Hey Guys! I have written a new EP review for a new Nigerian artist called Ayra Starr. Ayra is signed to Mavin Records, one of the biggest record labels in Nigeria and has just dropped her debut EP. I thoroughly enjoyed this project and I think if she continues on this path, she could be pretty big!
Check out the review below:
I’ve always known that for artists, albums are their most prized possessions. The process of creating an album takes so much thought and precision, from the content, theme, all the way down to the track listing order. Sometimes I feel that some people forget the strength and courage it takes to release an album with songs that for the artists may be extremely personal and triggering.
This new Ariana album feels like we are sitting behind her during an intense therapy session. Throughout the album I felt like I could understand exactly how Ariana was feeling at the time of recording the songs featured. The whole album transitions perfectly into a body of work that she should certainly be proud of.
I wasn’t a huge fan of Ariana’s last album but this album really spoke to me. Here are some key tracks for me:
shut up:
This is the intro track on the album which explains the shortness in length. I really enjoyed the backing instruments on this song, it feels like a build up for something bigger. The song is really just a message to the people that spend their times worrying about other people’s lives.
34+35
Boy!!!!! Okay, so firstly when I heard this song and saw the title I didn’t put 2 and 2 together (not a pun). I fell in love with the beat and Ariana’s tone! As you get deeper into the song however, you slowly begin to realise the meaning of the song title and understand the link between that and the context of the song. This being the second song on the album, I got the impression Ariana was really not going to hold back on this album at all. She has always had songs that allude to sexual relationships or have sexual connotations however this is a very blatant reference. I do however love the fact she still manages to keep it classy. It’s hard to remember that Ariana is a grown 27 year old woman as some of us may still see her as a young teenage singer. I think the past few albums Ariana has put out, she has tried to prove to us that she is now a woman in her own right.
just like magic
WHAT IS IT WITH ARIANA AND THESE PERFECT BEATS!!!???? I almost want her to drop a 16 with some of these incredible beats she has! This song won me over from the first few seconds! This for me was such a positive song and you can tell that at this point in the album she was gaining her confidence again. The song alludes to the law of attraction with the idea that you get back what you put out.
Good karma, my aesthetic (Aesthetic), keep my conscience clear, that’s why I’m so magnetic. Just like magic (Yeah), I’m attractive (Oh yeah) I get everything I want ’cause I attract it (Oh)”
Law of Attraction.
This song is one of the reasons I feel like we were flies on the wall in her therapy sessions. This song feels like something you tell yourself when you are healing from a lot of trauma and heartbreak. It feels like this is faith talking and the hope that in future things will get better if you begin to think differently and approach life in a different way.
off the table Ft. The Weeknd
WOW. This song showcases Ariana’s vulnerability to another level. There are some songs that when you hear, even if you may not relate to what is going on, you somehow empathise with the artist and feel every emotion they are singing about. This song was one of those. The opening lines of the song; “Will I ever love the same way again?. Will I ever love somebody like the way I did you? are lines that every woman who has been badly heartbroken has said to themselves.
I’ve always wondered why people wish to find/chase the same feeling of love every time. I believe that love will always be relative to the person or circumstance. Sometimes I even think that is for the best. Ultimately chasing a previous kind of love is not giving your new situation the fresh chance it deserves. Love always evolves.
There is a theme of lack of faith in future happiness and lack of faith in love itself throughout the whole song. Ariana repeatedly sings throughout the song “Not yet healed already” emphasising the fact she is still raw from the heartbreak. The Weeknd sounds perfect on this song and his verse uses the role of a lover that is reassuring Ariana that he will wait until she is ready to let him in and trust in love again. The song for me is a representation of the whole theme of the album. Acknowledging where you are emotionally is part of the healing process. She understands there is long way to go but she has already made so much progress and is ready to get better.
safety net
It’s hard to believe that this is only the first collaboration between these two as the musical chemistry is beautiful. Ty’s harmonies with Ariana make this the kind of song you can close your eyes to and still feel everything and feel safe which coincides with the theme of the song. This song alludes to the idea that Ariana is willing to give love another go acknowledging her fears and hesitation to get hurt. Again, this is progress from her song ‘off the table” showing the growth.
nasty
Similar to the track ’34+35′, Ariana expresses exactly how she feels and articulates her sexual needs with her partner. I really like this sassy, confident side to Ariana.
obvious
This song towards the end of the album focusses on how Ariana is starting to believe in love again. In the first verse she sings “Nothin’ else, nothin’ more important, makes me wanna believe in love” and in the second she sings; “Never thought I’d believe in love again”. FINALLY she is beginning to believe again!!! *smiles*
pov
This was the song that actually managed to break me! Hands down my favourite from the album. Ariana was spot on for putting this as the climax to the album. Even now, I cannot listen to this song without tearing up. This may be my favourite song from her period! The song focuses on how her lover sees her and Ariana wishes she could see herself in the same beautiful light he sees her. I feel this song is the result of all the trauma, tribulations, hurt and anguish Ariana has experienced. Sometimes when someone has gone through so much it takes a long time to accept someone else to fully love them.
On the second verse Ariana sings; “I’m getting used to receiving” implying she maybe was the one in relationships that always gave, something that has evidently contributed to her hurt. She also sings; “I’ma love you even though I’m scared. Learnin’ to be grateful for myself“, implying that she is going through the process of self love too. For me, this song is Ariana singing that she wants to get better and wants to finally let go of the hurt so she can finally be happy like she deserves to be. She is realising she needs to forgive herself and begin to love herself again in order to experience everything she wants to experience. Ultimately no matter how much someone loves you, you won’t be able to understand or accept it fully if you don’t have the same amount of self love. Such a beautiful song.
I know I haven’t talked much about Ariana’s vocals but that is simply because she is consistently flawless on this album as she is on every single piece of work she puts out.
Overall for me this album is what I would call a SOLID piece of work. Ariana touches on life, love, heartbreak, sex, happiness, sadness and self love to name a few. You get the sense that the next album Ariana puts out will be a completely different energy, a new awakening so to speak. I look forward to the positive changes that will be coming to her from this therapeutic album and I really hope she has managed to heal/find peace.
US artist Ty Dolla $ign is probably best known for enhancing many of the songs he features on. Personally, I’ve always preferred Ty Dolla features more that his personal projects and it’s clear this must be a common feeling for people which explains the name of this new album from him. You could even argue that it is almost a cheat code to have him on your track because with his smooth sound, you almost always know the song is going to be a smash hit! Despite all this, after seeing the tracklist for this album, I was still intrigued to hear how some of the songs would sound!
After playing the album back a few times in these past few days, I can honestly say I really enjoyed it! A lot of the songs on the album have replay value which in this day and age is quite rare. I feel Ty Dolla has the ability to put you at ease with his music regardless of the song context. Below are some of the songs that stood out to me:
Temptations Ft. Kid Cudi
OMG! I haven’t heard music from Kid Cudi in a very very long time!!! It feels good to hear him on a song! Kid Cudi and Ty Dolla have very similar sounds so they work well together on this one. From the lyrics in this song I get the impression that they are both singing about their women breaking up with them and leaving them. It seems that despite all the options they both now have access to, they are still missing their exes Hearing Kid Cudi made me reminisce to the old days when he was running the charts! I hope this is the beginning of more music from him!
Burna Boy Interlude
This interlude shocked me!!! I thought my shuffle had gone off into my Burna Boy playlist when I first heard this! I still don’t know the link between Burna Boy and Ty Dolla and have only heard them on a Kranium track together (Hotel). I guess it’s a nice surprise having him feature on the album somehow.
Tyrone 2021 Ft. Big Sean
Another smooth song on the album! This is the kind of the song that you will be bopping your head to! The slow pace suits Big Sean too! The song title is a reference to Erykah Badu’s 1997 song “Tyrone” where she talks about a good for nothing man. You can even hear Erykah’s voice throughout the song. Ty Dolla’s version is a flipped version of the original where he talks about a good for nothing woman. ‘Tyrone’ in this case is the one telling his friend to forget the woman who is doing nothing good for him. Big Sean. from his verse sounds like the poor man who is suffering.
Real Life Ft. Roddy Rich & Mustard
Ty Dolla, Roddy Rich and DJ Mustard on a song?? You just KNOW it’s going to be a hit! I love the consistency throughout this album, each song has its own vibe going on and despite the star studded features, the Ty Dolla’s sound is not compromised. The quote; “cops still killing n****s in real life” sounds smooth on the track until you actually realise the severity of that statement. Unfortunately I guess it is “real life” and will never be able to sound right on a song no matter how it’s dropped. Some light on this song was that Roddy and Ty both were able to recount some of their wins and joys which is beautiful to hear. I really enjoyed Ty Dolla’s harmonies on this song too, many times it felt like he was battling himself!
Nothing Like your Exes
This is one of the songs I’ve had on repeat since hearing the album! I genuinely don’t know any other artist with a sound like Ty Dolla. He will have you believing he is nothing like your exes with conviction after this song! I also really enjoyed how this song merged perfectly into the song below. In terms of the order of this album I really believe Ty got it spot on. I could listen to this album in the order he’s arranged it again.
By Yourself Ft. Jhené Aiko & Mustard
I love this song!!!! Firstly we have to talk about the sample!!! This song samples Billie Piper’s 1998 song “G.h.e.t.t.o.u.t” which you can hear more in the beginning of the track and towards the end. Mustard does an excellent job of remixing the sample into a more modern Ty Dolla kind of sound! Now onto Jhené! Both her and Ty Dolla are kings and queens of blessing any track they feature on. We’ve heard them most recently on Big Sean’s song “Body Language” released from his most recent album (another hit!). The two are clearly experts in bringing out the best out of one another. One thing I’ve noticed recently about Jhené is that she has that independent woman vibe going on! Her verse on this song does a great job of conveying that too! My favourite verse on the song for sure!
Universe Ft. Kehlani
The content of this song is beautiful, such positive vibes. Ty Dolla touches on the good things happening in his life at the moment. He starts the song “The universe must want me to win. I’m happier than I’ve ever been, ever been, yeah…feeling this good should be a sin“. The tone seems to be motivated by love and a woman in his life. Kehlani’s verse emphasises his point by agreeing that the universe has sent an angel from above.
Lift Me Up Ft. Future & Young Thug
I can’t say I like the lyrics of this song too much as it’s basically bragging rights between all these men. I do however like the fusion of Young Thug, Future and Ty Dolla’s voice.
Slow It Down
This is one of those songs you can really feel the purpose of the track. I can see why Ty put this song towards the end of the album as it’s a more slowed down and raw feel. His lyrics leave little to the imagination but the stripped back feel of the song exposes it even more. The harmonies and backing vocals in the song are wonderful. A definite contender for my slow jams mix!
Your Turn Ft. Musiq Soulchild, Tish Hyman & 6LACK
Any song with 6lack or Musiq Soulchild featuring, just know you’ve won me over! Ty Dolla actually stated that his favourite lyric from this album is from this song; “Nobody is truly yours, it’s just your turn”. This partnered up with Musiq Soulchild’s verse where he claims he’s holding on because he’s fallen in love 3 times in his life and doesn’t know why. I somewhat agree with the statements in this song. Sometimes people like to believe that things are more complicated than they are when really it could just be fate or right place, right time.
It was actually genuinely quite hard to pinpoint only a few songs from the album that I enjoyed the most! The features on this album have really shown me that Ty Dolla is just as a good as a main artist as he is a featured artist. He really held his own on this album. The whole album was a vibe and it’s rare that an album this long in length maintains the high quality! Thoroughly enjoyed this piece of work! Check it out below!
Hey everyone! Another week, another EP review! Today’s post is extra special as I collab with the hottest journalist on the scene ‘Shahna Says’! We were both excited for the launch of this tape so figured it would be the perfect time to collaborate together.
UK Drill rapper Unknown T blew onto the scene with his smash hit ‘Homerton B’ back in 2018. Instantly, his infamous deep voice and unique flow became a household name. It can definitely be argued that he was one of the most important figures that contributed to the recent success of the drill genre. There was a setback with a recent jail stint but luckily, he was able to overcome and has finally got the time to shine. Straight in at the deep end, Unknown T releases his debut mixtape ‘Rise Above Hate’ and it’s clear from this tape that he is here to stay. One thing you can be guaranteed with an Unknown T project is that you will get unlimited hits. Having released many freestyles in between it was clear that Unknown T was more than just a ‘Drill” rapper. (One of my favourite live lounges from him has to be the Busta Rhymes cover). He has proven himself to be an artist and more importantly a versatile one. For me, this was one of the reasons I highly anticipated this mixtape launch.
The tape starts off quite calmly as if Unknown T is preparing us for a big journey to come. Throughout the tape however, we are taken on a fun ride with all kinds of surprises along the way. Here are some of the tracks that we loved:
Deh Deh
For me the intro track was just a preparation for what was to come. ‘Deh, Deh’ is really where it all begins. Unknown T’s signature emphasis on the pronunciation of words is so evident on this track too! In this song Unknown T reminds us that he raps about his personal experiences. The accompanying video is great too as we are able to witness Unknown T executing his signature dance moves!
Addicts
M&L: I like the switch up from this song. The song starts off melodic with the voice of M Huncho along a trap type beat. The breakup allows us to have a bit of a break from the known greaze of Unknown T. It takes a talented artist to have songs with different sounds and still make it work. Unknown T is the king of this. When his verse comes in, it works so well without having to change the tone of the song. There are a few real messages I picked up in this song such as “It’s kinda sad that kids are killing kids” as M Huncho and Unknown T both touch on how the environment some kids are brought up is a key factor on how they turn out.
Shahna Says: Addicts’ with M Huncho has got to be one of my favourites and not because I’m an M Huncho super fan but because of the vibe they have together. We see Unknown T slow down his flow and sound a bit to compliment Huncho allowing him to take the first verse and chorus before we hear Unknown T. ‘I’m trapped in the ends with skengs, drug addicts and drillers, ballies and dingers’ lyrics like this give a nod to the artwork of the block of flats he grew up in and the whole projects theme. Other songs such as ‘Prison’ and ‘Fresh Home’ deal with the same openness with listeners appreciating the fact that he is out and all that he has been through.
Main Squeeze Ft. Young T & Bugsey
M&L: This song features the UK duo who have owned this quarantine period after the success of their song ‘Don’t Rush’. They provide their signature sound on this song and provide us with a memorable chorus and hook. This is not to take away the way Unknown T did his thing on his verse. His delivery and entrance on the song was just a prime example of how effortlessly talented he is. This song is also a great indication of how the UK scene is on top right now with both artists showcasing their individual talents in one track. It will be extremely hard to convince me that there is a genre Unknown T cannot make his own. I can see this being a commercial single.
Shahna Says: Main Squeeze’ has already hit the radio playlists, easily becoming the UK’s fave alongside his promo single ‘Deh Deh’. Main Squeeze is a girl song you could say and we hear Unknown T singing to a potential love interest and the placement of the song allows the listener to move away from the drill lyrics to a vibe that can be played while driving or in the club. Balance. Young T and Bugsey always bring their own vibe giving the song that afro swing feel. I look forward to a video for this one.
My thoughts on some other tracks I loved:
Ambition
M&L: The final track on this tape and wow what an outro! The stripped back production and slow pace prepares us for what feels like a heartfelt response from Unknown T. He uses the track to look back on how far he has come and how much of it has paid off. He also lets us know that he is not done yet; “I’m coming for the game, that’s my main ambition”; hinting that he is only beginning. This is exciting to hear as I truly believe Unknown T is one of the most talented artists in the UK right now. It’s clear that there are no limits to where his talent can go, and it is promising to hear that he is just getting started.
Shahna Says: The final song ‘Ambition’ feels very heartfelt and reminds me of other rappers such as Skrapz, Blade Brown, Asco and Nines when it comes to rapping about your previous life and what you’ve been through. The pain and drive is felt and heard in Unknown T’s voice as he explains he’s coming for the game that’s his main ambition. Touching on now being able to have designer clothes, dealing with relationships and his dream and vision overall. A perfect way to end the project.
Overall, this tape for me has been everything I expected and more. Unknown T constantly proves his talent and it is such a pleasure to hear his constant growth. I really hope there is more to hear from him in the future and it will be such a joy to see and hear how he expands his already growing fanbase.
Don’t forget to pop over to Shahna Says’ page to read more of her views on the project. The great thing about music is that it hits everyone differently! Hopefully this is the first of many more collabs with her!
Link for her page is also: https://shahnasayss.wordpress.com/
Hello all, hope you are all well! It’s been a very traumatic month for most people, me included but I hope you are all taking care of yourself. Before we go even further, a friendly reminder that BLACK LIVES MATTER…ALWAYS HAVE…ALWAYS WILL.
This post is dedicated to all the incredible women out there doing their thing and working twice as hard to be considered on the same level as men. The post is specifically highlighting the talent of Black women. I truly believe black women have the hardest ladder to climb sometimes, in music, sports, the corporate world. With sexism and racism against us, sometimes I feel we are always underestimated and overlooked. Today’s post is about all the new music that has come out recently from some incredible black women. There’s always a misconception that female artists have to act or dress certain way to be noticed. Each women in this post represent different aspects of womanhood in their own unique ways. Hopefully the different women in this post prove that you can be anything you want to as long as you are unapologetically yourself.
Have a read and listen below to some female power! (HAVE A LOOK OUT FOR THE MOOD/THEMES IN EACH ENTRY DEMONSTRATING THE VERSATILITY OF FEMALE ARTISTS).
Beyoncé – BLACK PARADE
THEME/MOOD: ACTIVISM, HUMAN RIGHTS, BLACK POWER
Queen B is back with another song and this one is an ode to all things black. The song was released on the same day as the Juneteenth celebrations. A day that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. In addition, she also released the song with a very important message; “Being Black is your activism. Black excellence is a form of protest. Black joy is your right“. Words to remember. I liked how she emphasised her views in the second verse with; “Yeah, yeah, I’m for us, all black All chrome, black-owned“. On Beyonce’s website following the release she listed many black owned businesses celebrating black excellence reiterating the point in her verse. Another stand out part for me in this song is in the second verse when B sings; “Rubber bullets bouncin’ off me…Made a picket sign off your picket fence“; for me the metaphors are a representation of despite all that is thrown at her and black people, we will never stop fighting for our rights. This is not the first time and I’m sure not the last that B has spoken about injustice and racism and activism. I am however happy that the song is quite positive and motivational for the black community. Beyoncé’s harmonies in this song also make it even more soothing on the ear. Have a listen below;
City Girls – City On Lock (Album)
THEME/ MOOD: CAREFREE, DETERMINED, RICH, FEMALE BOSS, SEXY.
City Girls are back in full form!!!! The duo had to unfortunately release the album earlier than scheduled due to a leak a few days earlier. However, as one of the millions of fans of this duo, it was great news for us! For me, City Girls represent women in an unapologetic form, I feel they say things that many of us women think but would never say. I believe every woman has an inner city girl within them! They’re fun and exactly what we need at a time like this! Listening to the album had me smiling throughout, I found myself living vicariously through the music describing their carefree and fun lifestyle. In comparison to their first two albums’ “PERIOD” & “Girl Code”, you can hear the maturity in this album, Yung Miami definitely takes more of the lead on this album too which I assume could be due to JT’s time away. I would definitely warn that this album is very Rated R! Here are some of my favourite tracks;
Teyana Taylor – The Album
THEME/MOOD: SEXY, VULNERABLE, LOVED,SAD,HAPPY, SATISFIED.
I’m a fan of Teyana’s music. I’ve always felt she wasn’t given the respect she deserved. However I’m noticing that recently she has been respected and praised a lot more which is great to see. Her previous album was released 2 years ago and I enjoyed that project. This new album is even better in my opinion. There is so much depth on this album, we really feel all the emotions she feels on this journey. Her features on this album are some of the best I’ve seen. Nearly all of them work so well and compliment one another perfectly. Here are some of the songs that have stood out for me:
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this album and it will be on rotation for a while. The album is filled with so many gems! Honourable mentions to ‘Concrete‘, ‘Friends‘, ‘How You Want It‘ Ft. King Combs, ‘Made It‘ and ‘We Got Love‘ featuring the legend that is Lauryn Hill!!!
Chloe x Halle – Ungodly Hour
THEME/Mood: Female Power, Love, Sisterhood
R&B Sister duo Chloe and Halle are back, this time with their second studio album. To be honest, I’ve never listened to a whole project of theirs before this album. I listened to this one and I really enjoyed it. It seems like the sisters have certainly matured in their music and content. This album for me is like a rebirth of Chloe and Halle, a new age, a grown and unapologetic version of them. I think my opinion on them has changed slightly and it’s nice to see their growth in the music business. One thing I will say is every single song on this album was produced so well, every beat is perfect for the song. Here are some of my favourite tracks from the album:
Some other singles from some other Melanin Queens to check out:
If you haven’t already…check out my Summer playlist below and feel free to follow and enjoy!! Have a nice weekend everyone!
