In the business of hit-making, there’s no monkeying around! With the release of their fourth studio album Monkey Business, The Black Eyed Peas proved they had lasting power. “Turn up the radio, blast your stereo right!” is exactly what will.i.am, Fergie, apl.de.ap and Taboo said on “Pump It” and had fans doing on this day in 2005 when their infectious jams were in heavy rotation.

Phunking on Top

Setting off the second Fergie-Peas era was the slightly comedic/funky hip pop/dance hit “Don’t Phunk With My Heart,” sometimes censored as “Don’t Mess With My Heart” on radio. Still, even the play on words couldn’t stall the Peas from reaching the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 5 and going on to win them their second Grammy Award.

True to Peas form they brought in heavy hitter collaborators, including Godfather of Soul James Brown (“They Don’t Want Music”). Critically acclaimed Hip Hop and R&B talents Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, CeeLo, and John Legend joined them on “Like That.” Plus they ruined with “Where Is The Love?” crooner Justin Timberlake for the Timbaland produced “My Style.”

The Rise of Fergie

Though if 2005’s Monkey Business LP proved anything for The Black Eyed Peas it was that Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson could truly lead a BEP song and stand as a solo star in her own right. The Fergie led track “My Humps” went on to peak at number 3 on the Hot 100 and win The Black Eyed Peas their third Grammy in as many years. Prematurely ending the chart run of second single “Don’t Lie” when it began getting unsolicited radio airplay, the cheeky was the album’s third single. Originally intended for The Pussycat Dolls, will.i.am clearly recognized the song’s hit potential and kept it; effectively making Fergie a star and giving Nicole’s group (and himself) a top 20 hit with “Beep.”

It’s no surprise that less than a year later Fergie ended up releasing her first solo single “London Bridge.” Her debut solo album The Dutchess went on to be certified 5X Platinum and yield three number one hits, including the aforementioned lead single. Fergie’s status as a solo star only elevated status of the The Black Eyed Peas.

Sonic Showcases

Aside from catapulting Fergie to solo superstar status, The Black Eyed Peas 4th body of work continued to showcase how genreless the Peas could be and how vast their influences were. “Ba Bump” showcases the groups fond love for their core base, Hip-Hop. apl.de.ap shows love to the Philippines and his life growing up during the dance floor ready “Bebot” (Filipino slang for babe). The band’s unifying tone returns for “Union” featuring Sting, which interpolates the jazzy reggae vibe of his 1988 single “Englishman In New York.”

Pumped Up Peas

“The energy never died,” track after track, as the infectious dance hit “Pump It” capped off the album’s singles, ending the era on a high just as “Let’s Get It Started” did for Elephunk. It was the perfect end to make listeners crave more BEP jams!

The hits Monkey Business produced perfectly positioned The Black Eyed Peas to dominate the music world when they returned. Even though fans had to wait until 2009 for new music, the band toured during the years in-between to build anticipation.

Its the steady climb from Elephunk to Monkey Business to what may be peak Peas during The E.N.D. that allowed the most recognized incarnation of the band to perform all over the world, break records, win three more Grammy’s and even headline the 2011 Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show. Not bad for Monkey Business!

Listen to Monkey Business by The Black Eyed Peas

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Whether your thing is Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, or something else, the music world delivered several albums that we found to be worthy of being called the top albums of 2017, or as we like to call them, “97s.” We saw the long-awaited return of several of our favorites, and debut albums from a number of notable new talents, such as SZA, AlanMichael, and Declan McKenna. But, how did they all rank in our list?

Deliberated by our team of writers, we’ve ranked the top albums of 2017 that we loved. If you’re familiar with the way we review songs/albums then you know that “97” is our top score. We love every album on this list, ranked them according to how much and weighed in with a few thoughts about each. Please feel free to comment with your thoughts, as well! We’d love to hear from you and engage in any discussion. Now, without any further ado…

THE 97’s Top Albums of 2017:
The 19 “97” Albums

19. Entrancing, AlanMichael

AlanMichael is an up-and-coming independent artist that you need to know. Our readers might recall his 1997 mix of Beyoncé’s “Pray You Catch Me” with Janet and Mariah. He’s a multi-threat: singer-songwriter-rapper-producer-dancer … and probably more. Entrancing is his first official release after a series of EPs and mixtapes. The set is short, but striking nonetheless — striking enough to stand worthily alongside a list of his big-named, mainstreamed, soon-to-be peers. On Entrancing, AlanMichael showcases his versatility, vanity and vulnerabilities. The album is an introductory journey that takes the listener through this captivating new artist. Not only that, it is also a journey through a multitude of fresh and varied musical landscapes, innovative vocal intricacies and subtleties, and dynamic lyrical themes. However, the Entrancing experience doesn’t stop at your ears: it has a visual component available now on YouTube. Highlights: “Vanity,” “The Lux” and “Is This Where We Are?” -Vincent

18. DROGAS Light, Lupe Fiasco

A mix of new material and refined older recordings, Lupe Fiasco‘s sixth studio album DROGAS Light is a prequel to the coming DROGAS Wave. While not his most profound or innovative work, DROGAS Light is a solid set packed with several bops and that signature Lupe flow. The unique storytelling is there (“Jump”), alongside a heartfelt dedication to his mom (“More Than My Heart”), thought-provoking moments (“NGL”), and even a little romance (“Pick Up the Phone”). One of my favorites, though, is “Promise,” where Lupe cleverly makes a very simple, sing-songy rap track to show, “yeah I could do that too… but I’m above it.” When I first heard the song, I thought it was a guest artist rapping. But it’s Lupe being messy, as per usual. Highlights: “Promise,” “It’s Not Design,” “Wild Child” -Vincent

17. ?VOLVE, Imagine Dragons

16. El Dorado, Shakira

Shakira’s El Dorado is almost like a greatest hits compilation of her year prior to its release. Of the album’s 12 tracks, 5 had been released prior to the album. Three of those were duets with other artists, while the other two were her own promotional singles. It was an interesting but effective strategy. The album’s highlights are in fact its duets, notably the new additions “Chantaje” and “Trap” with Maluma and “Perro Fiel” with Nicky Jam. On El Dorado, the 40-year-old Shakira proved she can still hang with los jovenes and churn out the hits. Highlights: “Chantaje,” “Trap,” “Me Enamoré,” “Perro Fiel” -Vincent

15. What Do You Think About The Car?, Declan McKenna

There was a LOT of hype around Declan McKenna and his debut album. Multiple times, by multiple outlets, he’s been called ‘the voice of his/a generation’. While he may not have proven (or accepted) that title, his debut alum is a solid body of work. He showcases his covers a unique group of topics such as LGBT teen suicide and corruption in FIFA. He accomplishes this over a surprisingly welcoming indie-rock-themed body of work (with some clear inspiration from Bowie and Dylan). Highlights: “Why Do You Feel So Down?”, “Humungous”, “Brazil”, “Paracetamol” -Andrew

14. More Life, Drake

Many people probably don’t really consider this a Drake album, but why not? It has all the elements that make a Drake album: the mellow R&B-ish undertones, the ear to the streets to know what’s hot and the tropical bops. And speaking of bops, More Life gave us a couple of Pop crossovers that rank up there with the likes of “Hotling Bling” and “Hold On, We’re Going Home.” Drake is maybe still trying to find a balance between the street cred and the Pop superstar life, and he may get a little repetitive, but since this isn’t really an album, maybe he will explore new ground on the next chapter. Hopefully. Highlights: “Passionfruit,” “Blem,” “Glow.” -Mario

13. Double Dutchess, Fergie

12. The Autobiography (As Told By), Vic Mensa

I saw Vic Mensa live twice this year. First, at the Tidal charity concert, and most recently at Jay-Z’s 4:44 Tour. His live performances left me so impressed that I decided to listen to his album. I was even more impressed. The set is aptly titled. Autobiography plays like a confessional. Mensa is no-holds-barred in his honesty and emotional delivery. He cascades subject matters, ranging from relationships to race in America. It’s not perfect, but its imperfections add to its character. He is a raw, unfiltered artist whose voice and artistry are only going to become more refined and defining. Highlights: “Say I Didn’t,” “Homewrecker,” “We Could Be Free” -Vincent

11. Ctrl, SZA

The plight of black women and the pursuit of love and happiness is something that I’ve written about extensively, and the narrative is often one of despair and heartache. In Ctrl, SZA not only changes that narrative, she completely turns it on its head, leaving little to the imagination, and changes the conventions entirely. In songs like “Supermodel”, “Love Galore”, the Kendrick Lamar assisted track “Doves in the Wind”, and most notably, “The Weekend”, SZA frankly discusses her need for unattached, no strings, relationships, matters of the heart, and one’s almost self-destructive need for sex.

There have been people I’ve discussed album’s subject matter in great detail, and some find her messages unappealing, for it is “unladylike” for a woman to speak so candidly about sex in such a “vulgar” manner. However, SZA does nothing more than speaking to the same things that have been the status quo for men for centuries. Feminist teas for the win! In reality, the album’s content is what for the most part, represents our generation’s attitude towards love and sex, and truthfully, unabashedly takes full ownership of that attitude. Highlights: “The Weekend” “Love Galore” “Doves in the Wind” “Go Gina” “20 Something” -Jordan

10. CollXtion II, Allie X

Allie X affected me this year. This album captivated me from the very first listen. Allie already demonstrated her songwriting abilities contributing to Troye Sivan‘s stellar Blue Neighbourhood. Now she showcases the full picture on her debut LP. CollXtion II combines dark, synth-driven pop with clever lyrics, catchy melodies with Allie’s haunting vocals. At times it’s dreamy and effervescent. Other times it’s nightmarish and downtrodden. One thing’s for sure: This isn’t the picture-perfect love created in a Disney cartoon. Highlights: “Old Habits Die Hard”, “Casanova”, “True Love Is Violent”, “Vintage” – Andrew

9. Bluebird of Happiness, Tamar Braxton

On her fourth album, Tamar Braxton decided that she was not going to highlight the cons of a relationship, but instead, she focused primarily on what made her feel happy. This was probably just an effort to mask the difficulties and the struggle she was going through while making this record: just after the release of the album she and Vince decided to announce their separation. Nonetheless, Bluebird of Happiness showcases Tamar’s qualities as an R&B songstress and her ability to put emotions on wax-like very few can do in the current music landscape. Highlights: “Wanna Love You Boy,” “The Makings of You” “Pick Me Up.” -Mario

8. Evolution, Anastacia

Anastacia is a veteran in the industry, with hits under her belt, in Europe that is. In her native USA though, she’s fairly unknown beyond “I’m Outta Love”. This year’s Evolution was her 7th studio effort, and one of her best to date. More than a decade after she discovered her Sprock (soul-pop-rock) sound, she grows beyond it to a unique mix of pop and rock. She’s not chasing trends here, nor is she going retro. Despite a tragic lack of push from her label, Evolution sounds fresh, expansive, and contemporary. Highlights: “Redlight”, “Before”, “Higher Livin'” -Andrew

7. Grateful, DJ Khaled

I’ll be the first one to admit that I’ve never been a huge fan of DJ Khaled. While I’ve always respected his hustle, some of his productions never really caught my eye. Amidst his massively popular social media presence and his involvement with one of last summer’s anthems, “All The Way Up”, Khaled absolutely won with this year’s LP, Grateful. Enlisting the help of Drake, Rihanna, Migos, Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj, and of course, Beyoncé and JAY-Z, Khaled really crafted a work that full of simple good vibes. Not every album needs to evoke deep thought; sometimes, especially in this day and age, it helps to just bop. His inclusion of his son Asahd on the final track “Asahd Talk (Thank You Asahd), as well as on the album cover, is icing on the cake. Highlights: “I’m The One”, “Shining”, “Wild Thoughts”, “Billy Ocean” -Jordan

6. Beautiful Trauma, P!NK

It’s been five long years since P!NK released her last solo effort, The Truth About Love, and she returned this fall with Beautiful Trauma. A pensive collection of reflections, the album is an emotional rollercoaster that plays like the lyrics might have just fallen out of P!NK, in a stream-of-consciousness style. Never one to hold back, she once again does not disappoint in that regard. Whether it’s by delivering a subtle political message (“What About Us”), an honest take on her relationship (“Beautiful Trauma”), vindictive hurling of insults (“Revenge”), or a battle with her own insecurities (“Better Life”) she always takes it there.

There are more touching moments, too, such as the nostalgic ballad “Barbies,” emotionally and vocally raw “You Get My Love,” and the anthemic “I Am Here.” The title perfectly encapsulates the album, indeed it is beautiful, yet slightly traumatic. Highlights: “Secret,” “But We Lost It,” “Barbies,” “I Am Here” -Vincent

5. Strength of a Woman, Mary J. Blige

The Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul‘s 13th studio album comes at a time in her life when she’s facing the struggle of a failed marriage. The name of the record, however, shows that Mary’s not about to let this drama sink her heart. Instead, she’s taking the opportunity to remind us that she’s a survivor. Strength of a Woman is the work of a scorned woman who’s found her inner light to shine, an artist who’s adding one more block to an already solidified legacy. This album is ultimately also a reminder that Mary’s ability to bare her soul to us is something that’s always set her apart. Highlights: “U + Me (Love Lesson),” “Set Me Free,” “Love Yourself.” -Mario

4. Meaning of Life, Kelly Clarkson

I have wanted Kelly Clarkson to release an R&B album since I heard her half-baked, directionless debut set. From there, as we all know, she rebelled with pop-rock via Breakaway, My December and other solid, but predictably pop cuts. Along the way, there were hints of soul, such as “What’s Up Lonely” from Thankful, “Why Don’t You Try?” from Stronger, and “Bad Reputation” from Piece By Piece. However, on Meaning of Life, Clarkson went full-throttle. Sure, the album still has pop sensibilities, but there’s no rock flair or country twang on any of these songs. There’s slinky R&B (“A Minute”), supersonic throwback soul moments (“Love So Soft”), and even some clear Mariah inspiration (“Medicine”). Then, of course, there is “Whole Lotta Woman,” on which Kelly must’ve been channeling Beyoncé’s role as Foxxy Cleopatra as she announces: “You ain’t know!? Texas women do it bigger!”

The vocals are glorious. The album is full of life. I don’t know that I know the Meaning of Life after hearing it (I don’t) but Ms. Clarkson certainly solidified her status among the New School of Divas and gave me my whole life in the process. Highlights: “Whole Lotta Woman,” “Would You Call That Love,” “Cruel,” “Medicine” -Vincent

3. DAMN., Kendrick Lamar

The mumble-rap sub-genre continues to dominate mainstream culture. However, Kendrick Lamar compiled his third solid body of work in a row, relying on strong lyrics backed by strong beats. Kendrick isn’t afraid to take risks, speak his mind, and do so in a manner that’s digestible and prophetic to the masses. DAMN. was a cultural phenomenon: the album cover meme, its ubiquitous lead single, and the viral moments that followed with “DNA.” and “LOYALTY.” Highlights: “DNA.,” “PRIDE.,” “FEAR.” -Andrew

2. War & Leisure, Miguel

Highlights: “Pineapple Skies”, “Banana Clip” “Told You So”, “Anointed”, “Come Through and Chill”

Of all the albums on our countdown, this one is among the newest. After a shaky third album, Miguel came back this year with War & Leisure and dare we say it, it’s a return to form. It’s not like Wildheart was a bad effort, but it was at points too daring and too much – and sometimes less is more.

In his fourth studio effort, Miguel created what is in my opinion, the most consistent work of his catalog, as he really strove to mix the sounds that he is most well known for, as well as those more aligned with his Mexican heritage, which all blend to create a really full-bodied album. With this album, Miguel was able to capture the essence of what we’ve come to expect from him as an artist: the writing is great, the melodies are punching and the productions are stellar.

What can be found across all of Miguel’s albums is his endless adoration of love. The album’s content is as carefree, (“Pineapple Skies”) as it is lovestruck, (“Banana Clip”), and seductive (“Come Through and Chill”). The work’s instrumentation is at a lot of points very reminiscent of some of Prince’s mid-1990’s catalog, and with some appearances from Rick Ross, J. Cole, Travis Scott, and Kali Uchis, the result is an extremely solid, albeit quirky album. He’s once again managed to create an atmosphere with his music that just wraps your ears and never lets you go until the music’s over.

Finally, Miguel is perhaps the voice of our generation that we didn’t know we needed, and might not even realize that we have. With the embodiment of the millennial penchant for Netflix and Chill (because we can’t afford to go out), the self-love party anthem that is “Pineapple Skies,” the culture melding Spanglish of “Caramelo Duro,” or his critical letter-in-song to the “CEO of the Free World” on “Now,” Miguel speaks for our generation whether we asked him to or not – whether he realized it or not. -Jordan, Mario & Vincent

1. 4:44, Jay-Z

Highlights: “The Story of OJ”, “Smile,” “Caught Their Eyes,” “4:44,” “Family Feud,” “Moonlight”

Ohhhhhhhhh Jay. We was waitin’ on you at da doe! You found a magical way to make your epic fuck up a learning moment. The world waited in utter anticipation for a response to all of the allegations of his supposed infidelities, and those were all but confirmed in the track of the same name. 4:44 references the time he wrote the title track. “4:44” is about doing the unthinkable: cheating on Beyoncé. But to merely write this work off as a response to LEMONADE would not only discredit this album but Bey’s as well.

4:44 is our album of the year this year, and LEMONADE was just that for 2016. The two are companions not just for their marriage-related subject matter, but for much more. Jay-Z’s 4:44 is for Black men what LEMONADE was for Black women. Both delve into subject matters related to the Black experience in America and try to make sense of it all. In the case of 4:44, Jay explores why and how he got to where he is today in many facets. And all of it is glorious.

The album is probably the most socially conscious of Hov’s career, as it touches on a wealth of topics, such as embracing his mother’s homosexuality (a rarity in the hip hop community), capitalism, greed, race relations, and of course, fidelity. In a long and storied career that at times has fixated on the superficial and materialistic, it’s really dope to see the full breadth of Jay’s creativity in full force.

What is equally important, is the actual musicality it the album. The production value is insane, as Chicago’s very own No I.D. skillfully samples varied artists such as the pioneering Nina Simone, (“The Story of O.J.”), Stevie Wonder (“Smile”), and Hannah Willams & The Affirmations (“4:44”). Then, of course, there is the epic freestyle from Miss Blue Ivy Carter herself. -Jordan, Vincent & Andrew.

The post The 19 “97” Albums of 2017 appeared first on THE 97.

Once again graduation season is coming to a close. Hats off to the Class of 2017, the latest crop of grads, you did it!

Can you believe it, it’s been 10 years since the graduating Class of 2007 walked across the stage in their cap and gown to receive their diplomas or degrees?!

So let’s take a moment a go down memory lane, and remember some of the biggest hits that the Class of 2007 was jamming out to back during their 2006-2007 school year!

Fergie and Ludacris, “Glamorous”

Justin Timberlake and T.I., “My Love”

Beyoncé, “Irreplaceable”

MIMS, “This Is Why I’m Hot”

Gwen Stefani and Akon, “The Sweet Escape”

Pretty Ricky, “On The Hotline”

Nelly Furtado, “Say It Right”

Jibbs, “Chain Hang Low”

Rihanna and Jay-Z, “Umbrella”

Shop Boyz, “Party Like A Rockstar”

Gym Class Heroes and Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, “Cupid’s Chokehold”

Danity Kane and Yung Joc, “Show Stopper”

Definitely a great year of music! Which songs from the 2016-2017 school year will we be remembering come a decade from now, during the graduation 2027 season?

The post A Year in Music: The Class of 2007… A Decade Later appeared first on THE 97.

Earlier this week Fergie touted something was in the very near future. Something that was ready for release on 11/11. What wasn’t known then, was if it was a new single, music video, or her entire forthcoming anticipated album!

Turns out it was a single, titled “Life Goes On,” strategically released after the 2016 presidential election’s results; which seemed to shock many. However as the lyrics say, “Life goes on, with or without you/It’s up to you, what you gonna do/You could go, or you could stay.” The choice is ours fellow American and global citizens.

“Life” finds Fergie cooing alongside a Tropical House infused Pop melody that would have been perfect as a summer single. Though perhaps Interscope is going for this season’s Trop-House smash like last year’s “Sorry,” which carried Bieber into 2016, notching him a second #1 hit.

Fergie Ferg even spices up the Island themed tune with a rap verse to keep the song exciting. The Black Eyed Peas front woman encourages everyone to, “Go crazy, go insane, go for everything/Get the money, dollar bills in your wallet, say cha-ching/Sign the deal-y, make a milli, sound famili[ar].”

It’s clear to see why “Life Goes On,” was selected as the new Fergie single. It has everything that “M.I.L.F. $” seemed to lack. A modern radio ready beat, an uplifting timely relatable message, mixed with the super chill, down ass chick vibe that Fergie brought to her debut album. With proper promo, plus a push at radio, this may be the life Fergie needs to finally launch Double Dutchess (her decade in the waiting making sophomore LP) for the world to consume!

GRADE:

85/97

The post Single Review: Fergie Reminds The World That “Life Goes On” appeared first on THE 97.

10 years ago today an album was unleashed on America that would go on to see tremendous success and accolades. The solo debut from a face the world first got to see in the 80’s via Kids Incorporated, and know in the 90’s thanks to R&B/Pop trio Wild Orchid and Fox Family series The Great Pretenders.

Back then she was known simply as Stacy Ferguson. After the Wild Orchid chapter of her life came to a close, and battling with drugs, Ferguson got a second major shot at music fame and success.

By the early 2000’s, Ferguson was re-branded under a nickname of her last name, Fergie, and joined the underground/experimental Hip Hop trio, The Black Eyed Peas. Upon joining the group, the inclusion of Fergie helped their commercial appeal and chart success see new heights the band never saw prior.

As the group’s new line-up helped increase their popularity, the Fergie-led “My Humps” also began garnering attention and was quickly released as the third single from Monkey Business. “Humps” was a clear sign that Fergie could not only be the 4th member of the Peas, but perhaps a successful solo artist in her own right.

Less than a year after “My Humps” exploded, the world got their first taste of solo Fergie music. Summer 2006 saw the rise of the eclectic and funky “London Bridge” where Fergie proved she could rap and sing all on her own. The Polow Da Don track went on to become a summer anthem that began her string of chart toppers, hitting the Billboard Hot 100 pinnacle for three weeks.

Things were only getting started. Fellow Peas member will.i.am assisted Fergie on the followup single “Fergalicious.” And as you guessed the song was all about what made Fergie so…delicious. The J. J. Fad “Supersonic” samples banger’s music video which showed Fergie working on her fitness and hitting some choreography as well managed to become her second Top 5 single, peaking at number two.

In 2007 the era was still churning out hits, including the album’s second Polow Da Don produced single, “Glamorous.” The flossy tune that featured Fergie rapping alongside guest rapper Ludacris managed to become her second number 1 single (staying atop for two weeks). Oh and lets never forget the epic call out, “If you ain’t got no money, take your broke ass home” that everybody knew or sung well into the year.

In a surprising move during summer, Fergie decided to slow things down a bit. Sans rapping, only singing this go round, “Big Girls Don’t Cry (Personal)” was the first straight forward Pop release from the album to date. A risky move after so much success flirting with the Rhythmic jams that saw much success, but in the end “Big Girls” didn’t cry for success, but earned it, as it became the third chart topper for the force known as Fergie (becoming the first female to notch three on one album since 2000), plus landed her a solo Grammy Award nomination.

Certainly not tripping and stumbling in terms of chart success, the Fergie train kept pushing forward. Fifth single, “Clumsy” was a R&B Soul throwback infused jam that featured a radio friendly Pop beat courtesy of will.i.am. Once again, allowing Fergie to “fall in love,” with the Hot 100’s Top 5 for a fifth consecutive time!

It was finally the time to showcase the core of Fergie and what got her to where she was, her vocals and range of talent! John Legend produced “Finally” was tapped as the albums sixth single sent to radio. The stripped back tune was more reminiscent of Fergie’s Wild Orchid days than Peas era, paired with a timeless accompaniment. Without the release of a music video and nearly two years after “London Bridge” took the world by storm, didn’t allow for “Finally” to continue the success all prior singles had achieved.

With the album being the massive success it was, it was inevitable a re-release was coming. Four new tracks were released as a standalone EP and deluxe edition album; including Fergie’s ‘Sex And The City’ theme sampled “Labels Or Love,” for the show’s first motion picture. Keeping her flow fresh Fergie also joined Nelly for his single “Party People,” which was another Top 40 hit for Fergie and included as well.

You would think by this point any other tracks that were not released by Fergie from The Dutchess were album filler cuts. Think twice! The CW and Dr. Pepper utilized “Here I Come” would have easily served well as a future single that embodied the same aura as the album’s other hit Top 5 singles. The mid-tempo R&B tune “All That I Got (The Makeup Song)” was even lyrically so deep that Tyra Banks used a remix version as her talk show’s new theme song.

In the Entertainment Business, second chances are rare. Third, fourth, and so on…even more so! But in 2006 Fergie defied the odds. Not only was she an 80’s child star and member in two different music groups, Fergie managed to launch a super successful solo career anybody would envy, including her competition then and now.

July 20th of this year, saw The Dutchess certified 5x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA, just in time for its 10th birthday today. Until 2012 Fergie’s first five singles held a digital era record for being the album with the most multi-platinum certified singles from a sole album.

To celebrate this epic album that was the soundtrack to many peoples lives, radios, and playlists back from 2006 to 2008, The Dutchess will be reissued on vinyl for a December 2 release.

Fergie also promised fans “new heat [music] coming sooner,” before the LP’s release on her Facebook page. Looks like sophomore album, Double Dutchess may get a release in 2016, 10 years after the release of her heavily celebrated debut album The Dutchess. At minimum a new single to follow “M.I.l.F. $.” As these sayings go, ‘it’s better late than never’ and ’slow and steady, wins the race’! We’re eager and patiently waiting, Dutchess!

The post Fergie: The Dutchess Reigns Supreme 10 Years Later appeared first on THE 97.

One thing remains with Fergie. She’s still teaching her fans spelling lessons, just like back in 2006 on “Fergalicious” and “Glamorous.” Some things never change. This time Fergie Ferg instructs listeners on common words such as independent, broke, and paid.

The song is so much more than a nod to the otherworldly stars of adult entertainment sites such as sexmature.xxx though.

Fergie wants people to remember she’s still ill and capable of versatility.

Throughout the track, the Black Eyed Peas front woman raps about “working so hard” and just wanting to chill with “all [of her] girls on fleek” and have drinks. Alongside reminding people she can hold a note herself, by singing a bit on the mostly rapped track.

With the new lead single “M.I.L.F. $” marking the most Hip Hop version of Fergie released to radio, how will it perform after such a long break from the scene? If fans were not feeling the vibe of “L.A. LOVE” (#27 peak, 2014) as much as “London Bridge” (#1 peak, 2006) it’s hard to see them liking the transition even deeper, though stranger things have happened. Additionally, with high profile music video cameos expected from Kim Kardashian and Ciara, perhaps the video views can assist the song with streaming points and help it chart well. The song may not be in reference to the original meaning of the acronym MILF, but there is no doubt the video will be full of them. It will be like a celebrity version of a maturesexmovies.xxx video!

Fergie’s sophomore album, Double Dutchess, does not currently have a release date.

Grade:
70/97

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In signature Fergie style she not only sings and raps on the Urban Pop number, but also she continues her usual musical lessons through her lyrics. Although this time instead of spelling lessons (remember “G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S!”), Fergie chants about various locations around the world during her geographic laden new single. Although it must be noted Fergie doesn’t play it too fair. Her native Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles and California in general receive most of the love and shootouts from Fergie Ferg.

While it’s been a long time, Fergie fans no longer have to wait! You can enjoy her new single “L.A. Love (La La)” as it hits digital retailers today and impacts radio tomorrow, September 30th.  Listen below.

Grade:

80/97

The post Single Review: “L.A. Love (La La)” by Fergie appeared first on THE 97.