“See Me Now” should have been a monster of a track. Kanye West & Beyonce on an original track together? But sadly, it failed all my expectations. So naturally I was a little apprehensive to check out the latest leak “Monster” featuring Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver. But, maybe Jay has one on Beyonce, because this track goes in. Set to be featured on Kanye West and Jay-Z’s upcoming collaborative EP “Watch The Throne” that will consist of 5 tracks.
Each year on the anniversary of the untimely death of R&B’s angel, Aaliyah, I sit back and recount all my favorite moments, songs and videos she graced us with. Even though it’s now a year shy of a decade since she was taken, I won’t go into too much detail about how amazing her artistry was (click here for last year’s post) but I thought it would be fitting to introduce a new series of post here on MESH. with her.
Every so often, I will feature “In No Particular Order”–the top five songs (in my opinion) of various artists. I feel there is no one better to start this off with than Aaliyah. Now keep in mind, most artists’ best material isn’t their released singles but yet the hidden or slightly buried gems on their albums. So as the title mentions, in no particular order, here are the top five Aaliyah tracks.
1. “Never Comin’ Back”–One In a Million
This smooth track might not come to mind when you mention Aaliyah’s name. Lifted from her sophomore album, the “live recording” inspired track is one of Aaliyah’s strongest and has an undeniable groove. The horns compliment her silky voice and effortless falsettos.
2. “It’s Whatever”–Aaliyah
Perhaps my favorite Aaliyah song, “It’s Whatever” is a sophisticated track that shows Aaliyah’s maturity, musical growth, and ability to create relative music. A song that proudly states it’s whatever because love is so strong, everything about the track works. The smooth instrumental, sensual melodies and familiar vibe all come together effortlessly on this standout from her last album.
3. “I Care 4 U”–Aaliyah
Much like “It’s Whatever” this track from Aaliyah’s last masterpiece also showcased a mature woman, confident in herself and her feelings of the world and others. “I Care 4 U” is infectious, with a nearly climatic build-up towards the end, it is vocally one of Aaliyah’s strongest efforts.
4. “Are You That Somebody”/ “One in a Million”–Dr. Doolittle Soundtrack/ One In a Million
I know what you’re thinking–hey, he’s cheating with this one. I couldn’t decide between which track ultimately is associated with Aaliyah’s name. You think of both when she is mentioned. “One in a Million” is the song credited for redefining R&B as Aaliyah’s angelic vocals were oddly matched with a gritty Timbaland beat. The magic was reproduced with her mega hit “Are You That Somebody” that solidified Aaliyah as an R&B staple. Plus, who could forget that video?
5. “At Your Best (You Are Loved)–Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number
This remake of the classic Isley Brothers tune was lifted from Aaliyah’s debut album. It’s funny to imagine such a soft–falsetto driven ballad amongst the track listing of much grittier material. “At Your Best” was the stage for Aaliyah’s vocal ability. Much like the original, this track and its remix remain as classics to this day.
Honorable Mentions: “Come Over” “4 Page Letter” “I Refuse” “If Ur Girl Only Knew”
I must admit, as an Aaliyah fan, this was incredibly hard to do. I know a lot of you are probably scratching your head at the list, but read the reasons why and give the tracks a listen. Aaliyah was a unique and raw talent. It’s hard to imagine what the industry would look like if she were still with us. Some debate she would have remain amongst the likes of present day Monica or Brandy, while others saw the maturity in her last album as an indicator that Aaliyah’s potential was sadly never reached. Either way, her beauty and elegance are always adored, cherished, and missed. R.I.P Babygirl.
It seems like 2010 will mark the year of the rushed album. With Trey Songz rushing along his next album and countless others putting out material only months after their last effort–Gucci Mane joins the ranks. The artwork for his next venture The Appeal: Georgia’s Most Wanted has been released. With the first single “Gucci Time” the album will release on September 28th.
It’s no denying, this is about to be a big year for Kanye West and the entire G.O.O.D. crew. One pit stop on the way to taking over the music industry this year, is the release of the G.O.O.D Ass Mixtape that proudly boasts 30 tracks from the likes of Kanye, Big Sean, Common, Kid Cudi, Consequence, Mr. Hudson, Amber Rose and more. It has that end of summer vibe and since it is the end of summer, well damn it–go vibe.
**Download the mixtape by pressing the downward arrow on the player
Kanye West‘s “Power” video might be an epic event waiting to happen. Artistically, it seems that the video might be one of the best 2010 has to offer thus far. Here is a slight behind the scenes look at the making of Kanye’s latest masterpiece.
I bang with Theophilus London more and more as each day passes. His latest leak “Calypso Blues” (a remake of Nat King Cole’s) is beyond words. It’s easily has become my jam of the week. Okay enough talking, listen, download and replay.
“California Girls” has been number one of the Top 100 for decades now. I think it’s safe to say, Katy Perry is going to murk with her new album Teenage Dreams. Check her out on the cover of Rolling Stone.
Also, give her latest leak “Not Like the Movies” a listen.
The official album cover for Trey Songz upcoming album Passion, Pain & Pleasure has been released. With the lead single “Bottoms Up” featuring Nicki Minaj video wrapped up and ready for release, it seems Trey is in full gear for his new project. I can’t help think it is all a little rushed though. Either way, the album drops in September (the best month of the year).
Last week I posted a picture of R&B heavy hitters, Usher and Chris Brown that had a special air to it. Now, it’s Hip Hop’s turn. Photographed at Nello‘s Restaurant in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Jay-Z and Kanye West had a dinner date which gives us this picture. Might I say, it’s a little on the classic side.
Okay, it’s not all that exciting when a cartoon (especially a Nickelodeon one) becomes a full length movie. You’re left with a lengthier episode. But the latest Nick toon to get the movie treatment will be The Fairly Odd Parents. The cool thing is that it will be a live-action film featuring Drake Bell as Timmy Turner (yes, a grown early 20′s Timmy). The film will be called “The Fairly Odd Parents: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!” and will follow the grown Timmy as he tries to hold onto his fairy godparents for as long as possible. Sounds interesting, eh?
Had I seen this image of R&B crooners Usher and Chris Brown (pictured recently in Jamaica) a few years ago, I’d look at it in a completely different way. It would have almost been symbolic of Usher passing the torch or just even giving blessing to Chris’s rise to being in the likes of R&B royalty. But, after a few years and an infamous slap to face, It reads a little different–maybe still symbolic. With Chris’s recent Michael Jackson tribute, it seem that his career was subtly kicked back into motion as the industry seemed to finally move on and forgive him. Yet I still wonder, does Chris deserve a crown at the top of R&B or will others like Trey Songz rightfully snatch his chance at the thrown?
I’m rooting for Teairra Mari. Ever since she was played by Jay-Z and Rihanna, I’ve wanted her to get the shine she deserves and the less talented stole. Her severely delayed sophomore effort is being revamped. Her latest single to leak is another urban club banger, which she has become great at delivering. This one is called “Coins” and confidently boast about–what else, materialism. It low-key goes in, so I hope it does something for Teairra’s project.
(Click the downward arrow on the player to download)
This might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but here is the video for Robyn‘s first single “Hang With Me” from the second installment of her three part album release Body Talk Part. The album (Part 2) releases on my birthday (September 6) and will be quickly be followed by part 3.
No surprise that I have a slight obsession with certain female artists and actresses. They have been featured on MESH. multiple times for their beauty and well, their….beauty. I have a hard time with change–so why do it? Here is the stunning, dark chocolate sex pot herself–Kelly Rowland.
#Stunning
If that doesn’t do something to you (ladies included), you’re vision is f@!k’d up.
Kelly’s album (which is waiting to be titled) drops in September.
Okay, little miss “it” girl rapper Nicki Minaj has made a comeback of sorts. Her initial first single “Massive Attack” bombed on the charts but her surprising second single “Your Love” is doing fairly well. It has already topped the rap charts and nearly becoming a top ten hit on the 100 chart. The video for it released and I must say I like it. For the most part it is a really simple video that matches the song (and simple for Nicki Minaj is saying a lot). In fact 90% of the video she has jet black hair. (Wow right?) Anyways, even with the samurai battle to the death at the end, it’s a nice simplistic video for Nicki. Enjoy.
I’ll admit it, I haven’t picked up a Complex since my subscription ended (plus GQ has slowly taken the lead of being my favorite publication). But the latest covers might get me to once again become familiar with the magazine I’ve loved for so many years. Plus its my birthday issue (come on September-hurry up).
T.I., B.O.B, and Lilo (Lindsey Lohan) cover the August/September issues of Complex Mag.
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