The Music Cypher

Welcome back to  Battle ⚔️ (Whose Song Is Better?) There is an infamous social media saying which goes "Don't put two bad bitches against each other." Yet, I am going to be doing exactly that and no one can stop me!  Additionally, Who Wore It Better is a popular activity among fashion lovers who criticize two or more celebrities who wore the same or similar article of clothing and selecting which one they preferred. I will be putting my own unique twist on the trend because this is not a fashion blog.  Every month or whenever I see fit, I will select two or more songs with the same or similar titles from different artist to compete against each other in a knockout battle. Different aspects of the songs such as vocals, production, lyrics etc. will be compared and a winner will be chosen. Our next battle is between  Mýa   and H.E.R.! Both songstresses will be duking it out to see who has the better song titled " Damage ". Here are the songs to refresh your me...

Welcome back to Thirst Trap! This segment will briefly highlight a/an artist (s) , male or female ( I do not discriminate) by sharing picture(s), video(s), gif(s) etc. of them doing what I consider thirst trapping. Basically it is my excuse to lust after artist I find sexually appealing! TMC's thirst trap this time is Mýa ! Mya Marie Harrison born October 10, 1979, known professionally as Mýa, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. She was born in Washington D.C. and studied ballet, jazz, and tap dance as a child. Her career began in television as a dance posse member on BET's Teen Summit. Excerpt taken from  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mya_(singer) Here are some titillating pictures Mýa recently shared with her fans on her Instagram account.   Follow her on:  🅾 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 ★       𝕏Twitter𝕏       ⓕ Facebook       𝗧𝗶𝗸 𝗧𝗼𝗸       ▶️YouTube🔴       🌐

"21" by Adele album cover The next album retrospective is " 21 " by Adele. On Saturday 24th January 2026, this album turned fifteen (15) years old. 21 is the second studio album by the English singer-songwriter Adele. It was released on 24 January 2011 in Europe by XL Recordings and on 22 February 2011 in North America by Columbia Records. The album was named after the age of the singer during its production. 21 shares the Motown and soul influences of her 2008 debut album 19, but also draws influence from the American country and Southern blues music that Adele started listening to during the North American leg of her tour An Evening with Adele. Composed in the aftermath of the singer's separation from her then partner, the album explores themes of heartbreak, healing, introspection, and forgiveness. Adele began writing 21 in April 2009, while still involved in the relationship that subsequently inspired the record. Looking to deviate from the brooding sound of...

"Ungodly Hour" by Chloe x Halle album cover The next album retrospective is " Ungodly Hour " by Chloe x Halle. Ungodly Hour is the second studio album by American duo Chloe x Halle. It was released on June 12, 2020, by Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia. Originally scheduled for release on June 5, the album's release was delayed as a gesture of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and the global protests following the murder of George Floyd. The album was supported by the singles "Do It", "Catch Up", and "Forgive Me", the former of which became their most successful song to date. A reissue of the album "Chrome Edition" was released on February 26, 2021. Upon its release, Ungodly Hour received widespread acclaim from music critics, with many praising the album's cohesiveness and complimenting the duo's vocal delivery, artistic growth and maturity. It also featured on various year-end lists and received a...

 "Two Eleven" by Brandy album cover The next album retrospective is " Two Eleven " by Brandy. Two Eleven is the sixth studio album by American singer Brandy. Initially released in Spain on October 12, 2012, and released in the US on October 16, 2012, it served as the singer's debut release with Chameleon Entertainment and RCA Records after departing from Epic Records soon after releasing her previous album, Human (2008). The album's title is taken from Norwood's birthday; it is also the day on which her idol and friend, entertainer Whitney Houston died eight months before Two Eleven's release. Two Eleven is the first album from Norwood to include a diverse roster of collaborators, including songwriting credits from Frank Ocean, Chris Brown and Sean Garrett. Production comes courtesy of the likes of Bangladesh and Rico Love, amongst others. Upon its release, the album received critical acclaim, with many complimenting Norwood's vocals, the album...

"Reality Show" by Jazmine Sullivan album cover The next album retrospective is " Reality Show " by Jazmine Sullivan. Reality Show is the third studio album by American R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan. It was released by RCA Records on January 13, 2015, in the United States. Sullivan recorded the album, her first in five years, during a hiatus from the music industry, writing and working with producers such as Anthony Bell, Salaam Remi, and Key Wane. Reality Show received widespread acclaim from critics and sold 30,000 copies in its first week. In January 2011, after having released her second album Love Me Back (2010), Sullivan announced via Twitter that she was indefinitely leaving the music industry saying, "I promised myself when it wasn't fun anymore I wouldn't do it. And, here I am. I'm not saying I won't ever sing again in my life because I don't believe that. But in this moment… right now… [I] got some things to figure out". In 2...

 "My 21st Century Blues" by Raye album cover The next album retrospective is " My 21st Century Blues " by Raye. My 21st Century Blues is the debut studio album by the British singer-songwriter Raye, released independently by Human Re Sources on 3 February 2023. It marked her first project following her departure from the record label Polydor Records in 2021, which allegedly denied her the release of an album for several years. Largely written and co-produced by herself, she worked with various collaborators including Mike Sabath, BloodPop, Punctual, and Di Genius. 070 Shake and Mahalia appear as featured artists. Encompassing multiple genres, My 21st Century Blues explores Raye's struggles with drug addictions, body dysmorphia, and sexual assault, alongside other themes. My 21st Century Blues spawned seven singles. "Escapism", the album's third single, went viral and became Raye's first song to top the national charts of Ireland, Denmark, and t...

"Beyoncé: Platinum Edition" by Beyoncé album cover The next album retrospective is " Beyoncé: Platinum Edition " by Beyoncé. Beyoncé is the fifth studio album by American singer Beyoncé. A visual album, it was surprise-released on December 13, 2013, through Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. The songs and videos were recorded in secrecy to accompany the unexpected release. Beyoncé initially worked with various producers and songwriters whom she invited to live in her mansion for a month in mid-2012. After a disruption from touring, Beyoncé resumed in early 2013 and experimented with different styles than contemporary R&B. The result is an electro-R&B record with elements of alternative R&B, electronic, and soul. Its soundscape is textured and ambient, characterized by heavy bass, percussion, and synthesizers. Beyoncé's desire to assert full artistic autonomy influenced the album's dark, personal lyricism that deals with sexuality and mo...

Here are the top 10 songs I listened to the most for the week starting on the 18th January to the 24th January, 2026. 1. Talk To Me by Robyn  (30 ▶️) 2. Rascal (Superstar) by Tinashe  (25 ▶️) 3. Blow by Dawn Richard  (23 ▶️) 4. Hero by Enrique Iglesias  (22 ▶️) 5. Anna Wintour by Azealia Banks  (21 ▶️) 6. CHIHIRO by Billie Eilish  (20 ▶️) 7. Infatuation by Lipstick Gypsy  (19 ▶️) 8. Sexistential by Robyn  (17 ▶️) 9. Was Dat by J Blaze featuring Lex Lu  (16 ▶️) 10. Girls by Doechii  (14 ▶️) What have you been listening to this week?  Let me know in the comments!

Welcome to the newest segment on the blog called  Battle ⚔️ (Whose Song Is Better?) There is an infamous social media saying which goes "Don't put two bad bitches against each other." Yet, I am going to be doing exactly that and no one can stop me!  Additionally, Who Wore It Better is a popular activity among fashion lovers who criticize two or more celebrities who wore the same or similar article of clothing and selecting which one they preferred. I will be putting my own unique twist on the trend because this is not a fashion blog.  Every month or whenever I see fit, I will select two or more songs with the same or similar titles from different artist to compete against each other in a knockout battle. Different aspects of the songs such as vocals, production, lyrics etc. will be compared and a winner will be chosen. Our next battle is between the King  of Latin Pop  and The Songbird Supreme! Enrique Iglesias and Mariah Carey will be duking it out to see ...

"Cowboy Carter" by Beyoncé album cover The next album retrospective is " Cowboy Carter " by Beyoncé. Cowboy Carter (also referred to as Act II: Cowboy Carter) is the eighth studio album by American singer and songwriter Beyoncé. It was released on March 29, 2024, via Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. A concept album, Cowboy Carter is the second of a planned trilogy of albums, following Renaissance (2022). Beyoncé conceived the album as a journey through a reinvention of Americana, spotlighting the overlooked contributions of Black pioneers to American musical and cultural history. A genre-blending album rooted in country music, Cowboy Carter is influenced by Beyoncé's upbringing in Texas, incorporating eclectic styles of music of the Southern United States. Conceptually, the album is presented as a radio broadcast, with country singers Dolly Parton, Linda Martell, and Willie Nelson acting as disc jockeys. The album's songs feature rising Black cou...

"Tyla" by Tyla album cover The next album retrospective is " Tyla " by Tyla. Tyla is the debut studio album by South African singer Tyla, released on 22 March 2024 through FAX and Epic Records. A deluxe edition, titled Tyla +, was released on 11 October 2024. The album blends amapiano, pop, Afrobeats and R&B, with lyrical themes centered on empowerment and relationships. In an interview with Nandi Madida, Tyla shared her intention to infuse the album with a distinctly South African sound. Tyla features guest appearances from Kelvin Momo, Tems, Becky G, Skillibeng, Gunna and Travis Scott. Recording sessions spanned two and a half years across seven countries. Tyla, alongside collaborators Ari PenSmith, Mocha Bands, Believve and Sammy Soso, led the album's production and songwriting. The lead single, "Water", marked Tyla's breakthrough, peaking at number 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and earning multi-platinum certifications in several countrie...

"Tori." by Tori Kelly album cover The next album retrospective is " Tori. " by Tori Kelly. Tori (stylized as TORI.) is the fifth studio album by American singer and songwriter Tori Kelly. It was released on April 5, 2024, through Epic and Beautiful Mind Records. Tori follows A Tori Kelly Christmas (2020). The album features guest vocal performances from Ayra Starr, Kim Chae-won and Jon Bellion. With a new hair colour, a surprisingly good 8 count and a return to the Pop and R&B sound of the Unbreakable Smile era which was her introduction to the world, Tori Kelly is back. The 2X Grammy award winning songstress has released her fifth studio album entitled "TORI" after teasing us with an EP that goes by the same name last year. The past few years have been eventful to say the least: from signing a record contract with Epic Records in 2023, a sudden and horrific health scare, releasing an EP and touring to promote it, this album is a true testament to Tori...

  "Moth" by Fana Hues album cover The next album retrospective is " Moth " by Fana Hues. Some time ago on Twitter (that's what its father named it), there was a trend claiming different songs to be the true heir to the "song of the summer" throne and that's where I came across this exciting and excellent artist called Fana Hues. The song I came across was Rental and I was immediately intrigued by her sensual vocals, the funky dance beat and the fun, crisp video. Little did I know that I discovered her at the most perfect time as she was set to release her third album entitled "Moth" after releasing her previous two albums "Hues" and "flora + fauna" in 2020 and 2022 respectively. I was eager to dive into her new album and I'm so elated that I did. Here's my review of each track on the album! 1. Take 2 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 / 🔥 2. Sweet Like 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 / 🔥 3. Rental 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 / ❤️‍🔥 4. What Speaks 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 / 🔥 5....

"Dopamine" by Normani album cover The next album retrospective is " Dopamine " by Normani. Dopamine is the debut solo studio album by American singer Normani. It was released on June 14, 2024, through RCA Records. The album features collaborations with Starrah, Gunna, James Blake and Cardi B, along with contributions from Brandy and Victoria Monét. Primarily a pop and R&B record, upon release it was met with generally favorable reviews and appeared on year-end lists, including Rolling Stone's best 100 albums of 2024. Dopamine was supported by the singles "1:59", "Candy Paint" and "All Yours", as well as the previously released "Wild Side" (2021), which reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album debuted at number 91 on the US Billboard 200.  Excerpt taken from  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dopamine_(Normani_album) Here's my review of each track on the album! 1. Big Boy 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 / 🔥 2. Still 🌟🌟🌟🌟...

Here are the top 10 songs I listened to the most for the week starting on the 11th January to the 17th January, 2026. 1. Unthinkable (I'm Ready) by Alicia Keys  (22 ▶️) 2. The Pleasure Principle by Janet Jackson  (21 ▶️) 3. No Angel by Beyoncé  (20 ▶️) 4. Scared Of Beautiful by Brandy  (18 ▶️) 5. If You Dare by Jazmine Sullivan  (17 ▶️) 6. He Won't Go by Adele  (16 ▶️) 7. Five Star Hotels. by Raye featuring Mahalia  (15 ▶️) 8. So Sick by Ne-Yo  (13 ▶️) 9. Standing on the Sun (Remix) by Beyoncé featuring Mr. Vegas  (12 ▶️) 10. Jeremiah/World Needs More Love by BJ The Chicago Kid featuring Eric Ingram  (11 ▶️) What have you been listening to this week?  Let me know in the comments!

Welcome to the newest segment on the blog called Battle ⚔️ (Whose Song Is Better?) There is an infamous social media saying which goes "Don't put two bad bitches against each other." Yet, I am going to be doing exactly that and no one can stop me!  Additionally, Who Wore It Better is a popular activity among fashion lovers who criticize two or more celebrities who wore the same or similar article of clothing and selecting which one they preferred. I will be putting my own unique twist on the trend because this is not a fashion blog.  Every month or whenever I see fit, I will select two or more songs with the same or similar titles from different artist to compete against each other in a knockout battle. Different aspects of the songs such as vocals, production, lyrics etc. will be compared and a winner will be chosen. Starting off with a bang, our first battle is between the King and Queen of Pop! Michael Jackson and Madonna will be duking it out to see who has the better...

"Alligator Bites Never Heal" by Doechii mixtape cover The next album retrospective is " Alligator Bites Never Heal " by Doechii. Alligator Bites Never Heal is the second mixtape by the American rapper Doechii, released on August 30, 2024, through Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Records. It was supported by the singles "Nissan Altima", "Boom Bap", and "Denial Is a River". Other tracks include "Boiled Peanuts" and "Catfish". The mixtape features production from a variety of producers including Banser, Camper, Childish Major, Kal Banx, Devin Malik, Monte Booker, and DaedaePivot from Pivot Gang, as well as a guest appearance from rapper Kuntfetish. It is the first mixtape released by Top Dawg since Jay Rock's Black Friday in 2010. Alligator Bites Never Heal was met with critical acclaim from critics which led to a Best Rap Album win at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, while its lead single "Nissan Altima" ...