Show Me a Good Time-Drake Thank Me Later
Your Love-Nicki Minaj Pink Friday
Who Dat-J. Cole Still Untitled
Find Your Love-Drake Thank Me Later
Never Been-Wiz Khalifa Kush and Orange Juice
Deja Vu-Mike Posner 31 Minutes to Take Off
Dueces-Chris Brown and Tyga Fan of a Fan
Power-Kanye West Still Untitled
Up All Night-Drake Nicki Minaj Thank Me Later
Downtown-Wale More About Nothing
It was hard to pick a top 10 because summer basically started end of April and I tend to hop from song to song a lot, but these are the ones that came to mind quickly, in no particular order. Thank Me Later was definitely the soundtrack to my summer, even though my relationship to that album is strange. Its like I grow to love it more everyday, but it was still somewhat of a disappointment. LOL I think this was the reaction Drake was expecting when he titled the album.
Other random favorites of Summer
Favorite Movies:
The Other Guys, Takers
Favorite TV Shows:
Real Housewives of NJ, Jersey Shore (I'm Jersey obsessed obviously) and of course The Boondocks
About Me
- Ariana
- I've always loved music and wanted to work in it. Well, you gotta start somewhere. See you at the top? Ok, cool.
Showing posts with label Thank Me Later. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thank Me Later. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Thank Me Later (First Listen)
I'll freely admit this is my first reaction, so I might be eating my words later. This also means that I can't really talk too much about lyrical content but mostly my first thoughts that come to mind with this. Upon first listen, "Thank Me Later" is pretty infectious. It doesn't have a dull moment and your are alert the entire time while listening. The beginning of the album (the first 3 songs) remind me of "So Far Gone" which isn't a bad thing. The only issue is that the songs don't seem to relate to the rest of the album. The transition from "The Resistance" to "Over" is pretty cool because he end "The Resistance" with "Ain't no turning back to me I'm in it till its over." The "Over" starts. However, the first songs on the album seem to be solemn and about regrets and fears while once over start its a bunch of bangers, celebrating success. Not saying that these songs are bad, I just think by putting them in other places throughout the album would represent them better.
Drake definitely considered the ladies in this album, with songs like "Fancy" and "Shut It Down." Its kinda like a celebration for women. As much as I don't considered myself easier swoon and not the typical female (for isntace, I dn't like flowers because I truly think they smell like poop) the songs do bring a smile to the face. Also, "Up All Night" is a Young Money song and makes me think of rap posses of the past, like Ruff Ryders, and No Limit Soldiers. Its cool, but its defintely a Young Money anthem. "Show Me a Good Time" showcases great production from Kanye. It kinda sounds like the club beats that you hear on the radio, but the production and the lyrics class it up and actually make it pretty sexy. Like a mature club banger.
On a somewhat negative note, I don't think all the features are necessary. They aren't bad, they sound great, I just feel like Drake could hold the songs on his own. Also, sometimes he sings for no apparent reason and sometimes it feels like a novelty and out of place. And the whole Rihanna verse was pretty pointless. I know he's talking about his experiences, but to bring it up so much later its kinda of irrelevant since that didn't really have much going on.
However, I am not disappointed at all by this album, its CRAZY RIDICULOUS and I keep wanting to listen to it again, and feeling I haven't had in a long time with music. I can't wait to listen to it more in depth and have a more clear perspective on it.
Turns out I was right about "Over" being the turning point. In this interview that I posted before but I didn't read until after I did this review he states that "Over" is the turning point of the album and the previous song allows you to get into his head.
Drake is also the PUSH artist of the week on MTV. Here's the interview.
Drake definitely considered the ladies in this album, with songs like "Fancy" and "Shut It Down." Its kinda like a celebration for women. As much as I don't considered myself easier swoon and not the typical female (for isntace, I dn't like flowers because I truly think they smell like poop) the songs do bring a smile to the face. Also, "Up All Night" is a Young Money song and makes me think of rap posses of the past, like Ruff Ryders, and No Limit Soldiers. Its cool, but its defintely a Young Money anthem. "Show Me a Good Time" showcases great production from Kanye. It kinda sounds like the club beats that you hear on the radio, but the production and the lyrics class it up and actually make it pretty sexy. Like a mature club banger.
On a somewhat negative note, I don't think all the features are necessary. They aren't bad, they sound great, I just feel like Drake could hold the songs on his own. Also, sometimes he sings for no apparent reason and sometimes it feels like a novelty and out of place. And the whole Rihanna verse was pretty pointless. I know he's talking about his experiences, but to bring it up so much later its kinda of irrelevant since that didn't really have much going on.
However, I am not disappointed at all by this album, its CRAZY RIDICULOUS and I keep wanting to listen to it again, and feeling I haven't had in a long time with music. I can't wait to listen to it more in depth and have a more clear perspective on it.
Turns out I was right about "Over" being the turning point. In this interview that I posted before but I didn't read until after I did this review he states that "Over" is the turning point of the album and the previous song allows you to get into his head.
Drake is also the PUSH artist of the week on MTV. Here's the interview.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Leaks in the Pipe
So ever since Drake's album leaked people are whining for various reasons. Leaks are natural and inevitable, and artists and record companies know this ahead of time (remember when I talked about 360 deals). So they aren't counting on this money. A lot of blogs are refusing to put up the entire album out of respect, and some are even arguing that leaking albums are going too far. My perspective: people who were actually going to buy it, are going to buy it regardless. Even if it wasn't leaked, if someone wasn't going to buy it, they can get a copy from a friend. I think a lot of artists take it as a compliment when people can't wait to listen to their album. I just read this article on MTV about how blogger are saying that Drake has built a strong relationship with them they they won't leak his album. I think that rings true. But I don't think a leaked album hurts that didn't already have a bad album to begin with.
Here's Drake talking about the leak at his listening party. Mentions "Light Up" and "Shut it down" as favorite songs are album.
Drake Talks Album Leaks & Musical Inspirations! from the.LIFE Files on Vimeo.
Here's Drake talking about the leak at his listening party. Mentions "Light Up" and "Shut it down" as favorite songs are album.
Drake Talks Album Leaks & Musical Inspirations! from the.LIFE Files on Vimeo.
"Thank Me Later" is like Valentine's Day...
Thank Me Later leaked earlier this week, and of course people are hating on it already, saying that they expected so much better. Which is what Drake foreshadowed in the beginning, thus titling his album "Thank Me Later." I view "Thank Me Later" to be like Valentine's. I hate to make generalizations, but most females have unrealistic expectations of Valentine's Day. They dream about and anticipate Valentine's day for so long that their visions become bigger than the actual day and NOTHING can meet the impossible expectations. Therefore not matter what your significant other does, it will never be good enough. I think that's how a lot of people view this album. The anticipation for it has been building for over a year and people expecting it to be a classic, that people forget that this is a 23-year-old just putting out an album about his life. Just one album, his first album nonetheless. It can't be perfect, and it can't meet everyone's expectations. And hopefully its not the only thing he does. Just like Valentine's Day is just another 24 hours in February, Thank Me Later is just one album that could be good or bad. But that's all it is, just an album.
Even though I have the link, I personally don't want to listen to it until I can buy it. Not because I feel like I owe "hip hop taxes" and should buy the album, but mostly because if I really want to listen to something, I hate having random tags and not clean versions, so I rather buy it so I know I have the most quality I can get. I also don't really want anyone's opinion on the album until I listen to it for a little while. I think with blogs, twitter, and what not, you get so bogged down with other people's opinion you never give yourself a fair chance to enjoy that music. I rather just talk to the few people opinions I value when it comes to music.
Drake is already working on his second album, which is great. Some people are expecting it to come out next year, which would make sense because in a lot of his interviews he emphasizes that "Thank Me Later" should be the soundtrack to your summer, fall, and winter (notice that he doesn't mention Spring.) He's freestyle "9AM in Dallas" is also being mastered to be the bonus iTunes track. I typically don't buy music on iTunes because I like hard copies, so I might just have to download the mastered link off somewhere and buy the physical copy also.
Here's some articles and artwork that I missed while on my unintentional blog break.
Article talking about the listening party for "Thank Me Later"
“I represent a bunch of kids that live life thinking every day is Woodstock—peace, love, and happiness,” Drizzy explains after describing his influences, including Nas, JimiHendrix
, family, women, and money, or as he retorts, “The things that at 23 years old control my life.”
9AM in Dallas Artwork
Speaking About Wayne
Somewhat talking about 2nd album:
Lebron as Drake's hype man:
Article talking about how "Thank Me Later" is just about this particle time in his life.
And the official "Miss Me" single artwork. I know, super late, but I told you its been a while and also there was a fake single cover going around for a while that they now use on itunes O_o
Even though I have the link, I personally don't want to listen to it until I can buy it. Not because I feel like I owe "hip hop taxes" and should buy the album, but mostly because if I really want to listen to something, I hate having random tags and not clean versions, so I rather buy it so I know I have the most quality I can get. I also don't really want anyone's opinion on the album until I listen to it for a little while. I think with blogs, twitter, and what not, you get so bogged down with other people's opinion you never give yourself a fair chance to enjoy that music. I rather just talk to the few people opinions I value when it comes to music.
Drake is already working on his second album, which is great. Some people are expecting it to come out next year, which would make sense because in a lot of his interviews he emphasizes that "Thank Me Later" should be the soundtrack to your summer, fall, and winter (notice that he doesn't mention Spring.) He's freestyle "9AM in Dallas" is also being mastered to be the bonus iTunes track. I typically don't buy music on iTunes because I like hard copies, so I might just have to download the mastered link off somewhere and buy the physical copy also.
Here's some articles and artwork that I missed while on my unintentional blog break.
Article talking about the listening party for "Thank Me Later"
“I represent a bunch of kids that live life thinking every day is Woodstock—peace, love, and happiness,” Drizzy explains after describing his influences, including Nas, Jimi
9AM in Dallas ArtworkSpeaking About Wayne
Somewhat talking about 2nd album:
Lebron as Drake's hype man:
Article talking about how "Thank Me Later" is just about this particle time in his life.
And the official "Miss Me" single artwork. I know, super late, but I told you its been a while and also there was a fake single cover going around for a while that they now use on itunes O_o
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Listening to "July" while waiting for June 15th
I'm really really anxious for June 15th. Its mostly because of "Thank Me Later" but I really think I'm just anxious about other things that should fall into place by then, but of course that's not necessary to explain in this blog. Plus I think I'm still mad about not seeing the concert that I feel like I have holes in my musical experience and that the album can at least fill one of them. Plus there keeps being leaks of information about this album that its driving me insane! I hate anticipation. Its always not as bad or as good as it seems. Like in scary movies when the music and the suspense is really what is scary to you, but once the guy pops out its like ooh...ok. I kinda want this album to be like an impromptu rave, like you didn't have time to prepare but you are so excited to have new experiences but still have the comfort of familiarity.
It's seems like Drake's been everywhere this week, at least online and somewhat TV. For instance the song "July" leaked, and people are guessing it dates back to 2007, around the time of Comeback Season. It's a cool song to vibe out to.It was suppose to be on a soundtrack for a movie, but the movie is unknown and obviously it didn't happen.
Since the Find Your Love video dropped about a week ago, more has been coming out about the video and song. For instance, I saw on mtv.com that that the Jamaican tourism city doesn't like the video because it depicts a negative stereotype of Jamaica. I think that's dumb to complain about because to me there is no such thing as bad press. Plus the visual were so beautiful, it was nice to see a part of Jamaica that wasn't a resort. And there are gangs everywhere so I don't think that was unique to the location. And I'm sure the production of the video helped the economy in the typically low income are so its not the time to complain. You could actually make this space a place for future videos for other artists.
Drake spoke about the meaning of "Find Your Love" in this Entertainment Weekly article:
“I look for love in the wrong people,” he recently told us. “It just always seem like the women I find are poison for me. I love women that can just walk into a room and stop the whole area. And I think that those initial qualities always end up getting me hurt, which is a crazy thing for a guy to say.”
On “Love,” Drake, hurt by women many times before, hopes his next relationship doesn’t crash like the others. “I’ve been through this s— so many times that if I go through his again,” he says of the song’s concept, “I better find your love. You better be that one. Because if not, I don’t know what type of guy I’m going to turn into.”
Broken hearts aren’t typically the topic of hip-hop songs. Drake believes that his supporters, especially the guys, will be able to relate. But he knows he’s taking a chance. “Find Your Love” is an extremely vulnerable song,” he says. “And it’s actually a huge risk. It almost feels like the song should be performed by a woman. I’m just hoping that men really hear the song and they’re honest with themselves. I know a lot of men feel that way.”
I can definitely relate to the concept because I'm that type of person. I'm a very prideful creature and very selective of the men I talk to. And its like this better work out because I refuse to be wrong about you so I better find something. This of course blows up in my face but whatever. I can't say that I, or any other person, has the worse luck in relationships because everyone has it. Its natural to have bad past relationships because that's the nature of past relationships, they obviously didn't work out for a reason. If they weren't bad, you would still be in them now. Even if you have some great story about your ex, it always has that crappy story in the end and that's why you aren't together now. Its all about trial and error and knowing when its time to bounce and picking yourself up afterwards. But that's as about as open as I will get on a music blog. Remember what I said about females and feelings on blogs? Yeah, a lot of times its not so cute.
I also found the 5 things you should know about "Thank Me Later" on several sites, but I original saw this on rap-up.com
1.Timbaland produced a track called “Thank Me Now.”
2. Indiepop band Francis and the Lights, who opened for Drake on tour, is featured on one song. “I wanted to take what I love about [their] music and bring it into my world,” says Drake.
3. “Karaoke ” deals with the pitfalls of achieving fame at an early age. He recalls how he felt at 15 when his girlfriend told him she couldn’t love a star. “It killed me,” he explains. “I can’t wait till she hears it. She’ll know it’s her.”
4.Jay-Z schools his younger peer on “Light Up,” which he first told Rap-Up.com about in December. “He lets me know how young and naive I really sound,” Drake says. “It’s an incredible moment. He’s like, ‘This is how it really is. Because I’ve lived it.’”
5. Drake made this album for music lovers, not for the Billboard charts. “I didn’t make this album for commercial purposes. A lot of the verses are extremely long. I just made it to share with people. I hope they can enjoy.”
Now, of course I'm excited for all of this, but it kinda worries me. I don't want the album to be all Hollywood with all these features. It was already announced that that Alicia Keys will be on "Fireworks." It seems like the album has the potential to be like Blueprint 3. Not that that was a bad album but it was very super starred filled. Its like of course having big names on a album is great, but I rather it just be you are the most genuine and rawest form. Not to say that Jay wasn't real, but Blueprint 3 wasn't his most organic album if you get what I mean. Like I don't want the album to be single ready like man I can hear this on the radio RIGHT NOW. Sometimes that's not always the best thing. But I'm sure it will be great, just some things to consider.
I also find it funny how Drake talks about loyalty but doesn't mention having Trey on the album, who was down with him waaay before Young Money. Plus they always make a good collaboration. It would be great if he was on the album.
Also with talk about the album so are verses that aren't going to be on the album but he's performing on tour. For instance "You Know, You Know” produced by Kanye West won't be on the album. Pretty hot though. Watch it here.
The thing about unreleased stuff that irks me is that I want to listen to it! That bothers me and bonus tracks and re-released album. It's like, don't let me have a different musical experience just because I bought it on iTunes or Walmart. Or don't re-release the entire album and say your are doing it for the fans that supported you in the beginning. If you were, you wouldn't make them buy new songs! Just make a new album. Rappers typically don't do this and I hope Drake doesn't do that because I find it very annoying. Remixes are a bit peeve of mine too. I know that a bit strange, but it like get it right the first time. I understand its a new spin on the song, but I really appreciate new work. Clearly this isn't about Drake its just the music industry that drives me insane.
Here's a deleted scene from "When I Was 17" in which Drake briefly talks about Room For Improvement, even though he made that when he was 19. To me Room For Improvement was really underrated. All my friends make fun of me because they think its garbage, but I can actually listen to it front to back with no problem. You should have to have the mindset that this is not a prequel to So Far Gone, its a raw mixtape that's pretty good. You can see early musical characteristics of him though. My favorite song is "Thrill Is Gone" I listen to that a lot.
Here's the full episode
I guess my major wonder is, after the album comes out and you listen to it, what do you have to look forward to? Music videos? Even though I hate anticipation, its half the fun, and you gotta feed the hungry or someone else will. I wonder if he's the type to put out album quickly or let it grow and take time to develop an album. And which one is a smarter move? And what will I write about lol.
It's seems like Drake's been everywhere this week, at least online and somewhat TV. For instance the song "July" leaked, and people are guessing it dates back to 2007, around the time of Comeback Season. It's a cool song to vibe out to.It was suppose to be on a soundtrack for a movie, but the movie is unknown and obviously it didn't happen.
Since the Find Your Love video dropped about a week ago, more has been coming out about the video and song. For instance, I saw on mtv.com that that the Jamaican tourism city doesn't like the video because it depicts a negative stereotype of Jamaica. I think that's dumb to complain about because to me there is no such thing as bad press. Plus the visual were so beautiful, it was nice to see a part of Jamaica that wasn't a resort. And there are gangs everywhere so I don't think that was unique to the location. And I'm sure the production of the video helped the economy in the typically low income are so its not the time to complain. You could actually make this space a place for future videos for other artists.
Drake spoke about the meaning of "Find Your Love" in this Entertainment Weekly article:
“I look for love in the wrong people,” he recently told us. “It just always seem like the women I find are poison for me. I love women that can just walk into a room and stop the whole area. And I think that those initial qualities always end up getting me hurt, which is a crazy thing for a guy to say.”
On “Love,” Drake, hurt by women many times before, hopes his next relationship doesn’t crash like the others. “I’ve been through this s— so many times that if I go through his again,” he says of the song’s concept, “I better find your love. You better be that one. Because if not, I don’t know what type of guy I’m going to turn into.”
Broken hearts aren’t typically the topic of hip-hop songs. Drake believes that his supporters, especially the guys, will be able to relate. But he knows he’s taking a chance. “Find Your Love” is an extremely vulnerable song,” he says. “And it’s actually a huge risk. It almost feels like the song should be performed by a woman. I’m just hoping that men really hear the song and they’re honest with themselves. I know a lot of men feel that way.”
I can definitely relate to the concept because I'm that type of person. I'm a very prideful creature and very selective of the men I talk to. And its like this better work out because I refuse to be wrong about you so I better find something. This of course blows up in my face but whatever. I can't say that I, or any other person, has the worse luck in relationships because everyone has it. Its natural to have bad past relationships because that's the nature of past relationships, they obviously didn't work out for a reason. If they weren't bad, you would still be in them now. Even if you have some great story about your ex, it always has that crappy story in the end and that's why you aren't together now. Its all about trial and error and knowing when its time to bounce and picking yourself up afterwards. But that's as about as open as I will get on a music blog. Remember what I said about females and feelings on blogs? Yeah, a lot of times its not so cute.
I also found the 5 things you should know about "Thank Me Later" on several sites, but I original saw this on rap-up.com
1.
2. Indie
3. “
4.
5. Drake made this album for music lovers, not for the Billboard charts. “I didn’t make this album for commercial purposes. A lot of the verses are extremely long. I just made it to share with people. I hope they can enjoy.”
Now, of course I'm excited for all of this, but it kinda worries me. I don't want the album to be all Hollywood with all these features. It was already announced that that Alicia Keys will be on "Fireworks." It seems like the album has the potential to be like Blueprint 3. Not that that was a bad album but it was very super starred filled. Its like of course having big names on a album is great, but I rather it just be you are the most genuine and rawest form. Not to say that Jay wasn't real, but Blueprint 3 wasn't his most organic album if you get what I mean. Like I don't want the album to be single ready like man I can hear this on the radio RIGHT NOW. Sometimes that's not always the best thing. But I'm sure it will be great, just some things to consider.
I also find it funny how Drake talks about loyalty but doesn't mention having Trey on the album, who was down with him waaay before Young Money. Plus they always make a good collaboration. It would be great if he was on the album.
Also with talk about the album so are verses that aren't going to be on the album but he's performing on tour. For instance "You Know, You Know” produced by Kanye West won't be on the album. Pretty hot though. Watch it here.
The thing about unreleased stuff that irks me is that I want to listen to it! That bothers me and bonus tracks and re-released album. It's like, don't let me have a different musical experience just because I bought it on iTunes or Walmart. Or don't re-release the entire album and say your are doing it for the fans that supported you in the beginning. If you were, you wouldn't make them buy new songs! Just make a new album. Rappers typically don't do this and I hope Drake doesn't do that because I find it very annoying. Remixes are a bit peeve of mine too. I know that a bit strange, but it like get it right the first time. I understand its a new spin on the song, but I really appreciate new work. Clearly this isn't about Drake its just the music industry that drives me insane.
Here's a deleted scene from "When I Was 17" in which Drake briefly talks about Room For Improvement, even though he made that when he was 19. To me Room For Improvement was really underrated. All my friends make fun of me because they think its garbage, but I can actually listen to it front to back with no problem. You should have to have the mindset that this is not a prequel to So Far Gone, its a raw mixtape that's pretty good. You can see early musical characteristics of him though. My favorite song is "Thrill Is Gone" I listen to that a lot.
Here's the full episode
I guess my major wonder is, after the album comes out and you listen to it, what do you have to look forward to? Music videos? Even though I hate anticipation, its half the fun, and you gotta feed the hungry or someone else will. I wonder if he's the type to put out album quickly or let it grow and take time to develop an album. And which one is a smarter move? And what will I write about lol.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
"Find Your Love" -Drake [Video with Subtitles]
I finally got the subtitles I requested! I watched the video a lot so I could interpreted what they were saying but this would have been helpful in the beginning. So watch again as Drake learn the hard way to never trust a big butt and a smile.
Also, if you haven't noticed, the video was taken down online several times and at one point restricted to 18 and up since its premiered and this version seems to be edited. There is at least one difference, they cut out the part where she points the gun to this head. I noticed that in a lot of over versions too that they took out some sex and the gun. Damn censorship. You can only see the original cut, which they are now calling the uncensored cut, on October's Very Own Vimeo account, but I posted it with my analysis on the video. Click here for that.
Update: they keep taking off the uncensored video from OVO's Vimeo, so I posted the MTV unedited one that you have to verify your birthday.
Also, if you haven't noticed, the video was taken down online several times and at one point restricted to 18 and up since its premiered and this version seems to be edited. There is at least one difference, they cut out the part where she points the gun to this head. I noticed that in a lot of over versions too that they took out some sex and the gun. Damn censorship. You can only see the original cut, which they are now calling the uncensored cut, on October's Very Own Vimeo account, but I posted it with my analysis on the video. Click here for that.
Update: they keep taking off the uncensored video from OVO's Vimeo, so I posted the MTV unedited one that you have to verify your birthday.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
"Find Your Love"-Drake
People think I'm a hardass on everything, but I actually LOVE the video and thinks it completes the story and the concept of the song well. Visually beautiful. But I'm going to process this and give my analysis later on today. Mandler is an amazing director though. Only request so far, subtitles lol.
20 minutes later...
Well, I can't sleep so I guess I'm just going to write it now. If you haven't notice, I edit my blog posts a lot during the first 24 hours I write them. Typos, new ideas, different perspectives, hearing people's opinions, it sometimes alter a lot. But raw emotions are always best I suppose. Plus I watched it twice so I had some time to process it.
First off, I'm thankful that Rihanna was not in the video, that would have been way too obvious and made the video really campy. I also glad there wasn't any random celebrity cameos that I know of (even though it includes popular dance hall dancer, but I'm saying main stream American celebrities.) The video was very story heavy and didn't need any distractions. I also should state that I didn't understand most of the dialouge and that they really should have had subtitles.
But my overall interpretation of the videos was that Drake had to leave Jamaica for safety reasons because he stole the main guy's girl and the old man is telling him to go now. But Drake is talking about how he would regret it if he doesn't say goodbye to her. The video then tells their love story about how they met at the club when she was with another guy (he of course does his signature pursing of the lips and kiss on the hand), them spending time together, being intimate, etc. You can tell Drake really cares about this girl, enough that he wants to see her one last time. You can see the fear in his face when he walking down the street to see this girl and when he eventually gets her attention, she doesn't make eye contact with him, knowing what's going to happen next. When Drake is locked up in the chamber and she enters you can tell that he's hurt but too disgusted by her betrayal to show it. And even though she still can't make eye contact with him, she doesn't hesitate to take the gun and point the trigger at him. The video ends (very much like the series finales of "The Sopranos" and "Everybody Hates Chris") abruptly so you don't know what happens.
So people are talking about whether or not she shot him. I think of course she did. (Also, the 3 frames at the end of "Find" "Your" "Love" is 3 gun shots.) While the lyrics of the song are about being aggressive about love and not giving up so easily and that if you give someone all your love, nothing its going to tear you apart, in reality the video was about love and betrayal. While you think if you give all your love to somebody that nothing can ruin that, sometimes you don't get that back and people will stab you in the back quicker then it took the entire relationship to build. That's where you take the lyrics to the song, "I better find your love, I better find your heart." Obviously, he wasn't able to find it easily, and eventually realizes in the video that he can't find it at all, no matter how much he bets on it, which seems to be his life. I feel a lot of people can relate to this, not the exact experience, but caring so much about a person, thinking that if you give your all to it that you are going to find their love, their heart, but at the end you get nothing or lose more than you expected.
I think this song is a perfect example of what I was talking about earlier about the video completing the story. If artists are smart, they use videos the complete the concept and the vision that they had while writing the song. Of course its not going to be a carbon copy of their exact experience, but its all a metaphor to a experience they had or an emotion that they are trying to convey. I think Drake, now that he is finally doing solo work in terms of videos, is building a great visual portfolio for the album "Thank Me Later." Mandler is also an amazing director. I will say that this video improved the song a lot. It's still not my favorite song, but I understand and enjoy the concept much more. But I did focus more on the story of the video instead of listening to the song while watching the video and I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.
20 minutes later...
Well, I can't sleep so I guess I'm just going to write it now. If you haven't notice, I edit my blog posts a lot during the first 24 hours I write them. Typos, new ideas, different perspectives, hearing people's opinions, it sometimes alter a lot. But raw emotions are always best I suppose. Plus I watched it twice so I had some time to process it.
First off, I'm thankful that Rihanna was not in the video, that would have been way too obvious and made the video really campy. I also glad there wasn't any random celebrity cameos that I know of (even though it includes popular dance hall dancer, but I'm saying main stream American celebrities.) The video was very story heavy and didn't need any distractions. I also should state that I didn't understand most of the dialouge and that they really should have had subtitles.
But my overall interpretation of the videos was that Drake had to leave Jamaica for safety reasons because he stole the main guy's girl and the old man is telling him to go now. But Drake is talking about how he would regret it if he doesn't say goodbye to her. The video then tells their love story about how they met at the club when she was with another guy (he of course does his signature pursing of the lips and kiss on the hand), them spending time together, being intimate, etc. You can tell Drake really cares about this girl, enough that he wants to see her one last time. You can see the fear in his face when he walking down the street to see this girl and when he eventually gets her attention, she doesn't make eye contact with him, knowing what's going to happen next. When Drake is locked up in the chamber and she enters you can tell that he's hurt but too disgusted by her betrayal to show it. And even though she still can't make eye contact with him, she doesn't hesitate to take the gun and point the trigger at him. The video ends (very much like the series finales of "The Sopranos" and "Everybody Hates Chris") abruptly so you don't know what happens.
So people are talking about whether or not she shot him. I think of course she did. (Also, the 3 frames at the end of "Find" "Your" "Love" is 3 gun shots.) While the lyrics of the song are about being aggressive about love and not giving up so easily and that if you give someone all your love, nothing its going to tear you apart, in reality the video was about love and betrayal. While you think if you give all your love to somebody that nothing can ruin that, sometimes you don't get that back and people will stab you in the back quicker then it took the entire relationship to build. That's where you take the lyrics to the song, "I better find your love, I better find your heart." Obviously, he wasn't able to find it easily, and eventually realizes in the video that he can't find it at all, no matter how much he bets on it, which seems to be his life. I feel a lot of people can relate to this, not the exact experience, but caring so much about a person, thinking that if you give your all to it that you are going to find their love, their heart, but at the end you get nothing or lose more than you expected.
I think this song is a perfect example of what I was talking about earlier about the video completing the story. If artists are smart, they use videos the complete the concept and the vision that they had while writing the song. Of course its not going to be a carbon copy of their exact experience, but its all a metaphor to a experience they had or an emotion that they are trying to convey. I think Drake, now that he is finally doing solo work in terms of videos, is building a great visual portfolio for the album "Thank Me Later." Mandler is also an amazing director. I will say that this video improved the song a lot. It's still not my favorite song, but I understand and enjoy the concept much more. But I did focus more on the story of the video instead of listening to the song while watching the video and I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Album Cover: 'Thank Me Later' -Drake
Buy it for the pictures, Ni**as will buy it too and claim is for their sister"
So this is the official album cover. I'm impressed, and not in just the female looking at a male standpoint (but if you must know, it is pleasing to the eye lol) but overall I think its good. You can't give a whole commentary about an album image, but I like how he wasn't pursing his lips trying to be sexy like he usually does, but at the same time not trying to be hard. It reminds me of the "Over" video, just genuine.
I think I'm actually going to go the store and buy the album. I know that sounds groupie, but its kinda a big deal when you feel like you've been following and supporting a person's career from the bottom up. My sister graduates from middle school that day though (Yay Morgan!) and that's my main priority but I can do both!
And since I try to always have a video, here's a Drake interview from CNN. I like how he still realizes his name is Aubrey lol. If I say it once I'll say it again, government names are sexy lol.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
"Find Your Love" -Drake
"Find Your Love" is your typical summer, island pop single that is very radio friendly. This is probably the most "pop" I ever heard from Drake. And its not so much because of the lyrics, its because of the beat. This blog is mine, so I can be a harsh as I want to be, so I'm just going to say it: Kanye always gives medicorce stuff to Drake, which was evident in the Best I Ever Had Video. Honestly, as a lot of people have said already, this is a left over 808 and Heartbreak beat. And the beat to me honestly ruins the song which could actually be really good because the lyrics are great, as usual. The beat is ok, but not really original. I'm not saying the song is awful, its ok, but not really remarkable. If Drake was going to put out a single of him just singing, he should have finished "Fall For Your Type" and put that out instead. "Shut it Down" would have been better too. However, I always find it hard to really judge an R & B song. I feel like they are so personal and they are always there when you need them in a sense. Like have you ever been going through something, you are listening to your music, and you find a forgotten song that fits perfectly to the situation? I might not be able to relate to this song right now, but later on, this might be exactly what I need. Regardless, I know I'll like it more later. Its not like I'm saying I hate the song, I don't, its just a pretty cool song but I've liked other Drake R & B songs a whole lot more. But I also see this being one of the major songs of the summer since its so radio friendly and catchy. I'm just going to let this play out, and see how the rest goes...
So if I had to some all of this up in one sentence I would just say: It's a cool song. I do think the video could make our break the song, but I feel Mandler, the director, vision will enhance the song.
lol its like I'm trying really hard to like this song, but I just can't get so excited for it. Maybe I'm feeling pressure from friends. Every time you tell a person you don't like a Drake song, they act like you insulted their mother.
Click here for "Find Your Love"
If you need another example of a Kanye/Drake collabo, here's the infamous "Best I Ever Had" video.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
"Miss Me " Drake
So I literally missed Drake. I was all set to go, had my tickets for over a month, good seats, long story, don't want to get into it, but I was beyond upset. And its really fucked up cuz he's not playing that many shows and its not like a movie that oh I miss opening night but I can see it again later. Not the same thing at all. Obviously I'm still angry and I refuse to listen to Drake right now cuz it hurts my feelings. Keep in mind I am NOBODY'S GROUPIE. I honestly appreciate music and I enjoy going to concerts because its a more personal experience. Plus you experience the songs in a different way. Jay-Z "U Don't Know" is a song that sometimes you pass up on the album but its INCREDIBLE live. So it was important for me to go. And I probably will be angry for a while. You know those types of people who can forgive and forget? Yeah I'll admit it I haven't evolved into that type of person yet. But its important for this blog to not be about my personal emotions. When a guy writes a blog with his feelings, its endearing. When a girl does it, its annoying.
Anyway, I did listen to the new leaked song though, he goes hard as usual. I only gave it one listen though so I can't give me usual critique. Here's him discussing the song that will eventually feature Lil Wayne. This is just the leak
Click here for "Miss Me"
Also, I listen to other stuff besides Drake lol. I'll write about that soon, lately I been really into Usher's "Confessions"
Anyway, I did listen to the new leaked song though, he goes hard as usual. I only gave it one listen though so I can't give me usual critique. Here's him discussing the song that will eventually feature Lil Wayne. This is just the leak
Click here for "Miss Me"
Also, I listen to other stuff besides Drake lol. I'll write about that soon, lately I been really into Usher's "Confessions"
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
"October's Very Own, but it's feeling like July 4."
Disclaimer: This blog entry has a lot of videos in it, but if you haven't noticed, I use videos anytime I can in a post. But I found a lot of good stuff last night and this morning. But there is text before and after all the videos so make sure to scroll down.
So the Drake concert is tomorrow and it feels like Christmas eve, minus the religious aspects. But still the same excitement though. I definitely feel like such a little girl right now. I always get really excited before concerts. I was up last night watching Drake performances from Super Bowl for Axe, which was actually a good show. He showed a lot of growth since his previous performances that I've been critical of. His stage presence has approved; its less of him running around and more of his focusing on the music and the audience.
In a recent interview with MTV, Drake talked more about his tour and the first song on the album "Fireworks," which he says depicts where his at now. It seems like a lot of his songs on his album are going to be about where he is right now, which makes sense, because an artist writes about what they know. I just hope he presents it in different ways so its not redundant but I'm pretty confident that he won't disappoint. I haven't heard "Fireworks" yet, but song of the lyrics include:
"Money just changed everything. My 15 minutes started an hour ago ... / Wayne put me right here ... / Something I would die for, October's very own, but it's feeling like July 4."
If you noticed that the beginning line is a reference to the last line in "Fear" "It's funny how money can change everything" which he stated when writing that song that it would connect to the first song on "Thank Me Later." I'm glad it followed through on that, I feel like its an interesting connection. Its also funny that he says that his 15 minutes started an hour ago, because I feel that its is a reference to him putting out his album so late and that his just isn't a trend of 2009, he is here to stay.
What you'll also notice in the interview is that he talks about how he doesn't run around stage anymore and admitted to being influenced by Lil Wayne to do that but realized that his type of music has a different type of energy that doesn't require that. I'm glad he is developing himself into his own person and performer.
He also talks about the song and video "Over" and how he wrote it during vacation in Jamaica. He felt that trip was the calm before the storm and "Over" is the actual storm. He talks about the video is about him looking at the purities and simple things of his real life, and the temptation, excitement, and darkness of the fame and how he doesn't know how to decide. And that the two women do represent the past and having a real women trust him, and how the most exotic dancer represents the girls that are attracted to the fame and questioning if a real women can ever trust him. He also somewhat talks about how previous videos were more of a growing experience for this first official video. "Over" is an interesting video, and I feel as if my previous analysis was correct.
I find it amusing when he talking about the song with Jay-Z how he says its a real rap song. He states:
"its real rap. its real rap. i do sing on the hook, but its real rap."
Not to say that he's isn't real rap, but when you say "I do sing on the hook" it kinda takes away from the statement lol. Not many people would consider signing rappers real rap, but I'm sure he can prove others wrong.
Overall I'm sooo excited for the concert tomorrow. Not to say I won't be critical. Yes, I am a huge Drake fan but I really want to anything less than excellence when I support artists I like. I'm not just a blind consumer. This was pretty evident with how angry I was with Kanye for "Graduation" but that's a whoooole different discussion. I've learned that talking about Kanye albums since Late Registration is like talking about religion or politics, no one ever wins, and no one is ever right so I just avoid those conversations. But overall I have high expectation for Hip Hop right now. I just had lunch with a friend the other day and he was talking about how he just so hungry for good music and he knows artists are going to deliver. I feel the same way.
P.S. the #drakeseyebrows trending topic was cruel and hilarious at the same time.
So the Drake concert is tomorrow and it feels like Christmas eve, minus the religious aspects. But still the same excitement though. I definitely feel like such a little girl right now. I always get really excited before concerts. I was up last night watching Drake performances from Super Bowl for Axe, which was actually a good show. He showed a lot of growth since his previous performances that I've been critical of. His stage presence has approved; its less of him running around and more of his focusing on the music and the audience.
In a recent interview with MTV, Drake talked more about his tour and the first song on the album "Fireworks," which he says depicts where his at now. It seems like a lot of his songs on his album are going to be about where he is right now, which makes sense, because an artist writes about what they know. I just hope he presents it in different ways so its not redundant but I'm pretty confident that he won't disappoint. I haven't heard "Fireworks" yet, but song of the lyrics include:
"Money just changed everything. My 15 minutes started an hour ago ... / Wayne put me right here ... / Something I would die for, October's very own, but it's feeling like July 4."
If you noticed that the beginning line is a reference to the last line in "Fear" "It's funny how money can change everything" which he stated when writing that song that it would connect to the first song on "Thank Me Later." I'm glad it followed through on that, I feel like its an interesting connection. Its also funny that he says that his 15 minutes started an hour ago, because I feel that its is a reference to him putting out his album so late and that his just isn't a trend of 2009, he is here to stay.
What you'll also notice in the interview is that he talks about how he doesn't run around stage anymore and admitted to being influenced by Lil Wayne to do that but realized that his type of music has a different type of energy that doesn't require that. I'm glad he is developing himself into his own person and performer.
He also talks about the song and video "Over" and how he wrote it during vacation in Jamaica. He felt that trip was the calm before the storm and "Over" is the actual storm. He talks about the video is about him looking at the purities and simple things of his real life, and the temptation, excitement, and darkness of the fame and how he doesn't know how to decide. And that the two women do represent the past and having a real women trust him, and how the most exotic dancer represents the girls that are attracted to the fame and questioning if a real women can ever trust him. He also somewhat talks about how previous videos were more of a growing experience for this first official video. "Over" is an interesting video, and I feel as if my previous analysis was correct.
I find it amusing when he talking about the song with Jay-Z how he says its a real rap song. He states:
"its real rap. its real rap. i do sing on the hook, but its real rap."
Not to say that he's isn't real rap, but when you say "I do sing on the hook" it kinda takes away from the statement lol. Not many people would consider signing rappers real rap, but I'm sure he can prove others wrong.
Overall I'm sooo excited for the concert tomorrow. Not to say I won't be critical. Yes, I am a huge Drake fan but I really want to anything less than excellence when I support artists I like. I'm not just a blind consumer. This was pretty evident with how angry I was with Kanye for "Graduation" but that's a whoooole different discussion. I've learned that talking about Kanye albums since Late Registration is like talking about religion or politics, no one ever wins, and no one is ever right so I just avoid those conversations. But overall I have high expectation for Hip Hop right now. I just had lunch with a friend the other day and he was talking about how he just so hungry for good music and he knows artists are going to deliver. I feel the same way.
P.S. the #drakeseyebrows trending topic was cruel and hilarious at the same time.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
"Ice cream conversations, they all want the scoop"
Since "Over," the first single for Drake's "Thank Me Later" came out back on March 5th, 2 other songs have leaked, "Fall For Your Type" (which just is a snippet that is under 2 minutes) and "Shut it Down-feat. The Dream." Both have Drake singing on the tracks, which he actually just as gifted at that as he is to rapping. "Fall For Your Type" isn't long enough for me to judge, but so far I like the theme of getting hurt by someone who is just like everyone else that has hurt you, and a lot of my friends have this track on repeat. I've been listening to "Shut it Down" often since it came down Sunday. As much as I like to say that I'm not the typical girl that needs to hear how beautiful I am, Drake is great at swooning me and making me feel otherwise. Its a simple song about appreciating a girl, a song, as he says on the track, for a girl to get ready to, so she can shut it down in a club, or wherever she goes really. Basically, Drake and the Dream is telling you this girl is the shit. When I really like I song, as always picture the video to it. (Click here for an interview with the director of "Over") I think it would be cool if it was just a bunch of regular girls "shutting it down" in there everyday life. It would be nice to see something different than the average video girls, which is recent years isn't even that popular anymore. And although at first I wasn't pleased with "Over" as the first single, it is pretty catchy and a perfect bridge from "So Far Gone" to "Thank Me Later." I'm pretty excited for it to come out, even though I haven't heard a release date.
I get to see Drake in concert on April 15th, but I don't really know what to expect. It could be pretty hype, but I think he really needs help with his stage presence (He sure does like to oscillate his hand lol.) But I guess that develops with time. Its kinda cute that he's awkward lol. Here's a performance from him on MTV Spring Break performing "Over"
And to download just click on the links below:
Fall For Your Type
Shut It Down feat. The Dream
I get to see Drake in concert on April 15th, but I don't really know what to expect. It could be pretty hype, but I think he really needs help with his stage presence (He sure does like to oscillate his hand lol.) But I guess that develops with time. Its kinda cute that he's awkward lol. Here's a performance from him on MTV Spring Break performing "Over"
And to download just click on the links below:
Fall For Your Type
Shut It Down feat. The Dream
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