July 23, 2023
NewJeans is a girl-group composed of 5 members, Hanni, Minji, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein. Newjeans debuted in 2022 with their EP 'NewJeans,' bringing a totally new attitude to the K-pop industry...
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The upcoming 'Barbie' film, scheduled for release on July 21st, has captured the hearts of fans who have long admired the animated Barbie films. Greta Girwig's live-action remake of the famous film...
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BTS, the global sensation, continues to astound the music industry with their incredible music and meaningful lyrics. Among the members, Jungkook, also referred to as the "Golden Maknae," is.....
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Music industry icon Beyoncé is powerful and captivating. She is known not only for her dramatic performances, but also for her outstanding songwriting skills. We will delve deeper into the creative...
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Gunna, a mainstream rapper, just released a new album containing a #1 “Billboard Hot 100” hit song called “fukumean” despite the current controversy around his name. Gunna was arrested back in May....
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Everyone knows Tik Tok as the app that blew up during COVID as a way for people to create and share short videos for others to enjoy. The video’s posted range from funny skits, dances, lip sync.....
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The mastermind behind the overwhelmingly successful album, Sour, the 20-year-old Olivia Rodrigo comes back into the spotlight with a new heart wrenching single, ‘Vampire’ and the...
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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse took the world by storm with its groundbreaking animation, immersive storytelling and captivating visuals . One of the key elements that contributed to the succe...
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Barbados-born superstar Rihanna has left an indelible mark on the music industry with her iconic sound, versatile talent, and fearless attitude. Her music has become a cultural phenomenon....
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Capturing millions with a unique sound and compelling personality in an ever-evolving world of contemporary music. Very few artists have been able to do it....
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Legendary singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has captivated the world with her haunting lyrics and infectious melodies. Behind her numerous chart hits lies an intriguing songwriting process.....
Read moreMay 18, 2023
Kiana Ledé has been rocking in the R&B scene and her latest single “Jealous” continues this trend. The other day, Sonical.ly had the chance to sit down and talk with Ledé about her musical journey.
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"Fans said they want 2015 Vince,” Vince Staples declares on “Étouffée,” a standout track from his sixth studio album, Dark Times. While the Southern California rapper’s career is a testament to his success and evolution, far removed from his days as a teenage Crip, he remains haunted by the spectre of violence that could lurk around any corner.
The album cover, stark and provocative, features a barely visible noose against a black background, setting the tone for the paranoia that permeates the album. Tracks like “Government Cheese” amplify this unease. The refrain, “Don’t forget to smile,” drips with irony as a dejected Staples takes a call from an imprisoned friend, reflecting on his inability to be truthful about his well-being. His numb monotone delivery suggests he’s forcing the words out, reflecting the weight of his experiences.
Staples’ mistrust extends beyond his environment to his romantic relationships. On “Nothing Matters,” he laments over a melancholic piano loop and clattering drums about a woman who ignores his calls. In “Justin,” he narrates an encounter with a woman who leads him back to her apartment, only for him to discover she has a partner.
Dark Times is rich with samples, both spoken and musical. The interlude “Liars” features a discussion between James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni, adding intellectual weight to the album. Musical nods to DJ Screw on “Black & Blue” and Marvin Gaye on “Radio” weave a tapestry of influences, grounding Staples’ contemporary struggles in a broader cultural context. For the first time on a Vince Staples album, there’s an R&B influence, with soulful backing vocals on tracks like “Shame on the Devil.”
Dark Times is a testament to Vince Staples’ growth as an artist. His ability to explore different styles while maintaining his unique sound is commendable. This album will likely be considered one of Staples’ best works. His blend of escapist rap, clever wordplay, and nostalgic musical elements has once again captured the music world's attention. With its seamless listening experience, high-quality production, and standout tracks, Dark Times solidifies Staples’ place as one of the most innovative voices in hip-hop today. As he declares in “Little Homies,” “Life hard, better go harder.” Such an evolution inspires new up-and-coming artists to stay true to their music. Authenticity creates a powerful bond with the audience and sets them apart from those trying to fit into popular trends.