
8 Tank And The Bangas Songs To Add To Your Playlist If You're Feeling "DM Pretty"

In 2019, Grammy-nominated Tank and the Bangas released their second live album, Live Vibes 2 (Live). On this album, Tank begins her song “DM Pretty,” with a spoken word poem that discusses the problem of being seen as beautiful only on social media or being told about it only through secrecy. Early this year, her infamous riff of “this boy be in my DM say I’m pretty,” took TikTok by storm and became the new audio clip worth putting on any video of a beautiful girl’s page.
The poem and clip conclude with Tank stating that although the compliment was appreciated, it was unnecessary, because “she already knew that.” Her beauty is not and would not be defined by someone’s late-night 2 a.m. discovery.
Tank and the Bangas - Full Set | Best of the Beat 2020New Orleans favorite Tank and the Bangas deliver a stellar set for OffBeat Magazine's 2020 Best of the Beat Awards. The band ...
Now, many wonder who this trailblazer is, igniting herself and others in a relentless form of self-love and setting the bar for those who shower her in misguided affection. To understand who Tank truly is, it’s time to get out of her DMs and into her discography.
Here are the top 8 Tank and the Bangas songs that will keep you out of her DMs, unless it is to state that her music should have been found years ago.
1. "To Be Real" (feat. Hasizzle, Keedy Black & Big Choo)
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Tank and the Bangas had me by the throat when they released the EP Friend Goals. On this EP was the track “To Be Real,” a song that from the moment it begins will have you bobbing from side to side, only to get up and shake your ass a minute later. Her lyrics tell of a house party, her music makes you feel like you’re having one in New Orleans, Louisiana. By the time the song ends, you will be out of breath and happy for the dance break.
2. "Spaceships"
“Money. Look at all the money. Look at the money, money fallin’’ from the sky.”
This song is just plain fun, as it should be given its theme. This song is like a pat on the back when one understands they have finally accomplished their goal of reaching the charts. Tank and her crew choose to simply throw their money up and enjoy their riches, rediscovering themselves back home, where it all began, rather than lavishly spending it and wasting it on expensive items and destinations. Though, she does consider the idea of pointlessly wasting it all. Thanks to Mark Batson's incredible beat, the children's catchy chorus, and the pure delight of oneself, this song will be in your head for days.
3. "Boxes and Squares"
One thing about Tank is that she is extremely aware of her value; in fact, she is occasionally forced to remind her suitor when he forgets. In this song, she takes the time to tell her ex all of the wonderful things she could have been for him. She is no longer interested in the nothingness he can offer, however, as a result of his constant falsehoods, jokes, closed-off demeanor, and immature desires. He simply offers empty boxes and loops of never-ending mediocrity, while she embodies everything that healthy cultivation entails. Tank makes it abundantly clear, she's the bar.
4. "Dope Girl Magic"
It's crazy how simple things may seem when you're really good at them. Tank tells her audience that being this dope is almost too simple as she slickly follows along with the music. She may grow a little tired of it all because it is so simple. Yet, that doesn't stop her from being boastful and bragging about how talented she and her bangas are. She is limitless. She is extraordinary, and she is only beginning. Her group is distinct in its excellence, and she knows it. Some might be great, but their type of great is so different that it's unattainable by others.
5. "No ID"
What a groovy song, and an even better message. "No ID" sends the crystal-clear message to any would-be suitor: I'm not interested. Tank compares her admirer to someone who thinks she is so simple-minded that she will just fall for his old tactics with the help of some clever tropes. But she has dealt with men who seem to want her without truly working for it before, and she is too busy now to deal with them. Particularly when she is so familiar with the game's outcome. He needs to demonstrate his desire for her more clearly than he has, and he most definitely needs to provide proper ID.
6. "Heavy"
What a fantastic soulful track to accompany a fantastic soulful album. Tank and the Bangas is excellent because she feels confident in her abilities and desire. She knows exactly what she wants; in this case, she wants everything to hit her heavily. She desires an almost crushing pressure of connection, trust, communication, and love. She has a healthy longing for every moment to be remembered and cherished and a lover who wants the same.
7. "Fluff" (feat. DUCKWRTH)
In "Fluff," Tank and DUCKWRTH watch a young lady who seems to be addicted to fluff. She wants all of the drugs, the parties, the festivals, and everything else that is simply unimportant. In the end, they come to the realization that the girl is looking for something in all of life's joy, but is not successful in finding anything enjoyable. She sings about a woman who can never be satisfied and should be left behind over another 70s groove.
8. "Nice Things"
Tank's only goal in this song is to gain appreciation. She, therefore, implores her lover to show her some kindness. He ought to take her dining out, shopping, to the beach, among other things. She merely wants some nice things, because she is conscious of her value.
Must See: NPR Tiny Desk, Tank and the Bangas (NPR Performers of 2017)
Take a moment to actually be entertained by Tank and the Bangas' Tiny Desk NPR Performance. You will smile nonstop for about 25 minutes thanks to the band's chemistry, showmanship, and musical prowess. Once you're done watching, you'll see why they won performers of the year.
Tank and the Bangas' Pretty Poems EP is available now on all platforms.
Featured image by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Universal Music Group for Brands
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Traveling This Summer? These 10 Layover Hacks Will Get You Through.
With the current administration that we have, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that summer travel is in a bit of a slump this year. Still, that doesn’t mean that many folks aren’t going on some kind of trip that requires air travel, and, in order to keep a few extra bucks in their pocket, they are avoiding direct flights. Instead, they are booking ones that require some sort of a layover.
Layover. Although it isn’t exactly “music to our ears” whenever we hear the word, it doesn’t have to be a tremendous burden if you know some tricks of the trade that will make a layover more bearable. Luckily, I’ve got 10 that could actually make this your best year for summer travel yet, y’all!
10 Layover Travel Tips You’ll Be Glad You Know
1. Research Best Layover Airports (Yes, There Is Such a Thing)
If while planning your trip, if it looks like a layover is going to be more than 90 minutes, it never hurts to research the airports that are the most user-friendly as far as layovers are concerned. From what I can see, several studies reveal that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston, Texas) gets a lot of props, thanks to the food options and the amount of frequent flyer miles that you can stack up.
Some other airports that top the list include Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and Denver International Airport. If you want to save money on your travel by having a layover, purposely landing in these cities can make the wait much more pleasurable for you.
2. Download Your Airline’s App
Whatever airline you plan on flying on, make sure to download its app before heading to the airport. There are many reasons why this is a solid hack including the fact that:
1) you can check-in and get a mobile boarding pass; 2) you can get real-time travel updates; 3) you can utilize the entertainment options that they have (including the airline’s Wi-Fi); 4) you can see how to best navigate through various airports; 5) you can easily contact their customer service support; 6) you can oftentimes track your checked baggage, and 7) some apps (like Delta) can even help you to store where you parked your car (if you put it in long-term parking) in your smartphone, so that you can easily find it upon your return.
3. Also Download Your Entertainment Beforehand
If you happen to be on a flight that either doesn’t have Wi-Fi or charges for it, you can still enjoy your movies ‘n stuff by downloading them before you leave. This can also come in handy at the airport when their internet access is running hella slow because so many people are accessing it.
4. Choose a (Layover) City Where You Have a Friend
Although I don’t hate to fly, I wouldn’t exactly say that it’s my favorite thing to do. And so, back when I used to fly to South Africa to see some family, it was common for me to stop over in London for a couple of days because it’s the halfway mark for me — and seven hours on a plane is a lot easier to endure than a whopping 14.
That said, if you’re planning on an international trip, you’re not the biggest fan of flying yourself or, again, you want to save a few coins by booking a flight that has a layover or two — why not use this as an opportunity to hang out with a family member or friend in another city? That way, you can get a break from air travel and get in some quality time with them as well.
5. Pack Some of Your Own Snacks
If you’ve ever wondered why airport food is so damn expensive, one of the main reasons is how much it costs for each restaurant to rent their space is completely insane. Plus, there are things like vendors, commission costs and all kinds of other “blah, blahs” that make the mark-ups so crazy. That’s why it can never hurt to bring some snacks along — non-liquid items that you can pack in your carry-on that will get you through your layovers without you breaking the bank in the process.
6. Put an Empty Recyclable Bottle in Your Carry On
Since a lot of airports have water refills stations available, you can stay hydrated while also keeping coins in your pocket by packing an EMPTY recyclable bottle in your carry-on too. Most TSAs will totally allow it. As far as refills on actual drinks, some airports allow those as well (after you purchase one drink from them, of course); never assume, though. Ask before making the purchase.
7. Have a Portable Charger in Tow
Maybe it’s just me but, even though airports seem to be filled with charging stations all over the place, it’s like only half of them actually work (and I’m being gracious on that!). That’s why it’s also a good idea to invest in a portable charger. I don’t know what took me so freakin’ long to get myself one; however, it’s basically my BFF at this point.
The one that I will cosign on is the ANKER Zolo Power Bank, 20,000mAh 30W Max Fast Portable Charger. It charges pretty fast and I’ve been able to get about three full charges on my smartphone before needing to charge the portable one all over again. Such a lifesaver!
8. Get Some Lounge Access
If almost everything about airports gets on your very last nerve, you definitely need to get some airport lounge access. It’s quiet(er); you have lots of room to stretch out; the food and drink that they have to offer is typically free; many lounges have spaces that are designed and designated for children; there are convenient work stations, and some even feature spas and showers (I know, right?).
And just how do you get your hands on all of this? You can do so by flying first or business class, using your frequent flyer miles, presenting your military ID or purchasing a membership or even a day pass access into your airline’s lounge.
9. Cop Some Duty-Free Samples
If you are going on an international flight, make sure to take advantage of the duty-free shops, not just because you are usually able to purchase items from there without paying local taxes but they oftentimes have free samples that you can stock up on as well; this is especially the case when it comes to beauty-related items.
10. Stay over a Night
Since a fair share of my friends are in the entertainment world, they tend to travel a lot. What is always funny to me is how most of them talk about flying to almost every city in the country while only actually visiting a handful of them. My point here? If you are headed one place and you decide to not have a direct flight, if the city where you are having your layover is one that you’ve always been interested in, stay over a night or even two.
You can find some hacks for how to find cheap hotel rooms by checking out “Hot to Get Cheap Hotel Rooms: 20 Tips and Tricks” on Travel Mums’ site.
BONUS: Get an Exit Row Seat
If one of the things that you hate about changing planes is how uncomfortable the flights can be, space wise, ask to be put in an exit row seat. You will automatically have so much more room without having to pay what first class passengers do. Brilliant. Happy (and safe) travels!
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