Beyonce' Giselle Knowles-Carter and Onika Tanya Maraj just killed the internet. The remix to "***Flawless" was casually dropped on a late Saturday night like it was nothing. I am a fan of both and the original song. I did not think it could get any better. I was oh so wrong. Bey is rapping on the remix which is dope as hell. And, Nicki is spitting that realness that I need. It's just perfection in my eyes. And there is a outkast "SpottieOttieDopalicious" sample in the middle of the remix which is super dope. Listen to it Beyonce's website or down below. Enjoy.
For the last 5 weeks, I have been listening to nothing but Beyonce's latest album. Everyday, I have a new favorite track. Today it happens to be "No Angel." There is something about this song that just screams that it needs to be played at loud ignorant levels and often which I do. The beat is dope as are the lyrics. It just reminds me of summertime in Houston. I love everything about it. Go ahead and get into it.
"Baby put your arms around me Tell me I'm the problem Know I'm not the girl you thought you knew and that you wanted Underneath the pretty face is something complicated I come with a side of trouble But I know that's why you're staying
Because. You're. No. Angel. Either, baby. Cause you're. No. Angel. Either, baby. Cause you're. No. Angel. Either, baby. Cause you're. No. Angel. Either, baby.
No I'm not an angel either, but at least I'm trying I know I drive you crazy, but would you rather that I be a machine Who doesn't notice when you late or when you're lying I love you even more than who I thought you were before..."
For as long as I can remember, I've had an emotional attachment to music. It's been my thing since I was old enough to talk. I had an emotional reaction from the first listen of Beyonce's "Heaven." If you've ever lost a loved one, this song will hit you right in the feels. It's sad and I love it. But, it just makes me miss certain people even more. Take a listen and get into it.
"I fought for you The hardest, it made me the strongest So tell me your secrets I just can't stand to see you leaving
But heaven couldn't wait for you No heaven couldn't wait for you Heaven couldn't wait for you No heaven couldn't wait for you So go on, go home
We laughed at the darkness So scared that we lost it We stood on the ceilings You showed me love was all you needed..."
I do not stan for many or much. But, Beyonce' Giselle Knowles-Carter is in that small group. Imagine the world's surprise when Bey decided to drop her 5th studio album on iTunes right before midnight. No promo. No advertisement's. No warning or nothing. Just a slick drop on iTunes. She literally killed every social media site and iTunes. Her 5th album, entitled Beyonce', is a visual album. No lead single. Just 14 new tracks and 17 videos for $15.99. And, I am all the way here for it. I've been listening to it for almost 2 hours now. I love it. It's just dope. The videos are amazing. Beyonce' did that and on Friday the 13th. She took the precedent set by Jay's "Magna Carta Holy Grail" and took it to another level. Surprise indeed. Happy Birthday to me!! Get into it!!
It's no secret that I am a Beyonce' fan. So, last night I was in fan heaven watching her two specials. First was her one-on-one with Oprah. It was followed by her HBO documentary "Life Is But A Dream." Both were really good. If you missed them, you can catch them both below. Also HBO Zone is playing her doc for the rest of the day. And, OWN is re-airing her special tonight at 7pm. It's all Beyonce' all the time. Get into her, her words, her music and her family. Enjoy.
People will make an issue out of anything. I just read one of the most ridiculous articles ever. Of course , it was featured on Huffington Post, which seems to be the place for pieces like this. This article is insane. This doctor has condemned a pop star for taking a deal with Pepsi. Excuse me? When did it become a celebrities job to parent kids who aren't theirs? I will never understand this. It is a major issue when a celebs word has more say over your kids than you do. That is my bottom line. Beyonce' is the head of a global brand. She has been a Pepsi spokesperson for at least a decade. Why would she turn down a $50 million dollar deal that is beneficial for her? That makes no sense.
Yes, I know obesity is a huge issue in America, especially with kids. But, let us not forget that Beyonce' is also involved with the First Lady's Let's Move initiative. She also changed the words to her hit song "Get Me Bodied" and released a video to promote healthy eating and exercise. But, I guess all of that was for naught. Dr. Rockeymore comes across as a woman looking for an issue with a celeb. Her problem is with Pepsi and parents who contribute to the obesity of their child. I just don't get it. Maybe it's just me.
I was in a Beyonce' mood. She always makes me feel better. Her shows are always awesome. If you've never been to one, you should def check it out. No one can deny that Beyonce' puts on one helluva show. She can sing, she can dance and she is very engaging on stage. So, here is one of my favorite shows from her. Enjoy.
I would call myself an uber fan of a few folks. Someone, I won't call any names *cough* HIM *cough* called me a "stan" the other day. Who is a stan, sir? So, I sat with that and thought about it. I've concluded that there are two times of stans: the ones who absolutely love these artists/celebs and those who go overboard with the admiration. If I were to be completely honest, I would say that I fall into the first category. The following three people are my favorites. I am a fan of their work, their artistry, their politics, their intelligence and what they stand for. If that makes a stan, then I am one proudly. I like what/who I like. If you've been following this blog, it should not be a surprise who is on my list.
*Jay Z* He is by far my favorite rapper turned business man. In my eyes, the guy can do no wrong. I love his music because he is such a lyricist. I think he's super smart and very funny. He's a Sagittarius like myself so I get his humor. In concert, he put on a hell of a show. As a connoisseur of great music, I appreciate his attention to detail. He's very precise in the things that he does. I am clearly a fan.
*Beyonce'* Since the release of her first solo cd, I've been a fan. I love the tone of her voice. Her songs are either really light and fun (the club tracks) or deep love songs (that I love). Her music makes me happy. As a woman who loves a great concert, Beyonce' lives up to that and more. I've seen her a few times and I've never been disappointed. I will support her music because I like her. Case closed.
*President Barack Obama* Since first laying eyes on the President at the 2004 DNC, I was intrigued with him. I began to follow what he was doing. I've been impressed since then. Yes, I am more than ecstatic that he is the first Black President. But, I like him as a politician and as a person. He inspires me. His family inspires me. The Speech and Debate kid in me loves the orator in him. He was a man with a dream then. I believed him. He still has my vote.
So, there it is. That's my "stan" list. I cannot think of a better group of people to "stan" for. I know that none of them walk on water or are God. They are just humans. I am not delusional in any of this. I like what they do. I'm excited to see them give interviews or perform or whatever. They are my favorites. Do any of you guys stan for any artist? If so, who? Let's discuss.
* President Barack H. Obama. * Beyonce' Giselle Knowles-Carter. * Shawn Corey "Jay Z" Carter. * Fundraiser last night @ the 40/40 in NYC. * They raised $4 million dollars for the President. * #ILOVE
If you know me, you know I'm a Beyonce fan. But strangely enough, this was not always the case. I loved Destiny's Child but wasn't fond of Bey. I knew she could sing. I just wasn't feeling her. All of this changed the summer of 2003. Her first solo single "Crazy In Love" drops featuring my favorite rapper Jay-Z. I hear it on the radio and thought it was too busy on first listen. Then, I heard it for the second time at the House of Blues. There was something about her vocals and those horns. I was hooked. Of course, Jay's verse only helped.
By the time DIL debuted, I was a full fledged fan. I loved every song on the cd. It was just good R&B music to me. I still believe that this is her best work. She released 5 singles, which all charted in the top 5. "Crazy In Love" is my favorite release from this cd. But, as usual, my favorite track on the cd are the ones that weren't singles. "Yes," "Gift From Virgo," "Be With You," and "Signs" are amazing. Every televised performance from this cd was just great. Beyonce definitely gives a great stage show. I've seen her twice in concert. She is amazing. This is why DIL will always be classic to me. Years later and I'm still listening to it. It still makes me happy when I hear it. It's just good music.
"I'm tryna make us 3 from the 2 still the 1" - Beyonce' "Countdown" With the cutest announcement at last week's MTV VMA's, Beyonce and Jay Z stole the show. they are having a baby! Congrats to them! In the week that has followed the announcement, I have read some of the most ridiculous things about this unborn baby and pregnancy. Things I can not wrap my head around. So, I won't. I will just continue to be happy for them. I will also block out the nonsense that some people clearly believe. I will not drink the kool-aid.
There is a blogger that has decided that Beyonce is faking her pregnancy. Really? Seriously? I do not get that at all. But then again this woman hates Beyonce, Jay Z, President Obama alike. A baby is a blessing, plain and simple. I have read that people thought the way the Carters announced their pregnancy was tacky and calculated. I personally believe that they took the power away from the paps, media, and gossip rags by telling THEIR own business themselves. What a way to cut out the middle man. I thought the anti-announcement on the MTV VMA's Black carpet was cute. And, I LOVED Beyonce's performance and Jay Z's reaction. Then again, I am a fan of both.
There has also been a backlash against single mothers. I keep seeing people tweet/tumble/post that Beyonce did it the right way. She dated, got married and then had a baby. Granted that is the way we were all taught to do things. I am not doubting that. But, the reality is that single parenthood is more prevalent than not. This is our societal norm. I do not knock single parents. I am the product of one. And, what is even funnier is the fact that my parents were married. Things fall apart. I would never base my life decisions on any celebrity. I will not be having a baby because Jay and Bey are having one. That is just crazy. Anyone who thinks like that may need some help as well.
As a fan, I loved that the normally very quiet about their personal life Carters let us in on a secret. The excitement in both of their faces was amazing. That was the look of love that night. I do not get caught up in conspiracy theories. To me, they are two great entertainers who happen to be married, in love, and expecting their first child. That is a beautiful thing. All they owe the world is to entertain us. That is all. Ain't love grand?
Beyoncé slayed this performance. I love this song. It just makes me happy. Great beat, cute lyrics and amazing vocals all equal a win/win for me. Get into this.
Honey, honey I can see the stars all the way from here Can't you see the glow on the window pane?
I can feel the sun whenever you're near
Every time you touch me
I just melt away
Now everybody ask me why I'm smiling out from ear to ear.
(They say love hurts)
But I know
(It's gonna take the real work) Nothing's perfect, but it's worth it
After fighting through my fears
And finally you put me first
Baby it's you.
You're the one I love.
You're the one I need.
You're the only one I see. Come on baby it's you.
You're the one that gives your all.
You're the one I can always call.
When I need you make everything stop.
Finally you put my love on top.
Ooo! Come on Baby.
You put my love on top, top, top, top, top.
You put my love on top.
Ooo Ooo! Come on baby.
This is one of the tracks on "4" that I absolutely love. It's just about missing someone you love. We can all identify with that sentiment. The lyrics move me. The beat has an old school feel to it. It's a very melancholy to me. It just makes me feel all nostalgic. Maybe even a little sad. But I love it anyway. Hope you do too. This song has been on repeat for a while. It fits my current mood. Enjoy.
I thought that things like this get better with time But I still need you, why is that? You're the only image in my mind So I still see you... around
I miss you, like everyday Wanna be with you, but you're away Said I miss you, missing you insane But if I got with you, could it feel the same?
Words don't ever seem to come up right But I still mean them, Why is that? It hurts my pride to tell you how I feel But I still need to, Why is that?
I miss you, like everyday Wanna be with you, but you're away I said I miss you, missing you insane But if I got with you, could it feel the same?
It don't matter who you are It's so simple, I feel it But it's everything no matter who you love It is so simple, I feel it But it's everything....
I have to preface this post by saying I'm a Beyonce fan. I can't deny that. I preordered her new cd "4" well over a month ago. I was excited to hear new music from her. I only mildly liked her first single "Who Run The World (Girls)" which didn't surprise me. I've never liked a Beyonce first single the first few times I've heard it. But, her cd's are always a complete experience. I define a great cd by one simple fact: if I can listen to it straight through. That's a rare feat in the music industry today. "4" did not disappoint!
Beyonce simply singing a love song is a wonderful thing. She does just that on a few songs. They are some of my favorite tracks on the cd. "Rather Die Young," "1+1," "End Of Time," "Start Over," and "Love On Top" are all sweet odes to different levels of love. In "Rather Die Young," she sings about loving a man so deeply that she wouldn't want to live without him. The lyrics are touching to me. "End Of Time" and "Love On Top" are more mid-tempo love songs. I liked that the sound and feel of these two particular love songs are different than normal ones. Each love song takes the listener on a journey. Anyone who's ever been in love can relate to these songs.
She also dives into some heartbreak songs. "I Care" is the epitome of loving someone who doesn't love you back. The lyrics are so relatable. It's a really raw song to me. "I Miss You" sounds more like her love isn't too far away. But it could also be interpreted as a song about what one feels after a breakup. "Best Things I Never Had" is the ultimate middle finger to an ex song. It's brash and in your face. She sings "thank God you blew it, thank God I dodged a bullet." If those lyrics don't hurt like hell, you might need to check your pulse. Beyonce does know how to give women an empowerment song though. I mean "Irreplaceable," "Independent Women," and "Single Ladies" are all testaments of that.
There are also some party/club tracks as well. "Party" featuring Andre 3000 is the ultimate summer jam. I've loved it since the first time I heard it a few weeks ago. The music is the perfect fit to the lyrics. Beyonce's voice is golden on this track as is the 16 by 3Stacks. The only weak note on the whole song is Kanye rapping about "swagu." I love Ye but no sir. "Countdown" is another love song but its more suited to the party scene. The chorus is cute and very catchy. I'm sure it will get a lot of play.
The pinnacle song on "4" is the Diane Warren penned "I Was Here." This is huge song. Beyonce belts it out too. She does not over-sing it. Her voice and tone are so on point. The lyrics are deep. I love this track so much. The last track is "Who Run The World (Girls)" I'm honestly glad that this song is last. It does not fit in with the rest of the tracks in my opinion. It's high tempo where the rest of the cd is mellow. I liked the video and loved her Billboard performance so much. They both made me like the song more.
Lucky me, my copy of this cd showed up a day early. I was uber excited about that. I really enjoyed every track on the cd. I will be playing it at loud levels for a while. It's just feel good music from an artist that can actually sing and dance and perform. Beyonce's a true artist and she will always get my $$ when she's dropping new music. I just always know beforehand that I'm going to enjoy it and that it will be good. Get into it: Beyonce "4"
I am a Beyonce' fan. Which is surprising because I was not a fan when she was a part of Destiny's Child. I thought she was a mic hog. I have been waiting for her to return with new music. She did just that today when she dropped "Run The World (Girls)." This song is a hit in my ears and eyes. I love the beat and the theme. Women (girl) empowerment songs are always a good look to me. I have had the song on repeat since I purchased it via amazon tonight. I cannot wait to hear her whole cd. I have a feeling that the name of it will be "B Revolution."
