Azealia Banks - 'Broke With Expensive Taste' Review

Azealia has come back into the spotlight after a short 'hiatus' with her long awaited debut album, Broke With Expensive Taste. 

This is her first album after departing with Interscope and the album really shows a sense of freedom and inhibition. Tracks like 'Heavy Metal and Reflective' and 'Chasing Time' are dominant examples of this. It displays a new sound with hints of an emerging turnaround to her production style.

In comparison, to her '1991' EP all successful singles which launched her onto the scene, with follow up mixtape 'Fantasea', there are more risks and choices. From singing in Spanish in 'Gimme A Chance' to heading down to the OC in 'Nude Beach A Go Go' she's definitely taking measured risks, which reignites Banks' complaints of how her previous label held her back so. However, Banks gives us a little bit of what we know with her breakthrough track, '212', 'Luxury','BBD' and 'Yung Rapunzel'. These tracks are a definite welcome in the unknown territory of her underlying new sound. Tracks like 'Nude Beach A Go Go' and 'JFK' fall a bit flat in my opinion, taking a swift and sudden detour from the album.

She's has been doused in controversy in the last year. Arguing with who's who in the Twittersphere, to slating fellow muscians in the press. But from such a firecracker that is Azealia Banks, how can we surprised? Extraordinarily talented, albeit a tad hotheaded.

It's great to have you back, Azealia.

Rating: 8/10

Standout tracks: 'Chasing time' 'Cola' 'Miss Amor'

M.A.C Taupe Lipstick - Review

My first M.A.C lipstick eeee! Well, my first M.A.C product ever BUT I've been coveting one of their lipsticks for sometime so it was only right I finally took the plunge and treated myself! Right...? Let's Ask my student loan...

I've been searching for the perfect nude shade for some time now and I've never quite found it. Until I came across Taupe. I tried it on in one of their stores and I was hooked.

On application, it slides on quite nicely considering it's a matte lipstick. It can however can go quite dry so for those who are prone to get dry lips, maybe put a swash of lip balm. The colour is quite pink-brown, making it perfect for darker skinned ladies. It doesn't wash the face out or look too pale but I may invest in some brown lip pencil to make the colour even more natural.

The lasting time is around 1-2.5 hours and this can change depending on eating and drinking. If I apply this in the morning at around 9, I'll probably have to reapply around 10 but th at again depends on what I'm doing with my lips!

I definitely recommend this for those looking for that 'my lips but better' look for those who like me, struggled to find anything that suited them on the market. 

This retails for £15.50, in M.A.C stores and online.

Life Update!

It's been a while since my last post but as you may gather from reading a previous post I wrote a couple weeks ago, I've started university!

It's been a whirlwind and I've met so many people and done so much within the space of a fortnight. I can't wait to experience more and meet even more amazing people. I've found at uni that possibilities are endless.

I can only really express the mayhem which has been my freshers through pictures so without further ado...

Banks - 'Goddess' Album Review

Banks has risen through the ranks and into our attention through the social media spectrum with Soundcloud and a probably unsurprising raging fanbase of teenage girls. Her moody vocals, sullen lyrics and pristine production from some the scene's best has finally produced a debut album 'Goddess', with singles Waiting Game, Goddess and latest release Beggin For Thread all making a reappearance.

As soon as I begin the album, it's hard not to notice the brilliant production which underlays the track. Her voice also follows just as well. Citing as to be inspired by great female trailblazers before her such as Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, it surely explains her soulful tone. Alibi sets the tone of the album.  With hints of a underlying tone of ultimate LA girl sass, its lyrics support, 'Convince me I'm not a monster/Give me one excuse'. Whereas Goddess, however takes a slight detour and goes all sultry. It fits into Banks' usual theme of adolescent moodiness and slight sex appeal quite comfortably.

The middle of the album somewhat falls down the more sombre route which comes as a bit of a surprising gear change after its sinewy start. Banks shows her more feeble side; a side of vulnerability. An endearing move or a typical one? Tracks like Change, Someone New and You Should Know Where I'm Coming From all are tracks which definitely slot into the blub-into-your-pillow category. Brain is a more scream-the-lyrics-whilst-trying-not-to-cry sort of one and This Is What It Feels Like is formulated of a stimulating back-beat production and a immediate catchy chorus. All perfect for the market which is the teenage girl. Banks knows her fanbase well, because she was and probably is still just like them. 

Another gripe is the length of the album. It was probably a few tracks too long. Yet, that is completely forgotten about when you look back at the gems of the album which pray testament to the brilliant new scene of R&B we're seeing at the moment. A ballsy and an enigmatic debut to fit an engaging artist.

8.5/10

Standout tracks: 'Alibi' 'This Is What It Feels Like' 'Brain'

Victoria Secret Fragrance Mist - 'Enchanted Apple'

I love Victoria Secret. Whenever I feel like treating myself, I pop into my nearest store and always end up leaving broke. Every time I pass the perfume section, I am entranced by the candied scents of their fragrance mists and perfumes. But, it's always the lingerie that wins in the end. 

However, after the eventual loss of my beloved go to scent, Amazingreen by Commes Des Garçons I thought I might go for a more girly scent. This isn't a perfume, it's a mist but its scent is near enough good enough to eat and you'll be sure to receive compliments galore.

With its base notes of red apple and undertones of hyacinth, it literally smells like I'm dousing myself in apple juice. Is that a bad thing? Probably. It limits where I can wear this and when. It's definitely a summer fragrance but I'm definitely going to wear this throughout Autumn/Winter to reminisce over the summer. Perfect for freshening up during the day.

Tracks on repeat right now

Alpine - Gasoline

This track feels like it was made to be played in American Apparel. And so does the video. But this track is awesome because of its' brilliant Australian twang from the duo. Pheobe Baker and Lou James have a electric chemistry with vocals which seam effortlessly into one. It has holiday vibes, perfect for Summer and this has definitely been a regular track in my Summer playlist - which I will be posting next week!

Fka Twigs - Kicks (Shines Remix)
I've been addicted to the album the past week but as I've completely abused the repeat button on this track, I've looked for different remixes and I've been amazed at this great remix for Kicks. Mates I've shown this track say that this track gives them vibes of early morning raves, when you're completely spaced out and time doesn't really have a meaning. And I completely agree.

MNEK - Wrote A Song About You

Another track from MNEK in my list! Ok, I can't deny I'll probably love any song he does but this one is a definite hit. It has a gorgeous 90's vibe and luscious lyrics, 'I rather be alone than lonely/Wondering if you're thinkin' of me'. The video is also amazingly (is that a word?) retro. A perfect track for motivation at the gym too!

St Ives Exfoliating Scrub

Exfoliation is a big must in everyone's bath routine. Exfoliation not only gives you luscious skin as smooth as a baby's bottom but helps the skin look younger by getting rid of dead skin cells! (Yum!) It also reportedly helps reduce cellulite, but that doesn't excuse you from doing those squats people! 

St Ives are renowned for their quality products for affordable prices and it's been a brand I've sworn by for years. Their Apricot Body Scrub is described as 'invigorating' and it really is. The smell is fresh and awakening, with the exfoliating microbeads giving you that additional clean feeling. The only downside I can give about this product is that once you drop a bit in the bath/shower, it makes things extra slippery!

You can get your own little tub of apricot goodness from Superdrug, Boots, Tesco or Amazon for £4-£5.

Louis Centoni @ Ronnie Scott's 'TV Nights'

Louis Centoni is making big waves across the online music scene and he's currently doing small shows around London's best venues.

Tonight I caught him at the prestigious Ronnie Scott's Jazz Bar in Soho at their 'TV Nights' showcase. It was a great show in a beautiful venue and I highly recommend checking out their future showcases. There's definitely some upcoming talent in there I'm sure we're going to see a lot of very soon.

Check out some of his tracks if you haven't been able to catch them live yet!

  

Life Update!

Its been a busy couple weeks hence my extreme lack of posting. I've been working and preparing for university which I'm moving to next week! (Eek!)

I'm so excited yet extremely unsure about what the future will hold. I'm usually someone who is quite sure of how things will turn out but as this is something so new and different and also something I've anticipated for years, I feel like there's a lot riding on it. 

What I've come to though is that I'm not the only one feeling this way. The best way is to be positive and assured things will be okay! I read this awesome quote which I want to share and I will try to reference in times of doubt throughout the following years...

Finally, the mere fact of being at university doesn't guarantee anything. It does not assure you a career or a good time or finding the love of your life, or anything. That falls to you. You must go, get, do, start, try. Find what it is you want. And mark this: when someone says patience is a virtue, take stock of quite how short life really is - and then hurry up living.

Joy Nkoyo

My best gal singer/songwriter Joy Nkoyo and I took a little trip down good old East London to take a couple shots for her upcoming EP. Have a looksie...

If you haven't heard any of her tracks before, change that and check out her soundcloud at soundcloud.com/joynkoyomusic

Tracks on repeat right now

Alt-j - Every Other Freckle
Alt-J seem to be releasing little nuggets of delicious music, prolonging the anticipation their new album daily. Their new single release is 'Every Other Freckle' which I literally cannot stop listening to, hence why it had to top my tracks on repeat list. Newman has a type of vocal I can't get over. It has this inner depth which is able to evoke so many emotions at once. Which kind of relates to the teenage psyche, unable to pinpoint exactly what they're thinking... or feeling.. or want. A standout lyric has to be, 'Turn you inside out and lick you like a crisp packet'. As British as dirty talk can get really.

Jessie Ware - Tough Love
I previously mentioned a track of Ware's before but this track has captivated me from first play and is really different in my opinion to anything she has released before. It has sonic pulsations of synth and vocals which stir, 'You got me crying out for more/That's called tough love'. It's full of emotion and Ware puts across real emotion through her vocals and lyrics. Enchanting.

Airhead - Hundred Years   
1-800-Dinosaur are a brilliant label with alternative god, James Blake at it's helm and producer Rob McAndrews otherwise known as Airhead one of it's artists. 'Hundred Years' is simply a great track due to its broken beat structure and overlapping vocal, 'What you know about love/What you expect me to do'. The rest of the Believe EP is great with 'Shirin' being another favourite, but this is a standout for me.

FKA Twigs - 'LP1' Album Review

FKA Twigs otherwise known as Tahliah Debrett Barnett has been slowly up and coming from the depths of the underground scene into the more mainstream and well known scene of British alternative music. She's back with her follow up album 'EP1' which takes a slight detour however manages to stay on a steady track.

The album stays true to Barnett's style with introductory tracks 'Preface' and 'Lights On', 'When I trust you/We can do it with the lights on' to 'Two Weeks' 'Pull out the insides and give me two weeks/You won't recognize her'. Unusual lyrics compressed into much more unusual beats. With the middle of the album taking a more fleshy turn with 'Pendelum' and 'Video Girl' being less disjointed and more emotional and contemplative. If you've been lucky enough to see her live, you immediatley conjour up her writhing and bopping to these tracks. If you haven't, watch here. She somehow manages to ooze her physical idiosyncrasies through her vocals seamlessly.

'Numbers' takes a step back to the break beat R&B feel, with a soaring vocal, 'Was I just a number to you' shows her vulnerability and her inner desires combined with heartache. Following on with 'Closer', it has a strangely gospel vibe mixed in with a 80's electronic undertone rounded up with broken synth beats. Only FKA twigs. Closing up with 'Give Up' and 'Kicks', it's her instrumentals which really seem to pay testament to her imprint in the scene and the power of great production. 'Kicks' is a haunting, rousing conclusion to the album, 'What do I do when you're not here?' It leaves you in the dark, in silence, wondering when your hair will stop standing on end and the bumps on your arms would go down.

There's something so sensual yet disturbing about FKA that entices you track after track. The enigmatic nature and the broken beat of her music underpins the character of a girl seemingly highly inspired by trailblazers in the past like Bjork and Kate Bush. It's breathtakingly refreshing when an artist is willing to push the boundaries and surpass expectation. The disturbing yet highly enticing theme of Barnett's persona of the 'submissive ragdoll' (reference to that 'Papi Pacify' video) carries forward from not only her lyrics but to the cover of her album where she appears waxen and manneqin-esque. It then poses the question whether Barnett is trying to pose a deeper question of her position in the industry. Is she merely a puppet trying to break free or submit? It seems like her music is the only answer to that question. 


9/10

Standout tracks: 'Two Weeks', 'Pendulum', 'Kicks'

Streets of East

Today was a beautiful Summers day and I thought it'd be great to do a little OOTD! I'm all for items which are breathable and bright for the summer so I threw together a simple outfit which keeps you cool and also keeps you comfortable too.

A simple white top is the equivalent to the staple Little Black Dress. As I've got older I've started to deviate from the slogan tees and more towards block coloured items so this crop top from ASOS is becoming a favourite of mine to pair up with high waisted jeans and skirts. I'm also always in Converse. They're comfy, versatile and also affordable.

             

Mustard is such a favourite colour of mine! If you looked inside my wardrobe and my shoe collection, you'd see that too. It's such a beautiful colour which makes your skin pop, especially if you've got dark skin or a tan! 

All the pieces I'm wearing are from ASOS, so definitely watch out for their own brand items.

Crop top: ASOS

Skater skirt: ASOS

Trainers: Converse

University: Is it really worth it?

A question that has been spiralling round and round my brain for years increasing in volume...

'Is it really worth all that money to go to university?'

With a lot of my peers deciding to postpone university to 'find' themselves, take a gap year, pursue careers or internships or just skip uni altogether, I look into myself and my plans. I question whether I'm going into something which will waste 4 years of my life and my money. 

I'm going on to study PR and it has been a keen interest of mine for the past few years. I love the medium of social media to promote my friends who are artists in music or in theatre and I love working and advising friends on how they can improve their public image as professionals. I believe PR is definitely a real necessity in our everyday world. From Obama to Beyoncé, everyone in the public eye needs crisis management. However, after doing placements and small stints in offices, it kind of... scares me. After being in the cocoon of the BRIT school for years transitioning into the less forgiving world of work, I feel the difference. So, what about those who really aspire to be successful and earn the big bucks working in the city or doing their dream job but just aren't ready yet?

University.

The bridge that fills the gap between that annoying uncertain stage in life. That extra time to build more foundations for the future instead of floundering in the big pond which is called 'the real world'. Being able to meet new people and build more exciting and fun experiences. And partying! You can't have all work without play... I must admit, 30k is a lot to party and 'discover' yourself without the safety net of your parents but it has been proven that those who go into higher education do go on to earn more in the long run that those who did not. 

Either way, whether you've decided uni isn't really your thing or you've bagged a place at your dream uni.. 

Be sure to make the most of it.

Tracks on repeat right now

Kaytranda - At All

Mr Louis Celestin, better known as Kaytranda is my favourite DJ/producer of right now. His mixes are solid and consistent, with beats and flows combined to create dynamite. He's to play Bestival this September and as it becomes more and more realistic in my mind that I probably won't be going, I can only solace my heartbreak by constantly replaying his tracks.

The At All/Hilarity Duff EP included three tracks and this song really stands out for it's club vibe and the vocal mix. I can't wait for Kaytranda to release more music. It feels like he can do no wrong.

Jessie Ware - Share It All

'Share It All' is Jessie Ware's latest track with a little songwriting assistance from the xx's Romy Madley-Croft, which does explain its strong 'mood-setting' vibes. The lyrics are hugely echoing of The xx too, 'Will you share it all with me/I know you could do too'.

Warm snyths and stirring vocals.. like stepping into a bath at the perfect temperature. Blissful.

Banks - Beggin For Thread

Banks is back with a new single 'Beggin For Thread' and it's a great follow up to previously released single 'Goddess'.

It's got more of a pop vibe this time around, taking a slight detour from her trips down a moody hip-hop lane. It's chorus is one that will stick in your head and definitely makes the song a good contender for the charts. Keep a eye out for her debut album out soon.

Nas - Illmatic (2oth Annivesary Mix)

It's the 20th anniversary of Illmatic and to pay personal tribute, I've been blaring out this album this summer to relieve the good old 90's hip hop vibes Nas oozes through my speakers.

The standout tracks have to be 'Life's A Bitch' and the 'The World Is Yours'. They almost epitomise rap and hip hop music, with the break down beats and consistent and effortless flow of Nas. He was a trailblazer for rap artists after him and his album will always remind me of what great hip hop really is.

F.O.M.O: The Epidemic of our generation?

F.O.M.O or Fear Of Missing Out. Defined as missing out that house party everyone's at. That festival. That night out you really actually didn't want to go on whilst Netflix and your warm bed felt more appealing.

But no, it's Saturday night and you can't bear the thought of everyone else being drunk or possibly having a much more exciting time than you are. At home. Sober. 

With the increase of social media becoming more and more prolific in our everyday lives, we have become a generation who feel the need to compare and seek solace from our news feeds. It has become a increasing worry amongst young people around the ages of 15-24 that they're 'missing out' on all the fun their friends are having. The danger however is that people begin to lose self esteem and feel inferior to their peers. The blessing and the curse of social media is that one can be whoever they want to be. The best image of ourselves can be portrayed to the world, leaving out the nasty bits.

Think about your latest night out. We never instagram the hyped up party of the month to be actually drier than the Sahara and void of any life or tweet about the night were you ended up vomiting just before you were about to seal the deal with the hottie you were eyeing up the whole night. Or allowed the the tagged photo of you passed out on your mates sofa looking a little worse for wear. Anyway, I digress.

The main message is to remember to never, ever, ever compare yourself. Don't fear about missing out! Just do you.

Lovebox 2014

What a day! Lovebox came back and bigger and better than it did last year, which I didn't think was possible after amazing performances from Duke Durmont, Disclosure, Julio Bashmore and Azelia Banks to only name a few. This year, we were lucky to be graced by the likes of Joey Bada$$, Katy B, David Rodigan, A$AP Rocky and the almighty Chase & Status. It was an jam packed day full of good vibes, great music and love!

Chase & Status were the standout act of the festival for me with their 2 hour set being full of pyrotechnics, smoke, fireworks, confetti... and rain to help cool us down in the draining 30 degree weather we were subject to all day (poor us!)

The amazing finale to Chase & Status' set

After A$AP's mental performance!

I definately recommend Lovebox if you haven't been before. It's a day of the year you're likely to never forget!

Skincare Favourites!

Lush Tea Tree Toner

Tree tree oil is my saviour. It's what I slather on my face before bed on a bad skin day and in my morning after a shower. This essential oil is known to minimise pores and help reduce any scars or dark marks. It's almost magical!

Lush are the best for natural sourced ingredients and when I always have some loose cash I always pop into lush. Their R'N'B hair conditioner is also another holy grail product for my mum and I. Those with coarse or sometimes dry hair, I definitely recommend trying it out!

Garnier Face Wash

I like to exfoliate as I feel it really deep cleanses the skin but exfoliating more than twice a week is really detrimental for the skin as it strips it off all those lovely natural oils, causing more breakouts! So on days I want a deep cleanse but no exfoliation, I use this face wash.

It's great at removing make up and it makes my skin feel super soft without drying it out. Thumbs up!

Garnier Millecilar Water

I'm not a big make up wearer but when I do, I need it removed quickly and easily. This Millecilar water is amazing at doing that whilst giving my skin a refreshed and clean feeling. It doesn't give that oily feeling like other make up removers and it literally sometimes only needs a squeeze on a big cotton pad to remove all my make up.

A skincare staple for makeup removal at a wallet friendly price.

Clean and Clear Exfoliating Scrub

I've been using Clean and Clear products for ages and this face scrub is a staple in my skincare routine. I went without it for a couple months and my skin was not pleased. I finally restocked (yay for Superdrug deals!) and have fallen back in love.

This is a brilliant exfoliant which isn't too harsh and I definitely think it rivals your high end brands like Kiehls and Clinque in the sole fact it gets the job done.

It removes all the nasties from your skin and makes it look fresh and reduces breakouts almost immediately. What more could you want?

Utopia Series 2, Episode 1 + 2 review

Well it's back. Utopia. The creation by Dennis Kelly, the genius behind West End musical Matilda and controversial National Theatre play, DNA.

Utopia is a strange masterpiece. It's shot and coloured phenomenally and has a brilliant cast which carries the story beautifully. However, it's controversial use of violence, which is commonplace within Dennis Kelly's work has been cited as 'unnecessary' and 'gratuitous'. That's probably true but in our day and age, we're pretty much immune to a bit of torture and cannibalism on a Monday night.

The first episode relayed the prologue of the story of how it all began, taking us back to the 70's in 4:3 aspect ratio and a Instagram filter to boot. How delightfully vintage. Although it was interesting to hear the back story and gain some understanding, I couldn't really fully engage and I couldn't help but feel a little underwhelmed when the end credits rolled. Although, I had to applaud the comeback of the series at such a high technical level. However, episode 2 is what really brought back the show and reminded me why I fell in love with it last year. The sharp dialogue, the brilliant acting especially from Fiona O'Shaughnessy who plays the infamous Jessica Hyde, the glimmers of Kelly's sharp sense of humour and the underlying worry every time I saw yellow.

Let us hope Utopia comes back with a vengeance this series, making up for its blips last time, building on its amazing story and breaking even more rules in TV.

Either way, I can't wait.

Tracks on repeat right now

The Weeknd - Often I love me some of The Weeknd. I've been a fan of his for a good 3 years and I still haven't seen him live yet (must change that!) This new track is brilliant, with an infectious bassline and his signature vocal and lyric style, 'I usually love sleeping all alone/This time around bring your friend with you'

I can't wait to hear this in the clubs!

Usher - Good Kisser (Disclosure Remix)
Okay, call me biased. Call me utterly in love. But anything Disclosure makes is a hit for me! This track by Usher is actually an originally good song but this is an absolute perfect summer time tune which will have to make an apparence on my upcoming Summertime playlist. The beat.. the urge to get up and dance.. that feel good feeling... Typical Disclosure.

Sam Smith - Leave Your Lover (esta. remix) I'm a sucker for a remix. A sucker for house and electronic. And I love me a bit of Sam Smith. Enough said? Well, let's talk about esta. He's an up and coming DJ from California and his beats are slowly seeping through the speakers of the little East London clubs and beyond. See! East London always has it right! Keep an eye out for this guy, he's making big moves.

ASOS + Urban Outfitters Haul

I recently did a massive overhaul on my wardrobe to sort me out for summer and also my new term for uni in September (eek!) and I got my items from my two favourite outlets, ASOS and Urban Outffiters.

I've been shopping with both stores for years and they always stock amazing brands with Lazy Oaf and Sparkle & Fade being my top two. ASOS' Own brand is putting out really good stuff at the moment though! With a handy combo of sales and student discounts (bless you UNIDAYS!) I managed to get quite a few tops, skirts, jeans, shoes and jumpers. Nice one!

Some OOTD's soon to come!

My Sleek MakeUp Collection

I'm a Sleek fanatic. Sleek are amazing because they cater for dark skin girls at drugstore prices which is a blessing for my strained student wallet. Sleek was actually one of the first brands I invested in when I started wearing make up.

I'm not a heavy make up wearer. My everyday look is more focused on my eyes and a glossed lip. However, on days when my skin isn't being so co-operative and I have time on my hands or a night out, a good base helps. I've decided to pick out my top 3 products from the brand and give a small overview.

 1. Sleek Crème To Powder Foundation - Henna - £7.99

This is an oldie but it was my go to foundation for a good year. I actually bought it on a whim one day in Superdrug and I was pleasantly surprised. It's a compact foundation and is said to be a dupe for MAC's Studio Fix Powder as it applies to the same mattifying finish upon application.

Its finish when I first bought it was flawless, like it gave that almost airbrushed look. However, probably expectedly it's began to lose its spark and now has this weird synthetic plastic smell upon application and isn't as flawless in it's finish. Talk about off-putting! But for the price tag, you can let it off.



 2. Sleek CC Cream - Medium - £8.99

This is a new release from Sleek and is a new addition to my make up kit. I had in mind initially to buy the BB cream after reading quite a few favourable reviews but again, this looked like it could be a winner with it's 'colour correcting' properties.

The jury's still out on this one. I wore it to my prom last month but had to cover it quite a bit with some pressed powder, in fear of the dreaded white cast effect in flash photographs due to the SPF in it. It's a shame Sleek can't really find middle ground for us girls who aren't really Medium but aren't really Dark.



3. Sleek Contour Kit - Dark - £6.49

This is another new addition to my make up kit after only really using bronzer as my highlight and contour combined (shout out to my beloved Bourjois Délice de Poudre Bronzing Powder!) and I thought I might as well give this a try. So far, I'm in love. The pressed powder and highlight duo are perfect for highlighting my cheekbones and jawline and my brow bone. It's pretty much enough for my make-up some days combined with my usual eye make up. Definitely a new staple item for those days I want a boost!