy Elliott, we covered “Pep Rally” and said that we missed her. Recently, the Virginian creator released “I’m Better” featuring Lamb. It was well-received. If you’re from my generation, you understand the importance of the originality of Missy Elliott. “I’m Better” is a good blend of Missy’s real self. It shows that she can remain herself, and get with the times. We’re looking forward to more.
6LACK – Prblms (Personal)
If you’re a God-fearing human being, the first repetitious words within the verse of 6LACK’s “Prblms” will make you run for the hills. There is a lot of swearing in his storytelling. Based on what I heard, it sounds like the young lady isn’t worth the stress. However, in my experience, the men who attract those types of women (actually) wouldn’t have it any other way. They love and like and encourage problems, but we won’t blame them. We don’t want to isolate them nor make them feel bad. Let’s just blame conditioning.
Larry June – The Scale (Personal)
Whatever comes out of the Bay usually piques my attention. For some time now, I’ve been a huge fan of Larry June’s. Notably, “3rd Girl” featuring G-Eazy and Zacari is his best song in my opinion. Anyone who knows me on a personal note knows how I feel about that song. It’s up there with “Niggas” by Kamaiyah. I’ve explained and touched the surface when I wrote about the single from “A Good Night in the Ghetto.”
Last month, I also reached out to his booking agent to book him for an official SXSW showcase, but his representative wanted to know who else was performing. Unfortunately, at the time, we didn’t have any confirmations, and my partners didn’t want to throw names out there that we hadn’t confirmed. I also reached out to Larry, personally, because someone wanted to pay him for a feature, but nothing happened there. Some things just aren’t meant to be, but Larry June’s ‘TWO’ is out now and we’re all supposed to listen. When you have a chance, stare at the cover art for his music. He wants you to stare.
Khalid – Location (Personal)
If an individual you didn’t like sent this to you as a text message or if they sang these lyrics to you, you would be creeped me out (appropriately). Khalid, a young musician from the El Paso area in Texas, released the official video for “Location” last year, and it’s all I thought. Aside from that, Khalid’s debut album “American Teen” comes out next month on March 3. Watch the dramatic video below. Then, check out the “Saved” documentary produced by The FADER beneath the video.
Lantana – Beautiful Day featuring Turich Benjy and Malan Malan (Personal)
Who doesn’t love music that seems to give you more energy than you had before you turned it on? If your answer is no, you and I probably won’t last long in the same circles for too long. Anyway, the Cincinnati-native rapper Lantana released a fun video for a song called “Beautiful Day” featuring Turich Benjy and Malan Malan. I have a thing for variety and strange voices, and Malan Malan’s voice is what made me want to share this song.
Last year, I had the opportunity to go to Sway’s show at Sirius XM, in support of an artist-producer that I work alongside. On that day, I met Lantana. His hunger, in comparison to others, were present, was evident. If I’m not mistaken, he was late due to traffic, and he was driving (or driven). They had driven all the way from Ohio and almost missed the opportunity to be on the show. I’ll never forget that moment.
