As you may have heard, television is growing again in creative innovation. This year saw some great new additions to my TV watching schedule. Here’s what were my favs this year.
6. Broad City
5. Silicon Valley
4. How To Get Away With Murder
3. Gotham
2. Survivors Remorse
1. Black-ish
10. Guardians of the Galaxy
9. Belle
8. Interstellar
7. Edge of Tomorrow
6. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
5. Dear White People
4. About Last Night
3. Begin Again
2. Chef
Overall, I would say 2014 was a fairly decent year for film. However, it what I liked was very surprising because I wasn’t aware of the films prior. I had no idea who Guardians of the Galaxy were in the MCU but went in and ended up having a fun ride. I never knew about the history surrounding Belle and then I saw the movie and learned so much while placing Gugu Mbatha-Raw as one of my favorite new actresses. Edge of Tomorrow and Interstellar both played with my mind and had me thinking afterwards. Up until now, Captain America was probably my least favorite Avenger but after the Winter Soldier, he became the most intriguing. I think after the Avengers, this was the most action packed Marvel movie ever. Dear White People was funny and very thought provoking, I loved it. About Last Night, Begin Again and Chef were very heartwarming stories that kept me engaged. Chef in particular had so many layers and pulled everything off well. I loved the themes and visuals and became attached to the story. But out of everything I saw, the one film that packed the most punch was…
1. Gone Girl
WOW! This movie not only blew me away but took me on so many twists and turns on such a dark ride. I absolutely loved it. I read the book a while ago and loved it too, its probably one of my favorite books. With that being said, this was one of the best adaptations of a book I’ve ever seen. I was engaged like I didn’t know what happened. Hats off to David, Ben and Rosamund. So GOOD!
10. Maroon 5 – V
9. Chris Brown – X
8. J. Cole – 2014 Forest Hills Drive
7. Sia – 1000 Forms of Fear
6. Mariah Carey – Me. I Am Mariah. The Elusive Chanteuse
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5. Azealia Banks – Broke With Expensive Taste
4. D’Angelo & The Vanguard – Black Messiah
3. Mary J. Blige – The London Sessions
2. Rochelle Jordan – 1021
Being dead honest this was a really weak year in music. However, there were still some gems scattered throughout. Maroon 5 gave us some great pop/rock gems putting us in a California chill mode. While many disagreed, I felt Chris Brown gave one of the strongest albums of his career with very catchy songs. Sia successfully launched from songwriter to her own successful singing career, while delivering a very emotional yet mainstream effort. Azealia Banks gave us one of the most refreshing hip hop albums I’ve heard in a long time and Mary J. Blige branched out to a new sound that I enjoy on her. D’Angelo and J. Cole gave us a surprises year end releases that were sonic & lyrical delights, adding flavor to a bland year. Mariah Carey also released what I feel is her best album since Emancipation. I also want to highlight one of my favorite underground artists, Rochelle Jordan. I’ve been trying to keep everyone in the know about her since her 2012 “Pressure” mixtape, which I LOVED. It seems like every single song she makes is perfect and her debut studio album didn’t disappoint. While these were all great (and you should check them out) the best album of 2014 has to go to………..
1. Pharrell – Girl
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Pharrell is one of my all time favorite artists and producers. Like Rochelle, everything he does, I love. This album finally showed the real Pharrell and this is what I feel a true body of work is. It told a story and had a lot of fun while taking you on musical journey. “Girl” is not only my favorite album of 2014 but quickly rising in one of my all time favorites. And there you have it!
Honorable Mention:
Jhene Aiko – Souled Out
Eric Bellinger – The Rebirth
Sebastian Mikael – Speechless
Trey Songz – Trigga
Kelis – Food
No Particular Order, just some movies I plan on seeing this year!
So many good ones!!!
*This could be amended, there’s a few movies I still want to see.
10. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Love the Hunger Games series, I think its one of the best book adaptations to date. After a strong start, the sequel beefed it up and didn’t disappoint. The amazing Jennifer Lawrence was great again as well. Bring on Mockingjay in 2014!
9. The Great Gatsby
What do you get when you mix Leo DiCaprio, one of the most iconic books of all time and a Jay Z soundtrack? One of the best movies of the year! I loved the Great Gatsby, visually it was beautiful and I loved how it brought back the soundtrack. While the critical reception was mixed, I absolutely loved it!
8. Captain Phillips
Tom Hanks is one of the most legendary actors of our time. He definitely chose the right project with this one. Captain Phillips was one of the most intense movies I’ve seen this year and he pulled off one heck of a performance. Great movie!
7. 42
Jackie Robinson shares my birthdate so I’ve always had a connection with him. However, I didn’t know much about his story so I was excited for this film. Chadwick Boseman (an HU Grad *Howard Hand*) portrayed the baseball legend with such passion and force that blew me away. I loved the movie, it brought tears to my eyes and I gained an even bigger respect for Jackie and appreciation for the sport. While I wish it would have delved more into his life, it was still a great movie.
6. Gravity
This movie was so moving to me. Not just because I love Sandra Bullock and George Clooney and the visuals were great but because of the message. The movie was very powerful and it sent me a lesson about rebirth and it taught me to never give up. “I’m not quitting” was my favorite line in the movie and its now my motto. The depth along with the action made this film brilliant!
5. American Hustle
Fresh from the theater as I write this. Bottom line, I loved this movie. The performances, the story, the cinematography and fashions/design was all top notch. I connected with the characters and was very engaged with the story. Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams are becoming some of my favorite actors. With this film, director David O. Russell is also solidifying himself as one of the classic directors (Tarantino, Soderbergh, Scorsese). Great film.
4. The Butler
When Oprah is in your movie, you know its big. The Butler had a high concept and a great cast (and a huge one too). What some may have thought would just be another “civil rights movie” turned out to be one of the best stories in years. It was everything. It was a love story, it was history and it was fantastic. Forest Whitaker gave one of his best performances of the year and Oprah knocked it out of the park.
3. The Best Man Holiday
How did the sequel to one of my favorite movies of all time hold up? It was INCREDIBLE! Seeing some of my favorite characters again on screen was a dream. All these years I had pretended Brown Sugar (another favorite btw) was the sequel to the Best Man because I never imagined it would come. The message of the value of friendship really connected to me. This movie was well worth the wait and I hope it reignites this type of black cinema.
2. Fruitvale Station
One of the most powerful movies I have EVER seen. Michael B. Jordan gives a breakthrough performance as Oscar Grant. I saw it the night before I was moving and I didn’t have access to cable anymore. When I got back home I was so moved that I sat at home and just thought about the movie for about an hour afterwards. It was that powerful. In 90 short minutes, I felt like I had known Oscar my whole life and I felt so sad. In the light of Trayvon Martin, this film couldn’t come at a better time.
1. 12 Years A Slave
This movie was life changing. As a person who knew and understood slavery, this movie managed to open my eyes like nothing before. The pain and horror of Solomon Northrup’s story was too much. Chiwetel Ejiofor gave a pulse pounding performance and Lupita N’yongo was RIVETING. It may have been hard to watch but that shows how real the film was and it SHOULD be watched. It got into my emotions like nothing else and taught me how fortunate I am and what people went through for me to be here. 12 Years A Slave deserves all the praise its getting and everyone needs to see it. Best movie of the year and one of the best of all time.
Favorite Blockbusters of 2013
Man of Steel
World War Z
Oz: The Great and Powerful
Olympus Has Fallen
Now You See Me
Favorite Indie Movie of 2013:
Newlyweeds
(expect a full article about this film really soon)
10. “In A Tidal Wave Of Mystery” – Capital Cities
Capital Cities came across my way after their performance on Ellen this past Spring. I loved “Safe and Sound” and I wanted to check out the album. It had a chill California vibe with electro roots. The best way to describe them would be The Southern California Daft Punk. Anyway, great album.
9. “Random Access Memories” – Daft Punk
Speaking of Daft Punk, lets talk about how amazing their latest album was. With features and production from Pharrell (one of my favorite artists ever), I had to check this out. You would have expected a David Guetta-esque generic electropop album. However, I was dead wrong. The album was a perfect blend of pop, 70s funk and futuristic electro vibes. I loved it and I zone out when listening. Definitely one of the best of 2013. Fun record.
8. “Talk A Good Game” – Kelly Rowland
Kelly has seen a nice resurgence these past few years (post-Motivation). I’ve been here since day one (unlike some other bandwagons) and I’ve always liked her solo music. TAGG surprised me though. I liked “Here I Am” but compared to this, it didn’t stand a chance. This is hands down her best album. She brought us sensual R&B with great vocals. This is also her best crafted album, I felt like I finally heard her. “Here I Am” was good but it was mostly leaked tracks and songs originally for other artists. TAGG is her defining album and it will get play in my iTunes for a long time coming.
7. “Yours Truly” – Ariana Grande
I’d been hearing about Ariana for a while but didn’t pay attention. After she released “Baby, I” this past summer, I was an instant fan just off the song. When the album dropped, I was blown away. I was surprised that a young girl could bring back the fun of 90s/early 00s R&B to music. The album was hit after hit. Plus, we haven’t even talked about her vocals, she’s actually very skilled.
6. “Magna Carta Holy Grail” – Jay Z
This album was a surprise delight. I loved the marketing but most of all I loved the music also. Jay Z has solidified himself as a legend and he always puts out quality. When I listen to MCHG, I just feel like I’m in VIP. When describing this album he referred to it as something he wanted to put out that was hot for the summer. He definitely accomplished his mission as this was one of my favorites to listen to.
5. “Matangi” – M.I.A.
M.I.A. is a beast! She went hard with this album. The main reason I love it is because it is trance inducing like there’s a party going on in your head. The beats are just hard and insane, its like music you can see in front of you.
4. “The Electric Lady” – Janelle Monae
I love Janelle Monae. After the Archandriod, I waited for the past 3 years for her next project. When she delivered, boy did she! She gave me two albums worth of songs and took me to an amazing sonic candy land.
3. “Kiss Land” – The Weeknd
Since 2011, I’ve been a proud fan of the Weeknd. I loved his mystique and music. Blending two of my favorite genres, R&B and Alternative, he became one of my favorites. His studio debut was just as hot his mixtapes. I love this album because unlike other underground artists who go mainstream, he gave us what we love about him but on a bigger level. This is more trance music.
2. “The 20/20 Experience” – Justin Timberlake
FINALLY, He returned. “The 20/20 Experience” marked JT’s return to music after a 6 year absence. Was the project worth the wait? ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY. While I count both parts as one album, I will say (along with many others) the first part is better. I almost gave up on him returning but this surprise return was even better than I wanted or imagined. His music is now grown up, lavish and grown. He and Timbaland found a way to make innovative fresh sound that manages to be the JT we love.
1. “BEYONCÉ” – Beyoncé
Bow Down to the best album of the year. And I don’t think I’m being biased because I love Bey. Honestly, she delivered on all levels and provided what I think is her personal best album. Bringing back a sensual (and raunchy) R&B to her music, she created a strong BODY of work. Which is why it is the best album of the year. It is an ALBUM! She didn’t focus on singles at all but quality and cohesion. She also brought something different with the visual aspect to the album which enhanced the music even more. BEYONCE is a classic and monumental album. Beyonce worked very hard and delivered which is why she continues to win!
Best Debuts:
“In A Tidal Wave of Mystery” – Capital Cities
“Pure Heroine” – Lorde
“Secondhand Rapture” – MS MR
“Rebellious Soul” – K. Michelle
“Yours Truly” – Ariana Grande
Other Favorites:
“Born Sinner” – J. Cole
“Black Radio 2” – Robert Glasper
“New Orleans” – PJ Morton
“Side Effects of You” – Fantasia
“Because the Internet” – Childish Gambino
Best Classic Diva Album:
“Loved Me Back To Life” – Celine Dion
Favorite Mixtapes/EPs:
“Downtown: Life Under The Gun” – August Alsina
“Acid Rap” – Chance The Rapper
“Call Me Crazy…” – Sevyn Streeter
My Top 15 Television Shows of 2013:
15) How I Met Your Mother
The final season of HIMYM is gearing up to be a real treat. I’ve always found this to be a cute show. Its not “Friends” but I’ve connected with this group over the past few years. I’ll miss them come May.
14) Orange Is The New Black
While slightly overhyped, I still enjoyed the story and found it to be one of my favorite shows of the year. It has a really grasping plot and it proved to me even more how much I could never go to jail (and this just shows a women’s prison!). OITNB started its first season pretty strong and I’ll definitely be streaming the second season.
13) New Girl
New Girl is just… I love this show. Its funny, well written and I love the characters. Jess is the awkward soul in all of us, you just want to root for her. If “Friends” is the expectation of roommate groups but New Girl is the hilarious reality (did you catch my 500 Days of Summer reference?)
12) The Mindy Project
I love Mindy Kaling, so her show making this list was a given. But outside of it, I really like this show because of the diversity and I see a lot of my friends in these characters. I love her humor and this is a great platform for her.
11) Ray Donovan
Since I heard Pooch Hall was cast on this show, I’d been waiting to tune in. The plot was interesting and I always love a Hollywood setting. Liev S. does a great job in the title role of a Hollywood fixer. Some have called it “Scandal in Hollywood” but I think its much more than that and Ray will grow to become a classic character. There’s much more than shock value, the first season gave character development, top notch writing, superb acting and good drama. Definitely a new favorite.
10) Masters of Sex
I LOVE THIS SHOW! That’s all I need to say. But really, its a very intriguing plot. I think MOS could be one of the most underrated shows of the new season. Showtime has a winner with this one!
9) Graceland
Stumbled upon this show on accident this summer. Afterwards, I was tuning in every Thursday. Its great seeing the amazing Daniel Sunjata in steady work. While not groundbreaking, I think it served its purpose as a hip summer show. I’m not a huge fan of cop shows but the California setting, fresh young approach, diversity and cool edge made this one stand out.
8) Homeland
Seeing the acclaim everywhere forced me to tune in. When I finally had access to Showtime, I finally checked it out and was AMAZED! Carrie and Brody had my attention every episode and I finally saw why Claire Danes is hailed as a great actress. Its so intense and I loved it! The recent finale had my jaw on the floor, I’m interested in seeing how the show goes further with that ending.
7) The Big Bang Theory
How can you not love The Big Bang Theory? Like seriously… Sheldon is a trip though, steals every episode! #Bazinga
6) 2 Broke Girls
LOVE LOVE LOVE 2 Broke Girls! I love cupcakes and I love sitcoms, 2 Broke Girls mixes both. One of the reasons I love it is because of what it gets away with. Its very raunchy if you catch what they are saying. 2BG is hilarious and I hope it catches on to even more fans.
5) House of Cards
WOW! SPEECHLESS! BLOWN AWAY! These are the only words to describe House of Cards. HOC is a show that you have to watch. Its scandalous, dark and thrilling. Frank Underwood is on his way to being the next Water White, Don Draper or Tony Soprano. Kevin Spacey just EMBODIES this role! I’m counting down the days to the season 2 premiere. Sex, murder, power, envy and politics in DC make this show a MUST STREAM!
4) Veep
She may be Vice President but Selina Meyer is in charge of the girls. This show is hilarious and Julia Louie-Dreyfus is awesome in this role.
3) Girls
I’ve been watching faithfully since the series premiere 2 years ago. I believe Lena Dunham is positioning herself as the next great comedy writer. One of the reasons I love this show is the accurate portrayal of post graduate life. Also I feel like I’m going through the same points in my life as the characters in this show. I love everything about it and Lena can definitely count me in for every season.
2) American Horror Story
AHS just goes there and I love it. It also doesn’t hurt that the amazing Ryan Murphy is the brain behind it. With the new season starring Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett, I knew I would be blown away. Each season keeps me coming back and it gets better and better. Bring on the explosive season 3 finale this January!
1) Breaking Bad
Seriously, how could Walter White and this highly addictive show be anything but #1? Its sad that it had to end but it definitely went out on top. #WalterIsKing #BestShowOfALLTime #EnoughSaid
Other Shows I Enjoyed
The New Normal (R.I.P.)
Mom
Brooklyn Nine Nine
Drop Dead Diva
The Client List (R.I.P.)
Hit The Floor
Devious Maids
Chasing EGOT 