Video Round-Up

Just thought I’d highlight some music that I’m enjoying right now.  As always, your thoughts/comment/interaction is much desired and encouraged.

Kanye West – “Stronger”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvTAt20eedU

If this song sounds familiar, it’s probably because it’s currently my MySpace song.  I really like that Papa Roach song, but this song is the hot-ness.  If the beat sounds familiar, that’s because it’s remixing the Daft Punk song “Harder Faster Stronger” and Daft Punk rocks in their own right.  If the song looks familiar, that’s because the video is heavily influenced by the classic anime film “Akira.” This is possibly my favorite song right now.  I really like Kanye’s rhymes, his beats are great.  I can’t wait for the next album.  I think he’s a little hypocritical (especially when compared to true hip-hoppers like The Roots and Common) but at least he’s aware of his hyprocrisy.  You just don’t see rhymes like his in the mainstream rap and pop music culture.  I like how, like many hip -hop artists, he has a healthy touch of nerd.  What other rapper could come up with “Loopin’ the track like Lupin the 3rd?”  Classic.  In this song, I love the hook of “Ever since Prince was on Appolonia, since O.J. had Isotoners.”  That’s freaking awesome. 

So I just thought I’d point out that there’s a girl in the video, and I seem to not be alone in thinking that she looks a lot like Cassie.  Agree?  See for yourself below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBiGFbd5icM

Now, I doubt it’s her, but they sure do look similar.  And just by the by, there’s been a number of reports of Cassie being all studio-magic and not really being able to sing.  True or not, that girl is fine.  I mean, seriously, those lips? Damn.  I mean day-um.

R. Kelly f/ Usher – “Same Girl”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqfJ5E1B1Oc

Oh, Kells, what are we to do with you?  First she reminded you of a Jeep, then you were feelin’ on her booty, then you were trapped in her closet, and now you and Usher are both messing with her.  See, it’s so hard to find a good woman [that will let you pee on her] these days. 

Now, it’s hard to top the Rap-Epic that is all 12 parts of Trapped in the Closet, but this video is a damn fine follow up.  The list of fantastic lines boggles the mind. 

Wait a minute hold on dawg.  Do she got a kid?
Yep
Loves some Waffle House?
Yep
Do she got a beauty mark on her left side of her mouth
Man?
Went to Georgia Tech ?
Yep
Works for TBS ?
Yep

“Loves some Waffle House.” Classic. 

So man your telling me you know her
Do I know her? like a pastor know his word

Now that last line is great, because it manages to be kinda heartfelt, hilarious, and really gross all at the same time.  And yes, in the end it turns out that it wasn’t the same girl, but if you notice, the lyrics never indicate that to be the case.  Eww. 

Fabolous f/ Ne-Yo – Make Me Better

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yfY9_Bz4qE

I’ve always kinda liked Fabolous.  He had a unique sound when he came out.  That “Youngin” song was bumpin.  “I’m so into you” was also a good song.  It also helps the girl in the video (not Tamia) is flippin’ gorgeous, those eyes, that skin, wow. (watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGimb_mspbY) Look around the 2:30 mark, how could you not fall in love with that face?

So he’s got this new song out, and in addition to having Rosalyn Sanchez in the video, I really like the message here.  In a time where rap is all about bitches, hos, bling, ice, swagger, and makin’ it rain, it’s nice to hear someone in the rap game actually showing some love and respect to women.  I love that chorus, “I’m a movement by myself, but I’m a force when were together.”  That’s just awesome.  I also really like the line, “I’m a need Loretta Scott, if I’m gonna be king.”  That line is great and clever for so many reasons.

TPIR – Farewell, Bob

I came across this clip and thought I’d share it.  It doesn’t relate to music videos at all, it’s just really damn funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHdjqsSSa_A