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The Hot List:
Summer anthems to keep you cool…
In the music section of happygrrls, I tend to review the current hits and provide you with my slightly opinionated opinion of the most popular chart toppers. But this month, I decided to forgo reviewing the latest hits and instead tell you about the songs that got me dropping in like it’s hot, which I’ve titled My Hot List.You will notice that some of the songs on the list are a bit old (one of the songs was actually released way back in March ’08!), but they are still getting heavy rotation on the airwaves and on my iPod.
Check out what I’m groovin’ to right now.
“American Boy”
Estelle featuring Kanye West, Shine
I have an obsessive-compulsive personality. Meaning, I tend to fixate on things (psst…I’m not so secretly obsessing over Rihanna’s ever-changing hairstyles, fashion sense and flawless make up application). However, my newest fascination is with Estelle. I absolutely adore her vibe. Who else could rock 80s hair and 60s clothing and still seem cool?I first heard Estelle’s raspy voice on “American Boy,” the first release from her Shine album. It’s such a whimsical, cute, free-spirited song that I can’t help but sing along with the chorus. It also makes me reminisce about the time when I was soooo wrapped up in my long distance love affair with L.S. – my “American Boy.”
On this track, Estelle, a native of West London, England, talks about the cute little things that she fancies about her American Boy. The way he walks, the way he speaks. She details all the unique things that make American men so damn desirable.
Chi-town native, Kanye West, is featured on the track. And as usual, he spits pure fire and delivers intelligent, fun lyrics.
I had a chance to listen to a few cuts from her album, and let me tell you, there are lots more gems on the CD (psst...I currently adore her scorned lover single, “No Substitute Lover”). This is one CD worth buying.
“Lollipop”
Lil Wayne featuring Static Major, Tha Carter III
Yes, this song really is on my hot list. I know that some of you are shaking your head and wondering if I was smoking something questionable while writing this, but I assure you I wasn’t!“Lollipop” is Lil Wayne’s first cut from his album, The Carter III. I’m not ashamed to say that this song appeals to the freakier, dirrty part of my personality. It’s a raunchy, nasty ditty that I’m sure is played at every “gentlemen’s” club in every city! If you haven’t heard it before, let’s just say that that it’s basically a salacious sexcapde on CD.
Most of the lyrics will make you blush, but if you can overlook them (psst…I only listen to the radio edit) and listen to the sexy beat, I’m sure that you will dig the song. Take a listen…if you dare!
“Closer”
Ne-Yo, Year of the Gentlemen
I haven’t been out dancing in what feels like an eternity, and Ne-Yo’s single, “Closer,” only makes me crave hitting the dance floor that much more.“Closer” starts off slow and steadily increases its momentum. In less than 30 seconds a pulsating house beat kicks in and energizes this song. This single was clearly made for club goers to bust a move to!
After obsessing over this song and thinking back to his past monster hits (“So Sick,” “Because of You”), I can honestly say that Ne-Yo is proving to be a triple threat artist. He’s a talented writer, singer and incredible performer. This song displays his incredible skills and has made me a bona fide Ne-Yo fan.
“Forever”
Chris Brown, Exclusive
The 80s influence is not just popping up in fashion; it’s starting to infiltrate music as well. Heavy synthesized sounds and dances beats are making their way into pop and hip hop songs alike.“Forever,” Chris Brown’s latest release, gives off a cheerful 80s beat, which I’m sure is probably older than he is! The song and the video perfectly capture a childlike freedom – the kind of freedom that makes you want to break into song and dance…anywhere (think Footloose).
Like most red-blooded females, I adore Chris Brown. He’s cute, talented and one half of the most adorable couples ever (psst…just in case you didn’t know, Chris Brown and Rihanna are very much an item!).
Although I am waaay pass the age range of his fan base, I’ve pretty much enjoyed everything that he has released. He has produced fun, pop/R&B singles that are mainstream enough to appeal to a wide audience. And judging by his consistent lineup of hits, I have some advice for Usher – the former king of R&B – ya better watch your back!
“Dangerous”
Kardinal Offishall featuring Akon, Not 4 Sale
This song isn’t on the list because Kardinal Offishall is Canadian and I wanted to give my fellow Canadian some love. It’s on the list because he produced a sizzling hot single perfect for summer.Just like the Chris Brown’s single “Forever,” “Dangerous” is heavily influenced by the 80s sound. This song is so 80s that I literally feel like putting on Michael Jackson’s Thriller jacket and watching an episode of Miami Vice when I hear it!
I have to admit that when I first heard this song on the radio I thought that it was from Akon. It wasn’t until the DJ said that it was a Kardinal Offishall joint that I was aware that he was on the song too!
Even though Akon’s voice is plastered all over the song, Kardi does his best to spew is trademark Jamaican patois and remind us why we love him.
My fave thing about this song is its happy-go-lucky vibe. You can either get your dance on to the song in the club, or enjoy it in the background while you sip on some libations…both options work for me!
All of the songs on my Hot List were released at different times this year; however they’ve all become apart of my soundtrack to the summer of 2008. ¤ Michelle
