REVIEW: 2016 MTV Video Music Awards

Sunday night (Aug. 28) was one of the biggest nights for MTV, the MTV Video Music Awards! 

The night start with the big preshow filled with appearances and great fashion on the white carpet from Britney Spears, The Chainsmokers, Beyoncé, and more, as well as hot performances by artists like Alessia Cara, Jidenna, and Lukas Graham.

Of course, it was great to see different artists take home Moonmen, but the most exciting part of these shows are always the performances! This year's lineup was absolutely crazy...probably the most excited I'd been for the VMAs in a while. With Britney, Bey, Rihanna, Kanye West, and more hitting the stage, it definitely made for a pretty good (though LONG) night!

Check out my review below!

REVIEW: 2016 BET Awards

The 2016 BET Awards took place last night at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, the show had some great performances, some crazy and awkward moments, and incredible tributes to the late, great Prince! It wasn't my absolute favorite BET Awards, but it was definitely cool to watch!

Check out the review below!

MOVIE REVIEW: Deadpool

I wanted to see the movie a second time before I did this review but things came up and I wasn't able to. However, just from the fact I wanted to see it again let me say that if you haven't seen Deadpool yet....GO SEE IT NOW! And if you still need some reason to see it, check out my review below!

ALBUM REVIEW: Anti -Rihanna

Rihanna's highly anticipated eighth studio album, Anti, was finally released on January 28, 2015. The project was released through Westbury Road Entertainment and Roc Nation, and has already be certified platinum by the RIAA due to new rules that allow streams to be Yet, she's been reported that this album debuted at #27 on the Billboard charts. The music scene is definitely changing.

While her seventh album, Unapologetic (released in 2012), contained more dubstep and electronic sounds, this album, overall, is pretty mellow and chill in terms of actual music. Overall, Anti is clearly not a commercial album, with clear cut hits that would be typically heard on the radio. Rihanna is just doing her own thing, and loving it! Definitely wanted to sit with this album a while, and take everything in for this review!

REVIEW: Grease Live!

Grease is the word! Last night (January 31). the anticipated Grease Live! event premiered on FOX and it was a pretty good show! The show brought together different actors, singers, and dancers for the legendary Pink Ladies and T-Birds: Julianne Hough as Sandy, Aaron Tveit as Danny, Vanessa Hudgens as Rizzo, Carlos PenaVega as Kenickie, Carly Rae Jepsen as Frenchy, Keke Palmer as Marty, Kether Donohue as Jan, David Del Rio as Putzie,  Jordan Fisher as Doody, and Andrew Call as Sonny.

Using various elements and songs from both the original stage production and the 1978 film, director Thomas Kail was able to capture the great energy of this classic musical. Just like with The Wiz Live, I definitely didn't want to compare Grease Live too much with the 1978 film, which a lot of us have seen and love. Obviously, nothing is touching the original, so it's no point of nitpicking based on that.

REVIEW: The Wiz Live!

The Wiz Live!, a live remake of the Broadway version of The Wiz, aired on just hours ago on NBC, and EVERYONE is talking about it!

The cast was jam-packed with great talent including Elijah Kelley (Scarecrow), Ne-Yo (Tin Man), David Alan Grier (Cowardly Lion), Queen Latifah (The Wiz), Mary J. Blige (Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West), Uzo Aduba (Glinda, the Good Witch of the South), Amber Riley (Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North), Stephanie Mills (Aunt Em), Common (The Bouncer) and introducing Shanice Williams (Dorothy). Of course, we all know the story. It follows Dorothy who, after getting swept in a tornado, attempts to find the Wiz with new friends to make it back home. She, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion learn a lot about themselves during the journey. Of course, The Wiz has a lot more flavor than the original, and this live version stays true to that.

Of course, we know there were great expectations with this musical, seeing as The Wiz is considered a classic, especially in the black community. However, I watched it as if I was watching it for the very first time, because trying to compare would have sucked the fun out of it. With a star-studded cast, special effects, great choreography and music, vibrant costumes, and the fabulous Cirque du Soleil, The Wiz Live! truly shined. It was an incredible musical to watch at home, perfect for the family, and it left me so moved and inspired!

ALBUM REVIEW: Smoke Signals-Oktoba

Singer Oktoba dropped his debut album, Smoke Signals, on October 29, a great project I had the opportunity to check out. All tracks on the album were written and performed by the artist, mixed and produced by Tim Bidwell at The Clockwork Owl Studio, Brighton. The project was mastered by Nick Lewis at Brighton Mastering.

Blending folk, pop and Americana, the singer/songwriter based in Brighton, England, created a mellow album that showcases his vocal ability and songwriting skills. "As songwriters, we are given the intimate platform to describe our lives," Oktoba said of his work in a statement. "I really try when writing, to write honestly, giving the listener something that feels familiar and something that they can relate to, no matter who they are or where they're from." With Smoke Signals, the singer definitely accomplishes that aspect, offering a lot of great material and messages that listeners will be able to connect with.

Check out more of my review below!

EP REVIEW: Moments-Mosliano

Rapper Mosliano has released his debut EP, Moments, for listeners this week (Sept. 15)!

Mosliano himself serves as executive producer for the project, along with Daniel Sullivan, Mixed by Colin "Pyrex" Sprows, the EP is a small sample of Mosliano's work. We get a sense of where he is in life at the moment, hearing pieces of his life.

Check out the EP and my short review below!

MOVIE REVIEW: Ricki and The Flash

I was able to go check out an advanced screening of Ricki and the Flash this week, which stars Meryl Streep as the title character. I just had to see Meryl rocking out in a band for myself!

Read a brief synopsis of the film below:

"It's been a roller-coaster ride for Ricki Rendazzo (Meryl), a one-time wife and mother of three who left her family behind to follow her dreams of rock 'n' roll stardom. Now, the singer and guitarist must face the music when she returns home to Indiana to reconnect with ex-husband Pete (Kevin Kline), troubled daughter Julie (Mamie Gummer) and engaged son Josh (Sebastian Stan). Filled with regret, Ricki hopes to find redemption for all of the bad choices that she made in the past."

Check out more of my review below!

Note: Some spoilers may be ahead.

REVIEW: BET Awards 2015

Last night was the 2015 BET Awards, and it was definitely a great show! This year marked the 15th anniversary of the awards as well. During the pre-show, hosted by Terrence J and La La Anthony, we got to see some retro moments from the shows over the years which was cool to see. We also saw stars hit the red carpet and the style suite, as well as performances from MGK, Natalie Rose, Jeremih, and others. I really only watch the pre-show to check out the interviewers' skills, to be honest, but it was a decent prelude to the actual show.

Check out the rest of my review below!

ALBUM REVIEW: Unbreakable Smile-Tori Kelly

After releasing two EPs and other songs, including popular covers, Tori Kelly is set to release her debut studio album Unbreakable Smile on June 23! I just had the opportunity to see her perform this past weekend, and heard some of her new songs, so I had to review the album for the blog.

Seeing Tori live, it seemed to me like she was very sweet and down to earth. She’s been releasing music for a while, and seems determined to not let the industry change her or her music. Unbreakable Smile is a clear reflection of all of that. The album is a mix of pop and soul, and speaks on the ups and down on relationships, the importance of staying positive in life, and her refusal to conform to the industry. It’s a really awesome, fun album, perfect for the start of summer, but it’s also filled with great messages that we can all relate to in some way. With teens as Tori’s target audience, this is a great album for them to listen to, hopefully learn something from, and be inspired.

Check out my review below!

EP REVIEW: Enter-RYLI

Last week, we featured singer RYLI's music video for her sensual track "Tell Me," on The Spotlight! The track is featured on a five-song EP entitled, Enter, which was released on May 18. The project was written and produced by RYLI, along with BLVCKSCOTT, and The Unscripted.

Enter is definitely an appropriate title, as RYLI lets listeners into a bit of her world, and vulnerably expresses her emotions on the modern R&B project.

Check out more of my review below!

ALBUM REVIEW: The Gift EP-Monique

British singer, songwriter and producer Monique recently released her EP, The Gift, which has garnered great reviews from Alt Sounds, Urban Development, ILUVLIVE, Guestlist Magazine and the MOBO Awards! 

The EP was inspired by Monique's own pregnancy and her embracing of motherhood (she recently gave birth to a baby boy!). The singer states that the EP “explores the theme of time and moments in a world that moves so fast that we rarely stand in the present. There are moments that bring us face to face with ourselves and others that are willing us to take a look in the mirror. To stop and consider our course or just to simply enjoy, be thankful and content."

Check out more of my review, and stream the EP below!

ALBUM REVIEW: The Album About Nothing-Wale

Wale released his fourth album, The Album About Nothing, on March 31, which you KNOW I copped (three physical copies with the different covers plus the digital version from iTunes...no games here). I contemplated long and hard whether or not I was going to review this album. As a huge supporter of his, I knew that this album was going to be different, and I partly just wanted to enjoy him telling his story. As an entertainment blogger, I felt obligated to share my thoughts on the album. I decided to sit with the album this week, and THEN review (I mean, as J. Cole said, "1 listen reviews are fxcking up hip hop."). For lyricists like Cole and Wale, you need to really study their work to truly understand, so I did.

Using a Seinfeld theme, as used in previous mixtapes The Mixtape About Nothing and More About Nothing, Wale incorporates dialogue from the show, as well recorded conversations between him and Jerry Seinfeld himself! The album features production from DJ Dahi, Pro Reese, No Credit, Ayy Dot, and more, as well as vocals from stars like J. Cole, SZA, and Usher. I literally haven't stopped listening since the album's release. Honestly, I was impressed, the most impressed I've ever been by any of his studio albums. The vulnerability and expression is on another level on TAAN, and that is impressing many people, beyond just his fans.

Check out more of my review below!

ALBUM REVIEW: The Perfect EP-Ash

I recently featured music and did an interview with alternative R&B/pop singer Ash! On February 10, 2015, the artist dropped her debut project, The Perfect EP, for listeners! The four-track EP was produced by T Brown, who has worked previously with Janelle Monae (Ash is also a background singer for The Electric Lady!).

Ash’s debut reflects her own feelings on love, and, between the actual music and lyrics, listeners are bound to really connect with the EP! "The Perfect EP, I hope helps change the conversation in music. I think the way I've chosen to write about love will add a cool twist to the dialogue that so many artists are already having. At the very least I hope it compels people to love deeper," Ash said of the project.

Check out my review of The Perfect EP below!

ALBUM REVIEW: 2014 Forest Hills Drive-J.Cole

I've never done too many hip hop reviews for Spotlight or any of the websites I've written for honestly. The last one I remember doing for a mainstream artist was my review of Wale's sophomore album Ambition back in 2011...and that was for a music writing class my senior year at Loyola (*laughs*).

However, I'm trying to do more music and movie reviews, and it starts with the albums that I'm actually buying, which includes J. Cole's junior album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive. Cole did something different this time around by deciding not to collaborate with anyone or drop any singles, just giving his listeners a release date of December 9th, an order link on iTunes, and a video for his Intro as he rides his bike through NYC. Now the album is here, and the reviews are mostly pretty good!

What I respect about Cole is that he is really is about his music. Sure, every artist is somewhat driven by sales, but some artists take it too far releasing terrible content with a catchy hook that the audience is sure to dance to (*insert whoever's name here*). To me, Cole isn't like that. He carefully crafts his lyrics, which, as a listener, I love, because he is one of very few rappers who makes me think (as a blogger, I get annoyed when I can't get it, because I'm trying to write a damn review here!). Throughout the album, Cole literally takes listeners on a journey through his younger years until now, and you really get a feel for who he is as Jermaine and not just J. Cole. 

Check out my song by song review below!

ALBUM REVIEW:Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart?-K. Michelle

K. Michelle's sophomore album Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart? is set for release on December 9, 2014. Almost a week ago, the singer has teamed up with her home network VH1 to stream the album, and I'm glad I was able to take a listen before the album dropped.

What separates K. Michelle from many other singers is that she is REAL. Real to the point where she can admit that the man she loves has a baby by another woman, and she'll never be able to compete with that. She wears her heart on her sleeve, at least when it comes to her music, and, in a world of commercialized artists who are starting to sound mostly the same, I will always appreciate that about this woman.

AWBAH gives that rawness that we've come to expect from K. Michelle, but in a much more mature way. It's clear that K has been busy writing with other songwriters, and experimenting with different sounds, and it worked in an incredible way!

Check out my song by song review below!

ALBUM REVIEW: Girl Next Door-Alexis Hightower

Last week, I put up my feature with singer Alexis Hightower. Today, I have a review for her debut full length album Girl Next Door, which mixes classic jazz, soul, and a touch of hip hop. Her sound is grounded in jazz and R&B, which is evident on this album. What's great about this album is that Alexis is very transparent in her lyrics, and the music is soulful and calming. I've never honestly been a huge jazz fan, but the different artists that I have heard in the genre always give a fun, yet relaxing vibe in their music. I definitely looked forward to checking out Alexis' project. 

Check out my review below!

ALBUM REVIEW: X-Chris Brown

I'm a big fan and believer still in Chris Brown. In spite of his mistakes, I've always admired his incredible talent, so I've been waiting for his new album  "X" for quite some time. Released today, September 16, this is Chris' sixth studio album, and he definitely gives Team Breezy a lot of great tracks.

In a past interview with Ebony, Chris explained the significance of the title:

It's the Roman numeral for 10. 5/5/89 is my birthday: 5 plus 5 is 10, and this is my tenth year since I got into music. 'X' is the 24th letter in the alphabet, and I will turn 24 when this album comes out. 'X' is also a metaphor, as in 'ex-girlfriend': it implies you're progressing and moving on in life, not holding on to the past and your old ways.

For the album, Chris has said that he was going for a more mature and soulful sound. He clearly incorporates his inspiration from his idol Michael Jackson, as well as Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder. He mostly made that happen, though some tracks were off the mark. 

Check out my full review below!

MOVIE REVIEW: The Unauthorized Saved By The Bell Story

Last night was a flashback to the late 80s and early 90s with Lifetime's The Unauthorized Saved By The Bell Story! This story was based off Dustin Diamond's (Screech) own book, Behind The Bell, a behind the scenes look at the show. I was excited to watch, even though I had my doubts just looking at the cast. I didn't technically "grow up" on Saved By The Bell (I was only 3 when the show ended), but I remember watching it as a kid, when reruns were on TBS every morning at 7 am. That's how I spent my summer mornings, at my Nana's house, watching the gang at Bayside High.

The movie showed how the show was developed, for those who didn't already know. The show, at first, wasn't even supposed to be about the students. It was supposed to be based on the teachers, starting as Good Morning Miss Bliss. The show was based in Indiana and shown on the Disney Channel, but was quickly cancelled after just one season. It was eventually brought back to NBC and revamped to be about the kids, and the setting was moved to California. However, though the live audience loved them, the reviews were terrible when the show first premiered. Unfortunately, the ratings weren't great at NBC either, and they were cancelled again. However, more and more kids started talking about the show and watching, and the show was given another chance, eventually going global!