iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Here are my 9 albums, some of them are Pop and some of them are R&B. Something old, Something new (and modern).

An 3x3 grid of the albums that made me, basically.

Beyoncé - Renaissance, Janet Jackson - The Velvet Rope, Toni Braxton - The Heat

Brandy - Full Moon, Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia, Aaliyah - Aaliyah

SZA - CTRL, Destiny's Child - The Writing's on the Wall, Ariana Grande - Sweetener

And here's some more:

Kelela - Take Me Apart, Tove Lo - Lady Wood, Rina Sawayama - SAWAYAMA

Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience, Mariah Carey - The Emancipation of Mimi, Christina Aguilera - Christina Aguilera

Rihanna - ANTI, Lianne La Havas - Lianne La Havas, Solange - When I Get Home

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Track 10 (the one I just posted before was Card Declined)

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

So a couple of days ago, I went to see Charli xcx (again) and I had such an awesome time. Consider this a thread of the footage I've taken there starting with this one 👇🏾

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

First half for this year + the extended cut of it 🎧

First Row - Pinkpantheress, Olivia, Rochelle, Zara and Sabrina

Second Row - Naomi Scott, Tate, Madison, Rosalía and Robyn

Third Row - Dua, Kelela, FLO, Raye and Doechii/SZA

Fourth Row - Addison, DC4, Beyoncé, Toni and Brandy

Fifth Row - Sienna Spiro, Lily Allen, Joyce Wrice, Tyla and Aaliyah

First Row - Pinkpantheress, Olivia, Rochelle, Zara, Sabrina, Naomi, Tate, Madison, Rosalía and Robyn

Second Row - Dua, Kelela, FLO, Raye, Doechii/SZA, Addison, DC4, Beyoncé, Toni and Brandy

Third Row - Sienna Spiro, Lily Allen, Joyce Wrice, Tyla, Aaliyah, MUNA, Jessie, Kylie, Beyoncé (again) and DC3

Fourth Row - Raye (again), Leven Kali, Madge/Sabrina, Ariana, Charli, underscores, Normani, Brandy (again) and Troye

Fifth Row - Jessie (again), Kali, Solange, Dua (again), FLO (again), Xtina, Kendrick, SZA, Beyoncé (again) and Mariah

Sixth Row - Charli x2 (again), Sabrina (again), Cardi B, Kylie (again), Spice Girls, Leon Thomas, Rina, Amaarae and Charli (yet again)

Seventh Row - Ariana (again), Britney, Robyn (again), SZA (again), Toni (again), Adéla, Rihanna, Tamia, Tove Lo and Ariana (again)

Eighth Row - Mýa, RiRi, Janet, Bad Bunny, Chxrry, Harry, Natanya, Taylor, Charli (again) and Jill Scott

Ninth Row - Reneé, Demi, Fergie, Solange (again), Janet (again), TDWP 2, Ariana (again), Hemlocke Springs, Ashanti and Bad Bunny (again)

Tenth Row - Charli (again), Destin Conrad, Justin, Kaytranda, Madge x2 (again), Mýa (again), Usher, De La Soul and Outkast

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

April 💐 (Sorry I'm a little late with this one)

Collage of what I've been listening to for last month:

First Row: Rochelle, Pinkpantheress, Robyn, FLO and Olivia

Second Row: Raye, Naomi Scott, Rina, Sabrina and Jessie

Third Row: Madison Beer, Addison Rae, Toni, Kelela and Joyce Wrice

Fourth Row: Kali, Leven Kali, Zara, Bey and DC4

Fifth Row: Kehlani, underscores, Sienna Spiro, Dua and Kylie

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Don't skip! Post you in another country. Back in 2019, I went to Los Angeles and went to such cool places such as the Madame Tussauds Hollywood Wax Museum.

Me hanging out with a wax figure of Beyoncé at the Madame Tussauds Hollywood in Los Angeles.

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

Day 28: The Score by Fugees (1996) I've only heard (and knew) the singles long before and I can now say that it is such a great album. I thought it was well-produced, their flow and the whole vibe of this album was incredible. I loved it and it is another album that is worth listening to. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

Day 27: 3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul (1989) This was very good on my initial listen. The skits were fun and creative, I also loved their flow and lyricism on this one. I can see why it got this much acclaim at the time and it is definitely an album worth listening to, for sure. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Day 26: To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar (2015) I've decided to listen to it in full and this is nothing but hip-hop excellence. The lyricism, the elements of jazz and funk, the cinematic production... everything about this album is amazing and definitely worth listening to. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Day 25: Blood by Kelsey Lu (2019) I've been meaning to include this album in the past but today is finally the day and I have to say, it's very good. I loved the songwriting, their voice and the production has a nice cinematic touch to it. It's definitely an album worth listening to. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Day 24: Private Music by Deftones (2025) Second time including these guys since I've listened to Around The Fur last year and after listening to this one, I say it is a very good album. I loved how it flowed well together and I enjoyed most of the tracks on here. I enjoyed this a lot. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Day 23: Innervisions by Stevie Wonder (1973) One thing about Stevie is that he knows how to make albums and this one is another example of it. I loved the story-telling, his musical skills and everything about this record. I definitely recommend this if you haven't heard it, for sure. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Day 22: Distance by Hikaru Utada (2001) While I liked her debut that I've listened to last year, this is actually my favourite from her so far. I loved how she got Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (and Darkchild too) to do this album which hits all the right spots for me. It's so good, get into it. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Day 21: The BPM by Sudan Archives (2025) This is my second time including her for this year and I must say, this was very good on my initial listen. I loved how diverse this project was sonically and it makes you want to hit the dance floor all night long. I really enjoyed it a lot overall. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

Day 20: Untrue by Burial (2007) I didn't know nor heard anything about this artist up until today and let me just say, the samples were fantastic. I can see why it got so much acclaim because not only it is an incredible album but it also paved the way for so many artists of today. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Day 19: Calico by Ryan Beatty (2023) I've never heard anything from him solo-wise (only knew him from his collabs with BROCKHAMPTON), so I decided to listen to it and I thought it was good. I liked how cohesive it was and it has a chill vibe to it. I'd recommend this if you haven't heard it. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Day 18: Perrie by Perrie (2025) I've been meaning to get into this album sooner but better late than never. So, I thought it was decent for her debut. I enjoyed some of the songs and her vocals were great. It's a decent pop record and I look forward to see what else she has in store for us. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Day 17: Ego Death by The Internet (2015) While I'm familiar with Syd and Steve Lacy, I never got a chance to listen to this album until now. I can see why it got plenty of praise/acclaim and be considered influential at the time. Overall, it's a really good R&B album with smooth vibes. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Day 16: The Dutchess by Fergie (2006) This is more a revisit since I've owned a CD of it long time ago so I decide to listen to this album to see if it holds up and.. I say it still does as far as the singles (and a few deep cuts) go. It is still a fun solid album to this day. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Day 15: Robyn by Robyn (2008) In preparation for her upcoming album that she's releasing next month, I've decided to listen to this one and I enjoyed it a lot. She went in a different direction sonically and it paid off in the best way possible for her with some fun bangers on here. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 15/02/2026

Day 14: Blonde by Frank Ocean (2016) I remember listening to this album when it came out at the time and I thought it was okay. Now, I've decided to revisit it (almost) ten years later and with the exception of a few songs, I'm going to need more time to sit with this album as a whole. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

Day 13: Essex Honey by Blood Orange (2025) This is my first time listening to him and to be honest, I actually had a good time with it. The arrangements were very lively and I would say that I dig some of the collabs on this album. It may require a few more listens but it's still good. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Day 12: Confessions on a Dancefloor by Madonna (2005) Yes, I know this is my first time listening to this album (only knew the singles) but it is definitely a classic right there. It has a very fun vibe to it and I thought the production was wonderful. That is how you do it, Madonna. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Day 11: HEAVN by Jamila Woods (2016) Not only I love this cover, but I also thought it is an incredible for her debut. I really enjoyed on what she was saying lyrically and she has a sweet voice (reminds me of Erykah Badu). I plan to check out more of her stuff because I really loved it. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Day 10: Ugh, Those Feels Again by Snoh Aalegra (2019) First off, where is the new music Snoh? We need new music (and a damn new album). Anyway, it is such a good album from her, she sounds beautiful and nice in this one. I really enjoyed it a lot and I'm ready to hear new music from her. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Day 9: When The Pawn... by Fiona Apple (1999) For her sophomore, this might be my favourite album that I've listened to from her, I loved how her lyricism in this one has evolved into something mature and raw from her debut. It is such a great album that I would go back and listen again. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

Day 8: Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny (2022) I had to listen to it because it's his big night tonight (duh) and I really enjoyed it quite a lot. I love the versatility of genres and sounds he was exploring in this one. It is definitely an album that you would play in the summertime, for sure. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Day 6: El Mal Querer by ROSALÍA (2018) I'm a fan of her music and while it took me this long to listen to it, it is such a wonderful album. She knows how to explore different genres and sounds while staying true to her roots. While it may be short, but it is definitely worth checking out. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Day 5: Cinema by The Marías (2021) I've been a fan of their music for a while so I've decided to listen to their debut and it was very smooth on my initial listen. Not only the melodies were sweet and lovely but the production has a dreamy feel to it as well. It is such a good album from them. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Day 4: Futuresex/Lovesounds by Justin Timberlake (2006) Ah Justin, they could never make me hate your music because he knows how to make an album full of bangers. Not only I loved almost all of the songs on here but the eclectic sound and production was excellent. An instant fave, for sure. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Day 3: Gemini Rights by Steve Lacy (2022) This was actually solid on my first listen. I liked how funky the production was and the vibes of it makes you feel like you're in a jam session. I enjoyed some of the songs (besides Bad Habit) on this album and the Grammy win for it was well deserved. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Day 2: Mezzanine by Massive Attack (1998) After listening to this album, I've understood why it had much acclaim and praise at the time it was released. It was really interesting and I've liked how they went for a darker approach in terms of aesthetic and production. It is such a good album. #MWE

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Jamal John @ctrlgroove.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Day 1: In The Blue Light by Kelela (2025) (Yes, I know it's a late review shhh) I've been meaning to listen to it eventually up until today. The live arrangements were incredible and she sounded beautiful in this. No notes necessary, it was indeed a great live album. #MWE