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Weekly Gems 💎 No. 9: Week of 5-25-2020 features music courtesy of Kiana Ledé, Lewis Capaldi, and Randy Newman 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. 9: WEEK OF 5-25-2020, which features seven songs for each day of the week.  WEEKLY GEMS NO. 7 features music courtesy of …, Kiana Ledé, Lewis Capaldi, and Randy Newman among others.  Just Click on the arrows ↔ and buttons below ↓.

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Kiana Ledé, “Second Chances.” (Ft. 6LACK) | Mad Monday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 9 | Mad Monday No. 9, 5/25/2020

Kiana Ledé brings the anger on Mad Money with “Second Chances,” featuring 6LACK from her debut album, Kiki.

Ah, 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 25, 2020), arrives courtesy of …, with “Second Chances.,” featuring 6LACK, from her full-length, debut album, Kiki. 

“I’m too fuckin’ real to wear my heart up on my sleeve / Fuck that back and forth shit, if I leave then I’m a leave / I’ma have you begging, have you pleading on your knees.” Goodness! 2020 saw singer and actress Kiana Ledé release her full-length, debut album, Kiki.  In addition to standout “Forfeit.”, the numeric song at hand, finds Ledé moving FORWARD without giving him a second chance whatsoever, dammit!

As the opening lines of the first verse indicate, you really don’t want to mess with Kiana Ledé.  “Can’t you tell a bitch is fed up with your nonsense,” she goes onto say on the brutally honest first verse.  She’s still feisty on the second verse, where she’d rather troll him than respond to his texts, and informs, “You missed out on a blessing, I mad you the king of my world.”  On the chorus, she just makes it crystal clear she done with it – “No more second chances, chances / Always tryna take advantage, ‘vantage / … So, I’d rather walk away.”  As you might expect, 6LACK provides the male response, owning up to his shortcomings.   Still, he knows it’s all for naught.   But, the pain from both perspectives is our listening pleasure, along with solid production work courtesy of Boston, Cam Griffin, Derrick Milano, Mike Woods, and Roark Bailey. “Second Chances.,” which recently appeared on the playlist, 10 Songs Loosely Associated with Playback Controls ⏯, exemplifies Mad Monday!

Kiana Ledé, Second Chances | Mad Monday 💎

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Kiana Ledé • Kiki • Republic • 2020

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DaBaby, “Can’t Stop” | Terrific Tuesday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 9 | Terrific Tuesday No. 9, 5/26/2020

DaBaby rings in Terrific Tuesday with his cocky, hella confident banger, “Can’t Stop,” which opens his third album, Blame it on Baby.  

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 26, 2020? Grammy-nominated rapper DaBaby and the lit “Can’t Stop,” from his third studio album, Blame it on Baby – that’s how we kill it!

According to DaBaby, “Bitch, it ain’t no stoppin’ no nigga like me.” Sigh, what a totally humble AF opener.  If you’ve been following the rapper, you understand that such lyrics are characteristic of his persona and style – “SUGE” serving as a prime example. As usual, his flow is electrifying, even if he utters nothing the least bit profound.  On another bitchin’ line, excerpted from the cocky and confident first verse, Kirk informs us, “Bitch, you know I turn piss into lemonade.”  It’s outlandish and over the top mind you, but characteristic.  Foreign Teck, JW Lucas, and Lostheproducer ‘stitch up’ the unstoppable opening track. Definitely a way to absolutely kill it on Terrific Tuesday. “Can’t Stop” previously appeared on 10 Songs Loosely Associated with Playback Controls ⏯.

DaBaby, Can’t Stop | Terrific Tuesday 💎

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DaBaby • Blame it on Baby • Interscope • 2020

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NoMBe, “Heels” | Wacky Wednesday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 9 | Wacky Wednesday No. 9, 5/27/2020

On Wacky Wednesday, NoMBe intrigues with “Heels” from his sophomore album, Chromatobia (June 12, 2020). 

Ah, 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 27, 2020 with “Heels,” courtesy of NoMBe (Noah McBeth).

“Silk and high fashion / Only the best / She wears Chanel’s finest / Mixed with coffee and sex…” It’s always great when something is refreshing in any context.  From a musical context, an artist who is refreshing makes you excited and reinvigorated about the possibilities of music. NoMBe brings those refreshing vibes to the table with his brand of electric soul, particularly on “Heels,” previously featured on 20 Songs about Apparel: Clothes & Shoes Reloaded.

“Heels” possesses an ‘alternative R&B’ sound, which instantly pleases the ears. Complementing the production, with pop electronic, and 80s elements are soulful vocals by McBeth. Furthermore, the harmonic progression, while simple overall, has a couple of quirks, particularly chromaticism.  Lyrically, sex is loud and clear, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.  “My baby’s she’s blessed / Ready for action / And dressed for revenge,” McBeth sings on the first verse.  On the second, he adds, “I wish we could make up / Maybe undress / Just like mother earth made us / No fabric, no tags.” Damn, it’s getting hot in here! Of course, the best part of the song is the infectious, kinky chorus:

“So, go on put your favorite heels on
So, go no put your favorite heels on
Go put your favorite heels on and walk all over me.”

Yeah, “Heels” would’ve fit perfectly on Steamy Saturday as well, wouldn’t it?

NoMBe, Heels | Wacky Wednesday 💎

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NoMBe • Chromatobia • TH3RD BRAIN • 2020

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Randy Newman, “In Germany Before the War” | Throwback Thursday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 9 | Throwback Thursday No. 9, 5/28/2020

This Throwback Thursday, we travel back to 1977 with Randy Newman and his dark, classic, “In Germany Before the War” from Little Criminals. 

Ah, 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 Throwback Thursday, dated May 28, 2020, we look to Randy Newman and his dark classic, “In Germany Before the War” from his 1977 album, Little Criminals.

“In German before the war / There was a man who owned a store / In nineteen hundred thirty-four / In Düsseldorf…” Randy Newman is a marvelous musician.  While his distinct, expressive voice is fantastic in itself, his songwriting is his best attribute.  “In Germany Before the War” is one of his most beautiful songs, though the source of inspiration for the record isn’t beautiful. Newman based “In Germany Before the War” on the crimes committed by a serial killer in the 1931 film M. However, part of the inspiration behind the film was a real-life German serial killer named Peter Kürten (1883 – 1931). Kürten has been nicknamed The Vampire of Düsseldorf as well as the Düsseldorf Monster.

“A little girl has lost her way
With hair of gold and eyes of gray
Reflected in his glasses
As he watches her
A little girl has lost her way
With hair of gold and eyes of gray…
We lie beneath the autumn sky
My little golden girl and I
And she lies very still.”

“In Germany Before the War” has appeared on numerous playlists including 33 Great, If Disturbing Songs About Serial Killers, 11 Songs Where the ‘Before’ is Key, and 12 Simply Terrific Before or After Songs.

Randy Newman, In Germany Before the War | Throwback Thursday 💎

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Randy Newman • Little Criminals • Warner • 1977

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Young M.A, “Quarantine Party” | Fun Friday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 9 | Fun Friday No. 9, 5/29/2020 

Rapper Young M.A brings plenty of fun to Fun Friday (and Quarantine) with “Quarantine Party” from her EP, Red Flu.

Ah, 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 29, 2020, we enlist tough as nails female rapper Young MA for her ‘coronavirus associated’ record, “Quarantine Party” hailing from her seven-song EP, Red Flu.

“We inside / Party and quarantine…” To quote Matthew McConaughey, “Alright, alright, alright!” The COVID-19 pandemic has NOT been fun for anybody – understatement.  There’s been far too many moments of sadness including a significant amount of death and severe challenges financially and mentally.  That said, music has certainly been a bright spot with numerous artists seeking to assuage the pain. That’s what Young M.A does on this banger, putting aside the seriousness and dropping straight fire.  The centerpiece is the chorus:

“Gucci slides, Versace robe
Big blunt, I’m in papi mode (Papi, papi)
Wake up with no fucks to gives
I’m like, ‘It is what it is’
Ain’t got no wife, ain’t got no kids
But I got hundreds, twenties, tens (Twenties, twenties, twenties)
Still got money comin’ in
Got bitches comin’ with they friends (Hello)…”

Young M.A doesn’t stop there, of course.  On the first verse, she focuses mostly on her drip and having some excellent sex (“Hennessy gettin’ her nude / That make her get in the mood / I’m ‘bout to get in my groove / I’m ‘bout to swim in her pool…”). She goes on on the second verse to rap about “Getting some cutty” from “Three hoes” who all wanted to have sex with her, while bringing sanitizing into play as well as she spits, “Cabinets full of that Lysol / Gotta spray my money (Hello).” Quarantine aside, what better way to have a Fun Friday than Young M.A style!

Young M.A, Quarantine Party | Fun Friday 💎

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Young M.A • Red Flu • M.A Music / 3D • 2020

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Black Atlass, “Night After Night” | Steamy Saturday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 9 | Steamy Sat No. 9, 5/30/2020

Black Atlass exemplifies Steamy Saturday, with the sensual “Night After Night” which appears on his 2020 album, Dream Awake.

It is Steamy Saturday time! 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. This week, May 30, 2020 we enlist Canadian-bred, Los Angeles-based musician Black Atlass (Alex Fleming) to steam things up with “Night After Night” which appears on his third studio album, Dream Awake (2020).

“If I can make you love me again / I’ll keep the summertime on your skin / You speedin’ past all our exes / I don’t wanna end up like them.” On “Night After Night” the vibe of Dream Awake continues to pop, with sleek production work courtesy of DANNYBOYSTYLES and Oligee. The record brilliantly uses an electronic-based backdrop (keyboards, synths, programming), while remaining idiomatic of R&B, particularly that stellar Canadian R&B sound. Fleming is consistent, building a love-driven, sensual script, particularly as he ‘brings it on home’ on the chorus.

“My woman
I’ll be your man
And baby I’ll give you my life in your hands
I know you wanna feel alive, don’t you?
Night after night (Night after night)
Night after night (Night after night).”

Sure, we’ve had more overt cuts grace Steamy Saturday, but Black Atlass definitely captures the steaminess in voice alone 😉.

Black Atlass, Night After Night | Steamy Saturday 💎

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Black Atlass • Dream Awake • XO / Republic • 2020 

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Lewis Capaldi, “Before You Go” | Somber Sunday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 9 | Somber Sun No. 9, 5/31/2020

Lewis Capaldi ushers in Somber Sunday with “Before You Go,” a ‘heavy’ song hailing from the deluxe edition of  Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent.

Ah, Somber Sunday perfectly captures the end of the weekend with its sadness, disappointment, and look towards yet another mad Monday. On Somber Sunday, May 24, 2020, Lewis Capaldi delivers “Before You Go.” which hails from the deluxe edition of his debut album, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent.

The deluxe edition of Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent adds three additional songs with the crown jewel being “Before You Go.”  “Before You Go” references a difficult subject: suicide.  The lyrics are poetic and reflective throughout.

“Our every moment, I start to replace
‘Cause now that they’re gone, all I hear are the words that I needed to say.”

The chorus is the crème de la crème:

“So, before you go
Was there something I could’ve said,
To make your heart beat better?
If only I’d have known you had a storm to weather
So, before you go
Was there something I could’ve said,
To make it all stop hurting?
It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless
So, before you go.”

Capaldi wishes he could’ve prevented the devastating event, a feeling that many people feel when someone they know and loved commits suicide.

Lewis Capaldi, Before You Go | Somber Sunday 💎

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Lewis Capaldi • Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent (Deluxe) • Universal Music • 2019

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Weekly Gems 💎 No. 9: Week of 5-25-2020 [Photo Credits: 3D, Brent Faulkner, M.A Music, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Republic, Universal Music, Warner, XO]

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