Videos of the Week June 23rd

It's been a while since I've been this stoked about a trio of music videos released in one week. Led by the seductive Rihanna and smooth vocals of Bryson Tiller, DJ Khaled's Wild Thoughts started the week off on a high note. Then, around mid-week, two of my favorite songs in 2017 were blessed with visuals. Desiigner's white-hot fire track Outlet finally was anointed with the cinematic fire that it deserved. It's a rare soccer-centric sports anthem with Sidney rocking a Manchester United away jersey. Man...if that track and video doesn't get you hype and wanting to take on the world, I don't know what will.

On a more mellow, but equally interesting note, Odesza's Line of Sight took a more Sci-Fi route into the top five. The story of a young kid befriending a robot was apropos for the serene vibe of the track. As a side note, I'm more than a little excited to have the opportunity to see Odesza at The Greek in October. Even though it's months off and I just saw them at Red Rocks, they're without a doubt in my top three favorite live shows right now and I'm more than excited to see them again.

Outside of the world of music videos, Khalid did a superb cover of Frank Ocean's Lost in the BBC Radio 1 studio. The piano session was perfect introduction to the up-and-coming vocalist if you haven't given him a listen yet. And rounding out this week's top five was a novelty all the way from Germany where the Rundfunk-Tanzorchester Ehrenfeld did a orchestra cover of Daft Punk's Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger. It's not the easiest track to cover, so tip of the cap to how they put it together with the computerized vocals and all...#RundfunktanzOrchester

DJ Khaled feat Bryson Tiller & Rihanna - Wild Thoughts (Video)

Desiigner - Outlet (Video)

Odesza - Line of Sight (Video)

Frank Ocean - Lost (Khalid Cover)

Rundfunk-Tanzorchester Ehrenfeld : Daft Punk - "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger"

Photo Credit: YouTube

Videos of the Week June 2nd

What better way to welcome the summer months than a top five chalked full of Hip Hop goodness. Led by Kendrick Lamar and his flying car, Perfect Pint was the lead off hitter this week needed. I can't speak to the random animals, unicorns, or super-imposed Gucci Mane in the video, but it made for a chaotic watch. If a much more chill, SoCal Hip Hop video is more up your alley, then Mura Masa and Desiigner have your back. Let's just say Desiigner has never been accused of a lack of energy and that was evident in the video. If you're a Nike fan, then you can move right past Travis Scott's new Way Back video because it's one big James Harden Addidas commercial. Can't hate on the cross culture collabo between Hip Hop and NBA talents, but it comes off a bit too opportunistic for my liking. Speaking of opportunistic, how about Lil Yachty making a fashion splash in his first TV performance. Do the words Lloyd Christmas mean anything to you? Suffice to say, he pulled it off like a champ.

And in case you're not into Hip Hop videos, rounding out the top five is a trailer for the new four part HBO documentary detailing the come up of Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. It'll have cameos from the likes of Snoop, Will.i.am, and Eminem cameos, the series will have all the big names you'd hope would help tell the story. The Defiant Ones will premiere on July 9th, so set your DVRs y'all...#DefiantOnes

Mike Will Made It feat Kendrick Lamar, Gucci Mane, Rae Sremmurd - Perfect Pint (Video)

Mura Masa feat Desiigner - All Around the World (Video)

Travis Scott feat James Harden - Way Back (Video)

Lil Yachty Performs Bring It Back on Kimmel

The Defiant Ones: Cut To The Chase Tease (HBO)

Photo Credit: YouTube

Mura Masa and Desiigner Go All Around the World

What happens when bubbly meets grimy? Good question, press play below on Mura Masa and Desiigner's new one and you'll know what I'm saying. Generally Desiigner spits recklessly on the mic, which can be an endearing quality in the right context. When you pair him with Mura Masa's instrument driven, melodic style, that's when it all gets interesting. Luckily for us, Desiigner can get in where he fits in by being able to take on a more sing-songy approach on All Around the World. It's a mellow track, which isn't at all what I expected, but in a good way. At the very least, this conjured up a good bit of curiosity that led me to do another run through of Mura Masa's discography. Shame on me for missing out on Suicide Blades. That track is chill af and I can't believe I passed through it when I did a run through his previous Soundtrack to a Death album. Let's just say I'm listening now, I get the allure of Mura Masa, and you can expect a lot more from him in the coming months as he ramps up toward his debut full length album dropping on July 14th...#AllAroundTheWorld

Mura Masa feat Desiigner - All Around the World

"Ball Like a Champion, Fall Like a Champion"

Keeping it 100, I complain a lot about Hip Hop having lost a step. A big reason for that is because as a whole it doesn't bring the same energy it used to. Like all blanket statements, there are exceptions and Desiigner is just that. His music has that "it" element to his much and it's 100% due to his relentlessness on the mic. Shoot, I can't even understand what he's saying 90% of the time, but he commands respect and his flow on the mic is undeniable.

Want to know what I mean? Fast forward on the track to 2:50 on his new one Outlet and listen to him spit wrecklessly for 30 seconds straight. Again whatever he's saying is incomprehensible, but dammit you have you to respect his vigorous diction. Back in the day I used to openly question why G.O.O.D. Music made such a big investment in him, but now I get it. Between this one and Timmy Turner, I'm sold and hopping on the train of non-stop energy that Sidney Selby brings every time he jumps on a mic. Hop on iTunes or Spotify and wild out with me as I take another spin...#Outlet

Desiigner - Outlet

Videos of the Week October 14th

Live performances were the name of the game in this week's top five. Led by The Chainsmokers and Desiigner's 360 video from their recorded performance at Austin City Limits, the bar was set high from the start. It was set high, but Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals brought every ounce of funk the set of Ellen when performing Come Down. I'm still in awe of how he's solving the timeless problem of Hip Hop not being able to be translated into a live show. "You're damn right it can be and this is what it should look like," says Anderson. And even though it's probably more of a personal novelty to me, seeing Slushii, Skrillex, and Marshmello share the same decks on a B2B2B was a cool sight. I don't expect you to be interested enough to watch the hour long Shanghai set, but if you skip around you might just be as entertained as I was.

Then there was the trippy forest video for Frequency that Kid Cudi self-directed. It was about what I expected from Cudi, but music aside, I'm in total support of him tackling his demons head on and seeking help this week. It takes a real man to admit when he needs help and I'm extremely glad he reached out before doing any harm to himself. In case you missed it, here was his incredibly brave and transparent note about why he was choosing to seek help during a time when he's releasing an album. And in case the music wasn't entertaining enough, there was that time Kevin Hart and Jimmy Fallon made their way through NYC's scariest haunted house wearing GoPros. There's always something funny about seeing comedians get scared to death, even if it's staged...#WhatNow
The Chainsmokers' 360 Video for Closer and Desiigner's Panda at Austin City Limits

Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals Perform Come Down! on Ellen

That Time Slushii, Skrillex and Marshmello Performed an Epic B2B2B in Shanghai

Kid Cudi - Frequency (Video)

Kevin Hart and Jimmy Fallon Visit a Haunted House

Photo Credit: YouTube

Videos of the Week September 23rd

Normally I'm a Jimmy Fallon guy, but kudos to Jimmy Kimmel for bringing the heat this week with performances from Usher and Desiigner. Both brought the heat with brief sets and they did it their own way. On one hand you had Usher doing his usual dance routine while spicing it up with videos of fans around the world dancing to No Limit. And on the other hand you had the raw energy of Desiigner performing his hype new single Timmy Turner. To be blunt, I'm still on the fence about Desiigner as an artist. He walks the line between hype and over-the-top, which is why I want to like him, but in manageable doses.

If you have five minutes and have to choose one video to watch this week, there's no doubt that it should be Elton John and Gallant performing Weight in Gold. It's an awe inspiring performance by a legend and an up-and-comer whose voice is on another level. If escaping reality through animation and adventure is more what you're looking for, then you'll dig Zeds Dead, Diplo and Elliphant's collabo on the video for Blame. And last, but not least, there was the time Hillary Clinton went Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis. If you've seen any of the episodes in the series, there's a level of awkward situational humor that always ends up being surprisingly funny and this one did not disappoint...#BetweenTwoFerns
Elton John & Gallant Perform Weight in Gold

Desiigner Performs Timmy Turner on Kimmel

Zeds Dead & Diplo feat Elephant - Blame (Video)

Usher Performs No Limit on Kimmel

Hillary Clinton Goes Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis

Photo Credit: YouTube

"Timmy Timmy Timmy Turner He Been Wishin' For a Burner"

Over the past decade, XXL has done a pretty stellar job at showcasing who is next in Hip Hop. For reference check their list of the top freshman (breakout artists) in Hip Hop since 2007 (via Wikipedia) and you'll understand what I mean...
One thing is for sure, they were only getting started in 2007 with names like Crooked I and Lupe Fiasco.

Fast forwarding to present day and their latest crop of 2016 freshman and one name in particular is beginning to stand out. By now you know about Anderson .Paak and Lil Dicky, but despite the Kanye co-sign you may have written off Desiigner as a one hit wonder with his breakout hit Panda. For me, the track was interesting in a lot of ways because of how grimy it sounded, but I wasn't convinced yet. This week, that sentiment changed a bit when I listened to his freestyle turned full track, turned remix with Kanye called Timmy Turner. The unexpected harmony from a rapper that I had written off as nothing special is where it all changed from me. It's really hard to understand what he's saying, it sounds like straight gibberish. Yet, it's so well executed that you feel like you have to sing along with your own made up words. All I know is you need to see his 45 second version of the freestyle, then listen to Kanye's verse on the track to get a full appreciation for it. Respect Desiigner, I get it now...#TimmyTurner

Desiigner feat Kanye West - Timmy Turner (Remix) (prod by Mike Dean)

Videos of the Week July 22nd

It was a slow week for videos, word is bond. There was a whole lot of nothing when it came to new music videos, so here's this week's top five dollar store video bargains. Leading the way by a large margin was seeing rappers genuinely react to Rich Chigga's Dat $tick video. If you haven't seen it yet, go here to watch it because it's not something I could do justice describing. Lord knows we need more tough talking, buttoned up, fanny pack wearing, gun toting, mean mugging, sixteen year old Asian kids. Hate on it all you want, but you can't look away from a car crash, even if you know it's manufactured. Despite all that, gotta admit, his flow was lit.

Also dropping this week was a series of videos from Deadmau5 detailing some of the work he does with NVIDIA in crafting these incredibly advanced computers. It's a fun watch if you're a hardware nerd who doesn't mind when engineering crosses over with music. In the land of late night, Idris Alba and Fallon did their best to karaoke their way into our hears, while Missy and the First Lady did in-car rapping with James Corden. And last, but not least, I would have felt weird not finding a way to timestamp this week in history as Pokemon Go found a way to create a new category of gaming with the use of augmented reality. Evidently all your favorite DJs love Pokemon too and rappers are even riding the wave. I've only played it a bit, but hell, I'm more amazed with how impactful it is in getting people to move and explore their surroundings...#PokemonGo
Rappers Reacting to Rich Chigger's Dat $tick Video

Episode 2 of Deadmau5's "The Deadmau5 Project" with NVIDIA

Idris Alba and Jimmy Fallon Play Box of Microphones

Michelle Obama and Missy Elliot Rap During Car Karaoke With James Corden

Hardwell Trolls Ultra Europe With the Pokemon Theme Song

Photo Credi: YouTube

Videos of the Week July 8th

It's an understated lineup, but this week's top five is chalked full of a lot of new artist that I'd call emerging favorites of mine. Led by the joker/mad lyricist Lil Dicky and the mysterious Marshmello, there's plenty to be excited about below. If you've never seen Lil Dicky on the mic, you need to see him hold his weight next to Desiigner and Anderson .Paak in this year's 2016 XXL Freshman Cypher. Then, if you're stuck on thinking Lil Dicky is merely a rapper, take in his new video for Molly. Needless to say, there's a bit more depth and storytelling than you'd expect from an up and coming rapper.

If EDM is what you crave then I don't need to tell you how much you need to make an Electric Forest pilgrimage. I haven't been to all the festivals, but I do appreciate the wrap up videos and how well the capture the sentiment and energy of the festival. Speaking of EDM, #mellogang rolled deep on the Alone video. He may make happy-go-lucky dance music, but you can't hate on how carefree and fun it is to listen to. And last, but probably first, the behind the scenes look at how the Hundred Waters, Skrillex, Chance the Rapper collaboration came to fruition was a really cool watch. Seeing how the vibed off one another and the remix organically came together was a fun watch. It's easy to assume that these live performances just come together, but in reality it usually takes months of making it right before we finally get to listen to it. Such a fun collabo...#ShowMeLove
Desiigner, Lil Dicky, Anderson .Paak XXL Freshman Cypher

Lil Dicky feat Brendan Urie - Molly (Video)

Electric Forest Festival Wrap Up Video

Marshmello - Alone (Video)

Behind the Scene on Hundred Waters Collaboration With Skrillex & Chance the Rapper

Photo Credit: YouTube

Videos of the Week May 13th

This week's top five is deserving of two adjectives: entertaining and new. On the entertaining tip, you've got the new video for Need You where Dillon Francis is up to his usual shenanigans DJ-ing a rowdy backyard party. Then, there's the human serviette checking in with Drake and 40 in studio. No matter what you say about Nardwuar and his quirky antics, the dude can hold a pose!

On the music side of things, you had two up and comers continuing to make a name for themselves. When Desiigner wasn't picking fights with Bieber this week, he was continuing to get love from Kanye and releasing a video for his latest buzz track Panda. By now you should understand my love for all that is Gallant, so his performance on Fallon should be the least surprising aspect of this week's top five. Rounding out this week was Timbaland protege, Tink, who did he best to show off her skills on Gorgon City's new one. Didn't ever imagine Gorgon going that Hip Hop, but I dig the vibe on their new single...#ImpairedVision
Dillon Francis & NGHTMRE - Need You (Video)

Nardwuar vs Drake 2016

Gallant Performs Weight in Gold on Fallon

Gorgon City feat Tink & Mikky Ekko - Impaired Vision (Video)

Desiigner - Panda (Video)

Photo Credit: YouTube