Just when you thought you were off the Anti high… Rihanna comes back for more and teams up with Mike Will Made-It on “Nothing Is Promised.” In classic Rihanna banger fashion, she brags about shopping in Paris, money, cars, vacations, money, and did I mention money?? “Ten million in cash, put up in a stash, it’s under my mattress,” the Barbados-born singer confidently half raps. “Promised” is the newest addition to your workout playlist. Rih proves her crossover from pop star to hip-hop sensation is alive and dope as hell. She doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, and that’s okay with me.
Along with Ariana Grande’s new album, Dangerous Woman comes some saucy lyrics. Grande’s not one to swear and talk more on the sexy side, but “Everyday” is a step in that direction. She breathily sings, “He giving me that good s**t, that make me not quit” as a harsh back beat leads you into a soaring huge chorus. A feature from hip-hop/rap King right now, Future brings “Everyday” into a hip-hop sound we’re not used to hearing. Grande’s vocal runs, as usual, are just as flawless as ever. “Everyday” is one of the biggest songs off of Dangerous Woman, which is why it’s getting so much traction so far with fans. Listen to this song and try not to dance.
“Something bout you, makes me feel like a dangerous woman,” are the words slithering out of Ariana Grande’s plump pink coated lips. Her third album titled Dangerous Woman branches away from her past musical endeavors as Ms. Grande is now a full grown woman, although she remains at a tiny 5′ 0″ tall with a net worth of $25 million.
Grande has been doing pop right since day one; catchy lyrics, a hop on the EDM wagon, pop synths for days, and flawless harmonies. Dangerous Woman is a lethal album, torching every other pop sound in the way. With the help of musical God Max Martin, who’s worked with almost every pop artist in the game (Maroon 5, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, etc), Grande’s album is destined for success.
Add guest artists like Lil Wayne, Future, Nicki Minaj, and Macy Gray, and the album becomes a show of who can Ariana NOT sound good with. She pushes her musical limits mixing more dance/hip-hop/r&b elements than we’ve heard from the singer before. She also keeps her vocal runs we so desperately crave i.e. “Dangerous Woman,” “Be Alright,” and “Greedy.”
Not only is the album a slice of musical heaven, but the advertising behind it was brilliant in every way. Ariana had originally planned on calling her album Moonlight, then decided to change the name to Dangerous Woman, highlighting the changes she’s gone through over the past year. After posting pictures and quotes of dangerous women in history to motivate, fans became more excited for the album. Her style shifted to more of an edgy vibe; something that suits her well. The cover artwork for Dangerous Woman is Grande in a black latex cat face mask, showing a sexier side of the singer.
Image: urbanislandz.com
It’s very easy to put Grande in a category with every other pop star, but we shouldn’t. Woman is proof of her own sound; romantic pop. Each song takes you on a gorgeous journey through love and relationships. She swoons over her crushes, pain, and longing for real love. “Thinking Bout You” takes on the theme of loss as Grande sings, “I don’t have you here with me, but at least I have the memory.” Her voice couldn’t be more impeccable if she tried. Everything about Dangerous Woman is an addicting force in the music world.
Ariana Grande: The reincarnated pop Queen our kingdom has been longing for.
His new EP, WILDCARD is just that; wild, sexy, and raw. With song titles like, “Rehab,” “Pray,” and “Roll w/U” it’s hard not to imagine the themes that plague this 5-song trip through experimental R&B/hip-hop. Pettros keeps a sauve nonchalant voice throughout each song, making his musical imprint a unique one.
“Rehab” becomes a soothing hymn reminiscent of a racy song you’d hear by The Weeknd. His lackadaisical pronunciations don’t hinder the song, instead, they add to the drainingly edgy sound heard throughout. Pettros sings, “I don’t wanna lie no more” as he talks about the influence of drugs. The song flows directly into the piano driven “Pray” which takes R&B and puts it in a blender with a mixture of alt/electronic sounds. He keeps his verses borderline rap with unique melodic phrasing; something not many people can do well. Most of the verses are poetic and beautiful; “Could it be so many moving pieces?”, “Is it all in my head? no.” The repeating piano melody playing throughout the song adds a contrast that you don’t often hear with R&B/Rap lyrics.
Teaming up with R&B newcomer, Blackbear, Pettros brings hip-hop to the forefront with “Paper” as he brags about gold on his chain, boats in Jamaiica, etc. Blackbear slides in on the chorus with his punchy distinct voice singing, “I got control, I got control of this paper, baby and I’m a smooth operator.” These two make you wish there was a joint album in the works.
Pettros is quickly paving his way through the R&B/hip-hop world and WILDCARD is a fierce push in the right direction.
Shoe Situation: Common Projects pastel pink tennis shoes
Flume seems to be on a role lately. Not only does he remix some of the coolest songs and make them even cooler (Listen to his rendition of “Tennis Courts” and “You & Me”) but he’s been collaborating with some of the best pop vocalists out right now. His last single “Never Be Like You” featuring Kai, is now everywhere. His latest, “Say It” features the sweet vocals of hippie-pop sensation Tove Lo. As usual, the song builds to a beautiful electronic blow-up that is as mesmerizing as the cover art that goes with it. Lo sings with a punchy whiny-ness that you can’t help but love. “Bite me babe, you make me love the pain, break my bed to make me wanna stay.” The song deals with the unexplainable pull of two people to be together but simply can’t. The lyrics remain passionately beautiful as Flume usually does. There’s a certain magic Flume has that other DJ’s cannot master.
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