#MusicMonday- Lolawolf.

(photo credit: News.com.au)

On this episode of "Brea's Late with Artists" we take a look at electronic r&b trio, Lolawolf.

Lol but seriously, the band members consist of: James Levy, Jimmy Giannopoulos, and...Zoe Kravitz? YES! From her films to her style, I'm here for all things Zoe Kravitz! I'm still trying to figure out how I didn't know the Princess of 'I-Do-What-I-Want-And-Regret-Nothing' (because we all know her mom is queen) was in a band??

I recently started following her on Instagram and noticed that she kept talking about being on tour, so I headed on over to Youtube and got to searching. Now I'm not sure what I thought Zoe's voice would sound like over a beat, but I wasn't expecting what I heard. I guess I thought she'd have a LOT of struggle notes but she sounds great to me. But then again, her dad is extremely fine Lenny Kravitz and her mom is Lisa Bonet. Both are very talented people, so of course she was born to be great!

The band's music is definitely different than what's being played on the radio now and if you aren't open to listening to different types of music, you may be quick to dismiss it (Kind of like how I am when my friend tries to force me to listen to K-Pop. I just can't seem to get jiggy with that stuff). For comparison sake, their sound is similar to Santigold or even M.I.A.!

 "Summertime" and "Jimmy Franco" were a couple of the first songs I heard from the group. Both are super fun and make me wish I would've heard them sooner. Especially "Summertime", that could've been my anthem this past summer but there's always next year :) And let me not even get into the cuteness that is the "Jimmy Franco" video (which features ASAP Rocky as her leading man). I always wonder how people have such great chemistry in music videos and don't even be into each other like that. But for those 3 minutes and 18 seconds, they sure fooled me. Check out both songs below!!



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Like what you've heard so far from Lolawolf? Checkout their Soundcloud for more awesomeness!!

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#MusicMonday- Banks.

Why hello there, you beautiful people!

 
Well, I'm back!...at least for the remainder of this year. I have so much to update you all on, but I'll wait for Wednesday's post for those deets.

Anywho, I thought I'd come back on this glorious Monday to expose you all to the wonderfulness that is BANKS. As usual, I'm late to the party when it comes to a few artists but I'm always happy I've discovered them.

The LA native has such a chill type of sound and the credible sources over at Wikipedia list it as triphop-like (apparently this is a genre that dates back to the 90's). She cites Lauryn Hill and Fiona Apple as a few of her musical influences and also released her debut album 'Goddess' back in September.

The first song I heard from her was "Goddess" and I immediately wanted to know more about this artist and why I hadn't heard about her sooner. Naturally, I went to Spotify and listened to everything that was available there. After an intense music sesh, I came to the conclusion that BANKS is my fav and I want her to be your fav as well! Check out the lyric video to "Goddess" below.

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#MusicMonday- Jazmine Sullivan.

It has been 3 long years, but songtress Jazmine Sullivan is back!! 

I can still remember feeling crushed by her tweets in 2011. (In case you missed them, I added the tweets below. Read from the bottom up):



I'm super glad that's over now and that one of my fav's is back just in time for the summer! 

The Queen of the Relationship Anthems has returned with a new song called "Dumb" that features a verse from rapper Meek Mill. On the track she sings about a triflin man boy* who's been playing games with her and cheating. As Sweet Brown so eloquently put it, "Ain't nobody got time for that"!  

In an interview with Billboard the 27-year-old confirmed that she's finished with her third album, Reality Show, and I hope it drops later this year!

If you're wondering why the internets aren't going nuts about Sullivan's return, it's probably because the week the track was released, Solange went HAM on Jay-Z and the media made it seem like there was no other news to report. (WOMP!)  

Check out her first single from Reality Show below!

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#MusicMonday- Mya.

Just last week I was talking to a few people about how great music was in the 90's/00's and wondering what one of my fav singers, Mya, has been up to. I swear it's like as soon I spoke about her, she graced us with her presence via Youtube!

Mya is celebrating 16 years in the game and, as part of a 'Sole Sessions' series on ThatGrapeJuice.net, she sang acoustic versions of some of her 90's jams ("Moving On" and "Best of Me") and even a new track, "Super Woman". The new song comes from her recent and appropriately titled EP, Sweet XVI.

The singer also sat down for an interview saying, "I feel like I'lm just starting. I have so much that I want to bring to this next phase of my life." I hope the "net phase" includes a new album *insert emoji eyes* and I also hope it includes more acoustic songs, because I love this sound!

I wasn't quite sure which video to include to this post so I added two. Check out the greatness that is Mya below!

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#MusicMonday- Ariana Grande.

This past weekend Miss Ariana Grande released a visual for her new song, "Problem". The song features a verse from our favorite Australian bombshell, Iggy Iggs and interestingly enough, some added whispers from rapper Big Sean. According to E! Online, "Problem" (which was released back in April) was already sitting at the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 this weekend, so why not drop the visual too?

In the video the Sam and Cat star gives us 1960's realness with her dance moves, white boots, and big hair via Iggy. Grande even spins on a  circular platform all while effortlessly telling her ex boo she's got one less problem without him. 

While I'm still trying to figure out why Big Sean is whispering on the track, you can check it out below.

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#MusicMonday- Danity Kane.

Last year everyone's favorite reality TV girl group, Danity Kane, announced their return to the scene (sans D. Woods). Just as the group was on the heels of going on their #NoFilter tour, last week group member Aundrea announced her departure from DK. While that's good and all, I'd love to see the entire group go on tour just one last time....but I guess that's all over now. WOMP!

As for more happier news, the ladies released a new single last week in what feels like 345445 years, titled "Lemonade". It's a little like a modern version of "Show Stopper" in my opinion, but I'm still here for it! The song even includes a sample of "Grindin" by Clipse (YES! Middle school lunch time memories). With a verse from rapper, Tyga, this new music definitely did not disappoint. Go on, click play!



(photo credit: hiphollywood.com)

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#MusicMonday- SZA.

So it's pretty safe to say that I'm really behind on listening to new music/artists; however, this past weekend I came across Kendrick Lamar's label mate, SZA. The 23-year-old singer has a laid back kind of sound, which has been described as "hipster- hop/alternative R&B". SZA released her debut album, Z, back in April following her earlier EP's See.SZA.Run and S.

The first song I had heard from TDE's first lady was "Warm Winds", and let's just say I hit the replay button a few more times than I'd like to admit. On the hook she sings, "Sometimes we hate to leave somebody. What's happening to we? Warm winds on a space ride. When I call your phone on a late night. I recall your soul and it taste like...Gardens, flowers, Warm Winds". 

I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us because my SZA listening session has yet to end. The video to "Warm Winds" is below so sit back, press play and listen to the wonderful sounds of Miss SZA.



(photo credit: HNHH.com)

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#MusicMonday- Katy Perry.

In today's 'LOL' news, Katy Perry released her latest music video to "Birthday", the fourth single from her album PRISM. The Dark Horse singer took a page out of the book of Eddie Murphy and went undercover as five different party entertainers. We see everything from car crashes to good old fashioned lap dances in the video (no one was injured during Perry's shenanigans, btw)! I must admit that I chuckled a little too hard in her scenes as "Ace the Animal Trainer". Those poor kids didn't know what to do!

If there was a TV show like this video, I'd definitely watch it! I'd also nominate Miss Perry to have some kind of involvement with the show because she nailed these characters. By the end of the video I guarentee you will either be singing or dancing to the song. The beat itself makes you forget what she's singing about because it's so carefree and fun.

Check out Katy's hilariously funny video below!



(photo credit: hypable.com)

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#MusicMonday- Iggy Azalea.

Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora and.....Katy Perry? Yes, Katy Perry, have teamed up on Iggy's 5th single from her debut album, The New Classic. On "Black Widow" Iggy raps about a failed relationship and Rita is right there on the chorus backing her up. So where does the Dark Horse singer come in on all of this? Well it seems that she co-wrote the track! Seriously, how cool is that? I see you Katy!

Today our favorite Australian rapper has finally released her long awaited debut album and I couldn't be more happy for her. I had first heard of Iggy back in 2011, thanks to one of my friends who randomly found a video of hers on Youtube. That friend was obviously on to something because the next thing I knew, the blonde haired bombshell was on the cover of XXL Top 10 Freshmen class issue and signed to T.I.'s label Hustle Gang. So after many years of hard work, its all lead up to this moment.  Go get 'em, girl!

Make sure you guys pick up Iggy's debut album, The New Classic! But in the meantime listen to "Black Widow" after the jump:

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#MusicMonday- Tiffany Evans.

Little Miss Tiffany Evans is now a grown woman, ya’ll! I swear she was just 12 like, yesterday. Last month the 20-something began installments to her #TiffanyTuesdays series which will include unreleased tracks from the singer. I’m sure she’s giving fans everywhere a new favorite day of the week.

In her latest installment “Give Me Wings”, she sings about a love who “healed her from the inside out” and “brought her back to life”. Could this song be a ode to her husband? Either way its such a beautiful song and Miss Tiffany’s voice is, well, phenomenal. But hasn’t it always been?

If you haven’t already, check out her previous #TiffanyTuesdays tracks “Footprints" and "Thank God U Lied" but in the meantime press play and listen to "Give Me Wings" below!





(photo credit: Rated RnB)

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#MusicMonday- Flashback to 2004.

   

Not to say that I don’t get excited to listen to music today, but it’s definitely not the same. Remember back when music was the soundtrack to your middle school/high school life? Yeah, so do I.

2004 was a great year in music if I do say so myself. Last week on Twitter I kept seeing people tweet about Usher’s Confessions album, then it donned on me that some of my favorite songs/albums will be 10 years old this year!! I can’t believe I’m getting old its been so long! To put things more in perspective for you, it’s been 10 years since the Janet/Justin Superbowl wardrobe malfunction, since the last episode of Friends, since The Notebook was in theaters, since Britney married K. Fed, since Tina Fey gave us the greatest quotable movie ever; Mean Girls and since Lindsay Lohan released her album “Speak”….Wow.

Thanks to this lovely list on Buzzfeed I’ve taken my top 5 favs and listed them below (in no order, btw). Check it out if you’re feeling nostalgic.

1. Usher- Confessions

Literally every song is everything I never knew I needed to hear. I don’t think there’s one song on that album I’ve skipped! And I understand that music is different now but I need Usher to put this team of people back together and whip up another album. Not sure if album success that big can happen more than once in an artist’s career but I’m rooting for Usher!



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2. Gwen Stefani- Love.Angel.Music.Baby

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#MusicMonday- Mila J.

Guess who’s back like she never left? That’s right, Miss Mila J.

Mila started her career in a girl group with her other sister, Miyoko and  is also the older sister to songstress Jhene Aiko (yes, the Chilombo family is a talented bunch). Hopefully you remember her song from a few years ago called “Good Lookin Out” ft. Marques Houston. Unfortunately, her album got shelved and after rebranding herself as her real name, Japollonia, then back to Mila J, she brings us new music.

Last Friday, Mila released the visual to her new single "Smoke Drink Breakup" from her upcoming album M.I.L.A. (Made In Los Angeles)  and I have to agree with many blogs on the fact that she’s giving us a late 90’s/early 00’s R&B vibe. Ya’ll already know that I’m here for all of that!

Mila even got “Paranoid” singer Ty Dolla $ign to be her leading man in the video. Catch Mila’s visual to “Smoke Drink Breakup” below!

(photo credit: DaVibeMag)

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#MusicMonday- HAIM.

I know I’m pretty late on the HAIM train, but the important thing is that I’ve finally seen the light.

I first got a glimpse of the group when they performed on SNL back in November. However, I couldn’t get jiggy with the song they chose to perform so I dismissed them. A few weeks ago, my friend told me to drop everything I was doing to go watch their video to “If I Could Change Your Mind” …and that’s when I fell in love. Those moves and that old school sound just made me want to dance down a soul train line.

Like most music I love, I had to hear more from the sisters. Their debut album Days Are Gone, was released back in Sept. of 2013 and after listening to it a few hundred times, I have a feeling it will be on repeat for awhile.

Put on your dancing shoes, grab your microphone hairbrush and check out their video to “If I Could Change Your Mind” below.



If you’ve heard their album let me know your favorite song in the comments below.




(photo credit: The Guardian)

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#MusicMonday: Elle Varner- Cold Case.

Can I just say that I love Elle Varner? Her first album was on repeat for monthsss! From her sound, to her lovable personality, she’s just amazeballs.

Last week Miss Varner released “Cold Case” a song from her upcoming sophomore album. This song is everything! The beat alone makes you want to hit a mean bankhead bounce.

I can’t wait for her next album. Give me a release date, girl and I’m there!

Check out “Cold Case” below. Trust me, you won’t regret it.





(photo credit: HipHopSince1987)

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#MusicMonday: The Oscars Musical Moments.

In case you happened to be living under a rock last night, everyone and their mom was tuned into the 86th Annual Academy Awards show, better known as The Oscars.

While there were a number of memorable moments last night, including some from the ever so funny host Ellen DeGeneres, the performances are what I’m here to discuss! Can you believe that in the 4 hour long show, there were only 6 performances?!? I know it’s not The Grammy’s but my goodness.

Check out my top three favs below:

So I couldn’t decide between these 2 performances so they’re tied at 3

3. Bette Midler- Wind Beneath My Wings

Let’s just not even talk about how this song is amazing, and extremely emotional, but the fact they got the legendary Bette Midler to perform it just makes it even more amazing! Go ahead and grab a tissue then click play. (Starts at 3:50)



3. Idina Menzel- Let It Go

Now I’m not sure if this made the list because I felt bad at how John Travolta butchered her name in her introduction or if it’s because I love this song more than I’m wiling to admit. Either way, after her announcement of divorcing Taye Diggs last year, Menzel definitely has a hit on her hands. I can’t even remember what life was like before I heard this song— it’s EVERYWHERE! Catch Menzel’s performance below and let me know what you think!

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K-pop Ruined My Life (Part 2 of 3): Rain Bi.

Where I last left off in my tragic tale, I had just opened up a can of worms— one that I ultimately decided I did not want to close…not just yet anyway. While Girl’s Generation had given me my first taste of what K-pop was, it was something, or rather someone, else who sealed the deal on my K-pop addiction.

Anyone who knows me has heard this name at least once: Rain Bi (pronounced like the letter ‘B’).

He’s been in a few Hollywood productions but most notably in American film as the main character in the movie Ninja Assassin. Rain also had a lead role in Speed Racer the movie and he’s currently filming The Prince. He even won the Biggest Badass Award at the MTV Movie Awards in 2010 for Ninja Assassin. (If you haven’t already, check out his other acting roles).

Anyone whose ever used Youtube knows that you start off watching one thing and suddenly you’re watching a video about terrible parents who feed their infants lemons just to get a laugh. Well somehow I ended up watching his performance of “Hip Song” and it really changed the game for me.

That tight white dress shirt.

That dance.

His perfect JB swoop.

I was totally and completely in love. I showed this video to anyone who I could tie to a chair long enough. (Sorry, Shadizzle) It’s also what really sent me down a dark and terrible K-pop path.

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K-Pop Ruined My Life (Part 1 of 3): Girls Generation.

Every person has a turning point in their life whether it be for the bad or for the good. There comes a time when everything changes and nothing is the same nor will it ever be again. I know where that turning point was for me. It was the summer of 2009 and I can see it like it was yesterday.

If I could go back in time to where I was five years ago I would grab myself and give my butt a good round house kick into the library which is where I should have been—studying for Organic Chemistry, of course. But unfortunately such time travel technology does not exist and poor misguided old me is still sitting alone somewhere in Tampa, laptop in lap, falling into the trap that what would soon become the bane of her existence.

Hello, my name is Josey and I am addicted to K-pop.

According to the very reliable resource, Wikipedia, K-pop is defined as “a musical genre originating in South Korea that is characterized by a wide variety of audiovisual elements. Although it comprises all genres of “popular music” within South Korea, the term is more often used in a narrower sense to describe a modern form of South Korean pop music covering mostly dance-pop, pop ballad, electronic, rock, hip-hop, R&B, etc.”

So clinical. Straight forward. Innocent. But I’m going to let you know now that K-pop is So. Much. More. Than. That.

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#MusicMonday : Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show Recap.

Last night, Bruno Mars and his Too Live Crew of a band, performed at the most boring game ever Superbowl halftime show!

Mars started his set off with the little kiddies singing “Billionaire” then he came in with a drum solo (who knew he could play the drums? #HiddenTalents) and switched gears by singing “Locked Out of Heaven”!

While I enjoy most of Bruno’s music, Treasure is probably my all time favorite. That old school 70/80’s feel it has makes me want to hit a meeeeean two step. He definitely did not disappoint as it appeared that the entire stadium was rocking right along with him.

For the nostalgic part of the halftime performance, Red Hot Chili Peppers came out to perform their classic hit “Give it Away”. I use to love that song as a kid. I didn’t have a clue what they were saying until the chorus, but I knew that song was my JAM!

Before closing out his set with “Just the Way You Are”, a short video played of military members giving dedications to their loved ones— so sweet.

Although Queen Bey did not perform for the second year in a row, (WOMP!) I have to give it up to Bruno. Mrs. Carter is a tough act to follow and he did a fantastic job!

Catch all of Mr. Mars’ moments below:




What did you think of Bruno’s performance? Leave your comments below!

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#MusicMonday: Rochelle Jordan.

In case you weren’t aware, Rochelle Jordan is a big deal. The big hair goddess reps everyone’s favorite Canadian city, T dot, and she’s making her way into the music scene in a major way.

Jordan’s awesomely filled second EP P R E S S U R E, was released in 2012 with KLSH producing the album. If those beats don’t make you starting nodding your head, you need to check yourself. Seriously. I’m not sure of another way to describe Jordan’s voice other than it’s similar to Aaliyah. And who doesn’t love Aaliyah?!

I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in 2014. If you haven’t been put on yet, I suggest you do because she’s about to BLOW UUUPP!

Check out RoJo’s newest song “Follow Me” below.

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#MusicMonday: Allen Stone.

Thanks to the wonderful network that is VH1 Soul, I have finally joined the Allen Stone movement. He is probably one of the best examples of the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover”, because this man has the most soulful voice ever!

Stone has self released two albums “Last To Speak” in 2009 and “Allen Stone” in 2011. His self-titled second album got folks talking and noticing just how great his voice is. The Los Angeles Times wrote about his latest album as giving a “retro-soul vibe” and The New York Times compared him to Stevie Wonder!!

Obviously I’ve been living under a rock because in 2013 he’s been on The Tonight Show, The Late Late Show and Ellen. As of recent, Forbes even featured him in their 30 under 30 in Music for 2014.

Allen Stone the artist and album, are seriously the bees knees. Check out the song that started it all, for me at least, titled “Unaware” below:

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