The VMAs: Part Two

In the United States, we have many traditions.  We have the 4th of July, Labor Day, the Oscars, the Grammy Awards, the Super Bowl, and many others.  One very special tradition is the Video Music Awards, or the VMAs.  Since I do the iPod Shuffling series, I decided that I would do a special post telling you about the songs that are up for different awards and about the artists themselves.  I will do this in parts because there are several awards to cover and several nominations.

BEST NEW ARTIST

The nominees are:

Big Sean ft/Chris Brown- My Last

Big Sean or Sean Michael Anderson is an American rapper who was born in California.  For three years he made three mixtapes which featured Bun B, Chip tha Ripper, Curren$y, SAYITAINTTONE, Tyga, Drake, Mike Posner, Suai, Chuck Inglish, Asher Roth, Dom Kennedy, Boldy James, and Chiddy Bang.  Since 2010, he has been working on his first studio album: Finally Famous.  Big Sean said that this song is "a real party song."  He has a net worth of $2 million.  This song has currently, 13, 913, 715 views on YouTube.

Foster the People- Pumped Up Kicks

 

Foster the People is an indie pop band formed in California.  The band has been active for three years now.  They only have one album entitled, Torches.  It has reached number one on the charts for U.S. rock and U.S. alternative. The members of the group are Mark Foster - vocals, keyboards, piano, synthesizers, guitar, programming and percussion; Mark Pontius - drums and extra percussion; and Cubbie Fink - bass and backing vocals.  Mark Foster said that this song was to bring awareness about gun violence among youth saying that it disrupted family and love.  This song currently has 10,595,062 views on YouTube.
Kreayshawn- Gucci Gucci

Kreayshawn or Natassia Gail Zolot is an American hip-hop singer songwriter from California.  She is very new on the music scene and has taken part in a lot of underground rock groups.  Her new single "Gucci Gucci" is where she talks about how she hates wearing the designer brands.  This video has had a lot of criticism because she says the n word quite often.    This song currently has 11,668,271 views on YouTube.


Tyler, the Creator- Yonkers

Tyler, the Creator or Tyler Okonma, is an American rapper, record producer, and music video director.  He always imagined making his own albums and when he was a kid designed his album covers.  He created instrumentals to songs when he was fifteen and taught himself the piano.  He attended thirteen different schools.  He has a net worth of about $1.12 million.  This song currently has 18,055,907 views on YouTube. 




Wiz Khalifa- Black and Yellow

Wiz Khalifa or Cameron Jibril Thomaz is an American rapper who was born in North Dakota. His parents were both in the military so he lived in Germany and Japan before settling down in Pittsburgh.  He has made three albums and has been in the business for six years now.  "Black and Yellow" is devoted to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  He has a net worth of $5.5 million.  This song currently has 94,907,176 views on YouTube.  




BEST FEMALE VIDEO 
The nominees are:

Adele- Rolling in the Deep

Adele realized when she was fourteen that she was going to be a singer. Adele has been involved in the music business for five years and she was a breakthrough artist in 2008.  As of May 2011, she became worth 6,000,000 pounds, or, $9,780,000.  This music video is the most nominated music video of the year.  It has seven other nominations.

"Rolling in the Deep" is about being betrayed by someone you love and Adele perfectly portrays how someone feels when they have loved someone and all of a sudden you are betrayed by the one you have been in love with.   Currently, it has 111,930,905 on YouTube.

Beyonce- Run the World (Girls)

Beyonce or Beyonce Giselle Knowles is an American R&B recording artist, actress, and fashion designer.  She was born in Texas and was surrounded by music throughout her childhood.  She was listed on Forbes as the second most powerful and influential celebrities and the most powerful and influential musician.  She has made four major albums and has been in the music business for fourteen years. This song is about how women are very powerful in the world and shouldn't be second guessed.  Her net worth is $300 million.  This song currently has 75,301,570 views on YouTube.   

Katy Perry- Firework

Katy Perry also known as Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson was born in California and was raised by a very Catholic family.  She originally started singing Gospel rock, but was unsuccessful.  She slowly became more recognized by the music community.  She has been growing and maturing with her singing every year.  She was in a relationship with Travie McCoy for a long time, but now she is married to Russel Brand. In this song, she empowers everyone saying that we are bright and shining like a firework.  Her net worth is about $48 million.  This song currently has 79,279,835 views on YouTube.   

Lady Gaga- Born This Way

Lady Gaga is an American pop singer-songwriter.  She was born in New York City with the name Stephanie Joanne Angelina Germanotta.  She wrote her first piano ballad at the age of thirteen and did open mike nights at the age of fourteen.  She is influenced by glam rock singers such as David Bowie and dance pop artists such as Michael Jackson.  She is well known for her sense of fashion which is always on the extreme.  She has made three hit albums and has a multitude of fans which she affectionately calls her "Little Monsters."  This song is another power song where she says that we are all on the right track and that skin color and sexuality do not matter.  She has a net worth of $110 million.  The song currently has 72,798,930 views on YouTube. 

Nicki Minaj- Super Bass

Nicki Minaj or Onika Tanya Maraj is a hip hop and R&B artist who became famous after joining the group Young Money.  She was born in Trinidad and Tobago.  She has only made one record, Pink Friday.  Minaj said that the song was about a boy you have a crush on.  Nicki Minaj has a net worth of about $8.5 million.  This song currently has about 98,735,961 views on YouTube.    

BEST MALE VIDEO 

The nominees are:

Bruno Mars- Grenade

Bruno Mars  also known as Peter Gene Hernandez was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and grew up surrounded by music.  He began by singing around the island and was known for his impressions of Elvis.  He co-wrote several songs for B.O.B., Travie McCoy, Flo Rida, and K'naan.  He is fairly new on the scene and he has become very popular.  This song is about the feeling of when you love someone and they don't love you back.  I think several of us have felt that before.  He has an net worth of about $8 million.  This song currently has 198,189,908 views on YouTube. 

Cee Lo Green- F*** You

Cee Lo Green or Thomas DeCarlo Callaway is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actor. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia.  He has been in two groups and then started a solo career.  He has had success with several songs of his.  When he was eighteen his mother was paralyzed and died two years after.  He went into a severe depression and wrote many songs about her.  There was a controversy on Twitter in which he was accused of being homophobic.  This song's plot is how when a guy likes a girl for a long time, but she never loves him back.  In the end, when he has made a lot of money she does like him and so he says to her, "F*** you!"  He has a net worth of $22 million.  This song currently has 60,482,211 views on YouTube.

Eminem ft/Rihanna- Love the Way You Lie

Eminem or Marshall Bruce Matthers is an American rapper, record producer, and actor.  He was born in Missouri.  He has made a total of thirteen Grammy awards in his lifetime and seven albums.  The song is about a broken relationship.  He has a net worth of about $115 million.  This song currently has 371,310,410 views on YouTube.  

Justin Bieber- U Smile

Justin Bieber is a Canadian R&B/pop singer-songwriter, and actor.  He taught himself how to play several instruments.  His popularity all started by his mom uploading videos of him singing on Youtube.  His mentor is Usher and they have worked on several songs together.  This song is about making a girl smile and in the video he has a new love interest and he is singing to her in an empty theater.  He has a net worth of $85 million.  This song currently has 46,310,895 views on YouTube.   

Kanye West ft/ Rihanna and Kid Cudi- All of the Lights

Kanye West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer.  He was born in Atlanta, Georgia.  He went on to make six albums and work with many artists.  He has acted differently in several award shows, the most popular being the mishap with Taylor Swift when she received the award for Best Female Video at the VMAs.  In this song, he acts as a father who abuses his wife and now his daughter is walking around fatherless.  Kanye West has a net worth of about $70 million.  This song currently has 50,831,554 views on YouTube.

The VMAs: Part One

In the United States, we have many traditions.  We have the 4th of July, Labor Day, the Oscars, the Grammy Awards, the Super Bowl, and many others.  One very special tradition is the Video Music Awards, or the VMAs.  Since I do the iPod Shuffling series, I decided that I would do a special post telling you about the songs that are up for different awards and about the artists themselves.  I will do this in parts because there are several awards to cover and several nominations.

 

BEST POP VIDEO

The nominees are:

Adele- Rolling in the Deep

Adele realized when she was fourteen that she was going to be a singer. Adele has been involved in the music business for five years and she was a breakthrough artist in 2008.  As of May 2011, she became worth 6,000,000 pounds, or, $9,780,000.  This music video is the most nominated music video of the year.  It has seven other nominations.

"Rolling in the Deep" is about being betrayed by someone you love and Adele perfectly portrays how someone feels when they have loved someone and all of a sudden you are betrayed by the one you have been in love with.   Currently, it has 111,930,905 on YouTube.

Britney Spears- Till the World Ends

Britney Spears is a southern girl who grew up in Louisiana.  According to Forbes magazine, she is the third most mentioned musician and sixth most powerful celebrity.  She has been famous for her voice and publicized for her personal issues.  She disappeared from the celebrity world for a while in order to begin a family.  She returned to the stage with new hits and singles including "Till the World Ends."  Britney said that she was inspired by touring the world with other singers and not wanting it to end.   Britney has accumulated a net worth of $115 million.  Currently, it has 60,523,460 on YouTube.

Bruno Mars- Grenade

Bruno Mars also known as Peter Gene Hernandez was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and grew up surrounded by music.  He began by singing around the island and was known for his impressions of Elvis.  He co-wrote several songs for B.O.B., Travie McCoy, Flo Rida, and K'naan.  He is fairly new on the scene and he has become very popular.  This song is about the feeling of when you love someone and they don't love you back.  I think several of us have felt that before.  He has an net worth of about $8 million.  This song currently has 198,189,908 views on YouTube. 

Katy Perry- Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)

Katy Perry also known as Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson was born in California and was raised by a very Catholic family.  She originally started singing Gospel rock, but was unsuccessful.  She slowly became more recognized by the music community.  She has been growing and maturing with her singing every year.  She was in a relationship with Travie McCoy for a long time, but now she is married to Russel Brand.  In this song, she is talking about a crazy party which she wants to happen over and over again.  She features her alter-ego in this music video called "Katy Beth Terry."  Her net worth is about $48 million.  This song currently has 79,279,835 views on YouTube. 

Pitbull f/ Ne-Yo, Nayer, and Afrojack- Give Me Everything

Pitbull also known as Armando Christian Perez is a rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer.  His parents are Cuban immigrants and this caused problems in his early career.  He has made several albums and worked with several other artists.  He also has his own TV show.  This song is about partying with a bunch of women all night long.  He has accumulated a net worth of about $9 million.  This song currently has 103,482,516 views on YouTube.  

BEST ROCK VIDEO

The nominees are:

Cage the Elephant- Shake Me Down

 

Cage the Elephant is a group that formed in Kentucky in mid-2006.  The members of Cage the Elephant have been in a different group called Perfect Confusion.  They are very popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, and in Canada for the excited performances.  The members of the group are Matthew Shultz - lead vocals; Lincoln Parish - lead guitar; Brad Shultz - rhythm guitar; Daniel Tichenor - bass guitar and leading vocals; and Jared Champion - drums and percussion.  This song shows a middle aged jogger reliving his life in a dream, which later shows that he died in his sleep.  This song currently has 4,097,110 views on YouTube.     

Foo Fighters- Walk

 

Foo Fighters began in 1994 as an alternative rock band.  Three of their albums have won Grammy Awards for best rock album.  It was formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer, David Grohl.  They have released seven albums so far.  The members of the group are David Grohl - lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar, and piano; Nate Mendel - bass; Taylor Hawkins - drums and backing vocals; Chris Shiflett - lead guitar and backing vocals; and Pat Smear - lead and rhythm guitar.  This song was inspired by David Grohl's daughter learning how to walk.  David Grohl's net worth is about $200 million.  This song has currently 3,761, 349 views on YouTube.   

Foster the People- Pumped Up Kicks

 

Foster the People is an indie pop band formed in California.  The band has been active for three years now.  They only have one album entitled, Torches.  It has reached number one on the charts for U.S. rock and U.S. alternative. The members of the group are Mark Foster - vocals, keyboards, piano, synthesizers, guitar, programming and percussion; Mark Pontius - drums and extra percussion; and Cubbie Fink - bass and backing vocals.  Mark Foster said that this song was to bring awareness about gun violence among youth saying that it disrupted family and love.  This song currently has 10,595,062 views on YouTube.     

Mumford and Sons- The Cave

Mumford and Sons is an English folk rock band.  It was formed in 2007 by several multi-instrumentalists.  They have made one album called "Sigh No More."  The members of the group are Marcus Mumford - vocals, guitar, drums, and mandolin; Ben Lovett - vocals, keyboards, accordion, and drums; "Country" Winston Marshall - vocals, banjo and dobro; and Ted Dwayne - vocals, string bass, drums, and guitar.  I believe the song is about a man saying that a woman is heartless and that he will have hope that she will change and love him.  Everyone is a little confused about its meaning.  Marcus Mumford's net worth is about $2 million.  This song currently has 10, 198,361 views on YouTube.  

The Black Keys- Howlin' For You

The Black Keys was formed in 2001 in Ohio.  It falls in the genre of blues/rock.  They have released nine albums.  The members of the group are Dan Auberback - vocalist and guitarist; and Patrick Carney - drummer, producer.  This song was inspired by Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll."  The song currently has 2,416,882 views on YouTube.  

BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO

The nominees are:

Chris Brown ft/ Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes- Look At Me Now

Chris Brown has made five albums and has been on TV seven times.  He is an American R&B singer, rapper, songwriter, dancer, and actor.  He was born in Virginia and as a little boy performed in his church choir and took part in several talent shows.  Due to his dancing, he has been compared to Usher and Michael Jackson.  In 2008, when he was dating Rihanna, he was put on trial for domestic violence.  This radically affected his career.  "Look At Me Now" is about Chris' life so far and how he is riding high from it.  He has a net worth of around $22 million.  This song currently has 102,147,943 views on YouTube.


Kanye West ft/ Rihanna and Kid Cudi- All of the Lights

Kanye West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer.  He was born in Atlanta, Georgia.  He went on to make six albums and work with many artists.  He has acted differently in several award shows, the most popular being the mishap with Taylor Swift when she received the award for Best Female Video at the VMAs.  In this song, he acts as a father who abuses his wife and now his daughter is walking around fatherless.  Kanye West has a net worth of about $70 million.  This song currently has 50,831,554 views on YouTube.

Lil Wayne- Six Foot Seven Foot

Lil Wayne, also known as, Dwayne Michael Carter, is an American rapper.  Born in Louisiana, he was signed on the Cash Money Records at the age of nine. He has created nine records since.  Lil Wayne has been arrested for drug possession.  Lil Wayne also majored in psychology at the University of Pheonix.  He has four children. Six Foot Seven Foot pays homage to the blockbuster hit "Inception."  Lil Wayne has a net worth of about $85 million.  This song currently has about 29,555,436 views on YouTube.  


Lupe Fiasco- The Show Goes On

Lupe Fiasco or Wasalu Muhammad Jaco was born in Chicago, Illinois.  He is an American rapper, artist, producer, and CEO of 1st and 15th Entertainment.  Along with music he has two clothing lines.  He also designs shoes for Reebok.  He has created four albums.  This song was for the label and Lupe Fiasco told two publications that the label said he shouldn't rap too deep and he should be very blatant about what he is talking about.  Lupe Fiasco has a net worth of about $8 million.  This song currently has about      38,092,391 views on YouTube.  

Nicki Minaj- Super Bass

Nicki Minaj or Onika Tanya Maraj is a hip hop and R&B artist who became famous after joining the group Young Money.  She was born in Trinidad and Tobago.  She has only made one record, Pink Friday.  Minaj said that the song was about a boy you have a crush on.  Nicki Minaj has a net worth of about $8.5 million.  This song currently has about 98,735,961 views on YouTube.   


 

The iPod Shufflings: Part One

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have decided to write about music, music videos, etc.  So, in "The iPod Shufflings" I will press shuffle on my iPod and will write a review on the first ten songs.  I have all different genres of music on my iPod including a few classical and several Latin songs.  Then I will go to the site www.billboard.com and write a review of the first five songs on their top 100 list.  

The Shuffling

1.) If I Never See Your Face Again by Maroon 5  (From the album: It Won't Be Soon Before Long.)

I find this song to be quite enjoyable for teens and adults.  It has a very distinct beat and the lead singer, Adam Levine, gives the song a sort of "bad-boy" charm.  There is another version of this song by Maroon 5 featuring Rihanna.  She makes the song sound pretty equal between Levine and Rihanna and shows the more female side of the song.  This is a truly nice song which I listen to over and over again.

2.) Boys Boys Boys by Lady Gaga (From the album: The Fame.)

I am a huge fan of Lady Gaga and she is one of the singers today that actually sing correctly.  She sings from the diaphragm not the nose.  Bravo Lady Gaga!  Anyway, considering this song, it is not one of my favorites of hers.  I don't like the over-percussion beat.  A simple beat to give the song character is good enough.  She does know how to sing, though, which is impressive considering some of today's singers.  

3.) Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen (From the album: Classic Queen.)

The lead singer, Freddie Mercury, is an idol from the seventies who was a leader in the music world.  He really impresses me in this song by carrying very high notes and he incorporates some operatic qualities in a rock genre.  He shows the high notes at 4:05 in the song.  I would love to hear some singers today do what Mercury did in this song.  The lead guitarist also has amazing solos which are beautifully articulated.  My favorite solo is 4:08 in the song.  The rock genre is really shown in this part of the song.       

4.) It's All Your Fault by P!nk (From the album: Funhouse.)

P!nk always impresses me by being another one of those noted singer today that sing correctly.  She transmits and shares several of the same thoughts that I share with her in her songs.  I love the small piano incorporations that come back at several parts in the song.  

5.) Heartbreaker by Enrique Iglesias (From the album: Euphoria.)

The beginning of the song where all you hear is a constant beat agitates me.  It makes me nervous and I feel as if I have to do something.  His singing is also a little breathy.  The lyrics of the song though are very interesting and I can see a lot of guys thinking that after breaking up with their girlfriends.  I am a big fan of Enrique's and he definitely takes after his father, Julio.  They both have a great talent when it comes to music.  I think that Enrique is traveling down the same path as Ricky Martin.  He will be a great Latin musician.  

6.) Kiwi by Maroon 5 (From the album: It Won't Be Soon Before Long.)

My love for Adam Levine is strengthened in this song because he, again, brings that bad-boy quality to it.  I just think the part which has the heavy breathing is unnecessary.   

7.) Music of the Night by Michael Crawford (From the album: Highlights from the Phantom of the Opera.)  I believe it was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber.  

I love the Phantom of the Opera.  I find myself walking around the house pretending to be Christine or singing this song in front of millions.  I did not see the Broadway version of this play, but Michael Crawford brings the true, beautiful, lyrics to life in this rendition.  I saw the recent movie production of Phantom of the Opera and I loved Gerard Butler in it.  Unfortunately, he made me hate Raul and love the phantom.  Hey, I can't help it!

8.) Don't Trust Me by 3OH!3 (From the album: Want.)

I love this easy beat and I love Sean Forman and Nathaniel Motte.  They are great guy singers.  Think about that: great, guy, singers.  If I am walking down the street and I hear this song, I will break out singing, thinking I am in a music video of some sort.

9.) E.T. by Katy Perry (From the album: Teenage Dream.)

Katy Perry is one of those talented women of today.  She takes songs onto the next level like Lady Gaga.  They make the circumstances in the song very different and original.  Katy Perry  makes this a futuristic love scene.  The feelings that are expressed in this song are very clear and I really love it.  

10.)  Redundant by Green Day (From the album: International Superhits.)  

I love the music in this song and the guitar part is really clear and striking.  Billie Joe Armstrong shows the feelings of being redundant.  He says that when people say different things, such as "I love you," that it is a redundant saying and he says in the song, "I love you, is not enough, I'm lost for words."  "I cannot speak, I lost my voice, I'm speechless and redundant."  That phrase is exactly what a lot of us feel like sometimes: an outcast.  Green Day, you will always be one of my favorites.  

Billboard.com

1.) E.T. by Katy Perry featuring Kanye West (From the album: Teenage Dream.)

See number nine.  A lot of people say that Kanye West ruined the song.  Well, to be fair, we all have a prejudice against him since what he did to Taylor Swift.  I find the lyrics to the rap catchy.  Yet, I wished that someone else instead of Kanye sang the song.  

2.) Rolling in the Deep by ADELE (From the album: 21.) 

Another wonderful woman singer!  She reminds me of a lot of past singers who were reknowned for their singing.  In this song, she talks about how she is in the depth of a new love and she is saying that he played with her heart and how he ruined their relationship by "You had my heart in your hands and you played it to the beat."  This is a gorgeous song.

3.) Til the World Ends by Britney Spears featuring Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha (From the album: Femme Fatale.)  

I love this song because Nicki Minaj is rapping and having fun with it.  They are all singing about how they are going to go with life and dance until the world ends.  I love it when Ke$ha sings in this song.  She is actually singing in it!  There is no technology changing her voice this time!  YAY for Ke$ha!  

4.) Just Can't Get Enough by the Black Eyed Peas (From the album: The Beginning/The Best of the E.N.D.)

Whenever I sing any of the Black Eyed Peas' songs, I sing Fergie's part.  She begins the song very smoothly and nicely.  Will.I.Am is very cool in this song and I love his rap.  Fergie and Will.I.Am represent a couple who cannot get enough of each other in this song.  

5.)  The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars  (From the album: Doo-Wops and Hooligans.) 

Wonderful song!  It is exactly how I feel everyday!  I don't want to do anything and I just want to lay in my bed.  Speaking of which...