Hey everyone! Let’s kick off this video by diving into some fresh music, starting with Kash Doll. She recently unleashed her latest single “Ridin,” showcasing her signature style but with a twist – she’s delving into singing on this track. It’s got this hip-hop vibe reminiscent of Maya’s “Ridin,” which I’m totally digging. Kash Doll’s been keeping up with her music game, dropping her “Back on Dexter” project this year, featuring a standout track “Heavy” with DJ Drama and Peezy. That street vibe and unabashed flaunting of wealth? Count me in. Kash Doll’s got my attention, and I’m eagerly awaiting more from her.
Shifting gears, let’s talk Doja Cat and her latest track “Attention,” where she’s switching up her image. There’s been some buzz around this one, especially since she name-dropped Nicki Minaj and subtly referenced Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow.” Doja addressed those rumors head-on, but her lyrics definitely make a statement. She’s tired of the comparisons and wants to shine in her own right as a rapper. While some may see her more as a singer and pop star, she’s ready to prove herself in the rap game. I’ve heard her upcoming album will lean heavily into hip-hop, which has piqued my interest. Overall, “Attention” has me hooked.
Doja consistently delivers top-notch songs owing to her exceptional musicality, so I naturally anticipate quality from her. However, I find myself less enthused about her current artistic phase. While I’m intrigued by the musical direction she’ll take, I’ve been put off by the recent embrace of dark, devilish imagery in her promotions. Personally, it doesn’t resonate with me, and I perceive it as a deliberate choice on her part, rather than mere trolling. Moreover, her remarks about her fans have been off-putting to me. Despite recognizing her talent, I can’t muster excitement for this new era.
Nevertheless, I acknowledge her strategic approach to carving out a distinct identity. Starting with a pop sound to build a sizable fanbase, she now appears poised to fully embrace hip-hop, potentially elevating the genre’s standards in the mainstream. The mainstream hip-hop scene has seen a decline in quality, with Nicki Minaj standing out as a true rap artist amidst the mediocrity. Her album “Queen” served as a reminder of her greatness and highlighted the lackluster efforts of others. If Doja Cat can contribute to raising the bar in mainstream hip-hop, count me in.
Moving on to another topic related to Nicki Minaj, the anticipation builds for her upcoming collaboration with Ice Spice for the Barbie movie soundtrack, set to release this Friday.
There’s a buzz around the reinterpretation of Aqua’s iconic “Barbie Girl” song, with expectations soaring for its release. Set to be a standout single in an upcoming movie, this rendition is anticipated to be a catchy summer anthem that will delight many. Predictions even suggest that “Barbie World,” as it’s titled, could skyrocket to the number one spot on the hip-hop charts, a feat yet to be achieved this year. With Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice leading the charge, the song’s success seems imminent.
However, amidst the excitement, controversy has reared its head. Writer Jason Martin has stepped forward, alleging that he and Saweetie were the original architects behind the hip-hop adaptation of “Barbie World.” Martin recalls pitching the idea to Saweetie last year, envisioning it as a collaborative effort for the movie’s soundtrack. Despite their early involvement, the song was purportedly rejected, only to resurface later with different artists attached. Martin’s claims highlight the murky waters of intellectual property in the music industry, advocating for fair compensation and recognition for creative contributions.
While the specifics of this dispute remain unclear, it raises questions about artistic ownership and the power dynamics within the entertainment business. Whether Saweetie’s rendition was sidelined in favor of more prominent names like Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj is speculative, but not entirely implausible given the industry’s penchant for star power. As the saga unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing creative input and ensuring equitable treatment for all involved.
In considering Jason’s case, it’s essential to recognize that neither Jason nor Saweetie owns the song in question; it belongs to the group Aqua, creators of the original “Barbie Girl.” Upon comparing Saweetie’s rendition to Ice Spice and Nicki’s, it’s evident there are stylistic variances. Saweetie’s version carries a trap-style beat, while Ice Spice and Nicki’s leans towards drill. Moreover, lyrical alterations differentiate the songs further. Thus, while the concepts may align, the songs themselves diverge significantly.
Shifting gears, I’d like to acknowledge the vibrant presence of R&B artists making waves. Recently, Coco Jones delivered a captivating live performance of her latest single, “Crazy For Me,” from her album “What I Didn’t Tell You.” Though I hoped for the release of “No Chaser,” “Crazy For Me” impresses with its infectious energy. Jones’s performance, reminiscent of her “Let It Shine” days, showcased her prowess in both dance and vocals, affirming her star status and revitalizing the R&B scene.
Additionally, Victoria Monet continues to shine with her latest release, “On My Mama.” A smooth and captivating track, “On My Mama” samples Charlie Boy’s “I Look Good,” infusing it with R&B allure. The song’s versatility makes it a perfect fit for various settings, from cookouts to HBCU events, solidifying its potential as Monet’s breakout hit.
In further music news, Normani’s return to the spotlight is eagerly anticipated with the tease of her upcoming single, “Candy Paint.” Previewed in collaboration with Boze, the snippet featured in a commercial sparked excitement among fans, signaling Normani’s return to the music scene.
A couple of years back, there was a campaign featuring Normani for Tommy Hilfiger where she danced to her song “Wild Side.” Unfortunately, that campaign got scrapped for reasons unknown. Nevertheless, I’m glad to see she’s incorporating the dancing concept into her commercial with Boze. Normani’s known for her incredible dancing skills, so it’s only fitting that she continues dropping dance videos.
Regarding “Candy Paint,” I have high hopes for its success. Despite a leak on Twitter some time ago, I managed to hear a rough cut, and it sounds like a potential smash hit. My only wish is for Normani to maintain consistency this time around. It’s been a challenging period for her lately, as she revealed in her interview with Boze that both her parents were battling cancer. Her mother just completed chemotherapy, while her father was diagnosed shortly after and had to undergo treatment as well. Such stress can take a toll on anyone’s mental health, and it’s understandable why Normani has been absent. My heart goes out to her and her family, and I wish them all complete healing and good health. I’m eagerly anticipating the release of “Candy Paint”; I’m sure it’ll be a chart-topper.
Now, let’s give a shout-out to Justine Skye and Amaka. Justine collaborated with Austin Millz on the track “On and On,” which I find quite infectious and upbeat. Additionally, Amaka, formerly part of the duo VanJess, released a solo track titled “Cruisin’,” which is definitely worth a listen. It’s refreshing to see R&B artists venturing into the dance music scene. If you haven’t already, check out “Cruisin'” by Amaka and “On and On” by Justine Skye with Austin Millz. They make for perfect dance tunes.
What are your thoughts on these releases? Let me know in the comments below. Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video if you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching, and until next time, take care. Bye!