Tag Archives: kuwait

Exclusive: Our conversation with Kelis!

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by Beats, Interrogation • Tags: , , , , , , ,

When we heard that Kelis was going to come to the Middle East we were very excited to see her. Not only have we been reeling off of her records since we saw her blue-fro on “Good Stuff,” but we can safely say we have every single recording she put out ever. She is one of the few artists that have continued to keep us entertained and dancing no matter what turn she takes. Kaleidoscope, Wanderland, Tasty, Kelis Was Here and Flesh Tone were all classics in our book.

This was not a regular concert, it was the opening weekend of Blue Marlin Ibiza in the UAE. The setting was by the beach and it included many acts including Axwell and Danny Avila. Kelis was the closer for the event. Girl, it sealed the party shut good. She put all the naysayers there to a quick halt!

Kelis came on after a host of DJ’s played all day and took the small platform stage wearing a sequin cocktail dress that reflected every light on the man-made beach. She started a non-stop set of her hits including “22nd Century,” “Acapella,” “4th Of July (Fireworks),” “Trick Me” and her collaboration with Calvin Harris “Bounce.” The crowd went really wild when she performed a mash-up version of her hit “Milkshake” with Madonna’s “Holiday.” The tiny, intoxicated and sun-tanned crowd could not take their eyes off of her.

After the amazing show, we went over to her section on the decks where the press were. We went over and we were introduced to her. She was cordial and extremely nice. She didn’t mind the camera flashes while being asked questions nor did she seem to have her entourage intrude on the questions.

We told her about LOFT965.com and gave her our business card. We mentioned how we covered her album Flesh Tone heavily and how her debut album Kaleidoscope carried one of our all-time favorite pop sleeves. She said we might have enjoyed it but she had struggled during the photo shoot for it. Apparently, she had to sit tight for 8 hours with paint on her to get the shot for the monumental cover.

Then we went on to address the latest leaked track. A new song snippet by the name of “Kids” leaked earlier this year. We asked her if it was part of the new album recordings, but she confirmed that the track was a rip from previous sessions and that she had totally forgotten about recording the song. So, this is the first confirmation that the track is, in fact, not on the new album.

Then we went on to the new album which she had promised on Twitter to deliver to the fans by early 2012 and it still hasn’t surfaced. She said she is definitely planning an album for this year, she is still working on it and will hopefully deliver it soon. No word yet on when it will actually drop. We reminded her that she has abandoned her Twitter account for a while now and she should keep us up to date, to which she agreed and explained that she will get to it sometime.

Then we went on to talk about Kuwait and the Gulf countries and her fan base demographic here. She seemed really interested and loving her trip in Arabia.

It was a great night filled with major tunes. We are glad we finally met Kelis as we truly love her music and have followed her every move when it comes to her career from “Caught Out There” to “Kids.” She seemed impressed with our dedication and she remarked that she will inform us should any news pop up with regards to the new album.  Good times!

Lastly, we high-fived. Now, strut…

Exclusive: 5 Questions With LOFT965.com: Kate Havnevik

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by Beats, Clip, Interrogation, Scandi • Tags: , , , , , , ,

 

1. Greetings From Kuwait! Loft965.com picked your song “Unlike Me” as a “Legendary” track. How do you feel about that and what do you think the rest of the year holds for you?

I think thats amazing! I am very flattered! It’s amazing to me that “Unlike Me” is an important song for a lot of people, it’s an important song to me as well.

I think the rest of the years is gonna be very busy for me in a good way! I just released my new album “YOU” and there are shows to play and PR to do, but I am also just finishing my next album “& I” set to be released in the fall sometime. So things are pretty full on to be honest. There are so many places I would love to go and play concerts as my fanbase is very spread out, but only so much time to reach around. I am also getting involved in a soundtrack for a film and that will be taking a lot of time too! But all good and very exciting!

 

 

2. Right now, we can’t get enough of You. How are you promoting the new album and what will be the next single released from it?

SO glad you like the new album !

I am just doing very organic pr, building it up slowly, doing small bits and pieces here and there. I’d love the album to have a long life and not be a big splash that quickly disappears……

Regarding singles it actually varies from territory to territory. At the moment I have been focusing on the two markets where I live which is Norway and the UK. “MYYM” is the first single in Norway, but “Mouth 2 Mouth” is the first single in the UK… we are just about to decide what the next single will be …. so wait and see :-)

 

 

3. When will the second installation to the album series “And I” drop and what should we expect?

I am aiming for a release late this year, thats my goal. “&I” goes hand in hand with YOU and is almost like a part 2. It might be slightly darker and varied in sound, but very much in the same vein, same spirit and same family as YOU….

 

 

4. Your music is very ethereal, who are your major influences growing up?

Both my parents, being classical musicians, I have been very influenced by classical music, Debussy, Prokoviev, Bartok etc…. but apart from that we had all sorts of pop music as well. As a 10 year old I loved A-HA , he he …. of course … and they are Norwegian…. I also listened to David Bowie , Pink Floyd and Joni Mitchell… which was a big inspiration to start playing guitar. My dad would play Kate Bush in the car , and we’d sing along to Babooshka while he was driving fast over the speedbumps ! :-)

 

 

5. We love quotes, what is your favorite quote or motto?

I love quotes too! :-) here are a couple of my favorites….. :-)

 

“Without music, life would be an error.”

- Nietzsche

“The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.” - Hunter S. Thompson

“Poetry and Hums aren’t things which you get, they’re things which get you. And all you can do is go where they can find you.” – Winnie the Pooh

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Video Premiere: “Reuse Me” by Zahed Sultan

by Uncategorized • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The release says: “Through his new body of work, Zahed delves deeper into uncharted territory — fusing influences in alternative / electronica music with tantalizing vocals in both English and Arabic. Zahed debuts his vocal talents in both languages to express ever-growing concerns for social change around the world.

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Exclusive: 5 Questions with LOFT965.com: Daley

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by Beats, Brit Brit Brit, Clip, Interrogation, Uncategorized • Tags: , , , , , , ,

1. Greetings From Kuwait! Loft965.com picked your song “Game Over” as a “Sexy Track” of the year! How do you feel about that and what do you think the rest of the year holds for you?

I think I’m quite happy with that, it is a little bit sexy… thank you Loft965.com! The rest of the year will involve a lot of music, basically. I have my mixtape ‘Those Who Wait’ going onto iTunes with some extra songs and videos and I’m in the process of finishing off my album which I’m really excited about. That will be released later this year, so I have high hopes for that. Music, videos, touring, travelling.

2. Right now, we can’t get enough of “Alone Together.” How is it working with Marsha Ambrosius?

Marsha is such a beautiful person, she’s so talented and real, she was a pleasure to work with. And I really enjoyed writing ‘Alone Together’ with her, it felt organic and the ideas we each had fitted really nicely together. It’s one of my favourites on the mixtape for sure.

3. When will your full-length album drop and what will it be called?

 It will be later this year, I’m finishing it as we speak. And the title is still a secret!

4. Your music is very soulful, who are your major influences growing up?

My main influence would have to be Prince, he’s my all time favourite. But I listen to a lot of Chaka Khan, Joni Mitchell, Jill Scott, Maxwell, George Michael, Sade, Imogen Heap too… so they all combine with me when it comes to my music.

5. We love quotes, what is your favorite quote or motto?

I’m actually not sure… I don’t have a definitive favourite quote if I’m honest. I like ‘It could always be worse…’ – a simple one, but something I find myself saying a lot, whenever I’m not 100% happy with something.

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LOFT965.com scores best month ever!

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by Uncategorized • Tags: ,

It’s been a while since we updated you about the status of the blog and what’s going on behind the scenes here at LOFT965.com. Well, there are many things that have improved. As you can tell, the layout is changing every now and then, yet the content is still the same. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

This February we managed to notch up the highest number of readership ever in the history of the blog since 2008. That means some big numbers in the 6 digits for us. This also happened to occur during the shortest month of the year! That is marvelous news. Great things that have happened this month are:

As always, we will strive hard to bring this place to higher ranks. But we assure you it’s a lot of hard work maintaining and managing it. You just keep coming by the truckloads on daily basis and we will give you more music news, recommendations and reviews. Thank you, it is muchly appreciated.  Now, strut…

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LOFT965.COM CHART: WEEK 4 OF 2012

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by Beats, Charter • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • 1. Diet Mountain Dew – Lana Del Rey
  • 2. If You Really Do – Bic Runga
  • 3. Blue Jeans – Lana Del Rey
  • 4. Next To Me – Emeli Sande
  • 5. Video Games – Lana Del Rey
  • 6. What’ll I Do – Lisa Hannigan
  • 7. Too Good To Lose – Rebecca Ferguson
  • 8. Big Mouth – Santigold
  • 9. Origins – Tennis
  • 10. Black, White & Blue – Ladyhawke

Exclusive: 5 Questions With Loft965.com: Rebecca Ferguson

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by Beats, Brit Brit Brit, Clip, Interrogation • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

1. Greetings from Kuwait! Loft965.com loves your new single! How do you feel about that and what do you think this year holds for you?

I feel very happy and grateful people are taking to the music. I’m very excited for the year ahead.

2. When will the album be out and what will it be called?

My new album is out now, it’s called Heaven.

3. How do you feel about starting out in a [competition] reality show, do you think that was the right platform for you?

I think it was. I wouldn’t of had the exposure I’ve had without the X Factor.

4. Should we expect a tour after the album release and when do you think it will be?

Yes I’m touring in February and March. I’m really excited to be performing my own songs to my fans and it’s my own tour. (Side note: Rebecca Ferguson has added three extra dates to her February / March 2012 headline UK tour. She will play Plymouth, Reading and another date in Liverpool, in March next year.)

5. We love quotes, what is your favorite quote or motto?

“Live for today as tomorrow might not have been written.”

 

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Exclusive: Loft965.com’s Best 100 Albums Of 2011!

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by Beats • Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
  1. Let England Shake – PJ Harvey
  2. 4 – Beyonce
  3. 21 – Adele
  4. Return To Love – Lira
  5. James Blake – James Blake
  6. Seven – Emily King
  7. Oh Land – Oh Land
  8. Echoes - Will Young
  9. Good For The Soul - Dionne Bromfield
  10. 101 – Keren Ann
  11. The Light Of The Sun – Jill Scott
  12. Belle – Bic Runga
  13. It All Starts With One – Ane Brun
  14. Femme Fatale – Britney Spears
  15. The Memory Machine – Julia Stone
  16. Born This Way – Lady Gaga
  17. Passenger – Laura Hannigan
  18. Two – Lenka
  19. Love After War – Robin Thicke
  20. The Sea – Melanie C
  21. Glamazon – RuPaul
  22. When The Sun Goes Down – Selena Gomez & The Scene
  23. Pieces Of Me – Ledisi
  24. A Creature I Don’t Know – Laura Marling
  25. Soul UK – Beverley Knights
  26. Late Nights And Early Mornings – Marsha Ambrosius
  27. Rivers And Homes – J.Viewz
  28. Wounded Rhymes – Lykke Li
  29. Washing Away Yesterday – Undersea Poem
  30. Let It Break – Gemma Hayes
  31. Mirrorwriting – Jamie Woon
  32. Cinderella’s Eyes – Nicola Roberts
  33. Talk That Talk – Rihanna
  34. Night Of Hunters – Tori Amos
  35. Lioness: Hidden Treasures – Amy Winehouse
  36. Biophilia – Bjork
  37. Year Of The Wolf – Nerina Pallot
  38. On A Mission – Katy B
  39. 50 Words For Snow – Kate Bush
  40. Cape Dory – Tennis
  41. On Your Radar – The Saturdays
  42. Unclubbed 2 – Unclubbed
  43. With The Music I Die – Wynter Gordon
  44. The King Of Limbs – Radiohead
  45. Outside The Skyline – Miguel Migs
  46. Wasted In Jackson – Lauren Pritchard
  47. Metals - Feist
  48. Within And Without – Washed Out
  49. Safari Disco Club – YELLE
  50. Ceremonials – Florence + The Machine
  51. Mariefred Sessions – Erik Hassle
  52. Rabbits On The Run – Vanessa Carlton
  53. Beautiful Imperfection – Asa
  54. BeatRoot – Matti Roots
  55. Blue Songs – Hercules + The Love Affair
  56. Thao And Mirah – Thao And Mirah
  57. Experiments – Florrie
  58. Make A Scene – Sophie Ellis Bextor
  59. Peaceland – Sinitus Tempo
  60. Light Me Up – The Pretty Reckless
  61. Here I Am – Kelly Rowland
  62. Selah Sue – Selah Sue
  63. Love CPR – September
  64. Destroyed – Moby
  65. The Deep Field – Joan As Police Woman
  66. Mondo Amore – Nicole Atkins
  67. Those Who Wait – Daley
  68. Strange Mercy – St. Vincent
  69. Adulthood – Cocknbullkid
  70. Resurrected – Omar Afuni
  71. Anna Calvi – Anna Calvi
  72. Collapse Into Now – REM
  73. Light After Dark – Clare Maguire
  74. Colours – Nadio Oh
  75. Who You Are – Jessie J
  76. Stronger – Kelly Clarkson
  77. The Main Ingredients – Down To The Bone
  78. Take Care – Drake
  79. See The Light – Jessica 6
  80. K.I.S.S. – Mya
  81. Lifelines – Andrea Corr
  82. Thursday – The Weeknd
  83. TKOL RMX 1234567 – Radiohead
  84. Heaven – Rebecca Ferguson
  85. Cults – Cults
  86. New Look – New Look
  87. Before The Dinosaurs – Aura Dione
  88. lovestrong. – Christina Perri
  89. Sorry For Party Rocking – LMFAO
  90. Thunder Thighs – Kimya Dawson
  91. Siberia – Lights
  92. Flash! – Electric Lady Lab
  93. Mylo Xyloto – Coldplay
  94. Still Right Here – Melissa Ferrick
  95. Kaleidoscope - DJ Okawari
  96. Nothing But The Beat – David Guetta
  97. Arabian Horse – GusGus
  98. My Life II… The Journey Continues (Act 1) – Mary J. Blige
  99. Love? - Jennifer Lopez
  100. LP1 – Joss Stone

Previous Lists:

Loft965.com’s Best Albums of 2010.

Loft965.com’s Best Albums of 2009.

Loft965.com’s Best Albums of 2008.

Exclusive: 5 Questions With Loft965.com: Ane Brun

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by Beats, Interrogation, Scandi • Tags: , , , , , , ,

1. Greetings from Kuwait! Loft965.com picked your album It All Starts With One as an “Album to look forward to in 2011.” How do you feel about that and what do you think this year holds for you? 

I’m very proud and happy to hear that! I hope that as many people as possible will hear this album, because I’m very happy with it. I’m going to do my best to spread my music around the world. 

 

 

2. The first single “Do You Remember?” is a different sound from your other singles. What inspired this direction and what’s behind the song? 

The demo for this song is me playing a bass line on one string of a guitar. It’s a kind of melancholic love folk song, and this rhythm was already there in the bass line. But we decided to make it bigger, and we invited 3 drummers to the studio. I felt like making a production where you just can’t stand still. I hope everyone wants to move to it. 

 

 

3. You recently toured with Ani DiFranco, whom we love here at Loft965.com, how did you find the experience and should we look forward to more collaborations in the future? 

Ani DiFranco is a very lovely woman, and I’m a big fan of hers. She was my main inspiration when I first started playing guitar 12 years ago. I loved doing the gigs with her, and playing for her audience, and I hope that I can do it again in the future. 

 

 

4. What will be the next single from It All Starts With One and why did you choose it?

We chose “Worship” as the next single from the album. I love José Gonzales’ voice and I love this recording. It’s a bit hypnotizing.

 

 

5. We love quotes, what is your favorite quote or motto?

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” 

― Nelson Mandela

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Video Premiere: “Painted Love” by Air

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by Beats, Clip, Eurobeat • Tags: , , , , , , ,

The uploader has made this video not available in my country because apparently they are so eager to break the Kuwaiti market when they get to it, or they just lump up everyone not from where they are or not a huge market for western music like the US and the UK. Nonetheless, we love the band, so we want to give the chance to some of our international readers to see it. Tell us how it goes.

Exclusive: 5 Questions With Loft965.com: Lira

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by Beats, Clip, Interrogation, Mother Afrique • Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

1. Greetings from Kuwait! Loft965.com picked “Phakade”  and “Mali” as a “Sexy Tracks” of 2011! How do you feel about that and what do you think the rest of the year holds for you?

Amazing, I did not expect that the African songs would resonate but I think this is very exciting! Thank you! I’m going to spend the rest of the year taking advantage of Southern African Festival season so that I can reach more fans.

2. As of now, “Mali” is constantly on our stereos! Will it ever get released as a single?

It is currently one of our singles in South Africa.

3. You just released an EP for your American audience. Are you planning on launching your new album there and when will it be?

I’m planning to launch a full album  titled Rise Again in early 2012 and then follow it up with a tour from the end of January. The album is a combination of tracks from Feel Good, Soul in Mind but mainly containing new tracks from my Return to Love album.

4. Are you going on tour? What will be your next single?

Yes my tour will span over the entire North America and it will be 60 days long!

5. We love quotes, what is your favorite quote or motto?

I post so many on my twitter and facebook page periodically. My favourite one from this week is “Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own.”

And we are off to Cape Town now! For reals!

Loft965.com is getting a make-over!

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by Blog Related • Tags: , , , , ,

After three years and more in operation, your favorite (we hope) music source is getting a little facelift. We have been in the process of choosing and plugging in a new look for our little blog here and it will be up shortly. Of course, tell us what you think once the changes take place, miss sugar. “Often imitated, never duplicated” – MC.

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Exclusive: 5 Questions with Loft965.com: Hafdís Huld

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by Beats, Chirp, Icelandia, Interrogation • Tags: , , , , , , ,

1. Greetings from Kuwait! Loft965.com picked “Pop Song” as a “Sexy Track” of 2011! How do you feel about that and what do you think the rest of the year holds for you?

 I am happy to hear that, thank you. I have to say I didn’t realize it was such a sexy song,  I thought it was just honest.  I think I  will be busy writing and recording my third album for the rest of the year. I will be releasing it in 2012. 

2. We are excited about the new album. What will it be called?

 I am still writing songs for the album so I haven’t decided on a name for it yet. I usually don’t name my albums until all the songs are ready.

3. What musical direction are you taking for your new album?

 At the moment it sounds like it’s going to be a pop album with a country and folky twist.  But that could change before the album is finished.

4. Are you going on tour? What will be your next single?

I won’t be going on tour until after christmas, but I hope to travel to lots of different places to play my new songs next year.  I don’t know what song will be my next single but I have two songs that are strong candidates. One about a scary house close to where I live and another about a very lucky boy.

5. We love quotes, what is your favorite quote or motto?

We have a lot of old sayings here in Iceland and some of them seem very strange, especially when they have been translated. One of my favorites is “Ég kalla nú ekki allt ömmu mína”  it translates as  “I don’t call just anything my grandmother .”  It means I don’t get scared easily.

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Love for Loft965.com!

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by Blog Related • Tags: , , , , , , ,

Following the three year anniversary celebrations of Loft965.com, some people went a little extra to show their love for our little blog. Other than the cyber-success we are having, it’s always great to see that some feel passionately about the blog to take the time out to show it. The feedback was international and, as we always overly us the term, “lovely.” As always, keep them coming and this kind of love keeps us doing what we do. It’s always great to be noticed from all corners of this pop-loving world, as you can tell by the picture from the Philippines above. Much love and appreciation to the readers and those who have been summoned.

Another reader from Kuwait sent us this “Official Seal Of Awesomeness” via the comments section. Thank you!

From the USA. One of the highlights of reader feedback in the past 3 years!

Another reader from Bahrain and one of our favorite Twitter users took a picture of her bedroom wall adorned with our compilation covers. Loves it!

This reader stumbled upon the tiny corner of a location in Prague, Czech Republic where we took the album cover for the Prancina! compilation. She spotted it and sent it to us. Click here for the cover. 

And an iPad/iPhone doodle of love our way from another reader.

Must-Watch: Video Premiere: “This Thirst” by Reham

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by Beats, Clip, The DXB, The Q & The 8 • Tags: , , , , , ,

We’ve followed Reham’s career for a while now and we are constantly reminded of how beautiful her lullabies are and how poignant and timely her lyrics are. When we originally listened to this track we knew it was written about Kuwait, but the video treatment for the song takes place in Dubai’s metro system and it’s quite lovely. It propels the song to a different level and brings it back to life for us. Watch for yourself!

Buy this song here!

Loft965.com Chart: Week 36 of 2011

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by Beats • Tags: , , , , , , ,

  • 1. Ouch That Hurt – Dionne Bromfield
  • 2. Not My Daddy – Kelly Price
  • 3. Game Over – Daley
  • 4. Ever After – Emily King
  • 5. Marathon – Tennis
  • 6. Mali – Lira
  • 7. Down – Emily King
  • 8. Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5
  • 9. So Into You – Ledisi
  • 10. Marathon – Tennis

 

 

 

Loft965.com is about to turn 3!

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by Blog Related • Tags: , , , , , , ,

Yes, Loft965.com is about to complete its third year in operation. The little blog that started with a public sneer, yet reached the global sphere will celebrate its inception on September 15th, 2011. For this occasion we plan to give you gifts and create a strategy for the fourth year. We promise you a better, bigger and bolder year ahead of us. In celebration and because we have been receiving some great love, we need you to get involved!

Please send in your Loft965.com wishes, letters, pictures, stories, videos, quotes and whatever else in commemoration of this occasion. We already have a few, we’ll post the best of the best on here. Also, the best entry will receive a Loft965.com goodie bag with wonderful things! The submissions can be anything from one-liners, to tribute pictures, to essays and vlogs. 

Send in your submission to: admin@loft965.com

Thank you!

 

 

Loft965.com Chart: Week 35 of 2011

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by Beats, Charter • Tags: , , , , , , ,

  • 1. Ouch That Hurt – Dionne Bromfield
  • 2. Ever After – Emily King
  • 3. Mali – Lira
  • 4. Bang Bang Bang – Selena Gomez & The Scene
  • 5. Marathon – Tennis
  • 6. Neva Soft – Ms. Dynamite
  • 7. So Into You – Ledisi
  • 8. Game Over – Daley
  • 9. Not My Daddy – Kelly Price
  • 10. Foreign Language – Flight Facilities

 

 

Loft965.com Chart: Week 34 of 2011

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by Charter • Tags: , , , , , , , ,

  • 1. Ever After – Emily King
  • 2. Ouch That Hurt – Dionne Bromfield<
  • 3. Bang Bang Bang – Selena Gomez & The Scene
  • 4. Game Over – Daley
  • 5. Buy My Love – Wynter Gordon
  • 6. Neva Soft – Ms. Dynamite
  • 7. Mali – Lira
  • 8. Marathon – Tennis
  • 9. Foreign Language – Flight Facilities
  • 10. I Bring The Beat – RuPaul