French Montana ft. Nicki Minaj "Freaks" Video Review

By: Alex L.

After teasing his fans with clips of his new video, Bronx rapper, French Montana, officially released the Eif Rivera directed video “Freaks” featuring our favorite “Barb,” Nicki Minaj this past Thursday.

The song is self explanatory as Montana and Minaj rap about needing a sexual deviant. The song also samples two 90’s reggae hits, Lil’ Vicious “Freaks” and Chaka Demus and Pliers “Murder She Wrote.” The song has a island vibe which is accurately portrayed in the video.

Set in an underground dance-hall club scene where the club goers grind and whine to the upbeat hip-hop hit, Nicki Minaj seems to steal much of the thunder in this four minute visual. She prances around and seductively dances while wearing gold pasties and skin tight multi-colored, leopard leggings. French Montana takes a more of demure role in the video which could lead viewers to think that Minaj is the main attraction.

In all, “Freaks” is a decent video and if you are a fan of French Montana or Nicki Minaj the video will hold your attention from beginning to end. “Freaks” is the fourth single off French Montana’s upcoming album, Excuse My French, set to be released May 21, 2013. Check out “Freaks” right here on LUCID. Enjoy!

Introducing: Kreayshawn; Kittys x Choppas Mixtape Review

By Alex L.
Her sound is equivalent to that of fellow Bay Area rapper, Lil B and her style is reminiscent of Madonna, Lady Gaga, and MIA, so who is Kreayshawn?

The Oakland based rapper, singer/songwriter, and director is creating some buzz with her latest single “Gucci Gucci” in which she lazily raps about how designer labels are for “basic bitches” but are too confining for her eclectic style.

The song itself is not half bad, but it is hit and miss with the lyrics.

The 21 year old raps, “Gucci, Gucci, Louie, Louie, Fendi, Fendi, Prada, basic bitches wear that shit so I don’t even bother,” the nursery rhyme like hook is about as good as it gets lyrically.

While “Gucci Gucci” is not on the 2010 mixtape Kittys x Choppas, it should have been, because there are no gems on this compilation.

The 20 track mixtape sounds like there was no effort put into the production or lyrics. The lyrics are a bit lax and the beats are less than great, however the party track “They Wanna Kill Me” would have listeners nodding their heads. It sounds a lot like club mix founded in the Baltimore club scene. But once again, the lyrics are not cohesive and are obnoxious.

Song after song, Kittys x Choppas sounds like the senseless rambling of someone coming off a hallucinogenic drug.

According to mtv.com, Kreayshawn has nabbed herself a record deal with Columbia Records and was allotted the privilege of directing the music video for the legendary Red Hot Chili Pepper’s latest single “The Adventure of Raindance Maggie” off their upcoming album I’m With You, the video is set to released by the end of this month.

Despite the disappointing mixtape, there’s something about this foul-mouthed, bad ass that is interesting and intriguing. If Kreayshawn keeps perfecting her craft we may just see what that “something” is.

Wanna hear Kittys x Choppas? Download it here!

Follow @KREAYSHAWN on twitter!

Check out Kreayshawn's latest single, "Gucci Gucci"

Nicki Minaj: 2010’s Break-through Artist

By Alex L.

It’s hard to deny the eccentric talent of Nicki Minaj. Ever since her debut in late 2009, people have been more than interested to see what the New York native had to offer in 2010-- it’s safe to say she showed us that she is a force to reckoned with.

Nicki started off 2010 strong, she jumped on many tracks with Diddy-Dirty Money, Ludacris, Young Money, DJ Khaled, and Sean Kingston, delivering hot verses which proved her to be 2010’s most sought after artist.

With the early 2010 release of her first single “Massive Attack” not doing so well, prospects of Nicki’s debut album seemed bleak. By the time summer rolled around, her second single “Your Love,” was a winner and her follow up singles “Right Thru Me” and “Roman’s Revenge” solidified her spot in hip-hop royalty.

In a short amount of time the Harajuku Barbie gathered a strong fan base of Barbs and Ken Barbs, graced the cover of magazines from Vibe to Billboard, and of course featuring on everyone else’s song, but Nicki wasn’t quiet done yet.

On Nov. 22, 2010 Nicki’s highly anticipated album, Pink Friday finally dropped like an overdue baby! She pulled all the right guns on this album, it features Drake, Rihanna, Eminem, and Will.I.Am.

There were mixed reviews about Pink Friday but after it’s release it quickly shot to #1 before settling for #2 after Kanye West took the spot.

If 2010 was any indication of Nicki Minaj’s future, she won’t be slowing down anytime soon and 2011 is bound to have more in store her. Nicki Minaj is LUCID’s 2010 break-through artist.

If you haven’t already, make sure to pick up Pink Friday, in stores and on iTunes now!

Rest in Peace: Teena Marie Passes Away at Los Angeles Home

Dec. 27, 2010
By Alex L.

CNN reports that the great unsung Grammy-nominated singer, Teena Marie has passed away at her Los Angeles home Sunday, Dec. 26. She was 54.

Before there was Christina Aguilera or Fergie, there was Teena Marie. She is most know for her sweet soulful voice and gained popularity in the late 1970s and 80s with mega hits like "Square Biz," "Lover Girl," and most notably "Fire and Desire" featuring the late funk legend Rick James.

It was reported that Marie suffered a grand mal seizure last month. Her manager Mike Gardner has confirmed her death but there are very few details on the cause of death.

Teena Marie leaves behind her daughter, Alia Rose, family, friends, and millions of fans who will forever miss her.

"Farewell, my sister, fare thee well.
The elements be kind to thee, and make
Thy spirits all of comfort: fare thee well."
-William Shakespeare

Album Review: Dondris vs. Phatfffat

By Reggie L.
Dondria, Dondria, Dondria , where should I begin? The 23 year old’s debut album Dondria vs. Phatfffat is set for release today ( August 17th) and if I have to describe this album in one word that word would be "Refreshing." There is no auto tune to speak of , no over sexed lyrics, and no image shoved down our throats. This young lady is all about the music. Her 11 track effort is diverse and easy on the ears. There are no eletronic beats or over production that plagues so many of her contemporaries.

This album is reminiscent of early Brandy and Aaliyah. Songs such as "Kissed by the Sun," "Making Love," and the single "Your the One," sound like they would have come from Tiffany Evans rather than a 23 year old woman. I have to admit that I was not crazy about "Your the One," however after hearing the rest of her album I have been sold on this girl’s talent. Her voice is refreshingly (there’s that word again) womanly and clear. I can't count the number of singers who scream and shout through an LP , however this is not the case here, she sings. Let me say it again this girl sings her songs! Songs such as "Can You Help Me" find the neophyte pleading with her lover to save their relationship. Lyrics like "Dont give up on us, can you help me, I cant do this alone," emphasize her soaring voice.

There are few complaints about this album, like many things nothing is perfect. The album is so short it leaves you wanting more. The albums strength is also it’s fault as well, The album is almost "too Disney." But after hearing so many singers wail about their relationship woes, Dondria provides an escape that this music junkie welcomes. Whether you are a fan of the first single or not this girl at least is a talent to watch out for and thus worth giving a listen to.

Check out Dondria's lastest videos here at LUCID!

Shawty Wus Up?

You're The One

Brother Can You Spare a Dollar?

By: Alex L.

Have you heard of Aloe Blacc? That’s because he’s not a household name-- yet. However he’s not a new artist. This multitalented musician (he’s a producer, rapper, songwriter, and singer) started his career in 1995 as one half of the rap duo, Emanon, but once that fizzled out he hit the scene 11 years later and was signed to Stone Throw Records. His debut album Shine Through released in 2006 got its praise with little recognition, but the California native’s forthcoming album Good Things is one to be compared to Marvin Gaye’s 1971 classic, What’s Going On. With its eclectic style and mixture of acoustic guitars, wailings of negro spirituals, R&B, Latin, and hip-hop Good Things is sure to deliver, well, good things.

The lead single off the album “I Need A Dollar” has a reminiscent 60s and 70s feel, its up-tempo yet mellow. As Blacc begs and pleads for a dollar “I need a dollar, dollar, a dollar is what I need…I will share with you my story, if you share your dollar with me,” it sounds like the economic cries of yester-year and today. The single is also theme music for HBO’s new series “How to Make it in America” starring rapper Kid Cudi.

The music video makes its viewer experience those hard times and hopelessness Aloe Blacc sings about. The black and white and color split screen shots are gritty and raw and portrays Blacc singing and gazing out his window while on the left side a mysterious man walks the mean streets of New York. The video dropped in early April and has been steadily played on MTV Jams and other music video stations. Even though Aloe Blacc’s album isn’t slated for release until September there’s no reason you can’t enjoy his music this summer! Check out Aloe Blacc’s latest video for his single “I Need a Dollar.” (This is the extended version.)