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Showing posts with label Music Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music Reviews. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
NEW Music: Brandy - "Beggin & Pleadin"

  • Posted on Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Brandy released a new single yesterday, "Beggin' & Pleadin'", and I don't see it on iTunes so I'm assuming it's just for the masses to garner some attention for her new show on BET 'Zoe Ever After' [which premiered Jan 5th at 10 PM EST]. The track definitely takes us back to Brandy's church house roots. Listen to the track below:

What are your thoughts?

Natasha Marie
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
Album Review: Adele - "25" (Track By Track)

  • Posted on Thursday, December 31, 2015
I bet you thought I forgot to review Adele, huh? Not at all! I had to get my bearings! This album has literally been on repeat since the day I purchased it. Love at first listen. Ain't God good?! Amen! Recently, ADELESUS has announced her North American leg of her "25" tour and all I'm thinking is whoTF would willingly go to an Adele concert??? This is not shade. Don't get me wrong, I love me some Adele...but what does that even look like? A bunch of, once dapper, well-dressed, and made up individuals, now blubbering with red eyes and runny noses, hugging each other and thinking about all of the people in their lives that they've long since forgotten (or not really by the sounds of wailing heard in surround sound). Ok, a bit dramatic. But that's what I envision when I think of going to listen to this soulful voice singing about our once hidden depths of despair. So naw. I'll pass. But if you are a masochist, tickets [(if they aren't sold out in your city) can be found: here]. I haven't done a track-by-track in so long and quite frankly, no album warranted such an honor bestowed upon them until now.
Check out this "track-by-track" review of "25":

 1. "Hello" 

First of all, "Hello? Soul? Welcome back to my body." To be quite honest I was so ecstatic for the return of real music I would've accepted any damn track from her. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed [read my review: here]. I was at home preparing for the rest of the album like
2. "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)"

Now see, bitch, you play. As thoughtful as that may be, and grown up, apparently, to show you harbor no ill will or feelings towards your ex and his new lover but send my love...?
I was listening so intently after I read the title like DAFUQ is she going with this??? *emoji eyes* Then she said Send my love to your new lover/treat her better/gotta let go/of all of our ghosts/we both know we ain't kids no more... Wayment...Is that how we know we ain't kids no more?!? Well then I'm childish AF because naw.
3. "I Miss You" 

I love the way your body moves/Towards me from across the room/Brushing past my every groove/No one has me like you do/In your heart I bring my soul/But be delicate with my ego/I wanna step into your great unknown/With you and me setting the tone If ever there was a time that I was depressed to be bae-less it is now because I don't have anyone to miss when the lights go down. 
4. "When We Were Young"

You look like a movie/you sound like a song/My God, this reminds me/Of when we were young/Let me photograph you in this light/In case it is the last time/That we might be exactly like we were/ Before we realized/We were sad of getting old/It made us restless/It was just like a movie/It was just like a song Girl. You and me both.
5. "Remedy"

My second fave song on this album and if it doesn't describe my life to a tee. I remember all of the things that I thought I wanted to be/ So desperate to find a way out of my world and finally breathe/Right before my eyes I saw, my heart it came to life/This ain't easy it's not meant to be/Every story has its scars Except at this point I need someone else to be my remedy because I'm a beautiful nightmare and a dreadful blessing most of the time.
6. "Water Under The Bridge"

Loving someone who won't/can't love you the way you need? Like if that ain't bout a...then asking for him/her to let you down gently and stop playing with your life? Even if it isn't romantically like OH MAH GAWD. If you're not the one for me/Why do I hate the idea of being free...?/And if I'm not the one for you/You've gotta stop holding me the way you do 
7. "River Lea"

Everybody tells me it's 'bout time that I moved on/And I need to learn to lighten up and learn how to be young/But my heart is a valley, it's so shallow and man made/I'm scared to death if I let you in that you'll see I'm just a fake/Sometimes I feel lonely in the arms of your touch/But I know  that's just me cause nothing ever is enough She is definitely singing through the heart of a Pisces. So many emotions, so much indecision, so much love, lust, hurt, hope, defeat, pain, desperation, and anger all wrapped up in one beautifully imperfect package.
8. "Love In The Dark"

I can't love you in the dark/It feels like we're oceans apart/There is so much space between us/Maybe we're already defeated THIS IS SO SAD! *weeps imperceptibly* How do you let go of a love that you know you shouldn't have? When it's over and you're no longer in denial but you need a push and don't have the strength to boost yourself towards the door? Adele is singing from the pages of a tear stained diary, y'all. OMG.
9. "Million Years Ago"

I know I'm not the only one/Who regrets the things they've done/Sometimes I just feel it's only me/Who can't stand the reflection that they see/I wish I could live a little more/Look up to the sky, not just the floor/I know I'm not the only one/Who regrets the things they've done/Sometimes I just feel it's only me/Who never became who they thought they'd be/I wish I could live a little more/Look up to the sky, not just the floor I think this is every 20-something year old (with ambition of any kind, that is) who is living with insecurities - whether it's about love, life, school. I know I get on FB and all of my friends from school are engaged or married with 7 kids whilst I'm over here like
10. "All I Ask"

MY. FAVE. TRACK. EVER. This is like "friend zone anthem of 2015". LMFAO. Way to play on someone's emotions. If this is my last night with you/Hold me like I'm more than just a friend/Give me a memory I can use/Take me by the hand while we do what lovers do/It matters how this ends/'Cause what if I never love again? I am likely to get in a car wreck the way I be singing this song with all my heart and soul, eyes shut, and then I be like OH SHIT I'M DRIVING! 
11. "Sweetest Devotion"

Sometimes, not all the time, but sometimes, she be tripping. Like I don't think I have ever or will ever fully devote myself to anyone but Black Jesus. I think that may be where my "daddy issues" manifest themselves lol because I don't have any of the other typical issues. I'm not clingy or looking for a father figure or love in all of the wrong places. If anything I love em and leave em like the apple don't fall far from the rotten tree nShit.
12. "Can't Let Go"

I like to call this the "Daddy Issues anthem" because girl you tripping. You lowkey stalking and this is the definition of "needing someone to complete you". When did it go wrong, I will never know/I have loved you all my life/How did it slow down, I go round and round/Thinking about it all the time/I gave you heaven on a platter baby/I gave you everything you never gave me/I never lied and I never faked it/Only wanted for you to save me/This love, it ain't over yet/There's too much that I haven't said
13. "Lay Me Down"

Is this a cover of the Sam Smith song? *googles* Nope. This is a better song. No offense to Sam. But I mean if Adele names a song the same as yours you may as well just change yours CTFU because there's no comparing Adele's slay with anyone else's.
14. "Why Do You Love Me"

I'm gonna answer the question even though it has nothing to do with the song. I LOVE you QUEEN EMPRESS GODDESS OF SOUL because you SLEIGH every mere mortal, living and deceased (Not Whitney lol), with your pristine vocals. Not to mention that you curse like a sailor and you are my spirit animal. Why do you love me?/There must be something in the water/Cause baby I'm in deeper than I knew/How do you keep me coming back for more/After all we've been through/I can't decide if I should run and hide Ugh. I even forgive you for taking an eternity to deliver this masterpiece to me but it's so wonderfully executed that I will even stop referring to it as "25+2" or "27" because you, my lady, are flawless. 

Bruh. I intentionally sing along to this album with my emotions turned off (another great trait of a Pisces) and not even listening to the lyrics. This album is meant to have you bawling and in your feelings. Like whoTF raised Adele?!? Or rather who broke her heart? I thank that person wholeheartedly (no pun intended since her shit is clearly broken) because this album was everything the heavens and earth intended for it to be. I know, without a doubt, that the late great Fairy GodMOTHA Whitney, sprinkled some holy fairy dust on this album like bippity boppity boop. What a blessing!
"25" is available online [buy it: here] and in stores [grab that Target copy with the bonus tracks!!!] NOW!
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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Monday, November 30, 2015
ICYMI: Erykah Badu - "But You Caint Use My Phone"

  • Posted on Monday, November 30, 2015
SO I bought Ms. Badu's new mixtape and let me tell you that shit is hilarious! The sound, oh the sound, it's typical Badu flavor, you know? And the lyrics? It's that sass and hilarity we've all come to love and expect, especially if you follow her on social media (or watched the Soul Train Awards). Matter of fact...
I think Jesus shed a tear when Badu dropped that real. In fact, I believe she has solidified her place in the Heavenly Choir led by the late great incomparable Whitney "The Voice" Houston aka Nippy. This mixtape though? It's bomb. The phone theme was too funny and she play all her life with the interludes and lyrics. When she said "You used to call me on my cell-u-lar de-vice at night" on her "Hotline Bling" remix I was like
"But You Caint Use My Phone" is available on iTunes [download] NOW! Support good music!

Natasha Marie


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Wednesday, November 18, 2015
ICYMI: Missy Elliott - "WTF (Where They From") Feat. Pharrell

  • Posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Missy Elliott just dropped a new track and I've never been so happy to get new music in this new age world of Igloo Australia's and Macklemore's. I missed Missy. Her, L Boogie, and Lil Kim were the BUSINESS! Hell, back in the day female MCs were giving us everything, from MC Lyte to Left Eye and now they're giving us all flash and no substance. Congrats. Your ass is huge, all of your shit is expensive, and your face is beat. Meanwhile your lyrics are trash, your albums don't sell, and you can't perform live to save your life...but you're a performer. Weird.
And ahead of the game she is! Missy just gave us a new track AND a visual. Talk about making my damn day! Watch the video below:

"WTF" is available online [iTunes] NOW! Support real artists!

Natasha Marie
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Tuesday, October 27, 2015
ICYMI: [WATCH]: Adele - "Hello" Video

  • Posted on Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Dammit Adele! I was hellbent on being irate with your insubordinate ass for presenting me with an album you preposterously named "25" even though you're releasing it 17 years later but you had me at "Hello"...how fitting? Everything that you are willing to offer, Goddess Vocalist of the Most High, Supreme of the Musical Coven, may be laid upon my alter. This musical year has definitely been an 'American Horror Story' whilst you traipsed your ass abroad not giving a hot red cent about us over here suffering, having ne'er a song to listen to besides those filled with whispers, screams, and trap queens. Welcome back, Queen. Address the peasants as you see fit.
Love you though I might, Your Highness, I shan't refer to this album as "25", it will either be "25 + 2" or "27", which I gladly accept as tribute. Hell, at this point, I thought we'd be naming this album "Adele: Songs from the Afterlife". Watch the video below (she has Tristan Wilds as her love interest, and I mean, doesn't that make the video that much more interesting?):

"Hello" is online NOW and "25 + 2" will be in stores and online [Pre-order: here] on November 20th!

Natasha Marie
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ICYMI: [WATCH]: KekePalmer - "I Don't Belong To You" Video

  • Posted on
So, you know, I know I wasn't the only one who saw the snap of Keke and Cassie making out. Mind you, be that though it may, homosexual or otherwise, I was like
Because Cassie is bae AF and Keke would be too if I didn't feel all old and pervy (yes, I know she's 22 but still...all I see is Akeelah).
At any rate, they have me questioning my sexuality whilst Keke slayyyyyyys life with her sultry vocals. I've always liked her as a singer. Anywho, watch the sexiness below:

"I Don't Belong To You" is available online NOW!

Natasha Marie
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Friday, October 2, 2015
[LISTEN]: New Music: Janet Jackson - "Unbreakable"

  • Posted on Friday, October 2, 2015
Janet, MS. JACKSON IF YOU'RE NASTY, has NOT lost her touch! After listening to her single, "No Sleeep"[Read: here], I just knew her album was gonna be bomb and she did not disappoint! Let me tell you how this album has been a welcome reprieve from the modern day nonsense of R&B that has hit the scene. Everybody is on their Brandy, ol' wanna be down ass heauxs, and they've lost sight of the MUSIC. Like everything that's ratchet doesn't glitter...which is why your albums are absolutely flopulous. Sometimes I wanna just VIBE dammit! That's exactly what MOTHA Janet has given me. The ability to just effin vibe. You have to have more than vocals to succeed. You need the complete package, and Janet is gonna be 75 still slaying all the lessors.
Not to mention she brought out M to the I Double S Don't Test! I am more than here for all of the nostalgia hunni! I almost broke out my track suit and Kangol hat. Y'all ain't ready.
Listen to the complete album, "Unbreakable", below:
"Unbreakable" is available online and in stores NOW!

Natasha Marie

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Saturday, September 12, 2015
NEW MUSIC: Sanaa Lathan Ft. DeJ Loaf - "Emotional"

  • Posted on Saturday, September 12, 2015
Sanaa Lathan is BAE AF and now I think I love her even MORE! Who knew that was even possible??! *wails* She just showed me her ratchet side and I'm so TURNT it's ridiculous! You gotta love a classy woman with sass! Let's be real. This song is fun plus the lyrics are funny AF and what a lot of us think on the daily. She's not claiming to be some vocal beast...RELAX! I need to bump this in the whip because it goes hard. YAAASSSSSSS SANAA! Dej Loaf is...well...like...this is what she does for a living, right? I could be wrong but...anywho. I know I'm not the only one who peeped the "Brown Sugar" reference?
I love that movie! In fact, *pops in dvd* Listen to the track below. You can't tell me in the midst of all the Fetty Waps this song doesn't have a place. It fits right in.
This track is right on time for the release of Sanaa's new film "The Perfect Guy", in theaters NOW! Go see it!!! SUPPORT BLACK MOVIES!!!

Natasha Marie
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Saturday, August 8, 2015
[LISTEN]: ICYMI: Jill Scott - "Woman"

  • Posted on Saturday, August 8, 2015
I'll tell you one thing dammit: Jilly from Philly? Yeah. She NEVER disappoints! She stays true to herself and releases music that she knows her fans will love. Then she goes around touring and SANGING hunni! She better keep real music alive!
I don't know who gives me more life. Her or Erykah Badu. Well take the time out and listen to this latest masterpiece, "Woman", then head on over to iTunes and buy it because you know you'll want to. It's sixteen tracks of everything and you wouldn't dare skip one track.
"Woman" is available online and in stores NOW!

Natasha Marie
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[LISTEN]: ICYMI: Tiffany Evans - "On Sight" Feat. Fetty Wap

  • Posted on
Well PRAISE GAWD! Tiffany Evans is back with new music and from the looks of it (my social media trolling skills are unmatched) she's releasing an EP in the verrrrry near future and I am here for every piece of it! Her voice is heavenly! She's had me hooked since her mama was a crackhead in that Tyler Perry joint.
 If you didn't hear the single she released last fall, "Baby Don't Go", then please take a step back and do so [Listen: here] then listen to her latest single featuring Mad Eye Moody #IfHogwartsWereAnHBCU:

"On Sight" is available online NOW!

Natasha Marie
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[LISTEN]: ICYMI: Future - "Dirty Sprite 2"

  • Posted on
I'm sure when you think of Future you think of Ciara and the GAWD AWFUL double standard surrounding the fact that she's found a good man who loves her and loves her son. Never you mind the fact that she was playing stepmother to all 73 of Future's babies and taking Sister Wife group photos with all of the babies' mamas. Fast forward to the sheer AUDACITY of T.I. to bring his unsolicited opinion into the situation knowing that we looong since disowned him off the strength that he is responsible for the rap plague infecting us from down under. Not to mention his 5 or 6 kids that's all the same age with Tiny playing house with to save face for their show.
But then again what do I know? I don't even understand what Future is saying when he raps and cries unintelligibly along to catchy tracks. And T.I.? Well...
Anywho, let me get back on track. The point is, regardless of his lack of clarity, Future has released a new project: "Dirty Sprite 2". He's also running around doing "surprise" free concerts that, from the looks of the videos, be lit AF. But like I said, his beats are always catchy. Listen to the album below:
"Dirty Sprite 2" is available online NOW!

Natasha Marie
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Wednesday, July 15, 2015
[LISTEN]: ICYMI: Tyrese - "Black Rose"

  • Posted on Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Tyrese is playing absolutely NO games with this here new album. I mean, WHEW! "Black Rose" took me back to "Sweet Lady" when I couldn't wait to hear more from him. If you missed the memo, I don't see how that's even possible, because Tyrese has been promoting TF outta this album! I saw online images of him doing a block party in ATL and felt nothing but the utmost respect for him. Forget blaming your label for poor promotion. Remember that hustling spirit that caused you to follow your dreams and get out there and do it yourself! I mean, as the saying goes, "If you want something done right..."
Call all the homies from around the way and have a block party and promote your own shit! I'm here for it! I wish more artists had that tenacity and drive. Stream the full album on Spotify below:
"Black Rose" is available online and in stores NOW!

Natasha Marie
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Monday, June 22, 2015
[LISTEN]: NEW MUSIC: Janet Jackson - "No Sleeep"

  • Posted on Monday, June 22, 2015
Janet Jackson play all her life! First, she hits us with "The Unbreakable Tour" [Check for dates: here], and I'm here for it because before there was KING BEY, there was THEE INCOMPARABLE JANET! She is one helluva performer! Like, I'm not sure how someone possesses so much talent. She can sing, dance, act, well hell, she's a JACKSON. Strange, though they may be, they are lowkey royalty. Very, very, very lowkey... Anywho. YES JANET! Give me all the nostalgia. I accept this shit as tribute. You are now and forevermore: QUEEN.
Listen to her latest single below. You can't tell me Janet isn't giving you all the tease of when music actually made damn sense! First MOTHA Mariah with her #1s release [Listen: here], then Tamia with her latest album, "Love Life", dropping [Listen: here], and now Janet?!? My heart can't take much more of this but that's what I'm talking about! Don't compete with these talentless trolls of today. Show them WHY you're a BOSS! Much love and respect because "No Sleeep" is demolishing more than half the trash that's on the radio today! Bless you Damita Jo!

"No Sleeep" will be available online TONIGHT! I will update my post with the link.

Natasha Marie
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Saturday, June 20, 2015
ICYMI: [NEW ALBUM]: Tamia - "Love Life"

  • Posted on Saturday, June 20, 2015
While I'm on this nostalgic journey let me bless your lives with Tamia. This beautiful creature with her vocal prowess? LORDT. It's unmatched. I fell in love with her so many years ago while she had my young ass side eying dudes and side eyeing myself lol because I was like well wait...did he change? Did I change? What's really going on??? WHO'S THE STRANGER?!? Top of the fact that she is not only GORGEOUS but the sound of her voice is enough to make a grown man cry. Just wow. I wrote about her single "Sandwich And A Soda" [Listen to it: here] and although the name threw me for a loop it was still the same ol' Tamia SANGING the place down!
Miss real singing? Hell so do I! Listen to the full album below:
"Love Life" is available online and in stores NOW!

Natasha Marie


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