New Music Video: Beni feat. Tynisha Keli - The Boy is Mine

To be honest, I'm surprised this hasn't happened sooner. Many of our old hits in the States have been re-recorded by Japanese artists and I figured it was only a matter of time until the rights to the most successful song Brandy or Monica ever made got snapped up. But, when I first saw Beni's name in the title I was pissed I didn't see 'featuring Crystal Kay!' If Crystal has a closer friend in the industry than BoA, it's Beni, and she would have been sooo hot on this song. Instead, we have Tynisha Keli's vocals to contend with.



Did I say I'd prefer Beni and Crystal Kay? Well, maybe Crystal and Tynisha would do a better job. Beni completely dropped the ball on this; her verses sound like Engrishu karaoke. She put no funk or flavor on the track, which is a damn crime considering all the attitude included in Brandy and Monica's version. Tynisha on the other hand is clearly a native English speaker and has a bit of a voice on her. She didn't exactly give Monica a run for her money, but she definitely held her own. It's clear that Beni and Tynisha actually like each other in real life; they could have used some of that real, tangible enmity that was the driving force behind Brandy and Monica's #1 interpretation. You could tell they couldn't stand each other and did everything they could to blow the other one out of the water.

But, herein lies a thought: Crystal, whenever she decides to attempt the jump to America, should do a classic R&B song as a promo track. This would give new listeners a chance to hear her signature vocal style and exploit their nostalgic weakness. Someone put me in charge of the Crystal crossover -- I'd do that shit right. Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for the Girlfriend video...

Damn, it's December!

Wow, time flies. Here it is December, and nodnarb is coming up on its first anniversary! I hope someone, somewhere has enjoyed my ramblings thus far and I'm looking forward to talking more trash in 2009! Here's what's going on this December:

Yesterday, Brandy released her first album since 2004, Human. Britney Spears released Circus, her second "comeback" album in two years, last week. Brad Pitt stars in the film adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald short story The Curious Case of Benjamin Button due on Christmas Day. And, Will 'Blockbuster' Smith will star in Seven Pounds on the 19th.

Oh, and how could I forget. Happy Holidays, lovers!!!

Lovely - Brandy Performs Long Distance

I was just about to post Brandy's stellar performance of Right Here (Departed) on the Tyra Banks show when I happened upon her first live performance of new single Long Distance. And about time, too! Right Here dropped how many months ago??



Even though she was without a band, singing to a backtrack and the backup singers were only for show, I think this is better than the studio version. She gave a great vocal performance. Human, Brandy's fifth studio album, is in stores tomorrow.

New Brandy Single - Long Distance Video

Right Here (Departed) didn't make too big an impact so Brandy's camp is moving on to the next single, Long Distance. The video world premiered on Perez earlier today -- check it out.



Not the best time for an R&B chick to come out with a black and white video, but it's not bad. I think the song's a great single choice; it's a nice wintry ballad and the subject matter is something fans can easily relate to you. Thoughts? Leave a comment.

I've buckled... - Brandy: Right Here (Departed)

Right Here (Departed) has yet to make a real impact on the charts, but it’s officially made an impact on me. I love the damn song now, couldn’t get it out of my head if I tried. The video is stupid, but we can overlook that. The song by itself is mediocre at best, but Brandy’s vocals are O.O.C. Good to know that she’s still got it, and I’m glad to get a new album from her. I’m just sad she picked now. There’s way too much competition at the moment, and I’m afraid under the deluge of heavy-hitters, Brandy will drown. And because this is her first album with new label Epic Records, you can bet that the numbers will matter.