MUSIC: Estelle- Make Her Say (Beat It Up)

"Everyone is still imperfectly perfect." British Singer Estelle shows she has guts with her bold new video for her track 'Make Her Say (Beat It Up)'. The visual is basically real couples having a little sexy time, but the interesting thing is that the couples aren't drenched in Hollywood sheen; they are just average folks. And there are no camera tricks to smooth out any lumps, bumps, or blemishes either.

The video might be a slightly awkward watch for some, because the couples are real and it feels like you're intruding on their private times. But I don't think the point of the video is necessarily to make you feel comfortable, or uncomfortable. The point is to show realness, to celebrate realness as plainly as possible. That's what's cool about this video because in today's world, it's a pretty bold thing for anyone to even go filter-less on Instagram, let alone for a singer to go filter-less on film. This video shows balls and a truly IDGAF attitude; Kudos Estelle for showing people in all shapes and all shades and for truly keeping it trill.

Check out 'Make Her Say (Beat It Up) below.

#LoveTheSkinYoureIn
Love B x

MUSIC: SZA - Z

Big hair, baggy Tee, and Chuck T’s are three things associated with New Jersey singer SZA... Cool vocals, dope lyricism and unique production happen to be another three. As one of Top Dawg Entertainment’s latest signees, she sits on their roster alongside the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock and Schoolboy Q. Since signing to the label, SZA has lent her vocals to a number of tracks by other artists, including Kris Kasanova’s “Tomorrow”, and Isaiah Rashad’s “Ronnie Drake”. In autumn 2013 she released the songs “Julia” and “Teen Spirit”, which were her first solo offerings under the TDE moniker.

Needless to say that her latest album, Z has been highly anticipated by both fans, and critics who were eager to hear more from Top Dawg’s newest recruit. Z is actually SZA’s third album, after her 2012 debut EP, See.SZA.Run, and 2013’s S. It follows S as the second installment of a trilogy of albums that together will spell out her name. Z is a satisfying pick ‘n’ mix of 80s synth pop, 70s cool and, spacey futuristic noises. The 10-track album features appearances from Chance The Rapper, Isaiah Rashad and Kendrick Lamar. And the production credits include DJ Dahi, (Drake, Casey Veggies) Emile Haynie, (Eminem, Kanye West, Lana Del Rey) and Toro y Moi. The beautiful thing about Z is that somehow, SZA manages to combine and layer so many artistic elements without it coming off as confused or over-processed.

Conceptually, Z picks up where S left off, in the sense that it covers the next step of SZA’s coming-of-age experiences. But although the two albums deal with a lot of the same themes and issues, like love, aspirations, and identity, there is a definite shift in the overall tone. Musically, there’s less of the spangley, base-heavy, Glitter-trap sound that prevails on S. And lyrically, it’s without the whimsical, other worldly imagery too. Where S has more of an introspective dreamy feel to it, Z is more rooted in the here and now. The personality of this project is altogether more confident and self- assured. But SZA is not trying to play like she has all the answers - this album is not about cockiness or ego. It’s about accepting yourself, warts and all; it’s about accepting the fact that you don’t have all the answers; and realising that this is OK, because actually nobody has the answers and those who try to act like they do are only fooling themselves. Put plainly, Z is about experience, growth and keeping it trill in the realest sense.

“Clarity is a state of mind

Freedom ain’t real, who’s sold you that lie? [...]

Superficial Superwoman?

Ain’t you tired of that wind in your face?

Your skin tastes like brussells sprouts, I swear.”

- Lyrics from "Ur"                      

This is a confident, skilled body of work that is held together by superb creative integrity and innovation; Z is gorgeous to listen to- every song is its own unique treat. I love that SZA is quietly doing something different: and she's not being too noisy about it. She’s the rebel under your radar, and she is one artist who is truly dancing to her own tune, big hair, baggy t-shirt and all.

Have a listen to one of the album's stand out tracks, "Babylon" ft Kendrick Lamar. Also, check SZA's DECODED interview for Jay Z's digital magazine, Life + Times below.

Enjoy,

Love B x

Click here to read my full review for WPGM.

(Nearly) 12 Months No Relaxer... What Now?

I have been relaxing my hair since I was 12 years old. I had always loved creating new styles with my natural hair. I'd convince my mum to plait weird and wonderful cornrow designs or to just let me leave my afro out- free to square up to the elements, the best way it knew how.  For me the thrill and fun of my hair has always been in it's versatility. So at age 12, after my mother's relaxer embargo was lifted,  I got it done. And I loved my new hair, I was obsessed with it. Over the years I learned how to care for it, to love it properly, and for the most part it loved me back.  As I grew up I started experimenting with colour, and cuts too. OK, i'll admit, I have had a few disasters but they were calculated risks, which I took in the name of creativity... and boredom.

Anyway, generally I have enjoyed such healthy relaxed hair that I never considered growing out my natural hair fully. This is why my current hair situation is such a revelation to me... It's been almost 12 months since my last re-touch and I can't really explain why. It's definitely not the result of a conscious decision to go natural; I didn't meticulously weigh-up the pros and cons, I didn't research; I didn't consult any blogs or vlogs,; and I didn't drastically change my hair care regime. I don't really know what happened; time passed and I just never made that re-touch hair appointment.  Nope, my natural hair just happened... naturally.

APRIL 2013: Just a few weeks after my last relaxer. I had cut my hair into a crop in November 2012 and had been trimming the back while growing it in the front for the passed few months. By April, although I loved my do, I could predict myself getting antsy as I was heading for that dreaded 'in-betweeny' stage. In the past, this feeling has often led to me doing something follicle-y drastic.

JUNE 2013: The dye job. I fancied Ombré-ing my hair, so I hot-footed it to the high st and got myself L'Oreal's finest 'mix it yourself' kit... I loved the look but this new change only satisfied my hair boredom for, oooh, all of about 3 weeks.

JULY 2013: Swish and flick. I re-discovered hair extension clips, I had purchased and made in 2012. The clips were another great way to switch up my look. I had used good quality hair so the extensions were still in tact I was able to clip-in and clip out at will. I washed and conditioned my hair as normal, while the hair extensions protected my hair from the summer sun. It was to be the start of a glorious love affair... click here to see my post: The Wonder of Hair Extension Clips.

NOVEMBER 2013: True romance. As Winter drew in, my hair grew and the little afro curls held the clips in place all the more perfectly. I was cheating on my relaxer but I didn't care, there was no end in sight for this love... or so I thought.

FEBRUARY 2014: New Year, new me. The holiday was over...  my hair had really grown out and I had grown sick of blow drying it straight to match the extension hair texture. So, in slightly dramatic, slow-mo style, I looked at my clip- in extensioned self in the mirror, and I began to carefully, deliberately remove the tracks from my head. As I stripped away, I knew the romance was over. I still loved my clip-ins but I was bored, and it was time to move on.

After my usual was and treatment I decided to pop my hair into Bantu knots. I left them over night and in the morning, when I unraveled the knots, I pinned up up my hair and used a tie which give it a retro 'pin-up girl' look. My Bantu curls varied from day-to-day depending on how tightly I wrapped them and how long I left them in. I loved the look!

MARCH 2014: Braid away.I decided to give the knots a rest for a while and have been sporting my own version of the Goddess braid. This hairstyle reminds me of a cross between my childhood hair and something from Game of Thrones! Anyway I'm really liking this style at the moment; it's easy, unique, and protective. I often wear it with statement earrings and a bold lippy to make the look pop...

Is it possible to be in love with two different hair-types at the same time? I'm crazy in love with my relaxed hair- both with and without clip-ins, but I've developed a serious crush on my curls. I wonder if I can really to devote myself to one style when I have such strong feelings for another... I have looked into treatments, which can apparently give me the best of both worlds, but i'm undecided about any of those as yet.

One thing I do know is I've had a lot of fun playing with my hair over the last year, it's been great to experiment, and explore what my hair can do and be, and how it can make me feel. I was reminded of just how much I love the creativity and versatility of afro hair in all it's adaptations. You don't have to be "#TeamNatural" or "#TeamWeave" or "#TeamRelaxed" (are there even such teams and relaxed and weave?) My point is you don't have to be anything but #TeamYou. Choice is the truly liberating thing about self-image. How you choose to wear your hair is just another wonderful form of self-expression, so do what you please. I'm almost 12 months relaxer-free... what now? I dunno, but I'm excited about what I might try next.

#YourHairYourWay ... Just love it well.

Love B x

Kinkx Jams: Kwabs- Pray For Love

'Pray For Love' is the new track by north London singer Kwabs. I just can't get enough of this artist, he is going to be a major player in the UK's alternative R&B sound. Have a listen to the track produced by Ben Drew a.k.a. Plan B. Enjoy x 

Make IT Pop: Sky Blue Nails

My latest nail colour lust is Mavala's "Sky Blue".  Pastels are always the thing for Spring and nail colour is a great place to start to experiment with different shades.

Sound Advice From Maya Angelou...

Most of the time we know what we want, but we just need that kick up the backside to get on with it, and not give up. This Maya Angelou quote inspires me whenever I'm feeling hesitant or indecisive about something.

So, whatever your dreams are, go for it. There's no one more capable of achieving your dreams than you.

Love, Bx

BEAUTY: Kinkx Loves... Pastels

Spring is almost here! Time to break out the pastels. Pale colours can work on all skin tones, it's just a case of experimenting and seeing what works for you. So whether it's pale nails, milky lips, or candyfloss hair colour, be inspired and have a go...

Love B x