#TeamMya: An Album Review

I’m a little biased when it comes to Mya. I was always #TeamMya, and her amazing curly hair. She started her career pretty young, and somewhere along the way fell off the public eye for reasons unbeknownst to people that don’t follow why artists fell off. Although I will liken her career to Chrisette Michele in some ways; something to do with wanting more creative control, management and no more MAJOR record labels. I happened to be watching the news one day last week and noticed she was on TV promoting a new album. I didn’t think too much of it. Thanks to my Apple Music subscription, I can listen to music as its released these days.

I gave her album a listen. I was thankful to hear the same sultry and grown-woman content that I’ve come to love about her sound. Here’s my track-by-track breakdown:

Album: Smoove Jones

Label: Planet 9

1. Smoove Jones Radio (Intro)– I think Smoove Jones is supposed to be Mya’s rappin’ alter-ego. Been there, done that, but her voice and the beats are pleasant enough to listen to. She’s introducing the “Quiet Storm” album in this interlude.
2. Welcome to My World– This is a very Mya-esque track. Upbeat summer jam, thoughtful lyrics. A nice introduction to what she’s selling on this album, and where she’s at in life. “Got the head seat at the board room table, Could’ve did it with them, but I got my own label.” Okay, bawse. I respek it.
3. Hold On (feat Phil Ade)– It appears she went very Great Value local with the features on this album. Phil Ade is a native DMV’er and is featured on this track. Mya also reps PG County, so it makes sense that she’s going home to her roots for this album. This song is very catchy, good listen.
4. Elevator– It took me awhile to understand the analogy in the song, I’m a little slow. Basically, you started from the bottom now you’re “up here, elevatin‘”Another catchy, simple song. Nothing special.
5. Phya– This song is a play on the word “fire.” This also reminded me of the “classic” Mya sound. I like this about her music. She didn’t over-reach trying to sound like the R&B artists today. She’s sticking to what she knows, and what is authentically her sound.
6. Spoil Me– This could be a Nicki Minaj track circa 2014. Very catchy tune. Girls want stuff, and we would prefer a sponsor. I didn’t press Skip.
7. Team You– I approve of this song. It’s very 2016, minus the hashtag. Also, I don’t know who is featured but he sounds like a wannabe Future.
8. Coolin’– MY #1 song on the album. I want to hear this song on the radio because it’s so amazing in its arrangement and vocals. She sings her high falsetto throughout and it sets the most amazing mood. #HotSummerLove
9. One Man Woman (Ol’ Skoo’ Joint)– A Mya album wouldn’t be complete without a ballad. So, here it is.
10. Circle of Life– The “ooh-ooh-hoo” in the beginning is very J. Hud. But we will let Mya rock. Cool Ne-yo vibish song.
11. Smoove Jones Afta Glow Show (Outro)– Mya says “Goodnight” and thanks you for listening to the show with some sexy vocals.
12. One Man Woman (Unplugged Bonus)– See #9.

Overall, I think this is a pretty solid album. I heard maybe 20% of a new sound from Mya. However, I didn’t mind hearing a sound that I was accustomed to. Her new music with her authentic touch is worth the listen. I’m only in love with like 1-2 songs, but I’m glad to hear Mya doing what she loves. It’s been way too long, curly boo!

Go take a listen, if you haven’t already!

Share a new album you’re listening to this Spring!

-She

5 Songs I didn’t want you to know I liked

[Warning: Explicit Content]

5. Kirko Bangz- Drank In My Cup

He’s repping H town (Houston), he’s a cutie, and this song is what I would play whilst getting ready to step out!

4. Drake ft The Dream- Shut It Down

This is just a sexy song.

3. Strip and No BS– Chris Brown

Although I don’t support this man or his image, “don’t you be on that Bull ish” when it’s time to Strip… I can relate to that.

2. Birthday Song- 2 Chainz ft. Kanye (Ratchet video alert!)

I don’t know if 2 Chainz ever finished school. But the coherency of thoughts in these lyrics make me laugh so hard that I’m ashamed to like this song.

They ask me what I do

And who I do it for

And how I come up with this ish

Up in the studio

ALL I WANT FOR MY BURFDAY is a big booty H(*

What?!

1. P*&# is Mine- Miguel

Story about a man who knows he’s not the only one, but wants to pretend he is anyway. I loose my religion listening to this.

Lie to me, Lie to me, Lie to me

Sometimes, lies are sweet.

What songs are you ashamed to find yourself singing?

Share some good ones!

She

Friends with Tracee

I don’t usually visit too many celebrity websites or websites reporting the latest gossip about celebrities. For me, I’d rather read about extraordinary things happening in the life of ordinary people like me. That’s why I dig personal blogs, and people who dedicate a lot of time into sharing a piece of themselves. Celebrities who have websites usually loose that personal touch on their sites, that’s why when Queen Bee (better known as Beyonce) came out with her Tumblr page I really liked the fact that she posted personal pictures and hand wrote posts. Handwriting is a unique stamp because it can’t be falsified, unlike a blog post which can be written by anyone hired. But I never wanted to be any celebrities friend as much as I want to be friends with Tracee Ellis Ross. A big fan of the quirky romantic she played as Joan Clayton on Girlfriends, I always thought there was much of herself in Joan because she played her so well. When she wore her nerdy glasses at home, I saw myself. When she fell in love with her male best friend, that was me too! But not only have I followed her on Girlfriends, I love the woman she is when the camera is off as well.

Recently she launched her website Tracee Ellis Ross.com. And it’s all her, broken up into Pages such as Hair & Beauty, Well-Being, Style, Inspiration and Tracee. Her videos with no makeup, her knowledge, her thoughts and her silly, human loveable self. Who am I currently obsessed with? Tracee! I have not perused her site as much I’d like. But as someone whom I admire as a fashion icon, a beautiful soul and a down-to-earth woman, I know I won’t be disappointed.

On her site there’s a post entitled “A Culture Confused by Fake Boobs” in which she addresses her love of her boobs, saggy and all. She answers why she doesn’t wear bras, not even in most of her pictures, and celebrates the natural movements and sexiness of the boobie! She doesn’t necessarily knock those women who chose another road; she’s just not about that life.

I found out a couple of months ago that I had been wearing a B cup when I was indeed a C cup, and have been for a while. What a difference a new bra makes! I think we need more voices like Tracee’s to remind us that there’s nothing wrong with embracing what we got, in light of the culture we live in where little girls and women don’t think what they have is enough. It took me a long time (READ: well into adulthood) to embrace my body and be comfortable in my own skin.

“Let’s also remember that we all come in different shapes and sizes, and that beauty cannot be defined by a single category. And let’s remember that the drop and movement of a natural breast is wonderfully sexy.” -Tracee Ellis Ross

On another note, Tracee, where do I sign up for a butt like that?! Haha. Half kidding.

What do you think of Ms. Ross?

She

Into Me See

The Soundtrack…

This could be the only time for us
Baby take your time and don’t you rush
Something in your eyes makes me know that you still want me
I miss the way we touch…

Do I have great taste or what? 🙂

Feel free to add to the list. I love discovering new artists/tracks!

Firey,

She