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"

Keyshia Cole Calling All Hearts: Album Review

By Alex L.

It’s been two years since we’ve heard from the Oakland songstress, Keyshia Cole, but the new mommy and newly engaged singer is back with her fourth studio album, Calling All Hearts.

For all the Keyshia fans out there keep an eye out for the original 11-track LP and the 13-track deluxe edition (certainly some of you my want both copies). Both editions have minimal features, which nowadays is rare, and flows with a mid-tempo/slow jam feel. The album in totality has a sort of 90’s vibe, the production isn’t filled with heavy bass or auto tune, and it has a very reminiscent feel to it.

It’s clear that this album was written out of love, with tracks like “Take Me Away,” “What You Do To Me,” and “Better Me,” it seems like her fiancée, Daniel “Boobie” Gibson of the Cleveland Cavaliers and their bundle of joy, Daniel Jr. heavily influenced various tracks on the album.

Although Keysh can stand on her own with her raw and soulful voice there’s nothing wrong with having a little additional help from the likes of Nicki Minaj, Faith Evans, Tank, Timbaland, and her adoptive mother, Dr. Yvonne Cole.

Calling All Hearts is definitely a contrast in comparison to Keyshia’s three previous albums. Her fans will hear the growth in her vocals and lyrics. She hits higher notes on the track “Take Me Away,” on “Tired of Doing Me” featuring Tank she sings about wanting to be loved and in love, and she even shows her fans her spiritual side on “Thank You” where she and her mother, Yvonne, praise God and thank him for always being by her side.

Listeners can certainly expect to find some hits on this album. Out of 13 songs Keyshia has several solid tracks that if released will get her to platinum status. With “I Ain’t Thru,” featuring 2010’s breakthrough artist Nicki Minaj, bubbling up the R&B charts, her latest single “ Long Way Down” isn’t too far behind. “If I Ever Fall in Love Again” is another track that is sure to be a hit. The song has Keyshia and Faith Evans exchanging strong vocals over a head banging beat that sounds like Notorious B.I.G’s “Warning.” The other gem on this album is “So Impossible,” it’s smooth and mellow and definitely sounds like it’s was written in her pre- Daniel days.

While Keyshia Cole’s come back may have been unexpected we’re awfully glad she’s back! Make sure you all go pick up Calling All Hearts, it’s in stores and on iTunes now!
(P.S. It’ll make a great stocking stuffer!)

Check out Keyshia’s two latest videos “I Ain’t Thru” featuring Nicki Minaj and “Long Way Down” here on LUDIC.

"I Ain't Thru"

Keyshia Cole - I Ain't Thru ft Nicki Minaj

"Long Way Down"

Keyshia Cole - Long Way Down

An Interview with Dr. Jared A. Ball: Why You Should Consider the Green Party

Video by Candace Croston and Ashleigh Ingram

Even thought the elections are over, check out this interview and article about the Green Party.


(Originally recorded, interviewed, and written on Oct. 25, 2010)
By Alexandria Langston

With the November 2nd elections vastly approaching, Marylanders should keep their options open as the casts their ballots. Many people are unaware of the other political parties, such as the Green Party. Forming in 2001, according to www.greenparty.org, this political party has hopes “of a more democratic, safer, cleaner world.” Green party candidates from across the country, have those same hopes for their local communities.

2007-2008 Green party Presidential nominee Dr. Jared A. Ball, professor of Communication at Morgan State University, sat down to discuss the Green Party of the United States, how it differs from the Democratic and Republican parties, and the difference between Green Party and the ‘going green’ movement.
While sitting behind his desk, with his Mac laptop opened, Dr. Ball briefly explains what the Green Party is,

“The Green Party of the United States is apart of the Green Party movement around the world… It’s alternative or a so-called third party,” he says.

He went to on explain the differences in which separates the Green Party from the Democratic or Republican parties.

“Primarily it differs from the dominant parties (Democratic/Republican) because it not only espouses certain views in terms of how we should arrange our economy, the role of women, so-called minorities, and others, but primarily we take no corporate money which allows us, when elected, to actually act on the principles that our party is based on,” says Ball.

Those “principles” Dr. Ball mentions are The Ten Key Values of the Green Party, which include, Grassroots Democracy, Non-Violence, Feminism and Gender Equity, and Personal and Global Responsibility, just to name a few.
Dr. Ball makes the clear distinction between the Green Party and the “going green” movement. For one, he mentions the “Green” movement “is a corporate theft of our core principles,” and he points out the contradiction between the capitalist economy trying to become an eco-capitalist economy,

“The idea that a capitalist economy that is responsible for destroying the Earth, now producing eco-capitalist who would want to invest in the green technology that will not only “green” the planet, but offer jobs, etcetera, but not upset the corporate structure itself,” he says.

The Green Party of the United States seeks to empower everyday citizens can make their own decisions and not be influenced by big corporations. Although Dr. Ball stresses he’s not the spokesperson for the Green Party his point of view sheds a different perspective on the Green Party and their efforts to make our economy and environment sustainable where nature and people can co-exist harmoniously.

The Green Party needs people who think and live ‘green’ everyday so on Nov. 2nd, don’t forget to think Green! For more information on the Green Party, got to www.gp.org or www.greenparty.org.

Oh, It's Been So Long!

A Note From the Editor-In-Chief
LUCID has truly been on a hiatus! But.... THE WAIT IS OVA! Due to my Senior year in college I've been away doing exams, paying college dues and trying to have a social life; but while balancing it all I haven't forgotten why I created this blog in the first place. LUCID is the vessel that shares news, entertainment, and thoughts from young, black journalists,and now that the end of the year is vastly approaching I have much to blog about! There's plenty to discuss with you all and I'm really excited! So now that LUCID is re-launching In December, I hope all of you will stay tuned and thank you for being so patient with me! OH yeah.... WE'RE BAAAAACCCCCCKKKKKKKK!! :) Catch ya in few!

P.S. We're looking for more writers, bloggers, and photographers to contribute to LUCID. If you're interested send us an e-mail with your name, contact information, and why you want contribute! E-mail us today at lucid.blogs@gmail.com Hope to hear from you soon!
- Alex L., E.I.C

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

So what did YOU think?: Teen Mom (Season 2, Ep. 1)

By Alex L.

So all the Teen Mom junkies were tuned in last night to watch the premiere of Season 2! We watched an hour full of surprises from Maci, Amber, Farrah, and Catelynn.

The premiere opened with DRAMA! A disturbing phone call to the police was made when Farrah called the "po-po" on her mom Debra! Farrah and her mother are infamous for their arguments and constant bickering, but things got violent when Debra hit Farrah in the face, mind you baby Sophia was in her crib crying and allegedy had a shirt thrown at her! Poor baby.In the meanwhile, mother and daughter arent allowed to be in the same house so Farrah and Sophia are living in the guest house... Well Farrah did she wanted to move out, heres you chance!

Amber and Gary are still together, but since they've both lost their jobs, things are really getting tough for them and if matter werent already worse, Amber suspects she's pregnant--AGAIN! As much as we love Amber and Gary and they're shenanigans pregnancy is the last thing this couple needs. To our relief Amber isn't preggers, but the stuggles is still on to get by and take care of baby Leah.

Who's that girl with the dead beat baby daddy?? It's Maci. I heart Maci because she's a determined young woman; she's back in school and is working full time. Ryan hasn't seem to grasp the concept of growing up yet so Maci took him to court and filed for child support. As we saw Ryan wasn't too thrilled about it, being as though he's still unemployed and not doing anything about it. He still got it pretty easy, the court only ordered him to pay $80 dollars a week or the equivalent of $232 dollars a month. Seriously though? He could do house chores or mow lawns or something to scrape up $80 dollars a week, BUT I digress. I know im not alone in my thoughts.

Also in the Season 2 opener, Catelynn was still living with her fiancee Tyler and his mom, but as Tyler tries to deal with the grief of the adoption of baby Carly, he felt like he and Catelynn were spending too much time together and they needed space. After Tyler confided in his mother they both agreed that has to go back home to her mother April. A heart broken Catelynn packed her things to go back to the very place she had been trying to escape. While tyler seemed to be a little more relieved to have his space back Cate was uncertain about how things were going to be. We're there with you Cate.

There's a recap of the Season 2 premiere! It was great, and we all enjoyed it, be sure to catch Teen Mom every Tuesday @ 10 PM on MTV. For all of you who missed the premiere watch a peek here at LUCID and tell us what you thought! (for full episodes click here!)

Teen Mom (Season 2) - MTV Shows

What to Watch: Teen Mom (Season 2)

By Alex L.

We first saw these four teen moms on MTV’s hit series 16 & Pregnant and followed them on to Teen Mom, now Maci, Farrah, Amber, and Catelynn are back for an all new season of Teen Mom.

We’ve watched these young mothers give birth, date, break up, make up, move out, and move on but in the second season of Teen Mom we’ll see just how far they’ve come with motherhood.

If you’re new to the Teen Mom series or a religious viewer, let us introduce or re-introduce you to the teen moms we fell in love with.

First there’s Maci. The homegrown southern belle from Chattanooga, Tennessee, fell in love with her high school sweetheart Ryan and had their son Bentley, in October 2008. Maci and Ryan seemed like a happy couple, they had their own house, and were even engaged, but once Bentley was born things went down hill. They fought over everything from Ryan not spending enough at home to his nonchalant attitude toward his new family life. That was not the life Maci planned for her family. Maci graduated from high school but struggled with her online classes at Chattanooga State. She had virtually no support form Ryan and had to drop out during her first year. Even though Maci had support from her friends, parents, and Ryan’s parents she still fought for Ryan’s love and affection but not for her sake but Bentley‘s. Its obvious to see that Maci loves Bentley so much that she wants him to have the perfect family but after couples counseling, breaking off their engagement, and moving back home with their parents, things with Maci, Ryan, and Bentley seemed to better when they were apart.

Then there’s Farrah, the smart mouth, back talking mommy of baby Sophia. The only single mother on the series, Farrah was portrayed as an ungrateful, bratty, party girl who would rather date and hang out with her friends till the wee hours of the morning, than to spend time with her daughter. There were countless explosive arguments between Farrah and her parents about her excessive dating and partying. Later, she found it difficult to date and raise Sophia alone, and even though she has the support of her mom, Farrah was very adamant that she wanted to be independent. After her parents and her sister confronted her about her lack of motherly duties she cleaned up her act by giving up the guys and the late nights to focus on Culinary school being the best mom to Sophia.

The next Teen Mom is Amber. Strong willed and independent, she and her fiancee Gary were barely getting by when we were first introduced to them on 16 & Pregnant. Since then, Amber dropped out of high school to raise their daughter Leah while Gary fully supports the family, something Amber really had a problem with throughout the series. She spent all her days with Leah, even when she tried to get her GED she found it very frustrating and nearly impossible to continue without the help from Gary, but she was very determined to not be dependent on him forever. We watched Amber transition from the stay at home mom to a mommy on the go. She wanted Leah to grow up with both parents but she knew the physical fighting and arguing was not an environment for her or Leah. She took the initiative to get an apartment and a job so she would no longer have to depend on Gary for help. Gary wasn’t pleased at first but he learned it may be best for their daughter. As a result it brought Amber and Gary closer they later moved in together hoping this time they would able to get along better.

Catelynn and Tyler’s story is one that definitely pulled at the heart strings of its viewers. Of all the teen couples, they decided to give their daughter up for adoption. Both from broken homes the decision to give Baby Carly up for adoption was one that ultimately had a huge impact on their lives. Catelynn had no support from her mother April and they often fought about her decision ,they argued so much that she moved four hours away to live with Tyler and his mother. Carly was topic of every discussion in every episode, they grappled daily with their choice to give Carly up but they knew that despite what their parents thought, they made the right decision for their daughter. They both admitted that their environments was no place for them let alone a child, and that Carly would have a much better life with her adoptive parents. Tyler was the ideal boyfriend in this series, and the relationship he and Catelynn had was one that proves how strong love can be even at young age. They made a hard decision that some adults can’t make and they were able to count on each other that hard time. Even though in the season finale of Teen Mom Catelynn and Tyler became engaged, they still felt something was missing.

Now that season two of Teem Mom is on the way we’re all wondering what these four moms have in store. All we can tell you is that there may be some new relationships, new apartments, a possible weeding, a broken engagement, some physical abuse, and a new baby… Maybe. But you’ll have to watch this season to find out more. Catch the season premiere of Teen Mom tomorrow July 20th at 10/9c only on MTV. And remember to watch Teen Mom every Tuesday at 10 PM for all new episodes.

Cant wait to see the new season of Teen Mom? Check out the trailer here at LUCID.

Teen Mom (Season 2) - MTV Shows

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.)