These Two Will Own the Fall

Beyonce: I wrote a prediction for her album based on initial impressions from her lead singles. I was not overwhelmed, but her latest videos for the singles really sell the music. Like a Boy is a great soft balad reminiscent of Irreplaceable. It is a solid song and it will probably be a smash hit as her fans will eat it up. But my video of choice is for the Single Ladies single. Again, the song was a bit lukewarm. The video is pure heat. Beyonce can dance, and she executes these HBCU drill team moves like the best of them. She looks sexy, and the simple concept of the video seems to intentional to showcase the high octane dancing these girls are doing. Beyonce gives it 100% everytime, and though not always original, she manages to always execute things a step up from the old artists she "samples" from. Beyonce will have a career as long as she wants it.

Kanye West: "Love Lockdown" is a great song and the video is equally as provactive and thought provoking. I don't have a complete grasp of the concept of the video, and the fact that I have to think about what the video means speaks to the effort and work that went into its production. I think Kanye West is an incredible artist. He is such a throwback to original hip hop. His music, I think, is cutting edge, innovatice, and always remarkably well thought out. Kanye West, and Beyonce, are two artist that will be discussed for years to come. We will be dancing to their music when we are 45 years old trying to re-live our youth at family reunions!