Musically Opinionated: Teyonna’s Top Ten – 4/1/2022

There were no good music releases this week… 

April Fool’s! Yeah, I’m mad at myself for starting off that way, too. I do NOT participate in April Fool’s and I always get got with other people’s pranks so today is not for me. 

But let’s go ahead and get into it. Here’s my Top 10 songs for the week:

Big Energy Remix ft. Mariah Carey and DJ Khaled – Latto (March 28, 2022)

If you don’t know this about me yet, you’re going to get to know it quickly: I am a Mariah Stan through and through. I have been since I was 3 years old and I intend to be for the rest of my life on this earth. Seeing Mariah do more and more fun collaborations at this point in her career is endearing for us lambs. This song was already a bop and to have it mashed up with one of Mariah’s biggest hits and one of the most recognizable and iconic samples is just a fun time all around while we’re getting ready for summer.

When You’re Gone – Shawn Mendes (March 31, 2022)

I told ya you’ll never know what my mood holds week to week and who will pop up on this list. Last week, a Canadian artist was my #2, we’re keeping the streak alive this week it seems.  It’s what you’d expect from Shawn Mendes and I’m not mad at it. It fits right into the genre I like to call “Forever 21 music” and again, I’m not mad at it.

up at night ft. Justin Bieber – Kehlani  (March 30, 2022)

This song grooves. It’s exactly what I always imagined a 90s house party feels like. Once the beat comes in, it definitely has a Brandy or XScape music video vibe, like you’re going to turn your head and lock eyes with your boo standing by the pool while all these stylish people are dancing around you in slow motion. I’m excited for Kehlani’s new music, especially if it keeps sounding like this.

Forbidden Fruit ft. Enny – Mychelle (April 1, 2022)

Neo-soul at its finest. This reminds me a lot of India Arie in all the best ways. The track is smooth and sensual, Mychelle’s voice floating above the bassline effortlessly while English rapper Enny’s verse comes in solid and grounded, providing such a satisfying contrast. It’s a great mashup of talent, and is definitely going on my morning playlist.  

Leave You Alone – Ella Mai (March 31, 2022)

In all honesty, I’m glad Ella Mai went away for a little bit, it’s making this return even sweeter. Her voice sounds so much more clear, both her singing and also the lyrical content in the music she’s been dropping lately. It feels as though she’s confidently emerging as an artist, and I’m ready for her to leave the girls shaking in their boots.   

WE (Warm Embrace) – Chris Brown (April 1, 2022)

I get so used to Chris Brown being everyone else’s featured secret weapon, I sometimes forget his power as a standalone artist. I love everything about this single— the Guy sample, the sweet lyrics, his buttery tone. Chris Brown is an artist who can navigate lots of different genres but it’s always nice to hear him return to R&B.

Ego Extended Mix w/ Alex Isley, vbrtns – Lucky Daye (April 1, 2022)

Lucky Daye is the man of the hour, that’s not debatable. You’re telling me that I get a LONGER version of one of the songs off this masterpiece of an album , Candydrip? Say less. Turn it up.

Last One ft. Dylan Sinclair – Savannah Ré (March 30, 2022)

Another good ass R&B song. The R&B girls are out here! I will say, though, anything with Dylan Sinclair on it has had me in a chokehold and him on this song is hypnotizing. This song sounds like pouring myself a glass of wine just to feel sexy, just because. Or like putting on lotion after a hot, steamy, much needed shower. Comfort. I think that’s the word I’m looking for.  

Caliber – Coco Jones (March 18, 2022)

I’m a little late to the party with this song, but we LOVE Coco in this household. I was not expecting her voice to be this soft on this track. Maybe it’s just me but I love seeing people I once followed as a child grow up and into their grown and sexy. I’m here for all-a-that for Coco Jones, talk your ish boo. Also, look at this cover art!!!

Before I Let Her Go – Phabo (April 1, 2022)

The vibe is giving Joe, he references Brandy in the chorus, and his voice glides on this beat so comfortably. Phabo seems to have mastered the art of pulling all my favorite parts of late 90s/ early 2000s R&B and combining them with the great trends of modern R&B and neo-Soul to create a sound I can’t get enough of.  Catch me driving to this one on repeat. 

Spotify 

Apple Music 

These songs are on the playlists linked above for your listening pleasure. How do you feel about my picks? What songs am I missing? Comment and let me know!

-T

Musically Opinionated: Teyonna’s Top Ten – 3/25/2022

My name is Teyonna, pronounced just like Teyana Taylor. I have strong opinions about most media: books, TV, movies, magazines, and especially music. I try to stay up on the latest and greatest but I’m not gonna lie, it’s a struggle! Who has the time to keep up with it all? 

The peak of my musical pop culture knowledge were the days of getting home from school and turning on 106&Park so Terrence J and Rocsi could tell me what songs and videos were the hottest of the week (I was barely in school with A.J. and Free, but we love them too– yes, I just told you how old I am.) Writing up this list will hold me accountable to staying current on my music and keeping my playlists updated. 

I’ll preface this by saying that I listen to a lot of R&B, Hip-Hop and Soul. But you never know what my mood and life circumstances may pull into my orbit. So let’s just get into it. Here’s my Top 10 songs for the week:

KMS – Marzz (released March 7, 2022)

Marzz is one of my favorite artists out right now. Her tracks are short and sweet, lyrical, melodical, tone clear like glass, underlying bass bumping, smooth vibes, all that. She’s all the things that are defining today’s R&B scene without trying to do too much. I highly recommend anything you can find from her, including her single “FYM” that dropped yesterday, but this song is *chef’s kiss*.

Figure it Out – Sage Harris (March 16, 2022)

Something is in the water in Canada. Sage Harris is yet another talent emerging from Toronto, and this song is his latest release. Sultry and emotional, it perfectly balances everything we love from the moody 90s R&B era and the new sexy R&B coming out of the 2020s. The hook on this song did its job– hooked me as soon as I heard it. 

Fair – Normani (March 18, 2022)

I’m clearly feeling the chill vibes this week. I was expecting another bop or girls night out jam from Normani but this song is so refreshingly stripped down and clean. It sounds like that midday shower I took to reset my intentions and wash off the stress getting in the way of what I need to do. I don’t even presently relate to the lyrics (I’m not wondering how someone moved on so fast, I mean)  yet this somehow pairs so well with my morning cup of tea. 

Confujawn ft. Nija – Capella Grey (March 18, 2022)

“Confusion” was how I felt when I first saw the name of the song, but this track is such a vibe. The beat, melody, and lyrics make this a prime slow jam for the club, just like the official visual. Might catch me whining to this on the low in my kitchen, in the bathroom mirror, practicing for my next boo’d up moment in the club. 

Whatever Simon Says – Mahalia (March 18, 2022)

For all my strong-minded ladies, I felt this to my core. People pushing me to do something just makes me not want to do it. Let me do what I want to do. Mahalia is also emerging with her very distinct voice and sound. I find her on my playlists more and more and I’m not complaining.  

No Love (Extended) with SZA & Cardi B – Summer Walker (March 25, 2022)

This song was already on heavy rotation before adding Cardi, who sounds so tender here, might I add. Me gusta. The visual that accompanied this release was a reminder that Black women stay winning, and I’m considering the video a conclusion to a strong Women’s History Month. Black women everywhere, take a bow. Especially the three ladies on this song. 

Child of God – Chance the Rapper (March 25, 2022)

This brought me back to the spirit behind Chance’s Coloring Book album. This song feels like a conversation with an old friend you haven’t seen in a while, and it fits into the theme of my routine this week. Cleanse, reset, and Focus. I’ve missed this sound from Chance.

Cybah ft. Lucky Daye – Syd (March 18, 2022)

This track is everything you’d expect from this collaboration. Pretty, sultry, groovy, and pulls at all the right heart strings. The mix of Syd’s airy whisper-singing and Lucky Daye’s throaty crooning works so well. I don’t know what to get lost in, the melody or the funky instruments doing their thing on top of the bass line. This song requires listening on repeat a few times to fully appreciate everything going on. 

Playboy – Fireboy DML (March 23, 2022)

I keep humming this one line over and over: “so many hoes demma think I’m a farmer.” This song’s vibe snuck up on me and it’s already made its way into my regular rotation. There’s a reason Fireboy DML was named Billboard’s March R&B/ Hip-Hop Rookie of the Month. He’s been blazing his own trail on the Afro-beats scene, and we love to see it.

Banking on Me – Gunna (Feb. 14, 2022)

And last but not least, to round out a week of focus and chill vibes, I conclude this list with Gunna’s latest single. I know I’m a month late, but this song snuck into my playlist while I was repotting my plants and it set the mood just right. Shoutout to the piano on this one. 

Give these songs a listen on these playlists, updated weekly on Fridays:

Spotify 

Apple Music 

How do you feel about my picks? What songs am I missing? Comment and let me know!

-T

TATIA’S ICONIC POEM “BLACK GOLD” IS UPLIFTING THE CULTURE

black gold

Written By: Lehlieh Zion

Tatia is a poet based, born and raised in Los Angeles, California. At a tender age, the prodigious artist remembers chasing butterflies and writing magical poetry. The piece “Black Gold” would later reveal her affinity for black skin which she refers to as “liquid gold”.

In 2016 political activist Louis Farrakhan inspired Tatia to pen “Black Gold”. Years later this identical poem would be known as one of the most inspiring anthems to African Americans across the United States. However, during our recent interview, Tatia transparently shared the passing of George Floyd truly motivated her to finally release the poem, publicly. The artist also shared that she dedicated “Black Gold” to her late mother who majorly influenced the Selma Bridge march in the ’60s by risking her life to march and protest against injustice. It’s clear activism run’s in Tatia’s blood further influencing her distinguished poetry pieces.

When asked, what does ‘Black Gold’ mean to you? she responded,

” Black Gold is an ode to our ancestors. It’s time to build the black family & encourage black love.”

– Tatia

After 33k+ Youtube views of her viral poem, Tatia is not stopping there. Since then she has released her latest single “Still Standing” which highlights the strength of overcoming obstacles for people everywhere. It is truly a work of art. As Tatia continues to pen her sentiments we will continue to be inspired by her brave work.

Check out my full interview with Tatia on “Black Gold” below!

Lehlieh Zion
Lehlieh Zion

Lehlieh is a primary writer at The Coffman Agency. She is also a media personality, author, and host of the mindfulness podcast “The Healing Room”.

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THE RISE OF DARREL WALLS

written by: Lehlieh Zion

darrel walls

Darrel Walls also known as, ‘Musiqcity’ is an American gospel singer, songwriter, record producer, and motivational speaker from Houston, Texas. He is infamously known as the founder of the Multi-Grammy nominated quartet, ‘The Walls Group’.

the walls group

The Walls Group is an American urban contemporary gospel group that has worked with artists like Brandy and Kirk Franklin to name a few. Darrel started the quartet with his three younger siblings, Rhea, Alic, and Ahjah, and have impacted millions of people all over the world. Over the years the leading Tenor has blossomed into his own artist gracefully and never ceases to amaze his audience.

As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Darrel has managed to weave his gift into some of our favorite contemporary and gospel tunes. Songs like “Deliver Us” by August Alsina, “So In Love” by PJ Morton, and “Make Room” by Jonathan McReynolds have all been hits blessed by Mr. Musiqcity himself. However, in 2020 it was clear the world had not heard this Houston natives best.

The summer of 2020 took a major shift for Darrel and placed him in a position to almost forfeit his entire music career. In a recent exclusive interview I did with Darrel on The Healing Room Podcast he explained, his journey having to heal from a betrayal by a “close friend”. When asked how he triumphed the pain and disappointment associated with set betrayal he responded,

“I learned in this journey of life you can never take things personally”

– Darrel Walls

I must admit, his response surprised me but it was clear Darrel’s optimistic approach to life is what led to his continuous rise. Hence, the very reason I am highlighting Darrel Walls today. From his public humiliation to his love for God and humanity, Darrel has birthed some of his most powerful spontaneous worship songs to date through his new movement “Acts Church”.

darrel walls

Walls said he created ‘Acts Church’ completely led by God for people of all walks of life to heal. Acts Church is a safe space where God’s love is not limited to a specific race, gender, or even your sexual preference. Darrel’s new movement is a place where anyone can authentically heal, safely. Today unbiased love is what we need. As we watch the world crumble through hate crimes, racism, and genocides we can only hope humanity will see a brighter day. It appears God has chosen Darrel Walls to give the world a new antidote against hate.

Watch our full interview below for more.

Lehlieh Zion
Lehlieh Zion

Lehlieh is a primary writer at The Coffman Agency. She is also a media personality, author, and host of the mindfulness podcast “The Healing Room”.

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Meet Virginia Rap Phenomenon 808TurnEmUp

Written by: Lehlieh Zion

The early twenty-year-old began his music career in high school with his first viral mixtape, “Vibing Season”.

The smash reached over 50k streams its first week. Seeing that, 808 committed to pursuing music full time. Last year the producer gone artist opened his first studio with hopes of producing his own and other rapper’s music as well.

In 2020 808TurnEmUp released, “Dirty Dancing” following the official music video. He describes his music genre as expressive. Some of his musical influences include Gucci Mane and Future. During our interview, he made it very clear he preferred not to compare his artistry to other artists. It’s unclouded 808 prefers to remain authentic and primitive. His latest song, “Leek Block”, has been a fan favorite. 808TurnEmUp will be releasing new music in Summer 2021. The best is yet to come for the Virginia rap phenomenon. Check out a sneak peek of our interview below.

Lehlieh Zion
Lehlieh Zion

Lehlieh is a primary writer at The Coffman Agency. She is also a media personality, author, and host of the mindfulness podcast “The Healing Room”.

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ROXANNE LUCIANO, FOREIGN AND FOCUSED

Roxanne Luciano is a name to remember.

The Los Angeles-raised, Atlanta-bred femcee is blazing the hip-hop industry with her bold rhymes. In 2020 Roxanne released her first single and official music video, “Rich Rich.” The confident song articulating wealth, power, and elevation caught the attention of 32K + supporters. The “foreign and focused” artist is rhapsodical and here to bring the hip hop industry what it’s been missing. Roxanne’s message to her fans is to inspire women to be empowered and chase their dreams.

Roxanne discovered her rapping approach through influential artists such as Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Lil Kim, Lil Wayne, MIA, and Santigold. Film Producer Tony Mercedes manages the Femcee and has since helped her emerge to higher heights. The rapper also shares an interest in fashion and other ventures as well as finishing up her degree. It’s clear she’s not your average rapper and is preparing her brand for the next level. Luciano’s career is evolving and she’s taking the music industry by storm.

Lehlieh Zion
Lehlieh Zion

Lehlieh is a primary writer at The Coffman Agency. She is also a media personality, author, and host of the mindfulness podcast “The Healing Room”.

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Nicole Mitchell Of Urbane Luggage Is Expanding

Written By: Lehlieh Zion

urbane luggage

Nicole Mitchell is the Queen of luxury hemp luggage. Her passion for eco-friendly material and travel galvanized her company, ‘Urbane Luggage.’

During the pandemic, Nicole bolstered Urbane Luggage with ‘Face Covers.’ The custom-dyed Hemp muslin-lined filter pocketed masks are a fan favorite. Considering the bloom of the present masks, Nicole cinched ‘Urbane Goods.’ Urbane Goods is an adjunct of Urbane Luggage and currently in production. The prodigious creator announced hemp ‘Good Tee’s and charming pillows as debut items coming soon during our interview. Nicole’s inspiration for sustainable fashion helps reduce excess material waste and energy. Nicole ensures her rare and quality brand will transform the fashion industry.

nicole

New Australian Banger “Crash Into Me” featuring Madison Daniel

madison daniel

Written By: Lehlieh Zion

Dj Callie Reiff has produced a sensational anthem called “Crash Into Me”, featuring the melodic vocals of Madison Daniel.

In a recent Starry Mag Interview Callie described the tune featuring Australian star an “NYC club energy sound”. When asked how Madison connected with her, Callie responded, “Madison sent over this topline idea that was originally called “Drown.” The vocals started playing and immediately I was putting the vocal stems into Ableton and starting to add drums and melodies. It came together pretty quickly because I really felt the emotion in Madison’s voice and the story fueled all the ideas that followed after for me.” ‘Crash Into Me’ is an absolutely unforgettable piece. Madison Daniel’s voice is mollifying and brimming with vibes far and wide on this hit single.

https://soundcloud.com/calliereiff/callie-reiff-crash-into-me-feat-madison-daniel
Lehlieh Zion
Lehlieh Zion

Lehlieh is a primary writer at The Coffman Agency. She is also a media personality, author, and host of the mindfulness podcast “The Healing Room”.

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Beyonce Makes History and Breaks Record Winning 28 Grammy Awards As Female Artist

Written By: Lehlieh Zion

Beyonce won 4 awards tonight and made monumental history winning her 28th Grammy Award. Black Parade conquered the award for Best R&B Performance as well as her feature on “Savage” with Megan The Stallion. This award labeled her most awarded female artist in Grammy history.

The heroic ‘Black Parade’ was the nominated record of the year but won Best R&B Performance in lieu. The artist dominated the awards ceremony tonight in her Schiaparelli leather mini dress with sheer matching gloves.

Beyonce’s Daughter Blue Ivy Wins Her First Grammy Award

Blue Ivy won her first Grammy Award for Best Music Video, ‘Brown Skin Girl. The 9-year-old is endowed in music from her uncommon wellspring. Congratulations Blue Ivy.

Lehlieh Zion
Lehlieh Zion

Lehlieh is a primary writer at The Coffman Agency. She is also a media personality, author, and host of the mindfulness podcast “The Healing Room”.

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