Music

Steven Markowitz, a.k.a Hoodie Allen, is an independent hip hop recording artist. Although he had released many mixtapes between 2009-2012, his first official EP was released in 2012 titled All American. On April 10, 2012, the All American EP hit No. 1 on the iTunes charts within hours of its release. This led to the Cruisin’ USA Tour, where he toured with Aer and Jared Evan, he was also accompanied by G-Eazy at a few of the shows on that tour. In 2014, Hoodie released the album, People Keep Talking, which featured a single with Ed Sheeran “All About It.” From there he went on a the People Keep Talking World Tour with Chiddy Bang and MAX. This eventually led to The Boys of Zummer tour where he co-headlined with Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa.

In 2015, Hoodie Allen shared across his social media platforms that he would be releasing his second studio album, Happy Camper, and that it would be available everywhere, even for free download on his website. Prior to the release of this album, Hoodie Allen released two singles from, Happy Camper, “Champange and Pools” featuring Blackbear and KYLE, and “Are U Having Any Fun?” featuring Meghan Tonjes. As a fan of Hoodie Allen I can honestly say that this is one of his best albums yet. This album has a total of 10 songs, but they are the best fit for this album, here is the track list followed by some of my favorite lyrics from the song.

***Please be advised that this is an explicit album and that there are curse words in songs***

1. “Intro to Anxiety” **
“Sometimes I let my ego get the best of me
Sometimes I wonder why my stress is stressing me
Sometimes I lay awake and I can’t go to sleep
This is my introduction to anxiety”

2. “Are U Having Any Fun?” featuring Meghan Tonjes
“I could be the one you really wanted
Could’ve had it all, but then you lost it”

3. “Remind Me of” **
“So, I won’t ever be a rapper that you see complaining
If you want it, go and take it, step up, word to Channing Tatum.”

4. “So Close to Happiness” **
“Big house, don’t really need that
Real love, I’m tryna keep that
Please don’t give up what we got
We’re so close to happiness”

5. “Too Invested”
“All I know is everything is gonna fly away eventually
And I’m trying to find the words to say
To show you what you meant to me”

6. “Surprise Party” featuring Blackbear **
“This ain’t no surprise party
Girl, and you don’t need no invitation”

7. “Make You Feel” featuring Ricky Smith **
“I never wanted to make you feel alone
I never wanted to leave you on your own
But if you look up sometimes, you just might find
That you’re not that far from home
I never wanted to make you feel alone”

8. “Champagne and Pools” featuring Blackbear and KYLE **
“What else do you want from me? Oh
Is it the house that I live
Or the things that I can give am I a fool, oh
For thinking I was different
What else do you want me to give?
I know it’s not a promise, you got what you wanted
Champagne and pools”

9. “25th Hour”
“I tell ’em, I’m the original, All-American Hoodie Allen
These other rappers, they do impressions, that’s Jimmy Fallon.”

10. “King to Me”
“When you get down, someone’s gonna steal your crown
But you’ll always be a king to me, and a family.”

**my favorite songs from Happy Camper.
Overall I give this album a 9 out of 10, only because I wish there were more songs to show how far Hoodie Allen has come since his first mixtape. This is my favorite of his, and I am so excited for his Happy Camper tour that kicks off in just a couple of days with openers Blackbear and Super Duper Kyle! I think that I speak for all of his fans when I say that we are all very Happy Campers with this album.
Catch me at his concert in Phoenix on February 14!

Rock Legend and Aerosmith front man has released a new country tune called “Red, White & You” and its EPIC.

Take a listen at the rocker let out his country side.

As usual, there are songs that break big throughout the year. In 2015, there were many of them that we will continue to remember for years. Some came with simple dance moves that we all mimicked, and others just catchy choruses that we sang along to. Here, in no particular order, are 15 of the unforgettable songs (and their music videos) that we enjoyed throughout 2015.

1. “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” by Silentó

This song consists of lyrics that line out a dance. These lyrics led to many, many dance videos that were posted on YouTube. These dance videos are made by people of all ages, including groups of young girls and boys, and dads with their daughters. Overall, this one will definitely stick around for awhile. You’ll probably catch yourself whipping into 2016.

2. “Trap Queen” by Fetty Wap

This song was frequently played on the radio this year. We danced and rapped along to this one (terribly). Overall, it was almost too enjoyable.

3. “Hello” by Adele

“Hello” was one of the songs of 2015 that led everyone to tears. It was a great comeback for Adele. This song gave her new album, 25, tons and tons of traction. We will definitely be busting out singing this emotional song for months in 2016.

4. “Budapest” by George Ezra

George Ezra’s “Budapest” is a happy, carefree song. that lifts our spirits. Ezra’s voice is spectacular- something you would expect from such a young adult.

5. “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd

The Weeknd’s song “Can’t Feel My Face” was almost too catchy along with a little bit mysterious. The lyrics led for confusion among all. There were many different back stories that were made up by the listeners. The one question we continuously tried to answer and still cannot answer is: What is this song about? Maybe we will find out in 2016.

6. “Cheerleader” by Felix Jaehn

“Cheerleader” by Felix Jaehn was another one we could jam out to. It made us dance in the car when it came on the radio and scream the lyrics at the top of our lungs when it came up on our iTunes radio. This was a great one to listen to during all occasions.

7. “Lean On” by Major Lazer & DJ Snake (Feat. MØ)

Not only was this song ridiculously upbeat, but it had a great music video. It was different, to say the least. “Lean On”(‘s) music video included dancing and shots that we would not expect from a typical music video. Though it was confusing to some, we all loved it. Hopefully more great music videos are great to come in 2016.

8. “What Do You Mean” by Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber’s fanbase definitely grew in 2015. With his hit “What Do You Mean” he gained tons and tons of listeners and, now, devoted fans.

9. “Cake By The Ocean” by DNCE

This one was especially great because it showcases Joe Jonas. It was awesome to see him coming back in with a great hit as a part of a great band. Here’s to hoping for more great hits from DNCE in 2016.

10. “Sorry” by Justin Bieber

Another one by Justin Bieber that grew his following. We can all sing along and relate to this one.

11. “Hotline Bling” by Drake

Memes, all of the memes. That is all there is to say about this one.

12. “Levels” by Nick Jonas

This song made us fall in love with Nick Jonas all over again. He is completely different from his Jonas Brothers phase and we are loving it.

13. “Same Old Love” by Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez was a big hit in 2015. She released multiple hits and “Same Old Love” was one of them. This song immediately made all of us start swaying and dancing along with its catchy lyrics. We’re expecting more great things from Selena Gomez in 2016.

14. “Good For You” by Selena Gomez (Feat. A$AP Rocky)

Another awesome hit by Selena Gomez that we all love. Check it out before 2015 ends.

15. “Marvin Gaye” by Charlie Puth (Feat. Meghan Trainor)

This song gave a little bit of variability to the top hits of 2015. It was a little bit slower, than the rest of the upbeat tunes, but was still fun to dance and sing to. This Charlie Puth and Meghan Trainor collaboration is one that we hope inspires others for 2016.

November 13, 2015 brought Justin Bieber’s 4th studio album, Purpose, which is co-produced by Skrillex, BLOOD and several other producers. With this album, brought many chart toppers with songs like What Do You Mean?, Sorry, and collaboration with Skrillex and Diplo, Where Are Ü Now.

Purpose, was supposed to be Bieber’s comeback album, and in all honesty, I think that’s exactly what this is. This album gives listeners a point of view from JB’s life in the past few years. From his downward spiral, to on-again off-again relationship with Selena Gomez. It was questioned whether or not Bieber would even be able to make another hit album.

When this album first came out, I will admit, I was not sure if I wanted to listen to it. His last album wasn’t that great and any other songs he released in between were not that impressive. But it took me watching his live performance of Sorry on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, to give the album a shot. Just with the first song, I caught myself nodding along to the song and by the time the chorus rolled around I was already singing it, then I listened to the rest of the album and I was blown away. There are a couple songs I can do without, but I’ll get to that later. Overall, I think this album is what Justin Bieber needed for the ultimate comeback.

As far as a letter grade goes for this album, I will give it a B+.

*Below I have listed the 13 songs from the album, Purpose [and possibly some of my favorite lyrics from the song]*

(Get your copy today from Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, etc!)

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Purpose, Justin Bieber

1. Mark My Words –

“Trying to rekindle us/ Only to lose yourself”

2. I’ll Show You –

“My life is a movie and everyone’s watching/ So let’s get to the good part and past all the nonsense”

“Cause life’s not easy, I’m not made out of steel/ Don’t forget that I’m human, don’t forget that I’m real”

3. What Do You Mean? –

“Oh, what do you mean?/ Said you’re running out of time, what do you mean?”

4. Sorry –

“Is it too late now to say sorry?/ Yeah I know that I let you down/ Is it too late to say I’m sorry now?”

5. Love Yourself –

“And I didn’t wanna write a song/ Cause I didn’t want anyone thinking I still care/ I don’t but, you still hit my phone up”

6. Company –

“Maybe we, can be/ Be each other’s company”

7. No Pressure ft. Big Sean –

“Losin’ it, I’m so delirious/ And I’ma put up a fight for it/ Never give up a love like this”

8. No Sense ft. Travi$ Scott –

“Been around a million stars/ None of them shine brighter than you/ The sky be so dark now without you”

9. The Feeling ft. Halsey –

“Am I in love with you? Am I in love with you?/ Or am I in love with the feeling?”

10. Life Is Worth Living –

“Life is worth living/ Life is worth living, so live another day”

11. Where Are Ü Now –

“Where are you now that I need ya? Couldn’t find you anywhere/ When you broke down I didn’t leave ya, I was by your side”

12. Children –

“Whose heart is the biggest?/ Wear it on your sleeve/ Bet we can make a difference”

13. Purpose –

“And you bless me with the best gift/ That I’ve ever known/ You give me purpose”