The Music Messiah

Rihanna Shines On New Single "Diamonds" [Review]

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:37:00 +0000

Ever since Rihanna entered the realm of the pop world, she has successfully managed to reinvent herself, musically and image-wise. Although her critics beg to differ and point out that Rihanna's image overshadow's her music and voice, nobody can deny Rihanna's knack for cranking out great pop songs. When she wants to, she can churn out a good pop song that sounds fresh ("Umbrella", "Rude Boy", "What's My Name") or a generic tune ("Where Have You Been", "Only Girl (In The World)", "We Found Love"), which undoubtedly still sounds better than most songs mutating the charts.

When she was not giving you camaraderie and frienship on "Umbrella", Rihanna threw you shades of Illuminati princess on "Russian Roulette" and 80's hopeless romantic-meets-dance on "We Found Love". Now, the Princess of the Billboard Hot 100 has decided to leave the "nah nah nah's" back in Ester Dean's pocketbook and hired Sia to write lyrics which has substance (excuse the pun) and Stargate and Benny Blanco for production duties.

"Diamonds" is Rihanna shining during her finest moment, buttering her haunting tone with Sia's enunciation. Interesting enough, Rihanna displays a vocal growth that many expected her not to have, especially when she prepares herself to lower her vulnerability closer to the song's chorus, "So shine bright, tonight you and I". It's almost as if she helplessly convinces her partner that they're a match made in heaven, just like this song is to our ears.

Shockingly enough, the lyrical maturity and melody seems to be the true star of the song. Rihanna has opted to focus on a theme that's able to brighten us, or leave us feeling like a diamond in the rough. This song was clearly written by Sia and will become one of her biggest written singles to date.

Prepare to roll up one, sit back, and watch Rihanna continue her reign as Billboard's Princess of the Billboard Hot 100.

Rating: 4 shiny diamond blunts

Jay Z And Kanye West Working On 'Watch The Throne 2'?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 25 May 2012 06:22:00 +0000

Many Jay and Yeezy fans have been craving for new music. The last collaborative album 'Watch The Throne' reached platinum status and even gave birth to the fad "that shit cray". Now fans are about to receive the treat of the week with new information regarding 'Watch The Throne 2'.

Mike Dean recently sat down with Quiet Lunch Magazine and discussed the many projects that he's currently working on, and if you're a Kanye and Jay fan you'll know that he was one of the producers on the album.

Mike spoke about, or at least hinted, that we might receive a successor to the amazing 'Watch The Throne'. At the 5:29 mark, he speaks about G.O.O.D. music album and WTT2.

"Watch The Throne 2, it's not started yet, but it's coming."

If this is true then I'm ready! I hope they at least give Jeff Bhasker some shine as well and deliver more meaningful songs. Their creativity reaches the level of "genius".

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Cheryle Cole Releases 'A Million Lights' Album Cover And Tracklisting

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:59:00 +0000

Not even seeing the light a million times will raise my anticipation for this album. "Call My Name" might have more hits on my Nokia X-2 than what Nicole Scherzinger has to her name, but this album already looks as if it's about to be ripped to pieces by critics.

Cheryle Cole's album cover for 'A Million Lights' will have Illuminati theorists popping bottles with her finger-highlighting-the-one-eye cover. Is this the level Cheryl has to stoop down to get people to buy her album?

1. Under The Sun
2. Call My Name
3. Craziest Things
4. Girl In The Mirror
5. A Million Lights
6. Screw You
7. Love Killer
8. Ghetto Baby
9. Sexy Den A Mutha
10. Mechanics of the Heart
11. All Is Fair

Deluxe:
12. Boys Lie
13. One Thousand
14. Telescope
15. Last One Standing

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New Music: Kirko Bangz feat. Chris Brown - "That Pole" Remix

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:46:00 +0000

"Drank In My Cup" is my jam! The silky track has to be one of the catchiest urban jams of the year. Now Kirko Bangz is back with a new single called "That Pole" featuring Chris Brown.

Listen to the cut below.

Thanks Rap-Up

Melanie Fiona Performs "4 AM" On 106 & Park, Receives BET Nomination

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:31:00 +0000

The beautiful Melanie Fiona stopped by 106 & Park to help celebrate the network's list of BET nominations. Melanie has been nominated for 'Best Female R&B Artist' and performed her single "4 AM' from her fantastic album 'The MF Life', which should assist the underrated singer win some Grammys.

She is really appreciative of her nomination. She's really a sweet person and I hope that she continues to release solid albums in the future. Her time will come.

Check out the performance after the jump.

Kelly Clarkson Performs On 'Dancing With The Stars'

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:56:00 +0000

Kelly Clarkson is really on that promo swag with all of these performances. First she did performed well on the Billboard Awards stage, and now she performs on 'Dancing With The Stars'. She also released the single cover for "Dark Side", which looks really dark yet sincere. Maybe she knows how badly this song will slay?

Watch how Kelly does.

Snaps! John Mayer And Alicia Keys In The Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 19 May 2012 10:41:00 +0000

Is this a sign of new collaboration between Alicia Keys and John Mayer?

The two were snapped in the studio and unveiled by Alicia's usual production partner Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, who also appears in the photo. The two musicians last collaborated on Alicia Keys' 'As I Am' on a song called "Lesson Learned".

If this picture indicates a new collaboration then I'm rejoicing. Since John is changing his musical direction, will he influence Alicia to practically do the same thing? Is that a country album I smell Alicia cooking?

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New Music: Cocaine 80s - "Queen To Be"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:32:00 +0000

Cocaine 80s has to be the most intriguing group of the year so far. Their 'Ghost Lady' EP gave me more life than what's present in Britney Spears' eyes.

Consisting of rapper Common, the impeccable James Fauntleroy, producer No I.D., and Makeba Riddick, Cocaine 80s establishes a distinctive sound that hip-hop has been missing. "Queen To Be" is another soulful track, that hints at the 80's sound that's been omnipresent throughout their whole EP.

It is scientifically proven - the proof is in the finished product (track), yo - that Cocaine 80s music will change the face of the dry hip-hop landscape.

New Music: Diplo feat. Lazerdisk Party Sex - "Set It Off"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:13:00 +0000

One of pop's hottest producers Diplo is ready to unleash his wrath of marvelous hits with the release of his new EP 'Express Yourself'.

'Express Yourself' comes out June 12, 2012.

New Music: T.I. - "Like That"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:33:00 +0000

What happened to T.I.? He used to ooze as much swagger as Mariah Carey's talents. Now he has the swagger of Waka Flacka Flame. Is the King of the South finally falling from grace?

Ever since his incarceration, he has only fed us with disappointment. You can listen to his new single "Like That" after the jump. If I'm in the mood, I'll review it properly.

"Troubled Man" is released September 4th.

New Music: Ne-Yo Returns with "Lazy Love"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:21:00 +0000

After flopping with his last album, 'Year Of The Gentleman', Ne-Yosha is finally ready to come for his crown as R&B's most prominent singer-songwriter.

Is "Lazy Love" good? Yes it is. Is it lead single material? No. The song lacks the edge that most Ne-Yo songs possess, leaving "Lazy Love" to be exactly what it's purpose it - buzz single material. The single s clearly an illustration of what every struggling artist does when attempting to build their careers up from scratch, which is to release the most generic track even if the melody (or lack of) is appealing.

Ne-Yo can do so much better. Maybe he should lay off for a while in hopes of creating better material. Although now would be a good time to start getting creative since he's experiencing success thanks to his features on Calvin Harris and Pitbull's tracks.

'R.E.D.' is out September 18th.

New Music: Rick Ross feat. Usher - "Touch 'N You"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:31:00 +0000

Rick Ross is coming back y'all! Hoping to create a buzz surrounding his upcoming album "God Forgives, I Don't", which hits stores July 31st, Ricky Rosay has enlisted Usher, giving Usher some more urban appeal.

His new single "Touch 'N You" doesn't exactly break any new grounds, but will serve his urban hoodsters with all their needs. Usher adds a nice falsetto to the song, although the song feels a bit watered-down.

Listen to the song below.

Music Video: Calvin Harris Premieres "Let's Go" feat. Ne-Yo

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:00:00 +0000

I'm not really a fan of the song, but if Ne-Yo needs to resort to this to make a comeback then I'm fine.

Snaps! Chris Brown On "Don't Wake Me Up" Video Set

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:45:00 +0000

Chris Brown is really beating his contemporaries with all of these fast food releases. After serving some hotness with "Don't Wake Me Up", Chris is ready to film the song's accompanying video. However, expect to see videos of his singles "Till I Die" and "Sweet Love" just incase you thought Chris was about to take a break.

Below are pictures of Chris on the single's set, which was directed by Collin Tilley and Andrew Listermann. Chris sure loves to abuse Instagram like...

Anyway, 'Fortune' will be available July 3rd and Chris will also appear in Nicki Minaj's terrible single "Right By My Side" video, which debuts soon.

Music Video: Cassie - "King Of Hearts (R3hab Remix)"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:19:00 +0000

God knows I can stare and indulge in Cassie's beauty for all eternity. I can't find a single flaw in this woman's beauty. To make my day even brighter, Cassie released a video for the single "King Of Hearts (R3hab Remix)".

I don't understand how most pop trashed songs can top charts worldwide yet this song has to make at least an impact on the 'Bubbling Under' chart! The crtically-acclaimed single is one of the best songs of 2012 and could really establish Cassie as pop's most elite indie artist. Maybe that's what she should remain as, since the world can't appreciate Cassie's soft tone and adaptable vocals.

At least us bloggers get to rave about Cassie and we still await the release of her sophomore album which will undoubtedly become an underground classic!

Thanks Prophet Blog

Azealia Banks Reveals The Cover Art And Tracklist For '1991'

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:08:00 +0000

Azealia Banks has released the cover art for her debut EP '1991'. The set is preceded by her singles "212" and "Liquorice" and will be released May 29th (digitally) and June 12 (physically).

You can look at the tracklisting after the jump.

1. 1991
2. Van Vogue
3. 212
4. Liquorice

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Usher Slays 'Saturday Night Live' With "Scream" and "Climax" Performance

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:34:00 +0000

Usher's reign is about to erupt and burn down your faves' latest albums off the charts. The R&B/Pop legend decided to school the lessers when he took his precious time to perform on 'Saturday Night Live'.

Starting off with "Scream", Usher did exceptionally well vocally although the song required more choreography that vocalography. However, he topped the performance off with minimal moves that would qualify as a great performance.

Although he struggled to sing in his falsetto, Usher did great for "Climax". Singing in falsetto throughout the whole song would obviously be hard, as it requires time, breathing and vocal control to be able to sound just as he does on the track.

Watch here until I get a youtube link.

Chris Brown must be praying that nobody wakes him up after he watched this!

By the way, has anyone realised that Usher releases his and Justin Bieber's albums within the same month? That's what I call a clever marketing strategy!

Thanks Toyaz World

Chris Brown Drowns His Vocals In New Single "Don't Wake Me Up"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:58:00 +0000

Chris Brown continues to push and shove his material down our throats from his upcoming album 'Fortune', due July 3. The song was produced by David Guetta, which is not to hard to comprehend due to the fact that the song is drench in autotuned and light synths.

I can't come up with any conclusions as to why Chris repeatedly relies on autotune when he is a really good singer. I loved the beginning of the song because it sounded as if he enlightened us with some vulnerability. That is until he transformed into a Breezy Bot!

Someone wake Chris up and tell him that he is capable of singing well without the unnecessary autotune. Oh, and that his new music is disappointing...

[New Music] Azealia Banks - "Jumanji"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 12 May 2012 03:11:00 +0000

When she's not dragging Necole Bitchie over twitter or making Kanye proud with her appalling attitude, Azealia Banks makes great music. The latest is in the form of "Jumanji", which was one of my all-time favourite movies when I was a child!

Produced by Hudson Mohawk and DJ Nick Hook, Azealia spits over a hot bouncy, hip-hoppish tropical beat that distinguishes her apart from the other emcees.

Bring on that "Bad Girls" remix yo!!!

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Lana Del Rey Confirms "National Anthem" Single Release

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 12 May 2012 03:03:00 +0000

Lana Del Rey has made the best decision of her career as of late - choosing "National Anthem" as the next single off 'Born To Die'. The Hip-Hop realness of "National Anthem" will surely be the influential factor in surging sales of the national anthem and 'Born To Die', while aspiring hip-hop artists will continue jump onto the Lana Del Rey single-remix bandwagon to gain extra indie cred. We ain't complaining - "National Anthem" should be Lana's Hot 100 breakthrough!

However, while I write this post I'm actually speaking about the demo version which will slay pop radio. Lana better surprise us if she wants the States to buy her records!

Thanks Prophet Blog

Rebecca Ferguson Performs On Britains Got Talent

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 11 May 2012 01:05:00 +0000

Why Is Cassie SO DAMN HOT!?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:47:00 +0000

While her music career might not be heating back up like we expected it to, Cassie still flaunts what got her in this industry - her looks!

The next magazine that Cassie's talents has led her to cover is i-D magazine. Shot in London by James White, Cassie returns to doing what she knows best. We still love her for her hot music but we need those album details soon. Things started to get turned up for a while but then just started to fade away.

Thanks Toyaz World

T.I. Interviews Iggy Azalea

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:49:00 +0000

It's amazing how these two are so close. I hope people don't make up nasty rumours about the two of them. You can watch the interview below of T.I. interviewing Iggy Azalea on how much money they'll both make, what she brings to the table within the rap game, and the conception of "Murda Bizness".

Luke James Performs "I Want You" On VH1 Buzz

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:51:00 +0000

Luke James has to be one of the underrated artists that the urban scene is spitting out. resh from releasing his new single "I Want You", Luke took the stage at VH1 Morning Buzz to perform the song.

What a remarkly fresh breathe of talent. The emotions this guy displayed in this performance is phenomenal and shows that singers are still out there. He showed that he is not only a fantastic singer but also a fantastic vocalist. I can't wait for this guy to reap the benefits from all his hard work.

Now I hope he remains indie or something so that he doesn't have to sell-out to challenge the likes of pop artists Chris Brown and Usher.

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Chris Brown Sets The Dancefloor Alight On 'Dancing With The Stars'

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:45:00 +0000

Chris Brown is one of the most entertaining artists out right now. I criticise his music because I know he can do better, but his performances always leaves me looking for a new wig.

Last night was no different, as Chris performed his hit single "Turn Up The Music" on 'Dancing With The Stars'. The poor contestants must have been so shaken up after watching Chris snatch their wigs off one by one without even breaking a sweat. I could see most of them attempting to hand in their numbers and leave the studio before the end of the show.

Usher better watch out. Chris Brown's electropop songs have been better than his and this performance will probably propel the song back into the higer regions of the Billboard (it currently sits around number 50 something. Don't care to be honest).

Watching this video may cause epilepsy fits due to those flashing lights. 'Fortune' is out July 3, 2012.

Watch Chris Brown embarrass your faves below.