Category: Nicki

Giusepe Zannotti x Nicki Minaj

2/10/2017

The twittersphere exploded last week when MC, Nicki Minaj publicly criticized shoe designer Giusepe Zannotti for not offering her a capsule collection (or even her phone call) despite similar marketing ploys with other celebrities. You may recall this blogs article on the capsule collection Jennifer Lopez announced with him last year (read here) and the recently announced collaboration with former One Direction heartthrob Zayn Malik.

February is the start of black history month and Nicki Minaj was quick to call out the underlying prejudice in his decision to not offer her a collection, even after a declined call from her reps. The designer had shoes named after the rapper, which have since been taken from his webpage. He even reportedly told Miss Minaj that she “inspired him”, but apparently not enough to offer her a check.

The story is still breaking, but Nicki Minaj wore her self-inspired sneakers for Cosmopolitan. Collaboration between the two seems unlikely, but it demonstrates the underlying racism heavily prevalent in the fashion community.

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Lil Loaf

1/8/2016

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I have a new obsession and I've put it off sporadically. I keep meaning to mention Dej Loaf to you. The new female MC on the scene. She's having a slight rise to fame, but were still too far in the early stages to see how it's going to end up. Did we see “Your Love” as the first step in the royalty that became Nicki Minaj? Because, I didn't.

Dej Loaf is bringing some much needed girl power to the hip hop scene. She's from Detroit. Birthplace of Slim Shady. A rapper she happened to spot a verse on his Shady XV track “Detroit vs. Everybody”.

The funny thing about Dej Loaf is I thought she was male. Not an unreasonable guess considering the amount of testosterone on hip hop airwaves. Her vocal performance on “Back Up” was giving me Rae Sremmurd vibes. It was clean and smooth.

Buy "Back Up"

Needless to say it threw me for a surprise when the radio announces the drama with her and Lil Durk. I did some research. He released an album. It charted. That's all there is to know. According to public discourse, Dej Loaf is dating Lil Durk. A gay hip hop power couple was not something I expected.

Then, I find Dej Loaf is a she and not a he. And, it makes more sense. Then, we find out Aye Redd (who does not have a wikipidea page) is calling their relationship fake. And, supposedely they are in a relationship together.

Lil Durk and Dej Loaf

Aye Redd

Which, does explain the cute lesbian aesthetic in “Try Me”. Now I don't know what to believe. Aye Redd. Said that this relationship between Dej Loaf and Lil Durk is for publicity. Considering neither of them our household names. At least not in my quiet white suburban neighborhood, I don't know how likely that is.

Buy "Try Me"

All I know is that I like the music. “Back Up” has that crossover potential and with the success of “Hit the Quan”, “Trap Queen”, and “Watch Me” this could be Dej Loaf's play for crossover chart success. The song features some eerily reminiscent DJ Mustard slick beats.

This is the lead off song from her first EP “...And See That's The Thing”. It's got a glamorous cover shot and I'll buy it. As soon as it gets a physical release. It features seven tracks, which should be the lead up to her first studio album that should be out sometime next year.

The second single that plans to follow up the success of “Back Up” is a Future assisted “Hey There”. It could happen. Future is everyone's favorite crooner. Not that anyone knows what he's saying, but that's beside the point. Future has wattage that Dej Loaf just can't pull yet.

Buy "Hey There"

Future's been having some wins this year, especially after the mixtape he dropped with Drake. Not to mention their two collaborations “Where Ya At” and “Jumpman” both hit the top 40 on the main charts.

Dej Loaf herself isn't doing a bad job pulling in big name collaborations. She's appeared with The Game and Lil Wayne and it won't be long before she makes a name for herself. And, with the triumphant return of Missy Elliott. It's time for another female rapper to rise to the forefront.

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Work It!

12/11/2015

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The QUEEN is back.

Imagine. I'm just sitting there alone, in the library, scrolling through my social media, when I see Missy Elliott's new music video flash before my eyes. It was manna sent from heaven. Rap god apparent, Missy Elliott was back from an extended hiatus.

The public has been clamoring for a Missy Elliott come back. Clamoring might be a strong word. Most of us forgot about Missy and then she came up on that stage with Katy Perry at the Super Bowl and literally murdered us all by bringing “Work It” back. The most iconic of all of Missy Elliot's hits.

It's not that surprising that Katy brought Missy out. Back in the days of global domination and chart success with Teenage Dream, Katy had Missy do a remix of “Last Friday Night (TGIF)”

Missy Elliott has not been releasing solo material, but she's been putting her foot back in the studio. When Skrillex and Diplo got together with Kiesza and produced the bombastic “Take U There”, they turned right around and had Missy Elliott drop some bars. It's literally better then my entire life.

Buy "Last Friday Night"

Buy "Take U There"

After Janet Jackson released “No Sleeeep” and it did marginally well for the aging R&B diva, she teased her album Unbreakable with a collaboration with Missy Elliott, “Burnitup!” The songs a little retro, a little done before, and also one of the best songs to come out of her canon. And, it united her with Missy Elliott.

Buy "Burnitup!"

Missy Elliott is a goddess. She was part of the insurgence of female rappers in the nineties. She was right there with Lil Kim, Queen Latifah, Left Eye, Foxy Brown, and Eve. I miss the days of female rappers. Now all we have is Nicki Minaj and Dej Loaf trying to make it big.

The new song from Missy is called “WTF (Where They From)”. It's fire. This is the first of new music we've heard from her since “Best Best” in 2008. We have been waiting seven years for a new Missy Elliott album.

The last album we had from Missy was The Cookbook. It had that one good Ciara collaboration on it, “Lose Control”. Not to be confused with the iconic "Lose Control" by Kevin Federline.

Since, then we have been lost in the ocean, just waiting for Missy Elliott to return and gift us with her presence again. “WTF (Where They From)” has reminded us why we miss her. In a smart move she's included Pharrell on the track. His contribution is a few throwaway, absolutely delicious verses. With his enhanced radio presence after the massive hit that was “Happy” his appearance is sure to help garner radio play.

The music is nothing we haven't seen before, but it's a fun ride. There's some rhinestones on the lips. Reminiscent of J. Lo's “Goin' In” video and Latrice Royale's time on RuPaul's Drag Race. Some stimulated dance sequences. Puppets. A few people rolled up into body bags. Missy Elliott is back and about to let us have it.

Buy"WTF (Where They From)"

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The Winning Team

7/24/2015

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It's been a few weeks and I'm still glowing over the Supreme Court's decision in the Obergefell v. Hodges case. I wanted to take the time out to shout out the true MVP's in this trial. The five supreme court justices who voted in favor.

I'm fangirling over Sotomayor, Kagan, Ginsburg, Breyer, and Kennedy as embarrassing as that might be. I stan for them. They seem pretty cool. We will not speak of the other four justices who really need to get on the winning team. Honestly, I was surprised that the verdict was as close as it was with 5-4 in favor. I thought it would be a much higher majority.

What I'm really waiting for is the Lifetime Original Movie in which the four dissenting justices are cast as the villains. This was a historic decision and to be on the wrong side of social change is going to be really embarrassing for them. In a few decades we will have people saying that it took to long for this decision to be made.

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion for this case. I feel like that's a big deal. Honestly, I didn't pay as much attention as I should have in my U.S. Government class. I definitely feel like Kennedy could have gotten it when he was younger. He's 78 now and I feel like in his twenties it would have been good. He went to Harvard and Stanford. So, he's smart. I just feel him.

Then, you have Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I feel like she would not approve of me saying this, but she's kind of a bad ass. I love her. Definitely, one of my favorite Supreme Court Justices. She's fiery. She's really short. She's only like 5'1. Some people call her the Notorious RBG (an homage to the Notorious B.I.G.). I love her and I am not surprised that she was one of the pro supporters of same sex marriage.

“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is bae if we're being perfectly honest. I love her. She went to both Cornwell and Columbia. Stand up for higher education.

The only other male who voted for this was Stephen Breyer. He's Jewish. Has that sexy bald spot going on. Bill Clinton picked him. He's gone to Stanford, Oxford, and Harvard. Someone went hard as fuck in their educational studies and I salute him. Turn up Stephen Breyer.

Sonia Sotomayor is also bae. We needed something other then white men on the Supreme Court and I'm so glad Obama picked her. I love her and that hair be on point all the time. I remember when Obama picked her. My father was so upset. I can't remember why, but I'm sure I blocked it out for a reason. Her education also be on fleek. She went to Princeton and Yale. Listen to Mama Nicki and stay in school and you too can be on the Supreme Court.

If you've seen Pitch Perfect 2 you might remember that one of the pieces of hate mail they received after Fat Amy showed her vagina to the president was from Sotomayor. Just a little fun trivia fact for you there. She's also Puerto Rican. Representing with Jennifer Lopez. I just need Sonia Sotomayor to slay everything.

Elena Kagan is our final Justice. She kills it to. She's also Jewish. I didn't know there was so much Jewish representation at the Supreme Court. Turn the fuck up for that. She was also picked by Obama. She's gone to Harvard and that's the same school Elle Woods went to and in my book that's all that matters.

All of the female Supreme Court Justices voted in favor of this ruling.

I'm just going to let that sit there Ruth Bader Ginsburg was quoted as saying that she thought there should be 9 women on the Supreme Court. I agree with her. We've had 9 men for so long that there's no reason there shouldn't be a time that we have 9 women.

Shout out to my favorite Supreme Court Justices for just being awesome. Changing the world and pushing social change is something I wish I had the ability to do and do so effortlessly. While, rocking those loose fitting gowns. Kill it.

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Whoroscope

6/12/2015

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Horoscopes are completely full of shit, but that doesn't stop me from finding out what my Taurus self is up to. I check it in the newspapers when I'm visiting my grandparents. I get supremely annoyed when I can't find it in Cosmopolitan. Last month's accurately predicted that I would be busy with work throughout June.

I realized that I am witty and charming. However, divine inspiration for today's article came from Kacey Musgraves (Yes, Same Trailer, Different Park Kacey Musgraves). In her song “Follow Your Arrow” she tongue in cheek remarks that “If you don't save yourself for marriage you're a whoreable person”. So, instead of “horoscopes” we have “whoroscopes” to fit my tendencies better.

Buy "Follow Your Arrow"

I used horoscopes to flirt with someone before. Actually, you can't call it flirting. It was more a conversation piece. I got this horoscope that told you what female singer you were. I got Lana Del Rey. I was just so glad I didn't get Meghan Trainor.

But, I thought it was so funny how I got Lana. I was like does this mean I want to fuck my father? I thought this was charming little anecdote and I used it. To be fair I did get a little laugh out of it. I've actually used this horoscope so many times. So many people who know me must be like was he flirting with me? No, sweetheart. I have standards.

Horoscopes are just fun things to play with. Enjoy. Revel in. Some people are such fun suckers and they refuse to enjoy a good horoscope. We are not talking about building your life around your daily horoscope. But, did it end up that badly for Jennifer Lopez in Monster In Law? No. She got a sexy doctor, the day her horoscope told her she would find love.

One day I was just going through all the horoscopes I'd found on tumblr with some people and we had the most fun. Laughing at how ridiculous some of them and how accurate some of them are. If you ever want to find my horoscopes on tumblr there's a search button on the top of my tumblr page. Just put in 'Taurus' and it will come right up. I tag all of my horoscopes with my sign.

“I'm no virgin or no virgo”
- truth from Kesha

For a while I thought I was an Aquarius and by a while I mean a few years. My parents are very religious and my Zodiac sign was not high on their priority list of things to teach me. I think I wanted to be an Aquarius so bad, because being an unnoticeable if sturdy car was really not my thing. Now I embrace my tauruship.

Below are some of my favorite horoscopes (taken from tumblr) and the birthdays for all of the signs in case you too have convinced yourself that your an Aquaurius.

Aries: March 21-April 19
Taurus: April 20-May 20
Gemini: May 21-June 20
Cancer: June 21-July 22
Leo: July 23-August 22
Virgo: August 23-September 22
Libra: September 23-October 22
Scorpio: October 23-November 21
Sagittarius: November 22-December 21
Capricorn: December 22-January 19
Aquarius: January 20-February 18
Pisces: February 19-March 20

If the signs hate you:

will tell you: scorpio, sagittarius, aries, gemini, leo
will be nice to you but talk mad shit about you: pisces, cancer, taurus, libra
won't tell you but will make it so you know they hate you: virgo, capricorn, aquarius,

Flirting

Aries: accidentally obsesses. pay attention to them or they'll make u
Taurus: lots of shy eye contact. smiles from ear to ear. laughs at ALL your jokes.
Gemini: tell you a ton of stories and jokes to try to impress you. lots of 'accidental' touching.
Cancer: talks to all their friends about how much they like you. never acts like it around you tho
Leo: acting more proud than the norm. wants to cuddle and talk with you 24/7. shows you everything that they've done (art/writing/funny text/etc)
Virgo: extra nervous around you. even more cautious with their words. stutters out compliments all the time
Libra: giggly. looks like they're literally in love with you. teases gently. throws constant compliments at u
Scorpio: might stare at you so intensely it seems like they're glaring. asks more personal questions about you. laughs with you
Sagittarius: laughs more frequently than the usual. acts even more friendly. wants to do all sorts of crazy things with you
Capricorn: chokes on their words. gets overwhelmed by simple things (ie. their emotions). grins ear to ear and giggles quietly at the idea of you.
Aquarius: bullies you. tries harder to be around you. tells you their secrets and maybe how they're really feeling.
Pisces: hides their face (with their hands, looking away, anyway they can really) from you. flirts a little boldly at you and then says they're kidding. daydreams about you and tells their friends about it.

Zodiac Signs as Madonna's 12 Billboard Number One Hits

Aries: “Who’s That Girl”
Taurus: “Take a Bow”
Gemini: “Open Your Heart”
Cancer: “Crazy for You”
Leo: “Like a Virgin”
Virgo: “Music”
Libra: “Justify My Love”
Scorpio: “Live to Tell”
Sagittarius: “Like a Prayer”
Capricorn: “Vogue”
Aquarius: “Papa Don’t Preach”
Pisces: “This Used to Be My Playground”

Powerpuff Girls

Blossom: Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius
Bubbles: Taurus, Cancer, Capricorn, Pisces
Buttercup: Aries, Leo, Virgo, Scorpio

The Signs as Female Pop Stars

Aries: Nicki Minaj
Taurus: Lana Del Rey
Gemini: Katy Perry
Cancer: Taylor Swift
Leo: Britney Spears
Virgo: Beyonce
Libra: Fergie
Scorpio: Marina and the Diamonds
Sagittarius: Miley Cyrus
Capricorn: Lady Gaga
Aquarius: Meghan Trainor
Pisces: Ariana Grande

Who Will Die on the Titanic?

Aries: no
Taurus: no
Gemini: no
Cancer: no
Virgo: no
Libra: no
Scorpio: no
Sagittarius: no
Leo: yes
Capricorn: no
Aquarius: no
Pisces: no

The "Gay" Squad

Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces

What the signs REALLY Want

Aries: Lower college tuition.
Taurus: Lower college tuition.
Gemini: Lower college tuition.
Cancer: Lower college tuition.
Leo: Lower college tuition.
Virgo: Lower college tuition.
Libra: Lower college tuition.
Scorpio: Lower college tuition.
Sagittarius: Lower college tuition.
Capricorn: Lower college tuition.
Aquarius: Lower college tuition.
Pisces: Lower college tuition.

Signs From Most to Least Heterosexual

Gemini
Libra
Sagittarius
Leo
Cancer
Pisces
Scorpio
Aquarius
Capricorn
Virgo
Aries
Taurus

Signs As Their Favorite Female Rapper

Aries: Nicki Minaj
Taurus: Nicki Minaj
Gemini: Iggy Azalea
Cancer: Nicki Minaj
Leo: Nicki Minaj
Virgo: Nicki Minaj
Libra: Nicki Minaj
Scorpio: Nicki Minaj
Sagittarius: Nicki Minaj
Capricorn: Nicki Minaj
Aquarius: Nicki Minaj
Pisces: Nicki Minaj

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That Dollar Sign

1/23/2015

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I was out to dinner. Actually you can't call it dinner. It wasn't dinner. It was breakfast. I was at the always glamorous IHOP with Sacajawea. We decided to visit her boyfriend after watching The Breakfast Club with Rosencrantz.

Rosencrantz had other plans. She had to go out to dinner with her father or something. That's disgusting. I might be projecting. Spending time with my parents is always a joy.

As comes up in dinner conversation, I mention how attractive I think A$AP Rocky is (not to be confused with A$AP Ferg). Sacajawea's boyfriend hardcore judges me and she informs me that her parents would freak out if she brought him home. To be fair my parents who probably die. Half of my family would disown me, it wouldn't go well.

On the bright side. I'll never meet A$AP Rocky. And, if I did. I would not be good for his image. This boy is ratchet, but I love it. I don't know. I just feel like he's intelligent and can hold good conversation. He dresses well and if my parents could get past him being black, I'm sure they still wouldn't be fine.

Now, I have not invested in A$AP Rocky's debut album Long. Live. A$AP however I did read some reviews and it got rave reviews from the critics. I would have bought it, but I'm broke. I worked like two days one week and I had that few hundred dollar ticket. Christmas killed me. Had to buy textbooks. Timing was just not right to invest in A$AP. I will be, though.

I watched the videos to all of his singles for Long. Live. A$AP and his new single for his upcoming album. I was really not a fan of the first single “Goldie”. It was okay, but it was not life. The video was really cool, though, although I was not a fan of his grill- if that's what you call it. It just wasn't for me. But, I like the video it was all set in Paris and he was jamming out with this boy in his car and I liked it.

Buy "Goldie"

The next single was the big, breakout hit for him. It's “Fucking Problems”. Can we just talk about how every time I am shocked by how many times they could fit fuck into this song. I can't even. This song had everything. Drake got into it and you know he made that song “Tuesday” a hit. Then 2 Chainz came in and I just think 2 Chainz is adorable. Kendrick Lamar had a few verses. He's critically acclaimed. I heard his debut album. I was not a fan, but I think he's a good rapper. I just don't appreciate him coming for Nicki Minaj. Like excuse you, you rude ass bitch. This is Nicki Minaj, you better act like you know.

Buy "Fucking Problems"

You might know the follow up single “Wild For The Night”. I did not know it. I really digged it. I liked how A$AP spoke Spanish in the video and I was like is he actually bilingual. I've always said rappers are some of the most intelligent people. They don't get enough credit. People say all they talk about is sex and drugs and I'm like do you mean Rock n Roll? Or pop music or any genre of music. I do feel like some of the criticisms of hip hop are rooted in prejudice and racism, instead of an actual reason.

Do you remember when Lil Wayne caused waves when he rapped “beat that pussy up like Emmett Till”. Now if you're like me you didn't remember that Emmett Till was an African American brutally murdered for flirting with a white woman back in the fifties. That was an incredibly intellectual reference. Now whether it was appropriate or not is another story. But, it still stands that it was intellectual of Lil Wayne.

Now I feel like “Wild For The Night” could have been a hit if A$AP Rocky hadn't pushed it into harder hip-hop. He had Skrillex on it. You know Skrillex is that underground DJ. This could have been a major crossover for him. But, I respect his decision to stay with his roots and I really like the song anyway. So, Kudos to him .

Buy "Wild For The Night"

The other single “Fashion Killa” had Rihanna in the music video. No explanation needed for how great it is. I need Rihanna to date A$AP for me. If I can't have him. Someone else needs to. And, I want it to be someone like Rihanna. Someone who is up to the standards of me.

Buy "Fashion Killa"

His latest single for his yet unnamed sophmore album is called “Multiply” it's got Juicy J on it. You know he's always there for a good time. I'm here for it. I will be buying the new A$AP Rocky album. I really like him. He also did a guest spot on the Tinashe album, Aquarius, with “Pretend”. But, that's something to check out if you want.

He's really cute, so there's that. Anna Wintour has put him in Vogue. That boy looks fine as hell in it. I have that issue. It is good. I am just here for him all around and I will not be judged for liking him. A$AP Rocky can take my body.

Also you should know that there were rumors that he was gay. I didn't know about them, but Sacajawea informed me of them. I thought you should know. They aren't true. If they are, we probably won't have confirmation until he's not relevant. You know how music in general is and hip-hop does have a lot of misogynistic tendencies. A rapper cannot be gay and be successful at this time.

I mean Sam Smith sneaked it in on us after three hit songs. He was like by the way I'm gay. If America is one thing, we like to pretend like we're not bigots. People don't even talk about the fact that Sam Smith is gay. It's not because it's not a problem, it's because if we don't talk about it. We can just pretend he's straight.

I tell people all the time and they're surprised. People do not talk about it. This is good for Sam Smith. It's out in the open and he had one of the best selling albums of 2014 with In The Lonely Hour. And, “I'm Not The Only One” is eating up the charts. Go you Sam Smith. Kill it.

If anything A$AP Rocky is probably bisexual, but it seems like you can only be straight or gay. We also like to ignore the fact that bisexuals exist. That's annoying. In the mean time I'm just going to keep enjoying looking at A$AP Rocky and love him whatever he decides. Because, his sexual orientation is irrelevant to me liking him.

Side note that he was in Lana Del Rey's music video for “National Anthem”. He plays John F. Kennedy. So, that's totally normal. And, speaking of Sam Smith he did do a remix of “I'm Not The Only One” that features a rap from A$AP Rocky.

Buy "National Anthem"

Can you imagine if A$AP Rocky and Sam Smith were a thing. I like Sam Smith, but I just don't want to think about him having sex. Like no. Just stay cute and adorable. And, I'll pretend like you're not having good sex with my celebrity crush A$AP Rocky.

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Living For Madonna

1/9/2015

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X-mas is coming early! Pre order my album and download 6 tracks! Happy Holidays! ❤️#rebelheart pic.twitter.com/YBiJccfQQ4
— Madonna (@Madonna) December 20, 2014

Around Thanksgiving two Madonna tracks leaked onto the internet. “Wash All Over Me” and “Rebel Heart”. Over a week before Christmas 13 more demo tracks leaked out. At the request of Madonna, I did not listen to any of the songs leaked after Thanksgiving. Partially, because she asked me not to, but more because I didn't want to hear the unfinished version of a song. What if I grew attached to this unfinished version and then Madonna switched it up for the album. So, I abstained.

Rumors continued to go around that a video for the lead single “Living For Love” would be filmed in January. After all the leaks she declared it “artistic rape” and “terrorism”. Maybe a little to strong of language, but Madonna was throughly pissed the fuck off. I would have said the same thing.

Now as far as who I think is behind the leaks, I think that fucker Diplo might have something to do with it. I get it. Diplo brings the beats, but you're Madonna. Who gives a fuck.

The real surprise came on the 19th of December. I was horribly oblivious to it as that was the day I was having a house party. But, Madonna released her album for pre-order on iTunes. Not only that, but with six songs that came with it.

The Madonna fandom erupted as it should have. We now had an album cover along with six official Madonna songs. And, a release date of March 10th. Along with the title of Rebel Heart. Madonna was coming for us. This was her way of taking back control of all the leaks and I praise the lord for it. We found out that we were going to get the lead single “Living for Love” on Valentines Day in February, but now here we are with it now.

I am going to break it down for you step by step the six songs that have been released and give you my opinion. You might be saying to yourself why the fuck has it taken you three weeks to write a Friday Favorites on your Queen. Let me redirect your attention to the 12 Days of Bubbles and let you figure out why I wasn't in the blogging mood.

Let's start with lead single:
“Living For Love”
With enough radio play this song will be another hit for Madonna. The hooks runneth amok over the entire song. This song might displace the potential for an Alicia Keys feature on the upcoming Madonna album as Alica Keys is listed as one of the writers for this song. This song goes every which way and I am feeling it. I'm excited to see the video and of what we've heard so far. I think it's a good choice.

Listen to "Living For Love"

“Bitch I'm Madonna” featuring Nicki Minaj
This song goes every which way and I really like seeing Nicki and Madonna back together. I would love to have seen this song as the lead single. However, if Queen Britney can't get “Work Bitch” to the tops, the radio will not be playing this song. I enjoy the electronic screaming, that dog barking thing, the immediate call to party. “Bitch I'm Madonna” is everything I could have wanted it to be.

Listen to "Bitch I'm Madonna"

“Illuminati”
Break downs abound, filtered vocals. Madonna name checks a list of celebrities in her sing songy rap voice she honed during American Life. I hate to say it again, but I like this song better then “Living For Love”. I would love to see a video for it and I tentatively feel like it could be a massive hit for her. It is immediately ear catching. The only problem she would have getting it on the radio is that radio at this point is biased against her. They obviously haven't heard this song, yet.

Listen to "Illuminati"

“Unapologetic Bitch”
Remember way back when I wrote on all the speculation surrounding Madonna's 13th album. I suggested this should be lead single featuring Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus. It features none of the above, it's not the lead single, however I really like it. It is not the brash in your face song I expected. It's actually very introverted and honest. And heartbreaking. I really relate to this song. Everything except for the part of “You didn't know how much you loved me until you lost me.” That part doesn't relate to me at all.

Listen to "Unapologetic Bitch"

“Ghost Town”
RuPaul named this as one of his favorite songs from the six that were released. This one is not like the others in that this what you might call a ballad. It's beautiful and haunting. She out did herself.

Listen to "Ghost Town"

Yes! #livingforlove #Ghosttown @17days RT @keith_caulfield: @Madonna Hi Ru! Any songs stand out for you, yet? pic.twitter.com/Kyc78gJMev
— RuPaul (@RuPaul) December 20, 2014

“Devil Pray”
What an interesting song. It's about Madonna's drug use, something she talked openly about in Interview Magazine. Another song I enjoy. Everything about it is very relateable. I don't think it could ever be a hit. What teenager wants a 56 year old woman's knowledge on how to drop acid and sniff glue. They don't.

Listen to "Devil Pray"

If we're basing how great her new album is off of these six songs, I can tell you it's going to be Ray of Light part two. Make sure to pre-order Rebel Heart on iTunes if you're not like me and insist on having the CD. I think you can also download the songs individually if only one of these caught your interest.

6 songs for you now...http://t.co/TIckUvJEw9 #rebelheart Happy Early X-Mas! ! 13 more to come for album 13 !!! ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/iBLfZ5wfLT
— Madonna (@Madonna) December 20, 2014

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Best Albums of 2014

12/27/2014

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Let's be really clear about this list. It is simply a review of the albums I have bought this year. I could never numerically list my favorite albums for a year. I could knock some out of the top ten, but let's be honest. I love music too much. Now almost all the music I got this year, I bought the day it came out.

You know I like my CD. That means some albums I may have talked about or have wanted, I do not have. RuPaul never released Born Naked in a physical format, Troye Sivan didn't release TRYXE physically in the United States, and Azealia Banks will be putting Broke With Expensive Taste out in January. It will make next years list.

I'm going to try to be a cold calculated bitch to my faves. Will see how well this goes. I'll give you a general rating out of five bubbles and include the song I played the most individually according to my computer.

Buy Lights Out

Lights Out: Ingrid Michaleson
3 ½ Bubbles
I bought this album as a spur of the moment seven dollar purchase at Target. I really do enjoy it's acceptable hit “Girls Chase Boys” and its a nice album. It's a good folk pop. It's not my favorite, though. Like, I think it's good album, but I don't listen to it very often. The ballads are what bring this album down. It just drags. That being said there are some standout tracks including “Warpath”, “Time Machine”, and “One Night Town”.

Most Played Song: "One Night Town"

Buy 1989

1989: Taylor Swift
4 Bubbles
Who else was shocked at how great this album was. I bought it the moment it came out. The Target staff was still putting it up and I had to reach past them to get it. This album is so much better then “Shake It Off” predicted. I know I said I wouldn't it. Of course I did. I'm so glad, I did. I am now a proud and out Taylor Swift fan. This album is everything.

Most Played Song: Tie between “Welcome To New York” and “Blank Space”

A.K.A.: Jennifer Lopez
3 ½ Bubbles
This is Queen J.Lo's latest album. I was hyped for it. I wanted it so badly. And, it was kind of a disappointment. One of my favorite albums ever was her previous studio album Love? A.K.A. Really wasn't going to top that. As much as I've listened to the album it's not my favorite. And, this rating is actually based on the standard ten track album. I really love this album until “Booty” ends and then it just slides down. If you're not a Jennifer Lopez fan and you want this album. Get the standard edition. Its a more solid performance over all, then the deluxe.

Most Played Song: “Booty” featuring Pitbull

Buy A.K.A.

Aquarius: Tinashe
3 ½ Bubbles
Critics adored this album. I think it's solid, but like many albums I don't enjoy listening to it per say. I see the artistry and I think it was executed well, but Tinashe wanted to be both an R&B starlet and an expiremental mix tape girl. She tried to make it work. I don't know if it did. Some songs I thoroughly enjoyed were the title track, “Bet”, “All Hands On Deck”, and “Wildfire”

Most Played Song: “2 On”

Buy Aquarius

Cheek to Cheek: Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett
4 Bubbles
I bought it for Lady Gaga. Real talk. That's why the world bought it. This is a jazz album. I tentatively think it was well executed. I don't listen to jazz. When I do listen to this album I jam, but is it going to take the place of ARTPOP? Absolutely not.

Most Played Song: “I Can't Give You Anything But Love”

Buy Cheek to Cheek

Food: Kelis
4 Bubbles
This is an album. I don't listen to the songs individually when I listen to Kelis it is the full experience. This is a soul funk R&B album. I love it. It may not be for everyone, but it's an insanely well executed project.

Most Played Song: Tie between “Bless The Telephone” and “Jerk Ribs”

Buy Food

Flashing Lights: Havana Brown
3 Bubbles
I know technically this album came out in 2013, but the version I have of this album came out in 2014. So, I'm going to include it anyway, you know I love Havana Brown. That said it's surprising how not good I thought Flashing Lights was. Like it's everything to me, but I'm like wow this isn't actually tht good of an album. This happened, because of the lackluster quality of some of the filler tracks that are strung together four songs long. When this album is at it's high. It can't be beat. At it's lows it hurts. It also come as a surprise to me that the most played song I had was not “Warrior”, “We Run The Night”, “Big Banana”, "Naughty” or “Flashing Lights”. All songs I would say were better, but a song I would label as filler, but apparently incredibly enjoyable filler.

Most Played Song: “You'll Be Mine”

Buy Flashing Lights

Buy It's The Girls!

It's The Girls!: Bette Midler
3 ½ Bubbles
Legendary Bette Midler released yet another studio album. It is a collection of standard girl group songs. Executed well, not as well as other albums by her. I thoroughly enjoyed it.The album also offers great love advice.. Take the staggeringly over optimistic “Tell Him”. Sure just tell your crush you'll never leave him in his whole life. That you'll love him forever. That's not creepy. Side note do not go out of your way to get the Target edition. It's just two sappy ballads that are sub par for the set and don't add much to the record.

Most Played Song: “He's Sure The Boy I Love”

Going to Hell: The Pretty Reckless
4 ½ Bubbles
One of the best albums of the year. Obsessed. I love. Every song is almost perfect. It strays a little too hard rock for me at times, but that's because I'm not usually one of hard rocks biggest proponents. Buy this album. It's fronted by Gossip Girl alumn, Taylor Momsen, and man does she kill it as a provocative Lolita figure.

Most Played Song: Tie between “Heaven Knows”, “Why'd You Bring A Shotgun To The Party”, and “Fucked Up World”

Buy Going To Hell

Motion: Calvin Harris
4 Bubbles
DJ Calvin Harris has hit his stride. This album is everything you want, radio friendly pop fodder with plenty of bangers. The fantastic Big Sean feature with “Open Wide” or the Tinashe led “Dollar Signs”. He did a great job creating a flowing record. It also doesn't hurt that he back loaded the album with it's best songs. Another collaboration with Ellie Goulding hit home and you should check this album out before these songs hit the top ten.

Most Played Song: Tie between “Pray to God” featuring Haim and “Dollar Signs” featuring Tinashe

Buy Motion

Buy The New Classic

Nick Jonas: Nick Jonas
3 Bubbles
I wanted more from this album. There are no shirtless pictures in the booklet, so what the fuck Nick. But, just at it's core I'm not in love. It doesn't turn me off. I'm not opposed to buying another Nick Jonas album, I'm just not entirely bought into this Nick. The lyrics really do bother me on some of these songs. “If I can't have you, no one will”. It's kind of creepy. His duet with Mike Posner is disgusting. There are just some things that turn me off to this album. That said I was pleasantly surprised at how good the duet with Demi Lovato was, and you know I don't like her.

Most Played Song: “Numb” featuring Angel Haze

The New Classic: Iggy Azalea
2 Bubbles
I want to read this album, but the hits bolster it just enough for me not to tear it apart. I am not a fan of this album. The Reclassified is probably the shit. Streamlined with the best. All the effort was put into the hits. I don't know. She makes stabs at 'real' hip hop and it just doesn't strike home like her pop renderings. There were some album only songs that I adore like “Fuck Love” and the ridiculous “Lady Patra”. I even like “Walk The Line”. But, when paired against the hits. The other songs fall flat. This doesn't fulfill the joy of an album experience.

Most Played Song: “Fancy” featuring Charli XCX

Buy Nick Jonas

Platinum: Miranda Lambert
3 ½ Bubbles
Miranda is my country darling, I love her music. This is a rambling album and it works. It does, but as a rambling album some songs turn me off to the overall aesthetic. “Little Red Wagon” being the biggest put down. And, I read in a review that they consider it a stand out track, so I might just be missing something. There's her trademark humor in tow with “Old Shit” and “Gravity is a Bitch”. I am also not impressed with lead single “Automatic”. It's kind of condescending and it doesn't really sound like Miranda. It also must be known that I am overwhelmed with both “Smokin' and Drinkin'” and “Platinum”. They barely missed being the my most played song.

Most Played Song: “Something Bad” feauturing Carrie Underwood

Buy Platinum

Queen of the Clouds: Tove Lo
3 Bubbles
Another album I want to get into. I didn't it. It didn't click for me. “Like Em Young” did resonate with me. I just want to send this song to my crush anonymously and say how does this make you feel. The concept of splitting the album into three distinct parts of “The Sex”, “The Love” and “The Pain”. That was really cool. I know someone who loves this album. Give it a shot. I'm going to keep trying. Tove Lo as a pop star intrigues me.

Most Played Song: “Not On Drugs”

Buy Queen of the Clouds

That's Christmas to Me: Pentatonix
3 Bubbles
People went gaga for this acapella Christmas album this year. I bought it because of Mitch and Scott. It's acceptable Christmas fair. It does not compete with Celine Dion or Bette Midler. If you want it I say go get it.

Most Played Song: “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”

Buy That's Christmas To Me

Shakira: Shakira
3 ½ Bubbles
Shakira did a stint on The Voice and tried her damnedest to get American radio play by throwing Rihanna onto the lead off single “Can't Remember To Forget You”, but never the less her latest album didn't produce a sizable hit in the United States. I enjoy this album. I don't think it's as good as say Laundry Service, She Wolf, or Sale El Sol. But, it's an easy breezy listen that stands up stronger then either part of the Oral Fixation series. I also thoroughly enjoyed her duet with country superstar, Blake Shelton that was trashed by more then one critic.

Most Played Song: “Can't Remember To Forget You” featuring Rihanna

Buy Shakira

Sex and Love: Enrique Iglesias
3 Bubbles
This is one of those weird albums that works, but I can't honestly tell you it's a good album. It's Enrique Iglesias. I've listened to this album numerous times and I love it. Also, the song I trashed when I compared him to Shakira is my most listened to song. This is just a thoroughly good ride. You can't take it as artistry, but more as good fun. Whether that be “Bailando”, “There Goes My Baby”, “Physical” or “Beautiful”. It works because Enrique plays off of his public persona. If you like his public image. You should really enjoy this album.

Most Played Song: “I'm A Freak” featuring Pitbull

Buy Sex and Love

Buy Sheezus

Sheezus: Lily Allen
2 ½ Bubbles
Thunder and J.Lo bought me this album for my birthday. I still like Lily Allen, but this album blends. Most of the tracks are too similar. There are definitely some songs I jam out to, but it's just not my favorite thing this year. I wouldn't avoid it, still it's not on the top of my list. Some of the songs I really enjoyed were the title track, “Close Your Eyes” and “Silver Spoon”. If you are a die hard Lily Allen. Buy this album. You need it as part of your collection.

Most Played Song: “Hard Out Here”

Sound of a Woman: Kiesza
3 ½ Bubbles
Solid and unique debut by dance singer Kiesza. This is artistic dance music in the highest regard. It doesn't hit home for me quite hard enough and some of the more R&B inspired tracks leave me bored. However, I like her and would look into her next album. If you didn't hear her almost hit “Hideaway” that's something you should get on.

Most Played Song: “Hideaway”

Buy Sound of a Woman

Super Critical: The Ting Tings
4 ½ Bubbles
The Ting Tings are one of the winners this year in music. True they are my favorite band, but this album got to me. First listen I was set on three bubbles. A few more spins later and this new disco sound was everything I wanted from The Tings. It's light fun filled and some of the tracks I initially questioned, I am now in love with. The only two that haven't quite clicked are “Wabi Sabi” and “Green Poison”, but I still like them. Of the two singles released so far, I believe “Do It Again” is the best.

Most Played Song: “Failure”

Buy Super Critical

Volume 3: Pentatonix
3 ½ Bubbles
3rd EP from acapella group Pentatonix it includes covers of some of the years most popular songs. When you play a game like that it comes down to whether you like the original version better or not. They usually hold there own when it comes to the covers. It's the original song “Papaoutai” that features violinist Lindsey Stirling that disappoints me the most. I had so much hopes, because it's Lindsey Stirling and it did not come through.

Most Played Song: “See Through”

Buy Volume 3

Ultraviolence: Lana Del Rey
4 ½ Bubbles
Moody songstress Lana Del Rey came out with her second album the same day as Jennifer Lopez. I like this album better. Maybe not at first, but it's sunk into my soul. Every song is a masterpiece. I've played each individually and I don't know what keeps it from being a five bubble experience for me. Lana Del Rey knew what she wanted for this album and she delivered. I would recommend it to anyone. My mother and Boomer both claimed that they preferred Born to Die better. I told them to never talk to me again.

Most Played Song: “Ultraviolence”

Buy Ultraviolence

The Voyager: Jenny Lewis
4 ½ Bubbles
Adore would be too light of a word for how I feel about Jenny Lewis. If you want to know what emotional state I was in for a better part of 2014, you can listen to this album. It's soft, modern rock. It's easy listening. The only reason it's not a straight five bubbles is that one of the final songs “Aloha & The Three Johns” just didn't quite sit well with me. If I was to tell you an album you need to buy this year, it would be this one. Both Cosmopolitan and Billboard included this album on their year end lists.

Most Played Song: “She's Not Me”

Buy The Voyager

Buy The Pinkprint

Sucker: Charli XCX
4 Bubbles
This album could be a grower or I could hate it. Do not be fooled by “Boom Clap” this is not a traditional pop album. Like it is, but this is kind of punk rock with pop thrown in. “Boom Clap” doesn't really fit the album that well. It was just a major hit. I enjoy this album, but I am on the fence. High on the fence, but on the fence none the less. Enter into this album at your own risk, but I think Charli created a winner. Fans of her last outing True Romance may be disappointed. It is not even close to the same release as True Romance and that came out just last year.

Most Played Song: “Break The Rules”

Buy Sucker

The Pinkprint: Nicki Minaj
4 Bubbles
I really haven't had a chance to live with The Pinkprint. I am a huge Nicki fan, and I'm just so excited with the new Nicki music. It's introspective, but mantains that rap braggadocio, and there are some solid pop moments as well. The one that really stands out to me is “The Night Is Still Young”. Download it. It's going to be released as a single. Something I am holding against Nicki on this album is under utilizing Beyonce on “Feeling Myself”. Not that the song is bad, but you have Beyonce and this what you give us. What happened. At 21 tracks long, some of the songs could have been cut, but that's a hip-hop album for you. There are too many songs and it's too long and you love it. Queen Nicki, slayed it.

Most Played Song: “Bed of Lies” featuring Skylar Grey

Favorite Album of the Year: Tie between Going to Hell by the Pretty Reckless, Super Critical by The Ting Tings, Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey, and The Voyager by Jenny Lewis.

Buy

Favorite Song of the Year: “Failure” by The Ting Tings

Buy "Failure"

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Only Lies

12/13/2014

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By now you are probably aware that Nicki Minaj stirred up some controversy over her lyric video for her third single “Only”. This song is very minimalist hip-hop. Those Nicki Minaj fans who like their “Va Va Voom” and “Super Bass” are not likely to be that impressed. I however really do like the song.

I also really like the lyric video aesthetically. It is very well done, but I really can't justify the fact that Nicki Minaj is Hitler in this scenario. I tried to come up with some form of symbolism for why she would do this. I came up with no good reason.

I would have never seen the lyric video if Tumblr had not erupted, and also proceeded not to explain why they were upset. All the comments were “so offended” without really explaining why they were so offended. Something, I thought was very interesting.

I don't feel like this was a necessarily smart move on Nicki Minaj's part, but I ambivalent to the lyric video. I suppose I'm supposed to be completely offended. I really am not.

I am, however, obsessed with Nicki Minaj's apology. It is me as a pop star, basically. It has a sorry not sorry mentality. Nicki has been hanging out with Madonna too much.

The artist who made the lyric video for “Only” was influenced by a cartoon on Cartoon Network called "Metalocalypse" & Sin City.
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) November 11, 2014

Both the producer, & person in charge of over seeing the lyric video (one of my best friends & videographer: A. Loucas), happen to be Jewish
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) November 11, 2014

I didn't come up w/the concept, but I'm very sorry & take full responsibility if it has offended anyone. I'd never condone Nazism in my art.
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) November 11, 2014

The only thing, I really don't like about her response is when she justifies it with two of the people involved happen to be Jewish and they weren't offended. Well, Nicki let's just scroll back and remind everyone that the Jews weren't the only people killed in the holocaust. It included a lot of other 'inferior' minorities.

I love the last tweet, where she says I take full responsibility. She does this after explaining how she wasn't involved. It's beautiful. Her apology is very well worded, but also completely full of shit.

She knows she offended people, and the lyric video has not been removed.

Also, the part of the influence for the video was inspired by “Metalocolypse” and Sin City is a lie. The visual artist Jeff Osbourne also did not apologize, but he said it was inspired by Nazi imagery. You can read his statement below. Much like Miss Minaj it also well worded and defiant to anyone who was offended. He definitely gives a more artistic explanation for the concept of the video, basically saying that America is the new Germany.

There is also the question of if Nicki saw the lyric video before it was uploaded to YouTube. We will never know the answer. This is not a huge dent in her career by any means, but I do think she knew exactly what was happening.

Nicki Minaj is very involved with her career as most female megastars are. Nicki saw and Nicki approved of it. In my opinion.

Her new album does come out this Monday on the 15th if this scandal hasn't put you off. We also have a new pop offering from her with “Bed of Lies”. It's in the vein of “Pills N Potions” and will no doubt be sent to pop radio. Considering the lack of impact that “Pills N Potions” had I'm surprised she went for yet another downbeat song. Nicki may not be thinking through everything, but she certainly has a plan.

The statement by the director of the "Only" lyric video, Jeff Osbourne, released to Myspace

Before I start, be clear that these are my personal views and not the views of Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, or Young Money.

First, I'm not apologizing for my work, nor will I dodge the immediate question. The flags, armbands, and gas mask (and perhaps my use of symmetry?) are all representative of Nazism.

But a majority of the recognizable models/symbols are American: MQ9 Reaper Drone, F22 Raptor, Sidewinder missile, security cameras, M60, SWAT uniform, General's uniform, the Supreme court, and the Lincoln Memorial. What's also American is the 1st Amendment, which I've unexpectedly succeeded in showing how we willfully squeeze ourselves out of that right every day.

Despite the fact heavy religious and economic themes were glossed over, there's also Russian T-90 tanks, Belgian FN FAL, German mp5 (not manufactured until 1966), an Italian Ferrari, and a Vatican Pope.

As far as an explanation, I think it's actually important to remind younger generations of atrocities that occurred in the past as a way to prevent them from happening in the future. And the most effective way of connecting with people today is through social media and pop culture. So if my work is misinterpreted because it's not a sappy tearjerker, sorry I'm not sorry. What else is trending?

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