A Look Into 2016: Kpop of February!

We've already seen a change from just January alone in the Kpop scene, but it seems it's constantly changing no matter what. Debuts of old groups, new groups, solo hits and albums, and so much more means that the faces of Kpop constantly change from one group or person to another. Let's see what February brings up this month!

4Minute (포미닛) with "Hate" (싫어) (Collab with Skrillex)

I've never honestly heard much of 4Minute, but when I heard about their song "Hate" released on the album Act.7 I was intrigued. So I gave it a listen, and it's easily become one of my favorite songs of 2016 in Kpop. I'm not even really a big fan of Skrillex, and I'd never guess that he played a part in the music in the background, since the vocals are so powerful in the first place. And then the refrain hits, and you're like, "this is not at all what I expected!". It gives me a somewhat Big Bang-esque vibe from it honestly, and whether that's a good thing is up to you. I enjoy it. Act.7 with "Hate" and others was released February 1st, 2016.

Reddy (레디) with "Think" (생각해) Featuring Jay Park (박재범)

Again, another artist I had never heard too much of, but I can say I definitely enjoy "Think" from Reddy's Think single that was released February 3rd, 2016. It has emotion in the rapping from both Reddy and Jay Park, and the words show just how much the man telling the story prides himself, while exhibiting so much affection for his woman. He even goes to comparing themselves to "Bonny and Clyde". It's a beautiful song that deserves a listen!

Grace (그레이스) with "I'm Fine" (아임 파인)

I have to say, I find Grace to be hilarious with this video. But I have to say "I'm Fine" by Grace is catchy beyond all doubt. It not only has a 80's vibe to the style that she wears, but the dancing is really good as well. She's not only good at singing in Korean, but she seems very stable in English, and has no real accent (so I'm going to guess she may be American Korean-born or something). I can't find much information about her since this is her debut, but you can find other videos of her covers of popular songs and I suggest you give them a listen! "I'm Fine" came out in a single on February 4th, 2016.

Microdot (Micro.) with "Celebrate" Featuring The Quiett, Babylon, and Sanchez

Microdot was somewhat featured in January with doing work with Ravi from VIXX in his new album, but he released his own album, "Celebrate" with a really catchy song by the same name. By both being in English and Korean, listeners from all around the world can enjoy this song! It's also a bit of a thanks to God for being blessed with such a good position in life. I find it enjoyable no matter what, and is kind of a nice change of pace!

Nu'est (뉴이스트) with "Overcome" (여왕의 기사)

I can easily say without a doubt, this was the album I was waiting for in February. As a lover of Nu'est, I was not at all disappointed with the Q is. album, especially with the song "Overcome". Not only a drastic change of appearance for some of them (I mean Ren with long hair? Yes please!) but also I feel their talent is growing more and more, and the song proves this as well as the dancing. The song is about going to the ends of the earth for a girl basically, but when is Kpop songs not about getting the girl? Still, despite the typical trope, it is not at all something that would disappoint!

Taemin (이태민) with "Press Your Number"

Again, another one I was waiting for with the released of the Press It album. While I was disappointed with "Drip Drop" (I didn't get per say a "Taemin" feel to it personally), I enjoy the feeling "Press Your Number" gives. All about remembering a girl that left him, though I don't get the relevance of the video to the lyrics other than he's a bad boy in the first place. Again, remarkable dancing from Taemin and his backups, along with a great song. Definitely a good track on the Press It album!

Watch 80-piece chorus perform Final Fantasy X's "Hymn Of The Fayth" via AV Club

Earlier today, the AV Club shared the most recent video from "Greatest Video Game Music III-- Choral Edition," Check out this amazing performance.

Race For Your Life, SkyBlew (Review)

It's been a while since I did a geek who do music review. However SkyBlew is back with a brand new EP entitled "Race For Your Life, SkyBlew." After a listening to the album twice I can say he has done it again. SkyBlew just keeps getting better and better with each release. This guy truly has the Hip-Hop I've been craving. His music has not pigeonhole himself as a geek rapper. Instead of going that route he just gives you himself. In a world of music where many play characters for sells. SkyBlew gives you authenticity in his music and you feel it.

The album is great lyrically, production wise, with a few concept songs that make references to pop culture of the past. Songs like "Spirit Detective 2" which is a brilliant nod to the anime "Yu Yu Hakusho" makes references to the show but maintains the theme of the song. The song is about a man who won't give into demons and will continue to be a solider of light. It's clever tracks like "Spirit Detective 2", "Dwayne Wayne"  and "Picture That" that will have you take notice if you haven't to SkyBlew.

I have to say that is truly is a great album. But in the world music it's not just the artist alone. The people behind the production job is to compliment the talent of the artist. "Race For Your Life, SkyBlew" has fantastic production from producers Scottie King who owns it on my favorite track of the album "Picture That." I love this beat it's sounds soulful but at the same time like I'm going into a RPG town. Scottie King lends his talents to other tracks and it's home run each time. SkyBlew also continues his collaboration with Backdraft (see SkyBlew his album Journey in 1st Person for more) and you can hear the chemistry when great lyrics mix with great beats. Backdraft and SkyBlew fit like a glove and when you hear the production on the song "The Ballad of Patience" you will see why I say that. Don't wait for me to tell you check it out. Other producers such as U'Nquie Music, DJ Reimi and Englewood all do fantastic on the tracks their production is featured on.

Overall if you looking for music that is authentic with positive vibes and great lyrics and production. "Race For Your Life, SkyBlew" is the album for you. 16 tracks and I didn't skip on track. Great album and a must listen too if you like music with substance.

Rating - A+

Stand Out Tracks
Flowers PT. 2
Spirit Detective 2
The Ballad of Patience
Dwayne Wayne

HATSUNE MIKU Announces North American Headlining Tour Spring 2016

Hatsune Miku is coming back to North America Spring 2016, this time bigger than ever!

Two years after her successful Fall 2014 live concerts in Los Angeles and New York, virtual singer Hatsune Miku prepares to return to the North-American continent in Spring 2016 for "HATSUNE MIKU EXPO 2016 North America", her longest and largest overseas tour to this date.

The HATSUNE MIKU EXPO world tour is a series of live concert events starring Hatsune Miku, the first-of-her-kind virtual artist, performing on stage through synthesized voice and CG animation. The first edition took place in Jakarta, Indonesia in May 2014, followed by Los Angeles and New York in October the same year, and Shanghai, China in June 2015. The 2016 edition of HATSUNE MIKU EXPO will begin with a series of concerts in five cities in Japan, before crossing the Pacific Ocean to perform in six more cities across North America: Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Toronto, New York.

[HATSUNE MIKU EXPO 2016 North America Tour]

April 23rd (Sat) in Seattle, WaMu Theater
April 30th (Sat) in San Francisco, The Warfield
May 6th (Sat) in Los Angeles, Microsoft Theater
May 14th (Sat) in Dallas, The Bomb Factory
May 20th (Fri) in Toronto, Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
May 28th (Sat) in New York, Hammerstein Ballroom

HATSUNE MIKU EXPO Tickets will go on sale Friday, Nov 20th at 9am PST/ 12noon EST

Official Website: http://mikuexpo.com/na2016

Official Twitter: http://twitter.com/mikuexpo

http://twitter.com/mikuexpo 

Hatsune Miku Releases Special "Hatsune Miku Project Mirai Complete"

Japanese music sensation and virtual pop star Hatsune Miku has announced the release on October 26th of her latest limited edition box set collection, Hatsune Miku Project Mirai Complete.

The new set features 5 CDs and 1 Blu-ray disc that includes: 100 VOCALOID Tracks, Opening Movies,Official Theme Songs, Music Videos (up to Project Mirai DX/Deluxe), one Nendoroid Petite Mikudayo with Exclusive Background Boards (past limited merchandise), 6 Disc Stickers, one Confidential Application Ticket, and one Special Brochure “Monthly Mikudayo.” Hatsune Miku Project Mirai Complete is available now for purchase for $75.00 from the online Japanese pop culture entertainment website KawaiiKakkoiiSugoi.com.

 Fans can visit KawaiiKakkoiiSugoi.BigCartel.com to purchase Hatsune Miku Project Mirai Complete.

Hatsune Miku Project Mirai Complete is a complete collection of all soundtracks and videos from the 3DS Game “Project Mirai” series. 5 CDs in the box feature tracks from popular game soundtracks to newly released room BGM tracks arranged by a renowned array of VOCALOID producers. Contained in the Blu-ray disk are opening movies of Project Mirai series, music videos of theme songs, a digital art gallery, as well as a special video that catches a crazy side of Hatsune Miku.

The box set edition also comes with a number of exclusive bonus items that Hatsune Miku fans will definitely want to add to their collections:

Nendoroid Petite Mikudayo (Complete Version): Nendoroid Petite Mikudayo (Complete Version) comes with 3 new attachable parts and 5 background boards (only available at Kawaii Kakkoii Sugoi Shop in the U.S. and U/M/A/A STORE in Japan). With 4 worldwide famous landscapes printed on the boards, Miku “visits” Osaka Castle in Japan, Arc de Triumph in Paris, Statue of Liberty in New York and even the Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt. Fans can compose with their own lines for Mikudayo’s speech bubbles on the fifth board!

·         Special Brochure “Monthly Mikudayo”: Separate from the CD booklet, a brochure called, “Monthly Mikudayo,” covers everything Hatsune Miku, from gravure photos and interviews, to Mikudayo manga and street snapshots.

·         6 Sets of Vocaloid Characters Stickers: Stickers of 6 VOCALOID characters are enveloped as CD and Blu-ray disk covers.

·         Confidential Applications Ticket: The box comes with a confidential application ticket which enables Hatsune Miku fans to be chosen for a special secret event!