Rated Misha B

There was a lot of drama on last night's Xfactor show, mainly around the Queen Misha B. This week the hair was pretty dramatic, but for a change that wasn't the focus. Apparently, this teen is being a right wee mare backstage and causing upset in the ranks. "Bully" was mentioned by the oh so wise such a douche Louis Walsh and Tulisa was very quick to hump his leg and join in the attack. My main thought on this whole scenario... Who gives a shit?


Whether or not M.B actually is being a wench backstage is besides the point of the competition. I would say don't believe what you're seeing or hearing because we don't know how sensationalised this is forcibly made, but it's hard when it's right in front of you in a judge brawl. GURL can sing. That should be the focus. She's the star of the 2011 lineup and she, as far as I can see, is confident yet dignified. I don't smell arrogance, I smell self assurance and I think this is something we should embrace in a potential British mega star. I'm bored out of my mind with this British modesty; this constant playing down of one's abilities to ensure no one feels uncomfortable. If you know you're great at something and have a fantastic gift you should be allowed to express your pride in your own achievements without being chastised as an arrogant, insensitive moron.

It's time Britain, that we got some balls and praised ourselves. America got it right, so should we.

Go Misha B.

Rated i is right behind you. 

Rated We Found Love (The Video)

I know I post a lot about Rihanna these days, but it's because she's the only one ripping up the music charts right now. When 'We Found Love' dropped I was very pleased and excited. Now, I have a brilliant music video to swoon over and by brilliant I mean brilliant.

I know I'm slightly biased, but this is by far the best video to get released in 2011. It's a smart approach to visually portraying the song, which otherwise seems like a positive one. I thought the video was going to be Ri running about in fields being happy about loving some fit dude. Alas, only half of this is right. The video shows how poisonous loving someone can be and self destructive it can make you. We see Rihanna throwing up in the streets (presumably after taking drugs) but it's ribbons that come out of her mouth, so cool. We see her going crazy on pills and we see her get dirty at a party in someone's farm yard. It's by far the best video she's done so far and the most meaningful.

Rihanna isn't bad at acting and the guy she's with is hot. It's a bit like watching an indie British film; like a mini-Trainspotting style affair. Take a look.

The video above is the uncut version (the one on TV is boring).

Rated Loud Tour 2011

BABE

It's been just over a year since Rihanna toured her 4th studio album Rated R . We've been in the midst of a Rihanna tornado since then with a constant stream of singles, a new album and yet another tour. It leaves one wondering, how does she do it? Where does she get the energy from? Where do all these tremendous songs come from? Apparently some ether of pop brilliance.

The Last Girl On Earth tour of 2010/2011 was a great showcase of the darker material from the Rated R era. It featured songs like 'Russian Roulette', 'Rude Boy' and 'Te Amo', performed against a robo-apocalyptic backdrop. There was latex, lots of war imagery and a huge amount of rockstar charm. Now, on the Loud Tour, supporting an album that has now sold in excess of 8 million copies worldwide, Rihanna is cranking the pace up a notch.

Things kick off with a 3/4 minute film, which has the Bajan babe in a bobbed red wig and black outfits, screaming as loud as possible. It crescendos, the screen splits in the two, and out she pops in a neon lit, transparent orb. Belting out the tremendous 'Only Girl (In the World)' , she makes the crowd insane, all the while strutting up and down the stage in a tiny blue glossy coat, leaving very little to the imagination; that's why we love her! Her vocals are on top form, better than they have ever been in fact. She engages with the crowd, bellowing 'Glasgoooow', more frequently than she did on her last tour, making the whole affair that little bit more exciting. De-robing to reveal a rainbow coloured, beaded bra and pant combo, she slips into 'Disturbia' and 'Shut Up and Drive', before sitting non-chalantly against a wrecked car to show off her West Indian tones on the Bob Marley inspired 'Man Down'.

The tempo at this tour is much higher with less balladry and more big beats. There is the essential ballad segment, but it takes up very little time for the pace to quicken again. A revved up rock cover of Prince's 'Darling Nikki' slips into a raunchy performance of 'S&M', identical to that she performed with Britney Spears at the VMAs. 

The pink tank of the previous tour returns, but it's smaller and fires projectiles into the audience. Getting G with 'Raining Men' and 'Hard', Rihanna rides her ad-hoc army vehicle to the front of the stage, surrounded by gun-toting topless dancers.

Rated TTT.

Expect a full review of Rihanna's new album, out November 21st, when I lay my hands on it. I feel an early pre-work purchase coming on. Clearly buying it Deluxe. TTTD here I come.

Love the album covers. 

Rated Neva Soft.

It's been a long time since we heard anything from Ms. Dynamite-ee-ee. In fact it's been 6 years since her last studio album Judgement Days, a significant under performer. She all but vanished at the end of 2005 and now she's back. Following on from the brilliant duet with Katy B on 'Lights On', the first lady of the UK Urban scene is offering up an original and immense piece of dub step mastery in the form of 'Neva Soft'. 


The song packs a bite, particularly on the rapped verses where Ms. Dynamite comments on her hiatus, "I'ma high from the anticipation, Never know 'bout the moves we've been making, Best things come to those who have been waiting...". The track slows down to a halt half way, and after some lovely soft vocals it bursts back to an uptempo, euphoric crescendo packed with rough synths and attitude.


 It's true, the best things come to those who wait as 'Neva Soft' proves itself to be her most interesting and edgy track to date.

Check it out for yourself.

Rated MOBOS 2011

Like I said before, I got FREE tickets to the MOBO Awards and last night was the night. The night blew open with a massive performance from Jesse J and then some typical, rehearsed award show chatter from Jason Derulo and Alesha Dixon, the sexy presenters. It seemed to just get bigger and better as the night progressed, with amazing slots from Dappy (Yes, Dappy was amazing!) and Wretch 32. Katy B. sang 'Broken Record' and then slid into 'Lights On' with an actual flesh and bone featuring from Ms Dynamite. The night got more sombre with a stunning rendition of 'Love is a Losing Game' by Dionne Bromfield and then a camped up stage show from Alexis Jordan. My favourite moment was the first verse and chorus of Emeli Sande's 'Heaven', which she popped into the middle of her duet with Professor Green. It was such an exhilarating night. I just wish I had one of the VIP tables.

Rated Jessie J

I've been pretty hard on this young British singer of late, but that all changed last night when she opened the MOBO Awards in Glasgow's SECC. I got some free tickets through work and after one of the most stressful journeys of my life I finally made it into the arena. I knew Jessie was going to be there and I did a lot of moaning about it. Let's just say, her performance of 'Do It Like a Dude' kicked me in the balls.

Kudos JJ.