Tarriona "Tank" Ball of Tank and the Bangas attends the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Credit: Getty Images.
Anna Laza "Metaphysical Body Landscapes No1" (2019) // Katy Kirby "Redemption Arc" (2024) // Adrienne Elise Tarver "Seeker" and "Seer" (2022) // Waxahatchee "Breathless" (2015) // Gian Lorenzo Bernini "Apollo and Daphne" (1622-25) // Tank and the Bangas "Colors Change" (2019) // Jean-Michel Bihorel "Flower Figures #4" (2016) // Neko Case "Hell - On" (2018) // Hélène Delmaire "Portrait de la jeune fille en feu" (2019)
Guys, I'm really sorry about what I posted. And I especially owe an apology to you, skillbattle. I'm sorry about what I did to you. I didn't understand you and how they were just your personal re-designs. I really do like your art, and I respect black People, and I love it when there are dark-skinned characters, I just found it weird how you changed the skin tones sometimes. But in the end, it was just your art and personal designs and I apologize dearly for how petty I was. And I am also sorry for how I handled the responses. I hope hope that you all can forgive me and that we can move on. But, even so, some of you guys saying stuff like "Get a life" and that I'm r*cist really felt...unessacary. Only one Person called me out for being pathetic while also not going too far and insulting me. So, I'm sorry, but...I kind of made something to vent my anger on how some of you guys handled it. This kind of tells my side of the story and before was how petty I was, but also how frustrated at how hurtful those People were.
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In the end, I truly am sorry and I hope this can be in the past and I can forget how pathetic I was, but also, what the Hell? Instead of explaining why I was wrong you tell me to get a life, call me r*cist?
I had to take a minute to listen to most of these albums a couple times, and I've arrived at my assessment of them all. I'm also gonna try keeping my reviews brief, since long Tumblr posts are not really the vibe. Let's get into it.
"This Category recognizes excellence in albums of progressive vocal tracks derivative of R&B. This Category is intended for artists whose music includes the more progressive elements of R&B and may include samples and elements of hip-hop, rap, dance, and electronic music. It may also incorporate production elements found in pop, euro-pop, country, rock, folk, and alternative."
Operation Funk - Cory Henry
Based on the description of this category, I'm a little confused about why this album is included here. I enjoy the album, but there's an "old soul/funk" vibe to it that makes me question how "progressive" it truly is. This is giving 'traditional' more than it is progressive, to me.
Gemini Rights - Steve Lacy
Now this album is a personal favorite of last year. It feels like it was made specifically for the Black kid that grew up loving 2000s pop/rock. This is Steve's 2nd solo album following his work with The Internet', and it is refreshing to see him on top of the world with Bad Habit. However, I actually would not call this an R&B album at all. It is mostly a soft/pop rock with some moments of soul in it. And for that reason, I also don't think it fits the category as much as others.
Drones - Terrace Martin
This is the first album in the list that feels like Progressive R&B to me. Intricate production, electronic influences with hip hop undertones, features by several new-school acts, ending with a James Fauntleroy gospel song? Very much the embodiment of innovative, forward-thinking R&B. I enjoyed this project a lot.
Starfruit - Moonchild
Now we're at the 2nd album in the category that fits the description. This project is "cruising on a breezy Saturday afternoon" music. The lead singer's voice is airy and relaxing, and the production is funky, creative and jazzy. My one qualm.. despite her voice and the musicality.. there's somewhat of a monotony across this album.
Red Balloon - Tank and the Bangas
Y'aaaalllllllll.
I'm familiar with the name of this band, but I thought they might have been too left-field for me.
What a mistake that was.
This album is a sonic journey through Blackness. There's hip hop, funk, jazz, damn near gospel.. everything you need is in this album. And the versatility of Tank's voice is INSANE. How can one voice sound like the embodiment of Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Jazmine Sullivan and a lounge singer all on one project? Tank is her own person to be sure, I'm just saying she contains multitudes and I'm beyond impressed. I was sleep, but now I'm woke. A fusion like this also fits the progressive description to a T.
Who Should Win?
I don't need to deliberate. The winner better be Tank & The Bangas' Red Balloon album.
My 2nd choice would be Terrace Martin's Drones, and my 3rd Moonchild's Starfruit.
For those who still haven't caught on to Tank and the Bangas, allow me to intro you. Just a phenomenally talented group. Tank's range is unbelievable!!!
I wake up early in the morning, hot from global warmin'
Wet sheets, that heat, it stink like dank in summer
Cutlass, so reckless, my compass, my atlas
Got a vulgar disposition, so listen, this shit be hittin', say nut
TANK AND THE BANGAS
Oak Tree live on Sway in the Morning