When a single with three supposed pop titans is released, you expect to be nothing less of extremely impressed. Not the case when big booty rapper Nicki Minaj, whiney short-haired powerhouse Jessie J and a-little-bit-too-cute Ariana Grande joined to throw together what they liked to call a song.
Heavily reliant on a generic beat, the track sounded as if the songstresses were unaware of their cue, generating off kilter pieces that had clearly been cut together. The song really did wreak of the industry's appalling commercialism- the churning out of songs they constantly push to call music. As individuals, all three women are extremely talented and although a matter of opinion, all three have several different qualities they could have given to a track- unfortunately this was not it.
Bang Bang was released yesterday and is set to be the lead single of British singer Jessie J's third upcoming album and will also feature on Grande's deluxe album which is set to drop at the end of August. It speak volumes that these artists need the track to inject life into their current music, as oppose to Minaj whose own songs have her trending on Twitter within seconds.
Will it be a success? probably. Will I continue to complain about the wasted talent? definitely.
Once you've headed to the cinema, cried profusely and wiped the snot from your nose after a viewing of The Fault in Our Stars, listen to Charli XCX's official single for the movie, Boom Clap. A mid-tempo, feel good love song from a young singer that is going from strength to strength.
//For anyone getting tired of up-beat dance.. //
4. Cheryl Cole- Crazy Stupid Love
Forget the silly roses that reside on her derrière combined with the fact that she hasn't produced material in AGES, as it's fair to say that Cheryl Cole always seems to deliver. Okay, so her vocal abilities are fairly limited, but boy is this new saxy single catchy, and understated. Everyone's favourite Geordie is releasing the song on July 20th, a track which features Tinie Tempah. I have to say I'm excited for the video if that gold bodysuit on her Instagram is anything to go by. Not a fan? just give it a listen, I promise you will like it.
//rap meets pop//
3. Ariana Grande ft Iggy Azalea- Problem
What do you get when you combine the cutest thing to ever happen to pop, and the baddest chick around? a cheeky, sassy single that will keep you pressing repeat. Problem is a lot of fun and exudes girl power, the '60s themed video makes it a thousand times better too. Give it a listen.
//Melancholic beauty//
2. BANKS- Drowning
I find myself constantly asking myself why, if everyone loves Lana Del Rey, do they not love BANKS more. She haunts me with her perfect, smooth and melancholic voice and I loved this mid-tempo electronic track. She really can do no wrong and I can't wait for her to make it big, she totally deserves it.
//The Queen is back//
1. Nicki Minaj - Pills N Potions
Twitter pretty much blew up last week when Nicki Minaj announced she was releasing her new single Pills N Potions from new album Pink Print, to which she vowed the content would be heavily rap influenced- *excited squeal*. Minaj has bags of charm, with current song containing the perfect juxtaposition of lyric-spitting rhyme and a melodic chorus with real feeling.
Her first mixtapes put her on the map as an established female rapper back in 2007 and taking the leap into mainstream three years later naturally meant a progression into pop. Donning the bubblegum wigs, bright lipstick and wacky personas, she produced two Pink Friday albums, leaving her natural roots behind. Despite the success of hits such Starships and Super bass, Minaj is now keen to leave her pop days behind and ditch her alter egos.
natural hair, more natural look
Speaking to MTV during an interview for new movie The Other Woman, she explained her reasoning behind the drastic change. "I went so far to the other side that there's only one place to go from there.You can either continue doing costumes or you can just say, 'Hey guess what? This will shock them even more. Doing nothing will shock them even more.'"
Her Pink Friday days screamed mainstream.
She was asked about new album Pink Print,saying:
"The tracks on [my next album] are back to my hip-hop roots. And I don't think it's something that I'm necessarily trying to do. As soon as I started working on my new album, that's just the songs that I've been writing,"
When asked whether tracks similar to the style of Starships would feature on the album, she exclaimed "Hell no".
Arriving at the MTV Movie Awards recently, she donned a sophisticated and understated Alexander McQueen gown, which marked the beginning of her natural look and was looked upon with much admiration on social media.
Minaj at the MTV Movie Awards
For those of you who can't wait for her new era, listen to Lookin' Ass Nigga (below), Chi-raq and Danny Glover.
