"Hey Ms. Parker, Can I Shovel Your Snow?"

A Christmas mixtape from Chance the Rapper and Jeremih you say? Who woulda known? It's far from the unlikeliest of collabos, but a Christmas themed mixtape wouldn't have been the first guess. Unexpectedness aside, there's a real smooth, throwback element to their new one below that I really dig. The tranquil, repetitive, lullaby-esque guitar riff produces a dreamy canvas for the duo to take the listener on a dreamy, winter-themed journey.

Full disclosure, I haven't had a chance to dive in on the 19 track, double-disc mixtape yet, but Ms. Parker has me convinced that exploring the album is well-worth my time. Unfortunately, the mixtape isn't available yet on Spotify, but that shouldn't stop you from wearing it out on Soundcloud. Lord knows there's a huge void in modern Christmas music, so anything that can give poor Mariah's All I Want For Christmas a break is a welcome addition...#MerryChristmasLilMama

Chance the Rapper & Jeremih - Ms. Parker

"My Lil' Baby on Thick, Thick"

Here we go again with this laid back, carefree vibe from Calvin Harris. Don't Quit just surfaced on DJ Khaled's new Grateful album, but it fits like a glove with everything Calvin Harris has put out the past three months. Slide, Rollin', Heatstroke, and Feels have all followed the same sound...to the point that it's starting to sound manufactured. The reason I'm being so critical of the sound is because I know Calvin is capable of so much more than what's amounting to formulaic pop music featuring buzzy artists. Maybe I'm in the minority with that take, but if there's one thing I can't stand, it's seeming like you're making music that you think people will like. There's a thin line between trend setting and trend matching that I feel like he's walking right now.

Aside from the whole Calvin Harris beef above, I was a fan of Travis $cott's sing-songy autotune and Jeremih's vocal contribution. Of course I could have done without Khaled's hypeman style ad-libs that are so played out they sound like white noise. I get it though, branding and all. The good news is that this has some potential for being a standout track on a compilation album, which is exactly what Khaled's new album is. It's all over the place stylistically, but that's cool as long as it's expected from the start. Head on over to iTunes or Spotify for a few laps around the album...#DontQuit

DJ Khaled feat Travis $cott, Calvin Harris, and Jeremih - Don't Quit

Videos of the Week April 28th

This week's top five hit a wide range of emotions from serious to quirky to feel good to funny. Leading the way was Kygo and Selena Gomez's video for It Ain't Me. Neither artist star in the video and to be blunt, the story it told was much deeper and sadder than I imagined when listen to the track. Maybe it's the Trop House vibe or the sultry vocals, but I did not picture that tragic of a tale.

Moving on from the sad to a much more adorable, quirky story from Cashmere Cat. Let's just say the colorful instrumental matched the odd story quite well. If you're as geeked as I am about Big Boi's re-emergence, you'll enjoy his funk filled performance of Mic Jack on Fallon. Sticking with a positive vibe was Jeremih, Chris Brown, and Big Sean's colorful, dance heavy visuals for I Think of You. You had to imagine any video with Chris Brown was going to include some dancing. And last but not least some awkward, yet always on point humor from Jon Oliver. Can't make up some of the stories he tells, which makes it even more awesome that they're usually all true...#JonOliver

Kygo feat Selena Gomez - It Ain't Me (Video)

Cashmere Cat feat MØ & Sophie - 9 (After Coachella) (Video)

Big Boi Performs Mic Jack on Late Night With Fallon

Jeremih feat Chris Brown & Big Sean - I Think of You (Video)

Jon Oliver Interview by Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show

Photo Credit: YouTube

Videos of the Week March 10th

It was bound to happen at some point, but this week there's a rare top five filled with all music. Leading the way was Snakehips and MØ's in studio cover of Childish Gambino's Redbone. I'll admit, it was a lot jazzier than I thought it would be, which was a cool surprise. After that there was a little bit of dark EDM (I Love You) and a little bit of fun EDM (Just Hold On) brought to you by Axwell Λ Ingrosso, and Steve Aoki. Both were cases where I got to re-live two songs I really like and had written about previously, but in more intimate ways.

If you were wondering whether Bebe Rexha was as good looking as her vocals led you to believe, you got a resounding answer to that question in her FFF video. Her and G-Eazy make for a dynamic duo and their chemistry is palpable. And if you haven't gotten a big enough dose of sexy, Jeremih has you covered on I Think of You. As a bit of icing on the cake, this week's top five ended on a high note with a roller skating dance video. Who doesn't love a good Hip Hop video at a roller rink??...#IThinkOfYou

Childish Gambino - Redbone (Snakehips & MØ Cover)

Axwell Ingrosso feat Kid Ink - I Love You (Video)

Steve Aoki feat Louis Tomlinson - Just Hold On (Video)

Bebe Rexha feat G-Eazy - FFF (Video)

Jeremih feat Big Sean and Chris Brown - I Think of You (Video)

Photo Credit - YouTube

Videos of the Week January 6th

What better way to start off the year than a memorably embarrassing performance? If you haven't seen Mariah's memorable technical mishap with the lip synching during Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, I'm not sure I can even recommend watching it in good conscience. It's that hard to watch. But since I'm a purveyor of pop culture, it's my duty to share. Besides, it opened up the door for Colbert to spoof it, which added a bit of levity to the situation that hasn't lost steam with all the negative publicity it created.

Embarrassing performance aside, there was a lot of new music that graduated into videos this week. Led by DJ Snake and crew's dance party video for The Half and Big Sean's very purple, glow in the dark video for Moves, music was the main course this week. But by far the most impactful video of the week goes to Showtek and Major Lazer for Believer. Like most, they were touched by the photo of Omran Daqneesh who has become the visual personification of the crisis in Syria. In their own way, Showtek and Major Lazer found a way to preach hope through their music story, which was one of the best uses of video I've witnessed in quite a while...#Believer
That Mariah Carey New Years Performance Everyone Was Talking About

Stephen Colbert Having a Mariah Moment

DJ Snake feat Jeremih, Swizz Beatz, & Young Thug - The Half (Video)

Big Sean - Moves (Video)

Major Lazer & Showtek - Believer (Video)

Merry Christmas Y'all

What a crazy, roller coaster year. Another year in the books with plenty of challenges to look forward to in 2017. I'll leave you with Chance the Rapper and Jeremih's new surprise, nine song Christmas EP Merry Christmas Lil' Mama...#MerryChristmas

Jeremih & Chance the Rapper - Merry Christmas Lil' Mama

Thanks to DJ Mustard, It Was a Cold Summer

Unfortunately, we no longer live in a world where Hip Hop producers are the tastemakers of pop music. About a decade ago, the likes of Timbaland, Polow da Don, and Danjahandz were the secret sauce that made music turn into hits. Now, I'd go as far to say that most Hip Hop fans wouldn't be able to name more than one producer of Hip Hop music. Noteworthy beats are now put together by EDM artists who are generally front and center when performing, rather than being back up support like in Hip Hop.

Given all that, there's still one producer in Hip Hop who is still doing his part to carry on the torch superstar beat makers. DJ Mustard just released his second full length studio album and as expected, it's filled with many household names you wish he'd collaborate with. After a brief sprint through Cold Summer, my favorite of the thirteen tracks is Don't Hurt Me with Jeremih and Nicki Minaj. It's the track that reminds me most of all the booty shake worthy club anthems that I usually associate with DJ Mustard. It has the snappy flair and smooth synth undertones that you expect from a track that starts with the signature "Mustard on the beat" intro. Take my favorite with a grain of salt, but don't let me stop you from taking a deep dive on the album. In fact choose your own adventure here on iTunes or Spotify...#ColdSummer

DJ Mustard feat Jeremih & Nicki Minaj - Don't Hurt Me

"It's a Friday, I'm Bout To Go Off"

Very few things entertain me more than when Hip Hop and EDM artists cross paths. When the two genres mash together, tempo is always what I notice first. Is it toned down to accommodate the Hip Hop verses or do they gear up in anticipation of the drop? It's never the same formula, but it seems like this heavy bass, Trap sound is becoming the meet in the middle point.

When you listen to The Half, you may find yourself wondering how DJ Snake was involved. That's not a criticism at all, I just didn't think of him as a capable Hip Hop producer. That changed after this one and his other new one with Travis Scott, Oh Me Oh My. Loaded with Swizz Beats ad libs, a hype hook by Jeremih and a Young Thug verse to give it some street cred, there's a lot to offer. I haven't given it a full listen, but I'm really excited about DJ Snake's new album, Encore. It's not your typical album with filler tracks between singles, there's quality mixed throughout. Follow me over to Spotify to give it a full lap...#Encore

DJ Snake feat Swizz Beatz, Young Thug & Jeremih - The Half

Videos of the Week August 5th

This week was a refreshing return to the mix of music videos and quality late night clips. In other words, Colbert and Fallon finally came back into the fold with some entertaining new content. Before we get to the specifics of late night, let's give some love to the music first. Led by G-Eazy and Jeremih's Ghostbusters themed video for Saw it Coming, there was a heavy dose of cinema crossover this week. Add to that Mac Miller and Anderson .Paak's funky fresh visuals for their standout single Dang! and now we're talking. Oh, and if you're up for a few corny Drake impressions, you'll find his video with French Montana for No Shopping an interesting watch. In my eyes, it was a bit forced, but hey, can't win 'em all.

In the land of late night, star power was not lacking one bit. Will Smith made his rounds this week promoting Suicide Squad and while doing so he made a stop at Colbert. When he stopped by, the duo sat on a blanket looking at the stars pondering life's biggest questions. Hilarity ensued. Speaking of hilarity, it doesn't get any funnier than someone awkwardly misspelling angel with the word angle. Even better, having Fallon and Aziz Ansari and Fallon reading said texts. Plenty of laughs to go around while rounding out a quality week of videos...#TextualExperience
G-Eazy feat Jeremih - Saw It Coming (Video)

Mac Miller feat Anderson .Paak - Dang! (Video)

French Montana feat Drake - No Shopping (Video)

Will Smith Goes Big on Colbert

First Textual Experience with Aziz Ansari on Fallon
Photo Credit: YouTube

"You Only Live Once So We Never Take the Day Off"

Over the years, Hip Hop soundtracks have went by way of the dinosaur. As a teenager looking to soak up any kind of provocative music, I grew up listening to soundtracks like The Nutty Professor, Friday, or The Players Club. The albums always seemed like a treasure trove of singles, which generally resulted in me heading to Sam Goody to buy the entire album. How times have change for both music buying and music compilations.

Until today, I hadn't caught wind of the upcoming movie The Land. What makes said upcoming movie noteworthy is that Nas took the reins on producing the soundtrack. For a bit of context, check out the trailer for the movie that Erykah Badu and Machine Gun Kelly both play roles in...

Out of the songs I've listened to off the soundtrack, my favorite so far has been Pusha T and Jeremih's Paid. I'm not used to King Push rapping on an uplifting track, but the combination of Jeremih's vocals, an infectious piano led rhythm and a few hot 16s, it makes for a pretty easy-listening track. If I were to pick a second favorite, it would be Erykah and Nas's soulful and rugged This Bitter Land. I've only listened to a few tracks on the soundtrack, but ready throw Nas dap for temporarily bringing back the Hip Hop soundtrack into my world...#TheLand

Pusha T feat Jeremih - Paid

"You Lookin' Like a Fruit Platter, I'ma Bite Into Your Peach"

Wait a minute...Scott Storch is back?? Going down memory lane for a minute, he was at the top of the music industry about a decade ago, producing tracks like Cry Me a River, Still D.R.E., Lean Back, Candy Shop, and Just a Lil Bit to name a few. Then came the superstardom, fast money, women, cars and drugs...you know how the story goes when $70 million turns into $100 and bankruptcy. It's always a sad tale, yet the empathy is never quite there for anyone who makes Erlich Backman type decisions that lead them down a desperate path.

But luckily for those who have made unfortunate decisions, there's always a path out of being broke if you're talented. There's never been a question about Scott's talents and while the beat on All Eyez isn't one of my favorites of his, I'm sincerely glad to hear his vibrant instrumentals again. If you're a fan of some edgy pillow talk, you'll enjoy all the ways Game and Jeremih lead your mind to the gutter in their new one. In case you missed it, Game just dropped his new Streets of Compton album last week, but you won't find this new one on it. My guess is this ends up on some deluxe version of the album, but until then Soundcloud and a single will have to do...#ScottStorch

The Game feat Jeremih - All Eyez (prod by Scott Storch)

"Something Got You Up At Night, So Tell Me Who Goin' Call"

I'm starting to feel embarrassed at the lack of G-Eazy I've posted in this corner of the internet. You'd think that GWDJ being headquartered in the Bay Area and being bombarded by his various Warriors anthems would have resulted in him growing on me. Sadly, it's taken until this new Ghostbusters track with Jeremih to get some damn love! I hate to call it corny because G-Eazy lit up the mic with his verses, but it's a bit sing-alongy to be respected for the Hip Hop track it's wanting to be. Jeremih is unstoppable on any hook, but the bubbly Pop beat didn't afford him much room work with. It will be interesting to see whether or not this new all women comedian cast for Ghostbusters lives up to the hype, but Saw it Coming didn't have an impact either way on whether or not I'll be seeing it. Lets just hope the massive trailer dislike fest isn't an indication for what's to come because the cast has a lot of potential...#SawItComing

Videos of the Week June 5th

The top 5 this week featured a large dose of EDM, an interesting cover and a whole lot of silliness. Leading the way was Ed Sheeran's cover of Fetty Wap's Trap Queen that completely came out of left field. Who would have known such a bouncy track could hold up acoustically? On the EDM tip Eric Prydz came through with some crazy visuals with the help of Tron producer GMUNK and his 3D LED sugar cube. Crookers and Jeremih also concocted an interesting story to their latest single I Just Can't.

As fas as shenanigans, the Late Night hosts were all over that. Led by Fallon and Jason Statham's game of slap jack and the always funny mean tweets from Kimmel, there was plenty to laugh at. Some of those mean tweets took the gloves off man! The tweets are funny and all, but the reactions are why you keep watching...#NBAMeanTweets
Ed Sheeran - Trap Queen (Cover)

Jason Statham Plays Slap Jack with Jimmy Fallon

Crookers feat Jeremih - I Just Can't (Video)

Eric Prydz - Generate (Video)

NBA Players Read Mean Tweets on Kimmel
Photo Credit: YouTube

"That's What Happens When the Kitty's in the Lions Den"

Before you let the cart get too far in front of the horse, know that I'm going to resist using the phrase Detox in this post. Sure, it's awesome that a "new" single from Dr. Dre emerged on the front page of the internet today, but we've been okey doked many times before by the good doctor regarding his mythical album. Let's stick to the facts on this one folks. First off it's awesome to hear a verse from both Kendrick and Dr. Dre on the same track. Second, Jeremih's hook makes 2nite perfectly suitable for Top 40 radio. I'm even more hesitant to use the D word because the thuggish R&B sound of the track isn't exactly what you'd expect as a first single for a Dr. Dre album. Nonetheless, it's good to hear some fresh new material from Dre and if this is in fact the fossil discovery that leads to Jurassic World, then I'm with you, I'd love to look back on this track and say "this is where the ball finally got rolling"....#2nite

Dr. Dre feat Kendrick Lamar & Jeremih - 2nite

Jeremih & Flo Rida Bring Heat on "Tonight Belongs to U"

The trend of R&B artists dipping in the EDM pool is getting to be a real thing. Sure we've heard plenty of John Legend and Usher examples, but even the likes of Meajor and now Jeremih are utilizing synths as the lead blocker for their new singles. While I'd still call Jeremih's new one below with Flo Rida an R&B track, the electronic influences are hard to ignore...

As I was listening to Tonight Belongs to U! I found myself wondering when Flo Rida was going to hop on the mix and ignite the tempo. Sure as hell, around the 2:25 mark, Flo came through with his characteristically spitfire delivery. All in all it's a fun track and you can cop it when it hits iTunes in a few hours. Be on the look out for Jeremih's upcoming album Late Nights, which is scheduled to hit iTunes in about a week...#LateNights

"Miss PYT Be Stuck on My Mind"

Feel free to get openly excited at the collaboration below because it finally came to fruition. Featuring a repeatable and catchy hook by Jeremih and bouncy bass, I Just Can't was tailor made for the club. I posted an "unofficial version" of the track back in September, so hearing the final version is long overdue.

I'll maintain that Crookers will always be a mainstay on any party mix I create because of how much energy their music packs. Their music offers the gift that keeps on giving, the invitation to dance. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to hearing their new album, Sixteen Chapel, when it drops in a few weeks. Until then, I'd suggest streaming what tracks they have released from the album already to satisfy your Crookers craving...#IJustCant

Crookers feat Jeremih - I Just Can't

Videos of the Week January 2nd

It was a surprisingly active week for videos despite the holidays over the past week. Leading the way is my new favorite single Get You Alone by Maejor and Jeremih. Such an interesting beat, not to mention the glowing, beautiful women. Two other male/female collaborations got videos this week in the form of an acoustic version of Love Me Harder and You Know You Like It. One thing I know for sure is that Ariana Grande can do no wrong right now as she is being featuring on everything of late.

Rounding out the top five are a behind the scenes look at how many localized takes Jimmy Fallon does on a nightly basis. When Fallon, Martin Short and Jerry Seinfeld are all on stage, you know it's going to be a fun watch. Last but not least, Drake took over Marquee on New Years and part of it was recorded. Seeing anyone perform at a club isn't usually on my priority list, but I will say that Drake definitely plays better in a smaller, more intimate environment versus an amphitheater. It's hard to go back to that once you're capable of selling that many tickets, but I'm going to continue hoping that I can recreate moments like this in the future...#Drake
Maejor feat Jeremih - Get You Alone (Video)

Ariana Grande feat The Weeknd - Love Me Harder (Acoustic Live)

Jimmy Fallon Gets Distracted by Martin Short, Seinfeld During Commercial Break

DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge - You Know You Like It

Drake Perfroming at Marquee in Vegas on New Years

Photo Credit: YouTube

Just Can't Lose With Crookers & Jeremih

Do you like booty shaking club bass? Does it make your day when R&B and EDM are mixed together in a way that makes you like them both more? If either of those are true, then you'll enjoy this brand spankin' new heat rock by Crookers and Jeremih.

In case you missed it, Crookers let loose an official single last week in Picture This. Whereas Picture This was rigid, phrenetic, and haunting, I Just Can't features Jeremih's soothing vocals that sound awesome when mixed with the high pitched synths. If you press play, just know, the song is meant to be played with volume...#Crookers

Stream removed due to DMCA request

Videos of the Week November 1st

Anytime Justin Timberlake makes a video, it's a big deal. That didn't change a bit this time around because Riley Keough also starred in the video for TKO. For those of you at home who aren't familiar with who she is, you may know her better Lisa Marie Presley's daughter or Elvis's granddaughter. The video definitely did a solid job of selling the lyrics through the visuals of a love story gone way wrong. Like the Drake quote, "Sometimes the hottest love has the coldest end..."

Aside from that cinematic gem, Game put together a chill video for All That with Jeremih and Big Sean. Lil Wayne was unexpectedly absent from the video, which was odd. If you're in the mood for some EDM, give the Major Lazer and Krewella a look. Oh and this just in Drake is big time, so big time that The Raptors now have him on payroll. You'll see why below...#Raptors
Justin Timberlake - TKO

Game ft. Big Sean, Lil Wayne, Jeremih & Fabolous – All That (Lady) (Video)

Major Lazer - Jet Blue Jet (feat. Leftside, GTA, Razz & Biggy)

Drake Toronto Raptors Promo

Krewella Performs Live For the Night on Good Morning America

Photo Credit: YouTube

"You Know I Love You Like Cooked Food, I'ma Good Dude"

Just in case you weren't tired of me posting a new @thegame track every other day, here's a new legit single off his upcoming album Jesus Piece. This one is about as star studded as it gets with @myfabolouslife, @liltunchi, @bigsean and @Jeremih chipping cameo verses and a hook. Chances are you recognize the universal D'Angelo sample from Lady (below)...

My only wish is that Fab could have chipped in a full 16 instead of a few bars trailing off at the end. Still there's enough swag on the verses to fill a couple 64 ounce big gulps. Even better, Jeremih provides just enough R&B on the hook to bridge the gap between the soulful sample and Hip Hop track. Word on the streets is that Game's new album is living up to the hype, but it's early...#JesusPiece

Game Ft. Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Fabolous & Jeremih - All That (Lady)
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