Jumping out of winter and into spring means starting fresh, and this begins with your home. Many see cleaning as the most mundane of all tasks but here’s a Spring Cleaning playlist to help liven things up! You might as well dance as you clean, right?
1) Freaks and Geeks – Childish Gambino
When I’m cleaning, I become possessed by the spirits of both Tupac and Biggie and think I’m some kind of reincarnated rap goddess. This is my favourite song to rap along to, especially if nobody is home and I can use my spray bottle as a mic.
Best for: getting into the cleaning mood, doing your audition tape for Young Money.
2) Are You That Somebody – Aaliyah
I also enjoy dancing while I clean and as a wee youth I had the choreography from this video memorised. I’ve realised that I still know about 50 per cent of the moves (coincidence because my middle name is Alia? I think not!) and always decide that I should try them, especially if I am in the bathroom where the lighting is good.
Best for: cleaning grout, performing for yourself in the mirror.
3) Chocolate – The 1975
I’m obsessed with this song and have been trying to find a way to jam it into this column for ages (seriously, I think all the YouTube views might just be me. You’re welcome, The 1975!) I have a recurring iPod fever dream where I am the lead singer of a band which has the popularity of One Direction but the credibility of an indie band. Yes, it’s very elaborate; I don’t expect non-insane people to understand. Annyway, this song is our lead single and we perform it on talk-show stages which are actually my bathroom. The moral of this story is that a fun fantasy actually makes cleaning super fun and rewarding, even if the rewards are entirely in your mind.
Best for: making cleaning way less boring.
4) Scream & Shout – will.i.am and Britney Spears
What’s the deal with Britney in this song? Is she British? Why is she British? This in-depth analysis has led to me listening to this song an alarming number of times and is perfect at distracting me from some of my most hated jobs. Grossed out by the hair that has been living in your U bend? Just put this song on and Brit’s dulcet faux-English tones will take you to your happy place (unless you’re me and find bad accents displeasing).
Best for: doing gross out jobs such as removing hair from various place and having to decide which of your treasured cat sweaters should be given to charity.
5) F—kin Problems – A$AP Rocky ft. Drake and 2 Chainz
I’ll admit that haven’t heard too much from Leona Lewis since her 2008 hit ‘Bleeding Love’. But if a Childish Gambino collaboration is any indication of a comeback in North America, then I think there’s a reason to get excited.
Partnering up in ’Trouble’, the new song is mid-tempo ballad focusing on a relationship that’s breaking apart. The single will appear on Lewis’ third album ‘Glassheart’, which is set to hit stores in November. Having delayed the release of her album, the singer has since recruited artists like will.i.am and Polow Da Don to reshape her music.
This collaboration is an interesting one for me. As a massive fan of Childish Gambino, I’m glad to see him working with different artists. From Tina Fey to Leona Lewis, I really wonder who he’ll work with next!
What do you think of the song?
“Sweet Life” — Frank Ocean
A few days ago, Frank Ocean posted an extremely vulnerable story on his blog about his first time falling in love with a man — an unprecedented step for a newcomer, or really any musician, in the hip hop industry. Since then, there has been a flurry of tweets, statuses, blog posts, and the like, regarding the R&B crooner’s unexpected move. However, Ocean has already moved on, releasing a new track from his upcoming, highly anticipated album Channel Orange, called “Sweet Life.” Produced by Pharell, the retro inspired track lays a jazzy keyboard over a whimsical bassline to complement Ocean’s smooth harmonies. Channel Orange drops on July 17th.
“Cherry Wine” — Nas and Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse fans will be happy to know they can hear a brand new track featuring the songstress who suddenly passed away last year. “Cherry Wine,” off rapper Nas’ upcoming album Life is Good, was recorded in 2008 when Nas and Winehouse were working on a different track, “Like Smoke.” The song stayed hidden for four years and Nas himself wasn’t keen on releasing the record. Thank goodness he decided to go ahead with it, because it really is a gem. The oldschool beat, Winehouse’s laidback vocals, and Nas’ on-par rhymes are beautiful together. The only complaint I have about the record is that Winehouse will never be able to perform it live. A bittersweet release, but a great first posthumous jam for Winehouse. Catch Cherry Wine on Nas’ Life is Good, released on July 17.
“Distance” — Christina Perri ft. Jason Mraz Read more…
Tina Fey is an accomplished actress, writer and comedienne but the 42-year-old was missing something in her life. Rap. Let’s say her new life course was the direct consequence of a confusing mid-life crisis, except it really wasn’t, but it just makes the story more interesting.
Fey was recruited by comedian/rapper Childish Gambino to spew out the closing lyrics on his song “Real Estate.” The duo are also joined by Atlanta rappers Alley Boy and Swank.
Fey’s intense rap style is semi-threatening, as though she’s beckoning you to mess with her. She’s also very honest with her lyrics: “This is the part where most people would say something crazy and drop the n-word after it/ Not going to, not gonna do that/ I don’t feel comfortable/ I’m out!”
The song is from the Royalty mixtape offered as a free download by Childish Gambino.
Listen to it here:
Every so often when you’re watching a completely normal video on YouTube, you scroll down and read a light-over-your-head EPIPHANY-worthy comment that changes everything about your whole perception of the clip.
After reading these particular comments, I’m never going to think of these celebrities in the same way again. Drake is a rake. Katy Perry is a beloved crackhead (who we love). And a member of Walk off the Earth is a sea captain (see it?). Mind blown. [Source]
Check them out here:
Katy Perry and Rihanna are crackheads
Walk off the Earth is a sea captain Read more…
“Silk Pillow” Childish Gambino ft. Beck
Have I died and gone to heaven? Childish Gambino and Beck in one song? And Beck finally rapping for the first time in six years? Music Gods, you are too kind. This collaboration has all the elements for an eccentric hit. The jam is a little on the somber side, with eerie backing vocals and electric piano chords backing Beck and Gambino’s intellectual rhymes, but in the fashion of both artists, they throw some synth in the mix to bring up the groove factor…amazing!
“Entitled” Leighton Meester ft. Check in the Dark
Leighton Meester decided to take some time off stealing boyfriends and ruining lives (on TV that is) to release a new song, “Entitled.” After skyrocketing to fame by playing Manhattan’s queen bitch Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, Meester launched a pop singing career, with her only memorable hit being “Good Girls Go Bad” with Cobra Starship. I was never a fan of Meester’s music, but I have to eat my words when it comes to “Entitled.” The girl has an impressive set of pipes and the song is just beautiful. It’s worth listening to, and Gossip Girl fans may be a bit surprised to see the girl who plays such a ruthless character can be such a sincere performer.
“We Are Young (cover)” — Alex Clare Read more…
Yes, there is such a show called Hip Hop Squares and it premiered last night on MTV2. It’s like Hollywood Squares but instead of minor TV stars it features rap legends.
Last night’s panel included Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, Kat Graham, Donnell Rawlings, Tech N9ne, Ghostface Killah, Childish Gambino, Mac Miller, and MGK. Ummm, yea, that’s all. Just everyone.
Childish Gambino was the standout of the night, correctly answering a dirty question about the Olympics. He quickly identified the “snatch” and the “clean and jerk” as weight-lifting moves (get your mind out of the gutter).
If I was a contestant on the show I’d definitely pick Donald Glover, considering he’s a comedian, actor and pop culture nerd on top of being Childish Gambino. Who’d you choose?
Childish Gambino:
Mac Miller: Read more…
“Breath of Life,” Florence and the Machine
The upcoming blockbuster Snow White and the Huntsman is set to be released on June 1, and who better to create the lead single for the epic tale than cinematic songstress Florence Welch and her Machine? “Breath of Life” is possibly one of Welch’s most dramatic songs to date, with pounding drums, and a 60-person choir backing Welch’s intense voice. The video for the single shows Welch recording the track in London’s Abbey Road Studios, 60-person choir included, with vivid scenes from the film woven through the recording session. The video looks like an impressive trailer for the Snow White re-interpretation, and I will definitely be forking over 10 dollars or more at the movie theatre to watch it. You can hear “Breath of Life” on the film’s soundtrack, which will be available May 29.
“Part 5: Su-Barbie-a,” Marina and the Diamonds
A few days ago, Marina Diamandis uploaded this gem onto the Marina and the Diamonds YouTube channel. It’s Part 5 of her online video anthology, which exposes the four female archetypes that her new album Electra Heart is based on. The video is a two-minute flurry of various audio clips from old Hollywood films and Barbie doll advertisements all playing over the instrumental track from her song “Valley of the Dolls.” It also features Diamandis in a creepy Stepford-esque outfit standing in front of a perfect house, with her face engulfed in shadows. The next video to be released will be “Part 6: Power and Control.”
“Unnecessary,” Childish Gambino ft. ScHoolboy Q Read more…
Coachella came to a close last night in California but (cheese alert) the performances live on… through YouTube at least. Coachella partnered with YouTube to offer much of the festival online through live streaming and few users were able to capture the broadcast and post it for us to watch over and over.
Santigold
Santigold brought a giant dancing horse onstage, who followed them from New York. The set-list included “Disparate Youth” and “Say Aha.”
Azealia Banks
Banks was booked for 45 minutes but apparently only performed for 25, with a set-list that included “Bambi,” “Firestarter” and “Valerie.”
Childish Gambino
Donald Glover invited Kenrick Lamar and Danny Brown to the stage with him to triple the awesomeness.
The new track by Childish Gambino “Eat Your Vegetables” is getting a mixed response from music fanatics. While some say it has a good beat and technical proficiency, there’s a certain spark missing. The track encapsulates his pop culture nerd persona, with references to Mario over a Donkey Kong sample, though that doesn’t bother me so much.
Either way, it should tide you over while we wait for his rescheduled live dates following his foot injury.
In the world of celebrity news, there’s no shortage of hits and misses. This week, The Hunger Games’ Jennifer Lawrence makes our “hit list” for a cute photo of her with her beau. Lindsay Lohan sadly fell short, as her alleged hit and run is anything but a hit.
HITS
Sofia Vergara lands SNL hosting gig
Modern Family‘s male fans are probably too distracted by her hot bod to try to decipher her accent (“chesh?!”). I, on the other hand, love her for her comedic chops as the naggy, but strong, Gloria. Expect skits that lovingly poke fun at her accent and breasts.
The Hunger Games’ Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult caught kissing
In my head, I saw Skins star Kaya Scodelario as the perfect Katniss. Eventually though, Jennifer Lawrence’s charm won my heart, not to mention the heart of Scodelario’s former co-star, Nicholas Hoult. While they’ve kept their relationship under wraps, I wouldn’t mind seeing Hoult escort Lawrence down the Hunger Games red carpet. She looks hot in gold, TAKE SOME PRIDE IN THAT.
One Direction will get their own show on Nickelodeon
To my sister and every One Directioner’s delight, Nickelodeon confirmed via Twitter that the members of this boy band are getting their own show. They may be cute and British, but their pop tunes make me want to punch something cute. I’m sure they’ll be great for some wholesome family entertainment but just remember ladies, keep your stalking friendly.
MISSES
Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover postpones rap tour
Glover fractured his foot while performing in Florida and moved his Camp tour back. If anyone can’t make the Toronto show, please forward your tickets to me. I’d be happy to take them off your hands.
The younger Franco did a strange photoshoot for Complex Magazine
Dave Franco, aka younger brother of James, thought an 80s-themed photoshoot for the hip hop magazine was a good idea. I can’t decide what’s stranger: this or the Funny or Die video where he has sex with himself. I think you should fire your agent because the Internet never forgets.
Lindsay Lohan accused of hit and run
While on LiLo patrol, TMZ reports the star hit a hookah lounge manager with her Porsche early Wednesday morning in L.A. While the manager wasn’t hurt, he apparently plans to press charges. At least give her a chance at a comeback! She didn’t go back to red hair for nothing!
Actor-turned-rapper Childish Gambino has dropped the heavily anticipated clip for “Heartbeat” from his debut LP Camp.
“I thought the best way to convey the feeling that’s in the song was to be confused ourselves,” Glover told MTV about the Kyle Newacheck directed video. The two had previously worked together on an episode of Community back in 2009. ”I wouldn’t say it’s so much a video as much as it is just a mood.”
Whatever the case, it’s bringing back those Drive-like urges to buy a Scorpion jacket and driving gloves.
Donald Glover has done it again, but this time on the music scene!
This man is truly the definition of “Jack of all Trades”. You may recognize this talented powerhouse as Troy from NBC’s Community. If not, you’ve probably seen his hilarious comedic genius in Derrick Comedy sketches on YouTube. If none of those ring a bell, then you most definitely know him as Childish Gambino, the rap artist extraordinaire.
Childish Gambino first made his mark with the instant sensation “Freaks and Geeks” 2 years ago, which showcased his oh-so-clever lyrics and contagious beats. If you thought that was a catchy song, just wait until you hear his rhythmic genius in his new video “Bonfire”.
As is the story for all great names, Childish Gambino first adopted the persona when the “Wu Tang Clan name generator” first suggested it. Ever since, the name stuck. Since his musical debut in 2008 with the album “Sick Boi”, Childish Gambino’s most notable quality is the relentless ability to make relevant and rhythmic lyrics. If you can catch it, in Bonfire he raps about the Human Centipede! Now that’s talent.
Childish Gambino’s debut album ‘Camp’ will be released on November 15, but in the mean time, enjoy “Bonfire”!
