Tag: Rihanna

Rihanna

Rated R – Rihanna

Time flies when you’re making money, but it has been two years since Good Girl Gone Bad (and its plethora of re-releases) and almost twelve long drama-filled months since the Chris Brown “incident.” Everyone’s been salivating ever since word got out that Rihanna had started work on her fourth album, especially because her image’s staggering transformation from flirty young island girl to seriously bad diva wasn’t even provoked by anything as severe as criminal assault – what crazy change is going to come next?

There really is only one word to describe Rated R, and it’s Raw. There is no genre that you can tag on this album and be comfortable with your decision afterward because just like Good Girl Gone Bad, Rihanna does not limit herself to a strictly R&B sound. It’s definitely urban, and it definitely incorporates a lot more rock (she does get the Slash on a song called “Rockstar 101” after all), but by the time her fifth album rolls around, she will most likely be unrecognizable once again. Rihanna may have just gone “bad” before, but now she seems to be going all-out thug on us. From songs like “Wait Your Turn,” to “Hard,” to “G4L (Gangster for Life),” it’s clear that she isn’t messing around when she says “I lick a gun when I’m done because I know revenge is sweet.”

Def Jam is probably counting on the fact that people are going to be digging through all of these songs (after having bought the album) for the remains of one Christopher Maurice Brown, and to put it briefly, they’ll find him – strewn everywhere on the entire album, bits and pieces on a hook here, a chorus there. Riri isn’t raging non-stop on though; the lyrically controversial first single “Russian Roulette” is not angry, per se. The guitar is only heard sparsely after the intro, as is the rest of the instrumentation, and the song itself has an almost quietly sinister quality to it. Similarly, “Fire Bomb” is also perhaps one of the closest things you’ll get to a ballad on this album, although its story about cars and lovers and things blowing up is strikingly reminiscent to Rihanna’s altercation with her ex in his car. There is really a little of Chris everywhere in Rated R, on its artwork, the way it was marketed, and obviously in the music. Rihanna may not be singing about the incident in every song, but you have to wonder if her entire mindset hasn’t completely changed after a trial that has tested every last ounce of her resilience. “Stupid in Love” sounds exactly like a typical Stargate ballad, but the truly depressing lyrics set it apart from the rest of the album (although not necessarily in a good way).

Apart from the lead single, other standout tracks include “Te Amo,” which has Rihanna singing to a lady, but also leaked ages ago on the Internet and “Cold Case Love,” which is one of Rated R’s few collaborations, though this one blows Will.i.am’s out of the water. There’s no denying that this album is another step up in intensity from Good Girl Gone Bad (who would’ve thought it was possible?), with the F-word and N-word thrown casually around and the audible grit in every word that Rihanna spits out. It’s just a shame we can’t have a “Kanye vs. 50” throwdown because Chris Brown’s management pushed his album back so much (smart thinking).

Tags Chris Brown, Def Jam, Rated R, Rated R - Rihanna, rated r album, rated r album review, rated r rihanna album, review, Rihanna

Articles

The Problem with Leakage

It seems like no one really has to wait until official release dates anymore to get a listen to new albums. The rule of thumb is: the more popular the artist, the earlier his or her tracks leak, and the faster they spread. Just ask Ciara. While her latest album can’t exactly be considered a flop, it’s definitely no fantasy ride, as pretty much the entire project leaked to the internet weeks and weeks before it was due to be released. You just can’t hit them listeners like you used to – and when it comes to responsibility, again, larger projects means more people being involved and more people being involved means a higher chance of someone letting something slip.

Then again, leaking one track early has the potential to make your entire album – if it’s good enough. Usher’s “Yeah!” (how could we forget?) lit everything on fire when Lil’ Jon, its producer, deliberately let it loose while Usher was prepping “Burn” as the lead single. Fans loved it, critics loved it, and Confessions went Diamond in the US (that’s Platinum status times ten for you people who’ve never heard of it). Brilliant marketing tactic… or just crazy luck?

Off the top of my head, upcoming artists whose albums in danger of pulling a Leona Lewis include: Ryan Leslie (although it’s doubtful because he’s writing and producing everything himself); Rihanna (although it’s unbelievable how tightly under wraps her new project is); Mary J Blige (she is working with quite a few producers); and of course, Usher (can you say high-profile??). While fans who just can’t wait for new music may benefit from all this lack of discretion, admittedly, it’s pretty damaging to the artists themselves. You’ve got artists like Cassie who are leaking songs every day, and although it’s not clear whether or not this is being done deliberately, it’s definitely not helping their careers – from what we’re seeing now, at least.

Rihanna’s new album is by far the most interesting out of the upcoming releases; she may not be the best singer, but everything she touches turns to gold. What I can’t fathom is how no one, apart from her camp, has any information whatsoever about her fourth album. It’s slated to drop in November, but as of right there isn’t even a hint as to what the name may be. Impressive. It’s doubtful that she’ll last all the way to the day of release without at least a song leaking (apart from the lead single), but the building anticipation promises pandemonium – could this be the antithesis to Usher in 2004? Or will a major leakage happen and make this just another warning for artists and producers who want to leak tracks without knowing what they’re doing?

Tags album leaks, Articles, Cassie, Ciara, Fantasy Ride, leaks, Leona Lewis, Lil Jon, new music, Rihanna, Ryan Leslie, The Problem with Leakage, Usher, Yeah!

Press Releases

BRITNEY SPEARS, MARIAH CAREY, USHER, RIHANNA, CHRIS BROWN, LIL WAYNE, KATY PERRY, T.I., JORDIN SPARKS AND FLO RIDA NAB MOONMAN NODS FOR “2008 VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS” | BEST FEMALE VIDEO AND BEST MALE VIDEO NOMINEES | British Comedian Russell Brand Set To Host Star-Studded Award Show | Set To Air Live On Sunday, September 7th, 2008

BRITNEY SPEARS, MARIAH CAREY, USHER, RIHANNA, CHRIS BROWN, LIL WAYNE, KATY PERRY, T.I., JORDIN SPARKS AND FLO RIDA NAB MOONMAN NODS FOR “2008 VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS” | BEST FEMALE VIDEO AND BEST MALE VIDEO NOMINEES | British Comedian Russell Brand Set To Host Star-Studded Award Show | Set To Air Live On Sunday, September 7th, 2008

“And the MoonMan goes to!!!” Well, we don’t know that yet but on Sunday, September 7th a few names you may hear when envelopes are opened and winners revealed are Britney, Mariah, Rihanna, Usher, Chris or Katy. Beginning on Friday, July 18th, MTV viewers began their contribution to the 2008 Video Music Awards by helping to decide this year’s nominees for “Best Female Video” and Best Male Video” guaranteed to create an award show with the music they want to hear and see. As previously announced, MTV’s 25th annual Video Music Awards will be hosted by comedian/actor Russell Brand and will air live and only one time in its original incarnation, on Sunday, September 7, 2008 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape Delayed PT). Host, presenters and additional performers will be announced at a later date.

Artists nominated for the coveted MoonMan in the “Best Female Video” category include Britney Spears for her video “Piece of Me.” Other talented ladies nominated in the “Best Female Video” category include the always fabulous diva Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Jordin Sparks and talented “girl kissing” newcomer Katy Perry. And now for the men…nominees for “Best Male Video” are Usher, Chris Brown, Flo Rida, T.I.. and Lil Wayne. Each Friday night at 8pm ET/PT on “FNMTV,” two new categories will be announced and open for viewers to vote for their favorite artists and videos at vma.mtv.com or from their Verizon Wireless mobile phone by texting the name of the artist to 23882. Categories currently open for viewers voting are “Best Hip Hop Video and “Best Pop Video.”

AND THE NOMINEES ARE…

BEST FEMALE VIDEO:

Britney Spears – “Piece of Me”
Britney Spears
“Piece of Me”
Blackout
Jive/Zomba Label Group
Director: Wayne Isham

Jordin Sparks – “No Air”
Jordin Sparks with Chris Brown
“No Air”
Jordin Sparks
19/Jive/Zomba Label Group
Director: Chris Robinson

Katy Perry – “I Kissed A Girl”
Katy Perry
“I Kissed A Girl”
One Of The Boys
Capitol
Director: Kinga Burza

Mariah Carey – “Touch My Body”
Mariah Carey
“Touch My Body”
E=MC^2
Island Def Jam Music Group
Director: Brett Ratner

Rihanna – “Take a Bow”
Rihanna
“Take A Bow”
A Good Girl Gone Bad
SRP/Def Jam
Director: Anthony Mandler

BEST MALE VIDEO:

Lil Wayne – “Lollipop”
Lil Wayne featuring Static
“Lollipop”
Tha Carter III
Cash Money Records/Universal Motown
Director: Gil Green/D. Carter

Chris Brown – “With You”
Chris Brown
“With You”
Exclusive
Jive Records/Zomba
Director: Erik White/Chris Brown

Usher – “Love In This Club”
Usher featuring Young Jeezy
“Love In This Club”
Here I Stand
LaFace Records/Zomba Label Group
Director: The Brothers Strause

T.I. – “No Matter What”
T.I.
“No Matter What”
Paper Trail
Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records
Director: Self/James Lopez

Flo Rida – “Low”
Flo Rida featuring T-Pain
“Low”
Step Up 2 The Streets Original Soundtrack/ Mail On Sunday
Poe Boy Ent./Atlantic Records
Director: Bernard Gourley

Russell Brand has emerged as a genuine star of the silver screen. Making his feature film debut in ‘Penelope’ with Christina Ricci and James McAvoy, and then onto the contemporary Ealing caper ‘St Trinian’s’, and this year won rave reviews for his scene-stealing performances in Judd Apatow’s ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’. Apatow has cast him to play opposite Jonah Hill in his next feature ‘Getting Him to the Greek,’ filming in early 2009.

Official sponsors of “2008 VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS” are GM, Pepsi, TAG Body Spray, Taco Bell, Rhapsody and Verizon Wireless.

This year one lucky viewer will get the chance of a lifetime trip by joining “Do Good. Go to the VMAs.” Think.MTV.com, MTV’s online community for youth activism, is hooking up one young activist and shipping them off to Los Angeles to attend the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards alongside the biggest stars in the industry. From July 24th through August 22nd, all Think.MTV.com members who join the “Do Good. Go to the VMAs” group, at http://think.mtv.com/Groups/DoGoodGoToTheVMAs/, can enter to win two tickets to the VMAs on September 7, 2008 along with travel and hotel accommodations when MTV takes over Los Angeles for this year’s show.

Jesse Ignjatovic/Den of Thieves is the Executive Producer, for the “2008 MTV Video Music Awards.” Dave Sirulnick is Executive Producer. Chris Choun/Ish Entertainment is Co-Executive Producer. Jane Mun is Producer. Amy Doyle, Joanna Bomberg and Robin Katz are Music Talent Executives. Robin Reinhardt-Locke is Celebrity Talent Executive. Garrett English is Executive in Charge of Production.

Telescope is the Official Business Advisor of the “2008 MTV Video Music Awards” Nominee Voting period.

Tags 2008, BRITNEY SPEARS, Chris Brown, JORDIN SPARKS AND FLO RIDA NAB MOONMAN NODS FOR “2008 V, KATY PERRY, Lil Wayne, mariah carey, Rihanna, September 7th, t.i., Usher

Press Releases

THE 2008 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA: THE ULTIMATE PARTY WEEKEND WITH HEADLINE PERFORMANCES BY KANYE WEST, MARY J. BLIGE, CHRIS BROWN, CHRIS ROCK, RIHANNA, MAZE FEATURING FRANKIE BEVERLY, KEYSHIA COLE, JILL SCOTT, J. HOLIDAY, LL COOL J, MUSIQ, MORRIS DAY AND THE TIME AND PATTI LABELLE

THE 2008 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA: THE ULTIMATE PARTY WEEKEND WITH HEADLINE PERFORMANCES BY KANYE WEST, MARY J. BLIGE, CHRIS BROWN, CHRIS ROCK, RIHANNA, MAZE FEATURING FRANKIE BEVERLY, KEYSHIA COLE, JILL SCOTT, J. HOLIDAY, LL COOL J, MUSIQ, MORRIS DAY AND THE TIME AND PATTI LABELLE

PLUS, A GROUNDBREAKING ESSENCE PARTNERSHIP WITH CNN TO FILM ONE HOUR TELEVISION SPECIAL, “BLACK IN AMERICA”

the essence empowerment seminar series will feature: tyler perry and friends, soledad o’brien, dr. bill cosby and dr. alvin pouissant, REVEREND AL SHARPTON, MAYOR C. RAY NAGIN, HILL HARPER, bishop t.d. jakes, dr. juanita bynum, TOM JOYNER, tye tribbett and greater anointing and more!

(New York, NY) – The 14th annual Essence Music Festival presented by Coca-Cola will celebrate another momentous year in New Orleans this July 4, 5 and 6 with the biggest names in entertainment and the nation’s most influential speakers, artists, authors and leaders. The Essence Music Festival is the nation’s largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture; featuring an unprecedented three days of cultural celebrations and empowerment seminars and three nights of performances by some of today’s greatest African-American artists.

Performing on the mainstage at the Louisiana Superdome: Kanye West; Mary J. Blige; Chris Brown; Rihanna; Chris Rock; Keyshia Cole; Jill Scott; Maze featuring Frankie Beverly; Morris Day & The Time; LL Cool J; J. Holiday; Musiq; plus, a star-studded celebration of living legend Patti LaBelle featuring original LaBelle members Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx; Angie Stone; Ledisi; Chrisette Michele; Ruby Amanfu; and more!

It was more than 30 years ago in New Orleans, when Patti Labelle, Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx, recorded their famous hit, “Lady Marmalade”, produced by legendary musician Allan Touissant. The trio are set to record a new CD this fall and the Essence Music Festival will be their first performance together before they go on tour in September.

Running concurrently with the mainstage performances in the Superdome’s four Superlounges are shows by some of today’s rising stars, living legends and New Orleans hometown favorites: Bamboula 2000; Big Sam’s Funky Nation and the New Orleans Funk Soul Explosion; Terence Blanchard; Peabo Bryson; Mint Condition; Cupid; Raheem Devaughn; Estelle; Grandmaster Flash; Gil Scott-Heron; Lyfe Jennings; Karina; Kermit Ruffin’s Tribute to Louis Armstrong; Ledisi; Irma Thomas and the Professionals; Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra; Chrisette Michelle; Nicholas Payton Quintet; Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s Gospel Revival; Purple Disrespect; Rebirth Brass Band; Christian Scott; Solange; Angie Stone and Marva Wright.

“The Essence Music Festival is truly the ultimate party weekend this Fourth of July; celebrating Black culture with an unparalleled combination of music, arts, and empowerment,” says Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications Inc.

-more-

“We have an extraordinary line-up of A-List talent in the Louisiana Superdome and the daytime Essence Empowerment Seminars are covering the issues impacting our community with critical examination, motivation and inspiration.”

The 2008 Essence Empowerment Seminars will host three full days of free and open-to-the-public socio-political dialogue, spiritual inspiration and motivation led by dynamic speakers at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The Essence Empowerment Seminars will kick off Friday, July 4th, with a celebration of the multi-talented film director, playwright, actor, and New Orleans native, Tyler Perry. This year, ESSENCE has partnered with CNN, the world’s leading news source, for a special presentation themed “Reclaiming the Dream”, led by CNN correspondents Roland S. Martin and Soledad O’Brien. The Seminars will close out Sunday, July 6th, with an afternoon of praise and worship featuring spiritual leaders Dr. Juanita Bynum, Bishop Paul S. Morton and Co-Pastor Debra Morton, Tye Tribbett, Regina Belle and more!

In addition to the Essence Empowerment Seminars, the Festival’s daytime offerings also include the Essence Marketplace, a showcase of quality fine arts & crafts by African-American vendors from all over the world. The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will also feature interactive sponsor presentations, celebrity meet-and-greets, Festival souvenirs and a book fair with author book signings.

Tickets for the evening concerts are on sale immediately at ticketmaster.com or (800) 488-5252. To find performance dates for your favorite artists, hotel accommodations, ticket prices, weekly promotions and volunteer opportunities for the 2008 Essence Music Festival log on to www.essence.com/emf.

Sponsors of the 2008 Essence Music Festival include presenting sponsor, Coca-Cola; major sponsors Chevrolet, CoverGirl Queen Collection, McDonald’s, Pantene, U.S. Army, and Wal-Mart; and official sponsors Budweiser, My Black is Beautiful, Southwest Airlines, TBS, TVOne, Vaseline and VH1 Soul.

The Essence Music Festival started in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ESSENCE magazine. Now the Festival has been heralded as one of the country’s “Top 10 Leading Brand Events” in 2007 by Advertising Age; highlighted prominently among well-known consumer events such as NASCAR and Spring Break. The Essence Music Festival has featured a host of legendary performers over the years, including Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Beyoncè, Chaka Khan, Chris Brown, Destiny’s Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, Kanye West, The Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, The O’Jays, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton, Patti LaBelle and Yolanda Adams, to name a few.

The 2008 Essence Music Festival is executive produced by Essence Festivals LLC and produced by Rehage Entertainment. Essence Festivals LLC is a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI).

About Essence Communications Inc.:

Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the leading media and communications company dedicated to African-American women. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events, and online, the Essence brand is “Where Black Women Come First”. The company’s flagship publication, ESSENCE magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; generating brand extensions such as the Essence Music Festival, Women Who Are Shaping the World Leadership Summit, Window on Our Women (WOW I, II & III) and Smart Beauty I, II & III consumer insights, the Essence Book Club, Essence.com, and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD) via Essence Studios. For 38 years, ESSENCE magazine, which has a readership of 8.5 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information relating to every area of African-American women’s lives.