BLACK GIRL DEBUT MAGIC™ - WINNER
- Thread starter Mr.Arroz
- Start date
Mr.Arroz
Staff member
he/him/his
Dd. YOU’RE WELCOME.
Also, if 212 doesn’t win I’m reporting all of you.
@Mr.Arroz you have to release Miss @ohnostalgia's commentary for Take Me Apart in full after all is said and done because I NEED.
Mr.Arroz
Staff member
he/him/his
That can be done.
Yeah I was meaning to post, @ohnostalgia your commentary has been sublime throughout. Loved reading your thoughts!
ohnostalgia
Staff member
She/her
Mr.Arroz
Staff member
he/him/his
Client meeting in 20 minutes. So here we go!!!!
#3
L.E.S. Artistes
9.372
Highest score: 11 x 4 (@Trouble in Paradise, @Sprockrooster, @constantino, @CorgiCorgiCorgi)
10 x 20 (@Petty Mayonnaise, @2014, @Sanctuary, @Vitamin, @digitalkaiser, @Jwentz, @Remorque, @soratami, @R92, @lalaclairi_, @beyoncésweave, @K94, @kermit_the_frog, @ohnostalgia, @KingBruno, @Kuhleezi, @Heaven on Earth, @1991, @He)
Lowest scores: 7 x 1 (@theelusivechanteuse)
6 x 1 (@happiestgirl)
5 x 1 (@BML)
My score: 10
Track background: Released alongside “Creator” on January 22nd, 2008 (on vinyl), both tracks finally made their way to iTunes on March 25th, 2008, approximately one month before the album's general release. When “Creator”’s video was later shelved, “L.E.S. Artistes” was then selected as the album’s lead single, becoming Santi's most prolific release.
Santigold’s opening track, it was produced by Santigold, John Hill, and Jonnie “Most” Davis, with Hill assisting Santi with writing. Santi explains further her intent behind “L.E.S. Artistes” with Rolling Stone:
“Santi White, a.k.a. Santigold, went from writing songs for others to doing her own thing, but in order to pursue her career, she had to relocate from Philadelphia to Manhattan’s trendy Lower East Side. “The song is about me moving back to New York, feeling really vulnerable, wanting to be an artist soaking up all stimulation creatively but at the same time staying introverted and in my own mind,” White said. “At the same time, it’s about being accosted by the New York scene and the scenesters and hipsters, who are really not artists and are just pretending to be."
Mr. PJ was even lucky enough to interview her on May 12th, 2008, where she offered even more context:
What do we need to know about your amazing ‘LES Artistes’ single?
Well, it’s ‘L-E-S Artistes’ and it stands for Lower East Side. It’s not a French thing, it is playing on the fact that everyone tries to make things fancy and it’s really pretentious. The song is about me moving back to New York, feeling really vulnerable, wanting to be an artist soaking up all simulation creatively but at the same time staying introverted and in my own mind. At the same time, it’s about being accosted by the New York scene and the scenesters and hipsters, who are really not artists and are just pretending to be. They’re all about just being seen.
Its music video was directed by Nima Nourizadeh, and premiered during March 2008. Popjustice discusses it here.
It was later covered by Girls Can’t Chart, whose album was thankfully shelved…a nice conclusion, considering just how disconnected the song was from anything that they were.
Bye, sweaties!
My thoughts: This is the song that sold me on Santi, and literally made me the stan that I am now (looking back…I’m sure I saw a blog, Toya’z World, post photos of her, which led me to her music). I think it has a certain timeless quality to it, almost a wistful call to action to respect and cherish things that might be lost to other influences/forces. It’s weird listening to it a decade later and remembering how everything and everyone was willing her to be a massive alternative-type popstar, including Mr. PJ himself, when, as Santi has proven in the years since, that none of that was part of her plan. I like how even with her debut and its imagery she created a strongly developed sense of identity within her own corner, and kept true to it. There’s a certain, somehow sad warmth to this, and I guess as I get older, it makes me feel a whole different wealth of feelings. That fadeout certainly doesn’t help either, smh.
Your thoughts:
@Sprockrooster (11) - Pretending something you are not. As a teacher I witness this multiple times a day. The pupils are trying to find out their identity especially compared to the environment that is a secondary school (highschool). Pretending something you are not is the first step to finding an ambition to become that person. So in the essence it isnot a bad thing. It turns bad when you build a wall, put on a mask and a show. A a teacher it is our job to help students on that side too, which basically is the most challenging task. Connecting with your pupils is vital for that to happen, hence why I am open about my sexuality and I am part of the LGBQT movement within the school. It isn't quite common they have somebody in their family or friends area who is LGBQT, so I might be the only person they know on a personal level who is LGBQT. I need to be available as I do not want them to pretend they are something they aren't, only because they are in a school environment.
@Trouble in Paradise (11) - God this song is still perfection after all these years. The chorus glows and the lyrics are sublime.
@constantino (11) - WHEW! This pretty much soundtracked my childhood and it is still one of my favourite songs of all time - though the video terrified me at the time. It came along at a time where I was really starting to pay attention to the gentrification of South London (where I grew up) and the implications on the people I grew up with. There’s such a power in the chorus; Santi’s emotive yet stoic vocal delivery, the explosion of percussion, the flicking of the guitar...it’s just...sonic heaven. I might go as far as to say that this played a part in shaping me into the activist I am today.
@Remorque (10) - This still stands firm as a fucking statement. Her tearing into fakes and wannabes while sounding effortlessly cool is something only she can deliver.
@TRAVVV (8.5) - Amazing lyrics, amazing hook.
@Jwentz (10) - I love a 'warning shot' song, this was Santi announcing herself, her ambitions and her ability to write a goddamn chorus.
@digitalkaiser (10) - Can I just say...I love the inclusion of this album on this list. Out of all the debuts that have come and gone over the years, this debut hit me especially hard at this time in my life. Just hearing this song brings memories flooding back to me from 2008, the last year of an incredibly abusive and horrible relationship, and this whole album soundtracked that brutal ending and helped me escape and live my truth. The lyrics and production in this song in particular really resonate with that time, and incredible courageous piece.
@Bangers&Bops (9) - A futuristic track reminiscent of Annie Lennox, with what sound like robotic cheerleaders clapping in the background, Santogold reminds us of the difference between art and entertainment. This was the first song I ever heard from her and it is what made me fall in love with her.
@KingBruno (10) - A drifting R&B jewel full of palm mute.
@Kuhleezi (10) - One of the best things about this album is how current it feels, and that is partly because of its large use of live instrumentation, but mostly, because it was so influential on the genre, and even 10 years later it continues to inspire the new generation. For example, you can totally hear SZA was taking notes while listening to this.
@He (10) - amazing song, amazing video, amazing woman; maybe the first song I listened from all these.
@ohnostalgia (10) - “I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up. If I can stand up mean for all the things I believe.” / “Change change change change, I want to get up out of my skin. Tell you what if I can shake imma make it something worth dreaming of.”
These are such bold opening statements for a debut album. In a world where people may be denied the luxury of identity exploration, uncertainty, or even solitude, I think it’s courageous to acknowledge the pressures and toll self-improvement culture can take. And it’s a stone cold bop?
@Solenciennes (9) - Love it, it sounds very of its time but in the best way.
Music video/live performances:
(this sounds like a different vocal mix)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
#3
L.E.S. Artistes
9.372
Highest score: 11 x 4 (@Trouble in Paradise, @Sprockrooster, @constantino, @CorgiCorgiCorgi)
10 x 20 (@Petty Mayonnaise, @2014, @Sanctuary, @Vitamin, @digitalkaiser, @Jwentz, @Remorque, @soratami, @R92, @lalaclairi_, @beyoncésweave, @K94, @kermit_the_frog, @ohnostalgia, @KingBruno, @Kuhleezi, @Heaven on Earth, @1991, @He)
Lowest scores: 7 x 1 (@theelusivechanteuse)
6 x 1 (@happiestgirl)
5 x 1 (@BML)
My score: 10
Track background: Released alongside “Creator” on January 22nd, 2008 (on vinyl), both tracks finally made their way to iTunes on March 25th, 2008, approximately one month before the album's general release. When “Creator”’s video was later shelved, “L.E.S. Artistes” was then selected as the album’s lead single, becoming Santi's most prolific release.
Santigold’s opening track, it was produced by Santigold, John Hill, and Jonnie “Most” Davis, with Hill assisting Santi with writing. Santi explains further her intent behind “L.E.S. Artistes” with Rolling Stone:
“Santi White, a.k.a. Santigold, went from writing songs for others to doing her own thing, but in order to pursue her career, she had to relocate from Philadelphia to Manhattan’s trendy Lower East Side. “The song is about me moving back to New York, feeling really vulnerable, wanting to be an artist soaking up all stimulation creatively but at the same time staying introverted and in my own mind,” White said. “At the same time, it’s about being accosted by the New York scene and the scenesters and hipsters, who are really not artists and are just pretending to be."
Mr. PJ was even lucky enough to interview her on May 12th, 2008, where she offered even more context:
What do we need to know about your amazing ‘LES Artistes’ single?
Well, it’s ‘L-E-S Artistes’ and it stands for Lower East Side. It’s not a French thing, it is playing on the fact that everyone tries to make things fancy and it’s really pretentious. The song is about me moving back to New York, feeling really vulnerable, wanting to be an artist soaking up all simulation creatively but at the same time staying introverted and in my own mind. At the same time, it’s about being accosted by the New York scene and the scenesters and hipsters, who are really not artists and are just pretending to be. They’re all about just being seen.
Its music video was directed by Nima Nourizadeh, and premiered during March 2008. Popjustice discusses it here.
It was later covered by Girls Can’t Chart, whose album was thankfully shelved…a nice conclusion, considering just how disconnected the song was from anything that they were.
Bye, sweaties!
My thoughts: This is the song that sold me on Santi, and literally made me the stan that I am now (looking back…I’m sure I saw a blog, Toya’z World, post photos of her, which led me to her music). I think it has a certain timeless quality to it, almost a wistful call to action to respect and cherish things that might be lost to other influences/forces. It’s weird listening to it a decade later and remembering how everything and everyone was willing her to be a massive alternative-type popstar, including Mr. PJ himself, when, as Santi has proven in the years since, that none of that was part of her plan. I like how even with her debut and its imagery she created a strongly developed sense of identity within her own corner, and kept true to it. There’s a certain, somehow sad warmth to this, and I guess as I get older, it makes me feel a whole different wealth of feelings. That fadeout certainly doesn’t help either, smh.
Your thoughts:
@Sprockrooster (11) - Pretending something you are not. As a teacher I witness this multiple times a day. The pupils are trying to find out their identity especially compared to the environment that is a secondary school (highschool). Pretending something you are not is the first step to finding an ambition to become that person. So in the essence it isnot a bad thing. It turns bad when you build a wall, put on a mask and a show. A a teacher it is our job to help students on that side too, which basically is the most challenging task. Connecting with your pupils is vital for that to happen, hence why I am open about my sexuality and I am part of the LGBQT movement within the school. It isn't quite common they have somebody in their family or friends area who is LGBQT, so I might be the only person they know on a personal level who is LGBQT. I need to be available as I do not want them to pretend they are something they aren't, only because they are in a school environment.
@Trouble in Paradise (11) - God this song is still perfection after all these years. The chorus glows and the lyrics are sublime.
@constantino (11) - WHEW! This pretty much soundtracked my childhood and it is still one of my favourite songs of all time - though the video terrified me at the time. It came along at a time where I was really starting to pay attention to the gentrification of South London (where I grew up) and the implications on the people I grew up with. There’s such a power in the chorus; Santi’s emotive yet stoic vocal delivery, the explosion of percussion, the flicking of the guitar...it’s just...sonic heaven. I might go as far as to say that this played a part in shaping me into the activist I am today.
@Remorque (10) - This still stands firm as a fucking statement. Her tearing into fakes and wannabes while sounding effortlessly cool is something only she can deliver.
@TRAVVV (8.5) - Amazing lyrics, amazing hook.
@Jwentz (10) - I love a 'warning shot' song, this was Santi announcing herself, her ambitions and her ability to write a goddamn chorus.
@digitalkaiser (10) - Can I just say...I love the inclusion of this album on this list. Out of all the debuts that have come and gone over the years, this debut hit me especially hard at this time in my life. Just hearing this song brings memories flooding back to me from 2008, the last year of an incredibly abusive and horrible relationship, and this whole album soundtracked that brutal ending and helped me escape and live my truth. The lyrics and production in this song in particular really resonate with that time, and incredible courageous piece.
@Bangers&Bops (9) - A futuristic track reminiscent of Annie Lennox, with what sound like robotic cheerleaders clapping in the background, Santogold reminds us of the difference between art and entertainment. This was the first song I ever heard from her and it is what made me fall in love with her.
@KingBruno (10) - A drifting R&B jewel full of palm mute.
@Kuhleezi (10) - One of the best things about this album is how current it feels, and that is partly because of its large use of live instrumentation, but mostly, because it was so influential on the genre, and even 10 years later it continues to inspire the new generation. For example, you can totally hear SZA was taking notes while listening to this.
@He (10) - amazing song, amazing video, amazing woman; maybe the first song I listened from all these.
@ohnostalgia (10) - “I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up. If I can stand up mean for all the things I believe.” / “Change change change change, I want to get up out of my skin. Tell you what if I can shake imma make it something worth dreaming of.”
These are such bold opening statements for a debut album. In a world where people may be denied the luxury of identity exploration, uncertainty, or even solitude, I think it’s courageous to acknowledge the pressures and toll self-improvement culture can take. And it’s a stone cold bop?
@Solenciennes (9) - Love it, it sounds very of its time but in the best way.
Music video/live performances:
(this sounds like a different vocal mix)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Wait, what happened to #4?!
I CAN SAY I HOPE
IT WILL BE WORTH
WHAT
I
GIVE UP
IF I COULD STAND UP MEAN
FOR ALL THE THINGS
THAT I BELIEVE
I am very proud of my 11 - one of the greatest songs of all time.
IT WILL BE WORTH
WHAT
I
GIVE UP
IF I COULD STAND UP MEAN
FOR ALL THE THINGS
THAT I BELIEVE
I am very proud of my 11 - one of the greatest songs of all time.
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@Mr.Arroz is a king!
@ohnostalgia is a queen!
So glad my 11 got this beautiful thoughts! And glad I wasnot only one 11ing this. So proud of this song going this far!
If 212 got 4th......
There must be a tie for second place...which technically still makes this 4th but I'll let ha have her meeting in peace.
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If there's a tie for #2, this should be #4. There must be a tie for #3 instead. Assuming @Mr.Arroz got ha numbers right, of course.There must be a tie for second place...which tectonically still makes this 4th but I'll let ha have her meeting in peace.
If there's a tie for #2, this should be #4. There must be a tie for #3 instead. Assuming @Mr.Arroz got ha numbers right, of course.
I think that's the 'surprise' she was teasing yesterday