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WEEKLY GEMS 💎 NO. 6: WEEK OF 5-4-2020 features music courtesy of Alicia Keys, The Black Dahlia Murder & Miguel among others. 

Welcome to Weekly Gems 💎, a conceptual column that features one song for each day of the week.  Where did this brilliant idea come from? While taking a shower actually… Anyways, here’s an outline of each of the criteria/premise of each day of Weekly Gems.  Monday serves as the official start of the week.

Mad Monday serves as a marvelous means to start off a hectic, work week for many.  Monday is among the more hated days of the week, so let’s spice it up with some music, shall we? After taking a “L” on Monday, Terrific Tuesday seems to be an ideal, perfect way to rebound.  Go on and “Brush the dirt off your shoulders” and absolutely kill it on Tuesday. Wacky Wednesday is reserved for an intriguing song or piece of music that’s out of the ordinary – definitely ear catching.  What better way to celebrate hump day, right? 

Throwback Thursday (TBT) looks back at songs that have truly captivated or stuck with me for whatever reason.  In some cases, there’s a compelling story or memorable happening behind the fan-girling. Fun Friday features songs that are energetic and exciting; supercharged for the weekend.  There will be no BALLADS whatsoever on Fun Fridays! Steamy Saturday features songs where the temperature is hot, and we’re not talking about Celsius or Fahrenheit.  Songs appearing on this day are seductive; sensual; sexy. Somber Sunday perfectly captures the end of the weekend with its sadness, disappointment, and look towards yet another mad Monday.

So, with everything accurately laid out, and the first month of Weekly Gems behind us, let’s jump right into WEEKLY GEMS 💎NO. 6: WEEK OF 5-4-2020, which features seven songs for each day of the week.  WEEKLY GEMS NO. 7 features music courtesy of Alicia Keys, The Black Dahlia Murder & Miguel among others.  Just Click on the arrows ↔ and buttons below ↓.

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Joyner Lucas, “Devil’s Work” | Mad Monday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 6 | Mad Monday No. 6, 5/4/2020

Joyner Lucas has bone to pick with God on this week’s Mad Monday song, “Devil’s Work,” from his debut album, ADHD. 

Mad Monday serves as a marvelous means to start off a hectic, work week for many.  Monday is among the more hated days of the week, so let’s spice it up with some music, shall we? Today’s Mad Monday (May 4, 2020 – MAY THE 4^th BE WITH YOU), arrives courtesy of Joyner Lucas with “Devil’s Work,” which appears on the rapper’s long-awaited, debut studio album, ADHD.

“I’m staring at this Bible as I keep glancing / Dear Lord, I got questions and I need answers / Tryna understand your vision all I see is damage / Just a bunch of dead bodies in the street camping.” On “Devil’s Work,” Joyner Lucas questions the decision making of God.  His first lyrics, on the intro, are “Father, forgive me,” which sets up the record for its fair share of controversy, and of course, anger. Over a dramatic backdrop, Lucas absolutely raps his ass off, and makes some valid points as he’s perturbed by the deaths of good people.  Where does the  savagery really go down? Where he provides specific examples of who ‘The Most High’ should dispose of instead of who he’s chosen himself:

“… They say you never wrong, but you done made a few mistakes
‘Cause you taking the wrong niggas, maybe you should trade
Trade us back all the real ones, remove the fakes
…Give us 2Pac back, and take that nigga Suge
…Give us Biggie, give us Pun, give us Triple X
Take that nigga Trump with you, that’s a bigger threat
There’s too much power for a coward with no intellect
That’s a bigot with a collar, there’s a disconnect…”

There are plenty more examples, as Lucas wants MLK, Malcolm X, and Emmett Till back, while he tells God to take the likes of Martin Shkreli, R. Kelly, and Dylann Roof.  It’s controversial, but at least at the end of the monstrous verse he makes it clear, “I know this ain’t your fault, it’s the devil’s work / Devil’s work.”  “Devil’s Work” – an exemplary song for Mad Monday!

Joyner Lucas, “Devil’s Work” | Mad Monday 💎

Joyner Lucas • ADHD • Twenty Nine Music Group • 2020

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Alicia Keys, “Good Job” | Terrific Tuesday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 6 | Terrific Tuesday No. 6, 5/5//2020 

Alicia Keys gives timely compliments on “Good Job,” tailor made to atone for Mad Monday, give hope during COVID-19 & ring in Terrific Tuesday. 

After taking a “L” on Monday,  Terrific Tuesday seems to be an ideal, perfect way to rebound.  Go on and “Brush the dirt off your shoulders” and absolutely kill it on Tuesday.  How are we going to kill it this particular Tuesday, May 5, 2020?  How about the great compliments given by Alicia Keys on the uplifting “Good Job”. Sounds like a perfect way to ring in Terrific Tuesday!

Keys released “Good Job,” her fourth single in advance of Alicia, set to release at an indefinite date in 2020.  There are lots of things to like about “Good Job.”  First and foremost, it is incredibly thoughtful, giving thanks to everyone affected and helping to combat the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.  Keys is being encouraging and uplifting, providing that positive reinforcement that educators seek to give their students.  “Good job, you’re doin’ a good job, a good job,” she sings on the chorus, continuing, “Don’t get too down / The world needs you now / Know that you matter, matter, yeah.”  Essentially, lyrically, she says all the right things.  Also, as she sings, she infuses her soul into it, given it that next level of authenticity.  While the production eschews a bunch of bells and whistles, it suits the tone of this record.

The most important takeaway from “Good Job” is its messaging.  All in all, Alicia Keys does a ‘good job’ on “Good Job.” The standout previously appeared on two playlists: 11 More Really ‘Good’ Songs… It’s That Simple and Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: April 2020.  Sigh, “Good Job” is exactly the motivation one needs to have a Terrific Tuesday, or any terrific day for that matter.

Alicia Keys, “Good Job” | Terrific Tuesday 💎

 Alicia Keys • Alicia • RCA • 2020

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The Black Dahlia Murder, “The Leather Apron’s Scorn” | Wacky Wednesday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 6 | Wacky Wednesday No. 6, 4/29/2020

The Black Dahlia Murder makes Wacky Wednesday truly captivating with the unsettling, serial killer inspired “The Leather Apron’s Scorn.”

Wacky Wednesday is reserved for an intriguing song or piece of music that’s out of the ordinary – definitely ear catching.  What better way to celebrate hump day, right?  Let’s get wacky on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 with “The Leather Apron’s Scorn” courtesy of metal collective The Black Dahlia Murder via their 2020 album, Verminous.

“Terrorize these foggy London streets / Lock your doors and hide / In the darkest alleyways, they’re where I’ll be.” That’s certainly not just wacky, but utterly terrifying. “The Leather Apron’s Scorn” is born directly out of the serial killer playbook – Jack the Ripper specifically.  It’s not only the lyrics about London that give this away if you’re well versed in serial killers, but also how The Black Dahlia reference the victims that Jack seeks out. “They never hear my footsteps approaching / Their whorish existences my knife is encroaching upon.” Definitely wouldn’t be the first, nor likely the last time that the band sings about a serial killer.

Honestly, what is wackier than a song titled and as unsettling as “The Leather Apron’s Scorn” on a Wacky Wednesday?

The Black Dahlia Murder, “The Leather Apron’s Scorn” | Wacky Wednesday 💎

The Black Dahlia Murder • Verminous • Metal Blade • 2020

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Monica, “The First Night” | Throwback Thursday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems  💎  No. 6 | Throwback Thursday No. 6, 5/7/2020

This Throwback Thursday, we travel back to 1998 with Monica and her captivating ‘first’ song, “The First Night.”

Throwback Thursday (TBT) looks back at songs that have truly captivated or stuck with me for whatever reason.  In some cases, there’s a compelling story or memorable happening behind the fangirling.  For the sixth Throwback Thursday, dated May 7, 2020, we look to Monica and here soulful, 1998 gem, “The First Night.” No, “The First Night” isn’t the most famous song from its parent album, The Boy Is Mine. Betcha can figure out what song was more famous, HINT* HINT*.

Jermaine Dupri brilliantly samples the Diana Ross classic “Love Hangover” on “The First Night,” the first song on The Boy is Mine. “I knew it was wrong for feeling this way / Especially the thought of getting in on the first date / Couldn’t let go, it stayed on my mind / At the end of the night, I had to decide / I was thinking.”  Hmm, essentially on “The First Night,” Monica was totally feeling her date, and even though she knows she shouldn’t entertain the idea, she at least considers making love… “the first night” of course.  The chorus is the best part:

“I should make a move, but I won’t
I know you’re probably thinking something is wrong
Knowing if I do that it won’t be right
I don’t get down on the first night.”

The bridge is pretty sweet as well:

“(If) If you want me
You got to know me
And if you want my love
You gotta win my love
Hey baby
That’s the way it’s got to be, yeah
Get to know me, get to know me
So we can do this.”

Fittingly, this 90s gem also earned a spot on the playlist, 11 Captivating Songs About Firsts.  More pertinent to Weekly Gems, it’s just an awesome, throwback cut.

Monica, “The First Night” | Throwback Thursday 💎

Monica • The Boy is Mine • Arista • 1998

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J Balvin, “Blanco” | Fun Friday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 6 | Fun Friday No. 6, 5/8/2020

“Blanco,” a fiery, swagger-laden banger by Columbian reggaeton superstar J Balvin is a perfect fit for Fun Friday.

Fun Friday features songs that are energetic and exciting; supercharged for the weekend.  There will be no BALLADS whatsoever on Fun Fridays!  So, with that considered, for Fun Friday, May 8, 2020, we enlist J Balvin who gives us the fiery, swagger-laden banger “Blanco” from his colorful 2020 album, Colores.

“To any net I score (goal) / Like Cristiano Ronaldo / Throw me the beat that I deliver (pew, pew) / Hands up, this is an assault / This is not mass, but I came in white…” Electrifying to say the least! Balvin concludes Colores with “Blanco” or “White” in English. “Blanco” shines thanks to its hip-hop sensibilities, which fits within the Urbano Latino umbrella.  The production by Sky Rompiendo and Dee Mad is minimalist yet potent. Balvin never has any shortage of swagger, let alone sex appeal. Exhibit A: “For real, made in Medellín, eh / I give it to you without you having to ask for it.” What more could you ask for on Fun Friday, or should I say, Fun Fri-Yay!

J Balvin, “Blanco” | Fun Friday 💎

J Balvin • Colores • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2020

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Miguel, “Coffee” | Steamy Saturday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 6 | Steamy Sat No. 6 5/9/2020

Grammy-winning R&B artist Miguel exemplifies Steamy Saturday, with “Coffee,” a highlight from his 2015 album, WILDHEART. 

Steamy Saturday features songs where the temperature is hot, and we’re not talking about Celsius or Fahrenheit.  Songs appearing on this day are seductive; sensual; sexy.  For Steamy Saturday, May 2, 2020, we relied on Grammy-winning R&B artist Kelly Rowland to provide us with some naughtiness via “Coffee”. For the May 9, 2020 edition of Steamy Saturday, we’re also going to partake of coffee, albeit from Miguel via his risqué, sexed-up 2015 album, WILDHEART.

Miguel sexes very well…lyrically speaking.  The man has a voice with the ability to woo women and make men jealous of his game.  “Coffee” marks one of the sexiest moments from WILDHEART, with little to do with Folgers, Maxwell House, or Starbucks. Over the course of “Coffee,” he covers both the emotional and physical relationship.  While he balances, not making “Coffee” merely carnal, it ends up being carnal – shocking! The innuendo is poetic, particularly when he sings, “Wordplay, turns into gunplay / And gunplay turns into pillow talk / and pillow talk turns into sweet dreams / Sweet dreams turns into coffee in the morning.” The reference to “coffee in the morning” suggests a night of play and perhaps, morning sex as well.  The best line: “Old souls we found a new religion / Now I’m swimming in that sin, that’s baptism.”

As I stated last week, Miguel’s “Coffee” is brewed a bit stronger and more potent, Kelly’s.  It’s definitely indicative of what those Steamy Saturdays are all about. Do we need to spell it out for you? Okay: S-E-X.

Miguel, “Coffee” | Steamy Saturday 💎

Miguel • WILDHEART • RCA • 2015

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Clairo, “Alewife” | Somber Sunday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 6 | Somber Sun No. 6, 5/10/2020

Alternative pop artist Clairo helps Somber Sunday live up to its name with “Alewife,” which features heavy subject matter – suicide. 

Somber Sunday perfectly captures the end of the weekend with its sadness, disappointment, and look towards yet another mad Monday. On the sixth edition of Somber Sunday, May 10, 2020, Clairo brings full-on somberness with “Alewife,” which hails from her debut album, Immunity.

Immunity certainly commences with sad subject matter.  On “Alewife,” Clairo sings in an undertone.  Interestingly, the alt-pop singer isn’t referencing a fish, but rather, a transit station in her native Massachusetts:

“In Massachusetts
Only 30 minutes from Alewife
I lay in my room
Wonderin’ why I’ve got this life.”

The the big takeaway from the song isn’t its title but rather the numerous references to suicide.  Clairo is thankful to a friend who ‘saved her.’ “But you know you saved me from doin’ / Something to myself that night,” she sings on the first verse.  On the second, she sings, “Swear I could’ve done it / If you weren’t there when I hit the floor.”  “Alewife,” which is a great fit for a Somber Sunday, or any somber or sad day, previously appeared on Songs Centered Around or Referencing Suicide, Vol. 2 and 17 Songs Characterized by Their Place.

Clairo, “Alewife” | Somber Sunday 💎

Clairo • Immunity • Fader • 2019

Weekly Gems 💎 No. 6: Week of 5-4-2020 [Photo Credits: Brent Faulkner, Fader, Metal Blade, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Twenty Nine Music Group, UMG Recordings, Inc.]

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