Who run this mother---? Why, yes, it's Beyonce Knowles.
When Beyonce took a yearlong break from music-making, it was ultimately to return to music-making. The hiatus reinvigorated B and infused her sound with new creative energy. And, now, like royalty on a white horse, Queen B is back on the saddle. The majestic arrival of 4 is upon us, boys and gals.
4, evidently, is a very different Beyonce album. Great artists don't make the same album twice. B's latest tackles a variety of themes that range from girl-power to emotional maturity. The album has received tons of praise from critics and peers alike.
In the world of pop and r&b, there's no doubt that Bey has emerged as a global icon. The shitton of trophies and plaques speak to her universal acclaim. But rather than rest on her laurels, Bey pushed herself even harder on this album. Musically, 4 is Beyonce like we've never heard her before. 80s-inspired tunes and fierce Afrobeat drums ensure that the album is fresh and original.
You can stream Beyonce's 4 in full now Once your mind has been sufficiently blown, you can then proceed to Target for your own copy.
If you've already heard the album, which track is your favorite?
If anybody has the commercial strength to overthrow Adele on the Billboard 200 it's Eminem. As part of the duo Bad Meets Evil, the most successful artist of the last decade enters the chart this week at #1 with the EP Hell: the Sequel. With a 19k lead on this week's #2 entry, Jackie Evancho's Dream With Me, "Hell" claims the top spot on the tally with an impressive 171k copies sold. However, this isn't Eminem's 1st #1 record as a member of a group. The rapper climbed to the peak of the Billboard 200 as part of D12 with the albums Devil's Night in 2001 and D12 World in 2004. Elsewhere in the top 10 of the lineup are Adele's 21 at #3 with 115k sold and Lady GaGa's Born This Way at #4, selling just under 68k (down 33%). To date, both albums have sold approximately 2.3 million and 1.5 million copies, respectively. Further down the list are Bruno Mars' Doo-Wops & Hooligans at #24 with 18k units sold (down 7%; total of 1.1 million), Justin Bieber's My World 2.0 with 14k (up 29%; total of 2.8 million) and Wiz Khalifa's Rolling Papers with 13.9k (total of 459k). Rounding out the top 40 are Rihanna's Loud, which sold 13.8k copies (up 2%; total of 1.3 million) and Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday with 12.7k (up 3%; total of 1.4 million).
It's not the first time Gaga has added a little height to her physique.
Recently, while being honored at the CFDA Awards for being a style icon, the extreme fashionista rocked a pair of foot-high platforms and an aqua wig to accompany her Thierry Mugler evening gown.
These elevated accessories have become a way of life for Gaga. Will they hit your closet soon?
Chris Brown has rewarded the fans that have supported him by dropping a remix of Drake's 'Marvin's Room'. The 'Look At Me Now' singer, who collected five prizes at the BET awards on Sunday night, recorded a new track which he says is for the ladies. But the 22-year-old tried to reassure people that the track isn't intended as a "diss record" before anyone jumps to conclusions. In a series of tweets yesterday, Breezy wrote : "Bout to drop this marvins room real soon... Like tonight" "havent given yall free music in a while.. thought i would do something for the ladies!!!" After he released the YouTube clip, Breezy also added: "no diss record either for all the slow people out there! just writing from the other perspective!"
Jahmaal Noel Fyffe aka Chipmunk's 2nd album "Transition" came out this year on April 15, 2011. by Jive Records. The album debuted at number 10 in the United Kingdom, with first-week sales of 9,445 copies, The album slacks off but intelligent lyrics, combative confidence and a willingness to take risks suggest his next transition will be one to watch.
The album features American artists Keri Hilson, Chris Brown, Trey Songz,Kalenna Harper from Diddy-Dirty Money, Jamaican dancehall musician Mavado and British rapper Wretch 32.
Chipmunk said, "It kinda represents the growth in me as a person since my last album, so the sound has matured as well as I have and that’s the main thing for me with the record - I just wanted the sound, the sound and the feel of the album to feel… I feel like a granddad but you know, just more mature than my first album, you know life’s changed."
'Diamond Rings' was two years ago and the platinum selling debut I Am Chipmunk, the one-time underground MC withdrew from the music scene after criticism came from his original fans for abandoning his roots and a non-stop promo schedule led to a bout of exhaustion. The result of his sabbatical is his aptly titled Transition LP, but does it live up to its promising name? After an exclusive first-listen of the LP, we've broken it down track by track.
Great cover!
1. 'Transition' The title to this track speaks for the track, rock hard beats and slick rapping immediately marks a maturer sound than his debut. The "I made a transition," he claims, insisting: "It's Mr Munk now." He sounds confident and, unlike before, 100% in control. 4☆☆☆☆
2. 'Follow my Lead' Featuring rising singer-songwriter Eric B, the track has a sturdy, militant melody and skyscraper chorus to match, in which a defiant Chippers states: "Never blinded by the lights but always had stars in my eyes." 4☆☆☆☆
3. 'Flying High' A similarly uplifting number that makes great use of the phrase "hakuna matata". Built around an African-style chant of "Ey-ooh-yeah, you know we flying high", it's also ludicrously catchy. Despite being released midweek, the single "Flying High" debuted on the UK Singles Chart on November 14, 2010 at number 180. The next week, it climbed 108 places to number 72. On November 21, 2010, "Flying High" charted at number 19 on the UK R&B Chart. On its second week in the chart, the single fell 13 places to number 85. 4☆☆☆☆
The music video to 'Flying High' was shot in Africa and was uploaded to YouTube on 11 November 2010 . The video shows Chipmunk in a safari and African themed scene.
4. 'Champion' In the context of the rest of the album, this Chris Brown-assisted trailer sounds all-the-more poignant - especially as it's an extended version of the track, clocking in at 5m55s in total. The song features American R&B singer Keri Hilson, and was released on March 13, 2011. "In the Air" follows up to the rapper's hit single "Champion", featuring American R&B singer Chris Brown, which peaked at #2 in the United Kingdom. 4☆☆☆☆
Its clear he's actually doing something rather more savvy. By drafting in Chris Brown while keeping his sound akin to previous hits, Chip's taken a best-of-both-worlds approach to this latest chart-botherer - a fist-clenching, anthemic midtempo electro-R&B stomper that ponders the glorious highs and depressive lows of fame over a 'Changes'-style piano line. "Some people wait their turn / Some people, but not me / I was born a champion," he insists with utter conviction. Maybe I've just got GaGa on the brain, but could this be the harder, bloke-friendly version of 'Born This Way'?
Check out the video to Chipmunk Feat. Chris Brown - Champion
5. 'Foul' Having exhausted chunky beats and stadium-sized choruses, this is a straightforward, two-finger salute at those who have criticised his break into the mainstream. "I never once said f**k grime," he insists in sing-speak fashion, before dropping a - as he puts it - "foul", gritty and squelchy beat that "deserves two yellow cards". Destined to become a fan favourite.5☆☆☆☆
6. 'In The Air' Given what we've heard so far, this still feels like an easy and uninspired second single choice. That said, hearing Keri and Chippers side by side isn't as odd as we first thought. 3☆☆☆☆
Chipmunk said "I've had a love for Keri Hilson since her first album. I feel she is an amazing artist, and an amazing songwriter - plus her swag is on Level Infinity! And, though she was originally meant to be on a different track, when she came to the studio and heard 'In The Air' she straightaway said that was the one she wanted to be a part of!... So we made it HAPPEN! And to me the song represents like the perfect balance of me keeping it credible but at the same time commercial. Check out the video to the song! The song's accompanying music video was directed by Colin Tilley, whom also directed Hilson's "One Night Stand" music video. The video was released on 31 March, 2011. It features appearances by both Chipmunk and Hilson! 4☆☆☆☆
Check out the video to Chipmunk Ft Keri Hilson 'In The Air' 4☆☆☆☆
7. 'Then and Now' The record's first slowie has a Kanye-inspired beat thicker than a Maccy D's milkshake, and discusses the subject of money in the music biz - or lack of it. "Just write the cheque, I've got to make it," he asks. This one's a bit too self-indulgent for our liking. 2☆☆
8. 'White Lies' Featuring Diddy-Dirty Money's Kalenna Harper, Chipmunk deals with the backstabbing he's experienced since finding fame. Driven by a slick, cantering beat and hectic melody, it's hard to see what all the fuss is about. 3☆☆☆
9. 'Every Gyal' About his newfound ability to pick up any female in a club, it's a much-welcomed - albeit somewhat obvious - change of pace. Guest rapper Mavado's Jamaican twang adds an element of fun without sounding cheesy. 4☆☆☆☆
Check out the video to Chipmunk Ft Movado - 'Every Gyal' 4☆☆☆☆
10. 'Take Off' "It's like you didn't want me to take off," Chipz and Trey Songz nonchalantly admit on this number about the difficulties of being in a relationship when you're famous. With an Eastern European-influenced melody and some razor sharp production, we reckon this one could be a grower. 3☆☆☆
Check out the video to Chipmunk Ft Trey Song - 'Take Off' 3☆☆☆
11. 'Armageddon' Featuring fellow grime star MC Wretch 32, 'Armageddon' combines gritty synths and heavy beats over lyrics about remaining determined no matter what. "There ain't no liar in me, just fire in me/ I don't know how to quit, blame the trier in me," they insist. 3☆☆☆
12. 'Picture Me' "Sometimes the negativity can be worse/ I tried to make them jealous and obviously it works," he notes in this hook-laden and thoughtful track about taking control of your destiny. It also features a curious cameo from former American Idol contestant Ace Young. 4☆☆☆☆
13. 'Pray For Me' A straight-up, no-nonsense rap number that lays bare his current frame of mind. "Suicidal tweets, can you blame me?" he asks, before commenting: "My confidence is made of titanium." 4☆☆☆☆
Transition is an impressive effort that focuses as much on the lyrics as it does production - both of which are slick, on point and considered throughout. The album suffers from being two tracks too long, particularly as there is little deviance in subject matter, but it's nonetheless a significant step up from his debut that ultimately leaves us excited for his next metamorphosis.
The Ladies aren't the only one's who've been chopping off their locks. It seems as if every other month, one of the fellas who has had a history of corn rows and flowing locks, comes to their senses and cuts them.
I mean, it is 2011. Cornrows are pretty dated. They are so ..... 1992.
So, I've decided to countdown the Top 5 Fellas who have chopped off their braids. Starting with...
5. Jim Jones
Jimmy is the newest freshman of the Cut My Lock Off Club, having just recently chopped off his signature braids. Although it's a step in the right direction, his S-Curl is a small step back. Let's work on that, Jimmy.
4. Lloyd R&B crooner Lloyd comes it at the number four spot. Known for his "Long Hair, Don't Care" antics, he recently proved that he was not his hair, after his Hawain Silky locks got the chopping block.
The transition was smoother for Lloyd since, the world is growing tired of men with long hair. It was time.
3. Carmelo Anthony Baller Carmelo Anthony shocked many when he chopped off his cornrows. Known throughout the NBA for his game and his braids, it positioned the focus to be strictly on his game.
And then he ended up where he wanted to be, in New York. Coincidence? I think not. Cutting your braids makes God happy.
2. Trey Songz Trey Songz comes in second on this countdown. Trey's braids did something for him, that may not ring true for all the others. It made him visible. Not that he wasn't visible before his transition, but he blended in with the crowd. Was he a rapper, singer, robber? It was pretty hard to decipher.
Then those braids came off, and he hit the yard, and BOOM! He's one of the biggest sex symbols of our generation. Coincidence? I think not. Cutting your braids can improve your life, or...
Not.
1. Allen Iverson Allen Iverson takes the number one spot, simply because his cornrows changed a nation. His spiffy designs made kids and grown men a like, twist their hair and rock rubber bands around the ends until they could get a decent cornrow.
He had pastors getting their hair braided on Saturday evenings, fresh for that Sunday word.
He started an epidemic.
Every kid in America took his picture to the neighborhood championship corn-roller with dreams and aspirations of the zig-zag special known as the "Iverson's".
Yonkers’ very own Styles P brings forth his latest visual with “Where The Angels Sleep” off of his War Music album. In this Fabrizio Conte-directed clip, Pinero is keeping his cool while the world is being invaded by gigantic killer robots. To be continued.
With all the quality material he has been putting out lately, Drake continues to score high as he releases another track for your listening pleasure. The Toronto native admits to his “Trust Issues” regarding the opposite gender on this slow jam. There is no official word if the song will appear on his sophomore effort Take Care, but since it quotes his recent monster “I’m On One” chances are that this is an early demo version of the song. Listen below!
