Tag: reviews

Posted on in Music, social media

Brandy and June’s Diary ATE and Left No Crumbs.

By Reneé Medina

Screenshot from YouTube

Even if you’re not an NBA fan, you’ve probably already seen videos of Brandy’s National Anthem rendition all over social media. And if you haven’t- let me bless your feed:

Brandy and June’s Diary: Performing the National Anthem

The NBA definitely has a history of “iconic” national anthem performances…just not always for the right reasons. Especially when it comes to overly ambitious arrangements, few moments are as infamous as Carl Lewis’s rendition of the national anthem at a 1993 game between the Chicago Bulls and the New Jersey Nets. The collective gasps from the crowd — punctuated by Lewis’s own audible “uh-oh” during the chorus — set the tone for a performance that has since gone down in history as one of the most notorious anthem renditions ever (aside from Fergie’s performance)!

In contrast, Brandy, alongside June’s Diary, a girl group formed from the show “Chasing Destiny” by Kelly Rowland and producer/choreographer Frank Gatson Jr, performed one of the most musically interesting renditions of the national anthem in a long time. The bar was truly set!

Traditionally sung in a 4/4 (balad) rhythm, Brandy opted for a 3/4 (waltz-like) rendition. Between the silky runs, the harmony stacking, and the signature R&B layering, viewers couldn’t help but get goosebumps from this performance. They turned into a whole spiritual experience! Music connoisseurs, especially, would appreciate this non-traditional performance, which felt like a mini concert!

However, it did spark debate among some users online. Regardless of differing opinions, there is no denying Brandy and June’s Diary’s exceptional vocal ability, nor the immense talent and preparation required to deliver such a powerful performance. It is undoubtedly one for the books!

The 2016 docuseries “Chasing Destiny,” which lasted for one season, aimed to find the next superstar girl group. To see more of the series, watch here. Currently, the active members of the group include Lyndriette-Kristal Smith, Shyann Roberts, Brienna Devlugt, and Gabrielle Carriero.

Known as “The Vocal Bible,” Brandy revolutionized R&B with her dense, jazz-influenced vocal layering, especially on her album “Full Moon.” She stacks multiple harmonies of tracks to create a rich, choir-like sound, similar to this rendition of the national anthem. Many of her arrangements feature intricate harmonies, dissonance, and suspension to add tension and emotion, with background vocals that act as countermelodies. Her innovative style has influenced modern R&B artists like Kehlani and set a new standard for vocal production.

Check out this national anthem compilation!


Posted on in beauty

The Fragrances Defining My Winter 2025.

Of course, they are Arabian!

My Perfume Collection (Reneé Medina)

Although there’s still a month of fall left, I’ve already gathered my winter fragrances.

It’s time to let scents like Fire on Ice and Mirsal’s Love Letter marinate for next Fall and bring out some fluffy, powdery, gourmand staples for snow season. A few floral notes never hurts, either!

Here are some of my favorite fragrances I’ll have on rotation this Winter:

1) Lattafa Nebras Elixir

If this isn’t obvious enough, are you really a true gourmand lover? Nebras Elixir smells like a sugared marshmallow dream topped with whipped cream. It’s easily one of my favorites- and a compliment-magnet!

2) Uhud Aribiyat Prestige

In my book, Uhud takes the cake for fruity/fluffy fragrances. Fans describe it as smelling like raspberry baby powder. This is another fluffy fragrance that will be perfect for snowy days.

3) Atralia Sugar Mallow

As if two marshmallow fragrances weren’t enough-here’s a third! Sugar Mallow is a dupe for Kayali’s Yum Boujee Marshmallow, and in my opinion, it’s the best dupe out there! It leans less fruity and more fluffy like Uhud and the atomizer is insane!

4) Bella Arabian Oud

With notes of BlackBerry, Violet Flowers, and Musk, Bella is definitely a signature-worthy fragrance. She smells like something an Arabian princess would wear-perfect for winter date nights or special occasions when you want to feel both elegant and modern.

5) Forbidden Sugar Emir

This fragrance, is deep, dark, mysterious, and fluffy all at once. Picture violet marshmallows with a hint of musk- that’s Forbidden Sugar in a bottle. She’s perfect for evening wear and you’ll be sure to stand out with such a beautiful fragrance!

6) Angel Musk Gulf Orchid

This musky, spicy gourmand fragrance evokes the warmth of chai tea. It’s perfect for daytime wear or anytime you want to smell fresh, cozy and comforting.

7) Lattafa Victoria

I’m surprised I still have this fragrance after a year of debuting it last holiday season at work. If you want to smell like a lemon pound cake, Victoria is your girl. You will have people turning heads asking you what you’re wearing and literally take pictures of your bottle. (Personal testimony.) She might be a little overplayed, but trust me-she’s worth it.

8) Léonie Intense Maison Alhambra

Need I say more….. iykyk.

9) Asdaaf Ameerat Al Rehab

This fragrance is truly nostalgic for me. It reminds me of when my grandmother would pamper herself before running errands (in a good way.) Asdaaf is a bit sophisticated but also feels warm and inviting. She’s perfect for family/friend gatherings and will leve a lasting impression.

10) Al Haramain Junoon

Youthful and fresh-a true baby powder bomb. This is another daytime fragrance that lingers for hours. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but you’ll smell like pure self-care and fresh powder.

What are some of your Winter staples?

Posted on in Gaming

Xbox Games That Pull You from Reality.

Five single-player games with engaging plotlines.

(Image from Reddit via colorfiction)

There is no denying that video games are meant to be entertaining and engaging. But sometimes gamers want more than just entertainment and engagement. They want to feel tempted, invited, fascinated, and left with a one-of-a-kind gamer experience, as if pulled from reality.

So, here are five immersive games that you are sure to love!

Ghostwire Tokyo

(Image from Gameranx)

Are you looking for a supernatural game to immerse in? This action-adventure game is one to catch! Released in 2022, Ghostwire follows the main character Akito around a desolate Tokyo after a phenomenon known as “the vanishing” wipes out the city’s residents. After being possessed by a detective spirit, Akito uses his newfound ethereal weaving skills to find the culprit behind the disappearance of his sister and Tokyo’s population. Gameplay includes exploration, combat, puzzles, and supernatural abilities. Gamers can play through this storyline of 5 chapters through a haunted Tokyo. Expect to be pulled into a world of spirits based on Japanese folklore!

Layers of Fear

(Image via steampowered)

This game will have you questioning your sanity…literally. Layers of Fear is a psychological horror adventure game where gamers play as an emotionally disturbed painter. The setting (a Victorian-era-looking mansion that’s constantly shifting) holds dark secrets about the painter and his past. The point of the game is for players to help the painter complete his masterpiece canvas by searching the house for hidden clues. However, unlike traditional games, there are alternate endings that players can unlock through in-game decision-making. Layers of Fear has you gripped by its haunting aura.

The Quarry

(Image via steampowered)

Want to see your favorite actor as a lead character in a video game? In “The Quarry,” the cast is filled with actors such as Brenda Song, David Arquette, and Ariel Winter. This horror game is like a movie. Gamers can play from the perspective of nine characters trying to survive a final night at Hackett’s Quarry summer camp. What they don’t know is that there is a creature lurking among them and it is up to the players to decide the fate of each character. Ultimately, this determines how the story unfolds. Instead of watching horror movies unravel, this is a great interactive play for gamers to use their critical thinking skills and change the course of a plotline!

Still Wakes the Deep

(Image via steampowered)

Horror game plots don’t have to be set in the present to be interesting. Steam Powered, an online game discussion forum wrote, “1975. Disaster strikes the Beira D oil rig off the coast of Scotland. Navigate the collapsing rig to save your crew from an otherworldly horror on the edge of all logic and reality.” With mostly positive reviews, gamers love Still Wakes The Deep’s environment, atmosphere, intensity, and storyline. It is filled with phobias and anxieties that live up to its psychological horror genre.

The Book Walker Thief of Tales

(Image via static)

Unexpectedly engaging, The Book Walker is an indie adventure game for readers and writers who don’t like traditional video games. Players control main character Etienne Quist, who was sentenced to around 30 years of writer’s block. Quist must jump into the worlds of other books and find requested artifacts to regain artistic freedom. Many puzzle-solving, exploration, and player choices also change the outcome of Etienne’s narrative. Here is a player review on Reddit. The Book Walker is also a very relaxing game and players feel it may be a hidden gem amongst first-person games.

Honorable Mentions:

Control

(Image via Wikipedia)

Having sold over four million copies and nominated in 2019 for “The Game of the Year,” there is no denying that this game is absolutely a must-play. Loved for its plot, graphics, and atmosphere, users gave mostly positive reviews on this action-adventure game.

Alice: Madness Returns

(Image via static)

Although this game is outdated, it is a great experience! Players explore a dark and broken Wonderland and use magical abilities to defeat the Queen of Hearts and save Wonderland. Fans love the dark-fantasy twist on the Alice in Wonderland story and say it’s timeless!