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Above the Clouds

MUSIC BLOG 

Album, Artist & Concert Reviews 

J.I.D + Smino Luv is 4ever  

July, 28th, 2022
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On January 30th, I went to the Smino & J.I.D concert. Already a fan of both artists, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to see them again. Both had recently dropped new projects that I absolutely love, and I've been playing some of their songs daily since their albums were released.

 

When they first announced the joint tour, I thought to myself how lucky I was that two of my all-time favorite artists were putting on an incredible show together after releasing such amazing bodies of work. When the tickets went on sale, I knew that no matter what, I had to buy them.

When we first arrived at the concert, the venue was so massive that I almost shed a tear. I've been to both Smino and J.I.D's previous concerts, but this venue was about three times the size of the other places they had performed. As a fan, it was so rewarding to see their hard work and dedication pay off in such a tremendous way.
 

The opening acts, SwaVay and Jordan Ward, got the crowd hyped with their performances. SwaVay stayed true to his Atlanta roots, while Jordan brought a bit of Saint Louis flavor to the stage.

 

After these amazing openers, Smino's set started, and the energy was electric. He took us on a journey, performing classics like Netflix & Dusse, Wild Irish Roses, and Anita. He also played new favorites like Pro Freak, 90 Proof, and I Deserve. His performance exuded the same energy as his album—someone who has never known healthy love but is still embracing the journey. Luv for Rent is such a beautiful album, and seeing him perform it live was more than amazing. He even brought out Doechii to perform Pro Freak, which made my entire night. Smino and his longtime singer, Mosley, are truly a heavenly pair. She not only elevates the live performance, but Mosley is a powerhouse in her own right. I love how Smino always showcases her talent and lets the audience know just how incredible she is. Smino's performances leave you feeling warm, excited, and ready to light up.

 

Smino shared a message at the end of his set that I’ll carry with me forever. He asked the crowd who came with their best friend, and of course, I made noise because I was there with one of my best friends in the world. He then said that these are the people we should grind with, the people we’re going to make it with. Little did he know, that’s exactly what my friend and I do. We collaborate on various creative ideas, from my brands and book covers to any other funky concepts we come up with. We work so well together, and we have so many amazing things ahead of us. That message has stayed with me to this day.

Just when you think the concert can’t get any better, J.I.D steps on stage and absolutely kills it. The double heart in the background went perfectly with both artists' performances and their overall messages.

 

JID started his set with 2007, taking us to the beginning of his journey, and ended with Stick, where he brought out Earthgang and Bas to perform with him on stage. He played classics like Never, Workin Out, and 151 Rum, but he mainly focused on songs from The Forever Story. This concert felt more vulnerable and personal for JID; these songs seemed to come from a deep place in his soul. Hearing tracks like Kody Blu 31, Sistine, and Crack Sandwich live was unbelievably powerful. His performance was such a soulful experience that I can only say this: if you missed it, you missed a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

I left that concert feeling inspired, fulfilled, and ready to conquer the world. Both of these artists are people I consider my all-time favorites, and one day, my kids will know about them and their music. They gave one of the best performances I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing live.

Joey Bada$$ 1999-2000 Tour 

July, 28th, 2022
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          On July. 28th, 2022 just 6 days after he dropped his 3rd studio album 2000. Joey put on a concert at the Novo in Downtown, LA. My amazing friend bought me a ticket for my 26th birthday and I was more than grateful as Joey Badda$$ is one of my favorite rappers of all time. Between his conscious flows, witty deliver, and his ability to give you boom-bap New York rap, smooth California cruise flows, and everything in between. I fell in love with 2000 instantly. If you ask me the album is a fucking classic. 

 

          When the concert starts, Joey lets the crowd know that we were going on a ride with him. He started with Summer Knights, Waves, Hard-knock, Survival Tactics, and Righteous Minds. He even brought out CJ Fly to perform his verses on the songs he was featured on.  It took me straight back to the summer after 10th grade. My little brother was my go-to for all music that wasn’t LA mixtapes, and Lil Wayne. But my little brother was always on the underground scene and putting me on to Joey, Mac, Wiz, and Curren$y specifically. It was a summer filled with truly discovering whom I was becoming and also mourning the death of my cousin. He was also dealing with the death of his best friend Capital Steez. 

 

           He then went on to perform his discography in chronological order. Which allowed us the audience to travel and reminisce with him. From his new album 2000, he performed Where I Belong, Make me Feel, and Head High. It was beautiful since the album at that moment was four days old. So it was amazing to get the performance and enjoy watching him perform the words. 

 

         He performed the song Head High which was his tribute to XXXTentacion. Which for me was just a personal reminder that people may not always start good but respect when they change and are good people at heart. He then followed it up by playing his song infinity(888). He performed a song Love is only a feeling which he gave the audience a first listen. And it instantly became one of my favorite songs by him til this day. 

 

           The show ended with him performing these three songs The High & The Low, Temptation, And Devastated. The show felt very personal and gave a jazz club vibe. I loved it so much and would definitely go to another Joey Badda$$ concert. 

DonMonique: Givin Body 

July 2020 
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          My introduction to DonMonique was on Twitter, sis gave a snippet of Givin' Body with a cute tik Tok video. The tweet said, "Beyonce please don't sue me." This created anticipation for me not only was the song for the mellow bad bitches but her deep yet sexy voice captures your attention forcing you to listen to what she is saying. So with anticipation for the song, I went and searched for her discography. I discovered one of my favorite songs Drown. 

 

Drown starts off with 

 

"Cause when I'm chilling, I be coming down 

Told him roll me up blunt, I need another round

And he hit me his chirp, he want it by the pound

Niggas call me when they need it, cause I be around"

 

          The lyrics mix with the slowed-down mellow beat, giving a boost to whatever high you are feeling, whether it'd be high off life or marijuana. The first verse introduces her and the type of woman she is. She gets to the business and to come into her life you must be serving a purpose. My favorite verse has to be the second one. 

 

"Finessing the plug, lettin' a bitch nigga know I'm thinkin' bout getting a nut 

Smokin' a dub, Hennessy all in my cup, never forgettin' the thugs 

Hittin' the club, all of my bitches a 10, niggas be yellin' wassup 

Never in love, these niggas know I'm a G, Ow"

 

           The song alone made me a fan. I felt like I found a female rapper that made songs for my day-to-day life. Being a boss bitch who is smoking through life. Keeping calm through both the highs and lows. 

 

          While still fixating over Drown, Givin Body finally dropped. This beat and song differ from Drown as it is more upbeat and her delivery is cocky asf. She knows she’s the shit and she reminds listeners why she is dubbed "The Black Kate Moss". The first verse doubles as my favorite verse, it starts off strong and demands you see that she is indeed tha Don Dada. 

 

           It's easy to see that she has definitely gained a fan in me. She has two projects that hold songs that I really enjoy especially while smoking a leaf.

The first project is called Thirst Trap. This project holds my fav Drown along with Untld which shows her versatility and I love a bitch that knows how to work her deep voice.  

 

            The second project she dropped was called The Black Kate Moss. This project is a favorite of mines out of the two. From Tha Ball, H.B.I.C, Black Kate Moss Chocolate Bunny, and New Kim, Old Nicki. These songs definitely made their way to my daily playlist to remind me that I indeed am that bitch. 

 

Below are links to connect and check her and her music out on your own. 

 

Website

Twitter

Instagram

Ari Lennox: Shea Butter Baby Album

July 2019 
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          In Ari’s debut album, she gives us old soul,  with a splash of new R&B. The album feels like you are being inducted into her life and well as she asks in the beginning “Are you ready to be my friend, it gets deep.” It feels like a secret glimpse into the life and mind of Ari. Which comes right after the beautiful serenade of Chicago Boy.  

          Broke is one of my favorites with J.I.D putting his own sense of humor on the track. It is a reminder that we have all been or are still broke. Feels like a reminder to never ponder but to remember that one can and will get past the broke stage in life. Sometimes we forget that being broke doesn’t equate to the end of the world. 

New Apartment shows what believing in yourself can do. You can leave that toxic partner and do all they said you shouldn’t previously. Owning the fact that you have your own shit. Embracing and celebrating that you got this new apartment and the furniture you picked. The ending though is the touching part. Reminding us that with everything that you pick for your apartment with all the time and energy you spent being alone. You are still lonely and need people to make the apartment home. 

 

          The entire album brings back true R&B and shows the different styles that Ari possesses the album almost feels like a live album feeling and hearing every instrument and appreciating their position on each song. The entire album is one that you will never ever skip a song. You need the flow and you don’t want to miss any piece of this story. 

           I am a big fan of Ari Lennox and the body of work she puts out. I have no doubt in my mind that she is one of the best R&B girls of our generation and also of all time. 

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