Richardine Bartee
Beechwood – Heroin Honey (Submission)
Heroin and honey don’t seem like the best combination of things to come together, but who am I? I’ve never administered heroin into my bloodstream. Nor do I see it happening in my future, so I am the wrong person for credible comment. What I enjoy most about writing is that we can decide to take things literally or as a laughing matter. All art is up for personal interpretation. Hear the two-minute soundscape bred from guitar work and vocal patterns that bring the late 60s into the 00s.
Ms Banks – Bangs (Submission)
After praise from Nicki Minaj, last month on Twitter about her lyrics on a remix of “Yu Zimme”, Ms Banks has been on cloud nine. Now, the British rapper has a new track called “Bangs.” You know I won’t ever lie to you guys. It does not boast the best Ms Banks lyrics, but it’s a dance track to hold us over until the album release. Not bad for the upstart who recently supported Cardi B during her tour in the United Kingdom. Hear her out below. Then, watch her performance of the track at VEVO dscvr.
T-Pain – Textin’ My Ex featuring Tiffany Evans (Submission)
Loneliness is the devil at work. Idle time will get out of pocket. The human mind starts to wander. Then, hell breaks loose. If your former lover slides back in your iMessages, or your DMs, don’t be surprised. Or if you’re the one with the fingers faster than your heart and mind, just tell your new partner that it’s human nature. Being weak and letting people down.
Here’s a bonus mashup for your cheating troubles. Don’t you just love T-Pain? He is a national treasure. Keep him safe at all costs. Also, if you like holiday music, check out Tiffany Evan’s version of “All I Want.” She has a lovely vocal range.
YOGI – Cakin’ featuring DRAM and Lady Leshurr (Submission)
At the start of Lady Leshurr’s verse, I thought she was the rapper from Queens, New York. However, the Grime queen shows off her lyrical prowess on the track. Her line about running them over like Suge Knight made me laugh. When “Burial” featuring Pusha T came out, I was thoroughly impressed. So, personally, I am looking forward to the British producer and artist’s “transatlantic” debut album said to be released by Epic Records/Ministry of Sound.
For the people who are not up-to-date with whom he is, YOGI is well-connected through his work as an in-house producer at Interscope. He signed a production deal with Dr Dre.
JR JR – Control (Secretly Sorry) (Submission)
In an indie-poppish Mike Skinner way, Detroit-based group JR JR gifts us this holiday season with an electric track about control. If you’ve watched Beverly Hills Cop before, you’ll know where my train of thought is going. Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy), that soundtrack, Detroit, et al. According to the musicians, the song was written at a Masonic Temple (November 10) in their hometown. I appreciate its variant rhythms.
There’s also a part of the lyric about there being poison in the innercity’s drink. When I hear it, I cannot help to think about the Flint Water Crisis. I wonder if it was an inspiration.
Damsel Adams – Mouthful of Screams (Submission)
I remember hearing the line about her having a pistol up her sleeve, and thinking to myself: Why? Well, protection of course, but I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen to make Richardine want to carry a gun. Could it be the mistreatment of a family member? Had a love gone wrong? Hear “Mouthful of Screams” by the enchanting singer-songwriter Damsel Adams to see if you relate to the drama of it all.
