#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- 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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#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: 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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#MusicMonday: Drake & Beyonce.

I originally planned to do a “Fav singles of 2013” list today but after I heard a Bey and D’Angelo mashup and got a double dose of Drake’s new songs, I had a new plan.

If you know me you know I LOVE GOOD MUSIC, so let’s get into it.

Back in September of this year, Mr. Soft Ghetto released his third album Nothing Was the Same. A track called Trophies that he previewed in a video trailer for his new album, didn’t quite make it on the album. But alas my pretties, Drake has finally given you what you’ve been waiting for.

And In case you missed it, in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday he released a remix to Soulja Boy’s song “We Made It” (SN: Where the devil has that child been??)While the song is pretty hot, the delivery reminds me three much of Migos ‘Versace’. WOMP!

Check out both tracks below and let me know which one is your fav.






Now prepare your ears for greatness.

Ya’ll know I love Queen Bey, right? If you remember shortly after releasing her fifth album she previewed it on iTunes radio and discussed each song. On Rocket she said, “Rocket is one of the (more) sensual songs, it reminds me of the vibe I got when I first heard D’Angelo’s Untitled.” Well Mashup King, JAYBeatz must have taken that comment and ran with it because he did what he does best and created a mashup with both songs. Talk about an eargasm!!! Just press play and tell me it how much it makes you want to smoke a cigarette after.



(photo credit: E Online)

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#MusicMonday: Pia Mia.

Who doesn’t love new music? Well, today Miss @PrincessPiaMia released her EP, The Gift.

If you’ve seen Keeping Up With the Kardashians, you may remember Pia as the girl who helped Kylie and Kendall write a song for Mama Kris to help ease her public bathroom insecurities.

I’m all about good music and this EP is great! It’s like Rihanna and Katy Perry had a music baby! Lol. Not to mentions most of these beats alone make you want to “shake somethin’ for 10 wings and fries” (s/o to Tom G)!

Go ahead and get your life to Miss Pia’s EP below:
 (Photo credit: Ryan Seacrest)

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#MusicMonday: Justin Bieber.

 
It seems as if Justin Bieber is trying to get us to realize he is not a kid anymore. Bieber released new music every Monday for 10 weeks beginning on Oct. 7. His new music is pretty ‘grown and sexy’ and is heavily influenced by R&B. Bieber was even able to snag the Pied Piper on a track titled ‘PYD’.

Although JB hasn’t been in the news for many good reasons recently, the songs from his #MusicMondays series are a bucket full of awesomeness.  This new music leads up to his upcoming movie Believe 3D, which will be in theaters on Christmas day.

These tracks are definitely not like anything you’ve heard from the pop star before. Peep what Bieber’s been working on below:

1. Heartbreaker


2. All That Matters


3. Hold On Tight


4. Recovery


5. Bad Day


6. All Bad


7. PYD ft. R. Kelly


8. Roller Coaster


9. Change Me


10. Confident ft. Chance the Rapper

According to Billboard.com, this music will be added to a collection called “Complete My Journals” which will feature five others songs with artists including Lil Wayne, Future, Big Sean and Diplo. Complete My Journals will be available on iTunes today until January 2, 2014.

I like what you’re up to Bieber. Let’s just get that attitude/behavior together so you can be great with this music of yours, because I’m here for it!!

(photo credit: Hey It's Remi)

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