Gyptian

Due to twitter, I have been asked if I review music and to be fair, I haven't as of yet. My taste is music is very varied. I sometimes wake up and I am in the mood for a bit of Meatloaf and other mornings I am more in the mood for some Bob Marley. When I go out clubbing I am not the techno type, I love music you can bump and grind to. My preference on a night out is bashment and RnB as well as dancehall.

I am rigid when I am out clubbing, it has to be something I can sing along to and it has to have a beat you can really dance to, not something you just do the same boring movements to. I enjoy listening to more laid back music at home. I like songs that have meaning and really make you relate it to something happening in your life.

I am a big fan of Gyptian and I like his style of music because it varies from something you can sit and chill to, to a song you can really dance to. He hit us last year with his song 'Hold Yuh' where he collaborated with Nicki Minaj. Since she has been such a phenomenon, I believe this really boosted his single. This song epitomizes that summer feel and everyone was playing it in the clubs, their cars or at home.

Five years ago Gyptian had a hit with the single 'Serious Times' and this is such a laid back, chilling with your friend's kind of song. I love the quality in his voice. He has a lot of soul in his voice and all of his songs have meaning behind them if you take the time to listen. I do like his more upbeat tracks, especially 'Nah Let go' but it is one track in particular that really is on my 25 most played on my iPod. The song 'I Can Feel Your Pain' is the type of song that makes you sit back and think about the words.

I love the high notes he uses and the reference to how women should be treated is something I like in an Artist when they are being positive about it. It relates to what a lot of women want and if Gyptian can give it, then line up ladies! I have set that song on replay too many times.

His music is smooth and is slow at times but I like the variety, like I said one minute he is singing about wanting to love a woman to then wanting to grind and hold her in a different sense. All of his songs make me want to listen and I am always waiting to listen to a new track of his, or a long lost one!

I want to really get into music reviewing so I am starting small and hoping to work my way up to more detailed posts. I am a lover of all things with a good beat and baseline but more importantly IT'S THE WORDS! You should never just know the chorus, listen and hear what is behind the lyrics and what the Artist is trying to portray in their songs. Doing this makes a song much more special and relatable to you and not just any old song you listen to for a summer and then move on the next 'in' thing.

I hope Gyptian lasts long in this industry as he has brought something to the table that can rival some of my other favourite Artists such as Jah Cure and Vybz Kartel. Don't even get me started on them, they are too much to handle!

I have set out a few of my favourite songs of Gyptian and I had to throw in a couple from the Artists I mentioned above, I couldn't help myself after listening to them again on YOUTUBE, so have a listen >>>

Jersey Shore VS Geordie Shore

I am a big fan of the new phenomenon that is the Jersey Shore. Since two new programmes have sprung into our existence I have been mesmerised by fake tan, extensions, huge glistening jewellery and amazing accents.The two programmes have been on my Sky planner since the beginning and I have religiously watched them in fascination and pure drama-loving!

They have been such a hit that the terms 'Guidos/Guiedettes' are common knowledge now and everyone knows who these reality TV stars are. They have been an over-night success but it is the likability of the characters that have made it such a phenomenon.

The two shows I am referring to are 'The Jersey Shore' and 'Jerseylicious'.

                                                       Jerseylicious -

- Jersey Shore

Both these programmes are based in New Jersey, America and follow the lives of young people and their inevitable dramas. 'Jersey Shore' is focused on a group of housemates looking to party, 'smush', get girls/guys but stay away from grenades! 'Jerseylicious' is based around The Gatsby Salon and the dramas and love lives of the girls who work there as well as the rivalry with The Glam Fairy. Both are highly entertaining and show us a culture we are not familiar with here in England. Both programmes have coined their own tag lines and put their stamp on this kind of reality show. Their antics do not get boring as they are individuals who like the way they are and do not care about being judged.

Unfortunately we have had to remake these programmes into something that relates to the British which doesn't really do the American versions justice. For some reason the programmes I have mentioned above have been translated into shows that reflect less intelligent and narcissistic men and women who have nothing to give a reality show.

I have barely watched 'Geordie Shore' or 'The Only Way is Essex' but what I did see of it did not make me want to press that series link button. I found them less attractive, less intelligent and honestly just in it to be on TV not to actually reflect their honest lives. They both seem very scripted and staged and there isn't much likability for the characters. They have clearly tried to make Essex and Newcastle seem as glamorous as New Jersey but to be honest, I find the girls of the jersey shore have a lot more class and edge than any of the girls in these new spin offs. The same goes for the boys, I find them to be lovable characters that have a lot of charm in the jersey shore.

                                        The Only Way is Essex -

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

-Geordie Shore

I love Essex for a night out and Newcastle is one of the hot spots in England but the people they chose for these shows are not who I would of chosen to represent the youth of today! I believe in having a good time; drinking and partying but I also believe a person should have substance and that is what these characters lack. In fact the term characters is perfect for them, they are 'playing' themselves and coming across as fake as their tans.

The only characters I like in Geordie shore are Vicky and Sophie as they at least add something to the show, they have a funny but relatable element compared to the other guys and girls and are wasted on this programme. Vicky is the best looking and has the most extensive vocab and is intelligent. I don't see how she fits in with this group considering she doesn't 'bang' but I will be watching more of this programme while I wait for Jersey Shore to come back onto my screen. Geordie Shore is the best of a bad bunch on British TV.

A new instalment has come out with 'Made in Chelsea' and I can safely say I will not be tuning into that. The new spin offs seem to be for audiences to make fun of these young people rather than watch it for genuine enjoyment. I feel the programmes based in the Jersey Shore have played on the looks and bodies of the characters to their advantage without jeopardising the plot of the series and the substance of the show. They show more about family, dining together and working together.

All I see on these other programmes are a quick snippet of work but partying constantly and then they act like they are a family but they all slag each other off. That isn't a family at all. Made in Chelsea only seems to focus on rich and pompous young adults who have nothing better to do.

I am looking forward to the new series of 'Jersey Shore' with a new location: ITALIA coming soon to MTV. Also Series 2 of Jerseylicious is still on The Style Network with the finale getting closer!

TUNE IN

Ayia Napa and More

A holiday to Cyprus; this phrase comes with mixed views in recent years. Most people see it as a 'party island' now with the focus being on the town Ayia Napa which now rivals that of Ibiza or Malaga. People may think turning a once rather religious town - with a monastery and church nearby - into a party central destination is wrong but with the 21st century comes some changes Cyprus has had to make to keep tourism alive on the Island.

From personal experience Ayia Napa is the best destination for letting your hair down and having some fun. There is something for everyone. There are water sports, bars that sit on Nissi beach that provide a mixture of music, foam parties and English DJs. Then on the other hand there are churches and museums to visit. There are traditional Greek taverna’s for food and bars open just as late as the pay for entry clubs so everyone can have a good time. The bars also offer one free drink per person with entry so you don't have to tighten your purse strings in Cyprus.

The hospitality in Cyprus is renowned and never allows for an empty glass, as most offer a complimentary coffee or Zivania at the end of the meal. If you are looking for sun, sea, sand and fun, Ayia Napa has to be your destination. Whether you are going with family or friends you will find something to suit you. If you are travelling with children there is one of the best ‘Luna Parks’ – or fun fairs – on the island as well as the brilliant WaterWorld which never fails to keep children interested for an entire day.

There are a mix of people, young and old, tourists and locals in Ayia Napa. It is close to other nightlife hotspots such as Protaras and Larnaca which both have excellent open bars, taverna’s and ice cream parlours. The most famous being Haagen dazs in Larnaca which has excellent deserts. They in turn also have great beaches and in Larnaca there is also a shisha bar that has become very popular in recent years. With a little bit more of a drive you can reach Limassol and Paphos. Paphos has a good nightlife and the hotspot has to be ‘Bubbles’ which is a bar run by a London born Cypriot who co-owns one of the best Greek Taverna’s in Gants Hill – ‘Apollonia’. Limassol has a slightly higher class feel to it in the clubs but ‘Rumours’ is recommended highly as it has some excellent British DJs as well as themed nights.

Cyprus is now becoming one of the best family destinations as it has so much to offer, don’t let the party atmosphere worry you – JOIN IN. There is so much more than partying, eating, tanning and having fun but who would want anything else? Take a note out of the local’s book, sit back, relax with a Greek coffee and enjoy the surroundings. You’ll be happier for it.

Here are some of my photos from Napa 2011:

Sunbathing on Nissi

On the beach with my cousin, Nissi Beach

At a bar in Napa town centre

Having fun in the clubs

In Club Sin - amazing music!