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Showing posts with label Mariah Carey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mariah Carey. Show all posts
Friday, January 1, 2016
Second Annual "THIS YEAR IN MUSIC" Review (2015)

  • Posted on Friday, January 1, 2016
As I was writing 2014's year end review I talked about the lackluster sales drought everyone was experiencing, that is, until America's Sweetheart Taylor Swift stopped the RIAA from committing musical suicide. I mean, what's the point of having an association to pass out certifications if no album has been worthy of certifying? Hence the changing of the rules and counting streams and records shipped versus just records sold which I said was a cop out and my opinion still stands. Artists are providing us with sub par albums which garner less than remarkable sales and yet they're earning certifications due to loopholes and not merit. Clearly it was deemed possible when SLAYlord Swift accomplished it in just one week. And even MORE so when ADELESUS came in and took over thee entire WORLD. Like, THE WORLD. But sure. Go ahead. Celebrate the mediocre...which is what the bulk of the releases this year were at best. 2013, sales aside, it was sooo hard for me to narrow it down to just a top 5 that I had to throw in Honorable Mentions. This year, much like 2014, I struggled with even choosing a top 5...I'm looking for the good albums like
Without a doubt, topping my list is Adele with "25" [read: review; purchase: iTunes]. I have been listening to that album at home, in the car, and at work ad nauseam. My poor co-workers. I sing along too, loud and proud, like I'm home alone in the shower. Oh well. Just know that "25" has to be the best album I have heard in a long time. I'm expecting her to take home the Grammy for Best Album in the Universe. What were we doing before The Grand High Supreme Empress of Soul returned??? I'm literally trying to think of what or whom I was listening to. I even welcome the silent despair that I experience each and every time the tracks dredge up the sweetest pain that I've ever known. That's that type of masochistic 'Twilight' love. 
And yet I can't stop, make that WON'T STOP, listening to this album. No matter how much it hurts. My fave tracks have to be "All I Ask", "Remedy", "Hello", "When We Were Young", "Love In The Dark", and "Million Years Ago". Plus every other track on the album. *wails*
I definitely fell in love with Skye Townsend's EP "Rocking Chairs" [read: review; purchase: iTunes] from the very first listen. Let's face it, she's gorgeous, hilarious, down to earth, and her voice is AMAZING! I mean, what else can you ask for in an artist? She has the makings of a star. You read it here first. This EP may only be 5 tracks but they're so amazing I just listen to them on a loop and pretend like it's longer than it is. My fave songs are "Always", "Red Wine", and "Are You Sure". SKYE PLEASE MAKE A FULL ALBUM!!! I'm over here so pressed.
It took me a minute to get into Dawn Richard's album but it wasn't for naught and not to say that it isn't absolutely GREAT because it is. It just started out so slow but I am so glad that I finally sought it out and listened after having reviewed it [review; purchase: iTunes]. "Blackheart" is definitely at the top of my albums list for 2015. Her intro rivaled that of Ariana Grande's from "My Everything" and that is saying A LOT because Queen Ari topped my top albums list two years in a row! Her videos are always FIRE and she be dancing her ass off!
My fave tracks are "Phoenix", Blow", Noir", and "The Deep". I've loved Dawn since her Danity Kane days so she better work! I wish her all the best in her solo career. Blessings, beloved. I don't think this album got all of the pomp and circumstance that it deserved and still does. It definitely deserved a Grammy nod but c'est la vie.
There can be no mention of the greatest albums of 2015 without speaking on Ms. Jackson If You're Nasty aka Janet. "Unbreakable" [read: review; purchase: iTunes] came for everybody this year. She said "Y'all think these young broads got something on Ms. Jackson? Let me nip this shit in the bud right now." And then she went on a full fledged tour and danced her ass off. She hit us with the 
I'm always here for Janet. She whispers in the way that Jhene Aiko wishes that she could. No shade, just facts (no printer). I love "BURNITUP", "Shoulda Known Better", "No Sleeep", and "Unbreakable". Don't think because she married a billionaire and acts here and there that she's lost her touch. Ms. Jackson is an icon and if you disagree
Kendrick Lamar has me on the fence. His album? It was everything. Yet, his consciousness makes me want to believe that he is woke but then he says stupid shit like "Black on Black crime" and I want to smack the shit out of him and never listen to his music again. It pisses me off and I'm just like 
But I won't take his accomplishments away from him. He says that he's gonna go out and pick up all the Grammys for the Black hip hop community? Well have at it. I'm sure "To Pimp A Butterfly" [read: review; purchase: iTunes] will most certainly win at least one. It'll save us the tragedy of Macklemore and company winning and being forced to do this
I, of course, have to round out my top albums list with a select few honorable mentions. In no particular order: Monica's "Code Red" [purchase: iTunes], Erykah Badu's "But You Caint Use My Phone" [read: review; purchase: iTunes],  Justin Bieber's "Purpose" [purchase: iTunes], Dr. Dre's "Compton" [purchase: iTunes], and, UNEQUIVOCALLY, Mariah Carey's "#1s To Infinity" [read: review; purchase: iTunes]. I highly doubt I left anything off. This list, in and of itself, was already a stretch. However, everything on this list is definitely worth a listen and if you love them, by all means purchase them! ESPECIALLY my, female dominated, top 5! The men took over last year and I was shocked. Now I'm like "WHO RUN THE WORLD?!?"
What were your fave albums of the year that didn't make my list?

Natasha Marie


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Friday, December 25, 2015
Happy Holidays! What's Your Fave Holiday Music?

  • Posted on Friday, December 25, 2015
Happy Holidays #Nookers! Tis the season for Holiday music. It's FINALLY here! So whose music, new and old, made my must have list? Thankfully, the albums and singles that I've heard have been a blessing to my soul.

There is absolutely no one like the incomparable, late GREAT (and sorely missed) Fairy Godmother of music: Whitney Houston. The Voice. Enough said. I begin my list with the holiday album of one of the greatest to ever spread holiday cheer using only the souls of cherubs and the passion of Christ. "One Wish - The Holiday Album" [available: here] is truly timeless.  May she forever remain perched upon her throne in musical heaven, throwing shade whence so ever the peasants attempt to cover her classics. Amen.
I trust you all wholeheartedly not to judge me so I will admit one of my deepest, darkest secrets to you: I'm lowkey a GLEEK. *wails* Although that Rachel Berry had to be the most nauseating creature on the face of the planet and the story lines were so predictable that it literally made me ill...I can never resist a good musical! Especially with Naya Rivera's (nevermind the fact that she doesn't shower...) sultry amazingness and Amber Riley's robust pipes! It highkey annoyed me that the show focused so heavily on Rachel's annoying ass's career as though she were the only one that mattered. At any rate they have "Glee: The Christmas Album". But get this. It's not one, not two, not three, but FOUR volumes [available: Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3, Vol. 4] of Glee-filled holiday debauchery. My heart is singing!
Chillllle...India Arie better give me vocal bliss wrapped up in a side of cardiac arrest. How can this woman be so underrated?!? I'm not understanding the logic behind this foolery. "Christmas With Friends" [available: here] has all the makings of a great album. At any rate, I can't think of any other person I'd prefer to serenade me and dying the most irresistible death of all deaths. Slay me Queen! Did I mention that she has both Brandy AND Tori Kelly on the album??? What kind of SLEIGH?!? Listen to a sneak peek below:
IDK what it is about the Pentatonix but I can't seem to stop myself from liking them. I really do love acapella singing (Yes, in spite of 'Pitch Perfect') and their latest Christmas masterpiece "That's Christmas To Me" [available: here] is the typical Pentatonix style fans have grown to love. How can you NOT love acapella though?! They SLAY! And if you don't KNOW who the Pentatonix are then I suggest you *Nicki Minaj voice* "Do your f*cking research!"
I saw my homegirl Martina in 'Motown The Musical' this year and I have been on a Motown kick ever since! The music?!? OMG! I wish I lived in that era. So, of course, I found my way to "A Motown Christmas" [available: here] and it has alllllll of the original greats that I can't live without anymore. *falls out* You HAVE to listen to it. You won't regret it!
Goddammit you Adele impersonator. You will not shatter me in such a malicious fashion whilst showing nothing but contempt for my spiritual reawakening. At this point, all the King's horses and all the King's men can't put me back together again. But why would I want them to? I shall lie here in the afterlife and relish the gift that was bestowed upon my musical alter: "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" [available: here]. I accept thee as tribute. Sam Smith is pure genius.
Ariana Grande gave us 4 singles the year before last "Last Christmas" "Love Is Everything" "Snow In California" and "Santa Baby" in a Christmas EP entitled "Christmas Kisses" [available: here] and she slayed them all EFFORTLESSLY. Last year she dropped "Santa Tell Me" and once again we all became well aware that Ari is out to snatch somebody's Christmas crown. This year we received the EP "Christmas & Chill" [available: here] plopped right into our laps with 6 tracks and I am content in my assertion that QUEEN ARIANA can never disappoint me. All hail thy diamond and emerald encrusted vocal chords bathed in the blood of Jesus and the tears of flops forgotten. She is EVERYTHING. 
Kelly Clarkson's "Wrapped In Red" [available: here] is LIFE in musical form! Kelly better sang her ass off! I've always been a fan and heaven knows as long as she isn't singing live and struggling to hit those "studio only" notes then she has my vote. People need to take a feather out of Ariana's cap. She knows what NOT to do live. I love the mix of pop and rock throughout the album. This is HOW you make covers original!
Destiny's Child's "8 Days of Christmas" [available: here] should most definitely be the blueprint for holiday albums. It has just the right amount of uptempo tracks and ballads while still managing to showcase their vocal ability. A finesse not many have mastered. Clearly. The original songs are a blessing and will serve to make any holiday gathering cheery.
Topping the list as always, I saved the best for last, is Mariah Carey's "Merry Christmas" [available: here], an eclectic blend of classic and original songs which will forever be TIMELESS. Her single "All I Want For Christmas Is You" tops the charts every year, and with good reason. This album is executed flawlessly and will continue to be a staple for the Holiday season ESPECIALLY having celebrated its 20th anniversary just last yeat. Lambs everywhere have a reason to be proud that MOTHA Mariah reigns as the QUEEN of Holiday Music...and music in general.
I enjoyed this trek down holiday music lane, for the most part anyways. What most artists lack is vision and originality. We're over the covers of Christmas songs originally sang by Jesus and Moses. If you're going to make an album full of covers, at least make them your own and try to keep your audience from falling asleep or jumping off a ledge. The slow and somber renditions are NOT what Christmas is all about. Where's the joy? Mariah Carey and Destiny's Child had the right idea, which is why their albums will always be classics. Everyone else needs to take note and follow suit.

Natasha Marie


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Saturday, June 20, 2015
ICYMI: [NEW ALBUM]: Mariah Carey - "#1 To Infinity"

  • Posted on Saturday, June 20, 2015
I spoke on MOTHA's shady ass single "Infinity" [Listen: here] a while back and I would be remiss not to mention the recent drop of her new #1s album (which includes her latest single as a bonus BTW). Let me explain something to you: MARIAH CAREY IS A LEGEND!!! Plain and simple. So if you love her music why wouldn't you want to snatch up her most classic songs when made available?!? Let's be real: SHE SANGS!
The best part of knowing Mariah Carey is the Messiah is seeing all you wayward souls seething. I see the hate. I see the PRESSEDNESS. Yes. Pressedness; a verb; the state of being overly pressed. Y'all over here critiquing her vocals, worrying about whether or not she photoshops, and who she's dating, meanwhile she's YOUR fave's FAVE, and YOUR fave is FLOPPING hard. Like in THEIR prime! MOTHA was unstoppable in HER prime. And please believe if she put down the alcohol, wine, etc. and trained for just one week she'd sing circles around ANYBODY. Period. But she doesn't have to because she's Mariah Carey. I know hating is a bear's necessity but all you badly built jungle book rejects gotta stawp witcho uglasses. Please take your asses over to the Disney Vault and retrieve your fave's last successful ANYTHING. Honestly, all of the lambs are sitting with a glass of wine like "who's your fave?"
And if you're a young thing and just don't know the magnitude of her greatness then go ahead and click on this here spotify link so that you can listen to the greatness that is MOTHA. By then you'll want nothing more than to head on over to iTunes and purchase it. This, my dear friends, is what real music used to sound like.
#1 To Infinity is available online and in stores NOW!!!

Natasha Marie


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Monday, April 27, 2015
[LISTEN]: Mariah Carey - "Infinity"

  • Posted on Monday, April 27, 2015
Why is MOTHA so damn shady?!? LMFAOOOOOO. I can't even deal with her right now. She said "Ain't none of my business, this tea though." *faints* I refuse to play with you Mariah. Goodbye! AND I REFUSE TO ALLOW YOU TO JUST KILL ME WITH THAT WHISTLE?!? So damn rude OMG! MOTHA was like
Gotta keep these gworls on their toes and let them know who will ALWAYS be Queen. *bows* Listen to the track below:


"Infinity" is available online NOW!

Natasha Marie
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Friday, January 30, 2015
L.A. Reid Allegedly Snags Mariah Carey

  • Posted on Friday, January 30, 2015
Mariah Carey and L.A. Reid are "allegedly" back together again, huh? Well. I have mixed feelings about it...and I'll tell you why. Of all the artists on Epic's roster who can we honestly say isn't a flop?!? Sure they may be KNOWN but knowing them and buying their music is two totally different things. And to make matters worse, outlets are reporting that MOTHA Mariah was denied her request for a 3 million dollar advance and far be it for me to assume that they thought she wasn't worth it. THEY KNOW SHE IS WORTH IT. Can Epic even AFFORD it? I mean look at what they're churning out...their chart activity is next to nonexistent. Mariah deserves so much more. L.A. Reid? Yes. Epic Records? No. I'm just like
And don't get me started on Vegas. Few survive the musical cesspool that is Las Vegas. Hopefully, her talent and tenacity will overcome the torturous abyss that is the career ending city of lights, the city of broken dreams and lost fame. When I think of singers who have paraded their dimming celebrity in Vegas all I can think is
Vegas and Epic Records...where careers go to die. You can quote me. But Lord willing not my MOTHA though.

Natasha Marie


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Wednesday, December 31, 2014
First Annual "This Year In Music" Review (2014)

  • Posted on Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Last year's year end review gave way to surprising results. I thought 2013 wasn't lucrative in sales but 2014 surely takes the cake. It had to be the saving grace of America's Sweetheart Taylor Swift that stopped the RIAA from committing musical suicide. I mean, what's the point of having an association to pass out certifications if no album has been worthy of certifying? Hence the changing of the rules and counting streams and records shipped versus just records sold. Honestly, that is a cop out. Surely, artists should strive to earn their certification off merit and not merely loopholes. Clearly it was deemed possible when SLAYlord Swift accomplished it in just one week. But sure. Go ahead. Celebrate the mediocre...which is what the bulk of the releases this year were at best. Last year, sales aside, it was sooo hard for me to narrow it down to just a top 5 that I had to throw in Honorable Mentions. This year I struggled with even choosing a top 5...the pickings were really that slim.
Without a doubt, topping my list for the second year in a row is Ariana Grande with "My Everything" [review]. The growth that she experienced from "Yours Truly" to this album was astounding. She took risks, flitted in and out of genres, and played with her vocal range a lot more. Some of my fave tracks include "Break Your Heart Right Back", "Hands On Me", "My Everything", "Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart" and "You Don't Know Me" but I listen to the album all the way through every time. Even the INTRO slays! Not only that but she shed her squeaky clean Nick image and proved that she can play in the big leagues...she is nobody's Mariah Carey clone and I LOVE it! Dropping two albums so close together had me a bit skeptical at first but now I can't wait to hear more from her. Hopefully she takes a feather out of Rihanna's cap and drops an album every year. I loved #A1 and #A2 and I am more than ready for #A3. Congrats Arianators! You truly have a star on your hands! I'm expecting her to take home the Grammy for Best Pop Album. For sure.
Look at SLAYlord and The Grim Reaper showing the proper respect as demanded by QUEEN Ari.

It took me a minute to get into Luke James' album but it wasn't for naught and not to say that it isn't absolutely GREAT because it is. It just slipped through the cracks of my overloaded schedule but I am so glad that I finally sought it out and reviewed it [review]. "Luke James" is very nearly a tie with "My Everything". I fell in all types of lust with him after this album. It is flawlessly executed and the vocals on this man...LORDT!  I don't think this album got all of the pomp and circumstance that it deserved and still does. It definitely deserved a Grammy nod but I'll accept the Best R&B Song nomination. Best songs on the album have to be "Options", "Exit Wounds", "Stay With Me", "Glass House", "Trouble", and "I Want You". Not to mention I met him at the Republic Records Day Party and he is super sweet and down to earth. He was all like "Hi I'm Luke."
And I was like
There can be no mention of the greatest albums of 2014 without speaking on the male counterpart to Adele aka Sam Smith. "In The Lonely Hour" [review] came for necks this year. He saw Adele exit and swooped in on the opportunity to snatch her crown...and snatch he did. I love "Stay With Me", "Like I Can", "Life Support", and "Make It To Me". I wasn't surprised in the least to find out he had been signed at the wee age of 14. The talent that Sam Smith possesses is truly beyond his years. He's an old soulful son of a something and I am here for every inch of him...musically.
J Cole is everything. He has moved up from last year's Honorable Mention list to the top 5 and it's well deserved. "2014 Forest Hills Drive" [review] is amazing, thought provoking, and a trail blazing album if ever there was one. I appreciate his fire, depth, and all around honesty. It's refreshing in a day and age where celebrities refuse to take a stance on race relations and social injustices that are occurring right before our very eyes for fear of being ostracised and losing fans. But Jermaine spoke up, spoke out, and slayed every one of those coward bitches on the charts. He's the "RAP GOD". Salute!
Last but certainly not least is Nicki Minaj's "The Pinkprint" [review]. This album swooped in at the last minute to take the final spot in my top 5. I already knew she was a contender, what with amazing singles such as "Pills n' Potions", "Bed of Lies", and "Only" but couple that with features from KING Bey and Queen Ariana this album got catapulted to the top of my list, skipping over all of the honorable mentions. I love how emotional this album is. Onika truly put her blood, sweat, and tears into this project. "The Crying Game", "Feeling Myself", "Get On Your Knees", "I Lied", "Grand Piano", and "All Things Go" have my heart but I listen to this album from beginning to end, no skips. All hail EMPRESS RAP GODDESS OF ALL THE LIGHT TOUCHES! She has the female rap game on lock.
I, of course, have to round out my top albums list with a select few honorable mentions. In no particular order: Taylor Swift's "1989" [review], Jeezy's "Seen It All - The Autobiography" [review],  Teyana Taylor's "VII" [review], Chris Brown's "X" [review], and, UNEQUIVOCALLY, Mariah Carey's "Me. I Am Mariah...The Elusive Chanteuse" [review]. I highly doubt I left anything off. This list, in and of itself, was already a stretch. However, everything on this list is definitely worth a listen and if you love them, by all means purchase them! ESPECIALLY my, surprisingly male dominated, top 5!
What were your fave albums of the year that didn't make my list?

Natasha Marie


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Thursday, December 25, 2014
Happy Holidays! What's Your Favorite Holiday Music?

  • Posted on Thursday, December 25, 2014
Happy Holidays #Nookers! Tis the season for Holiday music. It's FINALLY here! So whose music, new and old, made my must have list? Thankfully, the albums and singles that I've heard have (mostly) been a blessing to my soul.

There is absolutely no one like the incomparable, late GREAT (and sorely missed) Fairy Godmother of music: Whitney Houston. The Voice. Enough said. I begin my list with the holiday album of one of the greatest to ever spread holiday cheer using only the souls of cherubs and the passion of Christ. "One Wish - The Holiday Album" is truly timeless.  May she forever remain perched upon her throne in musical heaven, throwing shade whence so ever the peasants attempt to cover her classics. Amen.
First and foremost, Idina Menzel stole my heart as Queen Elsa. She was on her Beyoncé when she flapped that damn cape a la Kevin Hart and crooned so adoringly, "The cold never bothered me anyway." From henceforth and forevermore she could do no wrong in my eyes. So her new release of "Holiday Wishes" was definitely on my radar. Couple that with her playing the all slaying mother of that nuisance gurl on 'Glee', I've decided I love her. The end.
Chillllle...Leona Lewis better give me vocal bliss wrapped up in a side of cardiac arrest. How can this woman be so underrated?!? I'm not understanding the logic behind this foolery. "Christmas, With Love" has alllll my love. At any rate, I can't think of any other person I'd prefer to have me bleeding love and dying the most irresistible death of all deaths. Slay me Queen!
Toni Braxton's "Snowflakes" is typical Toni THE Braxton. How can you NOT love the sultry amazingness that comes out of her gorgeous throat?! Yeah, that's bae. The writing was superb...At any rate Toni Braxton is far too flawless to be this damn underrated. She SLAYS! And if you didn't KNOW Toni has a Christmas album then that's my damn point. GO GET IT!

I do not care that this was some obscure Christmas special from eons past, shot on a low resolution flip phone. You will deal. Why? Because I had an out of body damn experience listening to the sheer brilliance of Deborah Cox's range. She hit em high, hit em low, and everywhere in be-damn-tween. Bless her pregnant heart. And lest we forget the cameo of Mother Patti. Just...wow. The best "O Holy Night" I've ever heard.
Goddammit you Adele impersonator. You will not shatter me in such a malicious fashion whilst showing nothing but contempt for my spiritual reawakening. At this point, all the King's horses and all the King's men can't put me back together again. But why would I want them to? I shall lie here in the afterlife and relish the gift that was bestowed upon my musical alter: "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". I accept thee as tribute. Sam Smith is pure genius.
Ariana Grande gave us 4 singles last year "Last Christmas" "Love Is Everything" "Snow In California" and "Santa Baby" in a Christmas EP entitled "Christmas Kisses" and she slayed them all EFFORTLESSLY. This year she dropped "Santa Tell Me" into our laps and I am content in my assertion that QUEEN ARIANA can never disappoint me. All hail thy diamond and emerald encrusted vocal chords bathed in the blood of Jesus and the tears of flops forgotten. She is EVERYTHING. 
Kelly Clarkson's "Wrapped In Red" is LIFE in musical form! Kelly better sang her ass off! I've always been a fan and heaven knows as long as she isn't singing live and struggling to hit those "studio only" notes then she has my vote. People need to take a feather out of Ariana's cap. She knows what NOT to do live. I love the mix of pop and rock throughout the album. This is HOW you make covers original!

Destiny's Child's "8 Days of Christmas" should most definitely be the blueprint for holiday albums. It has just the right amount of uptempo tracks and ballads while still managing to showcase their vocal ability. A finesse not many have mastered. Clearly. The original songs are a blessing and will serve to make any holiday gathering cheery.

Topping the list as always, I saved the best for last, is Mariah Carey's "Merry Christmas", an eclectic blend of classic and original songs which will forever be TIMELESS. Her single "All I Want For Christmas Is You" tops the charts every year, and with good reason. This album is executed flawlessly and will continue to be a staple for the Holiday season ESPECIALLY being its 20th year anniversary. Lambs everywhere have a reason to be proud that MOTHA Mariah reigns as the QUEEN of Holiday Music...and music in general.
I enjoyed this trek down holiday music lane, for the most part anyways. What most artists lack is vision and originality. We're over the covers of Christmas songs originally sang by Jesus and Moses. If you're going to make an album full of covers, at least make them your own and try to keep your audience from falling asleep or jumping off a ledge. The slow and somber renditions are NOT what Christmas is all about. Where's the joy? Mariah Carey and Destiny's Child had the right idea, which is why their albums will always be classics. Everyone else needs to take note and follow suit.

Natasha Marie


>> read more
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
So When Mariah Carey SLEIGHS There's Silence? OH.

  • Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Mariah Carey, ladies and gentlemen, MARIAH CAREY. When I look at her in the picture above, waving to the peasants and haters alike, I am ensnared in the very essence of she. How can one human being enchant the masses for years and surely for the rest of eternity? I've discovered the reason for this: Mariah Carey IS JESUS. Yes, she is the son of God, sent down to Earth in 1970 to bless our hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits, as the holy vocal vessel of the Messiah.
I find it absolutely AMAZING how you people can slander a legend like MOTHA, the incomparable MARIAH CAREY. She has accomplished so much in her decades of artistry that your faves can only DREAM to aspire to. In their prime, MC and the late great Fairy Godmother Whitney were outsinging everybody. Let's just keep it absolutely 100 because your faves are currently in their primes and have NOTHING on 90s Mariah. And even on her worst day she's still better than some of your faves' at their best. Is that why it hurts so much? Yeah...I'd be hurt too.
Why, pray tell, did yesterday's 75 minutes of absolute and unequivocal Holiday slayyyage seem to go unnoticed by the unwashed masses who were so quick to post the unedited vocals of the GODDESS Elect?!? Hmmm...interesting. Let us watch...
At the end of the day, I need for you all to find the respect that your parents obviously didn't raise you with and recognize a legend when you see one.

Natasha Marie


>> read more
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Album Review: Mariah Carey: "Me. I Am Mariah...TEC"

  • Posted on Tuesday, May 27, 2014
KLEWJMKLIHSLOIGHFSLOHNGVLS!!! Mariah Carey, MOTHA Extraordinaire, Goddess of Light, Angel of Music has bestowed upon us her highly anticipated 14th studio album entitled "Me. I am Mariah...The Elusive Chanteuse" and I am here for every. single. drop. of it. Honestly, I am like a lost soul in a desert desperate for any drop of water this album will provide to quench my thirst. And believe you me, it provides PLENTY. MOTHA is giving us EV-VERY-THING we have come to love and expect from her. She is truly the GOAT. If you disagree please tweet me who your fave is so I can list all of the reasons that Mariah is better than them.

 Check out this track by track review of "Me. I am Mariah...The Elusive Chanteuse":

1. "Cry"
Typical Mariah. Hit em hard, hit em fast, and hit em where it hurts: in their vocal ineptitude. YAAASSSSSSSS for this ballad. Yes, the lyrics are heavy, but the song is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I wanted to, well, cry. So kudos MC.

 2. "Faded"
Listen here Mariah. You will not be damn near 45 assaulting my eardrums with this earth shattering ass whistle register. LAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWD. I didn't know what to do with my life. It ended so abruptly. My life, that is. ALL HAIL THE QUEEN! And Mike Will Made It on the 1s and 2s. Chhh...I know MOTHA was in the studio like 
3. "Dedicated" (feat. Nas)
First and foremost, "Hello Nas. How you dewin?" *Wendell Williams voice* This track is all about the nostalgic journey of albums and individuals that helped to shape her career and the person she is today. That's the most amazing thing in the world. When a TRUE superstar honors her roots. So unlike these new age ingrates. SMH. 

 4. "#Beautiful" (feat. Miguel)
I loved this song from jump. I was a little curious about the woman she was singing with but she did the track justice. Good for her. This song is too old for me to rave about it. Check the video out on VEVO. #DoItForMOTHA
5. "Thirsty"
Ok. Talk about changing direction. Mariah turned into MiMi on us real quick! She read for filth giving me all of "Obsessed" tease! You better be feisty Mariah! I had to pull out my church fan and spectacles and shout "READ ON MOTHA!" You used to be Mister all about me/ Now you just thirsty for celebrity/ Best thing that happened to your ass was me/ Pull down them Tom Fords, and act like you see me. Oop. Pick up your face.

 6. "Make It Look Good"
If you're gonna get played then hell have fun with it. Put your feelings on a track, throw in some Pseudo-80s Stevie Wonder music, and laugh at your adventures. And that's what is happening on this track. Sometimes girls really just wanna have fun, no Cyndi Lauper.

 7. "You’re Mine (Eternal)"
This Valentine's Day single was sweet. MC wanted to tide her fans over until her album dropped and although it was never meant to be a hit all of the REAL lambs loved and appreciated how much she cares for her fans. And the song was good without her even trying. She MURDERED the ending. EVERY. SINGLE. OCTAVE. WAS. HIT. You better respect the QUEEN when you see her!
8. "You Don’t Know What To Do" (feat. Wale)
I'm sorry but I love me some Wale. I'm here for any track he's on but to pair him with MOTHA?!? Clearly, Mariah doesn't care about my existence because I'm dead to the bed. LITERALLY. Plus you can dance like it's 1977...or somewhere around that time.

 9. "Supernatural" (With Special Guest Stars “DEM BABIES” a.k.a. Ms. Monroe & Mr. Moroccan Scott Cannon a.k.a. Roc ‘N Roe)
Not DEM BABIES though! Hands down, my fave track so far! She's sleighing, DEM BABIES are sleighing, and I believe the clouds opened up and Jesus wept. I'm not completely sure but I'm fairly certain I saw Heaven. It is the "Supernatural" after all...
Just ignore Nick. I couldn't find a good current picture without him. *whistles*

 10. "Meteorite"
We're out of the nursery and back in the club, I love DEM BABIES but I ain't got no kids. *twerks like Miley* Naw lol but Q-Tip provides the beat for this banger and I'm sensing a pattern that MC is nostalgic for the good ol' days, when music really mattered. She's all about ol' skool beats. I can dig it. She makes a comparison between being a star and a meteorite. Meteorite in front of every eye/ A shooting star/ Your fame is the flame/ They watch you burn up, turn up, turnt up all the way. Well I'm turnt up. Anybody else?

 11. "Camouflage"
Another ballad is well appreciated from any good lamb. Even when she isn't trying she's effortless. No wonder Patti LaBelle is her fairy godmother. These aging beauties are FLAWLESS.
12. "Money ($ * / …)" (feat. Fabolous)
Fabolous. *crickets* I haven't been here for him since "Superwoman" or whatever that Lil Mo song is called. Is that even him? Chhh...iono. I ain't checking for her either. At any rate, this is a typical track where rich people say how much money doesn't matter. Whatever. You're rich. Bye girl.
13. "One More Try"
This track is a cover of George Michael's "One More Try", updated, of course. And who wouldn't be honored to have MC cover their song? I know George Michael better be.

 14. "Heavenly" (No Ways Tired/Can’t Give Up Now)
Mariah just took us allllllllll the way to church with this song. Not with the full gospel choir in the background though, MOTHA. I was shouting! I heard this track in public and plum forgot whereTF I was. I believe I scared many a white person. I was speaking in tongues:  "ComingInAChevyLeavingInAHonda!" I even caught the Patti LaBelle spirit and we know she is all about shouting hunni!
There are also 3 extra tracks on the deluxe edition:

 15. "It’s A Wrap" (feat. Mary J. Blige) [Deluxe edition]
Now see Mary J, I can't take seriously post that BK fiasco. I mean surely divas in the past have belted for burgers but not quite in the way that MJB demolished that song. Anywho, being that Mary J is a studio singer...I hope they NEVER perform this track live unless she lip syncs for her life. Other than that...this track is LIFE! They are both singing for the absolute musical GAWDS! Without a doubt, one of my fave tracks! A classic duet. SN: this track is called "Its A Wrap" and all I could think of was a chicken wrap. *inserts crying laughing emojis"
16. "Betcha Gon’ Know" (feat. R. Kelly) [Deluxe edition]
I was pleasantly surprised by this track, being that R. Kelly is a perv and I don't expect much from him after that "Black Panties" nonsense. He's crass, uncouth, and just WRONG. But he actually pairs very well with MOTHA. He can still go away and I wouldn't think twice about it but whatevs...

 17. "The Art of Letting Go" [Deluxe edition]
I love this song but isn't it old...? Oh well. Enjoy the song. Again.
I absolutely ADORE this entire album. I can do without a couple of the features *cough* R. Kelly and Fabolous but MC's performance was AMAZING all the way through. How can you not love this woman?!? She has aged like fine wine and she backs up her vocal prowess with absolute flawless execution. I definitely value and respect those 5 octaves. And no one and nothing can compare to that whistle register! Please believe others have tried, lied, and falsified their vocals but Mariah is the GAHTDAMN GREATEST OF ALL TIME. There is NONE like her. 
Get your copy of "Me. I Am Mariah...The Elusive Chanteuse"  in stores and online TODAY! 

Natasha Marie


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