Tag Archives: Chris Brown

Ye Ali – WYA? I’m Not Mad Anymore

Having cemented himself in the R&B realm, as an artist (including last year’s Ye Ali & Chill 4)and behind the scenes, writing and producing with newcomers and legends like Chris Brown, Ye Ali has been experimenting with genres, from displaying more raps to now releasing this new dance album, cleverly titled, WYA? I’m Not Mad Anymore.

There have been a few dance album attempts of late, Drake tried and it didn’t transition how he might have liked, Beyonce on the other hand, was able to cut through but more so as her discography has given glimpses, so initially, hearing this was a dance album, I might not have been as keen, preferring his R&B prowess, however, upon actually listening, I was surprised.

Seven tracks of upbeat soul (produced along with JVD) starting with Eyes Wide Shut, a perfect blend of his soulfulness with the club ambience, an insight into what this project is. No More Chances establishes the theme and is the more natural of the blends and maybe even my personal favourite. Party Just Peaked continues that vibe and is one of those classic picturesque songs that could have easily been a Chris Brown hit. Strangers In The Club musically is the more dance sounding, other than the harmonies in the back and he gets to rapping in what felt like a more British twang, it’s something that Pink Pankthress for example could deliver, which just highlights Ye Ali’s ability in constructing these tracks. Track 5, Secrets, the shortest track on the album is also one of the catchiest, though serves as an interlude, at this point I’m surprised that I’m enjoying a dance album as much as I am, nodding along to the uptempo drums. Echoes follows suit, similar style to the fourth track but doesn’t feel as experimental, before Who But Me? the smoother of the dance tracks, that not only is reminiscent to previous Ye Ali efforts, but also closes out the album nicely.

If you said he compiled some of the more upbeat R&B tracks in the vault into this concise project, I might have leaned towards it more, though the A&R part of me feels there are a few songs from this that might have stood out better amongst the more traditional releases, notably No More Chances and Party Just Peaked as the standouts, however, conceptually WYA? I’m Not Mad Anymore works well, as it isn’t too far left for his fanbase and will help him venture further in this direction as a creative.

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Kwn – Do What I Say

R&B/Soul tends to find itself in the background, despite it’s DNA being present in the majority of genres and though the likes of PartyNextDoor and Ye Ali have helped its resurgence, it’s still not as prevalent as deserved and none more so than in the UK. The country has had a rich history from the likes of Lynden David Hall, Damage, Fun*mental and more recently Bluey Robinson and Daley. However, as acts like Cleo Sol, Jorja Smith, Mahalia and Raye help lead the culture to the forefront, the talent plus marketability has the industry seeing the value again, with none more so than London’s own, Kwn (pronounced Kay-wuhn)

The signs have been there, her 2022 release Episode Wn EP showcased her distinct tone, production choice and songwriting ability, exploring her versatility through experimentation as she developed her sound, which comes together on the personal favourite Wn Way Or Another. Couple years later, after songs like Eyes Wide Open continue to shape her artistry, she appears on Kehlani’s While We Wait 2 project and earlier this year, the Oakland superstar returns the favour, appearing on the remix for Worst Behaviour, noticeably garnering her more attention and though I came across it, it did not strike me the same way as when I randomly see a promo clip of her latest single. There was something about the vocality that caught me, a unique cadence that despite the lyrics maybe not even being for me, just further emphasised her ability as a songwriter to make it so catchy over the infectious production, you can’t help but sing along to the perfect blend of modern R&B infused with the classic elements. Much like Leon Thomas’ Mutt, Do What I Say is such an unconventional “hit”, (imagine her stepping out to this at like Wireless fest, or any live show for that matter), but thats what makes it so captivating and will capitalise greatly on her new found limelight.

Her identity is such a strength, as few acts can evoke such dominance and vulnerability in this space so naturally, Chris Brown being one, which puts Kwn in great company as she continues upon what can only be a fruitful career on an upward trajectory (as we await the new project), which is obviously good for the artist, but also R&B overall and I can’t help but be proud that its out of the UK.

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Ye Ali – Good Girls

Since my Introducing: Ye Ali article in 2018, he’s since gone on to establish himself as one of the forerunners of R&B, beyond an artist, he’s worked behind the scenes with not only the likes of Chris Brown, but a whole crop of up and coming R&B stars. With multiple instalments of his now classic projects (including the more recent mixtape Private Suite 4), Ye has developed his craft further, from production, songwriting and vocals, spreading his wave throughout the new rise of R&B through various production camps, his imprint is visible, and his latest release is a testament to that.

Good Girls, caters to his core, it’s soft melodic base, rests comfortably within the crisp hi-hat, allowing him to accentuate his vocals, accompanying ad-libs and glittery chimes provide the backdrop for him to push his lyricism to the forefront with classic R&B simplicity. It serves as a solo teaser, with his compilation project on the way, he’s definitely positioning himself towards the top of that new R&B lineage.

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Chris Brown – I Can Transform Ya ft. Swizz Beatz & Lil’ Wayne (Official Video)

chrisbrownsinglecover

He’s Back, say what you want but at the moment there is no other artist like this, no other song like this either and definitely no other video, featuring Cameos from producer Swizz Beats, Mr Carter himself Lil’ Wayne and Tyrese.

Here is the official video for the first single to be released off his third album ‘Graffiti’.

The track as you already know is good, Swizzy creating what I would like to described as, “‘Wall to Wall’ on stereroids”, Lil’ Wayne understands exactly what is needed of him and he brings it in full effect, the most pressure is on Chris Brown and he delivers with ease, he has improved, he has matured and it all shows, he seems determined and confident, which is a good combination. The video is a mix of interests with the fashion, robots, martial arts and dancing, they are all nicely merged together, it has something for everyone, the guys will enjoy watching it, the girls will most likely watch it more than the guys, but over all it is a great way to return.

With the critics and haters working over time on Chris Brown since his situation with Rihanna, there is a lot of pressure on him, however with the help of other artists, the pressure is being eased, this time comes Lil’ Wayne is called into action and he delivers like only he can, with two verses, Swizz with a monster beat, a good video and it appears that Chris Brown will be back on top again in no time, R. Kelly went into work mode and locked himself in the studio when his ‘video’ incident emerged, he was behind every single major hit of that year and you could not criticize the man that was behind all your favourite songs, so Chris can come through, he is mentally stronger and can now concentrate on what he does best and this song will no doubt be another success for him, so the future is once again bright for the man Lil’ Wayne refers to as the “New Michael Jackson” (much to Omarion’s dismay).

After watching this video, it appears that Chris Brown may return as an even bigger artist than when he left, while there are many who may never forgive him, there are a lot who will and of late he is showing sincerity and the fans take to that, the record is hot, you cannot deny that, it might be his biggest track so far, personally, his private life is his private life, if I was to judge artists on their personal issues then I would stop listening to a lot of your favourite artists, Music remains Music.

She heard he can transform ya..

She heard 'he can transform ya'..

I Can Transform Ya ..OUT NOW!!

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Chris Brown – I Can Transform Ya (Video Trailer)

I felt to wait until the actual video was released (within a few hours), however, I decided that this trailer has me excited and so you all deserve to see it, it looks like a good video:

It appears that Chris Brown may return as an even bigger artist than when he left, while there are many who may never forgive him, there are a lot who will and of late he is showing sincerity and the fans take to that, the record is hot, you cannot deny that, it might be his biggest track so far, personally, his private life is his private life, if I was to judge artists on their personal issues then I would stop listening to a lot of your favourite artists, Music remains Music.

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Chris Brown – I Can Transform Ya ft. Swizz Beatz & Lil’ Wayne (Video update)

chrisbrownsinglecover

The first single to be released off his third album ‘Graffiti’.

With the critics and haters working over time on Chris Brown since his situation with Rihanna, there is a lot of pressure on him, however with the help of other artists, the pressure is being eased, this time comes Lil’ Wayne is called into action and he delivers like only he can, with two verses, Swizz with a monster beat, expect a good video and Chris Brown will be back on top again in no time, R. Kelly went into work mode and locked himself in the studio when his ‘video’ incident emerged, he was behind every single major hit of that year and you could not criticize the man that was behind all your favourite songs, so Chris can come through, the Rihanna situation is behind him now, he can now concentrate on what he does best and this song will no doubt be another success for him, so the future is once again bright for the man Lil’ Wayne refers to as the New Michael Jackson (much to Omarions dismay).

Update:
Since the tracks release, it has shot up the charts, to cement this return, a video has been shot and some images have surfaced, have a look, what do you think?

Video coming soon!!

Video coming soon!!


She heard he can transform ya..

She heard 'he can transform ya'..

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Chris Brown – I Can Transform Ya ft. Swizz Beats & Lil’ Wayne

chrisbrownsinglecover

The apparent first single to be released off his third album ‘Graffiti’.

With the critics and haters working over time on Chris Brown since his situation with Rihanna, there is a lot of pressure on him, however with the help of other artists, the pressure is being eased, this time comes Lil’ Wayne is called into action and he delivers like only he can, with two verses, Swizz with a monster beat, expect a good video and Chris Brown will be back on top again in no time, R. Kelly went into work mode and locked himself in the studio when his ‘video’ incident emerged, he was behind every single major hit of that year and you could not criticize the man that was behind all your favourite songs, so Chris can come through, the Rihanna situation is behind him now, he can now concentrate on what he does best and this song will no doubt be another success for him, so the future is once again bright for the man Lil’ Wayne refers to as the New Michael Jackson (much to Omarions dismay).

She heard he can transform ya..

She heard 'he can transform ya'..

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Mario – Break Up ft. Gucci Mane & Sean Garrett

After gaining major recognition worldwide with his single ‘Let Me Love You’ (Written by a then unknown Ne-Yo), Mario never really managed to maintain his status, issues with the release of his last album did not help. None the less, his talent is unquestionable as he returns putting those problems (including his mother’s drug addiction) behind with his new offering ‘Break Up’.

Produced by Bangladesh (Lil’ Wayne – A Millie and Beyonce – Diva), this R&B cut possesses that old school R&B feel that has been missing whilst sounding brand new, featuring Sean Garret aka The Pen (having written for Usher – Yeah, Chris Brown – Run It and Beyonce – Upgrade U to name a few) and rising underground rapper Gucci Mane (who helps balance the R&B levels with his raw, street style), Break Up will most definitely help push the trio to newer heights, especially Sean Garret who due to a lack of promotion saw the poor sales of his debut effort Turbo 919 (Which is a good album so make sure you check that out).

Mario’s return displays a more mature artist attempting to create good music rather than his next hit, with dedication like this it will not be long before he gets another smash, with Break Up rising in the charts, who knows..he may find it sooner than he thinks.

Fáris Rating:
8/10

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Robin Thicke – Human Nature (Michael Jackson Tribute)

I know there have been a few and will be many more tributes to come, One of the most popular is The one with The Game, Chris Brown, Diddy and BoyzIIMen, there is also an amazing one by UK’s own Sway, but the following gives an idea of something I thought of yesterday.

I wondered that rather than refunding the tickets for the 50 shows, would it not be good if the best in the industry performed the classics in tribute, the likes of Ne-Yo, R. Kelly, Usher, Ginuwine, Sisqo, Justin Timberlake, Omarion and even Chris Brown, then i began to think which songs they could cover (Who deserves to perform Billie Jean?), then I came across this clip of Robin Thicke singing to Human Nature in tribute and I guess that is the song he could perform, seeing as he does it so well.

Here is another version:

After watching this I think Chris Brown’s voice would be best suited to perform ‘In The Closet’:

But then he has already (sort of) performed Billie Jean (05:18), Although I still think Usher or Ginuwine are more suited:

Let me know what you think, would it be a good idea? ..if so, who would you like to see and covering which song?

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Chris Brown – Not My Fault

I have always been one to put Artists’ private lives separate from their music, R. Kelly went into overdrive with his music after accusations of him and an underage girl surfaced, I applauded his work, same goes for Akon, Michael Jackson (RIP) and even George Michael, the Music is what matters to me. So, on that note, it is only fair that Chris Brown is given a chance, I don’t condone hitting a female at all, however I am in no position to judge, so music it is.

Produced by the Neptunes (Pharrell Williams & Chad Hugo) and featuring Pharrell himself, Not My Fault leaked out as Chris Brown attempts a come-back. The song is not bad, if anyone could resurrect Chris Breezy’s career then it is Pharrell, Rumours have circulated that Pharrell and fellow Virgina native and super-producer Timbaland are set to join forces, creating a record label even named ‘Two Up, Two Down’ to launch a Virgina artist, Chris Brown is from Virgina and often makes two V’s and is heard saying, “Two Up, Two Down”,

Listen at 03:26:

Nothing is concrete apart from the fact that Chris Brown is planning his re-arrival onto the scene.

‘Not My Fault’ is not a bad way to come back, it will take more but this would serve as a good album track, it would pass off as a prosperous single (if accompanied by a good video). The production aspect of Not My Fault is a typical Neptune’s sound in all honesty, similarities to some of the Neptune’s previous work with Usher are evident, which is not entirely a bad thing. Use of digital sounds blended with live percussion gives the song an edge, the layers and their varying sounds really give the song its direction which Chris Brown nicely harmonizes with. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Chris Brown as he attempts a return, Not My Fault shows that there is hope for the young star.

Fáris Rating:
7/10

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