Popdust

Nicki Minaj Plays It Safe with “MEGATRON”

Nicki Minaj is a voracious rapper on any song, but she hasn't been able to put out anything innovative or captivating since 2014's The Pinkprint.

Nicki Minaj is throwing her hat into the ring for the song of the summer— and if her Barbz have anything to say about it, it's a big contender.

On "Megatron," Minaj stays in her element with an airy vibe. The Caribbean-inspired beat highlights the rapper's clever lyricism and bitey flow. Her first single post-Queen, "Megatron" validates that Minaj has already proven her abilities as a singular rapper. However, despite her skills, the "Queen of Rap" is still struggling to maintain relevance and reinvent the wheel.

The seductive, glossy video for "Megatron" is reminiscent of the bootylicious jungle in "Anaconda"—but the song, while great, demonstrates that Minaj hasn't progressed much as an artist since then. "Megatron" could've been released in 2015; if it had been, Minaj would've seemed edgy and ahead of her time. Unfortunately, nowadays, island-inspired, hip-swaying music has been overdone in popular music ever since Rihanna's "Work."

Still, the music video incorporates all of today's popular elements of futuristic, colorful, and inviting visuals. The video successfully adds to the playful, seductive energy of "Megatron." It perfectly captures how Minaj wants to be perceived, regardless of how unchanged and outdated her public image becomes.

Nicki Minaj may be in a realm of her own when it comes to her sound and style, as she's cultivated a voice that's instantly recognizable and sharp. Even though she comes packing with ingenious wordplay, a unique flow, and entertaining production, she hasn't been able to deliver anything as inspiring and cohesive as 2014's The Pinkprint. Yet, there's no doubt people will be bumping to the loose, sexy "Megatron" this summer, and maybe that's just what she needs to launch a second wave of relevance.

From Your Site Articles

PREMIERE | Stratz Drops Sizzling New Music, 'Likkle More'

Cool Jamaican dancehall music meshed with stylish hip-hop

Photo Courtesy Stratz

Stratz premieres "Likkle More" on Popdust. The title – "Likkle More" – is Jamaican patois for "little more," and basically means "I'll catch you later."

Growing up in North London, Stratz found himself looking over his shoulder repetitively. It's a tough part of town. When one of his friends was killed in a gang thing, Stratz fell into depression and began self-medicating with alcohol. He almost ended up in prison, an episode that woke him up. Music proved to be his salvation, providing an outlet for emotional expression.

"It is funny to think this is how most of us used to live and scary to know it carries on and worsens," says Stratz, whose music fuses Jamaican dancehall with stylish hip-hop into a smooth sound rife with contagious energy.

Produced by Mayfield Studios in Portsmouth, "Likkle More" is about giving back in life, a musical aide memoire to be happy and proud, gracious to others, not holding back when a little compassion could make a world of difference in someone's life.

"Likkle More" starts off with cresting synth colors and velvety female vocals. Crisp, quasi-syncopated, crunching percussion atop a throbbing kick drum set up a scrumptious rhythmic pulse, rolling with dancehall zest. There's a brimming mood and buoyant optimism exuding from the Afro-Caribbean savor of the tune.

Stratz's delivery is cool and proximate, full of tight inflections, delicious rhymes, and a creamy texture that attracts attention. The glossy, marinating background harmonies accentuate Stratz's lush timbres, as his rapid-fire rapping flows over the lingering harmonic colors. The layered vocal harmonics infuse the tune with delicious sonority and depth.

"Likkle More" glistens with silky affability, myriad colors, and suave dancehall savors. This song is off the chain sumptuous. It gets you moving to the beat. Stratz has it going on!

Nicki Minaj Plays It Safe with “MEGATRON”

Nicki Minaj is a voracious rapper on any song, but she hasn't been able to put out anything innovative or captivating since 2014's The Pinkprint.

Nicki Minaj is throwing her hat into the ring for the song of the summer— and if her Barbz have anything to say about it, it's a big contender.

Stratz premieres "Likkle More" on Popdust. The title – "Likkle More" – is Jamaican patois for "little more," and basically means "I'll catch you later."

Follow Stratz: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Exclusive Premiere | Rose Villain's New Video "Funeral Party"

Popdust's Very Own Brent Butler Gets an Exclusive Scoop on Rose Villain's Newest Release

Meet Rose Villain.

Hi Rose Villain, welcome to Popdust! Ms. Villain, how have you been?

Can you talk to us more about "Funeral Party?"

Did any event, in particular, inspire you to write this?

What can you tell us about the making of the video?

How was the recording and writing process?

How did your upbringing influence your music? We see you draw from everything from ACDC to Ye. Interesting!

NYC vs. Milan - go!

Does this mean we can expect more new material from you - how's that coming along?

If so, any tentative release date or title in mind for the next project?

Any plans for upcoming shows?

What else is happening next in your villainous world? Everyone staying out your pool?

Follow Rose Villain on Facebook | Instagram