Tha ish: Year in review 2010

I love the end of the year because I unashamedly embrace my opinionated nature (I am a Taurus after all!) and proudly share with you a few picks for the best and worst ish of the year. Check it out!


ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Drake
Was there any doubt? Honestly, even if you don’t like Drake, you got to admit that the brotha worked hard this year! He seriously got his grind on. He released an inordinate amount of music, guested on tons of other artists’ songs, and made me change my mind (yep, I originally didn’t like him). He deserves all the accolades that he receives.


Honourable Mention


Usher, Trey Songz and Lady Gaga. Each artist released tons of music, toured, and remained relevant for the entire year. A feat that is sometimes difficult to achieve.


FAVE NEW ARTIST


Melanie Fiona
She’s soulful, humble and budding songstress. I am proud of this T.Dot native.


WORST SONG OF THE YEAR


Love The Way You Lie, Eminem f/Rihanna
I like Rihanna and I like Eminem, but this song resulted in disaster. The hook was the best part of the song, but still, even that couldn’t change my mind. I hate this song!!


Honourable Mention


The Time (Dirty Bit), The Black Eyed Peas
I am probably the only female alive that HATES the movie Dirty Dancing (sorry! It’s way too cheesy!). However, The Black Eyed Peas rendition/remix of the song that is very much associated with the movie (I’ve Had the Time of My Life), is blasphemous. What possessed them to touch this song? It’s just wrong!


DUMBASS OF THE YEAR

T.I.
I actually like T.I. , but I don’t understand how he could do a stint in jail, and wind up back in the slammer just a few months after being granted his freedom. Yo T.I., you need better people in your life!


FAVOURITE VIDEO


Telephone, Lady Gaga, f/Beyonce
This video gives me everything I like in a video—cool storyline (okay, weird storyline), outrageous dance sequences, and bad acting. Loves it!


WORST VIDEO


Runaway, Kanye West
Perhaps I’m not the most cultured person (nope, that ain’t it!), but I did not like this video. I like artsy films, but Kanye’s mini-movie bored me. I sat through all 37 minutes; however my mind started to wander after the first two minutes. I did promise myself to watch it again to give it a fair shake, but damn it, I’m not sure if I can do that.


BLOG OF THE YEAR (tie)


CurlyNikki.com and theybf.com
I must, must, must visit these sites on a daily basis.
CurlyNikki.com is a blog devoted to natural hair; actually it’s more of a resource for women who want to learn more about how to have healthy natural hair. Believe me, it was INCREDIBLY helpful when I went completely natural (no extensions!) for 3 weeks. I am obsessed with this website.


The ybf (The Young, Black and Fabulous) is the brainchild of Natasha Eubanks. She dispenses juicy gossip and news from an exceptionally hilarious point of view.


Okay, so those were a few things that I liked about 2010. Howeeeeever....I couldn’t comment on 2010 without sharing with you my fave songs of the year. These are the songs that I loved, obsessed over and played repeatedly. Check ‘em out. They are in no particular order.


1. Find Your Love- Drake


2. OMG- Usher f/will.i.am


3. Teenage Dream- Katy Perry


4. Grenade- Bruno Mars


5. Window Seat- Erykah Badu


6. Deuces- Chris Brown


7. Girl in the World- Rihanna


8. Aston Martin Music- Rick Ross f/ Chrisette Michele and Drake


9. Unthinkable- Alicia Keys


10. Monday Morning and It Kills Me- both from Melanie Fiona

Have a happy and healthy New Year!CurlyNikki.com

Tha ish: Rihanna

Just when I was about to count Rihanna out of the game, she releases an infectious pop song, “Only Girl (in the World), and restores my faith in the Bajan beauty.



After her less than stellar cd Rated R, I thought that I would never listen to another Rihanna track. Her songs were dark, depressing and just bo-ring! None of her songs had that spark like her previous albums (*except for her single Hard), and in my opinion, nothing was worthy of a download.


Then, she released this upbeat, fun, playful song. I heard it just a few times and already knew all the words. I proudly sang it at work, in the car and in the shower. That’s when I know I’m feelin’ a song.


So I guess I’m back to being a Rihanna fan. I hope her next single is just as hot.


If you haven’t heard the song yet, check it here

Tha ish: Melanie Fiona

I’m slowly becoming a Melanie Fiona fan. She has definitely demonstrated that she has the voice and talent to become a great singer. And the fact that she's from Toronto doesn't hurt either : )

I first heard about her after the insane amount of buzz that she received after she released, “It Kills Me.” Damn, that song is one of the most powerful, emotionally charged songs I’ve ever heard in my entire life! It is sooo good it hurts! I knew that anyone that could release such a strong single was definitely talented, but being the sceptic that I am, I still wanted to hear more.

She released her second single, A yo, which was good. It’s not as powerful as It Kills Me, but her raspy voice sounded gorgeous on this track. I also liked the reggae-ish vibe of the single.

It was about two weeks ago when I knew I would ultimately become a fan. While I was as work, I heard a song on the radio that made me tune out everything going on around me. Seriously, the office could have been on fire, but I didn’t care. I had to hear the song. It had a motown-y, Lauryn Hill –ish feel, so I was hooked from the first few notes.

All I could remember was Monday morning, so I googled “Monday morning” and found out that it was the title to Melanie Fiona’s latest single.

When I realized that she released yet another hot song, I knew then and there that I had become a bona fide Melanie Fiona fan.

Big up to Miss Melanie Fiona! I know you’ll have a successful career!


p.s I think I love her even her more after I found out that she sang a song on the Reggae Gold 2008 compilation CD that I had always liked. She sang "Someone Come Get Me" (wicked tune!!!) , but had no idea who sang it (she used a pseudonym to record the song- Melanie ‘Syren’ Hall).

Tha ish: P. Diddy?

As shocked as you are to read Puffy’s, uh, I mean P. Diddy’s name, (BTW, he will always be Puffy to me!), I am even more shocked to write his name. I’m not hating on Puff, but I stopped being a fan of his music as of the late 90s. (psst...It’s All About The Benjamins is still one of my all time fave tracks!)



I was compelled to write about him in this post because I actually like his new song, Hello, Good Morning from his new group Dirty Money (featuring Rick Ross and T.I.). The beat is siiiick and the use of the synthesizers are sooo 80s!!! I love the production of this song. Honestly, you can strip all the lyrics and the song will still be good—possibly even better.


Puffy loves producing music for the dance floor, so if this song doesn’t move you to dance, you might need to check your pulse!


I will admit that even though I like this song, doesn’t it sound quite similar to Carry out—Timbaland featuring Justin Timberlake? Either way, I’m totally digging it.


I even like the cheesiness and 90s feel of the video. Strobe lighting, club scenes, a helicopter?? It’s too funny. (Don’t you think Ma$e is somewhere mad as hell wondering why he wasn’t in the video??)


anyways, check the video here and leave me a comment and let me know what you think of the song.

Tha ish: Alicia Keys

Has it been over a month since I’ve updated the blog? I hate that I’ve been sooo negligent. I’ve recently had a little more time on my hands than usual, and I guess I’ve been focusing on everything except my blog. Sorry about that. Hope you forgive me. Thanks! : )




I am a huge Alicia Keys fan. I love her music, her sense of philanthropy and her spirit (I know I don’t know her personally, but she seems like such a sweet person, no?). She is one of the few artists who consistently makes me believe in the power of music. Her songs are filled with passion, raw emotion and it usually strikes a chord with something going on in mi vida loca.



I heard a snippet of her single Unthinkable (I’m Ready) a few weeks ago and I thought it was cool. I heard it again in its entirety and I fell in love. I kept singing the chorus over and over again, which is a HUGE sign that it will become my fave new song. It made me recall past relationships that I’ve been in and how I dealt with it. The song is completely relatable.



The concept for the video complements the song beautifully. Alicia Keys and Chad Michael Murray play lovers in different eras (from the 50s to present day) and show how interracial dating is seen as taboo in all of the eras (FYI: I am of the thought that love sees no colour). We see how their families have a problem with their relationship (mainly Alicia’s on screen brother), and watch as they decide if they should pursue the relationship, ignore the dispproval, and follow their hearts.



I think the heaviness and the tone of the lyrics only heightens the drama in the video.  You start to root for the characters and hope that their love will make it.  I am such a hopeless romantic!


Anyway, if you love Alicia Keys, or just looking for a cool video, click here. Let me know if you love it!

Tha ish: Telephone- Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce

Have you seen Lady Gaga’s video for her song Telephone? I heard some of the buzz surrounding it but I quickly dismissed it as a callabo gone wrong. Honestly, Beyonce and Gaga on the same track? I already heard, and watched the video for Video Phone—Beyonce featuring Lady Gaga and I wish that I could have those 4 minutes back.

I asked my sister a couple weeks ago if she’d seen Lady Gaga’s latest video and she said that she did, but couldn’t describe it. She suggested that I see if for myself. Curiosity got the better of me and I immediately picked up my laptop and went onto YouTube.

I located the video and was surprised that it was a 9 minute video. Having the attention span of a 5 year, I thought that it would be damn near impossible for me to sit still for 9 whole minutes!

I parked myself in my comfy computer chair and got ready for the video. Within a few short seconds I knew that I was watching the coolest video (mini movie) I have seen in a VERY LONG TIME. Crazy yes, but oh so very entertaining!

The opening jail scene was hilarious. Seriously, who saunters into jail wearing haute couture? Only, Lady Gaga! I could not stop laughing at some of the outfits she wore. I love her creative genius.

The following car scene where she meets up with Beyonce is equally comical. Is it me or does she look heavily sedated? I think her eyes were closed for at least 2 minutes! LOL! Either way, I enjoyed her not so witty banter with Bey.

I also liked the sadistically humorous diner scene with Tyrese (he played the mean boyfriend), and the outrageous dance scenes throughout the video.

As I said earlier, the video felt more like a mini movie. The frenetic editing and the slow motion action scenes were reminiscent of a few Quentin Tarantino flicks. I was seriously wondering if Samuel Jackson would show up dancing in some of the scenes!

Overall, I love, love this video and now I am a total fan of the song.

p.s. I loved how they paid homage to Thelma and Louise at the end. Too cool!

Tha ish: Is Drake the new ish?

I’m constantly on the hunt for talented new artists. Last year I fell in love with Jazmine Sullivan after hearing her first release from her debut album, Fearless (I’m still a fan), and now I’m on the hunt for the next hot ish.

There is a lot of crap out there—ahem Souljah Boy, and most of the ridiculous music aired on 106 & Park, but I’m feenin’ for something new—something fresh.

I’ve been hearing serious buzz about Drake—a Toronto native and ex-star of Canada’s answer to teen dramas, Degrassi—for a while now. Actually, I’ve heard about him and his turn as a rapper for at least two years.

About three months ago you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing about Drake. True, the boy has a flawless visage (unfortunately, he’s way too young for me, so I can admire his good looks from a far!), but everyone was hailing him as the next big thing. He even performed at the BET Awards—which is huge for any up and coming artist! (BTW, I wasn’t a fan of the performance – but that’s for another post) It also doesn’t hurt that he has been romantically linked to the equally gorgeous artist, Rihanna and his association with uber successful rapper, Lil Wayne, has undeniably upped his profile.

I heard his single Best I Ever Had a while back and I thought it was okay. To be honest, I wasn’t feelin’ it as much as everyone else. I wasn’t able to enjoy the song fully because I kept thinking about his character on Degrassi, not Drake the rapper

Then I started to listen to the song, and I slowly fell under its spell. It’s cute how he tells his special girl that he loves everything about her. Check this out, this is my fave line in the song:

Sweat pants, hair tied, chillin with no makeup on
That's when you’re the prettiest I hope that you don't take it wrong

Aww, ain’t that sweet? But I will confess that I like his latest release, Successful way more. (pssst...I also must come clean and admit to liking his raunchy ode, Every Girl—edited version of of course) The beat is hot and the lyrics are intelligent (On Successful, not Every Girl). He is obviously a true lyricist and doesn’t just go for the hook.

I’m starting to see why everyone is loving them some Drake. So I’m sure you can see me being Team Drake very soon!

Tha ish: Blame it- Jamie Foxx feat T-Pain

I ain’t gonna lie, I like this ode to alcohol. Okay, it’s not strictly about alcoholic consumption; it’s more about those carefree nights which may involve a little alcohol. Don’t even lie, you know we’ve all had our fair share of those hazy, liquor-soaked nights!

I don’t like this song only it speaks about adult libations—it’s actually a pretty catchy song. The only drawback to this song is the questionable video. Why Jamie Foxx thought it was a good idea to jam back A-list celebs (and a handful D-listers) in his 5 minute music video is beyond me.

Honestly, why are Ron Howard and Jake Gyllenhaal in an r&b video? Watching the juxtaposition of gyrating hip hop vixens, serious actors and thugged out hip hop stars is hilarious to me! There really is no correlation between the song and the video, but I guess there doesn’t have to be.

Check out the video here.

Tha ish: Turnin’ Me On- Keri Hilson

Forget the fact that this song is many months old, it’s still such a hot track. It’s such a hot track that I must listen to it on a daily.

I like how Keri’s voice straddles on being both slightly annoying and swaggerlicious. She starts off the song singing alongside a barely there accompaniment, and then a nice hip hop groove settles in and showcases her voice nicely.

The song itself is about how some men have that certain je ne sais quoi that turns you on, and also how some men don’t have game or the skills when approaching you—which is a def turn off. I unfortunately meet men from the latter category.

I like her brazen self-assured attitude (and the different/edgy hairstyles that she rocks!) which doesn’t come off too arrogant (read: not Kanye-esque at all!), but simply confident.

More than midway through the song Lil Wayne enters and spits his lyrics. True, they are a bit juvenile, but you can always count on him to make a single hotter!

I know this song is a bit old, but it’s definitely worth a listen.

Click here for the video!

Tha ish: Robin Thicke a.k.a Sexy White Chocolate

Hmmm…hmmm, have you seen Robin Thicke lately? He is a nice piece of eye candy. I saw him on 106 & Park last week performing his latest hit, Magic, and I was practically drooling all over myself. Sorry, too much info, but the man is fine!

I honestly never use the word dreamy, but dammit, that’s probably the best adjective to describe his sexy self. I don’t just like (lust over) him for his flawless beauty, I love and appreciate is soulful falsetto. Last year’s single Lost Without U was merely a sneak peak into his genius and vocal ability. On Magic he manages to showcase his undeniable talent by intertwining lush orchestration with his soft sensual voice. Yes, I am a full fledged Robin Thicke fan!

I heard that he will be doing a concert here very soon. You know your girl is going to try to meet him! Wish me luck!