Album Review: Jennifer Hudson: JHUD

I remember when Jennifer Lopez first started calling herself J. Lo. It seemed like she wanted to be a bit more relatable and show that she was hip and fun. Fast forward to years later, and we have Jennifer Hudson doing the same thing. She’s now going by J. Hud and has changed her image to give us someone who is a bit more age appropriate. I think my initial disconnect with her, was that she was young, had this big voice, but sang adult contemporary music. Can a haircut and wardrobe refresh help redefine this super talented diva? Girl, I don’t know, but here’s my thoughts on the album, track by track.

Dangerous- The beginning of the track had me thinking she was going to do a female version of Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home” I was wrong. So wrong. This song has a breezy, bounce to it. This has “roller skating music” written all over it. It’s disco tinged, but amped up a bit to make it more modern.

It’s Your World- This was written by and features R. Kelly. Dangerous may have been disco tinged, but this is full on disco. Vocally this song is not for the Rihanna’s of the world. She starts singing out the gate and never lets up. The chorus is a long, dramatic ass run done in one breath. Robert (R, to you) comes in and at first his part isn’t very impressive, but then… Lord have mercy… He gets warmed up and he starts going back and forth with her. This song plays out like a textbook on vocal stunts and shows. I tweeted this earlier today: “These R Kelly and Jennifer Hudson runs in “It’s your World” are re-damn-diculous. They are singing like the rent is PAST due” and I think that best sums up this song.

He Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere: THis is an unapologetic Pharell song. It’s alright, but it’s nothing ground breaking in my head. Sometimes P, gets in these grooves and some of the songs start just sounding so similar that they get lost. The Iggy verse is alright but somewhat forgettable and unnecessary.

Walk It Out: This was the lead single that got me excited about this project. I heard that Timbaland was executive producing this and this track sounded so promising to me. It has this sick 90s R&B knock and groove to it. It instantly took me back to Chicago stepping. The chorus is just so simple and effortless. I do enjoy the the back and forth between her and Tim. She is singing her ass off on this track, but she is showing control here, which is something over which she is often given flack. Bonus: she says “fuck” and “shit”

I Can’t Describe: Once again, Pharell is taking us back to the disco. This could easily have been a follow up to “Blow” I know Solange is somewhere shaking her fro and fanny pack to this groove. I like the T.I. verse on this better. I think his flow seems to mesh well with Pharell’s production style.

I Still Love You: This song starts out super dramatic but settles into a groove that is kind of disappoints. I think they could have taken the beat a bit harder and given us something along the lines of “Night of Your LIfe” from David Guetta’s album. She sounds like a hesitant disco diva. The chorus reminds me of of the “I’ll always love you” in “Love Child” by Diana Ross and the Supremes.

Just That Type if Girl: It has a nice bass line. This sounds like the other two Pharell songs. It’s not very interesting at all. It’s something to put on in the background, but not a song to which you’d want to really sing along.

Bring Back The Music: This would have been a fun interlude, but they decided to make it a full song. The vocals are on point and are allowed to shine over a simple, stripped down track. I just don’t love the song, as it makes me think of a Vegas lounge singer.

Say It: I think Jerry Wonda did better with this song than “Bring Back the Music” This song makes you want to snap and rock side to side. The track is kind of funk. I don’t like the bridge of the song, as it’s kind of a let down, but overall this is a decent, soulful track.

Moan: JHud slows it ALL the way down on this song. It’s just her and a piano. It’s clear that Jennifer is capable of slaying songs in this vein. This churchy, ballady, type song is where she shines. I just personally don’t usually get into slow songs of this nature. She sounds great though, and takes us all to church on this song.



Overall this album is a decent effort from JHud. It’s nice to hear her trying new things with her sound, but I wished that they producers would have been a bit more adventurous with her. The disco diva thing is fine, as older motown/disco sounds, are all the rage these days, but they could have taken it to a different level. As I’m listening to this album, I think “Walk it Out” might have been her only radio friendly track, and that didn’t even fare that well. I know Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” sounded completely different from radio and blew up, but I just don’t think Pharell blessed Jennifer with any songs that are that ground breaking/interesting to get people to stop and listen.

JHUD’s makeover and choice of producers had me thinking she was going to do a 180. I was wrong. (weird, Right?) Yes, she sped the tempo up a bit, but she is still giving us adult contemporary. The Iggy and TI appearances might get some younger kids interested, but this is definitely an album for the grown and sexy crowd. This album feels like the album Effie White would have made had Curtis not been shady and played games with her career. Did you really think I'd end this without a reference to Dreamgirls? You are dumb.

Album Review: Ariana Grande: My Everything.

So I think it was last year when I first became of aware of Ariana Grande. She was known as Mini Mariah and I instantly wasn't having any of that foolishness. Well she dropped her first album, and I actually ended up liking it a whole lot. Just like Mariah, her label has rushed her back to the studio to churn out more hits. This approach can work wonders or spawn a bunch of shitty music. Luckily for Ari, “My Everything” seems poised to buck the sophomore jinx.

Intro:
She starts out with a bunch of airy riffs that leads into a short song that I think is just a quick thing for the fans letting them know that she is giving it her all and to keep riding with her. Translation: please continue to Stan for me and buy my shit. Thanks!

Problem:
This song ended up being a HUGE smash out the gate. The pop princess and one of rap’s up and comers made for a great duet. Plus, they have Big Sean whispering on the hook, and I think we all know how I feel about that man. When this song dropped, I was still curious to know what direction they were planning on taking this album. It’s a fun and upbeat track. Sadly, it’s one that is made for dancing and the girl, like Mariah, cannot dance. :(

One Last Time:
I am not quite sure, but the vibe of this song has always reminded me of a Drake song. Maybe “Take Care”? This song has a bit of a bit more upbeat feel to it tough and it strikes a chord with me.

Why Try:
This is an alright song. It feels kind of filler. A slower song that kind of keeps us waiting for her to get to the chorus so she can belt it out the way we all have come to expect. It has that Ryan Tedder feel of pure cunty and dramatic feelings which we all go crazy over.

Break Free:
This song is what made me start to get excited about the album. It’s Zedd AND Max Martin? Seriously? This has “pop gold” written all over it. I like the chorus and think it’s pretty damn infectious. They found a way to not make it sound forced and that can be tricky when going with such a EDM (I guess?) track.

Best Mistake:
This features her alleged boo, Big Sean. I like their chemistry on wax. This isn’t overtly sexual, but the beat and the way she is singing is definitely sexy. I like it on her. Lyrically it deals with some things to which many of us can relate.

Be My Baby:
This reminds me of a track from her first album. That’s not necessarily shade, but it kind of is. SO I enjoyed the first album, but I felt like she didn’t have a super unique sound of POV and this song kind of falls into that category for me. It’s decent, but nothing stellar. On top of that, it’s weird to hear her sing the words “you ain’t trynna get no other girls when you in da club” Girl, you’re from South Florida and come from money, so quit frontin’!


Break Your Heart Right Back:
An Ariana album wouldn’t be complete without a classic hip hop sample (which in turn, sampled Diana Ross) I like how the the snaps, drums, and bassline on the track give the song a nice little bounce. I go back on forth on Childish Gambino. I do like how he incorporated Biggie’s flow on his verse.

Love Me Harder:
This song features a big chorus and a feature by The Weekend. I like the two on the track together. I just enjoy the general vibe of the the whole song. I’m not sure why, but I think I like it for the same reasons as I like Gaga’s “Do What You Want”

Just a Little Bit of Your Heart:
I think this song was written by Harry Styles. Feel free to do whatever you want with that information. It’s a piano driven, ballad. I am not really huge into ballads, so this is not really my cup of tea.

Hands on Me:
An uptempo and fun song. I feel like I’d play it to get ready for the club. It’s borderline cheesy. I think ASAP Ferg’s cameo on the song only feeds into. I hope she doesn’t dance in the video if they make this a single.

My Everything:
another piano driven ballad that really showcases her vocals. I like the lyrical content of this song better than the Harry Styles song.

Bang Bang:
This song has grown on me. I like how the trio somehow works on the track. I think Jessie J is underrated and poorly styled, but that’s for another blog. I think the melisma at the 1”09 mark is genius. This is infectious pop at its best.

Only 1:
This has the feel of a 90s R&B song. I am not mad about it.

You Don’t Know Me:
This feels like filler and I can’t endorse it.

Cadillac Song:
I don’t like this song. It’s cheesy and boring.

Too Close:
I also could’ve done without this song. There isn’t anything special about it.



This is a solid album from a very young lady who is finally starting to figure out her where she fits in this music industry. I also think she’s growing into her very large voice and doing better, and more interesting things with it. I think that the Mariah comparisons may start to fade now that she seems to be intent on carving out her own lane. Feel how you want about her phony pony and cutesy expressions, but you can’t take away the fact that the girl can sing. Here’s to the next chapter in Ms. Grande’s evolution and to also hoping that she has a Xtina freak the fuck out stage at some point. This album isn't necessarily MY everything, but it's getting pretty damn close.

Concert Review: On The Run Tour (Miami)

One day I was minding my own damn business and browsing the internet when I came across a post from one Beyoncé Giselle Knowles announcing her joint stadium tour with Blue’s Daddy. I was clearly over the moon when I saw it. I was even happier to see that they would, in fact, be heading to Florida. There had been a huge boycott of Florida after the whole Trayvon thing and I was just happy they had abandoned their beliefs so that I could have a chance to bask in their glory. Leading up to the concert was the whole Solange attacking Jay in the elevator at the Met Gala afterparty fiasco. Were the pair splitting? Would the tour continue? These were the question that had zestleman all over clutching their pearls waiting to hear the answers.

The day for the concert finally arrived yesterday and I couldn’t have been happier. I had a beach moment with my bestie and then came home to take a nap as I was sure I would need all energy so I could sing and dance as if I was on payroll of the tour. Even after allowing for an extra 20 minutes of traffic on a 25 minute drive, we ended up being hella late. The show was slated to start at 8, at which point I was in bumper to bumper traffic that showed zero signs on letting up. My Uber driver had some soothing music on, which did nothing but fuel the rage that was building inside of me. Did I just spend far too much money on a ticket for a show that I was about to miss? Would Jay open, giving me a chance to maybe catch the Beyoncé set? Was my tank top too low cut or not cut low enough? Again with the questions!

Chip and I ended up deciding to walk the last mile and a half to the stadium. Best decision ever. After being in a taxi for over 1.5 hours and being already 30 minutes late, we had had it. Luckily we knew someone already at the show who told us that it had yet to start. I had kind of let go and let God at that point and he came through. We arrived to the Sun Life Stadium and found our seats. Apparently Miami was on some bullshit and everyone was late as hell, as the stadium was empty. We sat for another 30 minutes or so and the show started right around 10ish. Bey and Jay are all about that CPT! (Unlike a very White and timely Justin Timberlake who started at 8:00:00 EST) I couldn’t even be mad, as their tardiness allowed me to see the full show. Plus would they really have wanted to perform for 150 people?

In keeping with the On the Run theme, they started with a little vignette leading up to the whole Bonnie and Clyde thing. They both came out and launched in “’03 Bonnie and Clyde” Bey looked sickening in a fishnet-y facemask thing. She ripped it off and went into “Upgrade U” and then “Crazy in Love” I figured Bey would be the first set. I was wrong. Jay came back and for the rest of the night they went back and forth with each other. The transitions were seamless and well thought out. For instance, Bey remixed “Love on Top” with The Jackson 5’s “ABC” which lead right into Jay’s “Izzo/H.O.V.A”

I must say that I was way more into Jay that I really thought I would be. I am a casual fan. He had me out of my seat rapping right to his impressive catalog. Sometimes I forget just how many classics the man has. He pretty much won be over when he busted out “Wipe Me Down” So many rappers rely on a DJ and a hypeman and simply shout along to their record. Jay took command of the audience and never let go, just with him and a mic. I mean, two hours of just that might have been boring as hell, so it was a good balance to Bey and her stunts and shows.

Beyoncé pretty much stayed consistent. Her wardrobe is all new (and pretty ridiculously amazing to say the least), but the choreography and vocal arrangements were almost all recycled from her past tours. Somehow that didn’t bother me. Yeah, it’s cool when Madonna comes along and totally changes how she performs “Vogue” or another classic, but part of me likes to sing along and dance and be right. I <3 consistency. She performed most of her latest album along with some of her standards. Vocally, she sounded pretty damn perfect. I didn’t love her rendition of “If I Were A Boy” but I think that had something to do with a delay in her earpiece and not hearing the music. Something was off. I’m sure Solange was sent in to kick someone’s ass over that.


Overall, the show gave me what I needed. It lasted about 2 hours and had me entertained the whole time. There were plenty of “aww” moments like new footage from their wedding and Blue. We also got to see a powerhouse couple come together and display a great amount of synergy. They are both great on their own, but together they make magic together. I literally caught chills during “Holy Grail” I don’t know the state of their relationship, but I know they made me believe in the Carter dream, if even just for the night.

Me. I Am Mariah...The Elusive Chanteuse: Album Review

I don’t know if people know this but I am a HARDCORE Lamb. I think Mariah No Middlename Carey, is one of the greatest vocalists ever. Not only does she have the pipes, but she understands technique. Her lyrics range from fun and sometimes childish, to profound. With that being said, I think that she has kind of been coasting since Emancipation of Mimi. She had E=MC2 which was good, but didn’t see the same success. Many think that’s why she went to The Dream for her next album, “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” That album actually did even worse. I mean, when I say “worse, I’m saying she didn’t go platinum in America. Her life could be worse: she could have sales like Ciara…

So what’s a diva of a certain age to do when she wants to remind the world that she is still more than just an over the top personality and capable of selling albums? Well first, she goes back to Jermaine Dupri who was crucial to Emancipation of Mimi. Then she enlists all of the hottest producers of the moment. (Mike Will Made It, Hit Boy, Rodney Jerkins etc) After medical issues and SEVERAL pushbacks, it seems as if Ms. Carey is ready to show us what she’s made of….


Cry: Mariah start us out with a big, dramatic, and soulful piano driven ballad. It’s not a shocker, but this song deals with a relationship gone wrong. The first verse shows Mariah staying a bit more reserved vocally. Verse two sees her start in with her trademark vocals. She manages to blend her whisper register that she’s been o fond of as of late with her soaring vocals. If anything, this song songs very “Old Mariah”/”New Ariana Grande”

Faded: Mike Will Apparently made it. How did I know this? Well he announced it within the first 5 seconds. The track has his trademark knocking bass but still manages to be sexy at the same time. Mariah isn’t overshadowed by such big production, which can be a challenge and her voice actually sounds strong and clear.

Dedicated: This song starts out with Mariah and some dude talking about the summer of ’88. The conversation seems a bit superfluous, but given the throwback vibe of this it actually makes sense. Apparently Mariah isn’t ridiculous without purpose. (Well not all the time) This song proves that Mariah is just as capable as Mary as doing a hip hop/soul joint. You know she has street cred. I mean, this woman went back like babies and pacifiers with the late ODB.

#Beautiul: The single that came out forever again and featured Miguel. I always loved the breezy nature of the song. I even got over the fact that takes awhile to actually sing a verse on it. This version does sound slightly different than the single. Maybe a bit faster? Also, “fucking beautiful” just seems to be a bit over the top and unnecessary.

Thirsty: To be honest, I didn’t like the song when I first heard it. I put it on the level of “Obsessed” which I didn’t love on first listen. IT sounds like “Niggas in Paris” as it’s by the same producer, Hit Boy. I thought she was competing with the track, but when I gave it a few listens I didn’t feel that way. I love her word play with the whole “thirsty for cel-eb-ir-it- TEA” Get it? I actually like the version without the rap. Her ad libs and runs are actually pretty ridiculous. I guess Hit Boy has proven me wrong again as I had the same feeling of “the hell?!” upon first listen of Beyonce’s “Bow Down”

Make it Look Good: So the track sounds very old school. Like almost 1960’s throwback but TURNT up. The lyrics are rapid fire and the song has some pretty dope harmonies.
You’re Mind (Eternal): This was supposed to be the single to kick off the new album. That didn’t happen. It sounds very Emancipation of Mimi era. That’s not a bad thing at all. I just never felt much when I listened to it. Upon hearing it with good headphones, I can appreciate the production. I used to dislike the staccato used throughout the song, but it’s grown on me and made it a bit catchier for me, actually.

You Don’t Know What to Do: This takes me to an “I Will Survive” state of mind as it starts out slow and dramatic and builds to a bouncing, fun beat that BEGS a roller rink DJ to play it on repeat. At the point, anyone who knows me that I LOVE a fun breakup song. The Wale feature works well and feels effortless.

Supernatural: Not to be outdone by Blue Ivy Carter, Mariah puts Dem Babies to work on the track. They can be heard cooing throughout, but my whole thing is like, aren’t they old enough to be doing vocal runs? I mean, they are Mariah’s (and maybe Nick’s?) children, so I wanted them to come out wig snatching and showing off their whistle registers. This is a pretty love song. To make up for her vocally stunted children, Mariah does a serious of vocal runs. Ok, I spoke to soon. This child just did a vocal run. I was kidding about my earlier disappointment. Then Monroe says she’s a chanteuse? I couldn’t help but smile.

Meteorite: She starts out quoting Warhol with regards to 15 minute of fame. I’m guessing she’s shading someone, but I can’t figure out who. That woman is just so freaking good at throwing shade. This is an up tempo, disco-y track that I’m guessing is supposed to be inspirational, but it’s not resonating with me, so I keep on tuning in and out. I like that she says “Turn up all the way” as that helps keep her current. The kids are all about turning up these days.

Camouflage: a breathy, piano backed, ballad about camouflaging her tears. She dusts off some of her old faves: black choirs, key changes and whistle notes. It actually save a song that could easily become boring fast.
One More Try: She done took us to church, y’all. You know she was going to get her money’s worth with that black choir. I forgot that Mariah love to do covers and it took me a good minute to realize that this is a cover of George Michael’s song. I actually like what she did with this. Even though I love “Bringing on the Heartbreak” this song feel a bit more suited for her.
Heavenly: Still in church. I don’t really love this song. It feels the feel good anthem from a movie soundtrack.

Me. I am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse: This was released when she announced the album and artwork. It seemed hella ridiculous as it’s her talking but it’s filled with ad libs. Hearing it on the album helps it make a LITTLE more sense, but it’s still over the top/So Mariah.

Ok, so I will be honest: I thought this album had train wreck potential. I mean, a 44 year old woman dropping a single with a hip hop beat featuring a rapper seemed a bit scary. I mean, who does she think she is, JENNIFER LOPEZ? Haha All shade aside, even J Lo comes off a bit desperate at times with her music choices. Staying relevant in this age where people have little to no respect for pioneers and talented people in general can be a challenge. Mariah and JD have figured out how to have her sound 2014 while keeping her true to her sound. Mimi and her talents are able to shine instead of being a simple afterthought to the beat.
I think Mariah’s voice is sounding the best that it has in awhile and she is really showcasing her ability to deal with an instrument that is aging. Sure she doesn’t sound identical to Dreamlover Mariah, but that’ to be expected. I’ve actually come to like the smokier sound to her voice. She’s more dependent upon her lower registers than ever before, but she is still able to transitional effortlessly between them. Plus no pop singer out right now has mastered the whistle register the way she has.

I’m hoping that with this album she will be a little less “elusive” It’s time for people to talk about more than her fabulously bedazzled arm slings and penchant for champagne on early morning talk shows. The album is solid so now it’s in the hands of her promo team. If the grind of her Photoshop specialist is any indicator of how hard her team works, I think she will be just fine.

Album Review: Beyoncé: Beyoncé

So Beyoncé released tour dates for her second round of the Mrs. Carter World Tour this week raising the question of “how in the world is this woman touring on no album?” Sure once was a coup and something novel, but two years doing her greatest hits? Who does she think she is? BEYONCE GISELLE KNOWLES CARTER, that’s who. In keeping with the idea that Bey does what she wants WHEN she wants, she has quietly released her fifth album online via itunes. A Friday the 13th release without any radio or promo tour? Who does that? BEYONCE, that’s who.

I heard awhile back that she was going to drop an album in December following the Jay Z Magna Carter blueprint (announce and release within a week) but had kind of given up. I knew that she was going to release this album when she was good and ready. This release comes weeks after Britney Spears’ album release, which was plagued by an early leak. Britney also streamed her album online for a full week before its release, which is another trend people are doing to drive promotion. Bey wasn’t here for that. Clearly she’s hit the point in her career that you want to see someone you admire hit: THE POINT OF NOT GIVING A FUCK. She’s doing things on her own timetable and in her own manner and I find it quite refreshing.
This album comes in an era where people have zero attention span. As a child of the 80s, I remember having to wait for things. Janet Jackson’s album got released when she said it was going to be released. There were countdowns and making the videos for all of my top artists and then you lived with the videos for months learning the dance moves. Now there is so much information constantly bombarding us, we really don’t take time to appreciate music the same way. I find that kind of sad.

Pretty Hurts: The video takes us back to Bey’s pageant days. This time around it’s a darker look into the pressures of society to be perfect on the outside. It’s an interesting way to start an album off and kind of feels like a modern day “Unpretty"
Ghost: This visuals will have illuminati conspiracy theorists saying “TOLD YOU SO” but I see a simple beauty video of her on a white background. The song has her pretty much doing spoken word over a pretty banging beat. Sounds like she is channeling her Ms. Hill as she seems to be over the politics of the music industry. “Probably won’t make no money off this but oh well” Girl, we all know by now that money is made on touring and merchandise!

Haunted: This track is unlike anything I’ve heard from Bey. I like how it starts out all sparse and then builds to a bit more of a dance song. It’s not David Guetta dance, but there is a thumping beat that makes me want to move. The video makes me think of American Horror Stories meets Disturbia. The whole time Beyonce looks like she is shooting a spread with Ellen Von Unwerth. I love the look.

Drunk in Love: This song… It’s a song about being dickmotized set to a beat that makes you want to screw up your face and bounce. Needless to say, I LOVE this. The Jay verse is good, but odd that’d he’d choose to refer to himself as Ike Turn Up and tell Anna Mae to eat the cake. When you are a musical couple, is that a wise analogy? Fuck it, you’re Jay, you talk your shit and leave us all to deal with it. The video looks like it was filmed moments before the two went off to try to give Blue Ivy a new brother or sister.

Blow: This video looks like Solange’s wet dream come true. There is roller skating, lowrider bikes and hipster looking people. The song has a decidedly throwback 80s vibe to it. It sounds like Pharell/Neptunes production. Towards the end of it, it switches into “Cherry” which sounds like TImbaland. Then right when you get used to the fact that Blow is over, she brings that beat back. The song(s) are light and fun and I love any choreography on roller skates.

No Angel: The video takes us back to H town and highlights all the hood shit that goes on there. Candy coated Lacs? Yup. Mean mugging thugs with gold toofeses? Ya bet! Stab wounds? CHECK! The vocals on this are falsetto and breathy. I enjoy it. IN other news: I still can’t get used to a skinny Paul Wall.

Yonce: I love the beat. It has a nice knock to it. This is a cocky/fun song and I love it when Bey acts out on tracks. Bey has recruited Chanel Iman, Jorudun Dunn and Joan Smalls to create a fly as hell girl gang. I’m seriously hurt that no one reached out to me.

Partition: I love how the video starts out with Bey sitting across from her lover at breakfast and he is reading the paper. She then goes into a daydream of her doing ho shit (but not like NIcki ho shit, but like classy Vegas showgirl type ho shit) The choreography is cool and sexy and goes with the vibe of this sexual song. I don’t have a car with a partition (or a car at all, actually) but the notion of getting freaky in the back of a car that has one just screams LUXURY. You know what doesn’t: he gonna Monica Lewinsky all over my dress. GIRL NO! OK, I’ll allow it.

Jealous: The video starts out the same way as Partition, but this time Bey goes in a different direction. Instead of sexy fantasies, she jumps up from breakfast, put on her lace robe with a collar higher than her neck, and stomps out. Sick of being ignored, she launches into Jealous, which I love. Then she flips it and talks about going out, talking to her ex and making her man jealous. Lyrically this feels very Frank Ocean to me and I am not mad about that in the least. Random note: I’m pretty sure Renee from ANTM 20 is in this video around 2:27.

Rocket: This makes me think of D’Angelo’s “Untitled” It is dripping sex. The video starts out following Bey’s amazing curves. For the majority of the video she is writhing in bed. When the song starts to reach its climax there are thinly veiled references like a gas nozzle being put into a tank and a drill penetrating a wall. Girl, you so freaky!

Mine: These are some pretty striking visuals. Bey starts out looking like saint holding someone painted all white, while holding a white mask. Behind her dancers in long, drapey fabric twirls for their lives, HUNNY! It all comes together to look like a moving painting. Drake comes in looking as emo as he wants to and I actually like the way the two blend together. I hate when people have a feature for the sake of a feature. I bet they stayed up late writing this song while eating Ben and Jerry’s and watching “Girls”

XO: So this track might be an early winner in my head. Something about it speaks my soul. It almost reminds me of how I felt when I first heard “Halo” It’s just quite simply, a beautiful love song. The video was the one she shot in Coney Island a few months back. Nothing too stellar here. Just her bopping around the park and people losing their damned minds. (not that I blame them)

Flawless: Ok, truth be told, I was upset when I didn’t see “Bow Down” on the track listing. Bey heard my prayers and she answered with this song which takes Bow Down, adds some lady talking about gender inequality and then ends with another cocky song. With new additions, Bow Down, seems a lot less anti female (as pressed bitches accused Bey of being) and more empowering to women and zestlemen alike. The video made me nervous at first as it looked like Bey was at a Skinhead concert. Turns out I was wrong. Apparently not all white people with shaved heads who are moshing are skinheads. Leave it to Beyonce to teach me lessons in a simple music video. #themoreyouknow

Superpower: A beautiful song with great lyrics. I like her with Frank Ocean and think their voices mesh well together. The video seems to have kind of picked up where “Run the World” left off. It’s that whole post-apocalyptic feel. Beyonce is doing a slow motion walk and people keep on joining. They all look mad as hell for some reason. I didn’t get the video. I mean, at one point Kelendria, Michelle AND Pharell have joined this march and we aren’t sure why they are marching. They all look amazing (yes, even Michelle) which makes it hard to look away. The video all made sense to me in the very last few seconds. Well played, Bey.

Heaven: Ok, I guess it wouldn’t be Beyonce if she didn’t make me tear up. The line of “Heaven couldn’t wait for you” just put me through it. The video is features my favourite dancer of hers and focuses on their friendship. Pretty simple. You know what wasn’t simple? Those seizures that followed after watching the last 30 seconds. Like who thought that’d be a good idea? I literally thought I was on my way to heaven. Wait.. Hold on. Maybe that’s the point. Bey, you’re so smart!

Blue: you already know I’m a sucker for a song that people write for their child. This song is so sweet you can’t help but smile and think about someone you love. If you don’t then you’re a heartless fuck. The video makes me want to go to Brasil STAT.

Grown Woman: I have waited for these visuals for so long. I love this song still and the video did not disappoint me. I love how they have her and Kelly re-enacting old footage and how the vintage footage is singing along to the track. This video brings us full circle to the pageant beginning of the album. I like the choreography and love the regal realness Mama Tina is serving up. Also, I wish I was the baby that she kisses in the end.



Overall I am satisfied with this album. It was refreshing to experience an album with visuals for every track all at once. I know I’m in the minority of people who still buy music, but it’s albums like this that demand I buy it. I don’t really like iTunes but trust and believe they got my 15.99. You want people to buy your shit? Make it new and different. Being _____ is no longer enough. (hey ciara!) You need to offer up something that commands attention. Will this album break first week sales records? I’m not Miss Cleo, how the hell would I know?! What I DO know is that it will make people sit up and listen and remember why they call this woman KING. (well that and she kind of strong armed us into it. You know who else demanded to be called King? Michael Jackson, that’s who.)

Album Review: Miley Cyrus: Bangerz (Deluxe Edition)

It might seem that my recent fascination/obsession with one Miley Cyrus is some new thing. I don’t usually tell people this, but I feel really close to you all, so I’m going to open up: I’ve been a closeted Miley fan for quite some time now. I mean, the line of “She’s just being Miley” is one of my favourites. I didn’t watch Hannah Montana, so my opinion has always been based solely on her music. I don’t think I am alone. I was out on July Fourth and saw a straight bar wild the hell out when “Party in the USA” came on.
So for those of you who don’t have cable, the internet or a general clue, Miley has been everywhere acting out and doing anything she can think of to show us just what “being Miley” entails. Apparently it has a lot to do with sticking your tongue out and taking provocative photos. She’s gotten all of our attention and has just dropped her album. She has a new sound and has been everywhere talking about how she wanted to make a classic album. Slow down girl! Rome wasn’t built in a day and Thriller wasn’t MJs first album released. So what’s all the hoopla about?

Adore You: This was an interesting way to start out an album called “Bangerz” This song is a pop ballad but has serious knock to it. The lyrics are actually really beautiful. Her voice is showcased quite well with the production.

We Can’t Stop: This is my life’s anthem. That’s all. No, but really it’s catchy for some reason I can’t really understand. When I first heard it, it felt like what it was: A song Rihanna turned down. Miley performed an acoustic version of this on SNL that was pretty dope.

SMS: Britney spears is on this song and it sample “Push It” by Salt N Pepa. There’s a LOT going on with the production here. Britney’s feature feels unnecessary here and doesn’t really do much to help the song.

4X4: I like this Pharell produced track. The song feels really country and she talks about driving so fast because she’s about to piss her pants. If that’s not country, I don’t know what is. This song makes me want to take shots of Fireball and dance on a bar.

My Darlin: I really don’t like Future, but I like this song. It samples “Stand By Me” and is really pretty and kind of sexy to me.

Wrecking Ball: This song is pretty genius. I like delivery on it and the chorus is just really big. It feels like a song that a Pink or a Kelly Clarkson could do justice as well. Once again Swedish producers have a hold of me. This song makes me want to drink wine while I burn my ex’s house down. Wait, is that weird? Shit.

Love, Money, Party: Way to follow up some a deep song like Wrecking Ball with this ignorant ass song. I actually enjoy the song, but there’s just not much to it lyrically. I will play this when getting dressed to go out while I do body rolls and make stank face.

Get it Right: Pharell is back and this track is so summery and breezy. I really love what they’ve done together and kind of wish there was more tracks of his. It sounds cute, but lyrically Miley is trying to get it in. MY GIRL!

Drive: There is this slightly annoying sound in the background, but I kind of like how hard the track just bangs you upside the head and doesn’t stop. I guess this is like Dubstep light?

FU: This song is pretty dope fuck off song. I like that it sounds super dramatic like something out of a musical or something. It’s really unique and not really like anything out right now.

Do My Thang: William from Black Eyed Peas (I refuse to be all cute with his name. Sorry) I like the track and it has Miley sounding urban as hell. I like how it sounds like it going to go the route of all other euro dance pop tracks but then it gets really dirty south.

Maybe You’re Right: another pop ballad. I like the beat and the lyrics are great, It’s not as big as Wrecking Ball, but I still am a fan.

Someone Else: It feels like this song had aspirations of being a dance track, but falls kind of flat.

Rooting For My Baby: This song genuinely bores me.

On My Own: The track is good. I think this is Pharell as well, but I’m far too lazy to google it. It makes me think of Daft Punk

Hands in the Air: I still love a Ludacris guest appearance, but this song is just mediocre.



So when I first listened to it, I was like “the hell?” but this is actually an album that you need to listen to a couple times. I was actually shocked by the way it turned out. I guess I was expecting songs more along the lines of “We Can’t Stop” and “Pour it Up” as those were the two main songs I knew the Mike Will Made It produced. I was slightly upset, but then pleasantly surprised. I mean, being versatile is always a good thing and I like when people zag when they’re expected to zig. Ya feel me? The title of “Bangerz” feels slightly misleading after hearing this album, but you can’t deny that every track has knock to it. Maybe Knockerz would have been a better title. Let me stop giving away all this creativity for free!

Anyway, I'm satisfied with the album and I think she'll have her fair share of people feeling some sort of way about this. It's not "Hood" Miley 100% and it wasn't Hannah Montana Miley either. Something tells me that she's fresh outta fucks and will continue to do what she wants. And yes, we will all watch and secretly love her morefor it.

Album Review: Ariana Grande: Yours Truly

I am too damned old to be concerned with Nickelodeon/Disney stars. However, when these stars decide to start making music, they become my concern. Ariana Grande is definitely on my radar. I hated on her first single when I heard it, but it won over my cold heart. Subsequent singles and even seeing her cover Mariah’s “Emotions” made me see that this chick is the real deal. Her whistle register is pretty dope. Yours Truly’ not only has to introduce the world to Ariana as a musical artist, but also let us know if this girl has what it takes to fill Mariah’s Louboutins. Here’s the blow by blow:


Honeymoon Avenue: The song and album start off with soaring strings (not unlike Justin Timberlake’s) which lead up to a mid tempo song that has some knock to it. Ariana’s vocals are really showcased and allowed to shine under this fairly simple production. I like how the lyrics stick to theme of driving to convey that she is over her man’s foolishness and wants him to go back to how he used to act when he was trying to first get in her panties. I mean, these are lyrics we can ALL relate to, no?

Baby I: The beginning of this reminds me of the start of a movie when they do the THX sound. I like the song. It’s really cute and frantic. The chorus has Ashanti written all over it. Hell, the whole song says “baby” probably 2342338 times. You know Ashanti is pissed that she didn’t write this first. It’s a fun and simple love song.

Right There: This song features not only Big Sean, but an amazing sample of a Lil’ Kim classic. I have always loved the beat to “Crush on You” so this song won me over quite easily. I like the addition of the snaps and the drums to make it sound a bit different and fresh.

Tattooed Heart: I have always said that Ariana is constantly styled like a girl from the 50s going to the dance. This song is most likely what her slow dance song of choice would be. It’s a bit boring, but it allows her to show off her powerhouse vocals.

Lovin’ It: A fun, bouncy track with a lot of hand claps and “hey” samples. This is starting to sound like her signature sound

Piano: I think I really enjoy the lyrics to this song. I just like the whole idea of “instead of being salty, I’m gonna get over it and dance”

Daydreamin’: She starts out all breathy and dreamy. She stops giving us 90s Mariah and serves up some 2000s Mariah for a moment. The song itself is decent.
The Way: This was the first song I heard about her. Many thought this was Mariah when it first came out. The Big Pun sample and the big voice definitely seemed like something that Mariah would have done back in the day. I didn’t love it when I first heard it, but it grew on me.

You’ll Never Know: I don’t have anything to say. It’s not horrible, just forgettable.

Almost is Never Enough: I freaking love this song. Productionwise it’s just a piano and some snaps (quel surprise) but the vocals and the lyrics is what makes it stand out. I don’t often care for slow songs, but Ariana and Nathan Skyes turned this song out. It kind of reminds me of Brandy’s “Brokenhearted”

Popular Song: I honestly thought MIKA was dead. I’m glad to report he’s not and he’s making music with Ariana Grande. I guess this is supposed to give unpopular kids hope. It’s kind of cheesy to me.

Better Left Unsaid: I guess no album in 2013 is complete until it has a fist pumping anthem. It’s an upbeat, fun song but it sounds like a bad David Guetta wannabe. I could have done without this.


Overall, I like the album. I don’t think the New Mariah” title is exactly just. Yes, the girl has pipes and a range that is far better than most chicks out today. With that being said, she still has a ways to go with learning exactly how to use what God has given her. I think she played it pretty safe with this album. She stuck to a formula of a piano, claps, chop and screwed vocals, and a few “HEY!”s for good measure. Yes, she had me nodding along, but a lot of material gets lost in the uniformity of the album.I think it was pretty smart to bring the 90s vibe. It comes off as something different for the younger generation who may not be familiar with 90s music. It strikes a chord of nostalgia with those of us who had some of our best memories set to 90s music.

I do think this is a solid first effort and that she could have a great career ahead of her. OR she could be the next Christina Aguilera. Remember when she was the new Mariah? How about Leona Lewis? When will people realize that calling new female artists “The New Mariah” is the kiss of death? Can we just call her “The next JoJo” and give this poor girl a chance to be great?

Here's little bonus: