5 Reasons Rihanna's 'Pour It Up' Shouldn't Have Been Released

From cdn.rap-up.com

For a lot of artists recently, especially of the pop descent, it seems controversial is very much the way to go. From Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' to Miley Cyrus' 'Wrecking Ball', nakedness and crudity is extremely popular when it comes to music videos. With the hugely anticipated comebacks of Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, I expected Rihanna to at least attempt to compete with the competition. 

Pour it up, is in its entirety, a pointless and indeed ridiculous video, I think we've seen it all before! Here are five legitimate reasons I believe the video should never have been released. 


The Blatant Sexism

                         From cdn.urbanislandz.com

Although I was only half surprised by the scantly clad women in the video, I was pretty disgusted with the abundance of pole dancing and the site of bikini-clad women violently shaking their derrieres to an inappropriate level. The video is almost laughable and she sets a horrible example to young fans. The lyrics aren't much better as she sings: 

"Goin' dumb with all my friends"

"Strippers goin' up and down that pole, and I still got more money"

"Bands make your girl go down"


It's Consumerist

From cdn.idolator.com

This is extremely obvious, but the song is all about having more money than everyone else. She repeats the line 'I still got more money' fifteen times throughout the song, and boasts Chanel earrings and what resembles a gold Chasity belt in the video. To add an extra element of greed, the singer wedges paper bills down her belt as money floats nonchalantly past the backing dancers.

It's Boring 

From www.missinfo.tv

There is nothing worse than watching an unentertaining music video, and I'm pretty sure the original people at MTV imagined these three minute wonders to tell more of a story, or give more of an insight into the artist's song. This video, it seems, is as shallow and nauseous  as the song itself. 

It's not a patch on the Pop Queens 

From www.hollywoodreporter.com

For fans of pop, Lady Gaga delivered Applause with artistry and a slice of quirkiness. Katy Perry sprang into the charts with a fresh single 'Roar' and Britney Spears soothed our pop craving with club banger 'work b**ch'. Rihanna lacks pretty much everything these three ladies have, and in the end, she just looks a bit trashy. 

We're not interested in twerking

From hiphop-n-more.com

Miley Cyrus showed us twerking, and then some. I'm sure I'm not the only one to be sick of seeing people twerk. It seems Rihanna's attempts to be contraversial are very much futile, as she just proves that 'twerking' is very much an unflattering and ridiculous action. Roll on the parody videos, which will no doubt be a hundred times more entertaining than this. 

Miley Cyrus Redeems Herself with Fourth Studio Album 'Bangerz'

I, like a lot of people at the moment, will be extremely willing to express my dislike of former Disney bopper Miley Cyrus' recent behaviour. Whether it be twerking, stripping or exposing her tongue for prolonged time frames, the 20 year-old is an easy irritation to some. However, with the release of her new album Bangerz, it seems the star has truly redeemed herself. 

           From kansan.com

Bangerz is her fourth studio album to be released, and really packs a punch. A delicious mix of blues, dance pop and faint country vibes, I was so impressed by her new sounds. It's clear that a lot of these songs are inspired by her painfully public relationship with actor Liam Hemsworth, but it definitely  adds more substance to her music.

It is surely a coming of age album, as the singer-come-actress confirms she has grown up, with this album being just as turbulent as her life itself.  

Track Listing

1. "Adore You" 

Choosing a ballad-esque track to begin the album is a bold move, but it certainly pays off. I love Cyrus' deep and varied tones as she repeats "baby are you listening".

2. "We Can't Stop"  

The first released single and the beginning of her re-invention, the song talks of her bold and spunky lifestyle, something no-one can control. 

3. "SMS (Bangerz)" (featuring Britney Spears)

Possibly the most disappointing track in the collection, SMS is filled with suggestively crude lyrics but has enough of an addictive beat to slot itself nicely into her fourth album.  The music video would definitely be an entertaining watch. 

4. "4×4" (featuring Nelly)

"I'm a female rebel, don't you know?" is the sure fire message with this song. Country tones take over the dance element. Warning: this song is definitely an earworm. 

From wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net

5. "My Darlin'" (featuring Future)

A combination of mid tempo R'n'B, pop and soul, Cyrus' husky tones perfectly contrast Future's deep and auto tuned contributions.  

6. "Wrecking Ball"

The second official single to be released, Wrecking Ball has already achieved an equal amount of acclaim of criticism.  Putting the controversial video aside, the song is full of candid emotion and raw feeling. 

7. "Love Money Party" (featuring Big Sean)

A  party banger for sure, I definitely think that Cyrus was wise with her collaborations and stuck to mainly R'n'B roots, something that will cement Bangerz in the top 10 album charts. 

8. "Get It Right"   

R'n'b meets bubblegum pop in 'get it right', a brilliant reprieve from the more hip hop elements of the album. The sound is reminiscent of Mariah Carey in a lot of ways. 

9. "Drive"  

Dubstep is very much present in a majority of pop these days, so I was expecting at least one of theBangerz tracks to contain it. A perfect mix of heartbroken pop and womping, Drive is a winner. 

         From images.kpopstarz.com

10. "FU" (featuring French Montana)

This track is definitely my favourite. It's full of anger, attitude and I love French Montana's catchy side piece. Blues influences intertwine themselves with memorable lyrics and I am praying this will be released as an official single!

11. "Do My Thang"  

This track is full of sass and definitely has elements of Iggy Azalea. With thumping beats, the song depicts a grown girl, able to hold her own. The song never leaves the pop element behind with a dance-like refrain. 

12. "Maybe You're Right"  

I adore this track. It's all about admission, and vulnerability-something the pop world is often lacking. 

13. "Someone Else" 

This is a fabulous ending to such a powerful album, I love Cyrus' basic admission that she is no longer the prissy Disney princess she used to be. Synth pop fills this song, and I loved every second of it. 

I give Bangerz      ★★★★★

Bangerz is released October 4th. Listen to the leak here. 

Nova State at Brighton Rocks

I do love a bit of live music and last week I had the chance to see my friend's band Nova State as part of Brighton Rocks in the lovely south coast city. The event took place at the wonderfully named 'Sticky Mike's Frog Bar' and at only £4, we got the beers in and prepared for a brilliant night of music. 

          From sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net

         From sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net

Nova State (formerly known as Kurt Mundane) is a delicious mix of alternative rock and indie pop. The band is made up of Sam Lelliott,Louis Brennan,Mike Cutuyar and Iwan Jones, with their most notable song being 'I'm Not Going Out Tonight'. Infectious lyrics and a quirky beats guarantee you will be addicted before you know it. 

They are currently gigging around Brighton, and have a facebook page so give it a 'like' if you fancy finding out where they will be playing next. 

Their soundcloud page is a great place to listen to their new music, and you also have the opportunity to download their awesome tunes. What are you waiting for?? 

                            From sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net

                                                                         (me fangirling on Louis) 

8 Unforgettable Elements of Lady Gaga's iTunes Festival Performance

From static2.stuff.co.nz

After what felt like an agonising wait for her return, pop titan Lady Gaga showcased some of her newArtpop album as she opened the iTunes Festival last night. The event was streamed live at 9pm BST and was available free via the app on iPhone,iPad or through an Apple tv. If you missed the spectacle, here are eight moments that made the gig extra special. 

Performing Her New Material 

For those of us desperate to hear new Gaga material, last night was the perfect opportunity to obtain our Artpop fix. The star seems to be back on top form with addictive beats and memorable lyrics as she performed one of her tracks 'sex dreams'. 

She Kept It Controversial 

                           From 24.media.tumblr.com

Not one to be confined to stereotypes, Gaga kept it dramatic with single 'Aura', a performance full of strong symbolism. She can be seen kneeling with a large knife with the words Hollywood written on it, before she is placed into a cage while wearing black material around her face, supposedly emulating a burqa. 

She Spoke to her Audience 

With a lot of artists, their music may be flawless, but their stage presence is often lacking. For Gaga on Sunday, she had the full package. During Applause she exclaimed "lights out London, it's just you and me" and continued to tell her audience how much she loved them. No-one can take it away from Gaga that she shows a lot of adoration for her fans. During 'Manicure' she took part in an on-stage costume change before performing a vigorous routine. 

Those Outfits

Gaga wouldn't be the same without her kooky outfits and last night she didn't disappoint. Along with a number of wigs, those who watched the VMAs would have recognised the mermaid-esque piece along with a seemingly Mad Hatter inspired suit. 

             From assets7.gcstatic.com

Even as she was leaving the venue, she was seen in yet another outfit, this time donning  a white mini dress with an elaborate bubble machine built-in. 

                 From l1.yimg.com

#Swinefest

Lady Gaga took to Twitter to name her gig Swinefest where she encouraged fans to dress in pig-inspired attire.

                 From pbs.twimg.com

Single 'Swine' in which her idea stemmed from was performed on Sunday, a song that started off melodically before a tremendous build-up then staggering drop- Gaga is well and truly embracing an electronic rock 'n' roll feel and I can't get enough.

Her Genuine Emotion

Miss Germanotta didn't hold back as she told her fans repeatedly "I would do anything for my monsters" and candidly revealed her fear that she would never perform again. She stated  "When we're in this space together we make the most beautiful thing in the world - we make love"

She Tried a New Style

Gaga admitted she was trying a new music route as she exclaimed "I'm a fan of all types of [music] aren't you?" Jewels and Drugs was a heavily rap-based song with T.I. and I think we are all thoroughly applauding Gaga for her adventurous nature. 

Celebs Turned Out to See Her 

Only last week the megastar was spotted chatting to none other than boy band sensation One Direction at the VMAs and it seems that at least one of them wanted a slice of that Gaga experience- Niall Horan was spotted at the performance, along with Grammy award winning singer Adele. 

From l1.yimg.com

MTV VMAs 2013: The Best Bits

Last night played host to possibly the biggest anticipated night in music: The Video Music Awards which took place in Brooklyn, New York as massive stars from around the world turned out for the event. With Lady Gaga opening the show and performances from Robin Thicke, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and N'Sync made a comeback. For those of you who didn't watch the show, here are some of the best bits. 

Lady Gaga is well and truly back

I am a massive Gaga fan so I have been looking forward to this performance for a while, and it didn't disappoint! She began her performance showing off her stunning voice, and pulling some pretty powerful faces while manoeuvring what looked like a priest's cassock and a giant square on her head- classic Gaga. 

From d2g892zuoe3k49.cloudfront.net

With five costume changes in total and three different wigs, she isn't anything to sniff at as she belted her heart out while delivering some stellar choreography.

            From media4.onsugar.com

Definitely my favourite performance of the night. There is only a handful of people who can pull off covering their precious parts with shells.  

She also apparently took a shine to One Direction's Zayn Malik. I can't see the two hanging out in the future though, can you? 

                       From images.sugarscape.com

Miley Cyrus as laughable

In general, I don't think I have laughed as much during a VMA performance. Three words: Gyrating, thrusting and twerking.

              From www.washingtonpost.com

As the Cyrus entered the stage last night, all traces of Hannah Montana were vanquished as she attempted to sing We Can't Stop before stripping down into nude underwear and grinding on Robin Thicke during a duet to Blurred Lines. Take a look if you don't believe me...  Is it just me, or did Mr Thicke look like a pervy Beetlejuice? 

                  From amokmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Taylor Swift's bitchiness. 

I think the fascination with the relationship country-come-pop singer Taylor Swift had with One Direction member Harry Styles will always be a hot topic, but last night the young lady really voiced her opinion on what she thought of him and the 1D lads- yay! 

From blog.zap2it.com

She received the award for Best Female Video and when she collected her moonman, she said

"I also want to thank the person who inspired this song because he knows exactly who he is, because now I've got one of these" Back-handed compliment or what? meoww. 

She was also caught mouthing 'shut the f*** up' while the One Direction boys were up on stage, what a legend. It's kind of what we were all thinking. 

JT doing a Destiny's Child and Stealing the Show from N'Sync

Justin Timberlake, you thoroughly spoilt us last night. Beginning his performance with Sexy Back, then dipping into Like I Love You.

           From img2.timeinc.net

So much classic dancing before dipping into My Love. The fact that the whole audience were on their feet showed how amazing the performance was- I was blown away.

The Grillz were out in full force. 

Katy Perry and Rihanna donned their tooth bling last night and looked fabulously fierce. Both looked a thousand times better than Madonna who stepped out last week looking positively vile in her tooth jewellery. 

                     From i.huffpost.com

Above: Rihanna sports the subtle grill. 

                              From l1.yimg.com

Katy Perry= brace face. 

Audience cam was at it's best

I do love to watch celebrities in their natural habitat, and there is definitely nothing I enjoy more than seeing those famous faces interact with each other. Last night saw Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez dancing to Miley Cyrus, Ellie Goulding and Ed Sheeran cuddling up together and the Smith family's reaction to Cyrus' stripping, eeep! 

Hand on leg: Got something to tell us Ed?!

Harry Styles has a perve on his ex, Taylor Swift- cheeky. 

Katy Perry Roars onto the stage

LOVED her performance as a pretty dapper looking boxer. Still prefer Gaga though. 

All the winners: 

Video of the year: Justin Timberlake, "Mirrors"

Best female video: Taylor Swift, "I Knew You Were Trouble."

Best male video: Bruno Mars, "Locked Out of Heaven"

Best pop video: Selena Gomez, "Come & Get It"

Best hip-hop video: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton, "Can't Hold Us"

Best rock video: Thirty Seconds to Mars, "Up In the Air"

Best collaboration: Pink and Nate Ruess of fun., "Just Give Me a Reason"

Best video with a social message: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert, "Same Love"

Best song of the summer: One Direction, "Best Song Ever"

Artist to watch: Austin Mahone, "What About Love"

Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award: Justin Timberlake

Best direction: Justin Timberlake's "Suit & Tie" (director David Fincher)

Best visual effects: Capital Cities, "Safe and Sound"

Best choreography: Bruno Mars, "Treasure"

Best art direction: Janelle Monae featuring Erykah Badu, "Q.U.E.E.N."

Best cinematography: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton, "Can't Hold Us"

Best editing: Justin Timberlake, "Mirrors"

 

Live Blog: Lady Gaga Premieres New Music Video 'Applause' on Good Morning America

Pop Princess Lady Gaga might have been accused of having her comeback over-shadowed by fellow songstress Katy Perry, but it was clear this morning that all of her 'little monsters' were out in full force at Times Square to catch a glimpse of her before her Good Morning America interview. 

                           From pbs.twimg.com

(above: Gaga arrives in Times Square to greet fans)

During her interview, she was asked about her broken hip, saying "I'm okay now.. I thought about nothing but my fans [during my rehab]"

                        From pbs.twimg.com

She also joked that she "rehearsed on [her] back" whilst injured. 

When asked about the creation of her Applause look she said she has an

 "obsession with transforming" and the make-up is an "ode to the jester who lives for applause"

She constantly referred to her fans during her talk, saying: "I live to make you happy"                    

Her new single 'Applause' was forced to be released early on August 12th after a number of leaks. The lyric video received a number of mixed reviews, most of which criticised it's rushed release. 

The influence of magic was clear in her new video as she is seen in her signature clown-esque make up and hair covering as well as seemingly appearing from a giant top hat.

 As with all of her videos, she takes on several appearances, one of my favourites was a no-doubt a more masculine, perhaps  mad hatter inspired outfit with greased back hair, duel coloured eyebrows and bubble wrap style attire. 

The most bizarre moment of the video is when she reveals herself as a black swan with a human head (below) 

'Applause'  is full of flamboyant looks and fast paced dancing, exactly like Gaga fans would have imagined it.  

Watch the video here: 

Lady Gaga vs. Katy Perry: Who is the REAL Queen of Pop?

The illustrious title of Queen of Pop is something which countless female artists have yearned to be crowned. Two particular ladies who have been plotting  their comebacks for a while are the kooky meat dress-wearing Lady Gaga and cotton candy-laced Katy Perry, both of whom are  planning to burst back on the scene at similar points this year. But who will come out on top? 

Miss Katy Perry hasn't been seen previewing a new album since California Gurls back in 2010 followed by the sickly sweet Teenage Dream, her squeaky clean image being cemented in electric blue and pink hair, pin up curls and fruit-print tea dresses. 

        From i33.tinypic.com

Her comeback album has the hipster-inspired title Prism (set for release on 22nd October) and in her teaser videos for her up-coming single Roar she is seen burning her blue wig, instead opting for a darker, more sophisticated look. Roar  was set for release on August 12th, but was rapidly leaked in the early hours of August 10th.

          From i1.cdnds.net

The lyric video was posted on Youtube on Monday, inspired by phone emoji and the song itself packs a punch.  The no-nonsense Perry depicts a new strength as she says "You held me down, but I got up", " I let you push me past the breaking point"- an inspiring feel-good song that will no doubt roar into the charts with unsurprising success. 

Listen here: 

Lady Gaga was last seen back in 2011 with the release of her second studio album Born This Way, a follow up to the hugely successful The Fame, which this year was named in the top 100 debut albums of all time by Rolling Stone. Whilst on tour last year, the star was forced to cancel a large number of gigs after she broke her hip and was forced to use a wheelchair. 

Gaga's image has changed several times, from the blonde wigs and leotards,to Pepsi cans in her hair, to almost nothing at all- she is a truly irreplaceable persona. 

Gaga is set to make her comeback with her new album ARTPOP  being released on November 11th, just a couple of weeks after Perry's. Like the latter, leaked versions of her first single Applause were spread across the internet forcing the star to release her official audio track yesterday after tweeting "a pop emergency is underway". 

             From candidonline.com

Set to be a club hit, Applause emphasises the singer's love for performing. It has an incredibly addictive beat, and for me, tops Perry's 'Roar'. 

Listen to Applause here. The official video will be released on August 19th. 

Both ladies will be performing their new singles live for the first time at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 25th.

Who is your Queen of Pop?! are you part of the #littlemonsters or #Katyscats ?