New Video : Shakira and Riri

The video's just keep piling in today and this one is hawt! The dynamic duo deliver a sexy little video, as expected, and although I am not a massive fan of the song, it does make me like it a little bit more.
The video isn't anything spectacular but both girls look so amazing you won't be able to look away.

New Video - Thanks, J-Lo

J-Lo has returned with a brand new single and it's Jenny From The Block Part 2, otherwise known as Same Girl.
The lyrics are bit 'trying-too-hard-to-remind-everyone-that-I-haven't-changed-and-I-am-down-to-earth' which we have all heard from J-Lo before and back then it sounded much better...and slightly more believable.
But aside from the unoriginal lyrics, the beat and hook are catchy and make for easy listening, although not particularly stimulating or exciting. As for the video, J-Lo looks stunning and has not aged since her Jenny From The Block days at all. It's enviable that she can wear a baseball cap and jeans and still look super glamorous, so if anything the video is mildly irritating for that.

The 2014 Grammy Awards

Well where shall I start ?
Last night, some of musics finest gathered at the Staples Centre to honour the best of music this past year with what is usually known as the most prestigious music award you can receive.
The show was presented by mediocre host, LL Cool J, and opened with a raunchy performance from the power couple and reigning royalty of all music, Beyonce and Jay-Z. Their performance set a very high standard for the night which wavered in parts, particularly when it came to giving out the awards to the right people.
Some of the nights big winners included Daft Punk, who won the biggest award of the night for Album of the Year, and Lorde who walked away with two awards last night. But the big travesty was that Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, who I deem to be pop artists, won all three awards in the rap categories including Best Rap Album. They beat Jay-Z, Kendrick and Drake who not only made the three best albums of the year regardless of genre, but they are actually bona fide rappers.
Don't get me wrong, Macklemore have had a great year and they deserve all their success, just not the awards for rap achievements, in my opinion.
They topped off their night with a massive performance, which featured Queen Latifah and Madonna, and saw 33 couples get married.
But my highlights of the night are the performances from Daft Punk, Pharrell and Stevie Wonder and Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons. Both performances had the entire audience on their feet and had the likes of Beyonce, Jay-Z, Taylor Swift and Steve Tyler dancing away.
Even Katy Perry delivered a good quality albeit slightly odd performance with Juicy J that night as she pole danced on a broom stick. Oh, and we can't leave out Pink who, after stunning the world with her 2010 performance, put on another circus show which had us all silenced for four minutes.

Overall, the night was entertaining and the performances were energetic and enjoyable but seeing as the rap category was mocked and Beyonce's performance wasn't given another five minutes, I am not all that impressed with what was meant to be the biggest night in music.

Top 5 Grammy Moments

I'm sure this year the Grammy awards will deliver their fair share of memorable moments but here's a look back at some of the biggest moments of this prestigious award ceremony.

2010 - Pink's Perfect Performance
Pink is always an outstanding performer but she really outdid herself and everyone else in 2010 with her acrobatic performance of Glitter In The Air.
The song alone is stunning but paired with the beautiful visuals as Pink spins above the audience makes it one of the most memorable performances the Grammy's has ever seen.

2008 - Amy Winehouse Wins Big

Amy not only performed on the night but she walked away with five awards including 'Song of the Year', making her the first British female artist to do so.

 

2012 - In Memory of Whitney

Whitney Houston passed away the day before the 2012 Grammy's so when Jennifer Hudson took the stage to pay tribute to the late singer, everyone's emotions were still raw. Jennifer, of course, delivered note-perfect vocals and truly stole the show that night.

2001 - Eminem and Elton ?

The unlikely duo took to the stage to perform Eminem's hit single Stan. Although unexpected and odd, it actually worked and is one of the better known Grammy performances.

2012 - Minaj Brings Controversy

With every good award show comes a little controversy and a couple of years ago it was risk-taking rapper, Nicki Minaj, who brought it. Her performance of Roman's Revenge was labelled as 'anti-catholic' by critics and had a lot of viewers in uproar, but artist creativity trumps narrow-minded complaints and it definitely didn't hurt Nicki's career.

 

2014 Grammy Predictions

With the big award ceremony taking place at the Staples Centre tonight, I thought I'd place my bets on who will walk away with some awards alongside who I would like to win tonight in eight different categories.

Record of the Year

Who I think should win :

Who I think will win : Royals by Lorde

Album of the Year

Who I think should win :

Who I think will win : Red by Taylor Swift

Song of the Year

Who I think should win :

Who I think will win : Locked out of Heaven by Bruno Mars

Best New Artist

Who I think should win :

Who I think will win : Kendrick Lamar

Best R&B Song

Who I think should win :

Who I think will win : Love and War by Tamar Braxton

Best Rap Song

Who I think should win :

Who I think will win : Started From The Bottom by Drake

Best Rap Album

Who I think should win :

Who I think will win : Good Kid, M.A.A.D City by Kendrick Lamar

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

Who I think should win :

Who I think will win : Holy Grail by Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake

Six Month Anniversary = Six Beyonce Videos

All hail Queen Bey ! Beyonce is undoubtedly one of the most prolific, talented and dedicated artists of our generation and just to look back at over some of her work from the last ten years goes to show how consistent she is.

Six Month Anniversary = Six Girl Group Videos

Some of the biggest ambassadors for girl power have been girl groups. Their songs represent female independence and promote empowerment for women and it's always great to see girls on top!

Six Month Anniversary = Six Justin Videos

Another artist who never disappoints. Every album, every single and every video has always delivered over the last ten years.

Si Month Anniversary = Six Mariah Videos

Before Beyonce, before Rihanna, there was the original r'n'b diva - Mariah Carey.

Six Month Anniversary = Six Eminem Videos

Eminem is probably the first rapper I ever really listened to and I loved it. The clever and witty lyrics, the charisma and the fun songs. Little did I know back then that he would become known as one of the greatest rappers of all time, and rightly so.

Six Month Anniversary = Six Videos

Yesterday it was officially six months since I started this blog, and in order to celebrate such a huge event I have decided that every day this week I will post six videos by six artists who have inspired me, not only to write about music, but to really appreciate it.

Today it's Gwen Stefani Appreciation Day. Gwen has always been an idol of mine both in music and fashion. She led a hugely successful ska band and then conquered as a solo artist all by the time she was 40 and now she has created the perfect family life - a mother, wife, rock star, fashionista and upstanding, powerful woman.
Sidenote: Who else looks this good in their 40s ?!

New Music : Danity Kane

It's been a good few months since Danity Kane announced their return and now they finally have some brand new music to share with us.
Their new song Bye Baby really shows their growth and maturity since their last record which was released almost six years ago.
Aundrea takes the lead, vocally, in this girl power anthem that proves the girls have still got it. The beat reminds me of a Pharrell production, which is always a good thing, and the hook is very catchy.
This is a great way to entice fans and I can't wait to hear more !

Outkast are Back ?!

With news circulating that Outkast may be working on a new album following their announcement to headline Coachella and various other festivals this summer, it seems only right to look back at why Outkast are one of the greatest hip-hop groups of all time.

Ms. Jackson

B.O.B

Roses

So Fresh, So Clean

Hey Ya

New Music : Two Sultry Songbirds

Shakira and Rihanna on one track sounds like a hot collaboration but the song they released today does not deliver what I was hoping for.
There is a nice island feel in the verses and then a pop/rock moment in the chorus but it just doesn't feel right. It reminds me of a rejected No Doubt song...ten years ago.
Sorry girls but here's hoping the video is a lot more interesting.

Throwback Thursday : What were we listening to 10 years ago ?

We have survived the first week of 2014 which means we are officially into the new year and ready for some great new music. However, it's always fun to reminisce and seeing as it's Throwback Thursday, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some songs that will be turning 10 this year.

Christina Milian ft. Joe Budden - Whatever You Want

It's a shame that Christina is no longer an R'n'B princess but at least she hasn't completely fallen off the radar thanks to Dancing With The Stars and The Voice.

As for Joe Budden, well ten years later he is less known for his music and more fore his antics on Love and Hip-Hop.

Outkast - Roses

It has just been announced that Outkast will be reuniting at Coachella to headline the first day of performances. Great timing since one of their best tracks will be celebrating a decade of success.

Kanye West - All Falls Down

Wait, so that means Kanye has only been releasing albums, making headlines and in the mainstream industry for ten years. Anyone would think he has been doing this since the 80s, the way he has built himself up to be a 'Jesus' of music and an icon.

Terror Squad - Lean Back

Ten years ago we were all doing the lean back...and now the world is twerking.

Ciara - Goodies

Wait, so that means Ciara has been in the industry just as long as Kanye and she doesn't have even half the success, recognition or ego. Maybe longevity of a music career really doesn't have much of an impact on status and respect.

Britney Spears - Toxic

But it feels like it was only yesterday! Before the meltdown and the madness that now surrounds Britney, Toxic was the height of her career and possibly the biggest track she has released to date.

Jojo - Leave

In 2004, Jojo was the teen prodigy with a promising music career ahead of her, almost the Miley Cyrus of her day but with less controversy. Now, in 2014, Jojo is still struggling just to get her third album released and make herself relevant again.

Beyonce - Naughty Girl

Whereas for others, things haven't really changed all that much. Back in 20014, Beyonce was flying solo from DC, looking hot, making amazing music and dominating the charts. The only difference now is that she is the Queen of music with a child and equally brilliant husband by her side.

New Music : Kano

Kano has been so busy making adverts and brilliant tv drama, Topboy, that I almost forgot he is one of grime's best artists. Now he is back with this new track Busketeer and it is a promising start!
It's a grime meets bashment track with a bit of dubstep and pure brilliance with a fab feature from dancehall legend Elephant Man.
Take a listen:

Listen here

Birthday Magazine is here !

As you know, I have been writing for a brilliant new publication called Birthday Magazine. The site was set up three months ago and is a huge success with a bunch of talented writers and a dedicated editor.
We have also been working hard on a full length issue to share online in the new year and it is finally ready for all of you to see.
Issue one includes my interview with Lady Leshurr, fashion and beauty advice, work experience advice, music news and much much more.
Be sure to have a gander and share with all of your friends

Birthday Magazine Issue 1

Introducing : Chance The Rapper

Having just been included on the list of 15 artists to watch in 2014 by BBC, it is looking like 20 year old rapper, Chance The Rapper, may take a few hip-hop crowns this year. His 2012 mixtape Acid Rain was hugely popular and made its way on to many 'best albums' and 'best artists' lists but Chance is yet to breakthrough in the UK.
Unlike many American rappers, Chance was raised in an affluent neighbourhood in Chicago so in order to create content for his music Chance turned to drugs and likes to write for the inspiration drug experimentation brings.
For those who are not familiar with any of his work, I highly recommend you download his free mixtape. Here is a little taster of what to expect :

New Music : Elle Varner

I have been a fan of singer/songwriter, Elle Varner, ever since her debut single Only Wanna Give It To You with J.Cole.
It was a big success in the mainstream charts but her follow-up singles and album stayed under the radar which was unfortunate because her music is beautiful and authentic r'n'b. So here's hoping the 2014 will be a better year for Elle and she is off to a promising start with this new single Rover featuring Wale.

Year Review : 2013

I hope everyone enjoyed their night on NYE and that 2013 was a success for you all.

Personally, last year was a huge step in the right direction for me in terms of my career, and I made a lot of progress towards what I hope to pursue once I graduate.
I was fortunate enough to have a work placement in Sony over the summer which I may return to this year and I started this blog which now averages over 200 views a month.
I also started writing for a new teen magazine that has a hugely successful website which I write for weekly - if you haven't yet checked it out then go to birthdaymagazine.co.uk.
2013 was a year of many accomplishments and I couldn't be more pleased with how it went both career-wise and in my personal life.

So thank you for all of the support over the past six months and here's to 2014 where continued success and greater achievements await!

Happy New Year
xoxo