Rihanna's Artistic "Rated R"

I will start off by saying if you think that this is ANYTHING like "Good Girl Gone Bad" you are sadly mistaken. Instead, Rihanna took all of the pain & betrayal of her very public, very unfortunate domestic dispute w/ ex boyfriend Chris Brown and made art! when I first heard "Russian Roulette" I knew exactly where this CD was headed I also knew that not everyone would understand it! okay, on to the music ...

Instead of going track for track I decided to review the songs I really love & I think are the strongest & shows where Rihanna really was on this record

"Russian Roulette" -This is the lead single from the record. everyone seems to think it's about suicide but it isn't about that at all! to me I think it's a metaphor so to speak showing the death of he older, weaker Rihanna. the one that allowed herself to be so vulnerable & out w/ the new & improved Rihanna the stronger, wiser Rihanna. it really is a beautiful song if you really listen to it for what it is. To me it's about resurrection!


"Fire Bomb" - This is a really good song. It really talks about revenge in the best way ever IMO. she asks the lovers to "clear the room" & make way for a fire bomb {Rihanna} to come & explode all of her anger & shift it to her ex lover so he can see where she's coming from. powerful song!!



"Rude Boy" - Is a fun song about rough sex! I love this song so much. it's almost like the answer to Britney's equally good "3". She asks her partner to call her "rude" and demands he "take it!" this song is going to get a lot of people in trouble on the dance floor! lol may be one of them!


"Photographs" - This is my favorite song on the record. Rihanna finds herself reminiscing over old photos of her and an ex lover showing the good times they had w/ one another & she's questioning if a breakup is the best decision b/c she feels as if she is nothing w/o him. I think everyone has felt this way before! Will.i.am. compliments her well & I can see this being her number 1 from this record!




G4L" - In "Russian Roulette" I said that Rihanna killed the older, weaker Rihanna & resurrected into a new & improved, stronger Rihanna. This song brings her out. "I lick the gun when I'm done b/c you know that revenge is sweet" that is such a strong line to me! It shows that she has put her guard up has indeed become stronger.



Te Amo" - This is a good song it's a cover by Reggaeton artist Mekano. It's about Rihanna having a female friend who reveals she is in love w/ her but Rihanna says she loves her too but only as friends b/c she isn't a lesbian. I really like this & could see a cool video concept for it. I doubt this would play on the radio though. it's too "controversial" lol

"Cold Case Love" - This is my second favorite track from the record. It's about her being so blind in love that she couldn't see the person he really was until it was too late. She wishes she could have investigated more instead of ending up w/ a cold case love"



All in all I will give the record 4 stars! it really is one of the best pop records of the year! & I can always respect an artist that always tries to out do themselves from their last album. it shows true artistry! so pick up a copy of "Rated R" today! you will not be disappointed I assure you!

Drake performs "Find Your Love" last night on Jay Leno

It's no secret that I am a huge, HUGE Drake fan. I've never been ashamed to say I've been a fan ever since "Degrassi: The Next Generation" so it's only natural that I stayed up to watch him perform one of my favorite songs from his new CD, "Thank Me Later" {which is #1 in the U.S. this week coming in at 462,989 copies!!!!} "Find Your Love". It's the only song on the record where he sings it all the way through so I'm sure we were all curious to hear how this would turn out. Sadly to say, I was a little disappointed. First off, he sang it in a lower key, he didn't even try to get the higher part of the song, & he didn't really seem as confident about his voice he seemed rather timid which is the complete opposite of when he's rapping. That being said, he didn't sound TERRIBLE by any means BUT, it's clear that he needs to get a vocal coach ASAP if he wants to stay a singing rapper anywhoo, judge for yourself. Watch the video now! =)

Janelle Monae's masterpiece "The ArchAndroid"

For DAYS I've been trying to find the words to describe this CD WITHOUT using the word "perfect" but I can't. Janelle Monae's debut CD "The ArchAndroid" is an R&B masterpiece. It has really gone there as far as experimenting with different sounds yet still staying true to R&B. Inspired by the 1927 movie "Metropolis" Janelle has made up a fictional character named "Cindy Mayweather" & the whole album is of her journey as she touches subjects like love, War & slavery all the while discovering she is a messiah-like figure in hopes to free her people. But enough of me chatting, listen to the songs I've posted from this masterpiece & see for yourself. You won't be disappointed!

"Cold War" Do you know what you're fighting for ?


"Say You'll Go"


"57821" The most BEAUTIFUL song ever! easily my favorite song on the record!


"Mushrooms & Roses"


"Locked Inside"


Impressed ? I know you are! Now go out & buy this musical masterpiece! It' one anyone who considers themselves a music lover should have!

A look into Chris Brown's career thus far. Can he regain his spot ?

Chris Brown pretty much had success over night & career suicide all in the same breath! He was beginning to make a name for himself in the R&B game proving that he was indeed the heir to the R&B throne & it seemed like he had so much promise that is until ... but enough has been said about that already. I decided to make this post just giving my opinion of Chris & his success over the years. I give what I think are his best songs/singles & even a few unreleased tracks that I love. I'll start w/ his first ...

"Chris Brown"

We all know of that legendary debut single "Run It" that featured Juelz Santana


Which now seems like an unlikely pair. When I first heard the song I like it. I thought he was cute but his face was painted down. there was NO WAY a 15 yr old boy could have skin that flawless :lol: but anywhoo, In spite of the response the single got I just knew he would be a one hit wonder {i.e. Lil Corey anyone?} I wasn't completely sold that he would make to another album that is until ...

"Yo {Excuse Me Miss}"



dropped. It had a really cool innocence to the song and in my opinion is his best vocal in his entire discography! It was very crisp & pure & the video was everything to me! The day I heard it I went to Best Buy to buy the CD.

I was very impressed! unfortunately his next single, {"Gimme Dat"} was my least favorite song on the record {next to "What's My Name?" w/ some guy named Noah} I tossed that aside.

my favorite song which honestly seemed like a fan favorite was "Poppin" I always wanted to see a video for that it even played on the radio here! other standout tracks were "Ain't No Way", "Ya Man Ain't Me" and the third single from the disc ...

"Say Goodbye"


It was also the lead single from the Step Up Soundtrack. I loved the video & the song and it showed how versatile his style was that he could go from club bangers like "Run It" to tempered cuts like this. I was very impressed and thought he deserved the title "The Future of R&B"



Next is ...

"Exclusive"

This is his best album thus far IMO as far as subject matter & artistry.

"Wall to Wall" was a terrible first single. I hated the video, the production I was afraid for him w/ this single. It just wasn't a good choice to lead a new album to me but that all changed when ...

"Kiss Kiss" came out. I loved the beat. it was him doing what he does best & that's keeping you on the dance floor! the dancing for it was CRAZY I loved the different character's he played in the video, it showed his humorous side. and I regained my faith in the success of the album. next was ...

"With You" I love this song but it sounded like the producers were trying to get "Irreplaceable" out just one more time. thakfully the video & song itself delivered!


"Take You Down". there was some big controversy in the making of this record. he was supposed to have "Bed" {J. Holiday} but his record label thought that the subject matter of the song was "too risque" for his cookie cutter image so they decided against him singing it. so he went behind their backs and made "Take You Down" it was supposed to signify the growth in his life musically & lyrically. showing that he is well on his journey to manhood and has been doing things that Men do. I thought it was a brave feat but IMO is one of the weaker songs on the record.

"Super Human" w/ Keri Hilson was a good duet. Their voices really meshed well. They were very in sync. & I loved the Video!



"forever" is one of his best songs to me!



I always wished that "You" & "Lottery" would have been singles as well. I loved the 80's feel that I got from "You" it gave me old school De Barge/ & I loved the Asian feel in "Lottery" as well
other standout tracks were "Picture Perfect", "Gimme What you Got", "Help Me" & "Damage"

any of these as singles would have given him those few extra sales from the record
on to ...

"Graffitti" is a pretty good album but I still think he didn't take it to that next level. I feel like the lyricism was too vague, I personally needed to feel his side, and to me, I didn't feel it at all. I felt like he was just humoring the situation but, I still think the album is great!

"I Can Transform Ya"

is a great song perfect to lead a new album & the video slays, the dancing is everything o me & this is Swizz Beat's first time showing some versitility in his production b/c before, everything sounded the same. this definately showed that the Chris Brown we knew was indeed back! well, he'd be back had the infamous incident hadn't happened b/c let's face it, Chris Brown will never be seen the same way again. sad to say ...


"Crawl" is a nice song. Cassie being in the video is definitely random & should have been thought through a little more but if you ignore that minor hurdle, the video fits the song quite well.


the album has other cuts on there I love but none other matters to me more than "I.Y.A. it's my favorite song from the record I would have LOVED for it to be a single!!



I also loved "Pass Out" w/ Eva Simmons. This song would have murdered the club scene it's a really unique way to sample Eric Prydz "Call On Me"


& a cut called "Falling Down"


other songs from his music vault that I would have loved to have heard on an album are "Electric Guitar" & "Glow In The Dark"

"Electric Guitar" was actually supposed to be for or either dueted w/ Rihanna. if you listen to it you will know why. the lyrics sounds like he is singing to a man. but we know that Chris Brown writes songs for women all the time {i.e. "Captive" for thePCD's}


"Glow In The Dark"


I think he still has promise. I know it may take a few years for the public to see him in the same like they once did but if he presses forward and works hard I'm sure he can regain it. after all, he is very talented!

Kelis' new song "4th of July {Fireworks}" !!!!!

I have always been a BIG fan of Kelis. Both she, & her music has meant so much to me as the years have gone by. She was the first to represent the "outcasts" of society & made me believe in myself no matter how much I differentiate from what's "normal". Her new Cd entitled "Flesh Tone" which will be out worldwide July 6 {even though it's already out in Europe} is nothing short of amazing.I was impressed with the first single "A Capella" but I am just Awe struck from this new single it has a very cool electro pop sound that I know will murder the clubs this summer! But don't take my word for it, listen for yourself! Ladies & gentlemen I present to you, the iconic "4th of July {Fireworks}"

Christina Aguilera's EPIC return!

First off, I'd like to say this is by no means her best album {I personally think "Back to Basics" is her best} however, It's not a bad album. It's very different from her previous efforts & I honestly think she pulled off this new sound quite nicely. I will be reviewing the tracks that I think are the strongest & will highlight the true intention behind the album. On to the music ...

"Bionic" is the title song & IMO should have been the lead single. A much better choice than "Not Myself Tonight" this honestly sums up the whole purpose of the album. It's about thinking outside the box & allowing yourself to accept change "Just let it go, get it up, allow yourself to transform"

"Elastic Love" This song could easily be a single as well. It has such a cool electric sound & I think this would murder the club scene. It's about having a lover who wants you one moment then tries to act like he's not interested the next "A rubber band is what I call your love for me Cause it comes and goes and pins me like a trampoline" I think everyone can relate to this & the infectious beat makes you want to dance all night! A sure fire summer anthem!

"Desnudate" I love this song! This song is her trying to please her lover to the fullest extent. She's not here to play any games she's trying to do the damn thing! "What's your indulgence, tell me what's your vice Do you like it naughty, do you like it nice I'm your suplier of lust, love and fire tonight
All you desire is yours if the asking is right so ..." this song can get you in trouble on the dance floor too!

"Glam" I love this song.
it reminds me of when I used to club & my friends & I would spend all this time getting ready to go out on the town & just kick it. It has a very cool beat that keeps you moving. A friend of mine has already played this in a modeling show she walked in. It has that kind of vibe to it love this song!

"Prima Donna" This song is a strong track as well. I think this is kind of a b***h slap to everyone who has a problem w/ her attitude. It's like saying "yes, I'm a prima donna. And ?" She doesn't care what anyone thinks of her she's still going to do her. I love what this song stands for.

"Morning Dessert/ Sex For Breakfast" I love "Morning Dessert" it's just an interlude to set you up for "SFB" but I think it should have been a whole track. It reminds me of Justin Timberlake's "Set The Mood" Interlude right before "Until The End Of Time". "Sex For Breakfast" is very self explanatory It's talks about a morning delight. Everyone loves those

"I Am" I LOVE this song. This is by far my favorite song on the record. It was written by singer/songwriter Sia & it talks about the joys of her finally being loved for exactly who she is. I would love for this to be a single b/c I think everyone who has found that person would definately relate!



"You Lost Me" This song talks about how a lover cheats & she tells him I hope she is worth it? I hope she is worth losing everything we had just b/c you couldn't control your urges & keep your hands to yourself. It's a beautiful song & it was beautifully sung.

"Bobblehead" This is a fun song that's pretty much poking fun at valley girls who are obsessed w/ using how they look to get ahead instead of their brains I think this song is fun & could be a semi-hit

"Birds of Prey" it's my third fave song from the record. I love the electronic sound I could see this song slaying the rave scene. It has a cool sound to it & she sings it in a subtle, smooth way in her signature warm tone.

over all I love the record. It's sad that she is getting so much flack for "swagger jacking" when all she is doing is staying current. It's a really good CD & could potentially do well if she chooses the right singles. Give it a listen. I think you will find you like it more than you think !!!!

Drake's debut LP is a hit!!!

This is pretty much the only CD I've been waiting for all year! Now everyone knows I'm not the biggest hip-hop fan. In fact the only other one I really, REALLY love is Lupe Fiasco so it's safe to say, Drake is a good place holder to fill the void until Lupe comes back. That being said, I really love this CD. it has a very melodic feel rather than sound. I sat & listened to this pretty much all day for the past 2 days even as I write this review on to my review ...

"Thank Me Later" - Drake

It's very clear that Drake put a lot of work into this album. He wanted you to know who the real Aubrey Drake Graham is not just "Drake" the new rap wonder kid.

"Fireworks" This song talks about how even though he's Drake the rapper & has money, fame & anything money could by, life still goes on. "Money just changed everything, I wonder how life without it would go ?" His Dad is still up to his same antics, he put his Mom in a house & let her decorate to her hearts desire yet she still feels alone. It's a really deep song perfect for setting the overall tone of the album.

"Karaoke" This song talks about him dating a girl that he really loved but she couldn't take his hectic life as a star so she moves to Atlanta for a more calm, "normal" life. He finds himself in the midst of all the fame still thinking about her. wondering if she's okay. It sounds as if Drake is still dealing w/ the pressures of fame. This is a real deep record.

"The Resistance" This song talks about how he never would have guessed he would be where he is right now. “The game needed life, I put my heart in it, I blew myself up, I’m on some martyr s***t!”

"Over" The lead single from the album. You get all kinds of "friends" & "family" when you get money. This song is so true the message of the song reminds me of Kelis' "Millionaire" {"I ain't rich, til he is rich & she is rich & we all rich"} He asks would you all still be here if there was no money or fame ?

"Show Me A Good Time" This song is very self-explanatory. He just wants to go out & have a good time hell, he's worked hard for the money why not enjoy it ? He even addresses all the haters & doubters who has something negative to say "Call me over-rated or creative or too jaded, because any way you put it b***h I made it!”

"Up All Night" This song is saying he has no time for haters he's busy making his paper so say what you want but you can't call him broke Nicki Minaj adds her signature animated flow & lyrics where she too is paying no attention to haters & instead is still doing her stacking her paper "I get the kind of money that make a broke b***h bitter I got that kinda… wait wait fixate! Which b***h you know made a million off a mix tape ?" I could see this as a single b/c they really are taking over the rap game right now!

"Fancy" "Better late than never, but never late is better! They tell me time is money, well we’ll spend it together" The T.I. assisted track has Drake talking about showering a lady friend of his w/ the finer things.

"Shut It Down" This is my favorite song on the record. The-Dream assists him on this record. They are both telling their girls they are the baddest there is. I love the smooth melodic tone of the record, the best, the lyrics the vocals all flow quite nicely. It has a very tranquil mood setting atmosphere that is very rare in rap records these days, I could easily see this being a single a well!

"Unforgettable" This is a fave track of mine as well. I think it's very appropriate that Aaliyah starts of the song singing her iconic cover of the Isley Brothers "At Your Best". The song is assisted by Jezzy but it often feels that the song is Jeezy featuring Drake not vice versa he's talking about not worrying about the past & living in the now even if he may be doing it carelessly at times "Because all this s***t is new to me, I’m learning to behave, I’m still spending every dollar they encouraged me to save"

"Light Up" the Jay-Z assisted track talks about how it's not always fun & games. It has taken hard work to get him where he is. Although sometimes it would be nice to have more days where he could just kick it w/ his friends "Cuz while all of my closest friends out partying, I'm just here making all the music that they party to"

"Miss Me" This song solidified my theory as to why he's been so adamant in defending Nicki in the Lil Kim beef, they just may be an item! "I love Nicki Minaj I told her I’d admit it I hope one day we get married just to say we f***king did it and girl I’m f***king serious I’m with it if you with it cause your verses turn me on and your pants are mighty fitted" I'm sure that line surprises no one but the song mainly talks about how he's more serious than ever about becoming one of raps greatest.

"Find Your Love" I love this song. It's the only song on the record where Drake sings all the way through. It has a really cool beat & his voice isn't over sung or strained. It' him asking if his love for him is a strong as his is for her. It's a cool record that could easily be a big summer hit !!!!!




"Thank Me Now" this song can be summed up by his quote "the band wagon is full you can try and run behind it"


all in all this record is nothing short of perfect! I love how personal he was w/ it & he wasn't trying to be anything but Drake & I feel as if I know him a whole lot better! BUY THE RECORD you will NOT be disappointed!