New Music Alert: Weezer 4/1/2016

 Weezer's new album will be released tomorrow, April 1st. This is no April Fool's joke! The band released several singles from the album over the past few months, the first of which was "Thank God for Girls," which came out in October 2015. Weezer is also heading out on tour with Panic! at the Disco this summer... you can be sure that Jess and I will be there! Be sure to check out the white album tomorrow and tune in to Bad Dance Moves Mondays at 10 PM to hear our thoughts!

Artist Spotlight: Grimes

 

Grimes is a Canadian singer and songwriter who has recently become a big name in the electronica music genre.  With more of an experimental vibe, Grimes is able to create a mixture of vocal elements and span multiple genera.   With hits like "Genesis," "Flesh without Blood," and "Oblivion" it is easy to hear Grime's unique style of music.  Grime's tour schedule is pretty full for this summer, and you can check her out at music festivals like Coachella, Hangout Music Festival, and Lollapalooza.  Also be sure to tune in to WNJR on Monday nights at 10PM for Bad Dance Moves to hear Grimes and more artists like her!

'The Life of Pablo' Release

After many Kanye West fans heard about his unreleased album 'The Life of Pablo', everyone has been on the hunt for it. Whether they had access to a special link that had the whole album or whether they looked it up on YouTube, some are still anticipating the release. Luckily, Spotify and iTunes just released 'Famous', his song featuring Rihanna, and Í Love Kanye' and it is a hit! There is still no word on whether the Pablo Kanye is talking about is Pablo Picasso, Juan Pablo Montoya, or Pablo Escobar.

Black Blessings- Langston Hughes

Hello party people, it's Thursday and I know you've been sick of not getting a Black Blessing early in the week, but I have come to your rescue! I have heard the call and brought with me Mr. Langston Hughes.

Langston Hughes is possibly the most famous poet remembered from the Harlem Renaissance. He often wrote about the struggles of Blacks and served life lessons to follow, such as never giving up, staying strong, and believing in yourself. For more about Mr. Hughes visit here. Below is Langston Hughes himself reading his poem, The Negro Speaks of Rivers.

Artist Spotlight: Tanerélle

 

Tanerélle is a new artist combining multiple types of genres into her music. With a combination of indie, electronic, and R&B she is able to create a new style of music in her single "Siren." Tanerélle is originally from Atlanta and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream.  She is an independent artist and is hoping to put out a new EP for the summer.  You can find "Siren" on iTunes, Spotify, and SoundCloud, and if you are interested you can listen to it here! You can tell that music is Tanerélle's passion, and I hope you guys check her out!  If you want to hear Tanerélle or artists similar to her, then don't forget to tune in on Monday nights at 10PM to Bad Dance Moves!

Song Spotlight: Ultralight Beam

 

Ultralight Beam 

 In Ultralight Beam it seems as though Kanye is returning back to the old Kanye. The Kanye that made music to be thought-provoking. Ultralight Beam reminds me of "The College Drop," Late Registration," and "Graduation." Albums tailored-made for the audience that has followed him from the beginning. Ultralight Beam is about Kanye's faith in God this specific track has parallel between The Life of Pablo and the life of Saint Paul the Apostle. In the story Paul (Saul, before he changed his name) would travel to persecute Christians until he heard the voice of God and converted. This track talks about fighting off the devils of our everyday life and keeping the faith, when it seems all is lost. The Pentecostal choir in the background creates a sense of a church and soul atmosphere. If you are feeling like all hope is lost and want some encouragement, give Kanye a try. It seems as though we may be getting the old Kanye back. Listen to Ultralight Beam! 

Friday Show: Country

Good morning, y'all! As I begin putting things together so I can have a successful country playlist, I am excited to announce that every Friday between 1:00PM and 2:00PM there will be great country music playing. Although I will begin with old country hits, I will be progressing towards a more modern playlist as time goes on. Hope you guys tune into WNJR 91.7 Friday from 1-2PM. Have a great rest of your week!

Black Blessings- Claude McKay

Hello everyone I know it's only Tuesday, but I thought you guys could use an early dose this week. So today we're spotlighting Claude McKay!

Claude McKay was born in Jamaica. He was a large influence in the Harlem Renaissance. His books and poems highlighted life as a Black individual in Jamaica and in white America. His bitterness towards racism wasn't hidden or unjustified. If you would like to know more about Mr. McKay, click here! Below is the reading of his poems "If We Must Die" and "White House"with some extraordinary imagery in the video.

Artist Spotlight: Megan Wilde

Source: Innocent Words

Megan Wilde has released an EP entitled Wildfire on May 19, 2015. Although I am a little late in getting my hands on it (remember: better late than never), there is no denying this independent artist's talent. Sultry. Effortless. Dark. Timeless. Elegant. Intelligent. This is only a few words that begin to describe Megan's piece of art. The EP consist of only 4 songs yet covers an array of topics. She speaks to the young and the old as her music holds no boundaries. Make sure you tune into WNJR Radio 91.7FM for a listen into Wildfire.

Black Blessings- Josephine Baker

Hello all! It's Thursday! I hope you're all having a great day and staying safe. Today we have the lovely and gorgeous Josephine Baker in our presence!

Josephine Baker was an American-born French actress, singer, and civil rights activist. She was one of France's highest paid performers. She was earned the nicknames "Black Venus" or  "Black Pearl".  She worked for the French Resistance in World War II. When she died in 1975, she was buried with military honors. To learn more about Josephine, click here. Below is a video of Josephine's famous banana dance.

Happy Thursday!

So I'm blogging late this week, but I wanted to remind you to tune in to my show West Toast on Wednesdays.  Every week I focus on the career, background and artistry of an original west coast hip hop artist, as well as play some other west coast hip hop and other genres.  So far I've covered Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, and next week I'll be focusing on Tupac! 
Tune in on Wednesdays at 4PM on 91.7FM WNJR.