Artist spotlight: Khalid
A small scoop on Khalid
I know, I know, Khalid is not necessarily a new artist. He is still newish... right? Remember, the artist spotlight is for more than just new artists. It's also for those artist that do not necessarily receive the recognition or airtime that they deserve. So, let's carry on.
The first time I heard his music, I thought that Khalid was a veteran country crossover pop star. Turns out, he is a young guy from the country... so I was partially right. Khalid is from El Paso, Texas and turns out he is only 19! His military family lived in various places from Germany to upstate New York before settling in Texas. Like most kids, much of his musical influence comes from his family, who listened to 90's R&B artists such as Brandy and TLC.
What you need to know
I was instantly drawn to his sound, very rare, although all I could locate at the time were a couple of singles and a stranded EP on Spotify. His full album "American Teen" was released in 2017, and is available on most music outlets. "Location", probably the song that most have heard, is not his best work.
I compiled a sample of some of his standout tracks for you below. Don't say I haven't ever done anything nice for you!!
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I don't recall asking for your opinion: Accepting Constructive Criticism Part I
Who asked you anything
OK, I admit it. I am really bad at this. Whenever I'm offered unsolicited feedback, my natural response is almost never positive. If you want to rub me the wrong way, give me your non-essential opinion and I will give you something to remember. Just thinking of it now created a reactive response. I'm sure there are many who feel just as I do, but we know better so we have to do better. Constructive criticism is a tool for growth. WE ARE GROWING
We should interpret criticism as a spotlight moment, especially when it is constructive. Remind yourself "hey, this is all about me and I am being given an opportunity to do better". It is our job as productive people to find weaknesses and areas of improvement. I was near choking during every moment of typing that last sentence, however, i know that every word of it is the truth. During this time of growth, I ask that you not judge me, we all have our "struggle's" and this is one of mine.
Upgrade your wiring
In "The Evolution of Self", Dr. Leon Stelzer says, "
In other words, we come with bad wiring from the 60's. 70's, 80's that we have to continue to upgrade to comply with current standards. Our "faulty wiring", is exposed when we are criticized / judged. This is not a moment when you get to blame your parents for you bad behavior. This is when we understand the "why" behind our behavior. Once you understand why you do what you do, it is easier to repair / eliminate undesired behavior patters. Own it, fix it, move on.
Can I trust my ears, of course I can
Change the way your listen: That moment when you know the next words out of your boss's mouth will be ones make you want to stare at him as if you could sear his flesh from his face with your laser vision...Don't.
Don't react, listen intently. Imagine that he/she wants to help you be your best. Even if that isn't their goal, treat each moment as a learning opportunity, you will always be the beneficiary of your life lessons. If there is any chance of changing our behaviors, we are going to have to begin by practicing self-validating behaviors.
Stop allowing negative thoughts to circle around your mind repeatedly. Instead, remind yourself that you may not be perfect, but you are a far sight better than you were 5 years ago. Find the receipt for all the insults and insecurities you've collected over the years and take that shit back to the store, you don't need it anymore!
The second part of this article is coming soon! Be sure not to miss any updates. Keep up with all the latest transformative information. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Artist Spotlight: Ella Mai, Ready EP
Ella Mai Releases a new EP for 2017
Ella Mai, as you know by now , is a British R and B / Pop artist. She has released three EP’s under 10 Summers Records: Time, Change, and Ready. Her next release will be her début album
Ella Mai’s “She Don’t” is everything you ever typed out to an ex before you thought better of it and hit cut. The 21-year-old singer’s bold début single blazed a trail through the OVO Sound show when it premiered on Beats 1 .
What you really want to know
Most of anything you would want to know about her personally is on her Wikipedia / Sound Cloud / Artist Page / iTunes bio, and the list goes on.
- Stand out Tracks : Boo'd up , Breakfast in Bed, Anymore
- Is her music any good? Its pretty good. She gives a smooth summertime vibe, which is why I chose her for this article
- Would you want play this every day? No I don't think so, however, it is a nice something new.
- She has a really great voice and some great production and beats.
- I would classify this as fun feel good music, ironically, since most of what she sings about are failed and /or unfulfilled relationships
Verdict: I think it deserves a listen. It is miles above much of the garbage that is now floating through the music charts. She has her own perspective and a really unique sound that makes you wonder what her full album attempt will feel like.
Try some of her music here:
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