Posts Tagged ‘Collaboration’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Happy 4th!

Currently in DC melting my face off, I felt inspired to write a post with some kick-ass 4th of July songs for your viewing/listening pleasure.

001/ Martina McBride, Independence Day

Still my favorite 4th of July song ever. Saturated in a deep blue coat of meaning revolving around domestic abuse, Martina pours her heart out on this classic track. Check out the video below.

002/ George Michael, Freedom

A throwback to his golden days, Michael’s Freedom is iconic in the way it speaks of breaking free of the chains that hold us down. Perhaps a big lesson in independence is accepting that sometimes the clothes don’t make the man.

003/ Kelis, 4th of July

A new music video for Kelis debuted recently featuring the singer wearing a Native American headdress and singing about Independence Day. It’s a disco electronic love feast that satisfies. Check it!

004/ Drake ft. Alicia Keys, Fireworks

I’ve written about this track and have supported rapper Drake in several articles over the past few months. Take a listen to the sizzling number below featuring the always elegant Alicia Keys.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Congrats, Em!

Besides being sober, there’s another accomplishment under Eminem’s belt that’s worthy of praise. Eminem’s new album, Recovery, marks the rapper’s sixth straight No. 1 Billboard chart debut. The disc destroyed records for 2010’s first-week sales, moving 741,000 copies after the album’s release. Although the album didn’t reach 1 million copies in its first week (a feat Eminem achieved twice before before people stole shit on the internet), the sales are unheard of in today’s music scene, where sales aren’t as escalated as before due to the digital age and illegal downloading (among other factors).

According to Billboard, Recovery delivered the biggest sales for an album since AC/DC’s 2008 offering, Black Ice. Eminem’s new album features guests spots from Rihanna, Pink, and Lil Wayne.

Listen to two of the collaborations (NSFW) below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

When Christina released her oversexed video for Not Myself Tonight, I was not sure what to feel. Although I’m a huge Aguilera supporter, there’s often been times in her career when she comes off a bit too much for me. But honestly, I’ve come to think that’s a part of her charm, that a huge exclamation point she is creating with her music is that a woman can be both sexual and a lady all rolled into one.

When seeing a video as provocative as Not Myself Tonight, it’s easy to label Christina with the tramp stamp. But then the curtain closes to the dirrty Aguilera and exposes the beautiful one, letting down the walls with a raw, stripped down performance and I once again become instantly fascinated with what could be in store, as I seriously love Aguilera’s incredible one-of-a-kind voice on a pain-driven ballad.

As an artist, Christina has every right to experiment with any and all sounds she has the desire to explore. I respect the fact that she is, once again, taking risks–something no one can deny her of, from her style choices to her collaborations and production choices, Aguilera will always be a risk taker.

Bionic’s attitude hits your face like a punch. As a whole, it does remind me a lot of the Stripped album due to the fact that it’s loud and proud but also incredibly vulnerable in parts. I have said it before and I will repeat it now: I wish Christina didn’t feel the need to be overly sexy throughout the landscape of her music because she doesn’t need to be. It’s that simple. Certain tracks on the record (most of the provocative ones), come off a bit stale for me (for ex: Sex For Breakfast), a taste I’ve come to find a bit tired.

Aguilera’s power IMHO, remains in her pain, when the attention-getting devices are removed and the only thing plugged in is her vocals, bleeding truth.

Much like the Sia produced Stronger Than Ever (my favorite track on the album, which unfortunately is only on the Deluxe Edition of the CD).

Listen to the song below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Releasing art outside of your group doesn’t always mean there’s bad blood. Sometimes those Gym Class Heroes just need to graduate. Yes, I’m writing about Travie McCoy, and his first solo debut, The Lazarus Project. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Travie, experiencing his project on the road, and even providing promotional support through his label, and I can honestly say, his talent is raw. His performances are almost like watching poetry readings on 5 hour energy shots; confusing yet amazing. This New York pop-punk rapper is unique in everything from his style to his lyrics, for he is not afraid of the act of expressing himself. Although catchy, radio smash Billionaire may not be your forte, his art remains cool.

He’s playing melodies and heating up his singing voice with collaborations from Cee-Lo, personal favorites Chester French. The Lazarus Project will let all see another side of Travis, by proving himself to a community that may not always take him seriously. Don’t expect auto-tune, for this is the real deal.

Earlier this year he split with pop mega tart Katy Perry, and released his Forgetting Katy Perry mixtape. Normally you would never see me supporting celebrity gossip in my write-ups, but it’s necessary research for the core of the album. The healing process takes a turn on this project as his somber sad-sack tones finally see the light. Song Don’t Pretend is a hard-hitting healing process: “Open up my chest and you’ll see a cold cavity where my heart used to be”. Although it sounds dreary, this album is upbeat as all hell, turning bad to good.

This may be a different pick for your liking, but I have a feeling you are going to enjoy exploring this album. Travie recently stated in an interview, “If Lazarus were a movie, it’d be A Clockwork Orange”. Although it’s got a hip-hop vibe, rock n’ roll storms in during “Superbad”, a smash with another ravish talent, Limp Bizkit axeman Wes Borland.

A disc compacted with teaming up with a diverse array of studio superstars for a genre-busting, groundbreaking new collection. If you want to experience a great musical performance, catch him on the road this summer with 3OH!3 and Cobra Starship. Turning the scribbled lines between hip-hop and rock into a perfect picture, with no fillers or skippable tracks.

Although Travie may not be rollin in Gym Class, this album proves he’s still a hero.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

This song sizzles.

A collaboration with Alicia Keys has leaked from Drake’s highly anticipated debut album. The track, properly titled Fireworks, is a melting pot of undeniable chemistry between Drake and Keys, the song merging to a more deeper place.

The song deals with issues of money and fame and the more gritty emotional things that those things can’t seem to conquer, like Drake’s challenging relationship with his father and the challenge he faced when his parents split when he was only 5 years of age.

Says Drake: “It truly is a story. At no point in the album does it fall off and become about some songs I slapped together. It’s all a story from beginning to end. Just like So Far Gone was. It’s that time.”

The song will kick off Drake’s forthcoming album, Thank Me Later.

Check it!

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Although the music is not normal on my rotation, this is yummy.

Daughtry and Miss Kelly Clarkson recently came together for a huge duet. When two mega talents collide, it broadens horizons for listeners, especially when it’s two items of the same kind; American Idols. Kelly joined Daughtry on stage this weekend in Nashville, where the two performed their own rendition of Tracy Chapman’s ruminative 1988 ballad Fast Car.

Other than their titles, something else makes these two idolistic these days; the concert raised money for Nashville flood relief. It was a complete surprise, and surely a treat for concert goers. Kelly and Daughtry are success stories from the competition, selling millions of albums worldwide.

On an ordinary day, I would not be expressing my opinion on American Idols, for there are too many to discuss. But these two propelled their careers much differently, languishing in the role of dippy ingénue or shunting their musical development by leaning too heavily on overnight stardom? Negative. Instead they dug their heels and allowed good sense (or a good manager) to steer them in the right direction.

An epic collaboration for a good cause? Bring it on.

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Ah, hipster culture. Love it or hate it, we all know we can’t ignore it. Cobra Starship is one of those bands that add to its charming oddity, that spectacle you can’t take your eyes from. They have harnessed the hipster thrill, and used it to their advantage, all the time showing that it’s not a certain style or subculture that defines what you are, but a lasting joy for music and life that matters.

What is it about Cobra? Their energy, the spice in their music? Whatever it is, it’s oh so simple, and right in your face. All you have to do is take a look at their videos or a shot of the band on stage, and you’ll see that they’re a stallion with the reigns held back, ready to run wild.

They started out mashing it up in dear old New York, and are now seen partying with Fall Out Boy, and being humble enough to poke fun at their own rise to fame. Their first album tore up the charts in 2006, and their latest sizzled onto the shelves in 2009. As far as musical products go, Cobra Starship is fresh on the market.

They’re pretty rad, pretty cool, and just plain pretty, all about melding pop culture into their tunes and recreating the music scene. Like a splash of colour on a pop-art collage, they have a lovable tweak one can’t quite resist. Undeniably, they are a walking irony, with their wonderfully blatant message of satire stamped on their foreheads. Their motto is about being silly, having fun, and never, ever taking life too seriously.

Okay, so their music isn’t exactly a catalyst to deep thinking, but feisty frolicking is just their style, and they work it well. Their addiction to fun and ‘get up and go’ attitude is enough to make a whole crowd feel remarkable. And sometimes, when life is getting you down and the deadlines are wearing you thin, that’s all you need.

If dance music isn’t your thing, then they won’t sit comfortably in your ears. But if driving through lit up streets late at night and stomping boredom goodbye is your brand of tofu, then be sure to add them to your party playlist.

Put your dancing shoes on and get ready to blast off, because Cobra Starship has got it going on!

Spark it up with their video for Good Girls Go Bad, featuring Gossip Girl cutie Leighton Meester.
　

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Want an album with rock royalty and epic guest collabos? Allow me to reintroduce Slash, whose new self-titled album has something for all. Slash is a modern guitar god, and he’s back with a vengeance with his first solo project. As any music fans would know, guitar legends are not known for a singing voice. To solve this dilemma, Slash gets by with a little help from his friends: Kid Rock, Adam Levine, Iggy Pop, Fergie, and more. Album mission: to prove rock and roll is not dead.

Beautiful Dangerous featuring Fergie is an unexpected bad-ass turn of super-melodic rock with exceptional vocal work. Fergie hits the notes while Slash entirely fills this track with coating upon coating of balanced, incredible lead work. This is just one of the tracks that will make your heart jump. Also noteworthy is Watch This featuring Dave Grohl, and Crucify the Dead featuring Ozzy Osbourne.

Slash stays devoted to his hard rock roots on this album while experimenting with a variety of ingredients, ranging from hard rock songs, country riffs, slow acoustic, headbanging metal, and even hip hop–creating the perfect recipe. But the one that brings the album together is the glue of a powerful guitar. He has had a prevailing presence in music for more than twenty years. Referred to by many as one of the utmost and most influential guitar players of all time, Slash’s signature style and authoritative guitar mastery has impacted not only millions of fans around the world, but many of his fellow artists, which is reflected onto the album’s tracks.

Do yourself a favor and listen to this album, for you may be surprised how much you enjoy it. He makes the guitar sound sexy as hell. A black top hat, a bottle of Jack Daniels on hand, and a cigarette in his mouth, Slash will always be one of the most recognizable figures in rock, whether solo or backed by a posse.

Let your ears be cut.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

There’s just something about Drake.

Drake (for whatever reasons) has always held my attention. Perhaps it’s the fact that he’s different in the hip hop world, you know, being a Jewish black boy and all. Yes, his differences make him refreshing but I think it’s more than that–I think underneath I can see his true colors and I’m getting the vibe that he’s a total nerd at heart (and who doesn’t love a hot nerd?). Hell, he even admitted his affection for Taylor Swift earlier this year. Yep, sounds like a boy you could bring home to the rents (don’t let that whole “I’m a rapper” thing fool ya).

All playfulness aside, the dude has charisma, is incredibly talented, and from what I’ve seen in interviews, also incredibly humble. Talent and humility are always sexy in my book.

Drake recently launched the video for his second single Find Your Love co-produced by Kanye West and I must say, it’s fantastic. Directed by Anthony Mandler, the video was filmed in Kingston, Jamaica and stars dancehall artist Movado.

In an interview with MTV News Drake said that he felt the song should have been performed by a woman, stating: “Find Your Love is an extremely vulnerable song. 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.” <--So men can't sing vulnerable songs? Shut up Drake, we all know you're a teddybear on the inside.

Drake went on to tell MTV News: “We went to Kingston, we went to this ‘hood. They call it the ‘gully’ side. It’s bad out there, real bad. They had ‘Young Money’ sprayed on the gates, ‘Drake and Wayne,’ ’cause I came to shoot the video out there. I’m talking about you drive by people’s homes, they had ‘Drake,’ ‘Young Money,’ ‘Drake, Welcome Here,’ ‘Drake We Love You’ — crazy sh–, man. It was so crazy. This dude was like, ‘Original Weezy tha God! You tha boss! Weezy tha God!’ It’s crazy. They love us, ’cause we show love out there.”

The video is epic. Check it!

[Note: For mature audiences, NSFW]

Drake – New Music – More Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Girl can saaang!

A lil backstory: Charice was born in the Philippines where she and her little brother were raised solely by their mother, who left their father when Charice was only three years old due to domestic violence. To help support her struggling family, she began to compete in amateur singing contests at the ripe old age of seven. But it wasn’t until years later, in 2007 that Charice would gain worldwide recognition after an avid supporter began to post videos of her live performances onto YouTube where the videos went on to receive millions and millions of hits. And the rest as they say is history.

Vocally she’s been compared with Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. Her self-titled international debut album with Warner Records label is scheduled for a May 11, 2010 release.

Check out the music video for Pyramid ft. Iyaz, below.

Charice – New Music – More Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Oh Betty, how we love thee.

“I’m thrilled to hear he’s going to be on the show because he’s the hottest thing since sliced bread, but I certainly enjoy him. I hope we’ll get along well,” White told reporters about her upcoming SNL appearance (with musical guest Jay-Z). “Yes, [I have listened to his music]…I have no idea [if we'll work together]! But I’m game to try anything. This is an adventure!”

Perhaps Betty can bring out her inner Beyonce and do a little diddy with the rapper? Any ideas? Let’s just hope they don’t throw her in a black bikini and make her do the Single Ladies dance. Not that it wouldn’t be awesome but it’s been done way too much. Either way, whatever SNL creates for Betty, I’m sure will be great TV.

Until SNL airs this weekend, you can check out Jay performing Young Forever (at Coachella) with wifey BK, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Timberlake is one slick love dealer.

Not long after BTB was created, one of the first artists I wrote about was Esmee Denters. The former pancake house waitress who captivated the world with nothing but a webcam and her powerful voice had just released her debut music video for Outta Here, after being signed by Justin Timberlake (who, like everyone else, first saw her videos online).

The Dutch-born singer hasn’t been pushed really in America but that could all change now with her new music video for Love Dealer, which features Timberlake doing what he does best: bringin’ sexy back with his coy demeanor and relaxed pop hop (pop + hip hop, def just made that up) vibe.

Speaking of Timberlake, when is that kid going to drop some new music?! It’s obvious that he’s having a good ol’ time producing songs and filling the guest hot spot on other acts’ tracks but it’s been way too long in my book.

Until we get some new fresh solo music from JT, you can check out his muse below in a before and after look at the just-released music video ft. Timberlake.

Interview // Behind The Scenes of Love Dealer

Official Music Video //

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I freakin’ love this song.

Airplanes is the 2nd single off B.o.B’s upcoming debut album The Adventures of Bobby Ray (due to drop 04.27). The track, which features Hayley Williams of Paramore, is a fresh mesh of hip hop oozing it’s way into pop rock territory. The song isn’t about a girl, rather B.o.B. raps about how life has changed for him as success took over and airplanes became an integral part of this lifestyle. The sick hook (sung by Hayley Williams) dives into the message behind the song as the rapper is reminiscing and daydreaming back to a time when it was all about the music and the simple things in life.

There will also be a part 2 to Airplanes, set to feature Eminem. You can pre-order the album here.

Listen to Airplanes, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

ROB BRAYL: Your new single Candy ft. Kimberly Wyatt (of The Pussycat Dolls) is addictive. Did you intentionally set out to make a track that would get stuck in the listener’s head?

AGGRO SANTOS: I didn’t intentionally intend to make it a particular way, I was writing in Sweden and really loved the beat so we started vibing on it and Candy was the outcome. It wasn’t forced or nothing, it just worked out really nice. I’m pleased people are finding it infectious.

RB: I read a lot about your upbringing and it seems like there was some dark stuff there yet this track is very light, will you have some songs on your debut album to reflect this side of your story?

AS: Yeah I’m not afraid to touch on any aspects of my life in my tracks, I may do a few darker bits on the album but never on my singles. I have a free mixtape on my website and I’m gonna do one more before my album. That’s perfect for me to address any past issues before putting them fully behind me and focusing on pop. I’m making my music as fun but still credible as possible and even though Candy is very pop and features a former Pussycat Doll it’s still a very cool track.

RB: If you had to describe your sound in three words, what words would you choose?

AS: Three words that fit my sound are: Fresh, Catchy, and Fusion. Fusion because I mix a lot of Latin with urban on my record.

RB: Do you have a plan to take over US airwaves?

AS: Yep, in the long term. I would like to take over the UK airwaves first, move onto Europe and South America, then try the states. I’m confident I can generate interest in South America as I put Portuguese and Spanish riffs in my songs. They love that kinda stuff and they support it.

RB: Finally, do you have a lyric/one liner from your upcoming album that’s your favorite?

AS: ‘Don’t be afraid of the ‘Candy’ man!!!’ — I don’t bite [laughs], for daily updates follow me on Twitter also people (@aggrosantos)!

Taken from his forthcoming album (which will be released in the summer of 2010), Candy makes a cannonball splash as a debut single. The track will be available May 10th, through Mercury Records.

Check out the killer video for Candy, below.

By: Rob Brayl & Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

This morning when I opened my email I received a great excerpt from Maria on GaGa’s video premiere of Telephone (ft. Beyonce). As I watched the video release last night, I was definitely intrigued (how can you not be when there’s vagina flashing and cigarette blazing sunglasses?!), but when the video came to an end I found myself still processing the over nine minute feature directed by Jonas Akerland–who is best known for his award-winning work with Madonna.

I’m not sure what it is but there’s something holding me back from actually being a true fan of the Poker Face singer. I suppose you could call me a psuedo-fan. I mean, if her song blasts out on a dancefloor I will sing along and bounce around just like everyone else–but when it comes to the overall package, I’m just not buying it. One thing’s for certain: I admire her drive and ambition but as an overall artist, I’m just not on the GaGa train quite yet.

I appreciate the fact that this video didn’t air until 11:30PM last night, since it’s definitely NSFK (Not Safe For Kiddies) and definitely NSFW, but I found myself wrestling with the message or lack thereof that was present in the video. I understand that darkness is a style stamp that GaGa has placed on herself but I just didn’t understand the point of the mass murder spree in the video–there was no story leading to the purpose of this detail. This is just another reason why I am led to believe that GaGa is truly a shock artist, doing whatever it takes to get a reaction. In an interview with Barbara Walters, she said the biggest misconception about herself is that she is “artificial and attention-seeking”. And although, I respect her and her work, I also ask: What do you expect when you write about clubs, sex, getting wasted and wear crabs on your face in public? — Not tryin’ to hate, just sayin’!

Perhaps in the future, she will rub off on me. Either way, she definitely has made a HUGE dent in pop culture and I will be interested to hear her next record. With that being said, there were parts of this video that I really enjoyed and other parts I had no desire to see–I will, however, agree that it’s one of her best tracks to date.

On the FLIP SIDE, BTB’s Maria Ciezak loved the video and I wanted to showcase both our uncertainty and our support for the video in this post because that is what’s so great about art–when it arouses discussion.

Read Maria’s review below (and watch the video premiere of Telephone, after the jump).

Do you ever watch something and say “I can’t believe what I just saw?” Well, be prepared to do a double take; Lady Gaga’s (ft. Beyonce) Telephone has finally been released. Ladies and Gentlemen, witness an edgy, sexified Thelma and Louise rebirth. Starting off by slamming rumors, there are tons of hidden meanings just waiting to be found as GaGa prances through prison and ends up poisoning several people at a roadside diner. Covered in everything from electrical tape to latex, this video doesn’t contain a dull moment. A pop smash about wanting to turn your phone off has turned into something so much deeper.

A must-watch nine and a half minute masterpiece; Gaga and Beyonce convolute the stereotype of what a pop music video should be. Continuously opposed to the typical, we love all that makes her so damn Gaga.

Lady Gaga – New Music – More Music Videos