Still Da Baddest | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Studio album by | ||||
Released | April 1, 2008 | |||
Recorded | 2007–2008 | |||
Genre | Hip hop [1] | |||
Label | ||||
Producer |
| |||
Trina chronology | ||||
| ||||
Singles from Still Da Baddest | ||||
|
Still Da Baddest is the fourth studio album by American rapper Trina. It was released on April 1, 2008, by Slip-n-Slide, EMI and DP Entertainment. The album was preceded by the lead single, "Single Again" on November 6, 2007. Following the poor chart performance, "I Got a Thang for You" featuring Keyshia Cole, was released as the album's second single. The album's third and final single "Look Back at Me" featuring Killer Mike, which was produced by Hard Hat Productions, became a regional hit club record and accompanied by a music video.
The album garnered positive reviews from critics, most of whom praised the vigorous sexual-lyrics most have become accustomed to from Trina. However multiple critics showed disregard for some of the album's mid-tempo tracks as attempts to recapture the success of "Here We Go". The album debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200 and number one on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.
In 2007, the recording session on Trina's fourth studio album took place. [2] In an interview with Billboard , Slip-N-Slide Records President Ted Lucas stated, "The songs selected for the album were tracks ladies needed to hear-about maturing and keeping focus [...] Her fans know she's rough and they like that. So she's back with a little of that, but she's matured as well. That's why she's still the baddest." [3] In an interview with Rajul Punjabi, Trina described the album's direction as experimental, noting her vocal additions to "Single Again" and the techno-production on "Crash My Party" as prime examples. [2] Trina revealed that the energy surrounding the album is different because it marks her first release since parting ways with longtime boyfriend, American rapper Lil Wayne, forcing her view through a different perspective. [2] Although she viewed the relationship as a "beautiful experience" that brought light to a new side of her personality, [2] she stated:
I just think it’s because of the place I’m in. I’m happy. I feel good about going into the studio on this project after the change from Atlantic [Records] and with all the issues from the label’s side. When it came down to the actual production and putting the album together, I was in a more peaceful place. Just the production from everyone from Scott Storch to Cool & Dre—the producers I’ve been working with have been bringing it out of me. [2]
Following the album's lead single, speculations arose on the album's title which was originally thought to be titled Da Baddest Bitch II. [4] For unknown reasons the album's title was changed to the current Still da Baddest. Originally set to be released on February 12, 2008, the album release was pushed back to April 1, 2008. [2]
"I think definitely the first single ["Single Again"] with me singing on the hook. That was so different. I was in the studio like, "Okay, I’m not a singer so what am I doing?" But I went from humming along in my head to making it a reality out loud. And when I sang the hook, everybody was like, "Oh that’s crazy!" It was a lot of fun for me." [2]
Still da Baddest is built much like a late-1990s Bad Boy album, the perfect mode for a rapper like Trina. Guest appearances are frequent but appropriate and the tracks vary enough stylistically to stay away from being repetitive. [5] Trina's lyrics aren't mind blowing but they focuses on her strengths ("Look Back at Me" is more graphic than most actual pornography) and down-plays her weaknesses; her voice has improved noticeably as well. [5] "I Got a Bottle" is built on a fairly obvious jack of "SexyBack" and "Single Again" makes no effort to pretend that isn't trying to replicate the Timbaland sound. [5] Other songs are less specific bites, but most fill obligatory roles that Hip Hop and R&B listeners will be well accustomed to, from the "love song" ("I Wish I Never Met You") to the "strip club song" ("Stop Traffic"). [5]
"Single Again" matches a rapid-fire tempo with something you wouldn't necessarily expect from the baddest woman in rap—singing on the hook and in the second verse. [6] The topic matter is equal parts about being in love and making love, leaving little doubt that Trina is a modern day diva who feels empowered by her sexuality. [6] That's not to say Trina doesn't have a softer side, as she hooks up with R&B soulstress Keyshia Cole on "I Got A Thang For You" to profess her unrequited love for a fly guy: "See I'm Brad Pitt, I'm Jolie, when we together we all we see.../ I got a thang for you, so how you feel about me?" [6] Guests play a small but significant role in Trina's presentation. [6] Missy Elliott joins Trina on the underrated track "I Got a Bottle" produced by Jay Roc & Big Tom (Hard Hat Productions) to pay homage to their feminine curves. [6] Fellow Floridian Pitbull drops by to confess that Trina is so fly that she can "Stop Traffic" by walking down the street. [6] Even the husky-voiced Rick Ross gets into the action as Gorilla Tek provides a nostalgic beat for "Hot Commodity," which has Trina in the mood to reference "La-Di-Da-Di" in the chorus. [6]
Preceding the album's release, Slip-N-Slide Records ran ads on Internet dating sites and sponsored blind-date contests on radio stations across the country, in reference to the album lead single, "Single Again." [3] Trina also launched a radio and retail promo tour beginning January 10, 2008. [3]
To precede the album's release, lead single "Single Again" was released on American iTunes Stores November 6, 2007. [7] The song, which was originally set to feature Christina Milian features Trina singing the songs hook and second verse. [4] The song was accompanied by a music video released on February 10, 2008. [8] "Single Again" peaked on Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks at number nineteen and fifty-nine, respectively. [9] "I Got a Thang For You", featuring R&B singer Keyshia Cole, was released as the album's second single. [10] The song was also accompanied by a music video. [11] It was successful on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks Billboard Chart, charting at number #59. [12] "Look Back At Me", featuring Killer Mike, was released as the album's third and final single, with an accompanying music video. [13] Over sea's in Denmark,the song will become Trina's first number one single. [14]
Still da Baddest debuted at number six on the US Billboard 200 on the week ending April 19, 2008, with 47,000 copies sold in its first week. [15] [16] The entry marks her first top 10 set. [15] Still da Baddest debuted on the top spot of Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Rap Albums at number one on the week ending April 19, 2008. [16]
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
Allmusic | [17] |
AllHipHop | (mixed) [18] |
DJBooth | [19] |
RapReviews | (6.5/10) [20] |
VIBE | (favorable) [1] |
Still da Baddest garnered generally positive reviews from critics, most of whom favored Trina's signature raunchy rap styling over a softer-side. Awarding the album three-and-a-half stars, David Jeffries of AllMusic praised the album for capturing the raw edge found on the rappers debut album with a modern twist, but had mixed emotions on the album's ability to duplicate the success found in "Here We Go" (2005). [17] Jeffries continued his review by noting "I Got a Thing for You" and "Wish I Never Met You" as the album's main flaws, referencing them as "manufactured 'Here We Go' clones" dragging down what would otherwise be an entirely successful full-length. [17] Jeffries ends his review by stating "It's the abundance of these brassy, 'love me or hate me' moments that make Still Da Baddest a step in the right direction and one of her better efforts, even with the woefully uninspired ballads." [17] Praising Trina's appealing curves, frank attitude and seductive songs, Jason Seifer of Walmart praised Trina's raunchy style stating "Any concerns Trina had about being reduced in rank or status are quickly squashed within the span of a dozen tracks, leaving Katrina Taylor the freedom to get a little more personal with her audience." [6] Seifer went on to compliment Trina's softer side on the Keyshia Cole-assisted "I Got A Thang For You," later showing great appreciation on the album's tracks that featured additional rappers and vocalists. [6] Praising Trina as one of the few female rappers around at the time, Alex Thornton of HipHopDX noted that although Still da Baddest isn't a huge leap for Trina in terms of subject matter, more effort has been obviously put into this album than any of her past releases. [5] Thornton went on to negatively state that the album is ultimately forgettable since much of her work borrows from recent Pop and Hip Hop successes by other artists, even though it was never intended to be an artsy, avant-garde offering for hipsters so the formulaic approach isn't as much of a problem as it might seem. [5] Aisha Johnson of AllHipHop noted that the album lacks any true substance and fails to go beyond her sexually aggressive commentary. [18] Praising Trinas fiery southern flow alongside guest appearances from Missy, Keyshia Cole, and Rick Ross to help bring forth some creative synergy, Johnson felt the LP doesn't compare to the rappers debut Da Baddest B***h . [18] Awarding Trina with the title of "Queen Victoria of Rap," Evelyn McDonnell of VIBE praised the album for proving Trina to not be a "one trick pony," favoring standout tracks like "Clear It Out," "Single Again, "Look Back At Me," and "Wish I Never Met You." [1]
Following the album's release, rapper Khia revealed that she bought the album at a neighboring Target only to negatively review the album through her official MySpace. [21] The feud between the rappers had undergone silence prior to the album's release, however following the album release Khia released multiple blogs referencing the album's shortcomings and taking jabs at a 2006 miscarriage that Trina and then-boyfriend Lil Wayne had undergone. [21] She wrote "U STILL THE HOE U ALWAYS BEEN. AND HOES DONT GET NO RESPECT!!!!!! PUPPETTTTTT!!!![ sic ]." [21]
Although she never rebutted to Khia's remarks, Trina was asked in an interview by Rajul Punjabi about the lack of female MC's in the industry at the moment, stating:
I think I’d go hard either way. Competition is always great. I think everything you do, it’s always competitive no matter what field you’re in. There’s always going to be somebody that’s going to be competing in your field. There aren’t that many female artists, but the ones that are in the business, I love and respect them. From Lil’ Kim to Missy to Eve to Shawnna, everyone is doing their own thing. I think we all have similarities but we all are different in our own ways. And because there’s such a lack of females in the game, for me it’s like, you gotta smash hard, you gotta [make] an impact, and you gotta do you. We need that unity from the females and we need to join forces and make records together. [2]
Trina released the iTunes version of the album with the bonus track "You Ain't Nothing" as an apparent diss-track towards Khia. [22]
The album track listing was revealed through pre-order on Amazon.com. [23]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Intro" | Chris "UNO" Chancelor | Chancelor | 1:01 |
2. | "Still Da Baddest" |
| Young Sears | 2:52 |
3. | "Killing You Hoes" |
|
| 3:33 |
4. | "Single Again" |
| JRock | 3:24 |
5. | "Look Back at Me" (featuring Killer Mike) |
| JRock | 4:13 |
6. | "I Got a Thang for You" (featuring Keyshia Cole) |
| Kane da Kameleon | 3:34 |
7. | "I Got a Bottle" (featuring Missy Elliott) |
| 3:32 | |
8. | "Wish I Never Met You" (featuring Shonie) |
| Jim Jonsin | 4:06 |
9. | "Clear It Out" |
| Young Yonny | 3:26 |
10. | "Stop Traffic" (featuring Pitbull) |
| Jonsin | 3:27 |
11. | "Phone Sexx" (featuring Qwote) |
| Obas | 4:08 |
12. | "Hot Commodity" (featuring Rick Ross) |
| Gorilla Tek | 3:54 |
Total length: | 37:01 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
13. | "Don't Go" (featuring Qwote) |
| Obas | 3:21 |
Total length: | 40:22 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
13. | "You Ain't Nothing" |
| Matlock | 3:12 |
Total length: | 40:13 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
13. | "Grey Goose" | 3:30 | ||
14. | "Crash My Party" | Taylor • Prince • Belnavis • Borges | J-Roc | 3:31 |
15. | "You Ain't Nothing" | Taylor • Matlock III • Lucas • Burke • Saunders | Matlock | 3:12 |
Total length: | 47:14 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
13. | "Crash My Party" | Taylor • Prince • Belnavis • Borges | J-Roc | 3:31 |
14. | "I Got a Problem" (featuring Plies & Chris J) | Washington • Lamela • Levatte • Martin | Villa Nova & B-Sides | 5:36 |
15. | "Lame" | Taylor • Saunders • Burke | Young Yonny | 4:52 |
Total length: | 51:06 |
Credits for Still da Baddest adapted from Allmusic. [28]
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|
Monica Denise Arnold is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, and actress. Born and raised in College Park, Georgia, she began performing as a child and joined a traveling gospel choir by the age of ten. Monica signed with record producer Dallas Austin through his label Rowdy Records in 1993, and gained prominence following the release of her debut studio album, Miss Thang (1995). Her follow-up albums were met with continued success; her second, The Boy Is Mine (1998) remains her best-selling album and spawned three Billboard Hot 100-number one singles: "The Boy Is Mine", "The First Night" and "Angel of Mine".
Katrina Laverne Kearse, known professionally as Trina, is an American rapper. She rose to prominence in the late 1990s for her collaborations with Trick Daddy on the singles "Nann Nigga", "Shut Up", and "Take It to da House". In 2000, she released her debut album Da Baddest Bitch. Afterwards, she made an appearance on the remix of "One Minute Man" by Missy Elliott and Ludacris. In 2002, she released the Kanye West-produced single "B R Right" featuring Ludacris, from her sophomore album Diamond Princess (2002).
Khia Shamone Finch is an American rapper and record producer. She is best known for her highest-charting single, "My Neck, My Back ", as well as other notable street hits such as "Snatch the Cat Back", "Respect Me", "K-Wang", and "Next Caller".
Keyshia Myeshia Cole is an American singer, songwriter, television personality and actress. Dubbed by critics as the "Princess of Hip-Hop Soul", she is known for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Born and raised in Oakland, California, she began her career as a backing vocalist for MC Hammer before signing with A&M Records to release her debut studio album, The Way It Is (2005). Supported by the Billboard Hot 100-top 20 single "Love", the album received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and earned two nominations at the 2006 Soul Train Music Awards. Its success led Cole to film a reality television series for BET, in which she documented her career, family and personal life: Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is. The show ran for three seasons, and became one of the most-watched programs in the network's history.
Da Baddest Bitch is the debut studio album by American rapper Trina. It was released on March 21, 2000, through Atlantic Records and Slip-N-Slide Records. Chiefly produced by Righteous Funk Boogie, the album debuted at number thirty-three on the US Billboard 200 and number eleven on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and entered the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Catalog Albums in 2002.
The Way It Is is the debut studio album by American singer Keyshia Cole, released on June 21, 2005, through A&M Records and Interscope Records. The album features guest appearances from Jadakiss, Juelz Santana, Metro City and Eve. Cole co-wrote every song on the album, and also worked with a number of producers and writers, including Ron Fair, Sean Garrett, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, Polow da Don, John Legend, Alicia Keys and Kanye West. The Way It Is is an R&B album, with some tracks having hip hop and hip hop soul sensibilities. Lyrically, the album speaks of romantic relationships.
"Let It Go" is a song by American R&B singer Keyshia Cole featuring American rappers Missy Elliott and Lil' Kim. It was written by Cole, Jack Knight, Cainon Lamb, Lil' Kim, and Missy Elliott for her second album Just Like You (2007) and samples "Juicy Fruit" by Mtume, and "Don't Stop the Music" by Yarbrough and Peoples, while also interpolating "Juicy" by The Notorious B.I.G., who also sampled "Juicy Fruit." An uptempo song written by all three artists with Jack Knight, Cainon Lamb and James Mtume and produced by Lamb and Elliott, it marked the first collaboration between any of the three artists with one another.
Just like You is the second studio album by American singer Keyshia Cole. It was released by Geffen Records on September 24, 2007. Cole started work on the project shortly after the release of her debut album, The Way It Is (2005). She consulted a variety of producers and songwriters to work with her on the album, including Missy Elliott, Bryan-Michael Cox, Scott Storch, Rodney Jerkins, The Runners, J. Wells, Pete Rock, and Soulshock. Guest vocalists include Elliott, Lil' Kim, Too $hort, Amina Harris, Anthony Hamilton, Young Dro, T.I., Chink Santana, and Piper.
"Da Baddest Bitch" is a song by American rapper Trina, released on December 22, 1999 as the lead single from her debut studio album of the same name (2000). Produced by Black Mob Group, it contains a sample of "Bad" by Michael Jackson.
The discography of American rapper Trina consists of six studio albums, four EPs, eleven mixtapes and 23 singles. Her debut album, Da Baddest Bitch, was released on March 21, 2000. It reached the top forty in the United States and debuted at eleven on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. By November 2000, the album had sold 700,000 and was certified Gold by the RIAA. The album also featured the singles "Da Baddest Bitch" and "Pull Over".
"I Got a Thang for You" is the second single from Miami-based rapper Trina's fourth album Still da Baddest. The song features American R&B singer Keyshia Cole. It was chosen after much speculation and talk about the second single. The song was produced by Kane Beatz, while the chorus was written by Midus, both of Slick Salt Entertainment.
"Playa Cardz Right" is a song by American R&B recording artist Keyshia Cole. The song features late rapper 2Pac and was originally included on his sixth posthumously released album Pac's Life (2006), with most of his vocals initially recorded for his fourth studio album All Eyez on Me (1996). Cole's reworked version, produced by Ron Fair and Carvin & Ivan for Karma Productions, was released as the lead single from her third album A Different Me (2008).
A Different Me is the third studio album by American singer Keyshia Cole. It was released by Geffen Records in association with Imani Entertainment and Interscope Records on December 16, 2008 in the United States. Cole reteamed with producers Toxic, Ron Fair and The Runners to work on A Different Me, but also worked with a variety of additional collaborators on new material, including Polow da Don, The Outsyders, Kwamé, Carvin & Ivan, Tank, Theron Feemster, and Poke & Tone. Guest appearances include Amina, Nas, Monica and 2Pac.
American singer Keyshia Cole has released seven studio albums, one extended play, two mixtapes, 24 singles and 31 music videos. Cole's debut single, "Never", peaked at number 71 on the United States Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and became Cole's first entry on a national record chart. She was later featured on "Let's Get Blown", a 2004 single by American West Coast hip hop rapper Snoop Dogg – it peaked at number 54 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Cole released her debut album The Way It Is on June 21, 2005, through A&M Records. The album debuted at number six on the US Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 89,000 copies. The Way It Is was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It produced the four singles "I Changed My Mind", "(I Just Want It) To Be Over", "I Should Have Cheated", and "Love", of two of which reached the top ten of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Woman to Woman is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Keyshia Cole. It was released on November 19, 2012, through Geffen Records and Interscope Records. Recording sessions took place between early 2011 and mid-late 2012, following the release of her previous studio album Calling All Hearts (2010). Cole enlisted a variety of producers, such as Darhyl Camper, Harmony Samuels, Rodney Jerkins, T-Minus, Vidal, and Wonda. Musically, the album is an R&B record and includes elements of dance-pop music. It features guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Ashanti, Elijah Blake, and Robin Thicke.
"Enough of No Love" is a song recorded by American R&B singer-songwriter Keyshia Cole, released by Geffen and Interscope Records on July 2, 2012 as the lead single from her fifth studio album, Woman to Woman. It contains a guest appearance from American rapper Lil Wayne, who co-wrote the song along with Cole, Elijah Blake, and its producer, Harmony Samuels.
Cainon Renard Lamb, professionally known as Lamb or Lamb Litty, is an American record producer and songwriter from Miami, Florida. He has worked with artists including Beyoncé, SWV, Missy Elliott, Monica, Keyshia Cole and Jazmine Sullivan. In 2017, Lamb made his rapping debut on colleague Missy Elliott's single "I'm Better".
"Single Again" is a song by American rapper Trina, released in November 2007 as the lead single from her fourth album Still da Baddest (2008).
The One is the sixth studio album by American rapper Trina. It was released on June 21, 2019 on her label Rockstarr Music Group. It is her first album since Amazin' (2010). The album was preceded by the singles "If It Ain't Me", "Get Money", "Mama", "On His Face" and "BAPS".
11:11 Reset is the seventh studio album by American singer Keyshia Cole. It was released by Epic Records on October 20, 2017. It succeeds Cole's sixth album Point of No Return (2014). The album was preceded by the release of two singles—"You" and "Incapable". 11:11 Reset peaked at number 37 on the US Billboard 200.
trina still da baddest.