Jesenia the singer is taking the R&B world by storm, captivating us with her versatility in her two newest music videos. The multi-talented, independent artist recently dropped two new singles “Rodeo” and “Do Me Like That”, accompanied by music videos. Jesenia channels old school R&B in her latest single “Rodeo”, a song about repetitive failure in love. Her other video for the single, “Do Me Like That” depicts a multimedia artistic experience, as Jesenia uses several mediums to tell a love story gone awry. “Do Me Like That” chronicles the thought process of a woman presumably at the end of a volatile relationship. She expresses disappointment in her love interest who seems to have left her at a low point or in Jesenia’s words “folded” on her.The opening scene of the video is a testament to Jesenia’s artistry, as she adds the finishing touches to a dark mural painting which serves as the backdrop for a good portion of the music video. Jesenia channels her inner Lara Croft in an all-black outfit, with a slinky black bralette, sheer black cargoes, black timbs, and a floor-length, braided ponytail that screams alpha-woman. She contrasts these scenes with scenes of her interacting with her love interest. In these scenes, she is clearly embodying a more vulnerable version of herself, of which her lover seems to be taking advantage. She contemplates their relationship, “Certain questions that I sit around and I ask myself/ Like do you love me/ Will you leave me?/ Are you bad for my health?“Rodeo” is a bit more upbeat tempo, but the message is similar in this R&B ballad: This is not Jesenia’s first rodeo. Jesenia voice travels in melodious rifts over a soft guitar. Clad in a cowgirl outfit, she rides in on the back of a chocolate brown horse. “When I’m with you boy it feels good but I always find myself misunderstood,/ then you tell me I’m trippin/ And you start acting distant. She goes on to say that her personal damage has caused similar situations in her love life, and maybe it’s time for her to be alone. I loved that the resolution after both of these rollercoaster experiences was self-love. Jesenia’s vulnerability makes her so relatable. She has been through some things, just like any of us and she is sharing her stories with us through her art. Her work is pure expression, and her delivery is authentic. She is no doubt a talent to watch.
“Do Me Like That” shot and directed by @colinpagnoni, big shout out for the pictures???
Avenue’s Brownstones opens up with a heavy guitar tune and a small band. When I heard the opening of “Box & 1” my initial thoughts were, “Wow, instruments? A choir, singing in a minor chord?” It’s been a while since I heard rap over a soul beat ( since the rise of trap music and drill beats). Immediately, Brownstones takes you to another era, which is precisely the vibe of the EP: old-school, nostalgic, experienced. Avenue uses subtle and soulful instrumentals on his EP, allowing his lyricism to shine.
Thriving, is the theme of the first song, “ Box & 1”. Avenue reflects on how far he has come, from where he started, comparing his old ways to the current, “ Saying less, but I’m more observant”/ “Still got work on that corner but I ain’t doin’ the service.” In a way, he’s elevated from humble beginnings, but he wants us to know that those humble beginnings made him as resilient as he is today, “The trenches were never safe, but I mastered and navigate.” A Box&1 refers to a defensive play that’s used in sports like basketball. The box&1 tactic is usually used against a team with one dominant scoring threat according to Wikipedia.com. So even while being surrounded by adversity, Avenue has found his own success– He will not be “boxed in”. The last few lines of his hook are a testament to that fact, “Watching the game from the box ( box seats), that’s how far we’ve come/ Drinking so much champagne I forgot we won.”
The major single off of Brownstones , “Bobs the Chefs” turns us up a notch, incorporating more vocals and trumpets on the instrumental. Though the vibe is smooth, Avenue’s cockiness on this single cant help but perk you up. It could be the way Avenue unapologetically reps his city in this ode to himself, “My old-head told me my voice was a weapon/ That’s why I’m always reppin/ Mass Ave and Lennox like it’s intersectin’/South End, Roxbury but the lower section”. His authenticity draws you into his life story. For those who don’t already know this single is titled after the famous landmark soul food restaurant on Columbus Avenue in Boston MA, called Bob the Chefs. Avenue manages to always tie in his theme with the city of Boston. You can tell that Boston is intertwined fully with his identity. Avenue ends this single confirming his identity (just incase anyone forgot), “I’m really from the town but I ain’t got the accent/ And fuck whats going on I’ll be forever crackin”.
The EP ends with the freestyle, “ Brownstone freestyle”. Transitioning from a more commercial sound, leaving the hooks behind, rapper Avenue leaves it all on this last track. This freestyle is somewhat a reminder to his listeners that he is still indeed existing as a human being, which can get hard at times. He ends his album with a voiceover by Keiajah “ KJ” Brooks. Taken from the infamous clip where she is literally reading the Kansas City police commissioner for filth. Her final words to the police: “ I’m not nice, and I don’t seek to be respectable. i’m not asking ya’ll for anything. Because ya’ll cant and wont both my savior and oppressor. Um, I don’t want reform. You get one life and you all in this room have chosen profits over people and that’s pathetic”. In conclusion: Ain’t shit sweet.
These aren’t songs for Tik-Tok. These are songs that’ll still mean something years from now. Raps that someone could have written decades ago. Songs that you replay over and over again to grasp the full message. The conclusion of this album solidifies Avenue’s individuality as a conscious street rapper. Following in the footsteps of the Jay-Z’s, Nipsey’s, and Kendrick Lamar’s, Avenue remains grounded in his pursuit of success.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and it looks like Cupid’s arrow struck a bit early this year.
The island drums give Koopa Troopa Beach vibes and DYM’s smooth vocals leaves the audience wondering what else he has to offer. Dope track for the season for sure and can prob vibe out to this one up until the Summer ☀️ ☀️ ?
Check out his lyric video provided in the link below!
This post hurts 2 put up.. Von was a budding star on the brink of really making a stamp in the game. Today, 11/6/20, King Von was shot down and killed in Atlanta. This is the second major loss we’ve experienced this year with Hiphop young artist. It really is heartbreaking ?
In honor of King Von’s short but impactful life, here are some pictures taken back last December at Club Centro. Photos taken by the bro @tdvisualz ? ?
Starling Inc is back on the scene with a great show staring Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow. The Shooter gang had girls fainting in the audience has the fans could hardly contain themselves. Check out the video recap on the ‘Shows’ tab!
Fivio Foreign at Lit Lounge in Providence showing love 2 his fans that came from all over 2 see him preform. After paying heart felt tribute 2 the late Pop Smoke, Fivi killed the stage with hit “Big Drip” look out for the video on #2BluntLIVE soon!
Lil TJay hits the stage at Paradise Rock Club with back 2 back shows. Last night on February 26th, TJay performed songs off his “True 2 myself” record and the crowd went stupid. ? @td.visualz
BrandNationMedia & the Chefz cooked up a good show last week at Middle East for Gio Dee’s “Ready Now” project. It included acts from Lord Ju, AB and more. This was Gio’s 1st show back in the area since he moved 2 Cali. Ppl were so happy, they wouldn’t get off stage. Lol!
Local act Najee Janey displayed a compelling headlining performance at Sonia Dance Club. The show was put together by Leedz Edutainment and New Era of New England and included acts from Saint Lyor, Sean Wite and more. Check out some flicks of Najee killing it. ? @ya__z ?
As the music scene heats up in Boston, so does its rising stars. Cousin Stizz has been touring around the country, but on 11/27/19 Stizz hit the stage at House of Blues Boston and tore it up! Here are a couple of flicks taken by @AndrewOConnell ?
