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Special Event: atrlcritic | Ed Sheeran's new songs after the upgrade
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 11,808
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I said where my fat ass big bitches in the club
Nicki Minaj | Universal Republic | Release Date: Aug 4, 2014
Summary: The second single from the rap queen's
third studio album samples Sir Mix-a-Lot's 90s hit
"Baby Got Back."
| Record Label: Columbia
Genre(s): Hip-Hop |
My first impression of this track wasn't a good one at all. After being teased all year with tracks like Chiraq, Danny Glover, LAN, and No Flex Zone where Nicki showcases a more raw and authentic style of rapping that long-time fans like myself have come to miss from her these years. I was hoping for something more reminiscent of her mixtape roots.
What we actually got is a goofy, whimsical style of rap that's cemented itself into her legacy as something we've grown to expect (but not always appreciate). The song is noisy, vulgar, awkwardly arranged and her delivery seems to completely abandon all progress she'd previously made on her hype tracks throughout the year, however it's very fun and I'm exactly the kind of trashy twink that lives for this kind of foolishness.
Kookiness aside, the track isn't terrible and is actually a grower.
I'll give it a smooth 8/10 |
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 11,808
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Quote:
Originally posted by EmRiNavy
Can we review the Lil Kim remix next?
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I need an answer ASAP
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Member Since: 8/31/2013
Posts: 6,548
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Flawless (Remix) Review- Beyonce and Nicki Minaj
Grade: 8.8/10
The original song is one of my favorite songs from Bey's last album and I always love to hear new combinations of artists so I was definitely really excited about the remix these ladies would put out. I was definitely not dissapointed. There are things I could nitpick, no doubt about it. The way it ends is anticlimactic, there are some questionablely written bars, the autotune was slightly off-putting at a few points- just to name a few. But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter too much because this track is just so much fun to listen to. It's a different interpretation of 'Flawless' than the original is. The original saw Beyonce' making a statement about female empowerment in addition to bragging. Neither she or Nicki seem too interested in that on this track, instead choosing to go for more purely self empowerment on this song. But thats totally okay with me and both f these artists have the attitude to pull it off well here. The production is great and polished while also being fun and exciting (other than the aforementioned autotune which was very unneccesary). Beyonce starts off the song with a verse with pretty good rapping for someone who isnt a rapper and a couple of memorable lines but, as is expected because this isnt her lane, nothing amazing lyrically/flow wise. Nicki's verse is pretty similar with more of Nicki's typically generous amount of punchlines thrown in and many references. Some land really well and some dont (also typical of Nicki verses) and while I have seen some people complain about Nicki's slower flow for most of the verse, I liked it quite a bit. She sounded very confident while not sounding like she's trying too hard (which is a problem for me with some of her flows in the past) Like I said before, this track is meant to be enjoyed by the listener and I certaintly enjoyed listening to it a great deal, and find myself replaying it often. Its at its most enjoyable, however, when you dont think too much about what the girls are actually spitting and just lose yourself in the vibe of the track, and the fun, confident, fiery feel it has coursing through it.
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Member Since: 12/4/2010
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Nicki Minaj might have just dropped the banger of her career. Described as “turn up—the realest turn up possible,” the second single from her upcoming studio album ‘The Pink Print’ is a masterfully crafted ode to ass. “Anaconda” heavily samples Sir Mix-a-Lot’s 90’s classic “Baby Got Back.” She transforms the memorable line “My anaconda don’t want none unless you got buns, hun!” into a flawless hook, as well as liberally utilizing the famous opening line “Oh my gosh, look at her butt.” Despite the song’s exorbitant sampling, the production manages to combine “Baby Got Back”’s most memorable elements into something excitingly distinctive from the original.
Rapping about her dudes and boy toys, Minaj’s verses are sexually charged and full of fun wordplay, contrasting her sweet and coy flow. Your brain almost doesn’t even register that she’s discussing how “he toss my salad” due to her sickly sweet delivery. Minaj turns on the flames in her pre-chorus, where she spits bars with a flow ever so quick and sharp. She’s as clear and confident as ever, delivering her lyrics with conviction. This track is raunchy and witty, but it doesn’t at all attempt to take itself too seriously. She has spent the majority of the year putting out serious material, and the cackles at the end are indication enough that she’s taking this moment to just have some fun. Perched at the third position on US iTunes at the time of writing and rising, Minaj more than likely has a viral smash on her hands—at the very least, there's no doubt the club circuit will eat this up. A tweet that recently appeared in the rapper’s badges really says it all: “Nicki Minaj is not for people who are boring as ****.”
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Member Since: 7/9/2010
Posts: 42,506
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Anaconda - Nicki Minaj
After initially being repulsed by the song, I now enjoy it for what it is. This track isn't one to be taken seriously by any means. This song is a good bop with fun lyrics. I love the whole premise of the track. The use of the 'Baby Got Back' sample was a smart move and will help the song go viral, even if it does not reach great levels of success. Nicki needed something to get attention and it looks like she's done it with this song. This track is not a "Stupid Hoe 2.0" by any means, that song was actually laughable and unsalvageable garbage. Following the release of Pills N Potions, it is still unclear in which direction Nicki's upcoming album will go in. Nor do I really care. However, I enjoy this song way more than the snoozy "Pills N Potions".
Score: 7/10
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Flawless feat. Nicki Minaj - Beyonce
Unnecessary is the only word I can think of to describe this. Beyonce's new "rap" additions to the song (especially the line referring to the elevator incident with her sister and husband) come off as try-hard and slightly cringe-worthy while Nicki's verse, while decent, wasn't enough to save the remix. The original was perfectly fine on its own and was one of the best songs on Beyonce's self-titled. The remix is convoluted and its structure is disorganized. I can't find anything about the remix that I enjoy. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's spoken part is missed and is one of the highlights of the original. The remix is like an entirely different song, but not a good one.
Score: 3.5/10
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Member Since: 3/1/2014
Posts: 14,803
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Flawless by Bey and Nicki
As if the original couldnt get any better, here comes the remix. The way bey rides the beat can make a grown straight man cry. Nicki's flow/lyrics doesnt even need any explanation anymore. They both scalped everyone, from the billion $$$/elevator line to the controversial MJ line. The favorite part was when nicki started started her verse, and bey interrupted with that flawless "hungarian" line. The fact that its still not on itunes is as criminal as its gets.
10/10
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 6,625
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***Flawless - Beyoncé ft. Nicki Minaj------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beyoncé's track ***Flawless was cited by many critics as a stand out from the original Self-Titled album. Originally featuring acclaimed feminist author Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, it was Beyoncé's declaration of feminism, a fitting, but more mature, piece in the puzzle that is Beyoncé Knowles history of girl power anthems. At the time, ***Flawless was made up of two different tracks in addition to the feature; the first half was recycled from another track that Knowles released in early 2013, Bow Down. The second half entirely new, with a sick hook and catchy hand gesture stemming from the video, it seemed likely that this Frankenstein-esque (it was made up of multiple songs) track would become a single. The ever repurposing singer/songwriter/actress finds herself continuing the lineage of the original Bow Down/I Been On with a new remix to ***Flawless, which drops Mrs. Adiche's empowering speech for a new kind of empowerment. Here we find Beyoncé channeling her 2013 persona Third Ward Trill for an H-Town throwback rap of her own, flaunting sexuality, authenticity, and of course, her money. All the while packing in references, including one to the infamous Solange Elevator Incident. Beyoncé delivers what everyone wanted, a nod to the controversy, and she comes of blazing in the verse and genuine in her rapping prowess, the closest thing we've seen prior to this being on the unreleased I Been On and the Yoncé track from her latest album. Seeing as this is a remix, it's no surprise that Beyoncé adds in the bridge and chorus following her verse. We also get a new bridge, announcing that Queen Bey is, as we all know, the ****. From the depths of a catchy Outkast sample, we hear Beyoncé growl the name that we've been anticipating for years... Onika. Slightly stumbling as she enters her verse, Nicki lists the ways that she (and perhaps Bey?) look flawless, while Beyoncé cuts in one last time on the track with a barbarian style roar. Nicki's verse picks up, listing even more things flawless both about her and about her trackmate, and she truly refuses to hold back once she goes the hell in. In her last barz, Nicki offers a slow throwback to her critically acclaimed Monster verse, which is what she knows 'he' (or is it everyone?) wants, and on that note, the track ends with a short but sweet Q-Tip sample.
10/10
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 18,016
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| dddddddddd
...10 | Beyoncé - "***Flawless (feat. Nicki Minaj)" . . . |
| dddddddddddddd | Beyonce' has done it again, dropped this ***Flawless remix at midnight out of no where while having no remorse for all the scalped weaves around the world. At first listen, this song seemed to possess all the qualities of the "perfect remix", it displays the track in a whole new light and shows us a side to Beyonce' we have never seen before. However, as with all good things, I realized after a couple more listens that the track was not the magnum opus I initially thought it was, Beyonce's rap-singing has always been on point but here she tries to infuse auto-tune into the mixture. The whole theme behind this remix seems to be to just perform the track as raw and unfiltered as possible but the unnecessary vocal manipulation and certain beat tweaks shifts the flow and does the complete opposite. Nevertheless, the remix has a lot to offer and still possibly one of the best collaborations of the year.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
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***Flawless - Beyonce ft. Nicki Minaj
Beyonce's PR team probably thought it was a genius move to release this remix at this moment - capitalizing on Nicki Minaj's comeback, addressing the elevator drama (not really), and taking the world by storm again, BEYONCE-style. And to be honest, it could have been a genius move - if only the song lived up to its purpose. I would rather Bee did anything other than rapping - her verse has little flow and next to no charm, like a failed version of Drunk in Love. Nicki Minaj's verse is actually great, but not great enough to save the song which has been butchered up and down into unrecognizable pieces. I listened to this three times to make sure I heard what I heard. A cringe-worthy mess.
I'm curious to see how this will impact Bee's legacy. She has achieved a God-like status in pop culture; everything she does is perfection, she's everybody's virtuoso. She has done that by actually having talent and showing it to the world, I have enjoyed more or less everything she's released so far. This time, however, is not it. Riding on a bad song has never been what Beyonce is meant to do.
4/10
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 27,248
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It's so hard to review these idk why
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 27,248
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holyground: music in review
5.9
"strange, maybe a grower"
highlight
"was in shootouts with the law, but he live in a palace
bought me Alexander McQueen, he was keeping me stylish"
| Anaconda
Nicki Minaj
I have been quite an avid listener of Nicki's first two albums. There was not a single track that I couldn't appreciate (other than boring stuff like Sex In the Lounge or something). I enjoy her pop rap tracks, her straight-out pop tracks, her darker rap tracks and her signature kooky, insane material. But this track, I am just not feeling it. To be honest, I have no idea what I expect from The Pink Print, considering that it seems that she has covered all grounds with her albums. So what exactly is missing here?
First things first though, I like the sample. It's... interesting. And the whole song sounds just like Baby Got Back, so the sample sounded right in it's place. Then again, the over-reliance on this song could be it's downfall. I don't get why does the whole song (the hook, the chorus, the beat) have to depend on the sample. To me, that's kind of excessive and it doesn't feel like she's presenting me with something worthwhile.
I do like her flow in some parts of her verse though. I love it when she's nuts and she delivers some sick bars. It's basically the best thing about her. But, I feel like the song isn't melodious enough (I might sound like I'm asking too much for a rap song to be melodious) to carry her verses into something that feels epic (ala Roman Holiday).
At the end of the day, I think I do see this as a sort of response song towards Baby Got Back, and that's kinda cute. And considering that I put this on repeat 10 times just to get this review done, the song might've gotten ingrained within my brain such that I won't resist it... We'll see what happens soon.
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previous reviews
archives
0 to 100 / the catch up - drake - 6.3
trouble in paradise - la roux - 8.5
bang bang - jessie j, ariana grande and nicki minaj - 6.5
heavy metal and reflective - azealia banks - 5.1
chasing the sun - hilary duff - 6.5
anything goes - tony bennett & lady gaga - 7.1
***flawless (feat. nicki minaj) - beyoncé - tba
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Member Since: 1/4/2014
Posts: 3,513
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Nicki Minaj - Anaconda
One thing is sure by now, Nicki Minaj is on fire! You may not like her but no one can deny she's everywhere at the moment. After releasing promo single, "Lookin Ass", and lead single, "Pills N Potions", of her next album, "The Pink Print", you might still have been able to turn away but good luck with that now. Three new singles in less than a week, that says it all.
The last addition to the Nicki Minaj collection is "Anaconda" and before it was even released, it already caused quite some controversy just from the cover. Because "Oh My Gosh, look at her butt" was probably one of the few things people were thinking and Nicki played very well on that for her new song. But Queen of Rap (yes, there's no denying that) has done it again, she does so effortlessly what other rappers could only dream of. The perfect combination of a timeless beat with some sick lines, a flawless pre-hook and a chorus that finds a way into your head for the rest of the day.
While "Anaconda" definitely is no "Pills N Potions" and it ain't no "Lookin Ass" either, some might wonder what Nicki is aiming at... Well, nothing I think, she's just having fun and that's exactly what I love about her and makes me all the more excited about "The Pink Print". Nicki has find her way into mainstream pop, yet she doesn't stick to that, she blends everything together and does it so well, you don't even question it. That's exactly what "Anaconda" is as well, she samples, she raps, she yells and eventually mixes it all together. I was quite nervous when I first heard it, because I already read some negative comments about "Anaconda" but when I heard that "My anaconda don't" line, I knew this was a bop. The verses might not be on par with some of her greatest work, yet they fit the song perfectly and the beat, the pre-hook and the outro make up for everything. I do worry I might get sick of it quite fast and not enjoy it as much anymore when listening to "The Pink Print" but for now I can't get enough of it.
"Anaconda" is a bop and anyone denying that should get their ears checked. While it's definitely not her greatest work, Nicki Minaj still shows us why she's one of the best and why she's one of the few rappers who can get on top of the charts. She owns this song and ain't afraid to love herself or her buns. Well done, Nicki.
9/10
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Member Since: 12/1/2011
Posts: 24,324
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Anaconda-
This is a song where you have to step back, remove any notion that it should be taken seriously, and step back in. Kind of like a youtube parody, or a weird al song. Or the average Jason derulo song that isnt a flop. So with that, its a fun song. Some of the lyrics dont make sense but who cares, some of the transitions are clunky but the song was probably made in 30 minutes. It relies on the sample but its a hip hop song, again there's not really much to say about it. You can say she took a risk to some extent, considering a decent portion of her fan base want pop music from her, but they let pills n potions flop soo. Its catchy, its not innovative, its decent. I hope for better but this will do. The cover is amazing so an extra point for that
6/10
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Member Since: 1/4/2014
Posts: 3,221
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Anaconda is a sure fire club hit. Its fun, nostalgic, and will get all the big booty girls in the club shaking what their mama gave them. Other than that its a lackluster effort considering what this single had the potential to do. After Pill and Potions failed to make any significant impact, all eyes were on Anaconda to succeed. While it has reached number one on itunes, I don't believe that will remain the situation for much longer. It is a really forgettable single that is going to be lost among the half a dozen singles that Nicki has been featured on in the past few weeks when its all said and done.
3/10
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Member Since: 12/4/2010
Posts: 37,894
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Quote:
Originally posted by Luminary
Nicki Minaj - Anaconda
One thing is sure by now, Nicki Minaj is on fire! You may not like her but no one can deny she's everywhere at the moment. After releasing promo single, "Lookin Ass", and lead single, "Pills N Potions", of her next album, "The Pink Print", you might still have been able to turn away but good luck with that now. Three new singles in less than a week, that says it all.
The last addition to the Nicki Minaj collection is "Anaconda" and before it was even released, it already caused quite some controversy just from the cover. Because "Oh My Gosh, look at her butt" was probably one of the few things people were thinking and Nicki played very well on that for her new song. But Queen of Rap (yes, there's no denying that) has done it again, she does so effortlessly what other rappers could only dream of. The perfect combination of a timeless beat with some sick lines, a flawless pre-hook and a chorus that finds a way into your head for the rest of the day.
While "Anaconda" definitely is no "Pills N Potions" and it ain't no "Lookin Ass" either, some might wonder what Nicki is aiming at... Well, nothing I think, she's just having fun and that's exactly what I love about her and makes me all the more excited about "The Pink Print". Nicki has find her way into mainstream pop, yet she doesn't stick to that, she blends everything together and does it so well, you don't even question it. That's exactly what "Anaconda" is as well, she samples, she raps, she yells and eventually mixes it all together. I was quite nervous when I first heard it, because I already read some negative comments about "Anaconda" but when I heard that "My anaconda don't" line, I knew this was a bop. The verses might not be on par with some of her greatest work, yet they fit the song perfectly and the beat, the pre-hook and the outro make up for everything. I do worry I might get sick of it quite fast and not enjoy it as much anymore when listening to "The Pink Print" but for now I can't get enough of it.
"Anaconda" is a bop and anyone denying that should get their ears checked. While it's definitely not her greatest work, Nicki Minaj still shows us why she's one of the best and why she's one of the few rappers who can get on top of the charts. She owns this song and ain't afraid to love herself or her buns. Well done, Nicki.
9/10
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Wow, wonderful review!
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Member Since: 1/4/2014
Posts: 3,221
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Beyonce and Nicki TRIED it with this remix track. While most hardcore Beyhive will applaud Bey for attempting to be controversial with her "Elevator" references, most people will recognize is it as a try hard attempt at being edgy, especially with the unnecessary screams and laughs. Her vocals are a mess on it (Auto-tune? Really Bey? REALLY?!) The only redeeming quality of the entire track is the addition of Nicki's verse. Final Verdict: Bey could've kept this remix and saved such a powerful collaboration for a new song. Instead she chose to make a pretty good song a lot worse.
2/10
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Member Since: 8/28/2012
Posts: 34,863
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***Flawless (Remix)
Beyonce and Nicki Minaj
Let me start by saying that the first 15 seconds of the song are just pure heaven. The instrumental and and Bey's background vocals couldn't have gotten any better. The beginning gives so much hope for the rest. Unfortunately, that's not what happens. It all goes downhill from here. Beyonce starts rapping, not my cup of tea. I'd take vocaloncé over anything else, that's probably why I consider 4 a masterpiece.
Beyonce's verse ends and there starts one of the most pointless features ever. I'm not sure why Bey picked Nicki to be on the track, but let's just say it was pointless, not good and nothing special.
Highlight/Favorite part:
The first 15 seconds.
2.5/10
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Member Since: 1/4/2014
Posts: 3,513
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Quote:
Originally posted by Doc
Wow, wonderful review!
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Thanks
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Member Since: 2/25/2012
Posts: 9,540
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Anaconda:
A return to form for Nicki that's been a long time coming. No more Pills N Potions feaux-indie rapper Dr. Luke mess, this time it's crazy-Nika in full force. Sweetly rapping in her Barbie voice about a dick bigger than the Eiffel tower and her salad getting tossed before switching into rapid fire, it's everything the ratchets have been dying for. Sampling the '90s throwback big booty anthem "Baby Got Back" is probably the smartest move Onika's made since calling RedOne and birthing Starships. As she cackles and yells "I got a big fat ASS" during the outro you can't help but feel you've been left on the kitchen floor and she's taken the keys. Nicki's put together a certified bop and future signature hit. Get with it.
8/10
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Member Since: 2/25/2012
Posts: 9,540
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***Flawless (Remix):
It's flawless. Like really, legitimately flawless. Like where is the flaw because I hear none. That sultry, angry opening verse that ended with the one-two punch "of course **** go down when it's a billion dollars on the elevator"? No flaw. The already flawless original song? No flaw. The horn sample? No flaw. The way Beyonce summons Nicki from the depths of Southside Jamaica Queens by uttering her government name? No flaw. The way Nicki comes thru and slays everyone's discography including her own? No flaw. Like wow. Wow wow wow.
10/10
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