music

JT

Living Life

Growing up I definitely was a fan of N*SYNC. When Justin decided to go solo, even in my child like mind, I knew that was a good look. It also helped that, solo, he was more geared towards R&B versus pop with N*SYNC, being friends with Timberland prolly assisted in the seamless transition. Random Thought; Do we place him in the ‘blue eyed soul category? And if so, is that considered an insult?

At first listen I didn’t exactly love the album , Man of the Woods, but upon locking myself in with it, it’s actually a very good album. I know folks crossed him off after ‘NippleGate’ but it’s been how long? Let’s let it go! I can’t remember the last time I went to a concert but I do believe in this album so fondly that I’m considering seeing him when he arrives in Chicago. If you’ve experienced the album, how does it move you?

Tristan J.

Back To Me

Living Life

One of the very best women empowerment albums is Fantasia’s Back to me. I can’t exactly remember what was going on in her life, as I am not a stalker, but every single song she comes with fire. Telling woman they can do anything they put their mind to, telling woman not to accept whatever a man chooses to give you but to raise your standards, and leave them right where they stand if need be.

I almost said, this album was dedicated to woman who were just getting back on their feet, but nah, thats just limiting. This album is for those who are ready to change their circumstances, those who need to hear that extra boost of motivation and confidence, that they can do it all!

Tristan Jonez.

FYI: Favorite song, Man of the House, Even Angels and Who’s been lovin’ you, however the WHOLE album is my favorite!

Back Home (Issa Review)

Living Life


I keep telling myself I am not a Rap fan, that I am strictly an R&B girl but I find myself tuning into Rap Music far more than R&B nowadays. Well with that said, let the review begin.

A catchy hook will always draw me in but Im always praying that the song, whether its the beat or the lyrics will keep me there. For artist, Pretty Boy Lou, he along with his production team, has managed to create music thats a elegant blend of rap and hip hop. On song Seven Figures, his voice comes across raw, as if he is a hungry ass artist, looking for his shine and this is his last chance. The song features Dru Gunnz whose own voice, is deeper but lighter, which affectionately reminds me of a unique Nas/MethodMan blend.

On Back Home, Pretty Boy Lou features his mom, which is a sweet gesture, that anyone can appreciate. And although I do appreciate the gesture, I do believe that this could’ve been his opportunity to possibly collaborate with a bevy of unknown artists that may have rounded out the album better. The album is a refreshing sound, with not only amazing vocals, provided by Pretty Boy Lou, but the music itself is a breath of fresh air. I am excited to see where Pretty Boy Lou will take his music, however I do see longevity.

Be Sure to Pick up his music, as its available Everywhere.

My Top Three Songs, Only One, Sunshine, Seven Figures with an honorable mention, Through the Pain.

Tristan Jonez

Gucci Gucci

Living Life

So I am NOT a Gucci Mane fan, I’m not sure If I’ve ever really purposely listened to any of his music. However I had been hearing so many good things about his newest album, Mr.Davis that I just had to take a listen. The album has a good flow to it, although I didn’t listen to the track listing in order, it still flows very well. I appreciate that Gucci Mane is not yelling, over EVERY SINGLE TRACK. I do believe he came before the mumble rappers, but he does rap non traditionally slow, giving me the vibe of Mase back in his heyday.

I didn’t really have any expectations for Mr. Davis, but I must admit, I have been jamming to it since I downloaded it this morning. I do believe this album has something for everyone to jam to. I’m most certain that his hardcore fan base, can celebrate this album, and a newbie such as myself, can rock it.

SideNote I: Does the song Back On sample Crime Mob’s Knuck If you Buck?

Of Course, I have to give my favorite songs, Tone it Down, Ride and Members Only. Although I feel as if I shouldn’t like this song, I rock out to Enormous. OD!

Tristan Jonez.

SideNote II: Hearing Chris Brown on Tone It Down, has me super excited for the new Chris Brown project that is schedule to be release soon.

Changes. 

Living Life

#TBT / #FBF 

I was going through a few of my old photos from as far as ten years ago and it definitely made me smile to see how much I’ve changed over the years. 

When I look at this girl, I see such a carefree, spirited person who had the World at her feet. I was still learning about myself and what I needed from myself. This Tristan, lived life as if the next day wasn’t promised. 

This Tristan J is a woman who knows when to be soft, and allow someone else to take the lead, but she’s independent enough to make whatever moves are necessary for survival, she’ll be victorious. She’s still a spirited opinionated woman who won’t hesitate to let you know when you’ve fuked up but she’ll help pick you back up. 
When you look at your old photos, what do you see? 

Jonez baby! 

#TheMeadowsNYC

Lets Eat, Living Life

So I went to my first Music and Arts Festival, and I loved every minute!! 

SideNote: I wonder how they decide who’ll perform, the order and the length of their set. It was a good flow to the schedule. 


At first my only reason for attending was to sample and eat as much food as I could get my hands on. Of the three day festival, I could only get Saturday off from work, but getting to see Tory Lanez in person was the icing. So much energy! I’ll forever respect him. LL Cool J has had hits that I definitely rock with but not enough for me to see him in person, well he brought out Q-Tip, and I nearly lost my mind!! I opted not to see Future, and saw Big Gigantic. Didn’t know them before but I throughly enjoyed their set. They did a EDM collab with Biggie Smalls, so how could I not love them? 

However I’m highly upset I missed Big Boi’s set. I had a killer migraine that morning, and just couldn’t get it to settle down quickly enough. I experienced Erykah Badu, but felt she was too regal to record. The food and drink option was plentiful, and I left feeling full and fulfilled. 


This was the second year of The Meadows and I will surely be attending next year, all three days! Have you guys ever been? 

Tristan J 

With Onion Gravy

Lets Eat, Living Life

There’s a Baltimore club music song, that states. “French Fries and Onion Gravy”, I should note that its one of my favorite songs to dance to. Saturday, I went to the Meadows Festival in Queens, the highlight… I ate French Fries and Onion gravy! Since I’ve lived in New York, I haven’t frequented  any eateries that serve it, so of course I had to order myself a batch! It was like eating a cloud, the french fries were not oily, but were fried to perfection. The gravy was the ‘icing’ that transported me back to my hometown. In my excitement I didn’t pay attention to the name of the restaurant, I got my ‘cloud’ from so wish me luck on my search for perfection.


SideNote: I’ve given up eating fried foods, but I allowed myself to cheat for the day.

Have you guys ever experienced the magic?

Tristan Jonez

Watch The Fade to Blk

Living Life

I’ve come to have more of an appreciation of Jay-Z as I’ve gotten older.

Big up to my homie Deja, because of said friend, I am able to listen to the FULL collection of work by Jay, on Tidal. I wanted to hear his interview which was exclusively, on Tidal, but then I started to miss being able to hear his music whenever. Yesterday, I was going thru some of the music, and really thinking about his songs/albums and which one or ones relates to my life. Watch the Throne is my absolute Favorite body of work.

SideNote: I’ll be happy when Kanye and Jay, finally sit down and hash out whatever the issue is between them. Listening to Watch the Throne, has me all in my feelings as they make AMAZING music, it’s such a special body of work. As men, I know it sometimes take a bit longer to reach out when lines have been crossed, but as family, we all gotta swallow our pride and make the move.

SideNote II: Although I haven’t really had a chance to listen to 4:44, Watch the Throne will forever be Number one for me.  Every time I listen to the album I feel as though I am fucking royalty, and I am coming into my own as a blk princess. I love the contrast between Jay-Z’s voice and Kanye’s. Even the flow of the album sits well with me, honestly one of both their best work.

Tristan Jonez.

 

Chief Don’t Run.

Living Life

So who’s responsibility was it to tell me all about Jidenna? Cuz y’all dropped the ball miserably. Why wasn’t I told about how amazing as an artist this man is? Or at the very minimum, why didn’t anyone tell me about his album? Shame on you guys for trying to keep this talent away from me! For the past week I’ve been obsessed with his music! Between Jidenna and Wale, I have my music palette filled. It’s weird because when I think I am done with listening to The Chief, I’m right back to bumping it.

So … because I am a Johnny come late with everything, especially music, I am out of luck in securing tickets for his tour. Yup! I will not be seeing Jidenna perform anything live! I am so heartbroken as I KNOW his album would be the truth. I’ve never seen him perform any of his songs, or even seen any videos from him but I know he would just give his all to us, the fans. Especially since he came to Molly’s (perceived) rescue on Insecure… I know, I know, that’s not real life, but hey! Do you guys have any favorite songs from this album? It took me forever to narrow it down to just three, but the whole album is FIRE!

Top Three: Chief don’t run, Bambi, The Let Out… Honorable mention Little Bit More, Helicopters / Beware, Some Kind of Way and Trampoline

Tristan Jonez

WALE!

Living Life

Even though I am a Baltimore Chick through and through,  I Love Wale!! I know I know, he’s from DC and this is a forbidden love, but I can’t help it. There’s something about him musically that I can not get enough of. It’s like he knows everything about me so he writes songs that speaks directly to me. There hasn’t been an album released by my boo Wale that I didn’t love and rock until I couldn’t listen anymore.


I’m currently obsessing over his latest release, SHINE. I believe this is his best work to date. However I always feel like he continuously pushes himself, with each album release. I love that he has incorporated more of the sounds from his country, although he does have more features this time around. I honestly couldn’t pick my top three but I forced myself to do so.

Top Three:  My Love, Fashion Week and My PYT … honorable mention CC White.

Tristan Jonez.

SideNote: Wale’s Summer on Sunset (Mixtape) is Fire. It’s unfortunate that I haven’t been able to put the album on my phone and Spotify is not up on game. If you get the chance to listen to the album, Please listen to Day by the pool, its ridiculously sick!