Sam Smith – Lay Me Down

Only a few artists can make a person step deep down into the pits of their soul and pull out the emotions they tried so desperately to keep away. Sometimes you don’t expect it. Of course when you hear a talented artist, you know they will pull off an exceptional performance. But whether they have you a little misty or tears spilling down your face like the Niagara Falls, the music brings forth a special piece of your heart after just a few minutes.

Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down” is definitely one of those soul shaking tracks. The video is a beautiful tragedy of a funeral of his beloved. Watching the unique sadness transform into a jovial memory can suck one into the realistic visual. And Smith’s evocative vocals can stir emotions out of any person marked with indifference. The first few chants of the chorus immediately made me feel the sullen feelings of missing someone I love dearly. I’m sure it can do the same for you. Feel the effects for yourself below.

Love is the Answer – Aloe Blacc

Music and education mingles, dates, falls in love and then creates a beautiful production together in Aloe Blacc’s “Love is the Answer.” The message in this video couldn’t be any more stronger. It tells the story of two brothers who face a different path in their high school journey after getting split up from their parents. One goes on to becoming a football great and gets accepted into college. Unfortunately, the other gets kicked out of school, turns to the streets and ends up in jail. It could have been better for the both of them if a little love and compassion was given.

This country is facing so many problems in the education system. But rarely do I ever see the media or anyone shedding light to the school to prison pipeline. It exists. I still remember watching kids in school getting suspended all the time. Eventually some would just disappear and you would never see them in school again. Love should always be the answer. Negative actions towards negative behavior just gives energy to the problem. The kids who act up have a lot going on and it’s not fair to just shut them out of an education that everyone deserves. Anyway, I could go on. Not only is the message in this video on point, but the beat has a nice groove to it as well. I love this video for combining my too loves of education and music. Aloe Blacc is not only an entertainer, but also an activist in bringing awareness to important issues in our society. I’m definitely a supporter of his music as well as his message.

 

It Won’t Stop by Sevyn Streeter

I don’t like to use the term “eargasm,” but my goodness this song had me feeling tingly all over. “It Won’t Stop” by Sevyn Streeter is a pure form of musical pleasure. The simplicity of the charismatic guitar and her sensational vocals are enough to put a fussy baby to rest. Aaliyah’s spirit is highly present in the lovely tune. It’s very clear where Sevyn gets her inspiration from. And this Aaliyah fan right here is literally jumping for joy from the remarkable talent of Sevyn. But the pure grace reverberating lightly during the tune still has the artists own twinge of personality wafting through. It’s hard not to fall in love immediately with this song just from its first few bars. Be a part of its warm, subtle embrace for a few minutes below.

Q.U.E.E.N by Janelle Monae featuring Erykah Badu

This is something that has to be done more. Two extremely unique individuals blending their talents to bring music hydration for us all to hear. Welcome the Queen in her funky new joint by the same name. The chic fashion sense and electrifying energy thumping through the beat throws the senses into overdrive. Don’t be afraid to let your body feel the uncontrollable urge to move. Feel the power of “Q.U.E.E.N.”

Brand New Me by Alicia Keys

This video would be perfect for all of those people hoping to change for the new year. It takes a lot of time, experience, effort, and dedication to be able to shed away the old flaws of the past. Change takes hard work, but when it happens it’s a beautiful blossoming for all the wonders just waiting to pounce into your life.

Alicia Keys evolves into a more supreme vision of herself (Although, I don’t see how; she’s already so perfect) in her new video “Brand New Me.” The single from her phenomenally successful album Girl on Fire is an example of the gorgeous gems from her treasure chest of valuable music. It starts of with her talented piano skills intertwined with her soft and lovely voice. Then it gains energy throwing out powerful jabs of intensity and harmony throughout. The height of the song is an explosion of emotion and personal strength bursting towards the listener’s ears. It’s a symbol of breaking away from the weak ones who keep us down from the expanse of our potential. But I think it’s also a stance against the negativity that resides within all of us. Ms. Keys speaks a tale of pulling away from the pessimistic forces that attempt to stop us from being the wonderful beings that we are; and she does this with the simplicity of a piano and of her amazing vocals. “Brand New Me” is the perfect melody for finding the energy to becoming a new you and for letting go of the muck in your life that’s keeping you from shining.

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Wildest Dreams by Brandy

Shorts, a t-shirt and bright red boots – never thought that would look like such an excellent representation of classy. But it all comes down to how one brings it and ladies and gentlemen Ms. Moesha of the past has certainly brought “it” in her new video “Wildest Dreams.” The second video for her latest album Two Eleven is a simple yet fierce production highlighting Brandy as she’s always been – chic, down-to-earth and absolutely gorgeous. The rugged warehouse venue for her background dancer studded performance is all part of the qualities that make it so enjoyable to watch. Of course, her gracious voice and the old school hinted sound add to it’s sophisticated, fun nature.

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Girl on Fire Music Video by Alicia Keys

The stepford type isn’t exactly a role model most 21st century women like to attribute to. Our stance in the world is more than just a homemaker/housewife; we’re the women of the world holding down successful careers while taking care of the loved ones at home. It’s not a task that’s asked to be completed; it just has to be done. And many of us are more than happy to do it.

Ground breaking songstress and role model revolutionaire Alicia Keys shows us just how amazing a woman can be. This “Girl on Fire” gracefully keeps the home tidy with her womanly powers and holds to the importance of bonding with her children and the older wisdom driven folks. Her remarkable voice blazes through the rhythm reaching heights of passionate force. Feel the heat of the flames below.

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LoveLight by Kaya

What a pure example of easy listening! Check out this smooth bundle of joy by Canadian singer Kaya. Also the name of her upcoming album, “LoveLight” feels both like a mind transfer to a wispy, dreamlike environment and what would it feel like to sink deep into the calm ocean waters without that pesky worry of breathing. Her trance-like, soothing vocals could coo even a person with insomnia to sleep. Relax and paint that vivid picture in your mind as you sit back and listen to the cool tunes of Kaya.

 

Download the track for yourself here.

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Pyramids Video by Frank Ocean

Remember when this single erupted in the blogosphere among other things Frank Ocean? Well, get ready to travel into his parallel universe once more in his new video “Pyramids.” A single off of his impressively successful album Channel Orange, this dark, twisted story embarks on the journey of a man trapped in a hedonistic world.

The visual starts off with Ocean shooting up a bar after taking down four shots of the not-so-legal intoxicating beverage, absinthe and taking off on his motorcycle in an induced state. He rides through the desert appearing to lose some of his self as his human form appears to mystify and drift off. Demonic scenes of face morphing strippers fill the scene as Ocean hesitantly enters and trudges through the “Pyramid” of unguarded evil. John Mayer joins him on this enigmatic, yet malicious tale of one man battling the tempestuous demons surfacing from his mind.

Warning: This video is explicit. Not intended for children.

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“Made Love Lately” by Day26

The days when I would obsessively rock back and forth in front of the TV anticipating what Diddy had in store for his latest bad boys is a thing of the past. The teacher has taught his students well. Maybe one day Day 26 will become his master. Or maybe they’ll just continue to create beautiful music while possibly making the veterans of R&B smile inside.

Currently, the group has a web series called “A New Day”  and a new single called “Made Love Lately.” It breaks my heart to not see Que in the group, but I am glad the boys are back again. This song speaks great volumes in the book of contemporary R&B. It breathes the life of what we miss in boy band culture and exudes the vibe of R&B from the late 90’s. Each member has their own moment, but also collectively embodies the desire for passion in their sound. This song greatly exemplifies their growth as singers performing together as a group.