Richardine Bartee
This week’s #5NewVideos list consists of Belly, The Weeknd, Daft Punk, and more.
Belly “You” featuring Kehlani (Submitted)
My friends across the border — specifically in Ottawa — have been telling me about Belly for such a long time. His new song featuring Kehlani “You,” finds both the Roc Nation recording artist and the troubled singer in a perfect match. Before hearing this single, Kehlani’s vocal ability didn’t affect me. Belly isn’t only a gifted rapper and songwriter. He also feels strongly about social and racial injustice. Hence, his boycott of American presidential candidate and rich man Donald Trump. The recording artist cancelled his performance at Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show because Trump was also a guest that night.
I’m unsure how many others would have done the same. However, I think it is amazing to see. Especially for someone who is considered a new artist to the general population. Behind-the-scenes, Belly is no stranger to the game. He’s well-known for writing with and for The Weeknd, a fellow artist and now Beyoncé, two pop sensations often played on the mainstream radio all over the world.
22 Savage “Jumpin” (Personal)
Savage, indeed. “Jumpin” is the new song by a self-proclaimed comedian and rapper named MacArthur Johnson. Not familiar with his comedy, I came across 22 Savage’s new video as I searched for new music to add into this listicle. Although Brooklyn-native rapper Desiigner was called out for this recently, I must say I respect the blatant disrespect going on here. I’d dance to it in the club, all jokes aside. On a serious note, when is he going to receive a cease and desist notice? Before his mixtape comes out because the young boy reminds me of Turk in his Hot Boy$ stage. And that’s a problem.
The Weeknd “Starboy” featuring Daft Punk (Personal)
Starting off like a thugged-out Star Wars movie, The Weeknd, and Daft Punk get gangster-sci-fi on us. Love the new hair, Abel. Keep killing the game with your laser cross.
Belly “Ballerina” (Submitted)
As soon as New York Fashion Week came to an end, Belly released the official video for “Ballerina.” It is fitting because it features a fashion-forward performance by Lil Buck, a dancer known for his work with Madonna, and a ballerina named Jessica Keller.
PARTYNEXTDOOR “Not Nice” (Submitted)
Mississauga-native singer-songwriter and producer PARTYNEXTDOOR keeps it simple as usual with the video for his breakout follow-up single, “Not Nice.” He has announced his 19-date headline tour aptly called, “Summer’s Over.” Jeremih will join the “quietly influential” artist of 2016 on tour.
BIA “Whip It” (Bonus) (Personal)
BIA. I like BIA a lot. However, I think she lacks the drama and self-centered persona that currently drives this industry. Other things factor into it. However, my development advice isn’t free. Earlier this year, the Boston-bred rapper released songs with other entertainers names in the title (“Bobby Brown”, “Gucci Comin Home”) like Young Thug did recently for “JEFFERY.” The songs are good. The videos are entertaining. BIA looks great too, but something is missing. I know what it is.
