K. Michelle - How Many Times
Jay Sean - Hit The Lights
My DJ at work has been spinning this for a while now. After "2012" with Nicki underperformed, hopefully this will change the course of his "Frozen Time" LP.
OneRepublic - Good Life
OneRepublic's new music video for "Good Life" is inadvertently set in the middle of nowhere; however, the lyrics describe that "this could be a really good life." Lead singer Ryan Tedder describes waking up in London, traveling to New York and L.A. from "Paris to China to Colorado."
Honestly, world travel is symbolic of all of the opportunities this world has to offer. It's feel good songs like this that makes me appreciate the simple things while simultaneously looking forward to when I can live my life and experience a world of adventure!
Honestly, world travel is symbolic of all of the opportunities this world has to offer. It's feel good songs like this that makes me appreciate the simple things while simultaneously looking forward to when I can live my life and experience a world of adventure!
Nicki Minaj - Moment 4 Life
I love Nicki. I love her style, her persona, her delivery, and her message. In "Moment 4 Life" with Drake she acknowledges the struggle that it took to get her to where is today and now that she's "made" it, she wishes that she could have this moment for life. As Drake proclaims, "everybody dies, but not everybody lives." So I say life your life and cherish every moment you have because when it'll be your last. Although the latter half of the video is quite uneventful, the intro is hilarious and is well worth the watch.
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Katy & Ke$ha - E.T./Blow
Avril Lavigne - What The Hell
With each new listen, I fall in love again with Avril Lavigne's new single "What The Hell." The video takes that love to a whole new level as Avril parades around as her broken-hearted and confused boyfriend follows her around town. Fun, happy, and catchy Avril is just as good as deep, emotional, and artist Avril. I'm glad she's found a way to comprise and balance both aspects into her music. It's good that she doesn't care "I you love me (her), if you love me (her)..." because sometimes that's what it takes to just, be yourself.
Lloyd - Cupid
Wiz Khalifa - Roll Up
The Black Eyed Peas - Just Can't Get Enough
Bruno Mars - The Lazy Song
In "Lazy," Bruno proclaims "that today I don't feel like doing anything...nothing at all." I know we all had days like that. I chuckle everytime I hear "no I ain't going to comb by hair...I'll just strut in my birthday suit" because, that's real. Matter of fact, that's exactly how I plan on spending tomorrow, doing "...nothing at all."
Kanye West - All of The Lights
Kanye West has finally released the video for his latest single "All of The Lights." Unfortunately, I'm not impressed. The video starts out with a plot, but it ends randomly and turns into a performance video. Hype Williams was my favorite music director and inspired me to pursue a degree in Film; however, I'm not sure of the relative direction he's going in as of late. Rihanna appears uninterested and the solo (thus, random) addition of Kid Cudi is quite uneventful. Sigh. Well, at least the superb song is shaping out to be a sizable Urban hit.
Britney Spears - Hold It Against Me/Inside Out
Today Britney Spears finally premiered her new video for her #1 single "Hold It Against Me." Although an overall good video, I am somewhat disappointed by the limited dancing Ms. Spears exhibits. The dub step in this song is EPIC & it should have had a more in your face choreography. Maybe next time.
However, producer Dr. Lue also graced up with this snippet from Britney's new album "Femme Fatale." The track is supposedly titled "Inside Out" and it sounds like a winner...so at least the album seems like it will have some strong tracks. Whew!
Chris Brown - 2.4.1
Chris Brown has genuinely been impressing me with his music as of late. Although some of his words and public statements have been sketchy, he remains an amazing artist and musician. Notably, I'm pleased that Keri Hilson is releasing her duet with Chris Browm, "One Night Stand," as the third official single from her album "No Boys Allowed." I think it's pretty obvious what the song is about.
Also, Chris Browns duet with rapper, singer, & producer Kevin McCall (both of whom co-crote "One Night Stand" as well) "Between The Lines" is a catchy and exceedingly well written tune about trusting your man no matter the rumors or gossip. Trust, is yet another important factor necessary for maintaining a strong relationship.
Melanie Fiona - Gone & Never Coming Back
Within the track, Melanie tells the heartbreaken lover who is gone...and never coming back. Most notably, it seems that their relationship was obviously imperfect and even though Melanie "thought that memories never die" she realizes that her love is truly never returning. Can we give it up once again for real singers?
Musiq - Anything
Jennifer Hudson - Where You At
The track finds Jennifer asking where the man who promised her the world is when the hard times come about. Unexpectantly, he leaves her alone an underprotected. Although not as strong as her previous lead single, Jennifer's voice absolutely soars during the bridge and in music, really, what else is there without a great vocal performance?
Lloyd - Things I Like About You
I believe that Lloyd is allowing Polow Da Don to produce his "King of Hearts" LP entirely and "Things I Like About You" appears to have been recorded during a session with another producer. Regardless, this song is beautiful and should receive the single treatment. I never understand why an artist would throw away such a quality song?
He notes "the way we kick it like best friends" is one of the things that he likes about his lady friend. Notably, "the way you call my mother, just to check up on her, you care about family" is another point where he describes her positive attributes. I can only hope that "Cupid" (the rumored next single from his album) is half as good as this track.
Hyper Crush - Kick Us Out
My DJ at work has been playing Hyper Crush tunes for quite some time now, but "Kick Us Out" is by far my favorite. I honestly will always remember the first (and to date only) time I was kicked out of a club. This song embodies that feeling and takes it to the level of simply enjoying one's self at a party. Yes, it's arguably been done and said before, but this group spices up the concept and makes a banger in the process.
Dirty Money - Make Love To You/Yesterday
Diddy sings "when I make love to you, I swear a lie become the truth, that's when the fire turns to rain fail, and the pain is good to you...that's when the angels come to play, that's when the darkness starts to fade away, and your night turns back to day, when I make love to you." Pure poetry.
Dirty Money also released the music video for their track with Chris Brown today in the form of "Yesterday." Simply down, yet quite creative, the video finds Chris doing what he does best: visually shutting down basically ever other male R&B artist without breaking a sweat.
Trey Songz - Love Faces
To commemorate Valentine's Day, I had to post the new video from R&B singer Trey Songz. "Love Faces" is the third single from his album "Passion, Pain, & Pleasure," is already a smash at Urban radio and I likely contender for #1 on the R&B charts in the coming weeks.
Notably, this video actually has something of a plot compared to Trey's other sexually themed videos. But, of course, any song describing the "love faces" that a woman makes when being made love to is going to incorporate some sexual overtones. All I can say is that Trey has found a niche and is remaining consistent within it.
Notably, this video actually has something of a plot compared to Trey's other sexually themed videos. But, of course, any song describing the "love faces" that a woman makes when being made love to is going to incorporate some sexual overtones. All I can say is that Trey has found a niche and is remaining consistent within it.
Lady Gaga - Born This Way
This past Friday, Lady Gaga released the highly anticipated leading single and titled track of her third album "Born This Way." She even proceeded to perform it at the 2011 Grammy Awards. Within hours, the track reached #1 on iTunes in over 20 countries around the world and is highly favored to become the 1000th #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100.
In regard to the song the track is an up-tempo anthem where Gaga proclaims "Don't be a drag, just a be a queen." Although somewhat cliche in it's lyrics, the track is another self-empowerment song specifically targeted to the the LGBT community and any other disenfranchised minority group. Commercial success withstanding, the song is a testament to Gaga's creativity as an artist and is sure to garner a lot of attention for the rest of the year.
In regard to the song the track is an up-tempo anthem where Gaga proclaims "Don't be a drag, just a be a queen." Although somewhat cliche in it's lyrics, the track is another self-empowerment song specifically targeted to the the LGBT community and any other disenfranchised minority group. Commercial success withstanding, the song is a testament to Gaga's creativity as an artist and is sure to garner a lot of attention for the rest of the year.
Dawn - Vibrate/Falls Away
Notably, "Falls Away" was released online years ago and simply shows the promise that Dawn has a solo artist. The song details a love where even through the hard times, everything else simply "falls away" when she's with her special love.
Chris Brown - Up To You
Rihanna - S&M
The video for Rihanna's 3rd single off of her album "Loud" has been released. Honestly, I must say that the Melina directed clip for "S&M" is arguably Rihanna's best, yet. It's bright and colorful and twisted in regard that Rihanna mostly strayed away from the atypical. Instead of focusing on the general conception of S&M, she depicted most of the bad press and negative images that the media has taunted her for over the past six years of her career. Thus, even though "she may be bad...she's perfectly good at it." Yes you are Rihanna, yes you are.
The Cataracs - Fall In Love
Anyway, one of my favorite tracks is the Ya Boy featured "Fall In Love." And that's what I did. Fall in love with this new age rap/dance/pop. I like.
Chris Brown - Beautiful People
Jennifer Lopez - Good (S)hit
You know, I have definitely learned to never count anyone out. I remember finding Ms. J. Lo's previous album "Brave" pleasant; however, I wasn't sure if she could put out another smash. "Good (S)hit," a buzz song from her new album "Love?" proved she can.
Produced by Tricky and The-Dream, the song is upbeat and full of energy. The "Buy me louis stuff, buy me Gucci stuff, that I love lucy stuff" line gets me every time I hear it. This is a strong track, and if this is a "buzz" single them I'm surely amped for the rest of the LP.
Jennifer also shouts out a plethora of notable styles from various cities and them proclaims "don't you want to have my baby, don't you wish I was your boo? I got that good (s)hit!" And I would answer yes, because not only does she appear confident in the video clip, she looks GOOD and I mean, amazingly GOOD. Bring on "Love?"
Produced by Tricky and The-Dream, the song is upbeat and full of energy. The "Buy me louis stuff, buy me Gucci stuff, that I love lucy stuff" line gets me every time I hear it. This is a strong track, and if this is a "buzz" single them I'm surely amped for the rest of the LP.
Jennifer also shouts out a plethora of notable styles from various cities and them proclaims "don't you want to have my baby, don't you wish I was your boo? I got that good (s)hit!" And I would answer yes, because not only does she appear confident in the video clip, she looks GOOD and I mean, amazingly GOOD. Bring on "Love?"
Taylor Swift - Back To December
Off of her currently three times platinum album, "Speak Now," Taylor Swift has released the video (which serves its purpose) to her second single "Back To December." Specutively dedicated to none other then her ex-Taylor Lautner, "Back To December" is a moving ballad about regret and lost love.
The songwriter proclaims that she would "go back and time and change it" but recognizes that she can't. Unfortunately, Taylor made the decision to move on from her relationship when her apparent love interest wanted to move forward. Now she sees that "freedom ain't nothing but missing you" and must deal with the fact that their relationship may never be the same.
The songwriter proclaims that she would "go back and time and change it" but recognizes that she can't. Unfortunately, Taylor made the decision to move on from her relationship when her apparent love interest wanted to move forward. Now she sees that "freedom ain't nothing but missing you" and must deal with the fact that their relationship may never be the same.
Kanye West & Jay-Z - H.A.M.
This week has been full of pleasant surprises and releases from some of the biggest starts in the game. At midnight, Kanye West and Jay-Z released "H.A.M." which stands for hotter than a muthaf*cker, apparently. The Lex Luger-produced track is the first single from their joint release "Watch The Throne," and finds the heavy weight rappers trading verses over an ethereal beat.
On first listen, both verses are standard fair, even with Kanye taking a line from Lil' Wayne ("kicking chicks out, like Pam"); however, the hook is relatively strong and has the potential to become an Urban anthem similar to Luger's other production/hook-heavy, work (Waka Flocka's "Hard in the Paint" and Rick Ross' "Blowin' Money Fast/MC Hammer" immediately comes to mind).
On first listen, both verses are standard fair, even with Kanye taking a line from Lil' Wayne ("kicking chicks out, like Pam"); however, the hook is relatively strong and has the potential to become an Urban anthem similar to Luger's other production/hook-heavy, work (Waka Flocka's "Hard in the Paint" and Rick Ross' "Blowin' Money Fast/MC Hammer" immediately comes to mind).
Britney Spears - Hold It Against Me
The breakdown bridge where she professes "give me something good don't want to wait I want it now...show me how you work it out" is the highlight of a breathtaking track. Brit should kill an up-to-par dance performance of this one and I don't think that anyone could possibly hold it against her.
Marsha Ambrosius - Glass
Here, she has found a new love who "can see through all the tears I've cried," however, like glass, she declares that due to her past (and even the turmoils of her present love affair) she is "breakable, handle me (her) with care and for you I (she) have (has) tried to be there...I'm (she's) like glass." It has instantly become the best song that I have heard so far in 2011.
Dirty Money - Last Train To Paris
The album begins with the alternative tracks "Yeah Yeah Yeah You Would" and "I Hate That You Love Me." Both, encompass the direction I feel that this album intended. Hip-Hop beats, smooth vocals, with old school funk mixed with new age swing.
The album continues with current promo single "Ass On The Floor" and I must stress that Dawn and Kalena kill it with the vocals. A love ballad, mixed with an intensely hype hook, the song is quite unique. Also somewhat verbally explicit, the track is overall a winner and makes me wonder why it wasn't released as a single earlier.
In fact, that notion is prominent through out the LP. "Yesterday" and "I Know" both featuring Chris Brown, "Your Love" featuring Trey Songz, and "Looking For Love" featuring Usher are all stronger then the majority of the singles released from LTTP and have high potential to be hits. I suppose this is a #kanyeshrug moment.
Never quite sold on the original, "Last Night Pt. 2" is similar to the aforementioned tracks in that it perfectly mixed hip-hop production with an R&B outer layer. Demoted to a bonus track, I feel the song is the strongest song on the LP and describes a relationship where one person is giving more then the other. However, they are willing to stay and work this situation out in the name of love.
Pop single "Coming Home" is currently Top 5 on the Billboard charts and of course, the third Urban single, also the song that inclined me to buy the album, "Love You Know More" featuring Drake perfectly closes "Last Train To Paris."
All in all, I really feel that this is a cohesive album that its solid from start to finish. I, personally, could have without the rap verses, but most of them do contribute to the hip-hop core purpose of the project. I've got to hand it to Diddy for crafting and LP that has me hopping I don't ever miss the last train.
Chris' Picks: Last Night Pt. 2, Looking For Love, & I Know
Nelly - Gone
The pair sing "I'd do it all again if I had to, throw this money at you, girl you know you got me gone...I'd do it all again if I had to, you ain't got to ask boo, boy you know you got me gone...Kelly got me gone, gone, gone gone...Nelly got me gone, gone, gone, gone..." Currently set for release as the next single from Nelly's "5.0," this should be a sizable hit.
Interestingly enough, I find that Nelly's album is quite enjoyable. The rap/pop evolution is noticeable; however, the music remains pretty good. "Long Gone" with Chris Brown, "Live Tonight" with Keri Hilson," and the solo "Making Movies" are notable album tracks that deserve a listen (and the single treatment).
Mariah Carey - Outside
The sultry ballad, "Outside" will probably always remain one of my Top 10 favorite Mariah Carey songs. Produced for her fifth album "Butterfly" in 1997, this song is arguably, lyrically, the most powerful song that I have ever heard. It's message is clear that many people simply will never be able to "fit in" and that's alright. One day, we all find ourselves and our place in the world. Please remember that, and live, so that one day, you'll be able to see for yourself.
It's hard to explain
Inherently it's just always been strange
Neither here nor there
Always somewhat out of place everywhere
Ambiguous
Without a sense of belonging to touch
Somewhere halfway
Feeling there's no one completely the same
Standing alone
Eager to just
Believe it's good enough to be what
You really are
But in your heart
Uncertainty forever lies
And you'll always be
Somewhere on the
Outside
Early on, you face
The realization you don't have a space
Where you fit in
And recognize you
Were born to exist
Standing alone
Eager to just
Believe it's good enough to be what
You really are
But in your heart
Uncertainty forever lies
And you'll always be
Somewhere on the
Outside
And it's hard
And it's hard
And it's hard
Irreversibly
Falling in between
And it's hard
And it's hard
To be understood
As you are
As you are
Oh, and God knows
That you're standing on your own
Blind and unguided
Into a world divided
You're thrown
Where you're never quite the same
Although you try - try and try
To tell yourself
You really are
But in your heart - uncertainty forever lies
And you'll always be
Somewhere on the outside
You'll always be
Somewhere on the outside
It's hard to explain
Inherently it's just always been strange
Neither here nor there
Always somewhat out of place everywhere
Ambiguous
Without a sense of belonging to touch
Somewhere halfway
Feeling there's no one completely the same
Standing alone
Eager to just
Believe it's good enough to be what
You really are
But in your heart
Uncertainty forever lies
And you'll always be
Somewhere on the
Outside
Early on, you face
The realization you don't have a space
Where you fit in
And recognize you
Were born to exist
Standing alone
Eager to just
Believe it's good enough to be what
You really are
But in your heart
Uncertainty forever lies
And you'll always be
Somewhere on the
Outside
And it's hard
And it's hard
And it's hard
Irreversibly
Falling in between
And it's hard
And it's hard
To be understood
As you are
As you are
Oh, and God knows
That you're standing on your own
Blind and unguided
Into a world divided
You're thrown
Where you're never quite the same
Although you try - try and try
To tell yourself
You really are
But in your heart - uncertainty forever lies
And you'll always be
Somewhere on the outside
You'll always be
Somewhere on the outside
P!nk - F**kin' Perfect
Written and produced by Max Martin, as well as P!nk and Shellback, the multi-platinum singer's second single from his Greatest Hits album is titled perfectly. In fact, i'ts "F**kin' Perfect!" Literally. What's more, the recently released video is stunning.
The chorus of the song recites "Pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel, Like you're less than f*ckin' perfect, Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel like you're nothing, You're f*ckin' perfect to me!" Notably, it's already smashing up the Pop charts.
In a world where insecurities and self doubt are everpresent, it's songs like this that remind me of the power of music and it deserves nothing less than a standing ovation.
The chorus of the song recites "Pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel, Like you're less than f*ckin' perfect, Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel like you're nothing, You're f*ckin' perfect to me!" Notably, it's already smashing up the Pop charts.
In a world where insecurities and self doubt are everpresent, it's songs like this that remind me of the power of music and it deserves nothing less than a standing ovation.
Message Filled #1s
Recently, there has been an explosion of artist standing up for the rights of individuals to be themselves regardless of their race, color, creed, gender, or sexuality. Thus, in 2011, I wanted to take a look back at three songs that all recently reached #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 and targetted similar issues.
First up, Ke$ha's "We R Who We R" is an electro-pop song that states that "you know we're superstars, we are who we are!" Although, obviously not a very serious-sounding tune, the track definitely relays that being yourself includes living life to the fullest, whatever that means for you.
Up next, P!nk's "Raise Your Glass" notes that we may be "wrong in all the right ways" but as "underdogs" we will never be "anything but loud!" Notably, the mood on this track is a little more serious; however, it also personifies enjoying everything that this world has to offer.
Lastly, Katy Perry takes the ideology to its highlest level with "Firework." The song opens with the notably analogy "do you ever feel like a plastic bag, drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?" If so, Katy encourages you to "show them what you're worth...you're going to leave them all in awe."
First up, Ke$ha's "We R Who We R" is an electro-pop song that states that "you know we're superstars, we are who we are!" Although, obviously not a very serious-sounding tune, the track definitely relays that being yourself includes living life to the fullest, whatever that means for you.
Up next, P!nk's "Raise Your Glass" notes that we may be "wrong in all the right ways" but as "underdogs" we will never be "anything but loud!" Notably, the mood on this track is a little more serious; however, it also personifies enjoying everything that this world has to offer.
Marsha Ambrosius - Far Away
I knew Marsha Ambrosius' "Far Away" was something special; however, I had no idea how special, until I saw the music video. Produced by Just Blaze and written by the songstess, "Far Away" is a song for the ages.
Lyrically, the song tells the story of a lost loved one and Marsha simply "can't believe that you're (they're) far away." However, the video shows something even more. The video relays the tale of a homosexual couple, one of whom is brutally attacked by a group of men. Subseqeuently, it appears that one of the two committs suicide shortly thereafter.
The music video ends with this letter: Dear friends, every year over 1 million people commit SUICIDE. Some were BULLIED because of their SEXUALITY. I lost a friend to SUICIDE and I'm asking all of you to support alternative lifestyles. Don't put up with or join in with BULLYING. It's time we become more aware in this WORLD. Take responsiblity to make a difference. So if my MUSIC can save one life, I've done my job. I love you all so much! - Marsha
If that doesn't make you a fan, I have NO WORDS because it sure made me one.
Lyrically, the song tells the story of a lost loved one and Marsha simply "can't believe that you're (they're) far away." However, the video shows something even more. The video relays the tale of a homosexual couple, one of whom is brutally attacked by a group of men. Subseqeuently, it appears that one of the two committs suicide shortly thereafter.
The music video ends with this letter: Dear friends, every year over 1 million people commit SUICIDE. Some were BULLIED because of their SEXUALITY. I lost a friend to SUICIDE and I'm asking all of you to support alternative lifestyles. Don't put up with or join in with BULLYING. It's time we become more aware in this WORLD. Take responsiblity to make a difference. So if my MUSIC can save one life, I've done my job. I love you all so much! - Marsha
If that doesn't make you a fan, I have NO WORDS because it sure made me one.
Lady Gaga - Born This Way
At midnight, Pop sensation Lady Gaga announced that her new album, "Born This Way," will be released on May 23, 2011. The first single from her third album will be sent to radio in February. We, at Zykiox, are excited for this highly anticipated release. Thus, we'd like to take a moment to enjoy the music video for the singer's second single, "Poker Face." One can only hope (and expect) that Gaga will bring more amazing tracks to Mainstream Top 40/Pop radio in the new year!
Avril Lavigne - What The Hell
In regard to the song, Avril brings the energy. Although it's evident that the bubble-gum Pop isn't the songstresses favorite genre, she pulls it off pretty well. Knowing that; however, I look forward to the more mature, pop/rock anthems that are sure to make up the bulk of her new LP. Bring on March 8th, 2011!
Chris Brown - Look At Me Now
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