Music Review "4" by Beyonce

Hey Dolls -

The baddest chick in the game is one step closer to running the world. Beyonce lands the cover of W Magazine, now on stands nationwide. Both Christina Aguilera and Beyonce are featured in separate cover shots for the July Music and Style Issue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE HER!!!!

It has been nearly 3 years since Ms. Knowles (or is it Carter?) released a studio album. Avoiding the Hollywood spotlight, traveling and gathering inspiration for her fourth studio album, appropriately titled "4."

Who Run the World?  

Do You have to ask?

Well, Beyonce of course!

I officially love Beyonce's new album! It has been on repeat since I made the purchased. (The album was leaked, so I have had it for almost 2 weeks). Now, I have to admit - when I first listened to the CD. I wasn't all that impressed. However, after blasting the album, listening to the lyrics and riding out on 695, getting in my zone. I began to really enjoy "4." Surprisingly, the overall album has a techno/hip hop sound ----- It is more relaxed and emphasizes ballads over club bangers. My favorite tracks include:

Track #3  I" Miss You" - This is one of the best tracks on the album - Bey's vocals blend so well with the rhythm. She's telling her dude how much she misses him. "I thought that things like this get better with time, But I still need you, why is that? You're the only image in my mind. So I still see you, around. I miss you, like everyday. Wanna be with you, but you're away. Said I miss you, missing you insane. But if I got with you, could it feel the same." (Did you know that this song was written by Frank Ocean.)

Track #4  "Best Thing I Never Had" - Deals with a scorned woman who is trying to move on from her past relationship. "There was a time, I thought, that you did everything right, No lies, no wrong, Boy I, must've been outta my mind. So when I think of the time that I almost loved you.  You showed your ass and I saw the real you.  Thank God you blew it.  Thank God I dodged the bullet.  I'm so over you.
So baby good lookin' out." This track was produced by Babyface. It is definitely  "Irreplaceable" Part 2. Hands down 2011 summer anthem for  the ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Track#5 "Party feat. Andre 3000" -  Is the party anthem for the summer. The track also features Kanye on the intro and outro. "You a bad girl and your friends bad too" Hey!!!! ( he was talking about me and my girls) lol..This song gives you a little swag when you and your girls are on your way to a party! "So in love. I don't care what they say. I don't care if they talking tomorrow. Cause tonight's the night. That I give you everything, Music knockin' 'til the morning light."

Track #7 "Start Over" - I just began to listen to the lyrics on this track and it blew me away. Anyone, who has been in a problematic relationship, can relate to this song. When your tired of fighting, but you cant let your love die, as Bey states...."I can see that we're not happy here. So why would we keep pretending when there's nothing there. Maybe you like it, but I don't. And maybe you'll settle, well I won't. Maybe we reached the mountain peak. And there's no more left to climb. And maybe we lost the magic piece. And we're both too blind to find. Let's start over. Let's give love the wings. Let's start over. Stop fighting about the same old thing."

Track #9 "Countdown" - (Did you know Boyz II Men does the Harmony for this song in the background) " My baby is a 10 - We dressing to the nines - He pick me up at eight - Make me feel so lucky 7 - He kiss me in his 6 - "We be making love in 5 - Still the one I go to 4 - I'm trying to make us 3 - From that 2 - He still the 1." If you are in love and feeling your man. This song is perfect for you!!  On repeat in my car!!!!!

Track #1  "1+1"  - Bey opens with this powerful ballad, desiring the love for only her man (presumably her husband). "Hey , I don't know much about guns but I've been shot by you,and  I don't know when I'm gon' die but I hope, That I'm gon' die by you, and I don't know much about fighting, but I know I would fight for you, Just when I ball up my fist I realize, I'm layin right next to you."
This is by far my fav song. I love the lyrics!!!! It is such a serene love song. My sis sent me a link to a YouTube video of  Beyonce rehearsing this song backstage in her dressing room, before performing on American Idol. This video was  captured by her hubby......  TAKE A PEAK

I have listened to this song over and over again. If you disagree that Beyonce is talented, something is obviously wrong with you!!!! I tear up every time I hear this......Pure talent, no mic or audio. Just TALENT. FLAWLESS!!!! Which, is so rare in the music industry. Beyonce, inspires me so much!! I love her dedication and commitment. #GIRLPOWER

In conclusion....I love just about every song on this album. "Dangerously In Love" happens to be my favorite album of all time. Therefore, my expectations were increasingly high. Bravo for originality. And Kudos for taking chances. This new sound is definitely not the Beyonce we know and love. But, I think I like this "New Beyonce" If your a Beyonce fan....You will love this CD!!

Smooches : )

Go Girls - It's Your Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, technically its "our" birthday. I happen to share my Bday with my twin sister, Nakita.  The month of the best zodiac sign in thee world. #TeamGemini. The Gemini personality stands out as the zodiac sign that knows something about just about everything, making them good conversationalists and interesting acquaintances. They are inquisitive and quick to digest new information and ideas. Intelligent and logical, but with a lot of nervous energy, Gemini likes to keep busy and expand their horizons whenever opportunities arise, often multitasking between several interests. <---------This is totally ME!

Where do I began with "Our" Birthday Adventure...........

First.....we went to "Kona Grill." This time around was great! The happy hour menu was fantastic. I think we ordered everything on the menu. We had a tastes testing session. And "Kona Grill" did not disappoint. Again, I wasn't as pleased with the Sushi selection, however the American food was tasty!



These were amazing! In love with their Lettuce wraps!




D stuffing his face and Tamia with a piece of chicken hanging out of her mouth. lol



My Sisters



I Love this Pic! : )



Red Velvet Bday Cupcakes!

Make a wish....

The Gang is all here!

Time to open Gifts!!!!!!

Thanks D for my Gift card! I spent it at the M.A.C counter! lol

Next....We walked across the street to the Harbor. Keep in mind, it was about 108 degrees outside, even though the sun had set. I have not been to the Harbor in years. I remember when I was a young diva in training. Myself, Kina, Nakita and Ebonee all purchased D&G t-shirts, took the #5 bus to the Harbor downtown on Easter. Those shirts were as fake as a 2 dollar bill. lol. But, I appreciate the innocence and the fact that we didn't care what people thought about us. We just wanted to have fun! Not a care in the world.

Anyway, we didn't walk far, because the humidity was beating us up.....Gosh! It was so hot! And, I'm a summer baby. So, I love the sun and the heat! It's the humidity that I hate. It was so unbearable.

Michelle Obama aka Tiff...Lol

We look agitated....The heat was kicking our butts! lol

On our walk back to our vehicles, we decided to walk thru the Harbor Place, just to get the feel of that good air conditioner. As, we made our way pass the shops..look what we came across....

The Fudgery! Who knew they were still in business??

Not me! Famous for discovering home grown "Dru Hill."

They were cleaning up to close down the shop for the evening. But one of the guys recognized my sister and I. The first thing people say when they see my sister and I..... "Didn't y'all go to Lake Clifton?" lol...Anywho, we persuaded the guys to sing Happy Birthday to us!!



He checked my sis ID to make sure our Bday's were that day. smh! 



Singing Happy Birthday to Ya!!! (In my Stevie Wonder Voice)



How bout around of applause!!


They were too sweet and could really sing! Made us feel so special!

Now, we could not end our night without.......

Yes, Teia tripped off the curb. Apparently, she didn't see  the curb.... and asked where did it come from? Ummmmmmm?? I'm sure that curb has been there for quite sometime. I know she is going to kill me for posting this picture. It was only funny after we realized she was ok. Love you Teia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

To Be Continued..................In Philly................Stay Tuned!


Smooches : )

Friends Equals Family

Hey Dolls -

I was having a conversation with my sister - and we were talking about how some people are closer to their friends than their own family. Now, I have a fantastic relationship with my family. And, we are extremely close. But, a girl needs her friends. And, my girlfriends are my family!

Family always supports one another in every decision. And, I was 100% supportive of Teia's decision to baptize her children. Baptism is literally and symbolically not only cleansing, but also dying and rising again with Christ. Traditionally, Godparents are present at the baptism and vow to uphold the Christian education and life of the baptized. Out of respect for the family, I chose not to publish any pictures of the ceremony. However, after the ceremony, we did what we do best-----EAT!

We fired up the grill - well actually Larry fired up the grill.

You know how he DO!

I was preparing the food. Yes, I can burn it up in the kitchen.
I put my foot in those hamburgers. They were Da Bomb! lol

The sister...Doesn't she look Kute and angelic!!
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So, apparently there was a photo shoot in the back yard
and I wasn't invited. See pics below.........Camera whores! lol

I had to get a pic of the talapia that Nakita and I made.

Once, again I surprised myself. I should have been a chef! lol

Let's switch gears.....................

I had to visit YouTube to see Rhianna's man Down video. There is some controversy surrounding Ri -Ri's video. The beginning of the video begins with a girl (Rhianna) lurking out of the shadow and shooting a man in the head. The end of the video answers the question "Why did she shoot him?" The man was gunned down after he rapes her outside a club. The media wants the video banned stating that "Instead of telling victims to seek  help, she released a music video that gives retaliation in the form of premeditated murder." Rhianna is now set to re-shoot the two most violent scenes - the rape and shooting scene.

Now, I'm not sure whats going on with Ri-Ri. While she exudes sex appeal on and off the stage. Her performances lack passion and energy. Watching paint dry is more fascinating than her performances on stage. The irony is that she recently performed here in Baltimore. And, the buzz around her concert was great! Some, have even said it was the best concert they have ever attended.......... HUH??

I was watching the Billboard Awards and Rhianna performed S&M Remix with Ms. Britney Spears. (Bad move) She was just as dry as Ri-Ri!!! What's going on Britney??? She use to work it on stage! She appeared to be confused and very un-interested.  The lip synching and stiff performance goes down in my books as one of the worst performances ever. Sorry ladies. I suggest you take some tips from Beyonce!

Here are a few highlights and the video -

Smooches : )