You can tell these two are good friends because the brotha-hood is fun to look at
in the Behind The Scenes and official video itself. I've always felt as a female, guys have the best
relationships and connections than females do nowadays. So much cattiness with us women and girls alike. Competition fueled with rivalry. With this video I just want to jump in, act silly, and have a good fun time with both of them. It's delightful.
Prior to the release, Miguel made his exciting debut on SNL: Saturday Night Live April 13 as the guest performer with Vince Vaughn as the host of the show. It was a strong anticipatory time since the whole week there were reminders of who was performing that Saturday. By this point, after winning his first Grammy Miguel should have gained many attention spans glued to the tv sets whenever there's a performance. By now he's appeared on every late night show. But I think Craig Ferguson is the one show he hasn't appeared on yet and Craig has musical guest appearances. Shoot, even Craig has jumped on his own stage and performed! So I know it's possible. Individual shout-out to RCA, perhaps you should look into getting your showstopper a spot on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He's already covered every other show! Just saying...it would be kool ;)
So let's get to the recap before I go off topic again shall we...lol
As an Artist Miguel thrills me to the core because I know that no matter what he attempts to do it's going to be well-thought out and filled with absolute creativity. I wouldn't be paying him much attention if there wasn't that "something" about him that makes you wonder, what next? The beginning is just kool because he's just merely posing. He has his kool stance in place and just makes you feel like he commands his spot, the stage. The slow-motion of the camera gives a movie-still close-up that makes you feel as if you’re zooming in and seeing a moment in time. A Classic notation. The transitional contrasts from shadows, silhouettes, and normal viewing brings a dynamism that is a repetitive theme. His most recent work "Candles In The Sun" will be the most remembered visual from his collection so far that shows the same cinematography. In “Sure Thing” his silhouette is at the end of a dark, closed-in tight hall-way, with a bright orange, red backdrop. It’s eye-catching and alluring. You wonder, who is that? Or What’s about to happen?
Okay this will seem random but I'm going to point it out since attention to detail is one thing I'm good at lol. His "la boca" or mouth seems to be one of the focal-points of his work since “Adorn” which I’m sure is enticing the ladies. Who doesn’t like a guy with pearly whites? When the light goes off from his mouth to his eyes, stellar. I’ve seen this dramatic element before in other Artists' videos. Just too kool to touch.
The band is in sync with the vibe, swaying and jamming. You’ll catch two of his original members Brook D’Leau on keyboards and Dru DeCaro, his right-hand guitar man. This cyclorama effect is a throw-back to his Billboard performance of “Sure Thing” back in 2011. To date it is my favorite performance. During the beginning stages of his mainstream career building he was still trying, I'm assuming, to adjust or acclimate himself physically to the demands of routine appearances on tv shows and performances. It’s noticeable but sometimes in the daze between sleeplessness and alertness an amazing thing happens. It created a memorable performance with ease and richness. Check out the video here under his Artist profile recognition.
Prince has been the focus of comparison with Miguel’s aura as an Artist but this time there is a resemblance in appearance. If you haven’t caught the live act Prince gave on Jimmy Fallon a few months ago then you need to “review” my review & watch the clip here. The long jacket, slim pants, dark silhouette, smoky surroundings in front of the mic, are all similar to Prince’s performance. Miguel is taking cues from one of the Greatest. All of Miguel’s work pays homage and represents influences growing up in San Pedro with a Rock, Funk, Hip-Hop, Soul loving pops and an R&B loving mom. A great description of his edgy 80’s, bad ass motorcycle peddling persona is rockabilly-meets-hip-hop. I’m thinking of an urban version of “Grease” to be made. I’m sure nobody has thought of that but it would be fly, since Miguel can sing.
Remember when I complimented Kendrick and Miguel’s togetherness? From the brooding, dark, and hard-edge urban tones of “Swimming Pools” and even “Poetic Justice” with it’s sex appeal I was waiting for that punch in Kendrick’s delivery that never seemed to quite get there. The grrrr wasn’t there but he had his swag in check, as always, but there was something “held-back” as a featuring Artist.
It’s quite understandable of his purpose if he was consciously trying to make sure he gave Miguel the spotlight for his work, since that’s what respectively can be acknowledged from Music Artists. But it was very noticeable to me even though they both were having a hell of a good time collaborating. There has been some to question why Kendrick was in the remix the same way Whiz Khalifa was on the remix of Adorn. Give or take it works itself out. Miguel didn't need a remix because it sorta takes away from what essentially sets him a part from other Artists with his style. Remixes are great don't get me wrong, but maybe not a rap Artist for this song.
What do you think Kool World? Do you like the add-in or like #HMD just the way it is?
(Leave your comments below would like to know what you're thinking and hopefully Miguel will be checking this out since I'm sending this his way. Any Retweets or posts to get his attention is strongly suggested too!)
What this collaboration positively allows for viewers to see is the pleasant sweetness in Kendrick’s character that resonates as shy but cute. His smile gives it away ;) All I know is that I wanted to jump in the video and act silly with both of them. That’s the kind of vibe you receive from their interaction.
The rising "wobbling" echo in his lines gave an edge that is likeable:
State your name, live in the moment It's your time to own it, I see it in you baby She tell me that she never get a first let awaySexy with the rhyming acrobatics and hand gestures with:Holla pull up, pull up, bring it back, come rewind Pull up them bittracks, that pack come behind
Gladly this video premiered when it did. It's a far cry from Miguel’s untimely and rather "gruesome" demise on my favorite Roc Nation renaissance, mastermind Artist J. Cole’s “Power Trip”. I would just have to ask Cole, Why?!! Why???... That’s it, because like many others it came blind-sided out of nowhere. Quite disturbing. There will be a re-cap for it since it raises questions and eye-brows for that matter. Miguel made no reference to it as well and knowing how tight-knit and devoted many of his fans are it would’ve seemed imperative to give a warning of the graphics in the video. Now there’s a message before the video plays warning viewers about the contents. To be honest I was expecting a less morbid concept but because it was the opposite of what was expected it’s even more intriguing because you'll find yourself piecing together a story.
A thought just came to me since our boy loves to give us something to ponder over...
So if he's really wondering, "How Many Drinks?" Then how many would you say Kool World?
I'm talking to you ladies...how many drinks would it take for you to go home with a guy?
The more I say this line it makes me think of, "How Many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?" lmao! I'm jeshin you all, I had a silly moment even though with talks about this video what I just mentioned looks rather dirty lol.
Believe me, that wasn't my intention whatsoever, Promise.
Just to give the guy a run for the money I would say 4, but in reality personally I wouldn't care...
One drink would suffice
1. I'm not a heavy drinker
2. If the guy was diggin' me we could just talk
At least I'll get an idea if there's a "connection". To show that I'm not that big on drinking I'll share with you the last time I took a swig of anything was a few weeks or so ago when I was chilling out of town at the casino with fam. Shared the image with Miggie because as many of us know he likes his Jack and Coke!
Which reminds me of one crazy quote from my childhood " Beer and Cornflakes ".
It came from one of my crazy friends from back in the day. Just thought it had a nice ring to it hehe.
But hey go to those casinos to get those free drinks. And don't say I told you to do it if you're under-age.
I aint getting in trouble for mentioning this lol ;)
Why doesn’t it surprise me that with all the accomplishments he has made thus far there are still commentators out here who hide behind screens and any other form of media to express their pet peeves against Miguel as an Artist. It’s definitely a generational thing to poke fun at someone’s appearance and critically bash every. Little. Word. That. Is. Said. Or. Written & to cut even down to the bone targeting sexuality. In this case it was more so about this particular song from a cynical-humorist who equally is sharing his/her personal opinions. It’s amazing how as a society we’ve reached a point where we scathingly cut down a thriving person. What is puzzling still is to find an Artist who received more acclamation from surrounding cities, states, and countries, relatively the UK, before majorly receiving it from his own home.
I’ll just say this…I was laughing, laughing at how our minds work. We can either be positive or negative. The way I am now is not how I was a few years ago. It’s through challenges, hardships, and obstacles that changed my perspective and had me reaching for something to keep me from drowning in it. If I was still that person I probably wouldn’t be an advocate for Miguel’s music. This way of thinking looks and smells like jealousy. Music was “dead” to me, meaning the Artists that were out at the time were copy-catting and not being inventive. It didn’t move me or give the excitement Miguel opened my eyes to see now with the emergence of a new sound, look, and attitude. Artists are “getting it” and it looks like we’re on our way up. That’s why I send love and respect to Miguel for believing in his dreams and encouraging his peers to never give up. That is leadership that we must follow instead of trying to tear each other down to reach success.
So how about this Miguel, let’s form a pact. You can be the shallot and I’ll be the moon-face. Since people love to give names why not show that the names will not victimize us, but empower. It could make a great parody for “Sure Thing”. In that case, how about the title be “Sure Wing or Bling”. Kool World the only way we can feel strong in ourselves is to not be victimized by cruelty. Let us stand strong and build each other up. You never know who you may need in your life. It’s funny like that. It’s real like that.
The song works. It’s not bothersome to the ears. It’s Cool & Classic the way Miguel, I’m assuming, is intentionally trying convey to his audience. Awhile back I remember Miguel mentioning he ran into La Toya Luckett from Destiny's Child, even shared a couple of photos, and instantly the first time hearing this song her song "Regret" came to mind. The music. Listen.
LeToya Luckett - Regret (Ft. Ludacris)
HMD's lyrics are suggestive hence: how many drinks would it take you to leave with me? And raw closely rated on the scale of another jaw-dropping track “P***y is Mine”, mostly by the title alone. Just like how he carries himself there’s a sense of “mindfulness” in the message behind the song. He wants this lady that has caught his eye so much to be intimate with, and he makes gentle yet direct persuasions without coming on too strong or he’ll push her away. This is a tactic many guys are realizing is the “better” way of connecting with us, right ladies? We know what’s at hand but we don’t like an obnoxiously rude and abrasive male pushing himself on to us. This also feels like a re-visit to the first song that set the map for him, “Quickie”. The same setting and really the same point-of-view. Miguel has plenty of fantasies stored away in his mind which he finds a way to share in his song-writing abilities. Can you hear that inner voice urging you to take steps in making it happen and on the outside hoping it will work? This scenario is what many of us can relate to. Temptation and Sweet Persuasion are given the leading roles in masterfully winning the woman’s interest in coming back home with him. This has got to be the same chick from “Quickie”. Is anyone else feeling the same way? Lol. Still can’t get over her. She has pulled his head out of water and has him locked in.
HMD's lyrics are suggestive hence: how many drinks would it take you to leave with me? And raw closely rated on the scale of another jaw-dropping track “P***y is Mine”, mostly by the title alone. Just like how he carries himself there’s a sense of “mindfulness” in the message behind the song. He wants this lady that has caught his eye so much to be intimate with, and he makes gentle yet direct persuasions without coming on too strong or he’ll push her away. This is a tactic many guys are realizing is the “better” way of connecting with us, right ladies? We know what’s at hand but we don’t like an obnoxiously rude and abrasive male pushing himself on to us. This also feels like a re-visit to the first song that set the map for him, “Quickie”. The same setting and really the same point-of-view. Miguel has plenty of fantasies stored away in his mind which he finds a way to share in his song-writing abilities. Can you hear that inner voice urging you to take steps in making it happen and on the outside hoping it will work? This scenario is what many of us can relate to. Temptation and Sweet Persuasion are given the leading roles in masterfully winning the woman’s interest in coming back home with him. This has got to be the same chick from “Quickie”. Is anyone else feeling the same way? Lol. Still can’t get over her. She has pulled his head out of water and has him locked in.
BEHIND THE SCENES are the best since the Artist is basically having a one on one with their audience to share their thoughts and concept behind their work. Miguel states he has never seen a live performance done in a video in a long time, the way he’s doing it, so his point was to capture the Artistry and the Performance. Again he is still trying to convey to the overall masses who he really is as an Artist. If this is the driving force that helps him continue to bring forth his best then good, but hopefully it’s not a deafening blockage with feeling the need to prove his place. He knows who he is but still thinks the world does not fully understand it yet, so he keeps challenging the status quo. It’s actually a driving force to stay passionate and take what he has already done to the next level. When you look at the credits on Kaleidoscope Dream you see how much he's involved in unlike music Artists who just sing and/or song-write. There’s art direction, background vocals, creative director, design, drums, engineer, executive producer, primary artist, Pro Tools, producer
I would say the drawback with Miguel’s purpose with Kaleidoscope Dream, in terms of parting from the stereotypical R&B, is the subject matter. Even though Miguel has stated on various occasions how he is trying to re-create R&B for not only being meant for the bedroom the lyrics and messages within suggest otherwise. I’ve avoided it for the mere fact of liking his style of music but it still stands as bold-face in comparison. I do agree critically that lyrically, the album generally discusses sexual and romantic themes, with existential subject matter on some songs. What can be understood in his purpose is telling his story of love through having it, taking it for granted, losing it, and re-gaining it again instead of making music to make love to. He titled Kaleidoscope Dream as a metaphor for life and sought to represent his own lifestyle and personality with its music and lyrics. So it’s representing his life’s story more or less. Maybe knowingly he’s cool with it if it makes people happy, but it is up for question. These songs take me straight to the bedroom: "Quickie, Teach Me, Vixen" even the "move through your bones boogie"
Are you ready for the ride of your life? I'm gonna give it to you This is gonna take all night When we start to countdown It'll be a different my darling so Hold on tight You'll be throwing by the time you arrive
"Arch & Point, Use Me", and to finish it off with the jaw-dropping yet raw and rustic "P***y Is Mine". The thing about this Artist is he clearly wants you to see that he is just like you and me, with desires and all straight-to-the point naughtiness, but there’s a sweet, soft side to him as well. He has layers. The type who knows how to put it down but also has a romantic side, makes sense right? Variety is the spice of life.
Back to the BEHIND THE SCENES, I love that last scene that you’ll see in a few snippets in the actual video where he’s acting like the ultimate mack and has two statuesque women trailing him behind, as he makes one quick turn to make sure they’re following him back to his lair lol. Flips the jacket, smooth and bad and struts along with them strutting their long ole’ legs behind him. I would’ve preferred this complete scene instead of it being cut with the red background because it essentially fits in to the overall theme. It is too kool. If it was the very last scene, with silence, that would’ve been dope, and/or maybe a preview into his next single playing in the background. Just thinking out loud ;)
So after this long review with all my story-telling Kool World check out the lyrics to How Many Drinks? [Remix] ft. Miguel. Until the next time!
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