Month: October 2017

Big Sean Performs A Surprise Pop-Up show for Metro PCS’ Sounds of Chicago Powered by Pandora

October 26, 2017 — 1 Comment

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(Photos by Ariana LaBarrie/fresh pair of iis)

Pandora is one of the first music streaming services I remember using because it was a great way to listen to radio without always feeling the need to change the station to find a song that I like. Pandora is a custom radio station for you. So when Metro PCS and Pandora announced a surprised pop-up show with Big Sean, I knew it would be a bunch of hits. His set list was amazing, including classics like “Blessings” and new songs like “Moves” and “Jump Out The Window.” What surprised me most was how long the show was. With pop-up shows you are expecting just a few songs, but he performed over an hour set. His transition with the clapping sounds of “I Know,” a slower past song, to the fast “A$$” was also genius.

Check out the setlist and more pictures below.

Moves
Paradise
No Favors
Mercy
Clique
Jump Out The Window
My Last
Beware
I Know
A$$
Skateboard
All Me
Don’t Like
One Man
IDFWU
Bounce Back

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In Celebration of Drake’s 31st Birthday, Let’s Highlight His Francis and The Lights Collaboration “Karaoke”

October 24, 2017 — Leave a comment

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Before Chance and Francis became “Summer Friends,” Drake and Francis sang “Karaoke.” Back in 2010 on Drake’s first album, Thank Me Later, Drake had a song produced by Francis and The Lights called “Karaoke.”  To this day its still one of my favorite Drake songs. The unique production and sound of the song was something you never heard from Drake. The melancholy of the lyrics and Drake’s hollow voice definitely takes you to the sad, regretful place that the song is about.

Francis was asked by Drake’s camp about making a song after Francis was invited on tour with him. After trying a few different tracks, he eventually gave Drake the “Karaoke” track that he had made for himself.

While Francis and The Lights went on to do great work and also collaborate with Kanye and Chance, I still hold a special place in my heart for “Karaoke” and its on of my favorite Drake deep cuts. What is yours?

Camila Cabello Releases The Video for “Havana” featuring Young Thug

October 24, 2017 — Leave a comment


Over two months after its early August release , Camila released the video for her single “Havana.” This was more of a concept video than her previous video “Cryin In The Club,” and I actually think its way more fun. Camila plays different characters, including an actress in a telenovela and movie and a homebody named Karla (Camila’s first name) that desperately needs to stop living vicariously through TV.

It was a very cute story and I love how she is embracing the Latin market. It seems more authentic than just the typical mainstream pop route. I feel like she is slowly building a solid career that can last overtime instead of mixing together some instant, quick, short lasting success.

Check Camila out on the Jingle Ball Tour. Dates are here.

 

Where To Buy Chance The Rapper’s Polo Bear Sweater

October 24, 2017 — Leave a comment

 

Chance The Rapper loves Ralph Lauren Polo: the brand is part of his everyday wardrobe. He wore a Ralph Lauren sweater on the cover of Coloring Book and wore the same sweater during several television appearances. His also wore the Ralph Lauren Polo Bear sweater several times. Originally released in the ’90s and then apart of a special release in 2013, the sweater is available again at several retailers, including Polo, Urban Outfitters, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s for $395.

There is also a new version of the sweater for 2017 that is a nod to the iconic scene from Singin’ In The Rain. This sweater that has a design in the front and back in available at Macy’s, Polo and Bloomingdale’s.

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I think these sweaters are beyond cute and worth the investment. It also reminds me of my childhood and my little brother’s obsession with Polo. Grab this and don’t worry about wearing a sweater just to keep warm.

Jhené Aiko Takes A Little “Trip”: Announces Tour For New Album

October 11, 2017 — Leave a comment

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Jhene Aiko announced tour for her surprise release album “Trip.” This 16 date tour starting next month is a headlining tour before she is an opener for Lana Del Rey at the top of next year. Willow Smith, who has been on tour with her before is coming along as long as St. Beauty, Kodie Shane and Kitty Cash.

Stream her new album and short film below:

While Taylor Swift Won’t be at Jingle Ball Chicago, she will be at B96’s Jingle Bash, check out the line up here

October 11, 2017 — Leave a comment

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Taylor Swift won’t be at the Chicago stop on the Jingle Ball tour, but she will be making a stop in Chicago around the same time for the B96 Jingle Bash.  While Swift’s album comes out on Nov. 10 and fans can start earning points to move up in line in the Ticketmaster Verified fan program, this is a way for fans to get tickets without being apart of it.

The show will also include Backstreet Boys, Fifth Harmony, Khalid, Logic and Sabrina Carpenter. You can get tickets here.

Jingle Ball Announces in 2017 tour lineup, including Taylor Swift, and shows with both Fifth Harmony and Camila Cabello

October 11, 2017 — 1 Comment

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The annual Jingle Ball tour announced the lineups for its 2017 12 city tour. Some Jingle Ball alums are returning for the tour, including Nick Jonas, Charlie Puth and Demi Lovato. Big name headliners include Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift. Sheeran is coming off a big year with his album ,÷,  and while Taylor Swift album doesn’t come out until Nov. 10, it will be exciting to get a taste of her upcoming tour.

What is very interesting that Camila Cabello and Fifth Harmony will both be on some tour stops. Last year, Cabello left the group right after the Jingle Ball tour. During Fifth Harmony’s MTV VMA performance, the group has a fifth member fall off the stage. It will be interesting if they speak off the split or each other during the tour.

Check out the line up for each stop below:

11/28 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center: The Chainsmokers, Charlie Puth, Kesha, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Camila Cabello, Julia Michaels and Why Don’t We

11/30 – San Jose, CA @ SAP Center: Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Charlie Puth, Camila Cabello, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Julia Michaels and Why Don’t We

12/01 – Inglewood, CA @ LA Forum: Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, The Chainsmokers, Sam Smith, Demi Lovato, Logic, Kesha, Niall Horan, Halsey, Charlie Puth and Liam Payne

12/04 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center: Fall Out Boy, Kesha, Charlie Puth, Niall Horan, Camila Cabello, Liam Payne, Julia Michaels and Why Don’t We

12/06 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center: The Chainsmokers, Fall Out Boy, Kesha, Halsey, Logic, Niall Horan, Charlie Puth, Liam Payne, Julia Michaels and Why Don’t We

12/08 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden: Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, The Chainsmokers, Sam Smith, Halsey, Fall Out Boy, Demi Lovato, Logic, Charlie Puth, Niall Horan, Camila Cabello, Liam Payne, Julia Michaels and Why Don’t We

12/10 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden: Fall Out Boy, Kelly Clarkson, Fifth Harmony, Halsey, Charlie Puth, Camila Cabello and Why Don’t We

12/11 – Washington, D.C. @ Capital One Arena: Fall Out Boy, Kesha, Logic, Zedd, Charlie Puth, Camila Cabello, Liam Payne, Julia Michaels and Why Don’t We

12/13 – Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena: The Chainsmokers, Demi Lovato, Charlie Puth, Kesha, Camila Cabello, Liam Payne, Julia Michaels and Why Don’t We

12/15 – Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena: Demi Lovato, Logic, Zedd, Fifth Harmony, Nick Jonas, Charlie Puth, Camila Cabello, Liam Payne, Julia Michaels and Why Don’t We

12/16 – Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena: Zedd, Nick Jonas, Charlie Puth, Camila Cabello, Liam Payne and Why Don’t We

12/17 – Miami, FL @ BB&T Center: Demi Lovato, Logic, Fifth Harmony, Nick Jonas, Charlie Puth, Camila Cabello, Liam Payne, Julia Michaels and Why Don’t We

Shea Serrano Names The Most Important Songs of 2015-2017 in his Reddit AMA

October 10, 2017 — Leave a comment

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Shea Serrano, my personal King of Twitter and the leader of the FOH Army, did a Reddit AMA to promote his new book, “Basketball (And Other Things).” A Reddit user asked him if he could add additional years to his book, “The Rap Yearbook,” (it only went up to 2014) what songs he would choose from 2015-2017. His choices were:

2015: Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”
2016: Desiinger’s “Panda” or Migos “Bad and Boujee”
2017: Possibly Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow”

Interesting choices for most important song. I read the book, so I know its essential to have the argument to support the choices, and while I agree with 2015 and don’t have a decision on 2017 yet, I think I would pick Chance The Rapper’s “No Problem” for most important song of 2016. Chance showed that an independent artist can exist and have mainstream opportunities without the backing of a label.  Also, this song and artist did influence the Grammys to change the rules allowing streaming albums to qualify for nominations.

 

 

Where to Buy Chance’s Levi’s Sherpa Jean Jacket

October 10, 2017 — Leave a comment

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Chance performed at the 50th Anniversary party of the Levi’s Trucker Jacket, and has been frequently seen wearing a sherpa version of the classic trucker jacket. The jacket comes in a variety of washes, but the style that Chance has been wearing is this jacket in “Fine Line” for $128. If you want the women’s style of this jacket, a good option is this jacket in the wash “Strangeways” for $128.

These sherpa jean jackets are the same style that Jughead Jones wears on Riverdale.

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With Sweet Sexy Savage to Honey, Kehlani is having her best year so far

October 9, 2017 — Leave a comment

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After having two mix tapes, Cloud 19 and You Should Be Here, Kehlani put out her debut album Sweet Sexy Savage at the top of this year. I loved the album so much, and her tour was amazing.

I saw her show twice at Concord Music Hall in Chicago, and yes, it was totally worth seeing two times.

Her opening act Ella Mai was a great complement to the tour. With tatts and her R&B music, she definitely has similar vibes to Kehalni, but has her own brand and sound.
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What makes Kehlani great live is that she seems like she is having so much fun. Sometimes when you see someone live, it feels like they are phoning it in or going through the motions.  Kehlani’s a performer: she sings live and does full out choreography.  She also isn’t afraid to get personal-she tells stories of hard times and relationship she went through to inspire others. I also loved that she performed the entire album.

Setlist from tour:
Keep On
Distraction
Do U Dirty
The Way
Too Much
Get Like
Gangsta
I Wanna Be
Everything Is Yours
Not Used to It
Advice
Piece of Mind
Escape
Undercover
In My Feelings
Personal
CRZY

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With her latest release, Honey, she really set herself up to have a great 2018. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was nominated for another Grammy.