I’m not much of a Taylor Swift fan, I mean I’m not technically in her demo of listeners…but when I heard she was coming out with a new song for her upcoming album release, I was interested in seeing where she would take her creative direction.

Then the internet blew up. Two Wednesdays ago, clips of her “controversial” single and press was released around Taylor’s new visual for “Look What You Made Me Do” and social media did not disappoint with there reaction. People were big mad. The memes were savage, and the think-piecies overflowed with criticism of Taylor’s whole victim-image and rip-off Lemonade persona. Dude, they even dubbed her video Minute Maid. And yes, I laughed because it was clever as all get out (#IAintSorry) but the criticism was so raw even Joseph Kahn felt the need to step in and defend their work.

You know what though…I love music so I watched it. Even past the whole “I don’t like your tilted stage” line (giggles). I’m sitting there like “ohhhh she really thinks she’s doing something.” I mean everyone knows they hate each other and we’re all sadly entertained by it but I was hoping it wouldn’t be all she would lead with. And I’m glad to say it wasn’t. Tay-Tay went all kinds of cray cray and with her video and there were secret messages galore. Exciting, I know right. If you’re a Swifty, you can check out a few of them HERE or HERE.

Now you might be wondering how I personally feel about the song and the clip. It’s not for me but I get it. I’m sure it’s already #1 on the charts, her fans adore her. The video did give me a few chuckles and it was not as Beyoncé-esk as one might think. Kahn was right. People call it genius, I just call it well directed. It’s not hard to reference things in the video if you follow her story. It didn’t use enough of my brain cells for me to think it was deep. I just know she’s definitely got a chip on her shoulder and is telling the world little nice Tay-Tay is dead. Now she’s sassy, edgy Tay-Tay that twirls with “the kids” and doesn’t need to play guitar or write hit songs for huge pop stars to prove she’s hot. Yeah girl, go you! And by the way…I still don’t know “what they made her do.” Kill her old self and bring out her inner tigress? I dunno, maybe that.

Anywho, give it a go for yourself and leave me your thoughts below! <3

-D.Wright

So what can I say that hasn’t already been said about the immensely talented Montina? I can barely collect my thoughts. I guess I’ll just start with the obvious… this girl can sang her face off! It’s no surprise why Beyoncé tapped Montina to join her team as a background vocalist over 13 years ago.

Montina has, since then, sang alongside Queen Bey and taken the world by storm with sold out tours and legendary performances a singer could only dream of. With all of her success and accomplishments, that didn’t seem to be enough. Montina released her 2016 project, simply titled, “Closer“ as a marker for where she was in womanhood and as testament to the life she lived. Shameless plug and humble brag: I was fortunate to write with her on two songs and she is more than freakishly talented, she’s a true sweetheart.

So now what is Ms. Montina up to? She’s taking no prisoners with her newly released, gut-punching ballad “Grass is Greener.” Montina is laying it out there for women who have experienced heartbreak and infidelity with a clear message…

[su_quote cite=”I made sure, my grass was greener next door.”][/su_quote]

You hear a rawness from Montina that breaks away from her legendary cool tone and smooth vocals. Montina is stepping out in more ways than one and I’m excited to hear what she reveals for her follow up. Click here to download the song on iTunes! <3

-D.Wright

One of my favorite songs this year is from an artist you will get to know very well…Houston’s own, Jack Freeman. And he just dropped a video for it! Swoons.

Nobody is this soulful, and romantic expression to a love lost that draws you in from the first guitar lick. You just know you’re going to be in for a treat. Then you hear it…

[su_quote cite=”I’ve been around the world. Been a lot of places, seen all these pretty faces but hey…ooooohh it’s nobody like you.”][/su_quote]

The new visual is dark yet boldy luminescent. It almost feels as if there’s a spotlight on his reflective time of this once in a lifetime love he let slip away. And EVESBOROUGH did not disappoint, bringing out beautifully timed cuts and imagery of Jack. They helped him tell a story all on his own. He performs this song alone, with no female lead dramatically leaving him after a big fight or props helping distract him from his obvious pain. Jack Freeman holds down this video with a super-fly tailored suit and a player-worthy hat. Check the clip below if you don’t believe me.

I met Jack years ago at South by Southwest, and immediately knew he was special. I don’t say that because he’s crazy as all get out and a riot to hang with. He had great energy then and I later found out the dynamic artist that he was. Over the years, Jack has put in a ton of work around the city and performed some amazing venues all over the US. It’s truly been a pleasure to see him grow as musician and singer. Jack is the real deal and has next in Houston.

Photo courtesy of Jack Freeman.

He’s already quite accomplished as an independent artist and has had a pretty amazing year so far. Nobody was hand selected by the legendary Spike Lee to feature on his new Netflix series “She’s Gotta Have It.” Not to mention, Jack has also been featured in numerous digital publications and was mentored by John Legend after being one of five hand-picked artists selected for the AXE Collective showcase during South by Southwest 2016. This guy stays pushing forward. Jack, we’re rooting for your win! <3

-D.Wright

Yesterday was Prince’s birthday. He would have been 59 years old…

Photo courtesy of Rolling Stone.

I continuously celebrate him as the best musician of our generation but yesterday, for lack of better words, sucked. Sure, his music was everywhere and there were tributes plastered all over social media but my King of SassNShade is no longer with us and it breaks my little purple loving heart.

Photo courtesy of Rolling Stone.

It was one of those days that made me sad because I know we’ll never experience a musician of his caliber in our generation again. I’m totally grateful to have been alive during his life though, and will probably be one of those old folks talking about the greatest entertainer of all times cross-dressing while ripping the guitar and the time he wore buttless pants on national television. I’ll have stories for days, music for years, memories forever and all of that jazz but I still feel like little a piece of me is missing. I guess this is how Elvis fans feel.

I won’t pretend to know every single album, rhyme, or guitar lick…I just know up until last year, April 21st was the first time I spent a day knowing this majestic creature would no longer hypnotize us with his magic

What’s your favorite Prince song?
Mine might be I Would Die 4 U. <3

-D.Wright