Sound Glitter

Rihanna hit the internet with a sex charged new video for “Rude Boy” her third single off her latest album “Rated R”. After not so stellar reviews upon first listen of her first single Russian Roulette, Rihanna, and the amazing talent of her video director Melina Matsoukas has helped to transform her songs into body moving hits. The video for “Rude Boy” which is a caribbean term for a “tough guy gangsta”, brings us back to Rihanna’s Barbadian roots with a salacious video featuring Caribbean colors, sounds and dance flavor.

Though some have noted the video’s similarity to M.I.A’s video for “Boyz”, Matsoukas said that”…the video lends from a lot of Rasta culture and ’80s Atari vibe and that’s what we went with…”. You can see this is true when looking at Jamacian artist Major Lazer’s video for “Pon De Floor”. Drawing from similar musical influence, it’s safe to say Matsoukas wasn’t copying M.I.A’s “Boyz”.   It’s also good to see a Rihanna video that represents her culture. Pop music tends to become monotonous and monocultural after a while. It’s refreshing that she’s pushing the envelope by putting some cultural flava’ into the mainstream.

If you like or are curious to learn more about Reggae music, be sure to visit VPRecords’ website the only Reggae focused music label in the world. Also, check out The Making of Rude Boy to see story boards and direction during the video.

If anyone was wondering what Lady Gaga’s creepy red crown outfit was about at the MTV Music awards, here’s your answer. A preview of her video for her new song “Bad Romance” has leaked its way onto the internet and her dancers are wearing the same creepy outfit.

I wonder what Miz GaGa is trying to tell us. – Watch the Preview below.

Update! Gaga dropped her video for Bad Romance yesterday and I’m living the outfits! Flavorpill did an awesome scene by scene analysis of each look in the video. It’s a must read.

Check out the full video below.

Rihanna opened up to Diane Sawyer yesterday on Good Morning America for the first time since that infamous February night with Chris Brown. The 5 minute excerpt debuted yesterday and solely focused on what happened after that ill fated night last February.

In the interview Rihanna says she went back to Chris Brown after the incident, like many victims of domestic violence do. She finally left after realizing how her actions influence the decisions of many young girls in abusive relationships around the world. In her own words, Rihanna tells Diane Sawyer,

“When I realized that my selfish decision for love could result  into some young girl getting killed, I could not be easy with that part. I could not be resposible for the… I didn’t realize how much of an impact I had on these girls lives until that happened. It was a wakeup call for me… big time. Don’t React off of love. Eff Love. Come out of the Situation and look at it 3rd person and for what it really is and then make your decision because Love is so blind.”

Rihanna’s full interview will appear on ABC’s 20/20 tonight at 10PM ET.

Opposite Rihanna during the same time slot, Chris Brown who is also promoting a new album, will be interviewed on MTV. How convenient… see an excerpt from his interview below.

Now for some commentary. While researching this, I was told about an article on CNN entitled “Why I don’t feel like dancing to Chris Brown’s music” by LZ Granderson. His article talks about his reaction to Chris Brown’s apologies. For those who have not been following this story recently, Chris Brown has never specifically associated his name with domestic violence or abuse. Instead he says he is sorry for what he has done “whatever that is”.

LZ Granderson talks about the gripes he has with this lacking statement which I’m sure many have. How can Chris Brown expect the public and his fan base to believe and accept his apology if he wont verbally own up to his actions? Granted much of his admission is probably scripted by lawyers and management but the first step toward seeking forgiveness is the full admission of guilt is it not?

Once Chris Brown has the ability to publicly acknowledge his wrong doing will be the first step in gaining back the trust and support from his fans. Until then, good luck pushing that new album out.