Anti

After selling more than 54 million albums and 210 million tracks across the world. Rihanna is the youngest solo artist to score 21 singles on the billboard charts and is on an all time “high”. Taking hold of the fashion industry while still topping the charts. Rihanna has released her eighth studio album entitled “Anti” on January 28th, 2016. Anti captures Rihanna as an artist and an individual, the carefree island girl, wavy in all her ways.  Taking listeners “on a trip”, vibing with the “stoned goddess”. This is the REAL Rihanna.

After a 4 year gap from her previous album “Unapologetic” that was released in 2012 Anti signifies the shift of Rihanna as an artist and allowed her boldness to come out and release work that went against the expectations.  She was able to mix and master her caribbean side and couple it with her edgy side, which we were able to get a taste of in some of her previous works like, “Hard” and “What Now”. She highlights her ability to bring out her creative and soulfulness that was hinted in “FourFiveSeconds”. She still hasn't lost touch of her provocative and sassy approach in “Sex With Me” but she balances it well with the theme of longing for affection in “James Joint”, “I’d rather be smoking weed whenever we breath every time you kiss me
, don’t say that you miss me, 
just come get me”

Anti is one bumpy, non-stop ride, engulfed with twist and turns. “Same ‘Ol Mistakes” serves as a unexpected and extended detour as Rihanna gives listeners the overlapping, angelic soft cross of vocals. Which favors the artist Alina Baraz & Galimatias song  Drift,  almosts puts listeners in a meditative state as they just vibe.

Of course Rihanna gives something for the Navy to “bubble”, “kotch”, and “dutty wine” to. One of the most popular and already frequently played of her tracks, “Work” is a more caribbean feel that features Drake. This is their third song they've done together and definitely gives a pop reggae groove.

Overall, Rihanna has left her fans with a feeling they’ve haven't really experienced from her before. Raw and transparent. Her honesty in the album is what developed a connection between her and her fans. Her lyrics are relatable and that is what her fans wan to hear. And even sparked some new listeners because of her versatility. After closely analysing and listening, her album deserves an 8/10.

white privilege II

Macklemore's, White Privilege II was shared with listeners with intentions to highlight how the rapper feels in the midst of Black Lives Matter Movement. This track was created during a sensitive time so of course there are going to be some controversy and questions proposed, Like, “ how can a WHITE 32 year old rapper from Seattle Washington possibly know the struggle or even speak on what’s going on in the lives of BLACK people?” Macklemore was able to answer that in great detail through the intricate sounds and rhymes of his part 2 single. . Each line as a wake up call, acknowledging the issue white giving his own personal take. Macklemore geared this song mostly towards white kids to show them “ Hey I get what you’re feeling all uncomfortable and whatnot.” But simultaneously poses the question to the listeners “what are we going to do about it?” The work pushes 10 minutes with a vocal collab with singer, Amila Woods really sets the tone for the track. Serves as an eye opener for all races, Gives a narrative and white POV approach which was creative. There was definitely a shift within the track as the artist takes the listener on a trip through his own personal lens. He also references what seems to be personal experiences with fans and how he had interpreted those interactions. Even those who may not even be “fans” of his music can either relate or at least respect his effort.

White privilege is defined as “a term for societal privileges that benefit white people beyond what is commonly experienced by non-white people under the same social, political, or economic circumstances.”  What’s your stance?