Category: Up

Rihanna Pairs Up With Dior

8/19/2016

Rihanna is continuing to dip her toes into the world of fashion. The CFDA awarded her fashion icon and Rihanna is doing her best to live up to her award.

You might remember her Fenty Puma collection that was launched this February during fashion week. Not to mention her role as a creative director for Stance socks. That and her own brand of weed and we wonder why it took four years to get Anti.

Rihanna's brand ambassadorship with Dior has lead to her putting input into a new sunglasses collection titled “Rihanna”. Their futuristic and reportedly inspired by Star Trek, specifically the character La Forge. She also lent her voice to the movie with the single “Sledgehammer”.

La Forge

The sunglasses are one good paycheck away from being in your wardrobe. One frame comes in six different colors and retails for $840, while the other 24 Karat plated shade will be locked up for $1,950.

Dior may still not have a creative director, but who needs a creative director when you have Rihanna.

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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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Tylar Xy

9/4/2015

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I found a blog I enjoy reading.

This is ground breaking. If you've been a dedicated Bubble Righted reader you know that I don't really talk about other bloggers I like. The only one I stand for hardcore is Cherie Cheezcake, because she's a queen. It's not that I don't want to talk about other bloggers it's that I don't really know how to find other blogs. But, I actually found a blogger I enjoy reading.

Picture it. It's about August 31st and I'm going through my twitter feed and I see that Havana Brown is talking about her song “Battle Cry”. I'm fan girling of course. This song is fucking amazing. I am living. I am living for the video.

Buy "Battle Cry"

If you didn't know that I'm obsessed with Havana Brown, I'm sorry that I have let this slip by. She is sexy. She is talented. She's my favorite Australian next to Olivia Newton-John. She's amazing. I featured her in an article I did called “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life” (read here) and I reviewed her album Flashing Lights (read here).

So, it's really not surprising that Havana Brown has brought me to another blogger. You don't understand there is a strong possibility that I'm studying abroad during the spring semester and my top reason for picking Australia is so I can see Havana Brown doing a club set, on tour, whatever. She's a goddess.

This blogger Nick Tredrea reviewed her song and it was a short little piece, but all of his reporting was on point. So, I was like why not read more of his blog. I ended up reading every single thing over the course of two days. It was a holy experience if I'm being brutally honest.

The only time I was a little side eyed was when I couldn't tell if he was throwing some shade at Madonna. My blog might as well be renamed madonna.com. You know I'm obsessed, but I said to myself he's promoting Madonna. And, I decided not to be crazy and let it go.

I think my favorite thing about his blog is his fashion articles. It's something I want to do on this blog, but I don't. I love fashion. I read my Vogue from cover to cover every month. I enjoyed his fashion commentary. I'm actually just obsessed with his blog.

Follow his Instagram here

I would like to imagine that this is what my blog would be like if I was Australian, but it would not be nearly as entertaining.

He also has a YouTube channel. Right now there's only a few videos. I don't know what the posting schedule is. I think it's funny. I really enjoyed it. It's certainly better then mine.

Subscribe to his YouTube channel here:

I have already pinned his blog to my task bar. I've subscribed to his channel, followed his twitter (which is extremely entertaining), and followed his instagram.

Needless to say I think I've already fan girled up.

Read his article on Havana Brown here.

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Sparks Fly

4/10/2015

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It's a special Friday Favorites and who am I talking about? TAYLOR SWIFT? No (although “Sparks Fly” is everything). It should come as no surprise that I had to herald the new Hilary Duff single that just dropped on Monday.

It's called “Sparks” and is the third release from her upcoming studio album tentatively titled This Heart. It strays from the acoustic feel of both “Chasing the Sun” and “All About You”. It's a charming song that has just enough sexual overtone to remind us that Hilary Duff is no longer Lizzie McGuire.

“Sparks” features a fun little whistle. It calls back to mind when “Pumped Up Kicks” was the ruling the radio and it had that whistle in it. I think “Sparks” is seriously catchy and it has that hit potential that I love. Hilary Duff needs a new hit or we're never going to get her new album.

I've been saying she needs a buzz single. A duet would work. She could enlist collaborator Ed Sheeran to sing with her. We would eat that up. People would go batshit and she would at the very least get public acknowledgment of her new music. I think it would also pave the way for her to garner radio play. Something she's been severely lacking with all of her previous releases.

I think “Sparks” is a return to form in the pop world. I personally love “All About You” and I think it had hit potential. I don't know why it didn't take to radio the way it should have. I think “Sparks” can be that hit she's looking for. One of her cowriters on the song is Tove Lo. She sang “Stay High” and her new song “Talking Body” might be her next big hit. This collaboration is working.

Bloodshy is also part of this production team. He's a record producer behind Britney Spears hit “Toxic” and Madonna's much celebrated Confessions on a Dancefloor. This is a good projectile to get Hilary that hit.

Tove Lo

Bloodshy

I really like the song. I like the lyrics. I think there sexy and cute and adorable. I'm really feeling this song. It's also being used as the theme for Hilary's new show Younger. Which is killing the game. No news yet on whether it's the ratings success TV Land has been hoping for, but so far it's been maintaing steady views.

Definitely check out Hilary's new song and watch Younger every Tuesday at 10/9 central on TV Land

Buy "Sparks"

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Classic Literature

3/6/2015

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Let me tell you how surprised I was by the level of enamored I was with this short little novel by Voltaire.

I did not expect to like it. Let's look at the facts. It is from the 1700's. Eww. Voltaire is an enlightenment thinker. Double eww. To be perfectly honest I didn't actually plan on reading it all for my English class. Skimming was definitely on my mind. Spark note it if it exists.

As a non-English major I'm taking two many English classes. They're both on Tuesday and Thursday and they both assign a combined two hundred pages of reading and it's like LOL. I am not reading all of this. The reading for Tuesday I got you. The reading for Thursday's does not happen.

At the time I was reading Rabbit Run for my American Masculinities class. That book was insufferable. It wasn't bad, but it really wasn't good. I can't say I enjoyed. And, of course I thought I nailed the essay for that book, because I actually read the whole thing. I did not nail it. I got an 80. I was like da fuck.

I love my American Masculinites class, but I feel like I'm going to fail it. And, by fail I mean get a B in it, but I'm trying so hard and I'm just not doing that well. I walked in on my first day of class with a pair of high heels on, because how else do you walk into an American Masculinities class. It is so great. It's a class filled with radical feminists and these two super sweet boys. And, it came as no surprise that one of them was gay.

It was only after finishing my reading for Rabbit Run that I pick up Candide. The sixty pages I had to read. They were glorious. If I wasn't physically drained, I would have finished it.

I was fire. I was on top of it in class discussion. I just want everyone to know I nailed it, because I almost never nail it. By almost never what I mean is never.

If you don't know the concept of Candide that is okay. It is basically the most bullshit story you will ever read and for it being written over 300 years ago it's perfectly understandable. Unlike my blog in ten years.

The book is satire and it is insane. Butt cheeks are cut off, there are earthquakes, and beatings. Everyone dies at least once in the book. There is so much sex and it is just so good. Voltaire just straight up kills it the entire time.

Now I am a cheap ass college student, who refused to buy any of their textbooks , so you do not need to run out and buy Candide. Even, though you totally should if you want to. This book is only like 120 pages, but it is straight fast forwarding plot.

So, of course I have included the PDF for you to download and read. You can thank me after you read it and are just as obsessed with how awesome Voltaire is. I'm not expressing myself well in truly stating that this book (novella?) is everything you need in life. It might be short, but unlike that hot ass mess that is Utopia. It is everything.

voltaire_candide.pdf
File Size:	240 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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I Like Marilyn Manson?

2/6/2015

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It isn't really a question of if I like Marilyn Manson. I like him. Once I did my own research on him, I really do like Marilyn Manson. I appreciate his aesthetic. He does such a good job on it, I've just never felt the urge to invest in that aesthetic. I am an easily frightened human being. And, this is the man who brought us the colossally successful Antichrist Superstar.

Now technically Marilyn Manson is a band, but whatever. It's one man. One nightmare. You know his makeup. It's on point. People are always surprised when I say I like Marilyn Manson. But, he just seems so cool. I can't explain it.

It was only recently that I listened to one of his songs. As exciting as single releases like “Long Hard Road Out of Hell” and “Arma-goddamn-fucking-geddon” sound. I wasn't going to listen to them. I was perfectly fine sitting on the bleachers being like kill Marilyn Manson. KILL. Loving his love with Dita Von Teese.

Because, yes he was married to the most famous burlesque dance there has ever been. She is probably the reason I like him as much as I do. And, they divorced a good seven years ago. But, in my mind they're love was everything. Tumultuous, sexy, and ultimately destructive.

Surprisingly, it was RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Adore Delano that made me look into Marilyn Manson's new single. He was all like listen to “Deep Six”. And, I was like. Okay. Adore Delano is also a singer and of course I've heard his album Til Death Do Us Party. So, I took a shot and assumed I could trust her.

#NowPlaying @marilynmanson #DeepSix! Good shit. pic.twitter.com/Z8FEnp9HVL
— Adore Delano (@AdoreDelano) January 9, 2015

I started off by watching the music video. Which is disturbing, but in a cool way. And, apparently no CGI was used in making it. I don't know how they managed that, but it's fantastic. The song had me grooving. It left me wondering if I liked Marilyn Manson.

Do I like Marilyn Manson?

I mean his new album Pale Emperor came out last Tuesday. I was out and about town. I bought the new Fall Out Boy album American Beauty/American Pyscho, but I didn't pick up Pale Emperor. I'm just scared.

I do listen to some hard rock. But, that comes way of The Pretty Reckless and Pat Benatar. Marilyn Manson has historically superseded them. “Deep Six” did not suggest an album full of screamo and crunching guitars that I couldn't handle. But, I'm so afraid.

I looked at the track list. The opening song is “Killing Strangers”. Then you have beautiful tracks like “The Mephistopheles of Los Angeles” (I can't imagine how that chorus goes), “The Devil Beneath My Feet” and “Birds of Hell Awaiting”. Does this not frighten you just knowing Marilyn Manson's track record. It makes me squeal and not in the good way. I am a stereotypical white girl who knows every word to Taylor Swift and bops back and forth to Katy Perry.

I am not a death metal kind of person. I just don't know. Let's also not ignore the fact that it's lead single “Deep Six” is about being buried. I have not analyzed it's true contents. But, this could include being buried alive or maybe just death in general. I don't know. I'm just not sure if I can handle a Marilyn Manson full length.

That said I am living for this album cover. And, I am enjoying the fact that his record label is called Hell Etc. That's funny.

I might just end up getting the CD single. Because, yes “Deep Six” was released on CD exclusively at Best Buy. The song is getting good reviews by the way. This isn't just me spouting. It's also do well on Mainstream Rock Radio. I didn't know there was such a thing.

Buy "Deep Six"

The question of whether I like Marilyn Manson is still up in the air. I'll have to psych myself into buying this album.

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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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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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Glitz. Glamour. Fun.

12/20/2014

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Glitz, Glamour, and Fun.

That is the tentative title of Erika Jayne's upcoming album. Due out early next year? I'm really not sure. It was supposed to be out in 2013, but we see how that worked out. I have been meaning to tell you about Erika, but there wasn't anything I felt I could come to you with. There wasn't anything, I was like, hot damn, this is my shit. Slay, Queen. SLAY.

However. Recently she has released slaytastic music video and song “Painkillr”. And, yes the 'e' is missing on purpose, and technically it's stylized PAINKILLR. There is no explanation for any of that, but I am not one to judge. I slick love Erika Jayne.

There is no reason you should know who she is. The only reason I know who she is, is because I'm a total nerd, and I look at music charts. Needless to say I see Erika Jayne's name pop up on the dance charts, hit number one, and sidle back down. I had to check her out.

I fell in love with her songs. Erika is a great, fun little dance-pop singer. Is she the greatest singer. No. Is she the greatest dancer. No. Basically no on all counts, I just like her. I'm invested.

I don't know what her life is. I try to keep up with her, but it doesn't work really. This video came out like a month or two ago and I'm just now like everyone should watch this. She's great. Is this going to be her next hit? Definitely not. Erika is not signed with any major record label, but she imagines she's going to become world famous somehow. I don't know how she thinks this is going to happen.

That being said some of her songs are real catchy. Not sort of jamming out in my seat, like get up and dance catchy. My personal favorites being “One Hot Pleasure” and “Party People (Ignite The World)”. And, maybe I shouldn't be questioning her, she did get Flo Rida to guest on her song “Get It Tonight” after all. That didn't make any radio impact either, though.

Buy "Party People (Ignite The World)"

Buy "One Hot Pleasure"

And, the video was doing good on YouTube. Getting those three million views and then it was removed. I don't understand. I truly do not know what she is doing. She is also going to the Philippines to film two music videos for two songs I don't think are released yet. One is a dance stomper “You Make Me Wanna Dance” and ballad “Bringing You Back”.

I have so many questions. First. This whole trying to conquer Asia, I do not get. She hasn't conquered America. What is she doing. Where is she getting this money to fly to the Philippines. I don't understand. Also, I love her, but ballads are not her strong suit as a general rule. This is not going to end well.

She has also come to the decision that she needs to have a coffee table book. What is this about Erika. What is this about.

It is called The Pretty Mess Crew. I don't know who the target is. Her fanbase? What fanbase. It's like me trying to sell t-shirts with my name on it. I am not Perez Hilton. I am not Tyler Oakley. It would not end well. Erika Jayne is not Madonna.

This is not going to sell well. Her influences do include Madonna and Prince. You know how I am with Madonna. I want Erika to slay and she will as she always does. I just don't know what this whole coffee table book is about. Conquer one field at a time.

That said. I love the new song. I am obsessed. Bring out the new album queen. I will buy it. I am ready for it.

Buy "Painkillr"

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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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Glitz. Glamour. Fun.

Only Lies

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