With his 5th studio album, Wiz Khalifa has taken the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 with Blacc Hollywood. This is his first album to rank in the #1 spot. His debut, Show and Prove (2006), didn’t rank on any charts and his sophomore album Deal or No Deal (2009) debuted at #25 on Top R&B Hip/Hop Albums and #10 on Top Rap Albums. His first taste of global commercial success came with the success of Rolling Papers (2011) which debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 selling 197,000 copies in its first week and spawned hits: ‘Black and Yellow’, ‘Roll Up’, ‘On My Level’, and No Sleep’. His last album, O.N.I.F.C. (2012)became his second album to rank #2 on the Billboard 200 selling 148,000 in its first week.
While Blacc Hollywood did not reach the 100K mark it still garners Wiz Khalifa his first #1 album with 90,000 copies sold in its first week.
Over on the Hot 100, Magic! holds tight at the #1 spot for the 8th straight week with ‘Rude’. Meghan Trainor’s, ‘All About That Bass’ is in at #2 with Sam Smith’s, ‘Stay With Me’ in at #3. Iggy Azalea now has three tracks in the top 10: ‘Fancy’ in at #5, ‘Problem in at #7’, and ‘Black Widow’ moving up the chart to #8. Ariana Grande also has 3 tracks in the top 10 including ‘Problem, ‘Break Free’ (#4), and ‘Bang Bang’ (#10). Elsewhere on the chart, Nico & Vinz are in at #6 with ‘Am I Wrong’, Sia is in at #9 with ‘Chandelier’.
The visual for ‘Bang Bang’ has been released and the performance on the VMAs was a sight to see. The video is very similar to that of their Beats commercial so the commercial was really a sneak peak into what to expect. Jessie J does the whole bend and snap hair swing and shoulder shake, nothing with a bunch of umph. She could’ve went harder with the choreo. Her outfit was cute, trousers, suspenders, crop top, and heels. The curly hair is cute on her and I love it way more than the slicked back pony tail she’s been rocking elsewhere. Ariana is such a doll, literally. She’s dancing around with a megaphone spray painted with ‘Bang’ and her two piece white lace ensemble with white heels is pretty cute. Her voice usually annoys me, but she works well with this song (as mentioned in my initial track review). Then there’s Ms. Minaj. Nicki spits her bars from the rooftop in front of a helicopter in a black leather top, leopard skirt, and black heels. I love the simplicity of her looks as of late. Nothing outlandish. The video ends with the ladies on top of the rooftop in new outfits. Nicki has on a neon yellow skirt with matching heels and a colorful bra. Jessie has on an interesting dress that’s the same as what she wore on the VMAs except in a metallic zebra print. Ariana is no surprise in yet another TWO PIECE that’s shiny with what looks like a pink chevron.
The video overall could’ve used some more choreo, but the ladies looked great so points for that. Ovther than that it was just alright.
This is the third collab between Ariana Grande and Big Sean as the two have previously collaborated on ‘Right There’ and ‘Problem’. This time around it is more interesting being that it’s been rumored that the two are dating. I knew that there was some chemistry between the two when they performed ‘Right There’ at “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Party”. Also with rumors circulating about their romance, an Instagram photo posted on both Ariana’s and Sean’s have indicated something is going on between the two.
As for this new track, ‘Best Mistake’, I like that this is a different direction for Ariana. She sings a lot of R&B fused music, but it’s very pop at the same time. Pop at 21 years old is more intriguing than R&B in this day anyway. The track has a nice vibe and her voice doesn’t annoy me. I just think that she doesn’t show enough emotion. The inflection in her tone is just not there. She sounds great, but it’s just like she’s singing the lyrics from the paper and not really feeling it. I do like the direction of the song. It isn’t horrible.
Ariana’s sophomore album, My Everything, will be in stores/online August 25th.
The track that has been buzzed about for a few weeks now has finally surfaced. Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj have teamed up for ‘Bang Bang’ and I must say that I had mixed reviews on the track once I heard the snippet. When listening to it in its entirety it’s a nice track that’ll get lots of airplay. Jessie J vocally is amazing and since I first heard ‘Price Tag’ I’ve been a fan of her work. As for Ariana Grande, while I usually can’t stand her voice, this time she fit well with this track. She was singing so high, which shows the strength and range in her voice, but other times she can sound very nasally. Now to complete trifecta, insert Nicki Minaj. Her bars were really nothing spectacular to me, but Nicki is Nicki and she’s quite clever. I will say that Nicki Minaj knows how to fit in on any track if need be.
I’ve been reading that this track is being compared to the mega diva smash, ‘Moulin Rouge’(Christina Aguilera, Mya, Pink, Lil’Kim), BUT I have to disagree with that. Not saying that this won’t be a smash in its own right, but this song does not compare to ‘Moulin Rouge’. Another thing, I’m not really a fan of the cover art. It could’ve been way better. Jessie J confirmed yesterday (7.29) onElvis Duran & The Morning Show (Z100) that filming for the video would be starting. Hopefully the visual doesn’t kill the song.
Overall I’d give it a 3.5/5. It’s still growing on me.
I recently posted my album review of Sia‘s latest album, 1000 Forms of Fear, and it has topped the Billboard 200. With a mere 52,000 copies sold it seems to have done the job of getting Sia her first number one album on the chart.
Frozen has surged back up the charts from #5 to #2 with 46,000 copies sold. Sam Smith’s, In The Lonely Hour, holds tight at #3 with an additional 42,000 copies sold. Dropping from #2 to #4 is Ed Sheeran’s, X, which sold an additional 35,000 copies in its third week. Last weeks chart topper, Trey Songz has fallen four spots to #5 with his latest album, Trigga selling only 34,000 copies.
Judas Priest debuts with their highest mark on the chart coming in at #6 with their latest album, Redeemer of Souls, worth 33,000 copies sold. Now 50 rises from #11 to #7 while Miranda Lamberts, Platinum, falls from #7 to #9. Dirty Heads, Sounds of Change, comes in at #8 and rounding of the top 10 is Lana Del Rey’s, Ultraviolence.
Magic!’s album, Don’t Kill The Magic, debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 last week and although it’s fallen out of the top 10 their smash, ‘Rude’ has knocked Iggy Azalea’s ‘Fancy’ out of the top spot; a spot she had been holding for eight weeks. Iggy doesn’t fall much as she only drops to #2. Ariana Grande’s in at #3 with ‘Problem’, Nico & VInz come in at #4 with ‘Am I Wrong’, and in at #5 is Sam Smith’s ‘Stay With Me’
Well, here it is, another edition of This Week in Music (#TWIM). Let’s get right to it. Just like I mention in mosts posts, click the links!
The Billboard 200 numbers came in and Lana Del Rey topped the chart with Ultraviolenceselling 188,000 copies making it her first album to top the chart. Sam Smith became the first solo artist since Phillip Phillips released The World From the Side of the Moon(2012),to have the largest debut. In The Lonely Hoursold 166,000 copies, placing Sam Smith in at #2. Lincoln Park’s, Hunting Party,debuted at #3 will 110,000 copies sold. It is their first non #1 album since their 2002 debut. The Frozen soundtrack is STILL in the Top 10 this week. It places at #4 moving down a spot from the previous week. Despite that, 26 consecutive weeks in the top 10, for a soundtrack, isn’t shabby at all. Jennifer Lopez charted her lowest album sales to date with the release of A.K.A. selling 33,000 copies although it was her 8th consecutive Top 10 album.
Moving on to the Hot 100, Iggy Azalea is still atop of the chart with ‘Fancy‘. In at #2 is ‘Problem‘ and rounding off the top 3 is one of my FAVORITE tracks of the year thus far, Magic!’s ‘Rude‘.
There are two new albums that have been confirmed for a later release this year. First up is Ariana Grande. She will be releasing her sophomore album titled,My Everything. It hasn’t been a year since she’s released her debut, Yours Truly, but with the buzz around ‘Problem’ it only makes sense for her to push out a new album while the buzz is there. She announced this during an interview with Ryan Seacrest and discussed the direction of the album:
“I feel like each song is so strongly themed that I just wanted to have a very simple overall cover. It’s inspired by Jane Fonda in Barbarella and Star Wars and space. It’s more throwback, campy.”
She’s readying the video for her second single titled ‘Break Free’ which features Zedd and has a 1960s vibe. I can see where she’s going since the video for ‘Problem’ looked like a snippet from That 70s Show.
Selena Gomez is readying another album as she exits out of her Disney deal with Hollywood Records. The album will be a greatest hits album featuring ‘Love You Like a Love Song’, ‘Come and Get It’, plus more (of course). She hasn’t been out long enough in my opinion to have a greatest hits album, BUT I guess with this deal closing it makes sense. Even though she hasn’t really put a dent in her musical career she does have quite a bit of hits that I do enjoy.
As for new albums coming Tuesday: Trey Songz, Trigga; Robin Thicke, Paula; and Tessanne Chin, Count On MY Love. I will definitely be doing an album review on Trigga, I have no interest in Robin Thicke’s love letter to Paula and I will give a listen to Tessanne Chin’s debut. Not sure if I’ll be doing an album review.
Last week I wrote about Zenday Coleman being casted as Aaliyah and ALL the controversy surrounding it. Well, Zendaya has dropped out of filming the movie. Her rep released a statement:
“Zendaya is no longer involved in the project. Aaliyah has always been an inspiration to Zendaya,” the source said. “She was honored to portray her and pay tribute to her. If she is going to do it, she wants to do it right.”
With all the controversy with Aaliyah’s family more so than the mumbling and grumbling from Aaliyah fans, I can’t blame Zendaya for backing out. Interested in seeing if this movie will surface.
Alright let’s wrap this edition up; just a couple more things. Beyonce and Jay Z have officially stated their ‘On The Run’ tour and from pictures and Instagram videos, what a TOUR it is. They released a behind the scenes of the tour so check it out below:
In new music there hasn’t been much that’s caught my eye. Let’s see Jeremih released a remix to ‘Don’t Tell ‘Em’ featuring G-Unit. Not a fan of the G-Unit reunion, but I like the song, more so the beat. Lil Wayne released a track called ‘Krazy’ which is HORRIBLE. I don’t know the direction he’s going with the Carter V, but at this point I’m not interested. Then there’s a new artist I came across, who’s not really new, by the name of G-Eazy. He has a track titled, ‘Lotta That’ featuring A$AP Ferg & Danny Smith. Take a listen below and tune in next week for another edition of This Week in Music DEDICATED to the BET AWARDS!
There’s been a LOT going on this week, hence why my posts have been sparse, but as always welcome to another edition of This Week In Music. Let’s jump to chart news quickly. Please be sure to click links that’ll take you directly to the album/track.
As for the Billboard 200, Jack White’s Lazarettocame in at #1, Miranda Lambert (Platinum) moved to #2, and Frozen is in at #3. Iggy Azalea’s, ‘Fancy‘, is still atop the Hot 100 for 4th week and ‘Problem‘ still sits in at #2. Magic!’s, ‘Rude‘, moves up for spots to #3. Over on Billboard you can vote in the 2014 Mid-Year Music Poll. Click here to do so.
Back to Iggy Azalea for a moment, she is very busy on the charts and not just the pop one. She’s teamed with Hustle Gang General, T.I., for their latest collab ‘No Mediocre‘. I reviewed the track, but be sure to check out the video below. As for my thoughts, it was okay; nothing special.
Keeping along the lines of new videos this week, Trey Songz has released a new video for yet another single off Trigga titled, ‘Foreign’. I wasn’t really expecting to like this song as much as I do, but it’s catchy, the beat is there, and Trey Songz in the video is a major plus. The video starts the same as his ‘SmartPhones‘ video did and then he heads to a video shoot where he dances around with various women which matches every word he says, he likes his women foreign. Check out the video below. Trigga hits stores/online July 1st.
Mary J. Blige released two videos this week in support of the Think Like a Man Too Soundtrack. The soundtrack features 14 original songs from Mary J. Blige. The first video released was the cover of Shalamar’s ‘A Night to Remember’. The video featured a cameo from style ICON, June Ambrose. Then there’s the video for ‘Suitcase’ which was AMAZING! I’m very happy about this MJB compilation and YES a ‘My Top 5’ will be coming soon. Check out both videos below:
Now switching gears a little bit let’s get into TWO biopics that will be coming soon, well in 2015. The first is that of N.W.A.titled Straight Outta Compton. Dr. Dre will be played by Corey Hawkins, Cube by his son O’Shea Jackson Jr., and Eazy E by Jason Mitchell. The film will be directed by Gary Gray, production starts this summer, and is set to hit theaters August 14, 2015.
Moving on to the next biopic and one of the most controversial stories of the week is that of Zendaya Coleman begin casted to play Aaliyah in the upcoming biopic about her life. Now the controversy is that Zendaya is not ‘black enough’ to play Aaliyah. No her skin tone is not spot on to that of Aaliyah’s but it just utterly rude to make a comment as such. Personally, I feel the same way about Aaliyah having a biopic straight to TV (Lifetime) as I am with Whitney Houston’s going straight to TV. Artist of a certain caliber need to go to a theater. Even if it’s for a few private screenings, etc.,I think a movie screening is appropriate as well. Now Aaliyah’s family is fighting the production of this film not as far as casting, but as far as the movie not being on a theatrical level yet being put straight to TV. Aaliyah’s family is very territorial over her name, as they should be, BUT if this movie is gong to be stopped for going to Lifetime it’d be great to get one in theaters sometime soon.
Lastly, it all comes down to the HEADLINE for me of the week: ‘Angie Martinez Resigns from Hot 97’. after studying broadcast journalism, primarily radio, throughout college I’ve been obsessed with the formation of radio and my favorites have always been Wendy Williams and Angie Martinez. I loved that Wendy Williams asked any and everything not caring and not holding back and then there was Angie Martinez who was like every superstars friend as her essence just radiated that. After 25 years on Hot 97 and the past 15 as the Voice of NY from 3pm-7pm (The Angie Martinez Show), she has resigned and moved on to RIVAL Power 105.1. Her friends at Hot 97 seem to understand,I mean not that they have a choice. The difference between Hot 97 is like comparing it to that of a local grocery store and Walmart. There’s local attention then theirs global. Moving from Hot 97 to Power 105.1 expands Angie Martinez’s brand as its owned by Clear Channel. No word on her start date just yet, but she’ll be taking over the 2pm spot currently held by DJ Prostyle and then she’ll be on the sister station Miami’s 103.5 FM (The Beat of Miami). Congrats to Angie for making such a huge move.
Iggy Azalea can add yet another accomplishment to her portfolio as she hits the cover of the latest Billboard magazine issue. Just last week Iggy joined an elite group with tracks ‘Fancy’ and ‘Problem’ as she became the 15th solo artist to rank in at #1 and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the 4th solo female rapper as well. Well, Billboard has put this beautiful woman on their cover and the cover does NOT disappoint.
Ariana Grande has released the video for her latest radio smash ‘Problem‘ featuring Iggy Azalea and Big Sean. First off, I didn’t know Big Sean was the one whispering on the track. The video overall is a big fail for me. There was no concept behind it. First off I can see that the vibe/initial concept was to have a 70s type video. It went from having Iggy Azalea in a lava lamp like background (best description) to Big Sean whispering and of course Ariana Grande does the choreo that she’s been doing as she performs this track live. See here:
Overall, I don’t think the song is bad. I think that it’s very catchy on the radio and is a great push/buzz for Ariana as she gears up to release her debut album. The video just could’ve been better. She looks awkward dancing. The concept is just thrown together. The dancers weren’t needed. I would’ve liked to see a love interest and flashback to Iggy Azalea fighting with a love interest as she rapped or something. Big Sean didn’t really need to be in the video. I know he does the hook, but with a fallout storyline his presence wouldn’t really be needed. Videos can make or break a song and for this one, it didn’t help.
In other news, ‘Problem’ sits in at #2 on the Hot 100. Not shabby at all.
There’s been quite a bit of new tracks released this past week and I thought what better way to give my input on all of them than just to do a MASSIVe post with new music & my thoughts. Sounds good? Great. Here we go.
So there’s been a fe remixes released this week. I won’t go in depth with a review of those so just check those out below: ‘Loyal (Chris Brown) ‘ , ‘Yayo’ (Snootie Wild) , and ‘Up Down’ (T-Pain).
It’s been seven years since T-Pain has hit the music scene and his signature is all about clubs & liquor. His new track, ‘Drankin Patna’, is a bit slower than ‘Up Down’ and of course it’s auto tuned infused. The song overall is ok. I’m just SO OVER the strip club songs that hit the radio waves. I will say that T-Pain has stay true to the music he produces solo wise. Lyrically it’s nothing special.
I recently reviewed Trey Songz new video, ‘Smartphones’, and as he gears up to release his sixth studio album he’s back with another track ‘Foreign’. Now I hated ‘Na Na’. It’s annoying after awhile and lyrically Trey can do better. Then came ‘Smartphones’ which I actually like. I prefer ballads from Trey Songz. Now he’s up to bat with ‘Foreign’ and eh, it’s a toss up for me. I’m just not feeling the direction that this project is going. Lyrically he could do SO MUCH BETTER! I like the beat though. Anyway, his album Trigga is set to be released July 1st and when you pre-order it on iTunes you’ll get ‘Na Na’, ‘Smartphones’, ‘Foreign’, and ‘Change Your Mind’.
Now I haven’t liked a song that Mariah has put out, but her new one is catchy and sure to be a radio fave. ‘Thirsty’ features Rich Homie Quan. It reminds me a lot of ‘Obsessed’ as far as concept. It sure fits this day in time with thirsty being the catchphrase. Listening past the lyrics I really like this beat. I really like this one. If you’re not interested in hearing Rich Homie Quan there is a version without him. I prefer it without him. This song is a bit of a reach for Mariah as she is really trying to get back on the airwaves which makes sense due to the lack of buzz around ‘#Beautiful’ and ‘You’re Mine’. Could this be what gets her there? Yes. Is Mariah a better artist than this? Yes. Am I looking for something more on her album? YES!
If that wasn’t enough Mariah released another rapper-assisted track, ‘You Don’t Know What To Do’ , this time alongside MMG’s Wale. This one has an old and new school feel. She debuted this live on the Today Show as a part of their summer concert series and vocally she sounded good, at certain spots. The performance wasn’t a great representation vocally as the studio version overpowered in many instances. This one is cool, but I like ‘Thirsty’ more. I’m interested in hearing the flow on her album. Me. I am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse hits stores May 27th.
M.I.A. released her remix to Beyonce’s ‘Flawless’ after tweeting.
Beyonce camp has not replied for months > SO HERE >
‘Baddygal’ is so M.I.A. and I’m happy she released this. Great track and THAT BEAT is dope. I love this!
Now for the RACHET release of the week: Tiny & Shekinah. Yes you read it right, Tiny & Shekinah. Now Tiny is a reputable artist in her own right and Shekinah is a great hairstylist in the A. They’re best friends, you can catch their antics on “T.I. & Tiny: Family Hustle”. I never dreamed of these two getting on a track together. The tile? ‘Cut It Off’. I know that releasing music can be out of fun, to get a buzz, get a check, etc. Lyrically, come on. I find it quite funny, especially the hook.
It ain’t nothing to cut that d*** off.
Danity Kane has FINALLY released a new track. I quickly posted it a couple days ago, but never gave my take on it. First off, yes the group has gone initially from 5, to 4, and now 3 (Shannon, Aubrey, Dawn). Aundrea has announced her departure from the group which was to enjoy starting a family with her new fiancé. Congrats to her for that. DK3 released ‘Lemonade’ and samples Clipse ‘Grindin’ and in certain spots sounds like Eve’s ‘Who’s That Girl’. I like this and I can’t wait to hear more. I absolutely love Danity Kane and I really can’t wait to hear more. Nice track for a buzz.
Ariana Grande is back with yet another new track as her collab with Iggy Azalea, ‘Problem‘, storms the airwaves. ‘Boyfriend Material’ sounds a lot like Duffy’s ‘Mercy’, beat wise, and is a contrast to ‘Problem’. I will say that I like her original release ‘I Love The Way’ more than this one, but this beat works great with her voice. It doesn’t sound like she’s straining to sing. I’m interested in hearing how her debut album turns out.
Mustard on the beat hoe
DJ Mustard recently released a track off his upcoming debut, 10 Summers, but that doesn’t stop him from making beats. Jeremih gets one this time around on this track ‘Don’t Tell ‘Em’ featuring YG . A lot of the beats are starting to sound the same. This sure does sound like Kid Ink/Chris Brown, ‘Show Me’. It’s really a slowed down auto-tune infused sample of Snap!’s ‘Rhythm Is a Dancer’. I like this one though. I would like a full album from Jeremih soon.
Lil Wayne is still working hard on his upcoming album, Carter V, and he’s released a new rack ‘D’Usse’. I like the vibe of this one and I’ve always been a sucker for Weezy’s punchlines. Take a listen below:
With his 5th studio album, Wiz Khalifa has taken the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 with Blacc Hollywood. This is his first album to rank in the #1 spot. His debut, Show and Prove (2006), didn’t rank on any charts and his sophomore album Deal or No Deal (2009) debuted at #25 on Top R&B Hip/Hop Albums and #10 on Top Rap Albums. His first taste of global commercial success came with the success of Rolling Papers (2011) which debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 selling 197,000 copies in its first week and spawned hits: ‘Black and Yellow’, ‘Roll Up’, ‘On My Level’, and No Sleep’. His last album, O.N.I.F.C. (2012) became his second album to rank #2 on the Billboard 200 selling 148,000 in its first week.
chaoticcritic.wordpress.com 