Music Note #11: Beyonce and Rihanna: Feminism is Complicated

In the past two week, pop divas, Beyonce and Rihanna have released songs that have stirred controversy and further opened up the discussion about feminism and women's rights. Beyonce's anthem "Run the World" and Rihanna's "Man Down" coincidently came out around the same time, however the latter surprisingly for me turned out to be more meaningful and empowering than the former. I remember listening to both to Destiny's Child's "Independent Women" anthem in 2000 and loving that song, but when I hear "Run the World," I do not feel as strong of a reaction.

 First off, that song, which was written by Beyonce, even though it is not really progressive because it is equating full independence with being able to buy things (materialism), at least called us "women," not "girls." Also, the entire song could be used as an anthem, not just one line, which brings me to "Run The World." Yes, it also focuses on "getting that check," but Beyonce's song have never been the most progressive things in the world. However, besides a lackluster beat, which she used from Major Lazer's "Pon De Floor", a song that has a questionable video, and that The Dream actually wrote this song, not Beyonce herself, the song is not empowering to me.

The only part of the song that is worth it is "Who run the world? Girls!" and toasting to the college grads. What does the line "Make your check, come at they neck" mean and what does "Boy this beat is crazy/This is how they made me/Houston Texas Baby" have to do with anything? I also do not see how "I think I need a barber/None of these n****s can fade me/I'm so good with this/I remind you I'm so hood with this" or saying "f*** you, pay me" is empowering. She sounds like she is trying to do a role reversal with herself and her man, which I do not think is the point of feminism.

The video is not convince me to like the song better either. No, I do not care that the girls are in revealing outfits, even though I think that today the focus on many female pop stars is to come off as sexual and seductive, which can lead to objectification of women. Yes, the dancing is amazing, but the video just looks Mad Max-ish and the "girls" in the video do not look like they are running the world, but playing the seductresses in order to rule the world. Watch the "Evil Demon Seductress" video at Sociological Images to know what I am talking about. The guys in the video do not even look phased by them as the "girls" seductively dance their way to winning the world. Nothing about this song feels personal....


On the other hand, Rihanna's "Man Down" moved me. Generally, I do not like Rihanna's music all that much. There are a few songs that I do like, but her voice in general irritates me to much to care (it works better when she sings in reggae or in a slower style). However, I do not like the criticism that has come down on her because of the song and video. This is a a heartfelt song about a woman feeling grief and guilt over killing a man and the video portrays a woman who is sexually assaulted and kills her attacker. After Rihanna released the video, she received criticism for the violence against the man in this video, but what about the violence against the woman who he violated.

Yes, murder is wrong, but so is rape or any other kind of sexual assault, and Rihanna shows that in this video. This man took something from her and she ended up taking his life; it is a consequence  to his actions. Moreover, it is not as if Rihanna is showing a woman who is glorifying herself murdering someone; she is stricken with grief in the song ("I didn't mean to end his life/I know it wasn't right") and video. If you want that, go listen to the Dixie Chick's "Goodbye Earl." Revenge killing in music is nothing new, so stop unfairly judging Rihanna. Instead try to stop what causes people to do those killings in the first place. Even Rihanna brings up the idea of "blaming the victim" when she sings about now being a criminal for killing the man who assaulted her. This video is more personal to me because it shows how complicated life is and we often do things we regret even thought it was a reaction to someone else's actions.

"Brand New Flava In Your Ear"

Take some steps towards your computer, click play and listen to some new music!

1) All American Rejects - I Wanna

I like AAR, but what possessed them to record let alone release it as a single. The song is incredibly cheezy, both the lyrics and the music. They sound like a really corny boy band! "I Wanna" definitely will not be one of their hits, no matter how much they want it to.

Official Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQpZzffrfh8

2) KRS-One and Buckshot - Robot

Let it be KRS-One to be honest about the current state of our industry. We have people who cannot rap (e.g. Soulja Boy) and cannot sing, and yet they are still rewarded and celebrated. So much of music today is unoriginal or it does not sound real, and these two rappers make it clear. Stop treating music as if it is some kind of fad or trend that has to be copied to make money! I could not have said it better myself and it has a beat that you cannot get out of your head!

P.S. It is funny how at the end it is called the official D.O.A. (watch your back, Jay-Z).



3) P.O.S. - Purexed

Sticking to the topic of original...all I have to say is great song and creative video! Hip-hop that makes you think. Just listen to it for yourself.



4) Letoya Luckett - She Ain't Got

A good party song, but it is not memorable. Her first single was better (check out last B.N.F.Y.E.)



5) Josh Xantus - First Time

Beautiful, romantic, sweet and a bit "in your face!" Some of those lyrics are like woah!



6) 9th Wonder Presents Tyler Woods - I Don't Need to Prove Myself

Great song to groove to! I am getting a 70s smooth soul and funk vibe from this guy, which I am loving. FYI: This is a cover of The Sylvers song "I Don't Need to Prove Myself."



7) Persia White - Strange Fruit

Persia (from the show Girlfriends) and her trip-hop cover of Billie Holliday's "Strange Fruit." I love Persia, and I love the original song, but this version is a little much. However, it does have its moments and I am slowly getting used to it.



8) Brittany Boscoe - Blues for Blue/ Black and White

I love the jazzy feeling to both songs, eerie yet beautiful. Brittany's sound is a mix between Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn, two great Jazz legends.



9) Choklate- Sun's Out/ Grown Folks

Uplifitng and a great song to wake up to! One of the reasons I love neo-soul and soul music! Check out Michael Jamal Warner in the video:



10) Beyonce - Sweet Dreams

Beyonce is starting to get on my nerves! Is it just me or is every video that she has put out so far on this album an extension of the last video! Come up with something new! Even worse, the video made no sense! But then again, it is called "Sweet Dreams." Now as for the song (which is obviously about Jay), it is catchy and has an 80s (or early 90s) techno feel, but actually it only has a few memorable parts.



11) Eminem- Beautiful

I have not felt true emotion from Eminem since "Stan" and this song does have it. Plus it is a positive contrast from his celebrity bashing song and video, "We Made You." However, the song is not really musically appealing to my ears. Sorry, try again, Em!

12) Leela James - Baby I'm Scared of You

A remake of the classic Womack and Womack song and it sounds as good as the orginal! Leela James is so smooth, sultry and aunthentic!



13) Slakah the Beatchild - Enjoy Ya Self

Another uplifting and positive song about how great the music from the past was and still is. I hope Slakah can be the future because he is good!

"Brand New Flava In Your Ear"

Breathe in, breathe out, count to ten and listen to some new music!

1) Beyonce - Ego

Beyonce should just change her name to Sasha Fierce. So far, I have liked the Sasha Fierce character better than Beyonce herself. First "Single Ladies," then "Diva," and now "Ego." Thank you Beyonce for giving the word "ego" a good name because there is nothing wrong with having a little confidence. On the other hand, why is all of her videos in black and white and the video for this song feels like a combination of the videos for "Diva" and "Single Ladies." Boring! She could have at least let the video go to color after a few seconds.

P.S. I do love her hair in this video! It is fierce like a lion!



Broken Hearted Girl

As a said before, the "Beyonce" side is a little dreary. Spice it up a little! I wish she would do a song like "Listen" again. It was strong yet sensitive.



2) Redman/Methodman ft. Saukretes - A-yo

The dynamic duo of Methodman and Redman are back! They have good lyrics, hot beat, and a catchy chorus -- great formula. Old school rappers are bringing Hip-hop back and I am loving it!



3) Wondergirls- Nobody

This Korean group and their song are adorable and they will be touring with the Jonas Brothers! Woohoo!



4) Pussycat Dolls - Hush Hush Hush Hush

The beginning of this song should have been the way the entire song sounded because it was more heartfelt. Having the disco vibe after ruined it for me. It reminds me too much of Danity Kane's "Damaged." Ewww! If it had a slower beat, it would have worked better. However, I do like the "I Will Surive" reference at the end.



5) Bobby Tinsley - What About Bob? (Throwback song - 2008)

I like this guy's laidback singing. He is reminding me of Frankie J and he seems more genuine than other singers out there (probably because he is using his real naturDave Matthews Band, al voice). A beautifully done and relaxing song.



6) Dave Matthews Band - Funny the Way It Is

Doesn't Dave look insane in this video! The lyrics make me feel guilty about being happy while others are suffering. Or maybe he is just saying life is full of ups and downs for everyone, so while we are up, we should help those who are down. Or maybe that this world is just crazy and keeps getting worse. Or maybe ... I should stop thinking. Weird video though, but great, thought-provoking song.



Official Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew8hmVIGKcM

7) Shinedown- Sound of Madness

Shinedown rock! The title definitely describes what the song sounds like, but ironically, the song has a positive message. Scary video, but it has a good ending. Wake up and fight for yourself and others!



8) Kanye West - Paranoid

I am tired of Kanye trying to sing and I wish he would go back to full time. However, at the same time, "Paranoid" is actually cool, mostly due to the haunting video with Rihanna in it and the chorus that Kanye does not sing on. It is very different than the other sing-songy tracks that he put out before and I like it.



9) The Dream ft. Kanye West - Walking On the Moon

The Dream is not that great of an artist and "Walking On the Moon" is ok, but I cannot get any of his songs out of my head, including this one. It is like Akon all over again! He's best when he is collaborating with someone else. Still, once again, Kanye ruins the song by putting himself on it!



Official Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV39ApuY39k

"Uncovering the Truth": In Your Face, Etta James

Several days ago, you may have heard Etta James bluntly describing how much she "can't stand Beyonce!" She even mentioned how mad she was that President Obama chose Beyonce to sing "her song," "At Last." Well, she might have made the song "At Last" a huge hit and her version of the song is the most remembered (and I do love her songs), still it is not her song and she had no right to act like "an old, worn-out hag." Etta acts as if no one can do a cover of a song that she did as a cover herself!!!! She needs to go check herself, eat some humble pie and maybe go back to rehab because she might have been a little tipsy that night!

Anyways, the original song "At Last" was written in 1941 by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren for the musical Orchestra Wives, which starred George Montgomery and Ann Rutherford. For the film, it was recorded by Glenn Miller and his orchestra and sung by Ray Erberle and Pat Friday. It reached number 14 on the charts in 1942 and became a standard. Many other singers, such as Nat King Cole, did covers of the song.

Here is a video of the original song:

News

Today I'm starting with some sad news. It's always sad to see a musician or artist go, but we all have to go sometime. Well, legendary Jazz artist, Hank Crawford died last week at the age of 74 in Memphis. This is after another Ray Charles musician, Sax man David “Fathead” Newman, died last month at 75. Born Bennie Ross Crawford Jr. in Memphis on December 21, 1934 into a large Jazz and Gospel-loving family, he was destined for the music world. He even went to Manassas High School, which gave us other noted musicians, such as Isaac Hayes, Jimmie Lunceford, and tenor saxophonists Charles Lloyd and George Coleman and pianist Harold Mabern. For five decades, he was known for his funky and soulful saxophone playing in the Ray Charles Band and with B.B. King before making it big in the Jazz world. Recording such songs as "The Peeper," "New York's One Soulful City," and "I Hear a Symphony" (cover of Supremes' hit). R.I.P. Hank.

In other news... Look who has another baby!!

Erykah Badu has given birth to her third child. It's a girl!!!! The baby was born on Sunday at her home and the labor lasted about five hours without painkillers. Ouch!!! I could never do that!!! Rapper Jay Electronica (who will be on my next Who's That...Artists of the Day) is the baby’s father. Badu has a son named Seven from Andre 3000 and a girl named Puma from West coast rapper The D.O.C. Obviously, Erykah has an affinity for rappers and giving weird names to her kids. Guess what her new daughter's name is...Mars? Ok?

Also... Danity Kane No Mo', No Mo'

Making the band group Danity Kane has called it quits after three years!!! For some reason, I knew it would not last. They just did not seem to have the glue to stay together. After Aubrey and D. Woods were kicked out of the group by P. Diddy. Then Shannon left and now there is only two, Dawn and Aundrea. The next Making the Band will focus on the two remaining members making it now as possible solo artists (which is great because Dawn and Aundrea were my favorites in the group). On the other hand, D. Woods will be working on her own album. If you want to remember the old days, you can still listen to their two top-selling albums, Danity Kane and Welcome To The Dollhouse.

Continuing Notorious news...

Voletta Wallace is finally tired of Lil' Kim. She is mad that Lil' Kim did not like the movie and did not want Naturi Naughton to play her (supposedly because she was too dark, but I did not like her as Lil' Kim for other reasons; read my review). Ms. Wallace said "Tell Lil' Kim to go find herself, go drink a cup of green tea and get a life! This movie is not about Lil' Kim. She felt we used her character to promote [but] this movie is about my son. ... Lil' Kim needs to go sit down." Moreover, she mentions how Lil' Kim wants to be a white girl (which I agree with; she did die her hair blonde and wear blue contacts!!!). And the saga continues...

Is Jigga right for B?

According to Tom Joyner, the answer is NO!! On one of his recent shows, the comedian Earthquake mentioned that the reason why Beyonce was crying (and it was a little weird how she ran off stage quickly in tears, just saying) was that she regretted marrying a "thug" as he so nicely put it. He continued, “She knows that she doesn’t have someone like Barack and she was……just looking around thinking about the choices that she’s made,” he continued “She should take a cue from [Jennifer Lopez] and leave the thugs alone. J Lo knew what to do.” Joyner joined in (ha ha) and agreed with the comic, saying that it is cool now to be with someone with an education and that she would never have what Michelle has. Hey, don't rag on Jay; he may have started out as a "thug," but he has made something of himself. Doesn't that count for something? Like my dad says, "It's not where you've been, but where you're going in life."

Tribute to Aaliyah

It's been eight years since the tragic death of Aaliyah. I remember that day clearly because I was crying my eyes out. Many people loved Aaliyah because she was so sweet and such a poised artist. Now, others are acknowledging that, too. A bio-pic will soon be made about her life, starring Canadian singer Keshia Chante as the singer. Other musicians who will help with the project are Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Ginuwine and Hype Williams. I hope this will be a wonderful tribute to this wonderful singer and person. I miss you, Aaliyah, R.I.P.

Thriller, Thriller Night... On Broadway?

Seems like Michael still has money problems! Producer James L. Nederlander is creating a stage version of Michael Jackson's Thriller, including songs from Jackson's two albums, Thriller and Off the Wall. Nederlander owns nine Broadway theaters, so it will be easy for him to find a place to show it. I am not worried about the story ( as he says,"Girl meets boy, they fall in love, boy has big secret, now what?”), but I am worried about how corny it will be!!

"Beyonce VS Sasha Fierce" by Katrina Ali

Another feature of my blog will be guest writers!!!

So, here is an article by one my friends, the wonderful Katrina Ali:

To survive in today's music world, singing a good song and making a great video isn't quite enough. An artist has to continually reinvent himself/herself in order to stay fresh and appeal to the masses. How to do this is where the real trouble begins. Many artists might create music in a genre not common to their core audience (ie- Jessica Simpson going country). Some might attempt to change their usual vocal style (ie- Kanye West trying to sing). Others might just take the easy way out and have Lil Wayne featured in their song (seriously, that guy is everywhere). Another way that artists try to reinvent themselves is through the use of alter egos.

Many people have tried the alter ego thing, some more successful than others. Prince, The Beatles, David Bowie, and of course Eminem (who actually has 3 different personalities credited to himself). The most recent case of MPD however belongs to Beyonce. On her new CD, I Am… Sasha Fierce, she gives her fans a double dose of music. One, a more soft spoken, R&B vibe. And the other, a more aggressive, stage presence. But when more than one personality arises, the age old questions comes with it- who is better?

I have to say, I have always been a Beyonce fan. She makes great music, God knows, she can dance, and she sings beautifully. I have always liked her slower, more pop oriented songs, my favorites being Listen and Irreplaceable. So you can imagine my surprise when I admit that I prefer the Sasha Fierce side of the album.

When Single Ladies and If I Were A Boy (isn’t it supposed to be If I Was A Boy? Ugh… grammar, I’ll never understand it) came out, I thought they were both great songs. There was nothing too amazing about them. If I Were A Boy was nice and sing-songy. Single Ladies was a great club going female anthem. However, I found myself reverting back to Single Ladies much more. There was something about the beat that just grabbed me. Plus, I didn’t understand how a song that appears to have Super Mario Brothers sounds interjected in it could be pleasing to listen to. Am I the only one who noticed that? And it does help that the one-shot dance video is amazing.

When Diva and Halo premiered, I found myself again liking the more aggressive and hip-hop centered of the two. I think Beyonce is at her best when she sings songs like Diva. It shows what she is capable of. We all know she is an amazing singer, we have Listen to help us figure that out. But not many could pull off a song like Diva with as much rawness as Beyonce (or Sasha) does. Halo is a beautiful song, but anyone can sing it and it would be great. It does not do justice to Beyonce. Diva is powerful, and shows that women can have swagger too. The song is carried really only by the repetition of one line but that’s what makes the song work so well and gives it a harder feeling. Although, I really don’t understand how a diva is a female version of a hustler, Sasha Fierce has proved once again that she is a force to be reckoned with.

Beyonce might have reinvented herself in a too literal way, but I for one, hope Sasha Fierce will stick around.

“Now I Want a Cadillac” Review of Cadillac Records

If you are a lover of blues music, the new film Cadillac Records reminds you why you fell in love with the blues and if you don’t know much about the blues, you will learn to love it.

Cadillac Records is about the story of Leonard Chess co-founding Chess Records, and helping to introduce many blues artist to mainstream America, who set the foundations for the start of Rock ‘N’ Roll. The film stars Adrien Brody (one of my favorite actors) as Leonard Chess, Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters, Columbus Short as Little Walter, Eamonn Walker as Howlin’ Wolf, Cedric the Entertainer as Willie Dixon, Beyonce Knowles as Etta James and Mos Def (one of my favorite rappers) as Chuck Berry.

As other musical biopics, like Ray and Walk the Line, all of the actors do their own singing and do it extremely convincingly. Although they do not sound exactly like the real artists, all of the actors give a new flavor to old classics and classic musicians.

However, unlike those biopics, this biopic does not focus on one musician while the others are on the sideline. Almost every character is given a story and the characters are fleshed out. They are portrayed as real people with real personalities, not just as their famous personas. The main character is more the record label, Chess Records, as a whole.

Yes, there are a few inaccuracies and important details missing in the film. For instance, Phil Chess, who co-founded the label with Leonard, is nowhere to be found and Willie Dixon’s part as a major songwriter for many of the artists is not concentrated on as much. It also doesn’t mention other important artists, like Bo Diddley. Moreover, there was no love affair between Etta James and Leonard Chess.

But that’s Hollywood; they takes create a story that is “based on a true story” and then embellish or cut a little so people will come and see it. People want romance and more drama in their films. Look on the bright side; it forces the audience to look up the true stories for themselves.

Putting that to the side, in the end, this film in itself is mesmerizing and all about the music and the emotional connection that you feel when you listen to it, which, I believe, was part of the reason for the embellishment of the James and Chess affair. It definitely has an influence from the Rolling Stones, who are portrayed in the film (named their band after the Muddy Waters’ song) to everyday people like you and me.

Beyonce, in her best acting role to date, gave a powerful performance as Etta James. At first, I was skeptical of her playing James, as I know others were too, but she was able to prove me wrong. Her renditions of James’ songs, “All I Could Do Was Cry,” “At Last” and especially “I’d Rather Go Blind,” which was at the end of the film and marked the end of Chess Records and an era, created a flow of tears.

Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters showed off his charisma and grittiness in the songs, like “I’m a Man” and although his womanizing flaw is apparent, there is a subtle sensitivity shown in Waters (Also need to mention, Gabrielle Union’s Geneva Wade is a strong woman who accepts her husband’s flaws because of love and to keep her family together. She shows that is it not always so easy to leave.).

Columbus Short’s portrayal of Little Walter is also one of his best roles. Little Walter is a complex character who can be arrogant, hot-tempered and a murderer in one scene and then sweet, caring and vulnerable in another.

Eamonn Walker’s Howlin’ Wolf is scary (makes you feel like Little Red Riding Hood) yet down to earth and practical. Mos Def as Chuck Berry provides the perfect comedic and charismatic performance in the film. Last but not least, Brody’s Chess holds the entire ensemble cast together as the mighty ringleader and father figure with his heart in the right place most of the time. All the strong performances made this film great.

This film was able to show the major impact all of these musicians have had and still have on music in the 20th and 21st century and how they paved the way in creating new styles of music to making it mainstream. It makes me wish I lived during that time, just to experience it. I still want that Cadillac.

Cadillac Records: 4 out of 5
Rated R (Cursing, Sex Scenes, etc., Not for young audiences, believe me!!!)