Saturday, February 27, 2010

Mariah Carey ft. Nicki Minaj - Up Out My Face (Remix)



 
So, I'm a fan of Mariah Carey (some of my fave music is MC in the 90's doin her thing with Jermaine Dupri and other Hip-Hop legends...love it!!).  And I haven't really listened to much of Nicki Minaj's music.  But despite some explicit content and differences of opinion, I really admire her style, her prowess, and her presence on a track.  Just saw this video (I'm a little late as usual...lol =) but I'm getting better) and I LOVED it! Nicki has proclaimed herself as "Barbie" and everybody already knows that Mariah personifies "Barbie," so this collabo was totally appropiate.  The song is hot all on its own.  And watching the video was fun, because I got to see the chemistry between the two ladies.  I could tell that they were genuinely having a great time (they laughed a lot and were able to feed off of each others energy).  I guess I'm a little biased-I love shopping, make-up, hair & nails, and a guy that's on my level-so the video def spoke to me.  Watch it for yourself-it's HOT!!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Off the Record - Alicia Keys

I just have to say that I am really happy with Alicia Keys' latest album, The Element of Freedom!!  After hearing Songs in A Minor and The Diary of Alicia Keys, I was a huge fan of Alicia (The Unplugged album/ DVD was fabulous as well).  But As I Am was a big disappointment to me, because the album didn't represent Alicia as the artist that I had grown to love and admire.  The soul and personal connection was eradicated - and I was left with something totally...ugh!! I don't even like thinking about that album.  But thank you thank you THANK YOU Alicia for The Element of Freedom!  She claimed her freedom to give her true fans some of that good, intimate music that we haven't heard in a while.  I listened to it while riding the 1 train downtown to 66th and uptown to 137th, and while walking through the concrete jungle.  My head was bobbing the whole time, and my heart was happy!  Can't wait to see Alicia in concert at Madison Square Garden on March 17!! So excited - will be my first concert at the Garden =)  Well, I'm signing off! Keeping Up With the Kardashians is on ^_^

Friday, February 19, 2010

Alicia Keys - The Element of Freedom


Artist:                                        Album:
Alicia Keys                                The Element of Freedom 

Mood:
Feels really good/ Reflective/ Soulful/ Headbob =)  

Transition/ Growth:
-2   -1      0      1    2
bad change-no change-good change 

Album Concept:                        Performance:
*****                            *****
4 out of 5 stars                                 4 out of 5 stars
Production:                              Songwriting:
*****                           *****
4 out of 5 stars                                                    4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Songs:
This Bed
That's How Strong My Love Is
How It Feels to Fly
Unthinkable (I'm Ready)
Put it in a Love Song
Empire State of Mind Pt II 

Least Favorite Songs: 
Love is Blind
Doesn't Mean Anything             


 Overall Rating:
*****
 4 out of 5 stars