“Nothing without intention. Do nothing without intention.”
– Solange
This year has been filled with music moments worth blogging about. The culture itself is united in the name of good music, dope beats, clever drops, and artistic evolution. Here on Giselle Ave. we pride ourselves in keeping our ears to the streets when it comes to the latest and hottest music drops of the year. In fact, one of our very first blog posts was an ode to Frank Ocean’s declaration of [sexual] independence and how liberating it is to live your own truth. You can actually peep what we had to say about it here, way back in 2012.
Fast forward to 2019 and music artists continue to create ground-breaking moments in music that inspire, and shed light on the human experience— worldwide. June is National Black Music Appreciation Month and it’s the perfect time to reflect on what’s been keeping us musically inspired so far, this year.
With that being said, let us highlight some of the best music moments of 2019 so far.
Singles
Glass by Awesomeisjayell
Inspired by his personal journey through life, the Do-It-Yourself Music Pioneer and Atlanta-native, Awesomeisjayell, released his hit single– GLASS in January of 2019. This track is truly a soul cry and call-to-action to those fearlessly overcoming obstacles in life. The catchy hook, “I got a way, I got a plan– thank God I ain’t break,” is an entire vibe and testimony in itself. This song was produced, written, and published by Awesomeisjayell, through his own record label, Yell-Air Sound.
Suge by Da Baby
If you’ve been to the club or brunch lately, you’ve probably heard this track spinning. Suge is a current club banger thanks to the rise of Cleveland-native, Da Baby, and his popular lyrics, “I go where I want, Suge– I’m a Young CEO.” Personally, this particular line had me searching for the lyrics to add this song to my own playlist. Keep this track rocking all summer for some good ole’ turn up vibes with your squad. This single is featured on DaBaby’s album, Baby on Baby, released March 2019 by Interscope Records.
Mile High by James Blake feat. Travis Scott & Metro Boomin
James Blake is a singer, songwriter, and producer from London. In addition to playing multiple instruments, Blake delivers fans a unique sound derived at the intersection of alternative music, rap, electronic, and classical music genres. I’ve personally always been a fan of Blake ever since his Overgrown days, but this year, Blake has made himself even more known in the mainstream music scene. In January, he released a new album, titled Assume Form through Polydor Records. His hit single, Mile High is one of his first “trap” songs in his music catalog and features Travis Scott & Metro Boomin. This song is an example of how Blake continues to push his own boundaries as both a songwriter and underground musical genius.
Tia Tamera by Doja Cat feat. Rico Nasty
The rise of female music artists is here to stay– and I’m here for it! Stream this single for the ultimate girl-empowered mash-up of the year. As a play on the popular sitcom, Sister Sister, this single featuring Rico Nasty was released in February by Kemosabe Reocords/RCA Records and is featured on Doja Cat’s album, Amala. This song is fun, feminine, flirty, and colorful and is the perfect summer jam to play on your way to ladies night with your girl squad!
That’s a Rack by Lil Uzi Vert
After taking a hiatus from the music industry due to label woes, Lil Uzi Vert is back with another hit single, That’s A Rack, and it’s a guaranteed bop. This song was released in April, through Atlantic Recording Corporation and WEA International– a Warner Music Group. We’re happy to hear more from the dancing rap trendsetter and I’m honestly looking forward to blasting this song, dancing with hubby, riding down Peachtree— for the rest of 2019.
Trending Topics
21 Savage is from….. London?
It was Superbowl Sunday in Downtown Atlanta, and my husband and I were mellowing out, awaiting the halftime show shenanigans and wondering where the highly-anticipated Super Bowl crowd was hiding…. and then #21Savage started trending worldwide on Twitter. Basically, ICE shed light on the fact that 21 Savage technically isn’t from East Atlanta, Gawja– Zone 6. In fact, he’s not even a U.S. citizen, and he’s from…. London? Well, that wasn’t expected. Honestly, this was a trending topic in music that had us all in a state of confusion. Like, where’s his accent? How long has he been in Atlanta? But, frankly, we still love 21, and his latest album, I AM > I WAS— is riding… so it is what it is. You can read the full story here, but talk about a way to kickoff the New Year.
Super Bowl in Atlanta, Halftime Performance feat. Maroon 5, Travis Scott, James Blake, and Big Boi
As a resident of Downtown Atlanta, we couldn’t help but fall into the hype of Super Bowl 53. The best part of Super Bowl– for those of use who aren’t huge football fans– is the halftime show and everyone was debating about who should perform during halftime since it was first announced that SB53 would be held in Atlanta. The verdict? Maroon 5. We got Maroon 5, feat. Travis Scott, James Blake and a splash of Big Boi– for a Super Bowl, that was held in the heart of African-American music and culture– Atlanta, GA. So, yeah, that’s that. You can watch the full halftime performance here!
The show was well-executed, and super entertaining! Maroon 5 has a ton of hits, and I appreciated the halftime show itself. It’s just, well you know, this is Atlanta. We have soooo many acts to choose from but I also understand that the Super Bowl is political. Overall, it was a great show and still had us talking about it online, so the mission to increase ratings was accomplished. Even though, the views overall were at an all-time low in 11 years. Perhaps it isn’t about the sport, but the controversy surrounding the NFL today? I digress.
Homecoming by Beyonce
Netlfix documentary.
Beychella.
Homecoming LIVE album.
Beyonce Giselle Knowles Carter.
Periodt.
Megan Thee Stallion
Listeeeeeeeen! (In my Megan Thee Stallion voice) I am here for the rise of Megan, Thee Stallion— the 5 foot 10 in. newly-minted female rapper on the scene, and (former/current) college student. Megan makes this list thanks to her mission to proudly embrace who the f*** she is, unapologetically. She is so fierce, fabulous, and has twerk moves at the gas station that have been trending on social media all yearlong. This proud Houston Texan is bringing the black cowgirl to the mainstream, and we are ALL getting into it! The people are calling this the “Yee Haw” agenda, and I’m going to mention “Old Town Road,” as another piece of the agenda.
Well, call me Cowgirl Belle in the City, because– it’s working.
R.I.P. Nipsey Hussle
Rest in Peace Ermias Joseph Asghedom, also known as Nipsey Hussle. As an American Rapper, Entrepreneur, Activist, and Father, the tragic news of the loss of Nipsey Hussle shocked the nation. He was a strong advocate for ownership in music- and in life and his legacy lives on.
The marathon continues.
Albums
When I Get Home by Solange
As a follow-up to her therapeutic 2016 album, A Seat at the Table, Solange is back with another full body of work that is simply– outstanding. Every song, every beat, every intention speaks directly to my soul and I’m truly inspired by her artistic self-expression. When it comes to making this list, the album has to be solid from beginning to end, and When I Get Home surpasses ALL expectations of what it means to create a legendary, timeless album. In addition the the album release, Solange rebooted the popular social network, Black Planet, and released a short film, filled with visuals to accompany each track. One of my favorite songs is Almeda, featuring Play Boy Carti— but the entire album is amazing.
Thank you Solange for reminding me that my skin IS my logo! This album was released in March by Columbia Records, a Division of Sony Music Entertainment.
IGOR by Tyler the Creator
Last but not least, Tyler the Creator himself is closing out the best music moments of 2019 so far, with the release of his latest album, IGOR. His last album, Flower Boy, was released in 2017 and was also a great body of work, but this new album is an entire different creation– from Tyler. Tyler the Creator is a fellow Nigerian-American and is well-known for his unapologetic approach to self-expression: this is me, take it or leave it. The entire album is great– and boasts upbeats, melodies, and is quite soulful. One of my favorite songs is I Think, feat. Kali Uchis– a pop, funk track that makes for a great song to dance to. Then, we’re surprised with yet another iconic feature from Play Boy Carti on his single, Earfquake, and the music video is SO Tyler! The album was released in May by Columbia Records, a Division of Sony Music Entertainment, as an exclusive license.
For the Love of Music
From the looks of it, 2019 has been a great year in music so far, and it’s only June! I’m looking forward to what the rest of this year has in store for music fans worldwide. We curate quarterly playlists on Giselle Ave. via Apple Music and Spotify to give our travelers the perfect soundtrack to your life. You can stream them by simply searching “Giselle Ave.” on your favorite music streaming platform.
So, what do you think of this list? Which music moments did I miss? Which singles/albums would you add or take off?
Let me know in the comments section and be sure to stream your top songs on your favorite music streaming platform. Also, be sure to visit the artist’s website to support their brands beyond the music!
Now streaming on Giselle Ave.,
Belle in the City Giselle
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