Richardine Bartee
Here’s a list of the best mainstream and international videos of the week, in my opinion. It consists of music by Tune-Yards, Young Fathers, K Trap, and much more.
NF – No Name (Submission)
Easily likened to a forefather named Enimem, fellow Michigan rapper NF gets things off of his chest. From accusations of marketing dollars [responsible for his popularity] to whatever else people want to pin on him, the rapper will not allow anyone to get the wrong idea. NF’s “No Name” is the number one trending video on YouTube right now. Keep it that way.
Nipsey Hussle – Last Time That I Checc’d featuring YG (Personal)
Bridging the gap between the street rivals in Los Angeles, Nipsey Hussle and YG come together for the latest single from Victory Lap. Watch the new video below. It’s like a visual interpretation of Kendrick Lamar’s Reebok sneaker.
Tune-Yards – Heart Attack (Submission)
I’ve been in love with all things Tune-Yards when she emerged as a solo act. What sealed the deal for me? The day I watched her live at the Roots Picnic in Philadephia in 2010. Merrill Garbus’s voice is powerful, an instrument of its own. Her sound is cleaner than it was in 2010, but the feeling remains. Watch the theatric video for “Heart Attack” now.
Young Fathers – In My View (Personal)
Around the same time, I learned about the Scottish trio, Young Fathers. Before my website crashed in 2015, Alloysious Massaquoi and I interviewed for GRUNGECAKE. We connected on being Liberian. At the time, their videos weren’t as polished. It is great to see how colourful and lustrous they’ve become. Watch the lovely new video for “In My View.”
French Montana – Famous (Personal)
Heading to another part of the continent to sing about a lover, French Montana hopes that she never gets famous. I know hardcore rappers (or fans) will look at French Montana differently. However, the world music sound is what made him larger-than-life/crossover. I wouldn’t say that his voice is the best, but it’s enough these days. Keep it going for as long as it can feed you, Montana.
I get what the message of the song is, but it is a next level kind of selfishness. Hey, he didn’t hide his feelings. That’s respectable, right?
Domo Genesis – Me vs. Me (Submission)
Domo Genesis is an undercelebrated artist, an oddity in itself. Why? He is part of Odd Future. Aside from that notion, I’m happy to see more artists subtlely speaking about mental health and personality disorders in their music. If you aren’t well-versed in literary conflicts, cognitive exercises or psychotherapy, don’t be ashamed. As you’ve probably assumed by now, in the literary sense, man versus himself is a conflict when a character struggles internally.
His new ten-track mixtape—Red Corolla—is out now. The only feature comes from Styles P.
The Chainsmokers – Sick Boy (Personal)
I’m going to have to disagree with the lyrics in “Sick Boy” by The Chainsmokers, but I gather it’s the point. After being in a relationship with a narcissist, it is interesting to hear lyrics as such. It’s good to know that there is something for everyone.
K Trap – Watching (Submission)
For a long time, I’ve been a fan of all things British. So, selecting K Trap as an artist to write about wasn’t a difficult decision. There are loads of illegal things happening in the “Watching” video, but such is life. Watch the video for the 22-year-old’s latest video now.
Mono Mono – Feel (Submission)
How does it feel when you’re alone? Personally, I feel like it is divine. God wanted it this way, so I am at peace. As you watch the Denmark singer’s video for “Feel”, you will start to answer her questions in your head. (That’s if you’re anything like me.)
Tinashe – No Drama featuring Offset (Submission)
Back with three singles to kick off 2018, Tinashe shares the official video for “No Drama”. I wouldn’t say it is the best song considering both artists, but the video is well done. Both artists look good.
