Y: You may have seen Janelle Monáe’s artist Jidenna wandering about and wondered, “Why…?” Or “What’s his deal?” Because, as my good friend Michael describes him: “Jidenna dresses like he leads the Golden Lords and wants to take down Dick Tracey once and for all.” I’m in the same boat and still figuring him out. For one, that “Fancy” sonic jack distracts from the enjoyment of “Classic Man,” but there’s clearly a commercial appeal here. At the least, this remix video with Kendrick Lamar is a party I’d like to be at. [Fader]
Y: If Jill Scott would just keep dropping fire songs like “Closure” and never tweet again, she’d be cool. This breakup anthem sounds like a funk boss theme for a modern Foxy Brown remake. [That Grape Juice]
N: Covering The Weeknd’s “Earned It” requires a certain delicate touch and several acts have struggled with it, including Jess Glynne. Add Years & Years’ whiny cover to the bunch. [Idolator]
Y: Sevyn Streeter’s collab with her boyfriend B.o.B “Shoulda Been There” gives me just the right amount of shoulder bounce. It comes with a dumb lyric video, but I approve ’cause these two are cute as hell together. [That Grape Juice]