Sept 20, 2020
By Dray Breezy
Vacation- Cookie Kawaii
“I need a vacation. London, Paris, Rome or Jamaica.” That how we all feel right about now. “Vacation” Cookie Kawaii newest song following her hit song “Vibe” with Tyga, brings her niche of Baltimore house beats to the forefront of dance hip hop tracks. The song has a soft repeating melody that is driven by hard 808 beat. You can’t help but dance, and I’m all about shaking my big ol butt. The song lyrics are simple and repetitive but this is clearly a club track so that’s the point. Expect to see this song in a large number of fitness and dance choreo videos this fall.
Monica-Trenches
The universe was introduced to this song during Brandy and Monica Verzuz battle on Instagram. The track was produced by the world famous Neptunes. Lil Baby is featured on the beginning and end of the song, both his verses I could have done without. Monica never gets as much credit for her songwriting skills, this song has a very catchy sound while supporting deeper lyrics. “Caught in the web of the world, wish I could save you.” Monica laments on the track. The song lyrics remind me of TLC’s waterfalls, warning of the dangers of the wild world in which we live. The mixture of simple 808 and the harp-like notes that support the track allows Monica to take a Beyonce talk-singing approach to the verses. It’s an effective method for storytelling. The track makes a good debut for an EP so I look forward to hearing further music from one of the princesses of R&B
Patti Labelle- ABC’s on Sesame Street
Speaking of Verzuz battles, the latest one with Patti vs Gladys Knight was everything I need to see this week. Because of that, our throwback of the week is Patti Labelle on Sesame Street singing the ABC’S. Only Patti Labelle can turn the alphabet song into a religious and operatic experience. We had fan favorite Chrissy on the keys and Miss Patti just takes a song we all know and reinvents in a way only a black woman can. From the first 3 seconds in you just know it’s gonna be magical. Just watch it!