In this weekly feature Nina (a real live breathing 16 year old-ed) will examine whatever song is currently #1 in the nation and defend its “musical merits” to the best of her (rather impressive) ability.
“Live Your Life” by T.I. feat. Rihanna
Remember that “Numa Numa” video that swept the interweb a few years ago? And how when you watched it you thought, “Hey this is pretty funny, but damn what an obnoxious song”? T.I. saw the video too, but he thought, “Hey this is pretty funny, and damn what a catchy song! I should get Rihanna in on this!”
So he did. And now “Live Your Life,” which samples the “Numa Numa” song (known as O-Zone’s “Dragostea din tei” to all the Moldovan pop aficionados out there) is the number one song in America!
And rightfully so.
T.I.’s use of a song that is already ingrained in the public’s mind was an ingenious move. When people hear this song, their mind remembers good times of laughter and YouTube-fueled procrastination (is there any other kind?). It’s a two-way street, you see; YouTube can create celebrities, and then real celebrities can utilize YouTube celebs to maximize on their fame (”Pork and Beans” video, anyone?).
Anyway, since T.I.’s in prison these days he made “Live Your Life” a scrubbed-clean lil’ ditty to inspire the youngsters. He and Rihanna assure them that if they’re grateful for the life they have, they’ll all be shining stars and have fancy clothes and cars and go far. T.I. did a really nice job finding words that rhyme here. Shining STARS…fancy CARS…you’re gonna go FAR…everyone knows who you ARE. Songwriting!
Poor chorus-lyrics aside, T.I. verses are solid. [Full disclosure: I am a T.I. fan and own this album]. His first stanza is a bit too mushy and do-your-best-y, but by his second go he’s back in sync, with more inventive lines and rhymes. As with most of his songs, his rapid yet articulate pacing is what keeps the track afloat.
Score: 30/40. Congrats, T.I.! You’re gonna go far!
For a full history of the Numa Numa song check this out:
http://www.believermag.com/issues/200606/?read=article_wolk
It is a good song, but…
TI is not in prison.
Just Blaze produced the song and TI had nothing to do with sampling the O-Zone original or writing the hook / chorus (Just Blaze did that too).
do your homework!
December 17, 2008 at 10:39 amT.I. is sporting the ankle monitor and has Feds with him at all times and begins serving his sentence in January so he is half incarcerated at the moment and gets the royal treatment shortly.
December 17, 2008 at 11:28 ami don’t like this song. it gets on my nerves. a lot. i do, however, like other ti creations.
December 17, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Amen.
December 17, 2008 at 10:09 am