My Favourite Albums of 2017

November 28, 2017January 27, 2018Leave a comment

I’ve been meaning to write about this subject much earlier, but since the Grammy nominations have been announced today, the timing could not be any better. This year music songs were not just about love and heartbreak, it was another year where artists openly spoke about race, sexism and politics. This list is based on what my favourite albums were this year, and last year. As the list goes on, there will be explanations as to why I chose certain albums to be on the list along with the standout songs from each record. These records are solely based on my opinions and no one else’s input… but I hope you enjoy. Here are the six albums that I enjoyed this year.

6. Lemonade- Beyonce

I know this album was released over a year an a half ago, but there was no way for me to listen to it unless I downloaded Tidal which is owned by Beyonce’s hubby Jay Z. It was due to me being stubborn, that’s all I can say.So this year as I was coming back from Spain, on the plane, I finally got the chance to listen to the highly talked about album of last year. All I can say is thank you Beyonce for creating a masterpiece! With topics that dealt with love, being cheated on, and the Black Girl Magic movement along with black pride, Beyonce did not skip a beat. She took a risk and it definitely paid off. Who else thought that she deserved to win more Grammys this year? Awards are not everything which is why she needed to be on this list.

Standout Track: Formation

5. 4 Your Eyes Only- J Cole

For his precise and direct form of storytelling, I don’t think J Cole gets enough recognition. His fourth effort proves just that; with him reflecting on the death of his friend in the song Change or how cops broke into his house on Neighbours. Even though he is not as commercial as the other rappers out there, I think that’s also why J Cole has a big following, (I saw him live so I have the proof), and why he has the voice that’s not only needed in Hip Hop, but art in general.

Standout Track: Deja Vu

4. 4:44- Jay Z

It is so fitting that Jay Z’s 13th album is placed at number four combined the album being called 4:44. So since Beyonce’s album was partially about Jay Z cheating on her, he responded with an album not only eloquent in expression, but mature within definition. It’s a response that puts no blame towards the other but shows that even as a respected artist like the Brooklyn native himself, Jay Z makes mistakes like everyone else. Some may say that Hip Hop has not been friendly towards the LGTBQ community, but again in the heartfelt song, Smile, Jay Z proves the critics towards his tribute to his mother coming out as a lesbian which is also a reflection to his relationship to her along with his wife.

Standout Tracks: The Story of O.J., Smile and 4:44

3. “Awaken, My Love!” – Childish Gambino

I was pleasantly surprised by Childish Gambino’s vocals. I knew he could sing, but not like Prince vocals along with the Jimi Hendrix inspired instruments. This psychedelic record from beginning to end embodies the eccentric quality, with the splash of soul and rock genres being combined. It doesn’t sound like any of his previous records which is why I feel like he should nab a few of those Grammy nominations. Plus the album cover grabs the attention, it certainly grabbed mine.

Standout Track: Redbone. Did anyone see the movie Get Out?

2. Ctrl- SZA

Ever since I saw the singer-songwriter at Jhene Aiko’s concert a couple of years ago, I was hooked. SZA’s voice is one to be reckoned with and her debut album showcases that. It’s a modern twist with influences of the 90’s R&B, but SZA owns every track on the record. It’s relatable, expressing the raw emotions of an everyday millennial like myself (fun fact we’re the same age), just being a normal girl while Netflix and chilling with her friend with benefits on the weekend on the effortless track The Weekend (sampled by one of my favourite songs from Justin Timberlake: Prelude/Until the End of Time). SZA beautifully describes the everyday struggles of life poetically and realistically.

Standout Tracks: The Weekend, Drew Barrymore, Love Galore Featuring Travis Scott and Normal Girl

1. DAMN- Kendrick Lamar

This year is where Kendrick Lamar stood out. It’s not necessarily just based on releasing his fourth album, but the buildup of how spectacular he has been over the last six years. Damn just cements the reason as to why he is needed in music period. It’s another solid effort that boldly goes onto his swagger in HUMBLE, his trace of royalty and loyalty in DNA, and his upbringing in FEAR. Kendrick Lamar is as woke as any Hip Hop artist can be in this era. The aggression in this record is as loud as rapper Ice T, woke like Public Enemy, and spiritual like Tupac. This album proves the importance of the art of storytelling combined with activism needed today. Albums like this will show over the years of how relevant it will be. Issues about race, body image and black culture won’t go away in a span of time. It’s evident that this was Lamar’s year. Plus I suggest if you like his music, go see him live if possible…it was the best birthday gift that I was able to see him on that day!

Standout Tracks: Humble, DNA, Loyalty Featuring Rihanna, God, Lust, Element, XXX featuring U2 and Fear

Basic Girl Banking: How To Be Bougie On A Budget

November 19, 2017November 19, 2017Leave a comment

This is probably one of the most accurate definitions from Urban Dictionary. Bougie is also a term particularly used for black people who are of upper class status or strive to be of that.

Apart of us all (kind of) want to be have the lifestyle that Hilary Banks from Fresh Prince of Bell Air has or the queen of bougie… Whitley Gilbert from A Different World attains, however, not everyone can afford the things that these characters possess.

Whitley Gilbert (A Different World)

This doesn’t mean that you cannot look the part. In this day of age, you can come close to looking expensive while keeping some money in your pocket or savings account. No one needs to know that you got the cheaper version of a purse that resembles the Versace one!

I have four items that show the example of how you can spend wisely while looking your bougiest. Who knows, you may be able to shop these items by clicking on the link! We are in holiday season so have fun shopping!

1. Real Bougie: Versace Dress, $2,150.00

The only time that you’ll see me spending this money on anything in life is for vacation and getting a new MacBook Pro… investments that will have meaning in my life. Not a dress that I may only wear once or a few times, unless I where this everyday for eternity.

Bougie Looking: Forever 21 Dress $45.90

With tax, you’re probably spending about 50 dollars which is way better for your pocket then the dress above. Plus this looks very expensive looking and chic. I just may click on the link a buy this dress. There is also the navy blue version which looks amazing as well.

2. Real Bougie: Marc Jacobs Silver Ankle Booties $450.00

These shoes need to save my life in order to spend that money. This is also in U.S. denominations which is equivalent to $574.72 in Canadian, plus you need to add the shipping and handling and whatever expenses that need to be added. I’ll buy the knockoff version.

Bougie Looking: H&M $24.99

I’m going to warn shoppers and state that this style has sold out. For me this is no surprise, it’s under 30 dollars and it looks damn good… bougie looking to say the least. I have hope that they will restock the item so I have still highlighted the link above.

3. Real Bougie: Gucci Small Purse $4,735.00

It’s a nice purse… but not that nice for that price!

Bougie Looking: Aldo’s Small Purse $25.89

I get that there’s no gems attached to this purse, along the chains, but the style is pretty similar, plus the price is a billion times cheaper that the almost $5,000 version above. With the holidays coming along, this festive purse will go well with any outfit.

4. Real Bougie: Nordstrom Faux Fur Vest $212.25

This is a gorgeous vest but…

So is this vest, plus you can’t go wrong with the price. (Looking Bougie: Milanoo $25.46)

So there you have it, you don’t need to spend a lot to look the part. Save your money while looking great for the holidays. Feel free to click on the links that are highlighted. Until next time, happy Basic Girl Banking!

Basic Girl Banking: Believe In Yourself

November 14, 2017Leave a comment

Sometimes the strength is truly in the numbers.

As humans we always rely on them. Great examples are measured by how tall we are, our weight, the size in our clothing, the length or our hair, and yes, how much money we have in the bank. Over time, the funds that are either apparent (or not) and cause a riff in our self esteem, personal and professional life along with how we treat others. We become so caught up in the materials aspect of life without at times looking at the big picture, plus when dealing finances it can be such a personal subject causing many to go through bouts of depression, families separating along with who you hang out with.

I may be no expert on what exactly someone may be going through in terms with finances along with any sort of mental illness, but I am proud of making it through college and handling my finances…all by myself, at a young age. Even though at times it was not easy, I look back at this struggle and carry myself with a sense of pride that I came out on top being able to write this blog post. This post is simply just about believing in yourself while setting realistic goals on Basic Girl Banking. It’s all positive vibes here!

Here are three easy steps.

1. Evaluate Your Spending Patterns

To some this is easier said than done. However, this is the first step into evaluating how much money you are spending on a regular basis. We live in the digital age where it’s easy to go online and look at where you are spending your money. Ask yourself questions and evaluate. Are you a shopper? Do you spend you money on alcohol or cigarettes? Do you party often? You have to be honest with yourself if you want to change your spending habits.

2. Know Your Value

I know this sounds like I am preaching but this is a true statement. You can’t start having goals with your finances if you don’t know value or believe in yourself with saving money. The spending patterns will stay the same, keeping you in a constant rut. If you really want to change how you deal with money then I suggest that you believe in yourself.

3. Be Kind To Yourself

When thinking about money, there can be so much stress. You start to wonder why you are not where you are in terms of money and along with being had on yourself simply because you have no money. As corny as it may sound, the money in your account does not make you a good or bad person… you define that. I compare this aspect to people who are on diets and want to lose weight or even gain weight, with money you have to be kind to yourself. Stop being so harsh and know that eventually you will get to where you have to get if you set a realistic goal. Someone who’s a sprinter doesn’t become the best overnight. A singer may not be able to hit all the right notes at hand. Joggers will not be able to jog the whole way. A dancer can’t learn all the right moves right at the spot. Students in class may not know all the math equations… but what do all of these people have in common? They practice. Some may have sleepless nights while some may sleep it off and try again the next day because they don’t want to over exert themselves because they are kind to themselves.

So stay steady with the goals and you will start seeing progress. Keep on doing your Basic Girl Banking!

Hammer Style Girl

All About The Culture

Month: November 2017

My Favourite Albums of 2017

Basic Girl Banking: How To Be Bougie On A Budget

Basic Girl Banking: Believe In Yourself