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Tag: Brandy

28 April 2012

Brandy ‘Put It Down’ (feat. Chris Brown) Single Review

The world turned into a very cold, dark and lonely place for me yesterday morning when I realised that Brandy‘s new single had leaked and none of you instantly reached out to me to break the good news. It had be out for at least four or five hours, y’all. I have my phone switched on all through the night for such critical news breaks.

Brandy is one of those artists that I hold very close to my heart and stan wildly for without much feedback and mutual excitement shared in my friendship group. It is hard. However, I’m hoping this new and evidently more current R&B direction B-Rocka‘s rockin’ will get more folks fangurling in my corner.

‘Put It Down’ (featuring Chris Brown) is a straight up declaration of war on the American urban charts. Every from its superstar collabo to the airtight production and flow screams “Brandy means business”. Our gurl is gunning for a hit and she’s got the #1 spot well within the firing range right now.

For the first time since her Afrodisiac era, Bran is actually presenting herself with a song fit to compete with the young, cool crowd and better yet, she’s doing it in a way that is still indistinguishably Brandy. She may be commandeering a harder hip hop flow but it is still executed with smooth vocals and harmonies that she’s known for – thankfully, not a thorough Auto-Tune fit out like it was going on Glee or some shit.

The bass heavy urban beats courtesy of Bangladesh (producer behind Rihanna‘s ‘Cockiness’ and Ke$ha‘s ‘Sleazy’) may not be entirely game changing by the industry’s current standards but it is for Brandy. It’s just a thrill to hear her beat them soulful vocal tones into submission and deliver a sharper flow often required for hip hop beats.

There was even a moment in verse two where Bran skillfully serves up a few rap lines, which shouldn’t surprise anyone who has heard her firey rap delivery on Timbaland‘s last album.

The term, “put it down” definitely sounds like an expression Bran had borrowed from her gal pal Kelendria Trene Rowland, who was flogging that expression hard during her term as X Factor judge in the UK. While we’re on the subject, I reckon this project’s gonna land itself in very close proximity to Kelly Rowland‘s flawless Here I Am album.

The sexual confidence Bran is putting down on ‘Put It Down’ is already a nod to the kind of bossbitch anthems Kelendria‘s used to delivering. It is gonna be a whole new era and a whole new dimension of hits for Brandy – and thank fuck it is finally happening for the girl.

Listen to ‘Put It Down’ featuring Chris Brown:



Footnotes:

Brandy will release ‘Put It Down’ in the States on 8 May. I don’t understand why this smash isn’t already out on iTunes – within 24 hours of it hitting Brandy‘s Soundcloud account, the track was already played some 100,000 times.

‘Put It Down’ is the first taste of the diva’s forthcoming comeback album Two Eleven which is slated for a June release in the US.

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19 March 2012

Chart Feed – 19.03.12

There is cause for much celebration in our Chart Feed this week.

Nicki Minaj is cockblocked from the #1 spot again, Jason Donovan is back in the Top 40 and there’s a new girl storming the charts and she goes by the name of Carly Rae Jepsen. Who?

Find out more in this week’s Chart Feed.

Read the rest of this entry »

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9 March 2012

Monica and Brandy ‘It All Belongs To Me’ Music Video

There’s probably still a wet patch on my seat from the first time I watched this video and lost control of them basic bodily functions. I’m glad no one paid me any mind in the office on Wednesday when I exploded with excitement, watching the full ‘It All Belongs To Me’ video. Please remember, some of us waited 14 years for this reunion.

I am well aware that I’m the only bitch up in my friendship group – better make that even in my extended networks – to be wild about Monica and Brandy‘s reunion duet ‘It All Belongs To Me’. I have previously waxed lyrical about why this grown ass woman song might fall on deaf ears, but I hope that after viewing the stylish video, some of y’all might bend over and start picking up some sense.

Some folks are only here for ‘The Boy Is Mine (Part II)’, but believe me when I say, this song fits Brandy and Monica circa 2012 better than any kind of Glee cover-ready pop single you might have in mind. So with that out of the way, can we all just fast forward to the eleganza these 90s R&B queens are serving?

“It’s all been loaned to me…”

I read on some fashion Tumblr blog somewhere that a certain designer silk blouse Brandy was rubbing carpet in for this video costs north of $1200. Bitch, don’t even pretend to sign that cheque you already know is gonna bounce. I am living for both of their deluxe diva looks here – the designer gowns, the leather and heels, and the sophisticatedly styled weaves.

It was very satisfying to see both Brandy and Monica looking so classy and impeccably styled – pitching them on the same wavelength as great modern soul artistes like Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Hudson.

Honestly, I’m glad that their label RCA has pumped some proper funds into this video – everything from the stunning visual presentation through to the video concept and of course, explosives – helped create a buzz that definitely wasn’t there before.

Top shelf music video director Chris Robinson - who did Alicia Keys‘ ‘You Don’t Know My Name’ and Monica‘s own ‘Anything (To Find You)’ – has definitely fulfilled the brief to present these ladies at their finest in this hour.

You mad? Stay mad.

I can’t wait to see Tumblr spout off a thousand Brandy and Monica “U MAD?!” gifs for the above.

Y’know, they could’ve played this out as some nine-minute mini-movie extravaganza with multiple scenes and dialogues. Trust me, the drama and sass served in ‘It All Belongs To Me’ could build whole seasons of the Real Housewives - but it’s just not necessary to go through all that when the story’s already told so effectively in song.

For songs with so much vocal excellence on display like ‘It All Belongs To Me’, you don’t need complex choreography and mind-bending visual effects to drive the project. In fact, you don’t want to do anything to detract focus from the song and the singer’s performance. Simple sheer elegance is enough.

Watch Monica and Brandy’s ‘It All Belongs To Me’ music video:


 
Did the video upgrade your appreciation for the song?

Footnotes:

‘It All Belongs To Me’ continues to climb the US Billboard R&B/Hip Hop song chart, peaking at #41 in its third week. The single will be included on Monica‘s New Life, which is due 10 April in the States, and Brandy‘s long awaited album Two Eleven, which is slated for a June drop date.

‘It All Belongs To Me’ is yet to be released in Australia.

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9 February 2012

Leak Report: Brandy and Monica ‘It All Belongs To Me’

Don’t nobody call this the sequel to the career-defining ‘Boy Is Mine’ because we’re not dealing with girls fighting over some scrub no more. This is some grown ass women business right here.

Brandy and Monica have finally reunited for their first duet in 14 years and naturally what we’re all looking for is another massive, radio-ready smash to recapture some commercial grounds.

Unfortunately, this sassy semi-dated soul ballad screams more “track nine” than headlining single. ‘It All Belongs To Me’ is not here to deliver the same soap opera stuff that made ’Boy Is Mine’ so addictive and fun to lip synch to with your gay best friend.

This feels more like a recitation from the same chapter and verse of Beyoncé‘s ‘Irreplaceable’ with both Brandy and Monica dismissing their men and insisting that he leaves behind all the luxuries he’s been provided with.

“I know you’re mad, can’t take no more. But put that back, that ain’t yours. Have a fit, slam the door. But leave the bags on the floor, that sh*t belongs to me!”

Producer Rico Love – who has hemmed some proper hits for the likes of Kelly Rowland and Usher – really didn’t bother with an adequate and modern backdrop for this eagerly awaited comeback duet. 

You shouldn’t have to play this after ‘Boy Is Mine’ and find that Darkchild‘s production some 14 years ago still sounds more cutting edge than ‘It All Belongs To Me’. 

Having said that, there’s undeniable delight in my loins to hear these two fabulous 90s R&B divas sharing a warble once again. It’s clear to the ears that these two women have simply gotten better with age as vocalists and emotive artists whose selling points are music from the heart. [Editor's note: gagging at that cheesy description, Limoncé.]

Listen to Brandy and Monica‘s ‘It Belongs To Me’:


 
Footnotes:

‘It Belongs To Me’ will be released digitally on 13 February in the States and will impact rhythmic and urban contemporary stations on 21 February.

The song will appear on Monica‘s forthcoming album New Life, which arrives in April, and Brandy‘s as-yet-untitled comeback album, which has been pushed back to later this year.

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2 September 2011

Brandy Talks Up Her Comeback and ‘Drop Dead Diva’ Role

I have no idea how long it’s been since I last saw a Brandy interview on telly. This comeback of hers is already gathering momentum in the right direction ever since she announced her exciting new record deal with RCA/Chameleon [Editor's note: RCA being home to the likes of Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson].

This interview is actually rather explosive for a few reasons and we’re gonna walk through it together in a minute. But first things first, the R&B singer’s set to debut her first acting role in centuries this coming week on the new episode of Drop Dead Diva – where she plays Parker’s ex who turns to the firm for some legal help. Brandy’s character will appear on three episodes with the possibility of a return for season four, if the series gets picked up again.

Watch the interview here – featuring a preview of her Drop Dead Diva appearance:

 

Here she also talks about her new record deal and why this signing is “huge” for her:

“It’s huge because I’m working with people that believe in me. It’s hard to work with people who don’t believe or think you’re done. If I could touch two people [with my music] then I’ve done my job.”

It kinda hurts my soul to hear Brandy come out sounding a bit bruised. I mean, I’m sure those who have seen her VH1 reality series Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business would have a clearer idea of the situation but every now and then, I read comments and interviews and it just breaks my heart to see this woman, who I consider an R&B legend of our generation, sound so defeated.

I absolutely hope to god that this album she’s working on right now, this so-called return to her R&B roots, will connect with people in the way fellow R&B veterans like Monica and Mary J. Blige have. In terms of getting Bran more exposure, her team better come correct and start hooking her up to more appropriate appearances. They need to do whatever it takes to align her with projects that build her brand as a respectable R&B singer and actress, not pitch her as some celebrity desperate to get on any reality show to stage a comeback.

Speaking of reality, the Never Say Never singer has vowed to never do another episode.

“No more reality for me! I just don’t think I’m interesting enough for reality. I’m not throwing champagne glasses at my mama, I’m not fighting with my friends… my reality is a little boring for what reality is today.”

Footnotes:

Brandy‘s acting spree doesn’t just start and end with Drop Dead Diva. The I Still Know What You Did Last Summer screen siren also has a guest role coming up on CW’s 90210, where she plays a “kick ass” politician.

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25 April 2011

Brandy and Ray J “A Family Business” Album Tracklisting and Details

It don’t get more vanilla than this.

Brandy will eternally be one of my favourite R&B singers so I’m gonna let this slide and pretend like it’s just business, and not a true reflection of where her creative space is at right now.

For those tuning in from outside the States, Brandy and brother Ray J have been foisting a reality TV show titled A Family Business for two seasons now. As the name suggests, it’s all about Bran and Ray taking charge of the family’s music business and doing their best to keep their own careers happening, all while handling the usual domestic drama you’d expect to be handled on a reality show.

The obvious step for the show is to spawn a soundtrack album and here the Norwoods are ready to deliver some of their own home grown goodness.

Check on the official tracklisting for Brandy and Ray J A Family Business album:

1 – Family Business (aka Family Business Theme) – Brandy, Ray J, Willie and Sonja Norwood
2 – Turnin’ Me On – Ray J
3 – Talk To Me – Brandy, Ray J and Willie Norwood Sr.
4 – My Family – Sy’rai & Rain Smith
5 – Lifeguard – Brandy
6 – Ready to Roll – Ray J featuring TKO
7 – Sonja, Sonia, Sonya – Willie Norwood Sr.
8 – Gone – Tosha Scott
9 – I Don’t Care – Brandy
10 – Home Grown – Willie Norwood Sr.
11 – Epilogue – Sonja Norwood

Hold up for second. Brandy‘s little girl Sy’rai is doing a song? Boom! Instant value added already. And major fist pumps for the inclusion of ‘Lifeguard’, which was one of the best Brandy demos I’ve heard leak in recent history.

Footnotes:

Brandy and Ray J‘s A Family Business will be released on 21 June. They’re all standing around with a pen and pad ready to take your pre-orders now. Did I mention they did T-shirts? Mmph.

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7 December 2010

Brandy Previews New Song on Her Reality Show

Just ’cause you ain’t heard nothin’, don’t mean there ain’t nothin’.

Brandy‘s been threatening a return to her urban roots with this forthcoming studio album and here she previews a snippet of a new recording – ‘How High’ – on her VH1 reality TV show, Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business.

How fucking hawt does BranBran look here? This woman is in fine form and now all the world needs is for her to dish up something contemporary and relevant.

The track sounds like a throwback to the dark balladry of her critically acclaimed Afrodisiac album and I’m absolutely dripping for more. Brandy‘s demos have always leaked like crazy but things seem to be fastened a little tighter with this new project.

Hat tip to Toya’s World for the heads up.

Footnote:

The aforementioned ‘How High’ demo is produced by a little known producer called Get Familiar.

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