“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.
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.
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.
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.
Rap-Up TV recently caught up with the incredibly raw girl group Electrik Red. If you’ve followed MESH. for even a second you know how we backed there debut album How to Be a Lady Vol. 1 (easily 2009′s best surprise). Well, as their fans (myself included) eagerly await their sophomore album, this quick video gives a little more information on the upcoming project. The best thing to hear is that they will be working with The-Dream and Tricky Stewart again on the album (not exclusively though). I’m glad they aren’t totally abandoning who is largely responsible for their unique sound and ridiculous production. Hopefully, Vol. 2 can be a continuation of its predecessor and catapult Electrik Red into the respect they deserve.
Tomorrow (7/13) strikes the U.S. release of M.I.A’s third studio album /\/\ /\ Y /\ (MAYA). It seems that critics are having incredibly mixed opinions on the UK-born Sri Lankan songstress who has dwelled in creating music both entertaining and controversial latest offering. Though less political at the surface, MAYA titled off her first name is in many ways is more organic than previous M.I.A. efforts. With a new son and husband, the disc offers an almost battle of old M.I.A (loud, political, controversial) and a newer M.I.A (pop star, mother, lover). The result is an album that at its core, makes you vibe, dance, and more importantly–think.
Opening with “The Message” a short introduction that cleverly boast “….the head bones connects to the neck bone, neck bone connects to the arm bone, arm bones connects to the hand bone, connects to the internet connects to the google connects to the government.” Intricate and fun tracks “Stepping Up” “XXO” and “Teqkilla” follow. One of the albums highlights “Lovalot” is simplistic and complicated all in one breathe–inspired by the story of a suicide bomber avenging the death of her husband. Other highlights like the raggae inspired “It Takes a Muscle” and the chill vibes of “It Iz What It Iz” establish the album’s overall softer vibe. After the album’s lead single “Born Free”, the disc proceeds with a heavy mix of uptempo tracks like “Internet Connection” and “Believer” and beautifully trance like moments such as “Space” “Tell Me Why” and “Caps Lock”. Although many clam her music to sometimes be cluttered with sounds, chants, machines and more, the intricacies of an M.I.A. track is what sets her music apart from others. If your a fan of M.I.A.’s previous works like songs “Sun Showers” and “Bucky Done Gun” then this album will work for you. MAYA is a great companion her previous albums Kala and Arular and I’m sure I will be listening to its tracks for years to come.
Verdict: MAYA offers a new vision of an artist while holding on to the key elements that made that artist in the first place. A solid effort.
If you haven’t read my review for The-Dream‘s Love King album. Shame.
If you haven’t grabbed a copy of the disc. Shame.
But as always, I’m here to let you redeem yourself. One of my favorite sections of Love King is the “Yamaha”- “Nikki Part. 2″ -”Abyss” transition. I’m glad to see some of those 8+ videos The-Dream shot are finally coming to surface. This trilogy was shot by Motions Family and it does a pretty good job relating each song to each other. Enjoy.
First. A new promotional single leaked from the anticipated M.I.A./\/\ /\ Y /\ album. The track is called “Teqkilla” and like any other M.I.A., it goes in. Like I’ve said before, I’ve previewed the album and it sounds like it will be a definite winner releasing July 13th.
Second. A track from Outkast’s Big Boi who is gearing to release his solo album Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dust. “Tangerine” features T.I. and is a solid track. I like it much better than he current single (maybe I’ll give his album a try after all).
As I was working at my internship, I decided to spend majority of the day listening to a particular artist (Lykke Li) and as I got really immersed in her effortlessly touching sound I realized–a lot of my favorite artists who are making amazing music are foreign white chicks (Go figure). Thus I’ve been inspired to compile a post giving a little information about a couple of these “foreign chicks” whose music can’t be ignored. So, if this usually isn’t your kind of music, I implore you to open up your musical mind and give ALL music a try.
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Adele
Hailing from the UK, talented singer/songwriter Adele is perhaps my absolute favorite out of the bunch. Her soul, jazz, and blues inspired sound matched with her gripping lyrics are reasons why her debut album 19 catapulted her into success winning two Grammy Awards in 2009. She’s most known for her single “Chasing Pavements” but her entire album is a gem that soothes any listener’s heart. It’s been nearly two years since her debut and I still play the entire album on any given day. Adele is refreshing and is a constant ode to the days of Motown (she covers Sam Cooke, Etta James, etc. at any given moment). Adele is currently working on her highly anticipated sophomore album. Give her song ‘First Love’ a listen.
Adele tracks your iTunes NEEDS: First Love, Hometown Glory, Make You Feel My Love, Best for Last, Daydreamer, Melt My Heart to Stone
Feist
Feist isn’t too far from American soil, born in Nova Scotia, Canada, her music has been a while for a great deal now (1999). Although you may not be aware, you’ve heard several of her songs in popular television shows, commercials and movies. Her sound is an infectious blend of indie pop, folk, and some slight soft indie rock. Her 2007 album The Reminder is not only my favorite from her but was iTunes best selling record of that year–fitting as her single “1234″ served as the soundtrack to popular iPod ads. Another cool thing about Feist is her clever videos that always seem like major musical productions. Her music is very emotionally connecting and although lyrics are extremely complex, Feist utilizes the feel of the track to convey her message. Check out her video for “1,2,3,4″
Feist tracks to snatch: How My Heart Behaves, Mushaboom, Honey Honey, I Feel it All, The Limit to Your Love
Lykke Li
Admittedly, I was a little late with this one. I just recently got into her 2008 debut Youth Novels, but I did always know the name–especially after Drake covered her song “A Little Bit” on his SoFar Gone mixtape. Originally from Sweden, Lykke Li has an electronic rock, alternative, indie sound that fits her tone of voice perfectly. Her song “Tonight” was recently sampled for Shaun Boothe’s latest single “Let Me Go” and I’m sure there are a couple more samples for her work floating around. Recently her song “Possibility” was made for the Twilight New Moon soundtrack.As I said, I just got into her album and have found a few great surprises. Check out her song “Everybody But Me”
Must have Lykke Li tracks: Everybody But Me, Little Bit, Tonight, Possibility, Let It Fall
Regina Spektor
This Russian songstress made her splash on the scene back in the early 200′s. With an acoustic, piano-driven and indie influenced sound, Regina Spektor, much like Feist, utilizes the feel of her songs to convey her message. Her lyrics are detailed notes about life in nearly all aspects. Known for her unique voice and intriguing singing, Spektor has as incredibly vocal range and uses it freely. Her albums are musical feats and she’ll be around a long time delivering the genius that is her music. Check out “Edit”
Regina Spektor tracks to give a listen to: Edit, Eet, Laughing With, Samson, Apres Moi, No One, Blue Lips
Robyn
Last but certainly not least is another chick coming in from Sweden, Robyn. I’m not sure if many of you remember the cable video service called The Box, but back in the ’90s Robyn had a couple of R&B influenced tracks including “Show Me Love” which was pretty popular. Now, her sound still has urban influences but is much more electropop. Her self titled album that was released in 2005 found its way to the States in 2008 and was amazing. Fun and unapologetic, Robyn’s music is refreshing and the beats are crazy. She recently released Body Talk Part. 1 and will be releasing two more disc this year. Give “Bum Like You” a listen.
Robyn tracks of requirement: With Every Heartbeat, Anytime You Like, Show Me Love, Konichiwa Bitches, Bum Like You
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Hope you guys enjoyed and possibly stumbled upon a new artist you like.
The cover of July’s issue of Dazed & Confused is none other than M.I.A. who has been landing a lot magazine covers in anticipation for the release of her album /\/\ /\ Y /\ which drops in July. Check out this behind scene video of her shoot that was photographed by Rankin.
I’ve been banging this song for a minute now and after all the attention “She Geeked” has been receiving, I’m pleasantly surprised that Sean Garrett‘s “Get It All” featuring femcee Nicki Minaj got video treatment. It’s a solid track and the video is fitting. I like the notion of going back and fourth between present and a young 6th grade Sean as he croons over his girl. Good stuff.
Maroon 5 rarely disappoints me. I didn’t say that to segue into why their latest single “Misery” has, because it hasn’t, so stop jumping the gun.
“Misery” serves as another track that shows why Maroon 5 is good at what they do. It doesn’t break any molds or is something incredibly innovative for the group–it stays true their original sound and if you’re any type of a Maroon 5 fan, you’ll love it.
The band’s third album Hands Over Me is set to release this September .
Here’s the final and official cut of Kelly Rowland‘s international hit “Commander.” Although the video is basically the same as the version that leaked a while back, I guess since it’s official that makes it better? The video sees Kelly (who’s always a sight to see I might add) battling herself in a club dance-off.
Although I still prefer the urban mix of this song, I’m starting to like the original more and more.
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