Greetings, everyone, and welcome. Today, I’m eager to delve into several topics, beginning with some exciting music updates. Just recently, Brie Runway unveiled her latest single, “Pressure.” For those unfamiliar, Brie Runway is a talented UK artist known for her versatility across genres like dance, hip hop, R&B, and pop. She’s been on my musical radar for some time now, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying her work. “Pressure” is a high-energy dance track that she teased during her performance at the MOBO Awards, and I must say, it’s quite a vibe. Infused with afrobeat influences, the song perfectly aligns with Brie’s eclectic musical style. Known for her experimental approach and penchant for delivering runway-worthy dance anthems, Brie Runway seamlessly integrates elements of fashion into her artistry, a fusion that defines her unique brand. Describing her as a blend of Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott, Rihanna, and Azealia Banks wouldn’t be far off, but Brie undeniably possesses her own distinct flair and swagger.
She’s got some great tunes. One track I’d highly recommend is “Hot Hot”—it’s an absolute favorite of mine. Then there’s “Gucci,” a real anthem for the ladies. I could groove to that all day. And “All Night”? That one’s a banger too. Oh, and don’t miss her collab with Missy Elliott, “ATM”. Brie Runway’s got such a diverse range of songs. If you’re into alternative genre-bending music, you’ll definitely vibe with her style.
Switching gears, let’s chat about Nicki Minaj’s latest single, “Bussin,” featuring Lil Baby. It’s her second release following “Do We Have a Problem” dropped just last week. “Bussin” brings that familiar catchy, repetitive vibe reminiscent of hits like “Fifi” and “Good Form”. Some folks even prefer it over “Do We Have a Problem,” though personally, I think the latter’s a stronger track. There’s something raw and refreshing about it, like a mixtape gem with mainstream appeal.
As for “Bussin,” it’s decent, but its club-friendly, short format might give it an edge in streaming numbers. Still, I stand by my preference for “Do We Have a Problem”. Moving on, let’s discuss Saweetie’s latest offering, “Closer,” featuring H.E.R. Sure, it might have a bit of that elevator-shopping mall vibe, but surprisingly, I’m kind of into it. It’s a bit unexpected, but hey, sometimes that’s what makes a song memorable.
I find a bit of appeal in it, mainly because of H.E.R.’s captivating voice. It’s both sweet and sultry, and the melody has this addictive quality to it. Honestly, H.E.R.’s part steals the show in the song. Now, Saweetie, on the other hand, feels more like a supporting role in her own track. She’s there, but not quite the spotlight. Nevertheless, Saweetie’s approach seems strategic. I noticed she posted these cryptic pictures of mystery men on her social media, probably drumming up publicity for her upcoming music video. Smart move, really. And it’s clear she’s venturing into pop territory, following a path similar to Doja Cat’s. The resemblance between “Closer” and “Kiss Me More” or “Say So” isn’t coincidental at all. Saweetie probably took note of the success of Doja and SZA’s collaboration and aimed to replicate it. Bringing in an R&B talent like H.E.R. to the mix is a smart move. I wouldn’t be surprised if “Closer” becomes a hit for both of them. Despite the similarities to Doja’s style, Saweetie knows what works and is steering in that direction. Especially since she needs another hit before dropping her new album, “Pretty B**ch Music”. Remember “Best Friend” from last year? It featured Doja and performed really well. That’s the kind of success Saweetie is aiming for again.
However, her subsequent singles failed to gain traction. Both “Icy Chain” and “Fast Motion” went unnoticed because they simply didn’t resonate with audiences. Consequently, she’s now shifting gears towards a more pop-oriented direction, presumably in pursuit of a chart-topping hit. Personally, I would have preferred if Saweetie had stuck to her original “Icy Girl” vibe. There’s a track called “Get It Girl” that I felt would have been a perfect single for her, but she opted to contribute it to the “Insecure” soundtrack instead, which I found a bit perplexing. “Get It Girl” had the potential to be one of Saweetie’s standout releases, but it seems she’s moving away from that sound. She appears to be following trends rather than staying true to her style, experimenting to see what resonates. So, it remains to be seen if her latest single, “Closer,” will be a success. If not, perhaps “Get It Girl” will be her next best option.
I’d like to touch on another one of Saweetie’s releases. She collaborated with an artist named Taisha on a track called “119,” and I couldn’t help but notice the striking similarities between Taisha and Rihanna. It seems like the industry is seeking to fill the void left by Rihanna’s absence. Taisha is a newcomer who seemingly appeared out of nowhere, already equipped with a polished music video and a feature from a popular rapper. Naturally, I was curious about her backing, and a bit of research revealed that she’s signed to Atlantic Records. This aligns with Atlantic’s reputation for scouting talent to potentially replace top artists, like their rumored attempts to pit female rappers against Nicki Minaj. However, given Rihanna’s irreplaceable status and her hiatus from music for the past six years, it’s understandable why labels might be searching for a successor.
Currently, she’s at the helm of a multi-billion dollar enterprise, all while expecting a child. Despite these demands, she radiates contentment and vitality, embracing her prime. It appears unlikely that she’s inclined to delve back into the music scene. Rihanna’s relentless dedication to her craft over the years has understandably left her yearning for a respite. She deserves an extensive hiatus from the music industry.
Yet, the music business is relentless, constantly seeking the next big star. This highlights a fundamental issue within the industry: the desire to replicate success rather than nurture genuine talent. While I don’t intend to disparage the emerging artist Taisha, her striking resemblance to Rihanna in appearance, sound, and demeanor gives me pause. It feels like a throwback to Rihanna’s early days as a Caribbean artist.
While I haven’t explored Taisha’s catalog extensively, her debut suggests a concerning trend of mimicry encouraged by her label, Atlantic. While drawing inspiration is natural, to truly establish herself, Taisha must carve out her own identity. She’s still in the nascent stages of her career and deserves the space to evolve authentically.
Atlantic’s apparent strategy to replace Rihanna is misguided. Rihanna’s status as an icon and young legend is irreplaceable. Let’s not toy with the legacy she’s built.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this matter in the comments section below. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe if you found this discussion engaging. Thank you for tuning in, and until next time, take care. Goodbye!
