BLACK GIRL DEBUT MAGIC™ - WINNER

[Mr.Arroz]

~ INTERLUDE ~



Before eliminations begin today, and especially in light of how Dawn has fared in the rate so far, I thought it important to sit down and highlight some of the other earlier work that she's released. I specifically featured Dawn not only because I believe that her music and her approach to her creative process are wholly underappreciated both by the GP but also Popjustice itself, but because I know it's not always easy to digest or warm to overall. I think her music is thus a bit more challenging because it's not as straightforward or obvious (at least in every place/track), but instead takes a further look at her influences, whether sonically, lyrically, or conceptually. Hopefully this rate has so far exposed you to a little further of what Dawn has to offer, but if not, here are a few more cuts from her early career:


"Wild N' Faith", a medley/mash-up of her songs "Wild N' Young" + "Faith".



"Automatic", from the EP Armor On:



"Miles", from the "Christmas" EP, Whiteout:



And an unreleased track from the 2012-2013 era, "On a String"



And finally, my first exposure to her solo material, the banger "Bombs"




Hopefully you find some to latch onto. We'll explore her post-Goldenheart material a little later...​

 

[Mr.Arroz]

#70

Pretty Wicked Things

7.641


Highest score: 11 x 1 (@KingBruno)
10 x 3 (@ufint, @Solenciennes, @Vitamin)

Lowest scores: 6 x 4 (@beyoncésweave, @theelusivechanteuse, @Sanctuary, @2014)
5.5 x 1 (@Trouble in Paradise)
5 x 1 (@Jwentz)
4 x 2 (@BML, @soratami)
My score: 9.5


Track background: Produced by “Druski” once again, “Pretty Wicked Things” was originally released as a pre-album “buzz single” on July 17th, 2012 ahead of Goldenheart’s original October 16th release date . A dramatic mixture of dance and dubstep, it ended up as track six once the album finally arrived in January 2013.


My thoughts: I still remember the day this was low-key surprise-released back in the day. Me and my fave SIN hunty were massive Hearts (lmao) and any taste of new music was a revelation. The only revelation here however, is how this production has aged like day-old Taco Bell. 2012 was its own thang, but right now? A bop, but the dated production really let it down it retrospect. And in an even shorter retrospective lens…I over-scored this without doubt.


Your thoughts:
@Sprockrooster (7) - Despite being very of it's time it is holding quite well compared to many of the dubstep-infused tracks from that time.
@TRAVVV (7) - Hasn’t aged well, but this was impressive when I first heard it in 2012. Fantastic lyrics, as always.
@Bangers&Bops (8) - Out of all the directions in this album, the crushing dubstep is something I was not expecting. Dated but I’ll take it.
@soratami - It was going so well until the "drop"…
@KingBruno (11) - The song combines dubstep elements in its production incredibly well, making this sound like an industrial invasion that express the deceit in the lyrical content. This will probably become my earliest 11 leaving in a rate ever just because of its peculiarity.
@happiestgirl (8) - This song actually sounds different from the other ones on the album which automatically made it a favorite
@Heaven on Earth (7) - Way too repetitive, which is a damn shame because the verses are actually great. In fact, the song actually sounds unfinished lyrically.
@ohnostalgia (9.5) - The absolutely masterful distortion and deconstruction of Dawn’s vocals mirroring her deteriorating relationship is truly a moment.
@constantino (9) - There’s a theatricality to this song in particular that I really adore; it’s reminiscent of something from a film score - epic, tense and dramatic.
@Remorque (8) - Fantastic song with a great build-up, yet I'm feeling a bit let down by that anticlimax at the end... But let her preach a bit about some of past friendships of mine.
@Solenciennes (10) - I love the sparse arrangement of the track, Dawn’s voice leads the way here and when the music kicks in, it’s epic, and when it cuts out, it’s haunting. Pretty Wicked Things is a triumph.
@Trouble in Paradise (5.5) - The build up is pretty messy and some of the production choices aged poorly. However, her voice in the quieter sections is divine.

Live performance(s):
Apparently Dawn has never done this live, but plenty of her fans seem to adore creating their own choreography for it in their spare recording time. As an example…here’s @KingBruno in her debut appearance for your viewing entertainment:

​

 

[ufint]

I mean, I know that the average is insanely high already and that just a few points separate each song, but this Dawn cull is very upsetting. Most of her songs are 8+ and that's the truth.
Come on, eliminating "Pretty Wicked Things" already?

 

[Denemarken]

I knew that my score couldn’t save ha from an early elimination. Take it “L.E.S. Artistes”!

 

[ohnostalgia]

OH, FUCK OFF.

 

[K94]

I feel bad that I don't remember a lot of the Dawn songs.

 

[Mr.Arroz]

#69

Vulnerable (feat. Travi$ Scott)

7.654

Highest score: 10 x 6 (@1991, @AshleyKerwin, @Kuhleezi, @Solenciennes, @TRAVVV, @Petty Mayonnaise)
Lowest scores: 6 x 1 (@CorgiCorgiCorgi)
5 x 1 (@Sprockrooster)
4 x 1 (@BML)
My score: 8

Track background: Originally track three on Tinashe’s 2013 mixtape Black Water, it was released as a bonus track on the Japanese release of Aquarius just a year later.

My thoughts: I love how sleek and sexy this begins, which leads the way for the rest of the song. Not a huge fan of Travis on the track, but the rest of the track is fine enough without him despite being really rather one-note.


Your thoughts:
@TRAVVV (10) - This song needs a revival. I feel like it could be a hit still.
@Bangers&Bops (7.5) - I love the dark and seductive production, the beat on this song is everything, but Travis doesn’t do much for me here.
@Kuhleezi (10) - I'm so glad this was included, it's such a megabop and one of the crowning achievements of the stellar 'Black Water', really, if you haven't checked out that mixtape already do it now!
@AshleyKerwin (10) - A bona fide magnum opus.
@ohnostalgia (8) - Unsettling, but in that good way.
@constantino (6.5) - As far as Travis Scott collabs go, it’s not quite Love Galore...but it’s alright.
@Solenciennes (10) - These wonky soundscapes are where she truly shines, her voice slinks around the production in a way that reminds me of classic Aaliyah.
@Trouble in Paradise (6.5) - A wicked steamy song both vocally and production wise. It hasn't really progressed beyond a sexy slow jam (not that that's a bad thing). Can't say I love the feature.


Live performance(s)/video:









We got a two-way tie coming up after 5:30 PM EST. Make your guesses!​

 

[TRAVVV]

I should be mad, but I'm just going to have a kii that one of my faves is out at #69.

 

[soratami]

#70

Pretty Wicked Things

7.641


Highest score: 11 x 1 (@KingBruno)
10 x 3 (@ufint, @Solenciennes, @Vitamin)

Lowest scores: 6 x 4 (@beyoncésweave, @theelusivechanteuse, @Sanctuary, @2014)
5.5 x 1 (@Trouble in Paradise)
5 x 1 (@Jwentz)
4 x 2 (@BML, @soratami)
My score: 9.5


Track background: Produced by “Druski” once again, “Pretty Wicked Things” was originally released as a pre-album “buzz single” on July 17th, 2012 ahead of Goldenheart’s original October 16th release date . A dramatic mixture of dance and dubstep, it ended up as track six once the album finally arrived in January 2013.


My thoughts: I still remember the day this was low-key surprise-released back in the day. Me and my fave SIN hunty were massive Hearts (lmao) and any taste of new music was a revelation. The only revelation here however, is how this production has aged like day-old Taco Bell. 2012 was its own thang, but right now? A bop, but the dated production really let it down it retrospect. And in an even shorter retrospective lens…I over-scored this without doubt.


Your thoughts:
@Sprockrooster (7) - Despite being very of it's time it is holding quite well compared to many of the dubstep-infused tracks from that time.
@TRAVVV (7) - Hasn’t aged well, but this was impressive when I first heard it in 2012. Fantastic lyrics, as always.
@Bangers&Bops (8) - Out of all the directions in this album, the crushing dubstep is something I was not expecting. Dated but I’ll take it.
@soratami - It was going so well until the "drop"…
@KingBruno (11) - The song combines dubstep elements in its production incredibly well, making this sound like an industrial invasion that express the deceit in the lyrical content. This will probably become my earliest 11 leaving in a rate ever just because of its peculiarity.
@happiestgirl (8) - This song actually sounds different from the other ones on the album which automatically made it a favorite
@Heaven on Earth (7) - Way too repetitive, which is a damn shame because the verses are actually great. In fact, the song actually sounds unfinished lyrically.
@ohnostalgia (9.5) - The absolutely masterful distortion and deconstruction of Dawn’s vocals mirroring her deteriorating relationship is truly a moment.
@constantino (9) - There’s a theatricality to this song in particular that I really adore; it’s reminiscent of something from a film score - epic, tense and dramatic.
@Remorque (8) - Fantastic song with a great build-up, yet I'm feeling a bit let down by that anticlimax at the end... But let her preach a bit about some of past friendships of mine.
@Solenciennes (10) - I love the sparse arrangement of the track, Dawn’s voice leads the way here and when the music kicks in, it’s epic, and when it cuts out, it’s haunting. Pretty Wicked Things is a triumph.
@Trouble in Paradise (5.5) - The build up is pretty messy and some of the production choices aged poorly. However, her voice in the quieter sections is divine.

Live performance(s):
Apparently Dawn has never done this live, but plenty of her fans seem to adore creating their own choreography for it in their spare recording time. As an example…here’s @KingBruno in her debut appearance for your viewing entertainment:

​

 

[AshleyKerwin]

What the hell??? I'm legitimately shook at how early this got out.

 

[ufint]

That's what you deserve.

 

[inevitable]

Both are solid 7/10's to me but I wasn't expecting them to be out this soon. Ddddd.

I can't wait for the top 20, it's going to be intense.

 

[Mr.Arroz]

Part one of our two-way tie today!!!


#67

Ode to You

7.667

Highest score: 10 x 1 (@Solenciennes)
Lowest scores: 6 x 4 (@Trouble in Paradise, @Sanctuary, @Sprockrooster, @Petty Mayonnaise)
5 x 1 (@happiestgirl)
3 x 1 (@BML)
My score: 8


Track background: Joined again by Carla Carter for writing, “Druski” is producing here too.

My thoughts: I have always adored this chorus, and seeing her perform it live below (for the first time) was everything. One of the stronger tracks on the album, especially for how her vocals are produced in the final mix. Quite infectious.


Your thoughts:

@Sprockrooster (6) - A bit of a drag at times.
@TRAVVV (9) - That’s why I fucks wichu baby!
@Jwentz (9) - My favorite production on an album that I don't think has aged all that well.
@Bangers&Bops (8) - Such a peaceful song that is a great fit after Tug of War.
@ohnostalgia (7) - This midway turn into balladry is not exactly thrilling me. Although I do enjoy the cling clangy backing track.
@constantino (7) - The plodding synths are far from the album’s most dynamic production moment, but they’re instrumental in helping build the tension and drama the song requires.
@Remorque (7.5) - Pairing up those electro-beats with an R&B rhythm section and ditto vocals isn't anything new for this album, but this was one of the first instant songs for me when listening to it back in the day.
@Solenciennes (10) - That piano sounds so much like it’s sampled from Kanye’s Runaway (is it?) It’s so simple, yet so chilling and affecting.
@Trouble in Paradise (6) - I want to like this song way more than I do. The "to you" part is pretty meh and she never pushes the song beyond the walking pace it starts at.


Live performance(s):


[from the same night]​

 

[Mr.Arroz]

#67 - part two









































THIS ONE FUCKING HURTS.

Bluff

7.667


Highest score: 9 x 5 (@Heaven on Earth, @ThisIsRogue, @LE0Night, @Bangers&Bops, @digitalkaiser)
Lowest scores: 5 x 1 (@kermit_the_frog)
4 x 1 (@happiestgirl)
My score: 9.5


Track background: “Bluff” first debuted in the Dazed film Kelela: “Interlude” by Cieron Magat, released on February 18, 2016. The film follows an LA night out with Kelela as she talks about friendship, fear, music and love. [from genius]. Additionally, it features a sample of Jam City’s remix of “Who Do You Love?” by Kindness with Robyn, the same team that went on to produce “Bluff” itself. It’s the penultimate track on Take Me Apart.


My thoughts: Honestly? Looking back, a) I knew this was going to do (if not super close to) the worst on the album (next to maybe, "Jupiter", or "S.O.S."), and b) that I may have been super generous score-wise. But I can’t help but adore this, especially when taken as a prelude to “Altadena”, when knowing her purpose behind that track. “Bluff” hits me hard as a young queer person of color, especially with its length. It’s almost like a whisper of faith, of security, of warmth that things will be okay in time, somehow. That alone allows it to remain close to my heart. And as someone who's had to take a lot of responsibility, both emotional, financial, and maturity-wise, for both family and friends, it's a reminder that they love that I'm receiving now is something that I'm allowed to have, because in some bizarre way...someone believes that I've worth it. I wish it could have lasted longer here in the rate, but in a sea of beauty upon beauty in song-form, I can understand it. But still. *sigh*


Your thoughts:
@Bangers&Bops (9) - Her breezy vibrato chills on this slow piano melody, and she sings as though she’s telling a secret.
@happiestgirl (4) - Too short for it to be interesting
@ohnostalgia (8) - I probably shouldn’t give every Kelela song a 9+, so here’s my concession.
@constantino (8) - I remember hearing a snippet of this during the torturous Kelela-less dry-spell via a video for Dazed (?) or something. I was thirsty for the full HQ song and now I’m quenched, despite the ‘snippet’ actually being the full damn song. Seeing her getting teary-eyed in the track-by-track made me love it even more.
@Solenciennes (7) - It’s nice enough, way too short but a nice little defiant moment following on from the existential crisis of Turn to Dust.
@Trouble in Paradise (7) - Pleasant and lyrically solid, but too short for its own good


Live performance(s):




See Kelela discuss the track below:





Alrighty! We're back on Wednesday with 3 songs out by 7 PM EST. Much love y'all.​

 

[Bangers&Bops]

Fuck. You. All. ​

 

[inevitable]

Oh.

 

[digitalkaiser]

 

[kermit_the_frog]

~ INTERLUDE ~



Before eliminations begin today, and especially in light of how Dawn has fared in the rate so far, I thought it important to sit down and highlight some of the other earlier work that she's released. I specifically featured Dawn not only because I believe that her music and her approach to her creative process are wholly underappreciated both by the GP but also Popjustice itself, but because I know it's not always easy to digest or warm to overall. I think her music is thus a bit more challenging because it's not as straightforward or obvious (at least in every place/track), but instead takes a further look at her influences, whether sonically, lyrically, or conceptually. Hopefully this rate has so far exposed you to a little further of what Dawn has to offer, but if not, here are a few more cuts from her early career:


"Wild N' Faith", a medley/mash-up of her songs "Wild N' Young" + "Faith".



"Automatic", from the EP Armor On:



"Miles", from the "Christmas" EP, Whiteout:



And an unreleased track from the 2012-2013 era, "On a String"



And finally, my first exposure to her solo material, the banger "Bombs"




Hopefully you find some to latch onto. We'll explore her post-Goldenheart material a little later...​

My favourite "early Dawn" and pre-Goldenheart track remains Wynter...

 

[Jwentz]

We’re pretty much at the point where every song is really great from here on out so lemme sit back an enjoy the mess that each result will bring.

 

[Mr.Arroz]

Yeah even convo has been relatively slow because even the album that's doing the worst currently (Goldenheart) still isn't trash. Much of the music here is super high quality, so even the most basic by some standards (Tinashe, Dawn), still comes across as pretty strong. Unlike a discography rate, where we measure the highs and lows of a single artist, or a VS rate, where some girls release great LP's and others... not so much, we have a huge array of good-ass songs here, as made obvious by our opening score - 6.705. When fan favorites and more well-known bops finally start to get the ax tho, then I presume that I'll have to



But until then, it's relatively slow chugging.

Good with the bad, sweaties.