Soraya Mathias Blog

When I learned Lloyd was putting out a 4th studio album, my enthusiasm was minimal to say the least. Lloyd had some hits but to me, his rep as a quality R&B singer was mediocre at best. When his first single, Lay it Down dropped in late 2010, this opinion began to change. This is one song that possess
quality production from Polow Da Don and brings out the better qualities of Lloyd's voice. Why this
song wasn't pushed even more is beyond me.

With that single in hand, I began to raise my expectations for his latest project. Would it live up to my
rising expectations?

Here's the Track Listing and my observations...

1. Intro (MDMA) Feat. The Game – Lloyd isn't on this intro but the spaced out synthesizers and percussion puts one into a 80's, Miami Vice mindset. It's too bad that the Game's flow just
seems sub par and uninspired.

2. Dedication to my Ex (Miss That *****) Feat. Andre 3 Stacks and Lil' Wayne – Lloyd proclaims his admiration and desire to have his ex-girlfriend sexually over a upbeat, Motown inspired production. The best part of this track is of course Andre 3000's verse and the fact that Weezy didn't rap on this track, just talked at the beginning.

3. Cupid Feat. Awesome Jones – Now King of Hearts seems to hit its stride with the first of quality songs with Polow Da Don on the boards.

4. Luv Me Girl Feat. Chris Brown & Vega – Another Polow-produced, club ready track that the ladies will love. Chris Brown and Vega decently add to the upbeat song.

5. Naked – Another Polow-produced ballad that is absolutely one of my favorites. I am also sure that the gentlemen will love to play this for their ladies. Lloyd also recently dropped two NSFW videos which one featured Kamille Leai who won the second season of VH1's Real Chance of
Love.

6. Jigsaw – Another mid-tempo ballad that features hypnotic synthesizers and excellent harmonizing by Llyod. It really seems that Polow and Lloyd have a good chemistry.

7. Bang Feat. 2 Chains AKA Titti Boi and Solo – Although this is produced by Polow, this seems to be the first miss involving this duo. It also doesn't help that Lloyd seems to unsuccessfully channel his inner R. Kelly for this track. Also, can we please keep 2 chains, Titti Boi or whatever he calls himself from ever doing a R&;B collaboration. He just doesn't fit the track. Definite album filler that could have been left on the cutting room floor.

8. Be The One Feat. Trey Songz and Young Jeezy – Another single that kind of bangs unlike the previous one. Trey and Jeezy are cool on the track. This is another “club banger” of sorts.

9. Shake it 4 Daddy – Here the album begins to cool down a bit. When I first heard this, I thought Swizz Beatz was doing his ad-libs on the track. That is the worst part of this song and it almost
ruins it.

10. Lay it Down – The main single of the album and I think it's one of the best tracks on the album. I think Patti LeBelle would be and is proud of this song, hence the remix that featured Patti.

11. Angel – The Album definitely takes slows down with this track. A decent slow tempo ballad were Lloyd is doing a good job carrying the track.

12. This is 4 My Baby – Well besides the Trey Songz inspired ad-libs on the Hook, it's another decent ballad.

13. You2 – This is most definitely a popish sounding track that could be played on the top-40 radio stations. Has a 80's new wave vibe with the production.

14. World Cry – This song was unexpected from Lloyd but it's refreshing to hear him with help from R. Kelly, Keri Hilson
and K'Naan get political and create a uplifting song. Why this song is not being pushed by the label is beyond me.

Honestly, I have to say that King of Hearts lived up to my rising expectations. It is one of the better R&B albums of 2011. Lloyd and Polow have a growing chemistry with one another in the studio and it showed. These two really seem to bring out the best out of one another. It's very disappointing that to learn that this album only sold 22,000 copies in its first week.


Best Songs: Cupid, Naked, Be the One, Lay it Down, World Cry

Overall: I would give this album 3.5 stars out of 5. It's worth a listen, however, this album verifies that Lloyd's inability to become a big star can't reasonably be attributed to his music.

Ever since his incident with former girlfriend Rihanna, Singer Chris Brown has essentially brought his music career back to life. He is on the verge now of releasing his fourth studio album titled “F.A.M.E.” Using every avenue imaginable to promote his latest project, He has made TV appearances on several different shows including 106 & Park where he showed up not one, not two but practically the entire week. One of his most talked about appearances however was a Good Morning America interview that he recently did with Robin Roberts. Things were going smoothly until the infamous question was asked about his violent past. And as expected, Brown got visibly irritated by it. But it didn’t stop there as he later went off the deep end behind closed doors, breaking a glass window.

Shocking? Not really.

Violent rages have unfortunately become apart of the singer’s image now. And you know once that happens, it sticks with them forever, with or without the rehab and string of apologies that follow. Breezy doesn’t seem to understand why that is though when other big name celebrities have shown their asses more times to count. And one of the names he brought up was actor Charlie Sheen. And he took it to Twitter, giving the tweeps a piece of his mind about Sheen’s treatment versus his own:

"I’m so over people bringing this past s--- up!!! Yet we praise Charlie sheen and other celebs for there bull---t."

Can’t be surprised he brought this one up at all seeing as though Sheen has completely lost his cool quite a few times in public. Be that as it may, one thing that sets the two apart is for one, Charlie Sheen has more Hollywood pull than Chris Brown because of his time in the industry and two, check the skin tone please folks.

And without coming out and officially pulling the race card, Brown’s Twitter post leads some to believe that that’s where he may have been going with his comment. Regardless of whether he meant that or not, Brown can’t blame anyone but himself for his actions and it’s clear that he can’t successfully defer his negative attention over to another rage filled celebrity. Yeah, not working to well as you can see.

Sad to say but Chris Brown blow ups have become so common now that nobody seems to be stunned when they hear or see things like this happen with him. And the excuse used before was that he was young and needed a chance to grow up. Now that he is 21 years old, can the age factor be thrown out there yet again as the sole reason behind his behavior? Doubt it. Think it runs a little deeper than that I’m afraid.

Fact of the matter is that what Chris Brown, and others like him who have a tendency to throw temper tantrums at the drop of a dime, don’t realize is that once you step foot into the spotlight, your mistakes are amplified that much more. You can’t go into violent rages, throw b****h fits, or hell even scratch your ass too hard and think that it won’t follow you for the rest of your career because it will. That’s the life of a superstar. But what he should keep in mind is that he has millions of young fans who depend on their parents’ money to buy them CDS and concert tickets. And trust and believe, if Chris Brown continues carrying on the way he is doing, that F.A.M.E. of his will continue to take a trip down South with the quickness.

That attitude Breezy, check it immediately or it will cost you what’s left of your career. I think people are growing quite tired of your fits and the apologies that go along with them.

Hip-Hop heads reminisce on some of their favorite songs from The Notorious B.I.G.

By: Taren Vaughan

Today marks the 14 year anniversary of the death of one of the most incredible rappers to ever touch a mic, Christopher Wallace aka The Notorious B.I.G. Often referred to as Biggie Smalls or just plan B.I.G., he was responsible for launching the career of a female heavyweight in the game, Lil’ Kim and the rap group Junior M.A.F.I.A. which she was a member of. Biggie quickly claimed the top spot in the game with his debut album “Ready To Die”. But his promising career tragically came to an end on March 9, 1997 when he was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles, California after leaving a party.

His untimely death stunned the Hip-Hop nation and left family, friends and his mass of fans mourning the loss of one of the best to ever do it. As this time period was one that was filled with much sorrow, it did strike up some positive things, leading to various movements fighting against violence in the music industry. Biggie’s murder came almost a year after that of yet another lyricist whose talents were unmatchable, the late great Tupac Shakur. As many take their time out to pay tribute to the rapper in their own way, readers reflect on some of their favorite Biggie songs:

“Juicy was by far one of my favorite songs from Biggie. His rhymes spoke not only for himself and what he went through trying to make it on the streets but it spoke for everybody else who was going through the same struggle too. You could always count on him to spit the truth, no sugar coating it. R.I.P. Biggie. You will forever be remembered”

-Dalvin R.
Age: 27
Yonkers, NY

“Man, do I have to pick just one? I love all of Biggie’s songs, from when he first came out up until his death. There is not one song I can think of that I wasn’t feelin’ from him. His style was just so raw and his delivery was always on point. There will never be another like him”

-Shamika L.
Age: 19
Fort Lauderdale, FL

“Warning went hard. The beat of the track mixed with Big’s rhymes was untouchable, making it, to me, one of his best songs hands down. I liked the video a lot too”

-Keenan H.
Age: 24
San Antonio, TX

“Sky’s The Limit is a Biggie classic. I find a lot of inspiration from this song, especially the chorus. I keep it on repeat every time I listen to it. Unlike most rap songs today, Sky’s The Limit had a real message behind it. The little kids in the video were too cute. I loved the concept of the song and the video. The day we lost this man was the day apart of Hip-Hop died. We’ll always love you Big Poppa”

-Renee J.
Age: 22
Cheyenne, WY

What’s your favorite song from the late Brooklyn rap star?

After leaving his Hot Boy roots behind, Rapper Lil’ Wayne has made a true impression on the world of Rap. And as he has reached his own level of success over the years, he has jumpstarted the careers of Drake, Nicki Minaj, Tyga and the remainder of his Young Money family. The chance of turning on the radio or TV without hearing the raspy voice of this New Orleans born lyricist is slim to none as he has accumulated fans from all different races and backgrounds. As millions may rock wit Weezy and download all of his mix tapes and rush to buy tickets to his concerts, not everybody is feelin’ what he brings to the table lyrically, especially not some of the young girls who have heard him spit.

Just when we thought every young woman or girl out there was head over hills for Lil’ Tunechi, we thought wrong. Some of the younger music listeners are so turned off by Wayne’s vocal slashing towards the female gender that they took it to the pen and pad themselves and addressed the rapper on his bad mouth.

Sisters Nia, Nya and Kamaria, members of the musical group Watoto From The Nile, made a song titled “Letter To Lil’ Wayne”, expressing their dislike of his degrading lyrics towards women and his promotion of drug use:

“This message is for Mr. Wayne. I'm sorry but I must complain about what you do and what you say.”

“People say, 'Say no to drugs,' so tell me Sir who should I trust. You or them?'”

One of the heaviest lines in the song was when the girls spoke on whether or not Lil
Wayne thinks of his daughter before he drops a disrespectful verse about women or girls:

“I hear you got a little girl. Does she get the same referral you call the world. Not trying to lean. I hope you call her little queen”

Is Lil’ Wayne really that bad for them to pull his card like this? Well let’s see:

Lyrics from “Poke Her Face” by Lil’ Wayne:

“Ah, hem.
Uhm, she sa-said she could f**k me right.
I made her f**k her friend.
She said don't call her a d**e, but that's gay.
Hah.
I met her on Monday and f**k all week.
'Cause everytime she leaves she comes back to the treat.
She know I love brain, so I treat her like a geek.
She love the way I spit, so I made her p***y gleet?
Ballin’ with my nigga and I don't give a f**k.
So, I circled the bitch, we rounded them up.
I treat her like a needa, I'm knowin’ her for eater, she gonn' tell Q'wuita
And Q'wuita like the media.
Hoop-the-Hoop to the bloodz.
Her lipstick match my flag, that swagg.
Weezy F. Baby got nuts that drag
I put it in your mouth 'till you choke and gag” –Lil’Wayne

Yeah, definitely not a love song right there.

Oh and let’s not forget his ever so popular song “I’m Single”, where the rapper glorifies cheating like it’s nothing.

Doesn’t sound like a man who values relationships now does he?

Funny thing is though, when he first hit the scene, Lil’ Wayne never cursed in his rhymes; he kept it clean when it came to that. Nowadays, you can’t count how many times this man uses foul language in his songs; there ain’t enough time in the world to do all of that honey. In order to sell records though and become the millionaire that he is, he had to get more vulgar, change his style up a bit. He had to do what he had to do to get to the top right?

Hearing all of the negativity that comes out of his mouth on a regular must have just been too much for these three sisters to stomach. And realizing that they do have a voice, they took it upon themselves to pull his card on it. As many of us may applaud these young ladies for having the courage to stand up to one of the most popular rappers in the game right now, there is something about this picture that still saddens me. And it’s the fact that this had to come from a group of people who haven’t even hit puberty yet.

What’s good with that? So now we have to leave it up to our younger sisters to step up and speak when something or someone is being overly offensive to our gender? Is that how it works now?

Guess so many of the grown women out there are too busy shakin’ their asses in the club to his music to worry about the fact that he is repeatedly callin’ them female dogs.

Before we completely go in on Lil’ Wayne though, he is by far not the only rapper that uses disrespectful lyrics towards women and encourages people to dip into illegal substances. Plenty of other rappers out there, too many to count, drop the “B” word more than the law should allow. The lyrics of Rap music today period have completely stirred away from what they were in the beginning. No more “Fight The Power” or “Black Cop” tracks, talking about issues in the Black community that really matter. Gone are the days of Queen Latifah tellin’ dudes that it’s not okay to refer to women as b*****s or hoes. That form of Hip-Hop, notice I say “Hip-Hop”, music is dead. Regardless of whether or not you have the cleanest rhymes or if your mouth is as filthy as they come, when you are a popular rapper, one that so many young boys, and sadly grown ass men, look up to and try to emulate, someone will call you out when your lyrics are doing more damage than good. Too bad the some one that does it though will most likely be a person that is damn near half your age.

Are R&B and Hip-Hop the only genres of music sisters sing?

By: Taren Vaughan

If it’s not Beyonce’ telling all the single ladies to put their hands up or Keri having all the pretty girls rockin’, nowadays it appears as though Black female artists’ music has fallen into two main categories: R&B and Hip-Hop. Granted, Beyonce’ has upped her cross over appeal, dippin’ into the Pop world, shortly followed by the red head Rihanna, who has become quite comfortable over in Pop land, traveling back to the R&B side of things every once in awhile. Either way you look at it for some reason R&B and Hip-Hop seem to be the only two genres that we get real recognition for. Little do some know that when it comes to music, us sisters have a wide range. Take the great Ella Fitzgerald for example.

Known as “First Lady of Song”, Ella Fitzgerald was one of the most notable jazz singers of her time. As her vocal range was unmatched, this woman brought “scatting” to the forefront, something that I’m sure many of these young folks know nothing about. Let’s take it back a moment with a dose of “Lady Ella” doing what she did best, scat:

Ella Fitzgerald 1969

During her 59 year reign in the music industry, she won a total of 13 Grammy Awards and received a series of medals, including the National Medal of Art by Ronald Reagan and the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George H. W. Bush. A 59 year singing career…Some artists nowadays can barely last a good year let alone almost 60.

Songstress Billie Holiday, nicknamed “Lady Day”, was yet another “jazzy” one that stole the hearts of many with her vocal talents and chart topping hits like “Strange Fruit”, a song that she often steered away from performing because it reminded her of her father’s passing and “God Bless The Child”. Aside from her incredible singing ability, Billie Holiday’s overall life story was one for the ages.

Remember “Lady Sings the Blues”? Not the song but the 1972 classic film that starred another legendary female entertainer, Diana Ross, who portrayed Holiday, taking viewing audiences on the journey of her life through all of its ups and downs as a musician, some downs so severe that landed her in prison. Despite her troubles, this jazz sensation rightfully took her place as one of the best to ever do it.

Billie Holiday not only changed her name. But she changed the face of jazz music for years to come.

Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday were both equally as influential as far as the jazz department goes. But what about an area that is a little more left field for us? Let’s say one like country music.

Linda Martell made our presence officially known in this genre now as she is one of the most recognized African American female country singers. And trust me she didn’t just do this for snaps. In fact, her song “Color Him Father” was a top-25 hit in 1969. And she became the first Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, a popular country music stage concert held in Nashville, Tennessee. And if you know anything about the Grand Ole Opry, not too many brown faces are in their line-ups.

Is it true that Black women are at the top of the list when it comes to R&B and Hip-Hop music? Absolutely it is. Both African American men and women alike are highly credited for being the innovators when it comes to these types of music. But does that mean that sisters don’t know how to bellow out anything other than a raunchy lyric? Clearly not. The myth has been busted completely.

Kim Kardashian speaks on upcoming single, claiming she is No Beyonce’.

By: Taren Vaughan

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian is always getting into something new every time we turn around. Whether it be starting her own line of workout videos or running around town with a new man on her arm, she remains to be the hot topic of conversation amongst the avid celebrity followers. And now she is headed to the studio to lay down a track. And you’ll never guess who is encouraging her to do all of this? It’s none other than singer/producer The Dream.

Kim Kardashian on The Dream’s influence of the song:

“You know, it was something that I was really uncomfortable and nervous about, and [The-Dream] really just wanted me to step outside of my box and try something I've never done before”

Hold up, is this the same person who has worked with some the hottest artists in the
music industry? He is the one fueling this potential hot mess that is about to hit the airwaves?

Yes, The Dream is the one pushing Kim towards the studio. It was not solely her idea to take on this project. But she has assured everyone that we are not going to get Beyonce’ and not to expect her to blow us out of the water with her voice.

I’m sorry but when did Kim Kardashian become a vocalist? Did we miss something here?

Never heard her sing one note, so I guess we can’t be too harsh before the beat drops. And there is one positive thing about the production of this track and that is that the song will benefit charity (a cancer organization). So whether she sounds like Beyonce’ or sounds like someone is putting her out of her misery, something good will definitely come out of all this.

From porn star to popular socialite, now to singer? Damn, we really can’t keep up with the Kardashians, especially not this one.

Her single “Turn It Up” is set to drop in about 3 weeks.

Young Money's leading lady premieres new music video.

By: Taren Vaughan

Young Money has literally taken over the Rap game and it’s much due to the help of the female head honcho of their clan. Even after the release of her debut album “Pink Friday”, Rapper Nicki Minaj continues to keep the Barbies of the world bouncin’ to her songs and buying her cds left and right. Both her fans and critics too, have been anxiously waiting for the premiere of her music video “Moment 4 Life” which aired this past Thursday on MTV. The video starred her, playing Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother along with label mate Drake as her Prince Charming. For those who haven’t peeped it yet, let’s just say it was your normal Nickster, wigs and all, with a touch of a Walt Disney.

Nicki Minaj ft. Drake "Moment 4 Life"

Guess her and Drake decided to finally feed into the hype of them being in a relationship together huh? Clearly they didn’t do anything extreme that screams couple. But with this video, I’m sure the comments about them being together will begin to pop up much more than before. And once again, she couldn’t resist dippin’ into her split personalities again. Wouldn’t even be right if Nicki didn’t play both Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother. By the way, seems like that alter ego of hers where she has the British accent is by far her fave. It pops up all the time at least once in interviews.

So there you have it folks. Nicki Minaj went from Barbie to Hip-Hop version of Cinderella.

What do you think about her “transformation”?