Disclosure "When A Fire Starts To Burn" (Music Video) and "Settle" Album Stream

Disclosure have released visuals for their song, "When a Fire Starts To Burn". The song is the second track on their debut album, "Settle" and follows a rapture storyline, where the chruchgoers get more than the Holy Ghost at this sermon! If you can get past the creepiness of it all, it's quite entertaining.
Now that you've watch that, you can stream the album in its entirety before it's released June. The album includes the hits "Latch", "White Noise" and "You and Me", all which have peaked in the top 20 of the UK singles chart. Enjoy!

Katy B "What Love Is Made Of" Music Video

Alt-dance empress Katy B has come back stronger than ever with the first single from her second studio album. "What Love Is Made Of" takes Katy out of the clubs and continues the 90s dance track that was instilled when she released the "Danger" EP late last year. The video puts her on the streets with hardcore racers, drifters to be precise. This could have been an excellent tie-in with the new "Fast and The Furious" in the UK rather than that dreadful 2 Chainz and Wiz Khalifa record. Check the vid below!

Dxts "All'at Noise"

I have been following Dxts since I began blogging two and he consistently makes music that I don't want to delete every time I receive a press release about it. He is prepping a release later on this year and I finally got my hands on a song that will most definitely be on the project. Dxts reminds me of rapper Freddie Gibbs on this track, called "All'at Noise", and as I always, he reminds me of pre- "808's" Kanye West. Check the track out and make sure you support the artist by buying his music.

Graded Song: Exo "Wolf"

Chinese-Korean boy band EXO have been in SM Entertainment's basement since their promotions wrapped up almost a year ago for "MAMA" and "HISTORY". While SM rolled out comebacks for Super Junior-M, Girls Generation, two for SHINee and even gave a digital single to BoA, EXO was still hibernating.Then the teasers started rolling out a few weeks ago and EXO-tics flipped their shit . Unexpectedly, the boys' album leaked in full, including the title track "Wolf" and the dance practice video.Out of respect for them, I waited until their M/Vs were released before I did this write-up, but the time has come. Has it been worth the wait?

EXO - WOLF
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The fact that it took them so long to release this brilliant comeback single...I can't! I honestly felt like I was going to be overwhelmed with all twelve of them trying to sing on one song, but for some reason it worked. The track has a eerie tribal feel to it. Like one of those scenes in a horror movie where someone is about to be sacrificed. The yeah's and the pre-chorus could have did with some more enthusiastic vocals.  I also thought that the song was going to be heavy on the faux-step much like SM did with Super Junior-M's "Break Down", but they kept that to a minimum and allowed their vocals to shine. I mean, those high notes...
Final Grade:A
SM has released dance videos for both the Chinese and Korean versions of the song (I'm more biased to the Korean version) and features the boys transforming into wolves while pulling off some choreo on a set. I have to admit that the dance is cool and kind of awkward, especially towards the end. Also, SM couldn't shell out for better special effects for the transformations? Or real wolves? Either way it's decent. Still waiting on the drama version though.
Korean Version Chinese Version

Ellie Goulding "Tessellate"

Ellie never fails to impress with her covers. The British songstress pairs up with Chiddy Bang's Xaphoon Jones yet again for a cover of Alt-J's indie hit, "Tessellate". Her voice does wonder over the relaxed R&B-esque instrumental and puts listeners in a more chill mode than the original, which still slays. Why wasn't Xaphoon on any of the Halcyon tracks? They clearly make magic whenever they are in the studio, so why don't they use that and make some serious coins? I petition that he produces something for album #3! Listen to the cover and watch the video for Alt-J's original below!

Ke$ha "Crazy Kids" Music Video

Ke$ha's "Warrior" era is still floundering. While her debut album had gone platinum and spawned numerous top ten singles by this time, the princess of trashy pop has yet to even go gold and only one of her singles have hit the top five, but could have been #1 if it wasn't for the Sandy Hook tragedy. Instead of releasing summer smash "Supernatural" or fan-favourite "Thinking of You," she goes in the opposite direction and releases "Crazy Kids". To make matters worse, she remixes numerous times and chooses will.i.am (who is overexposed as fuck now) to be on the single, which does nothing to help her. Now we have the video and it's just as crazy as the song.In the video, K-dollar is at a weird house party where she rocks braids, shaved eyebrows and flashes an all seeing eye and a warrior like dress similar to the one Britney Spears wore in the "Scream and Shout" video. will.i.am makes an appearance (which looks like it was thrown in at the last minute) as a scuba diver. Do you think the video lives up to the hype around the song?

Jennifer Lopez Perfoms "Live It Up" at Britain's Got Talent

Jennifer Lopez has been putting in some serious work promoting her newest single, "Live It Up". The song screams generic summer hit, but that's ok, J-Lo is one of the few people who can get away with it. She's also stepped up her live act game this time around. Her performances at this year's American Idol finale and the Billboard Music Awards have garnered praise for the energy, choreo and her live vocals. Now she's is giving Europe some love by performing on tonight's episode of "Britain's Got Talent". She recreated her Billboard Awards performance sans the Pitbull feature and the red leotard and gorilla arms (there are in black now) and easily gave it her all. She pretty much killed it and I feel like this was better without Mr.Worldwide's presence. Check the video below.

Homework: T-ARA N4 and Chris Brown Was a Bad Idea

After hearing that T-ARA N4 were on a trip to America to promote themselves to the Western world. I was excited. But when I heard that it was to meet up with Chris Brown (yes, THAT Chris Brown)I have to admit I was skeptical, but still stoked nonetheless. T-ARA are still feeling some strong backlash after the big bullying scandal with former member Hwayoung early last year. They decided to continue with promotions and released their hit-or-miss single "Sexy Love," which received a tepid response and is one of the groups worst selling singles. Then they decided to flock to Japan to promote themselves there, which is typical of Korean superstars as a kind of repentance for their alleged (or actual) scandalous deeds. Now we are here with their Korean sub-unit, made up of members Areum, Jiyeon, Eunjung and Hyomin "Countryside Life" is one of the more stronger K-Pop songs to come out this year and the bullying incident has really put a hurting on their sales in the digital field. All the "Why you hatings" in the world can't fix that. Now, from the information I gathered, the girls were only supposed to be in the States for a few days, meet Brown (since he was "friends" with T-ARA's newest recruit Dani) and come back to finish promoting "Countryside Life". But more articles about the girls staying in LA, having a meet and greet, recording an English version of "Countryside Life" with Brown, meeting Ray J and Wiz Khalifa made me uneasy. I have the feeling that Core Contents Media, the label T-ARA is signed to, was using this as some type of media ploy for the girls to garner interest in them back home in Korea, rather than an honest attempt for the girls to expand their international fanbase.
The fact that they chose Brown of all people was a horrible idea on CCM's part. I mean, I would have rather they send the girls to the United Kingdom to meet up with someone respectable in the industry and in their own genre of music. Just because their styling and concept says urban, T-ARA are known because of the dance-pop/electropop songs like "Bo Peep" and "Lovey Dovey". Or CCM could have reached out to PSY and set up a meeting with Scooter Braun (God forbid) and promote themselves that way. Put Justin Bieber's "talent" and star power to good use other than to whine about how he's doing good for a 19 year old pop singer. Brown is a bad media magnet. Everyone is still sore about the Rihanna incident almost four years later and he keeps getting himself into trouble with the law, getting into fights. Now neitizens just have more ammo to fire at the girls. Then there is the pool party performance.
I have been watching their promotions since they stared and I know that the girls can do much better than what that video showed, but I don't blame them at all. CCM literally threw them under the bus with that one, saying they were unaware that the concert was going to be a festival style affair. Aren't you supposed to get all of that information before you agree to do a show? That's like you signing a contract blindfolded! Anything for publicity I guess. There are other concerns about the situations I want to address, but we will come to that bridge if something surfaces later on. Maybe when the girls stand with Breezy at the BET Awards at the end of June. He better have them preform with him. Now enjoy the girls and their "Countryside Life" music video.

Richard Osborne "Just Leave" Music Video

After releasing his EP "Late Night Thoughts" earlier this year, R&B singer Richard Osborne has released the visuals for the standout track on the project, "Just Leave". The brooding, electronically driven piece was remixed a few months ago by and has gotten a warm response from both fans and critics. The video parallels the song, with Richard and his love interest getting into it and parting ways. Check it below!

Graded Song: Jessie J "Wild" (featuring Big Sean and Dizzee Rascal)

British singer Jessie J has been hyped about her second album for a while. Teasing us since late last year, the singer put the nail in the coffin via Instagram and various Twitter updates. She also seems to be keeping the short Sinead O'Connor look for this era. The first offering is the Claude Kelly penned, Ammo produced, "Wild" featuring American rapper and British rapper Dizzee Rascal. The verdict?
This lacks the cohesiveness of all of her other singles during the "Who You Are" era. The song could be about a sexual escapade or her brushing off the naysayers and enjoying the life of luxury, but because of the delivery (and questionable single cover), it's kinda up in the air.Big Sean's rapping is a failed attempt at trying to sound clever (who rhymes mayor with mirror and into with fish dinner. Dizzee Rascal's part could have been better, but I would rather have Jessie do this solo and have Ammo change the arraignment so that the sound was a bit more acoustic. Jessie's vocals and the chorus save the song from being a complete blunder, but after coming out of the gate with "Do It Like a Dude" back in 2010, we expect more from J-J-J-J Jessie J.
Final Grade:C-

CL "The Baddest Female"

CL, the flawless beauty and leader of one of South Korea's biggest girl groups 2NE1 has finally gone solo! Not for good, but we finally have a solo single from her after Dara and Park Bom had their solos. Re-titled "The Baddest Female" after K-Pop singe Lee Hiyori had a similar (and less stellar) single come out with a similar title, CL went with the urban approach and released a trap song with a toned down fauxstep breakdown that really works in favour of the song. The video has CL in 15 different looks, including a fierce chain and leather soldier outfit and a classy night on the town look. There are also appearances from her YG label mates. Now do the Unnie and watch CL slay.

Beyonce "Grown Woman"

After so so so much dicking around with the Pepsi commercial and the live concert premiere (almost two months worth of it) and amidst pregnancy rumours (I see what you did there),the full version of Beyonce's will it be the first single or not track "Grown Woman" has arrived in full. The song was penned by frequent collaborator Terius "The Dream" Nash and produced by Timbaland. It also samples "Ain't No Fun (If the Homies Can't Have None)" by rapper Snoop Dogg/Lion. What do you think of the song? Was it worth the wait?

Loreen "We Got The Power"

Last year's Eurovision Song Contest winner Loreen has released the audio for her promotional single, "We Got The Power". The tune lacks the epicness of last year's "Euphoria" but still slays with Loreen's large vocals and militant style drum production. She is set to perform it at the final day of this years Eurovsion contest, which will hopefully help her sell. Get that promo gurl!

Kelly Rowland "Dirty Laundry"

Kelly Rowland will releasing her fourth studio album "Talk a Good Game" in June and has already released two R&B singles. She's going for a third with The-Dream produced "Dirty Laundry". Kelly admits that the song was written about superstar Beyonce and her past abusive relationship. I am proud that someone has the balls to do it. What do you think of the song?

Graded Song: 2PM "A.D.T.O.Y"

Not too familiar with 2PM or their music. All I know is that my favourite K-Rapper/singer Jay Park was in 2PM at one point and that Taecyeon, the main rapper was in a K-Drama with Suzy from Miss A and from Eunjung T-ARA. The first title track from their comeback album was Come Back When You Hear This Song, which did nothing for me. However, JYP did the smart thing and released two title track instead of one. This one is "A.D.T.O.Y" (All Day I Think of You).
I'm not sure if I mentioned this before but JYP usually has the weakest output of K-Pop songs for me personally. I can never really get into them like I can with YG, SM and some of the smaller companies. However, I was blown away by this. The song went straight to the point, pulling you in with the chorus and switches from very strong rapping to some of the most soulful singing I've heard in a K-Pop song in a while. All backed by dubstep flourishes and orchestra. Ummm, but whoever was doing that falsetto needs to stop. He sounded like Justin Bieber in "Boyfriend" and he does it for a minute straight.
Final Grade: A-

Kendrick Lamar "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" Music Video

Kendrick Lamar finds solace in religion in the video for his latest single, "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe". The LA rapper attends church, rides with bottles and beautiful girls in a limo and goes to a funeral. There is a hilarious Mike Epps cameo, where the comedian mistakenly baptizes the rapper in liquor. Also, can anyone explain the death to molly text at the end?

Selena Gomez "Come and Get It" Music Video

Selena gets in touch with her sensual side for the "Come and Get It" music video. The song, which reaches a new peak of #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 seems to be Gomez' breakout hit and we can see why: it's different from most of the songs on the chart now, with the subdued fauxstep production mixed with Bollywood sounds. The video shows the beautiful Miss Gomez frolicking in a equally beautiful field wearing a flowing black dress, in the submerged in water ("Diamonds" much?) and performing her killer Middle Eastern inspired choreography at night. She's also seen whispering to some dirty looking guy. I wonder will Justin throw a tantrum after seeing this.

Graded Song: Perfume "Magic of Love"

I just recently got into Perfume after I was clicking around the webs and discovered the earworm that is "Spending All My Time". I was also surprised to find that Japanese electronic duo capsule's Yasutaka Nakata also exclusively produced for them. I wasn't too impressed with their last single "Mirai No Museum", which sounded like it should have went to Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (another Nakata product). and I guess the rest of the Japanese public wasn't either, since it was their lowest selling single, like ever. Now the members have regrouped and will release "Magic of Love" later on this month.
Loving it! Yasutaka negated the Calvin Harris type of production found on "Spending All My Time" and the overly-cute that made "Mirai No Museum" sound like a Kyraru B-Side and kept it straight capsule. Similar, of capsule's "Feeling Alright", the haromies were strong and the chorus is to die for!. Something that bothered me was the flatness of Ayano Ōmoto (Noochi's) vocals in the beginning of the song. I mean it worked, but it was still flat. While it is still better than "Mirai No Museum", I would like another song like "Spending All My Time" sometime in the near future.
Final Grade:B+
The girls are dressed in a variety of outfits running around a array of rooms having fun. The choreography is just as captivating and complex as any of their songs: a mixture of vogueing and Kawaii. (I like to call it, the 'halo dance.) The choreo was previewed in a commercial for Pure Gummy what seems like ages ago, so it's nice to see the complete product.

Graded Song:LC9 "MaMa Beat" (feat Ga-In)

Rookie groups are a dime a dozen. There are few that actually come out and have any major staying power and when they do, you know. LC9 (League of Competition #9) is made up of six guys (J-Hyo, RASA, King, AO, Jun, and E.Den) has been coined the male version of the Brown Eyed Girls (both are signed to Nega Network, a sub-label of LOEN Entertainment). With their debut single, "MaMa Beat they even enlisted Brown Eyed Girl singer Ga-In to do a small part. Now as far as rookies go, will it make an impact or be a dud?
 "MaMa Beat" is reminiscent of the New Jack Swing era of music fused with some trippy glitch hop, giving it a nice throwback feel. Member King really gives it all in the chorus of the song. However, E.Den's rap bit in the beginning is kind of weak and maybe if the production was toned down a tad, it would have stood out some more. I did enjoy second rap part, which made up for it. (I don't know the rest of the members, sorry). Ga-In's part was forgettable at best and one of the other members (maybe This has to be one of the strongest debuts from a rookie group since Bravo!
Final Grade:B
The video for "MaMa Beat" is one of the best I've seen so far in 2013. The boys seem to be in some type of super-powered fight club, where anything (and I mean ANYTHING) goes. Bricks and brass knuckles to the head, getting slammed through cars and poor E.Den takes an ax to the shoulder. Wow! It's like Street Fighter meets Mortal Kombat in real life. There have been a lot of comparisons between this video and B.A.P's "Warrior" (because of the similarities of the set), but I don't count that against them.  Also, check out their debut stage on South Korea's M! Countdown.

Janelle Monae "Q.U.E.E.N" Music Video

Janelle Monae has unleashed upon us the funky video for her new single "Q.U.E.E.N". The song will be featured on the singer's second studio effort, "The Electric Lady" and it features Erykah Badu telling us that the' booty don't lie'. In the video, Monae is a part of a notorious rebel crew Wonderland along with accomplice Baula Oblangada, who become unfrozen and turn the museum on its head. Her signature androgynous look is on full display and she also gets a bit feminine with the bob wig.