By Niy Birden

First of all, let’s just start by acknowledging that Don Cheadle is on a roll. Not only because of the legend that he is and always will be, but because he has made two incredibly placed appearances in two of the biggest music videos this year so far: Kendrick Lamar’s “DNA”, and now, Logic’s “1-800-273-8255”. Can we all agree here that Don would make a damn good director for a music video??

This year, the topic of LGBTQ discussions have been fairly quiet but still in demand, thanks to our recent election. With recent events such as the Charlottesville Nazi protests showing just how much of hate America is tolerating in society, it might be fitting to say that right now, more than ever, our youth need understanding and support with personal matters, especially the types of matters that has been behind the spike of suicide rates in teenagers. Fortunately, that support comes from a multitude of sources. And Logic wants to open up the discussion about it.

Sonically, the song is very pro-pop with a hint of R&B and Hip Hop, like most of Logic’s hits. Starting off with vintage electro piano and some lovely, optimistic strings, he opens up with a very honest statement “I’ve been on the low/I been taking my time/I feel like I’m out of my mind/It feel like my life ain’t mine/Who can relate?/I’ve been on the low/I been taking my time/I feel like I’m out of my mind/It feel like my life ain’t mine”. It then continues on with the mid-tempo beats as a nice accompaniment, and has a generous contribution by Alessia Cara and Khalid. Lyrically, it details someone calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and detailing their dismay, and then deciding that they actually don’t want to continue with ending their life.

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By Armando

Its only four days away from music world’s big event and the excitement is already heating up as to who will be getting a Moonman this year.

Set to be held this Sunday August 27, 2017 at The Forum in Inglewood, California, MTV’s annual Video Music Awards will be hosted by Katty Perry, marking the first time for Perry as host of the event.

On Wednesday, Demi Lovato took to Twitter to announce her scheduled performance on Sunday. “See you at the VMAs this year,” Lovato wrote complete with emojis. Gucci Mane, Logic and Post Malone are also set to perform, joining previously announced artists Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus, Fifth Harmony, The Weeknd, Lorde, Kendrick Lamar, Julia Michaels, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and Shawn Mendes.

Also this week, Cardi B was announced to perform at the pre-show stage. She will be joined by “Location” singer and songwriter Khalid and indie pop act Bleachers.

The event is set to be a big night for P!nk, who will be receiving a Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for her accomplishments in music and film. Sometimes called “Lifetime Achievement Award” in some years, the accolade has been given to some of music’s biggest names, most recently Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Rihanna.

The top nominees for this year’s Video of the Year include Kendrick Lamar for “Humble”, Bruno Mars for “24K Magic”, Alessia Cara for “Scars to Your Beautiful”, DJ Khaled (featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller) for “Wild Thoughts”, and The Weeknd for “Reminder.”

The ceremony on Sunday will start at 8 p.m. ET while red carpet starts at 7 p.m. ET. The pre-show will be hosted by rapper Lil Yachty.

By Eric Gasa

Weezer – Pacific Daydream

Weezer are back with a follow up to last year’s White Album. Pacific Daydream, their 11th record, is due out October 27 with an extensive summer tour heading far into 2018. Originally suspected to be the long awaited Black Album, Pacific Daydream came to be as the songwriting process shifted from darker elements to “reveries from a beach at the end of the world,” according to a press release.

Pacific Dream’s first single, “Feels Like Summer” trades the pop-punk guitars for a bouncy electronic pop beat ala Imagine Dragons or 21 Pilots. Frontman Rivers Cuomo shouts about youthful insecurities despite being 47 years old but still sings like he’s 24 again. It’s a far cry from 90’s classics like “Sweater Song” and “Buddy Holly” but “Feels Like Summer” is sure to be heard blasting at a beach somewhere.

The more traditional “Mexican Fender” finds the band doing what they do best; singing about girls, guitars, and nerdy idiosyncrasies. Fitting to the title, Pacific Daydream is still stepped in Weezer’s signature sunbaked, California style. Check the charming video for “Mexican Fender” starring a lovesick seagull.

Robert Plant – Carry Fire

Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant delves into his love for blues and acoustic guitars on his newest single, “The May Queen”. The song is the first from his forthcoming record, Carry Fire, which is due out October 13 via Nonesuch Records. On “The May Queen” the fiery singer takes a break from the heavy rhythms to deliver a softer, sweeter slice of his songwriting. Think more “Stairway to Heaven” or “Going To California” than “When The Levee Breaks” or “Immigrant Song”.

Some Zeppelin fans will notice the sly “Stairway to Heaven” reference in “The May Queen” but this song could not be more different from his original work. Regarding the recording process, Plant says that he prefers “mixing old with new”.

“The May Queen” is especially unique wherein we see Plant take a twangier approach reminiscent of Paul Simon and acoustic world music. Country-style fiddles permeate the song alongside slide guitars and a choir. If “The May Queen” is a primer to Carry Fire then fans should expect a warmer side of the former frontman.

“Out here the fire’s still burning so long into my night,” Plant sings, “Still captive and still yearning/Surrender to your light.”