Hey everyone, welcome! Today, I’m excited to dive into a variety of topics. First up, let’s give a shout-out to some incredible R&B artists, particularly the talented women who are dominating the scene right now.
Let’s start with Mariba, whose latest single “Writer” has been blowing me away. Seriously, it’s been on repeat for days! Don’t miss out on her EP either; it’s definitely worth a listen.
Next, there’s Mars, whose track “Countless Times” has been hitting all the right notes for me. Keep an eye on her—she’s definitely one to watch.
And how about Mariah the Scientist’s latest single “To You”? The melody is just exquisite, and the visuals are out of this world. That galaxy space theme aesthetic is pure magic.
Last but not least, let’s talk about Seven Streeter. As a big fan of hers, I’m thrilled about her new video for “Guilty.” She consistently delivers amazing music, and I’m proud to support her, especially now that she’s forging her path as an independent artist.
Let’s delve into some recent album releases. One that caught my attention is HER’s latest album, “Back of My Mind.” This marks HER’s first official album release, having previously shared EPs. Last week, she unveiled “Back of My Mind,” featuring standout tracks like “We Made It,” “Cheat Code,” and “Process,” which particularly resonated with me. Additionally, “Damage” and the collaborations “Come Through” with Chris Brown and “Paradise” with Young Blue also left a positive impression.
Overall, while I admire HER’s talent, I found the album somewhat underwhelming. Perhaps my expectations were too high for her debut LP. The extensive tracklist felt a bit overwhelming, with some songs veering towards a mellower vibe that didn’t quite capture my interest. I believe HER shines brightest when her falsetto takes center stage, suggesting that more upbeat tunes could better showcase her vocal prowess. While I didn’t dislike the album, I felt it lacked a certain spark. The songwriting was solid, and there were certainly highlights, but a more concise selection of tracks might have strengthened the overall impact.
Shifting gears to Justine Skye’s latest offering, “Space & Time,” I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this project. Teaming up with producer Timbaland proved to be a winning formula, as the production on the album is nothing short of flawless. Timbaland’s touch enhances each track, particularly shining in the realm of R&B. Tracks like “About Time,” “In My Bag,” and “Do It Right” showcase Skye’s artistry, while “Hey Sucka,” “Twisted Fantasy,” and “Intruded” further demonstrate the album’s consistent quality. In short, “Space & Time” delivers a captivating listening experience from start to finish.
I really enjoyed that particular song; it has such an infectious Afrobeat vibe, especially in the chorus. The entire album resonated with me on a sonic level; it had a great overall vibe. Justine’s melodies really struck a chord with me.
However, I did feel that some tracks were a bit too short, and a few lacked that extra depth. Perhaps incorporating more intricate harmonies could have elevated them further. Nevertheless, I still found the album quite enjoyable. It’s not a complaint, just an observation on potential enhancements.
Shifting gears to Doja Cat’s latest release, “Planet Her” blew me away. It’s undoubtedly her finest work yet, surpassing both “Hot Pink” and “Amala” in my opinion. Doja showcases her versatility and creativity impeccably throughout the album, exploring various sounds ranging from pop and R&B to hip-hop, Afrobeat, and dance. The diverse range of beats and sounds she experimented with truly impressed me.
Among the standout tracks, “You’re Right,” featuring The Weeknd, stands out as a personal favorite. Their musical chemistry is undeniable, and the accompanying visuals, revolving around an astrology theme where Doja embodies her Libra sign and The Weeknd his Aquarius sign, were equally captivating and unique.
I also admire Doja’s consistent commitment to her outer space motif, from portraying astrology symbols in the galaxy to assuming the role of an alien in “Need to Know” and an extraterrestrial in “Kiss Me More.” Her creativity in this thematic exploration shines through in each instance, demonstrating her mastery of the concept every time.
Another standout from the album was the track “Woman.” It’s a lively Afrobeat tune that’s simply addictive. The hook grabs you, and the lyrical content, centered around women’s empowerment, sets a strong tone for the album’s opening.
Equally captivating was “Payday,” featuring Young Thug, which quickly became one of my top three favorites. Doja’s flow and melodies in this track echoed shades of her previous hit “Shine,” but “Payday” surpasses it in my book. Young Thug’s addition was seamless, his distinctive style blending effortlessly with Doja’s.
The collaboration with J.I.D on “Options” was another highlight. His verse was mind-blowing, showcasing his underrated lyrical prowess.
Then there’s “Ain’t Ish,” a song that’s both hilarious and controversial, especially with its provocative hook. While Doja isn’t the first rapper to use such language, the thought of her non-black fans enthusiastically singing along raises some eyebrows. Yet, the track undeniably bangs, with Doja skillfully dragging her no-good man in a savage yet humorous manner.
“I Don’t Do Drugs,” featuring Ariana Grande, is another gem. The infectious beat, irresistible melody, and flawless vocal layering make it a standout. Ariana’s honey-like voice blends seamlessly with Doja’s, showcasing their remarkable chemistry.
Doja also delivers slower tempo tracks like “Love to Dream,” “Been Like This,” “Imagine,” and “Alone,” with “Been Like This” being a personal favorite. These songs offer a glimpse into Doja’s introspective side, reflecting on her success and past relationships, adding depth to an otherwise playful and often risqué musical repertoire.
In general, I found the album to be solid. “Kiss Me More” and “Need to Know” stood out as particularly good tracks. Additionally, Doja Cat included a deluxe edition of the album with four new songs, and while the audio quality wasn’t top-notch, I still enjoyed the bonus tracks. “Up and Down,” “Y Y” featuring Gunna, and “Ride” served as enjoyable fillers. While there were a couple of songs I wasn’t too keen on, such as “Tonight,” I appreciated her collaboration with Eve on it. It’s refreshing to see newer female rappers reaching out to veterans like Eve. Another track, “Naked,” didn’t quite resonate with me, though it wasn’t necessarily bad. “Get Into It (Yuh)” was a bit of a mixed bag for me. While it had an infectious energy and playful vibe reminiscent of Coi Leray, Playboy Carti, and Nicki Minaj, I found myself conflicted about it. Despite its catchy nature and Doja’s homage to Nicki Minaj in her flow, I’m still unsure about my feelings towards it. It’s neither a song I’d skip nor one I’m fully enamored with yet. Overall, “Planet Her” impressed me and signals Doja Cat’s ascent to greater heights in her career. She’s proving herself as a formidable artist, and I’m excited to see where she goes from here.
Moving on to our final topic, let’s briefly discuss Saweetie. Recently, she appeared on Nick Cannon’s morning show on Power 106 and shared her views on pretty privilege. Contrary to popular belief, she expressed that it hasn’t always worked in her favor. Personally, I’ve experienced a similar sentiment throughout my life. Being conventionally attractive hasn’t necessarily been a blessing; instead, it often led to judgment and the spread of unfounded rumors about me. I’ve found that true beauty lies not just in physical appearance, but in one’s aura and energy. When I talk about being pretty, I’m referring to the essence of a person – their confidence and positive energy. It’s about more than just superficial adornments like fashion or accessories; it’s about embracing one’s inner radiance.
Saweetie recently shared her perspective, which I found quite positive. While I appreciate her message, I couldn’t help but notice her comment about pretty looks working against her, drawing from her own upbringing. While I respect her experiences, it’s hard to ignore the advantages her appearance may have offered in the industry. Saweetie possesses qualities often deemed marketable in the music world, from her complexion to her features. However, attributing her success solely to looks would be unfair; her connections, team, and self-marketing skills also played significant roles. Nevertheless, it’s undeniable that her aesthetic has contributed to her acclaim more than her musical prowess. While Saweetie clearly prioritizes her brand and professionalism, she must elevate her musical skills to be taken seriously. Her focus seems skewed towards image rather than music quality. Nonetheless, recent performances, like her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel, show improvements in areas like breath control and stage presence. This indicates her dedication to growth, but there’s still ample room for improvement. With continued commitment, Saweetie can garner the respect she seeks for her craft.