Shawty Playlists

I have been wanting to make music playlists for the blog forever but never really got around to it. Kind of pathetic since I am a DJ. But I secretly make playlist all the time for parties, friends and now you! Introducing the first playlist of a compilation of music that I obsessed over in 2012 with hopes to enlighten those with these songs that they might have missed out on. I promise to try my very very hardest to post one playlist every month! We shall see how this goes, happy listening! 

Black Girl Mixes from arvolyn on 8tracks Radio.

playlist artwork taken by me. 

Yes, Kendrick

Today's rainy day called for some new sounds in my ear. Kendrick Lamar definitely did the trick. I first feel in love with Lamar when I heard A.D.H.D. I think it's his honest, fearless, flow that when I hear him it's like hearing West Coast rap music for the very first time. The Compton rapper's highly anticipated major label debut album good kid, m.A.A.d city came out yesterday. After listening to every single track I declare that it is most definitely PERFECT. Every song walking you through a new chapter of Lamar's life.  My favorite track is below, but most definitely listen to the full album here.

Also I love Compton and Money Trees

New Tunes New Hooping

I am kinda obsessed with the band Mean Lady who describe themselves as "two kids from Delaware that want to play at Bonnaroo."  That is basically the only piece of information I know about them and maybe all I need, because their sound is perfect. I fell in love with their song Bop Bop after hearing it on a Miss Moss playlist. I have been overplaying their E.P. on Kid Friendly which you can have at a name your own price rate. Definitely give them a listen and below is a video of me hooping to Bop Bop. I hope they make it to Bonnarroo and when they do I can hoop at the show.

The Return of the Leading Ladies

Today marks the first official full day of summer. It's been a long time coming but the season is officially here. Growing up I always spent my summers chilling in nature with my best friend Isabelle jamming out to whatever classic summer tunes we were obsessed with. Good music always sets the tone as a soundtrack for a great summer. So many artists are releasing their CDs in hopes to be the summer song everyone has on repeat. However for me there are two ladies I am so happy are back on the scene. Every girl (or at least me and Isabelle) went through a Fiona Apple and Cat Power phase growing up. I remember the first time I heard the song Free by Cat Power. Isabelle introduced it to me and it blew my world. I was instantly obsessed with the honest grit soaked with Blues in her voice. I can't tell you how many times I have listened to Fiona Apples song Sullen Girl, that song definitely got me through puberty haha. Followed by basically every songs she has ever made, I was and still am obsessed with Apple. After both these artists have been on a hiatus from releasing new music for years I am SO delighted both wonderfully talented women have returned with new sounds and amazing sounds at that. Below is Fiona Apple performing on Jimmy Fallon with The Roots. Apple performed the song Anything We Want off her new album The Idler Wheel is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cord Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do. Followed by Cat Powers new song Ruin off her new album Sun. I cannot wait to listen to both these albums I already know they will be the soundtrack to my summer. 

girl crush

I am going pretty bananas over Azealia Banks right now. It all began with 212 which I will be honest didnt instantly love. But After another few listens I was jumping through the air as though I was next to her in the video. But when I heard new song Jumanji which is below I was sold. I love that she credits Aaliyah as one of her influences.

via dancilblog

Also RIP the Disco Queen Donna Summer! A beautiful fly girl that paved the way for future fly girls like Banks! I will be raging to both your tunes at my next Dj Doctor.

Things I like

Bohemian Dream is my tumblr summer mood board. Its filled with dream catchers, fairy-like ladies and psychedelic landscapes.

I saw this video on evencleveland and my jaw dropped. Its like a real life Up. 

via Thema: Wunderkammer

Especially now that all of the dandelions are out I really am visually in love with this instillation, it almost looks magnetic.

via The kitchn

I am an avocado fanatic if we could turn into what we eat too much of I would totally be an avocado. But it wasn't until recently I discovered the wonderful taste of avocado with honey on toast! Check out the recipe for Simply the Best Breakfast Ever? and give it a try, it will blow your mind. (I like to add red chili flakes too,for an extra kick)

I really like this collaboration. I have been a fan of the Dirty Projectors ever since my friend Adam introduced me to them and I first feel in love with Major Lazer with his song Pon de floor. When I heard this What So Not Remix I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Two artist I would never had expected together, but so good.

via hearty magazine

I just got a pair of floral print Doc Martens that I love, but when I saw that Docs were teaming up with Liberty London I wanted to hit myself over the head! I guess in some way I can justify owning two pairs of floral print Doc Martens because this collection of shoes and bags is too perfect to pass up.

Girls do it better

Lately I have really been into women wearing menswear. There is something mysterious, bold and beautiful about wearing men's clothes and still looking gorgeous. The hat below is perfect.

via The Sartorialist

  via Cali vintage

    vis miss moss blog 

Also repeat this song:

It's time for a check up!

I am two days away from my DJ debut at the Lantern Inn. I am getting really excited! My best friend Sara who is an awesome artist and graphic designer for the Lakeville Journal made me this flier for me!

Spring Equinox

Today is the first day of Spring! I love how magical this time of year is. Flowers just seem to pop out the ground. My best friend Isabelle is here for her spring break and we have been taking advantage of the warm long days, by adventuring around. It's kinda like when we were kids, we are just too giggly fairies.  I snapped this photo outside my house the other day with my iphone and also Genesis is my jam.

New New

I finally got my hair done for the first time in three years. Turning Heads in Harlem definitely took care of my locs. I went in there looking like a wild woman came out looking like a nubian princess, and quite frankly isn't that what we all want when we go to the salon? Well it is for me! I also went to the screening of Death in the Family a short film produced by my friend Zainab Ali. At the end of the film I got to see my name in the credits as production assistant. I was responsible for the film's Facebook page! Lastly, for new careers I also will be DJing at The Lantern Inn in Wassaic, NY. After successfully Djing a 50th birthday party there they welcomed me back to DJ there monthly. I am still in shock of how lucky I am to be able to be apart of an amazing film and bring some night life to the local community! Saturday, March 31 is my first night spinning, mark your calendars and stay posted for more info!

Feel Good

I had a great weekend filled with old friends and new friends along with lots of good food. I also finally got a new iphone, I am addicted to it already. But last week my friend Adam provided me with some much needed new tunes. So I have some new music to share that I have been playing constantly. I don't know much about these artist but their beats are addicting and the lyrics are relatable and understandable, usually two main qualities I like when it comes to hip hop. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Shawty

Bob Marley would have been 67 today. Happy birthday to one of the most original shawties of all time.   

via ringstarstv

Ghost Ride The Whip

This video is amazing. I love MIA, so glad she is back!

Little Dragon

I am a little late in the game with this one but I really love Little Dragon. I discovered the band through Miss Moss's playlist and had one of those moments when you discover new music and you play it over and over again because you can't believe you have never heard it before because it's THAT good. Little Dragon is a Swedish electronic band. Yukimi Nagano is the vocals and her close high school friends Erik Bodin play drums, Fredrik Källgren Wallin plays bass and Håkan Wirenstrand on keyboards. Although their music is labeled electronic I would say it definitely has a soulful R&B aspect to it as well, Nagano's vocal definitely bring that in. I have heard some people call her the Asian Erykah Badu too! Now if you never heard their music before don't expect to instantly see that comparison. But honestly, I do hear it now the more I listen to Nagano's voice. I love Badu so know that I am not quick to go comparing people to her! If Little Dragon and Badu ever collaborated though that would be pretty awesome. Below are some of my favorite songs by Little Dragon that you should let you ears enjoy. 

via Hazyskyline

(My favorite song by Little Dragon)
Also good songs to check out: Night Light, Twice and After the Rain

Shawty

Donald Glover, Childish Gambino, Troy Barnes, whatever you want to call him it's safe to say he is a shawty. There are so many reasons to love this guy and he keeps popping up everywhere whether it is music, television, anything that is remotely awesome. Example: He was in the season finale of Awkward Black Girl! Either way saw these photos taken by Ariel Rosenbloom made me fall more in love with him. It also looks like he is in my uncles old loft in Philly which makes me feel like I am at this photo shoot. Happy rain happy weekend! 

Lady Love

At Last is one of my most favorite songs in the world. Everything about it is perfect. Honest, powerful, raw and romantic. You can't listen to it and start singing along. Etta James had the goods and although she was very ill and I am still really sad about her death. They sure as hell don't make them like they used to. RIP

One week!

Until I graduate from college! I cannot believe how fast it came. I am one paper away from enjoying my last week as a undergrad. Also congratulations to my best friend Emily for having a kick ass senior thesis art show. Above is one of her many amazing creations!
Also how amazing is this Lady Lamb the beekeeper shawty!
Lady Lamb The Beekeper - Penny Licks by brooklynvegan

Rainy day throwback

Booty rockin show stoppin: Thunderheist

If you don't already know, then you should definitely check out Thunderheist. This Canada based duo producer Grahm Zilla from Montreal and MC Isis (from Toronto). They're electronic club beats are incredibly fresh and great to dance to. Bellow is their club hit jerk it, but you should also listen to nothing 2 step 2:)

Jerk It - Thunderheist

I am back in college, and am so far loving it. My class are really interesting and seem like its going to be a good semester.

Somethin New: Mapei

Mapei is Stockholm Sweden's bitch. A natural on the mic. This rapper/singer combines her skills with heavy beats. She goes under a variety of categories from elctro to hip hop. Her EP album Cocoa Butter Dairies is only the start, Mapei is currently working with Justice. You will probably jammin to her lyrics real soon.

Today from 1 to 7pm I was in a driving school run by a man named Jason, he was Caribbean I think. It was definitely an experience. Never been to a driving school like it. I took the 8 hour drug and alcohol coarse in order to be able to get my license. Which was basically hours of having to read triple AAA text books and watch 90s movies about teens that get high and drunk then drive without a seat belt, then die. And then there was a movie about the police, and it basically said all police officers think that you are going to shoot them, so do what they say.... I really just want my license at this point.