Nicki Minaj- The Pinkprint- Full Album Review

On the 15 of December, rapper Nicki Minaj released her highly anticipated The Pinkprint, worldwide. With Nicki’s first two albums containing almost polar opposite sounds to them (from hip-hop to dance pop), the rapper managed to convey a wide array of different sounds and feelings on this cohesive body of work. Minaj also managed to show a hugely different side of herself, with just the album opener, “All Things Go”, pertaining to the rapper’s damaged connections with different members of her family that she has been attempting to rekindle since she hit fame. The album is full of high profile features such as former “Bang Bang” collaborator Ariana Grande. Also included on the album is another former collaborator, this time on the famous “Flawless Remix”, Beyoncé. The two stars came together to create a track that did everything but scream smash hit. Other tracks such as “Only” feature label mates such as Drake and Lil Wayne. 

The first single off the album, “Pills N’ Potions”, features a more pop sound with a hook sung by Minaj herself. While it only managed to find a niche audience and failed to provide the exposure a lead single is meant to provide, the second single, “Anaconda”, featured a viral video that skyrocketed the track to number two on the Billboard Hot 100. This became that artist’s biggest single to date, beating out her previous high point, “Super Bass”, which fought its way up to number three in the year of 2011. Follow up singles “Only” (urban single) and “Bed of Lies” (pop single) have already garnered critical acclaim, joining each and every single’s positive reviews from critics worldwide.

Overall, this definitely is one of my favorite albums of 2014. The cohesive 22 track work displays all sides of Nicki, sides revealed in ways never before on this heartfelt work. From Chris Brown to Skylar Grey, from hard rap to soulful ballads to straight up pop jams, you would be hard pressed to not find something you can enjoy on this diverse, solid album that manages to span all genres, serving all of her fans in one body of work. I would recommend any hip-hop enthusiast to pick up the album today!

Jessie J- Ain't Been Done/Masterpiece Review

British singer-songwriter Jessie J is preparing to make waves with her third studio album, Sweet Talker, hitting stores worldwide on the 13th of October. Two new tracks off the album, Ain't Been Done and Masterpiece, were both made available this week as a bonus for pre-ordering the highly anticipated album from digital retailers. How do these songs stack up to already released tracks from the album? Find out after the jump.

Ain't Been Done is an urban heavy track, with a banging, bass led instrumental track that that rages on as Jessie's speedy verses effortlessly breeze on the track. While the track doesn't even quite clock in at three minutes, Jessie delivers high notes, the huge vocals she's known for, and lines so quick they're reminiscent of a rap song, really giving this hip-hop track the fire it needs to completely excel, and made it a standout of the tracks we've heard before.

Masterpiece is also led by a bass heavy instrumental track, and still features many lines delivered in a rapid fire fashion, yet still features a more laid back chorus, however, the verses are fire, and pick the song up from the slum that it encounters when the chorus rolls in. Overall, Masterpiece is a solid track that delivers on the verses, but falls short on the chorus, and is something while, not a rehash, nothing new from Jessie. 

Overall, these are two tracks that remind me why I love Jessie, and have been on repeat all day. What do you think of the new tracks? Check out the album on iTunes by clicking the button below, and as always, I'll see you in the next review!

Karmin- No Flex Zone (Remix) Review

On Friday, the 26th, self proclaimed Hip-Pop duo Karmin released a remix to the hit song "No Flex Zone", along with rapper Watsky, in their first collaboration. How does the trio fare on the track with an already large base of remixes to compete with? Find out after the jump.

The rap heavy track features a solid, haunting instrumental side of things, paired with flawless verses from Amy and Watsky, Trading verse for verse, line for line, the two both manage to pull their own weight as they battle it out throughout the three minute track. With Amy taking the lead on the short chorus, singing takes the back-burner on this remix, giving the two a chance to flex (ha) their rap vocals throughout the majority of the song.

The song features slick, clean production, allowing for the vocals and instruments to work wonders together on this quick paced track that delivers what it promised. With a stunning visual to go along with this near perfect remix, I really suggest any hip-hop fan to check the song out on iTunes below.

What did you think of the new remix? Post in the comments below, and I'll see you next time!

Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj- Bang Bang Review + Listen

Late on the night of July 28th, the new collaborative effort between 3 of the biggest names in music, Bang Bang was release to iTunes worldwide. Were the huge amounts of hype circulating this release really worth the finished product? Find out after the jump.

Bang Bang is an upbeat urban pop banger, with the first word I would use to describe it as is loud. The entirety of the 3 and a half minute track sounds like a party, with powerhouse, impeccable vocals, coupled with a clap led unending instrumental track that works perfectly with all three artists' unique style.

The 3 leads all bring something different to the song with each of their verses, making for an interesting track that doesn't dull throughout its run. Ariana and Jessie's vocals compliment each other perfectly in the chorus, and each manages to shine in their own verse. Nicki's rapid fire flow allows her verse to hit all the high marks, as the 3 all join in the chorus to deliver a staple in every party playlist.

Overall, this is an amazing song. The 3 vocalists all bring something different to the table in this new collaborative track that soars above and beyond all their fanbases' expectations. The track is already shooting up (ha) iTunes charts worldwide, and is shaping up to be a global smash for weeks.

What do you all think of Bang Bang? Was it what you were expecting? Share in the comments below, and I'll see you next time!

Iggy Azalea- The New Classic Review

On the 21st of April, Iggy Azalea released her debut album "The New Classic" in the US. A follow up from her hit singles such as Work and Fancy, the album hit the #1 spot on iTunes in less than 24 hours. Did the album live up to all the hype it was surrounded by? Find out below.

In all 4 singles from the album, Iggy's had a sick, unending flow that could make heads spin. However, on the album's opening, Walk the Line, the speed is put on the back burner for most of the song, with the chorus being almost rap/sung. A strange song for Iggy, and an even stranger song for the opening of her album, we then move into Don't Need Y'all, which features quick paced verses, but again, a slow chorus. While still an interesting track coming from Iggy, it fits her better than the opening "Walk". However,  the song quickly grows monotonous, and drags on a bit before we move into the next track, 100. This song features a more upbeat, drum heavy instrumental track, which couple with Iggy's fast paced rap vocals perfectly. However, these rap verses once again trump the actual, boring chorus, that's honestly completely unnecessary for the track. 

Change Your Life, the third single from the record is featured next, and so far is the most hard rap centered cut off the album. In my opinion, "Change" was an excellent, radio ready single choice that originally turned me into a fan. "Change" is followed then by Fancy,  Iggy's break out hit in the US. Check out my full Fancy review here. Fancy is quickly followed by New Bitch, which features a bit more laid back rap vocals and a perfect, upbeat instrumental. The track is, out of all tracks so far, the most single ready (besides already released singles), which is saying a lot. New Bitch is followed by Work, the debut single from Azalea and the lead single off The New Classic. Work features impeccable, high speed raps, a dance-able instrumental, and a chorus that has made me literally sing the entire thing every time I mention the word work. No matter who I'm talking to. It's like, a serious problem. Workworkworkwork.

After Workworkwork, the album starts to pick up more with Impossible is Nothing, which features more of a flow from Azalea. However, the next track Goddess, features a drum led, almost African feeling beat, which couples with Iggy's harder hip-hop oriented rap vocals perfectly. The next track Black Widow, also features a hard beat, sick vocals, and an electro-esque hip-hop beat, along with a singable chorus that's stuck in my head even as I'm writing this review.

From Work and onward, the album really starts to pick up, and reflects on previous singles from the album in a more accurate light than the previous half of the record.

I had a lot of hope, and expectations for this album to live up to before it was released. However, when I heard the first half of the record, I was worried I was going to be disappointed. However, the fun yet hardcore rap centered latter half of the album (along with the singles) met, and exceeded my expectations, and overall, I'd recommend this album to any general hip-hop fans.

What did you think of the album? Did it meet your expectations? Post your thoughts in the comments below, and I'll see you next time!

Rating: 

Karmin- Pulses Album Review+Download

On Tuesday,  March 25th, Karmin released their first full length studio album in the United States. Will the album pale to or leave their debut EP, Hello, in the dust? Find out below.

Pulses has an overall mood and feel similar to their EP Hello, featuring many uptempo, dance centered tracks, but takes the energy to a new, higher level. And as opposed to the album's lead single Acapella, many of the tracks feature a more mature feeling to them, absent in many of the tracks featured on Hello. Even the most party centered tracks, namely Night Like This, features a much more grown up aura than tracks such as Brokenhearted and Too Many Fish, both featured on Hello.

Pulses is able to differentiate itself from its predecessor in many ways, with many differences being visible between the two works. All tracks on Pulses also feature new, unique, hip-hop esque instrumental tracks, that pair perfectly with the duo's pop vocal verses, or Amy's rap verses, an element absent in Hello.  Speaking of, Amy's rapping also features a more mature sound to it, shedding its pop-rap exterior for a more hip-hop based rap vocal sound. Another difference between both works is the other half of Karmin, Nick. In Hello, Nick was only noticeably present in one song, and sang backup vocals for most of the other tracks. However, in Pulses, while still far from being the lead singer, Nick is actually audible in more of the album than not, actually garnering his own verses or lines in many of the album's thirteen tracks.

One thing about the album that baffles me about the album are the single choices. While Acapella overall was a fun, dance-able lead single, it failed to actually give us a real taste of the album. Rather, Acapella is musically different from most tracks on the album. The second single, I Want it All, is an even more confusing choice. While as a stand alone track the song is a fun pop anthem (although it fails to differentiate itself from the large pop landscape today), it is overall the weakest track off the album, and any song, even one of the ballads, would have been a better single choice than this.

Stream the entire album for free here

As the name suggest, the album certainly has its uptempo and downtempo tracks. However, the uptempos certainly outweigh the downtempos, with the album clocking in with 2 ballads. both are powerful relationship related tracks, that actually give the duo a chance to show off their vocals.

Overall, this is an album that's different from most pop/hip-hop albums today, something we don't hear everyday. In their previous works, Karmin has had a sound that to some, was just unbearable to listen to. While I never had that problem, from what I've heard it was her rapping that was the problem. With the more mature rapping style Amy has adopted with this album, it seems that the problem has been at least lessened a great deal. This could be a beneficial move for them that could garner them a new group of fans in the long run.

Overall, this diverse album full of pop, hip-hop, and downtempo tracks has a wide range of musical variety that can appeal to the public if promoted correctly by their label, Epic. The album features a new, maturer side of the duo, but also retains the same Karmin I fell in love with from the beginning. Make sure to tell me what you think about the album in the comments, and make sure to download Pulses below!

Iggy Azalea- Fancy Ft. Charli XCX Review+Download

Hey everyone, on the week of March 13th, Iggy Azalea's new track, Fancy, debuted on The Billboard Hot 100. How does the track compare to Azalea's breakout 2013 hit, Work? Find out after the jump.

The track starts out with a slick, minimalistic electro-style beat, before Azalea quickly joins in with her laid back, fast paced rap, laying down the entire first verse.

Quickly after the first rap verse, Charli XCX, the English singer-songwriter behind the hook of the international hit song I Love It (Icona Pop) lays down the hook, which features solid vocals from Charli. However, while the vocals are good, and make for catchy chorus, they don't really stand out or differentiate from I Love It, and just sound like any of her other works. However, not looking at any of her other tracks, Charli worked out a solid, catchy hook.

The song continues like this for the remained of its duration, with Iggy and Charli trading off, verse for verse, with the energy not dropping though out the entire single. Together, the two have put together a solid party-pop/hip-hop track sure to be on the rotation of every party playlist.

Overall, I've really enjoyed this track, and I've already heard it on the radio quite a few times. I'd say, this might be the hit Iggy's needed to break into mainstream radioplay in the USA.

What'd you think of this song? Make sure to post in the comments below, and I'll see you all in the next review. As always, feel free to download the single below!!

Ciara- Ciara Review+Download

On Tuesday, the 9th, Ciara released her self titled 5th album Ciara. Followed up from her less than successful 2010 effort Basic Instinct, Ciara has a lot to prove in her new 11 track album. Does she have what it takes to regain the airplay that her hit singles like Goodies and 1,2 Step had? Find out in the review below.

Ciara starts out strong with club banger I'm Out, which features a verse from Nicki Minaj. Nicki starts the album out strong with a fast paced, hard hitting verse. Ciara doesn't let the energy die there though, delivering swaggerish verses over the bass heavy beat of the summer pop girl anthem.

          

While Ciara starts out strong with I'm Out, from there the album fluctuates all over the place. Featuring beautiful ballads that showcase Ciara's incredible voice like Body Party, and then other songs such as Sophomore, that really don't differentiate themselves except for being just another song on the album. Like most albums Ciara has its ups (Body Party, I'm Out, Overdose) and its downs (Sophomore, Super Turnt Up, Keep on Lookin') unfortunately the downs really outweigh the ups, and throughout most of the album I was just waiting to get to the next song, hoping for something that didn't feel like filler until we get to one of the highs of the album.

However, while most of the album falls into the category of mediocrity, the album does have its high spots. And these high spots really are diverse, and the album has pop, R&B, and and even electric feels throughout its 11 tracks, all of which exceed in their own right.

Overall, this album is a definite hit and miss, with unfortunately, most of it being a miss. However on this album, just like on all of her previous efforts, she is moving closer to finding out what her true sound is, and I would recommend Ciara to any R&B fan.

Are you a fan? Tell me below in the comments, and if you like it, make sure to check it out on iTunes or Amazon MP3 below!

                                    

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