Fresh From The Editing Suite...

***UPDATED***

This post is dedicated to my little Sister - Happy Birthday!

I've gotta admit I'm quite pleased with myself with this edition of 'Fresh From The Editing Suite'.
It's like playing 6 degrees of seperation, the only artist who's missing from this is Beyonce.

Rihanna - Cheers

Although I do believe these are the laziest type of videos an artists can make I love them. Nothing beats seeing behind the scenes footage of all that goes on when these stars are on the road, especially when you're actually interested in what they get up to. 'Cheers' is yet another release from Rihanna's Loud album, and the video documents all she's been up to in the last few months. The video also shows her sporting her new hairstyle and colour which I'm really feeling; finally the red is dead and buried.



Nicki Minaj - Fly (feat. Rihanna)

Once upon a time I was a massive Nicki Minaj fan but since her "fashion" sense upgraded to crazy I've switched off. In this video she does well to rock a couple crazy looks, none of which help to put across the potentially inspiring story behind this song. The video isn't really anything special, and I'm really struggling to understand the bit when she goes all ninja on some dudes. And am I the only one who thinks the video was located on the exact same set as Chris Brown's video 'Next To You'; very coincidental.


Lil' Wayne - How To Love

So Tha Carter 4  is here. Anyway. Yeah the hype around Weezy is pretty much gone, and 'How To Love' isn't exactly the best song to use to try to resuscitate the hype. I know it's meant to be one of those deep tracks that make you think but I want a song I can dance to man. The story in the video good but it's been done before, that's not to say that any video treatments nowadays are unique but it could've been done in a refreshing way.


Jay Z & Kanye West - Otis

Ok, my hands are up, I was not excited about Jay & Kanye getting together to make an album because their bromance is a tad bit annoying. But it'd be rude not to appreciate the great music that they make when they hit the studio. 'Otis' unlike 'H.A.M.' is very enticing to the ear and also typical Kanye, and the added element of Jay Z makes it that much better. The video's fun to watch, like who doesn't want to see rappers "discreetly" show off how much money they have by making a video that doesn't have a lot to it.


J. Cole - Work Out

'Work Out' is definitely my favourite song in this bunch, what should I say about the brilliance that is J. Cole? Maybe I'll just start by saying he has smacked it, this is the feel good song of the summer (even though it's more or less over), this track makes going back to the office that bit more bearable, and it 100% gets you ready for the weekend. The video to accompany the track is pretty standard for Cole, not too much going on but you still wanna watch it to see what goes down. Looking forward to the album, which I shall be pre-ordering...COLE WORLD!!

And just in case you missed my six degrees of separation let me break it down for you:

Rihanna obviously features on Nicki Minaj's track, Nicki's part of Young Money which is Lil' Wayne's clique, Wayne and Jay Z have collaborated on tracks together and are the Mr. Carters, and then finally J. Cole was the first artist to be signed to Jay Z's label Roc Nation #SICK

Really Ouick

Baby BJ

Beyonce's done it again! No - not made an album full of monster hits, from which every single is destined for the top spot (that's the norm for this lady). What she done last night was even bigger...

She's announced that her and her husband (Jay Z - for those of you who might not have heard of him) are expecting their first child. Now we all know that bigger than two mega-celebrities getting hitched is two mega-celebrities breeding mini-mega-celebs...Shear madness!!

This is really exciting because Beyonce seemed like one of those women who really wasn't trying to get involved in all the baby-making. In fact, I recall her once saying she wasn't going to have children after witnessing the birth of her nephew. However, I guess it was one of those things you say when you don't see it happening, but boy is it all unfolding now.

More exciting than that is it seems that with the release of her current album, Beyonce's been keen to show us that she is actually a human (not the robot diva I once thought she was). Since the release of '4' we've seen her cry on stage, speak openly about her relationshipb with Jay Z, and she even said "I love me some Jay Z". Also we've seen alot more skin and less of those granny type skin colour tights that she loves. But yes, in proving that she's human having a baby pretty much tops the list.

In closing, I can't wait to see who's features the baby adopts, and more nail biting what are they gonna have? A boy? A girl? Twins...I'm thinking twins, one boy and one girl...On a serious note, I do wish the couple all the best at this glorious time.

Peep her latest video, which I have to say is probably my favourite Beyonce video yet, because I love the visuals:



Beyonce - 1+1

(I guess 1+1 = Baby - sorry I had to *covers face*)

Put That Song On Replay | Rest In Peace

Aaliyah

10 years ago, singer Aaliyah died in a plane crash, and as untimely as her death was she left this world with the greatest gift ever - her music. Although it's been a decade, Aaliyah definitely made music which has stood the test of time, and still has the power to stop and make you pay attention. She was/is probably the coolest R&B singer, and she brought her effortless swagger to every single song.

Below are some videos that Aaliyah graced the world with before her life was tragically cut short. With this post I'm not only paying my respects to Aaliyah, but I'm also saying 'Rest In Peace' to pilot Luis Morales III, hair stylist Eric Forman, Anthony Dodd, security guard Scott Gallin, video producer Douglas Kratz, stylist Christopher Maldonado, and Blackground Records employees Keith Wallace and Gina Smith who all lost their lives on August, 25th 2001 - R.I.P. Aaliyah (January 16, 1979 - August 25, 2001).

If Your Girl Only Knew

One In A Million

Rock The Boat

We Need A Resolution

Fresh From The Editing Suite

Jessie J - Who's Laughing Now

Obviously I do not like this song and I'm seriously losing rspect for Jessie J as an artist.
Ofcourse I'm proud of Jessie J for breaking into the industry the way she did but I really don't think the tracks she's chosen to release really show her true potential. Like I've said, I understand that everyone needs an image to base their talent on but I think Jessie J needs to tone it down. The message behind this song could've been done in a better way. Simples.

Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think x

Rest In Peace

Amy Winehouse

It's a sad day in the world of entertainment as we have lost a very bright star; Amy Winehouse, 27, sadly passed away today. Although official reports are yet to confirm the cause of death, it has to be said that only a hand few can say, 'they didn't see this coming.' The news of Winehouse's death has come as a shock, but at the same time it was only a matter of time before either she (seriously) admitted herself into rehab or died.

Nonetheless, the girl could sing, she was a delight to watch perform, and amongst all a real person. She'll be missed by many, and I really hope she recorded enough music before her untimely death, which will help her undeniable talent live on - R.I.P. Amy Winehouse (14th September, 1983 - 23rd July, 2011).

The song below was taken from her debut album, Frank and will always be my favourite song by her:

Amy Winehouse - Stronger Than Me

My Moments For Life

As you may have realised I haven't been uploading posts as regularly as I used to, and it's mainly because I've been busy. I've been really busy - mostly celebrating uni being over; no I'm joking, I've been interning at more! magazine. So far it's been great but this week it become amazing...


Yeah...I Didn't Quite Make It To The Front Cover

 So you're probably thinking, "if you're not on the front cover where are you?" Of course you're not thinking that, because that would be mean. I got a by-line, and not once but twice *happy dance* If you turn to page 99, you'll see my beauty reiew on some of the hottest products available in our high street stores. Then move back a couple more pages, to page 56 and you should be viewing a feature entitled 'Where are the WORLD'S HOTTEST MEN?' I was lucky enough to interview 26 year old model, Fabrice Essomba from France, who unknown to him granted me a by-line.

Then tonight (as if I had gotten over the excitement of my by-line in more!) I got word that a feature I wrote whilst interning at Catch 22 had been published. 'The Invisibles' is to date the most challenging feature I have written and I almost cried when I saw it on the page. Please take your time to flick through the magzine which I have embedded below, as it has a host of great young writers within it's content.

Also something I should've blogged about ages ago, was a gig my wonderful mentor DeeDee Doke got me. Last month I was invited to the Recriter Awards and asked to tweet about the event. This night was one of my first industry events and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Tweeting about the ceremony also handed me a by-line, which appeared in the magazine and ONLINE. 

Rest In Peace

 

Michael Jackson

I can't believe it's been two years already. Who could forget the day the tragic news that legend Michael Jackson passed away at age 51. He will forever be an icon and it's only right I remember the genius. So below is one of my favourite MJ song - I hope you enjoy. R.I.P. Michael Jackson (29th August, 1958 - 25th June, 2009)

Michael Jackson - In The Closet

Fresh From The Editing Suite...

Frank Ocean -Novacane

If you don't know about Frank Ocean by now then I really have to ask where have you been?
This guy dropped one of 2011's sickest mixtapes a little while back, and he has managed to keep a pretty low profile which has kept us all wanting more. This song 'Novacane' is definitely one of my favourites from 'Nostaglia/ULTRA', and I'm so happy he decided to put some visuals to the words.
The video is nothing less than odd, but hey he is part of OFWGKTA, so what did we expect. I like that the video pushes the feeling of the high he experiencing in the song. The video also has a pretty cool ending too. I'm hoping a video for 'Nature Feels' surfaces soon, because that's my jam.



Kanye West - Monster ft. Rick Ross, Jay Z, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver

So footage for this single dropped about four months ago but it just didn't seem finished. Turns out I was right, the video wasn't complete. Above is the official video for Mr. West's biggest banger to date 'Monster'. This track is in itself a monster; it features too many heavy hitters, who each grace this track with some wicked verses. The video is classic Kanye - genius. I've probably said this before but he hands down has the best videography out there. The only criticism I have for this video is Nicki Minaj's lace wig - girl!

Nicola Roberts - Beat Of My Drum

There's no doubt that I prefer this debut single to those of Cheryl's and Nadine's. I like that Nicola is embracing her own style and her sound (unlike the other two it isn't outdated or fake). Now to get stuck in...There are three things I dislike a lot about this song and video (1) Diplo bumped her because certain beats in this song sound way too similar to those from Beyonce's latest single 'Run The World (Girls)'. (2) Nicola doesn't yet seem like she's all that comfortable making a video without four other girls. (3) Finally Nicola needs to leave some of the dance moves she attempts alone - bye girl, fly girl!

Be sure to leave comments and let me know what you think of this song, laters xx

30 Seconds In The Mind Of...

Lukas Grout

Strike A Pose, There's Nothing To It - VOGUE!

Introducing soon to be supermodel/world famous actor/graphic designer and waiter extraodinaire, Lukas Grout, 20. The humble soul from North London describes himself as tall, talkative and hungry (don't ask). Currently a graphic design student at Central Saint Martin's, Lukas explains that putting together his portfolio for his entrance interview was his most challenging experience. Now the face of Topman, his proudest moment came when he strutted his stuff during three shows at London Fashion Week.
Well! If I say so myself, being asked to do this interview has to come second to that moment. So here you have it, 30 seconds in the mind of LG...(not the mobile phone brand)...

What couldn't you live without?

I'm afraid it's my Crackberry; I'm a total addict.

What would you say is your worst habit?

I over worry about EVERYTHING!

What do you find really annoying in other people?

Unjustified arrogance.

What is your guilty pleasure?

The Only Way is Essex...of course (smiles). 

What would be your dream job?

Something that will combine everything I've learnt and love. Alas I'm yet to find that job title.

ONE thing that no-one knows about you...

I used to look like the milky bar kid whenIi was little. White hair, glasses - the lot. I'm still waiting to audition for the advert.

Lukas' Favorites

Song

Someone To Watch Over Me - it's an oldy

Video

Anything with 'Crazy Cat' in the title. So I searced for 'Crazy Cat', a lot came up, and this is what I decided to pick...



Website

Youtube or Twitter

You can follow Lukas on TWITTER 

Fresh From The Editing Suite...

Rihanna - Man Down

Do I like this video? I'm not sure. I'm not that fond of the song but I'm not sure at all about how I feel about the video. You guys already know where I stand in terms of Rihanna's red hair (GIRL!) I think the hair is way too long and the mermaid look is not working for me.

Now I totally get and respect the look Rihanna wanted to create for the video but whether or not it has worked is the question. I'm happy that she opted for a video with a narrative, and round of applause to her for the ability to hold up a powerful scene. 

I think what's troubling me here is whether the video's somewhat exploiting what happened to her a few years ago. Saying that I'm fully aware that what happened to her was on a whole  different spectrum of abuse, but I just don't know. Feel me in on your reactions to the video because I'm seriously undecided.

 

Be sure to leave comments and let me know what you think of this song, laters xx