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About Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa: Music lover.

Re: Promo tour (96,073) (96,127) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa Also in her sky blue robe singing Fly Like A Bird snippet. Absolutely gorgeous, stunning, radiant, comfy, clear skin, fresh face, so damn beautiful. This may actually be the best she's looked in at least 5 years in my humble opinion. (Monday 12 October 2020; 19:19)

Re: Trash (96,115) (96,126) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa Well written Jade. And I agree. I am from the U.S. and the one drop rule was not created by black people. We all knew about it growing up and we thought it was so unfair. It was as if black blood was tainting, therefore it just takes one drop. This system was in no way whatsoever validating or enjoyed by us. It's sad actually and it has been carried on for generations. My family was close with another family where I grew up, they ended up having twin daughters my age. The grandmother was a brown skin black woman, she was my piano teacher as a child. She married a fair skin black man to offset her darker skin. They had a son who was fair, he married a white woman and they had the twins (I am still very close to them). And as the girls grew up, they knew that their family would allow them to date whomever, but they were expected to marry white. I remember when we were growing up, they dated only white, their friends were mostly white, but then they would sneak out and "hang out" (smoke and drink and listen to music)with the black guys and proudly proclaim that they were half black too. It always reminded me of Mariah's hip hop remix moments and how I pictured they came about (this was in the late 90s in h.s., Mariah was our soundtrack. Anyway, I say all that to say that in the U.S. people still have major complexes about race, one drop rule, and lessening that drop through the generations. Not all, but it's prevalent. The one drop rule is common knowledge here in the black/mixed race communities, not because we celebrate it but because we have been unfairly affected by it. (Monday 12 October 2020; 19:07)

The Meaning of Mariah Carey review, finally (96,113) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa I've been so overwhelmed with everything Mariah since the release of this book and the months leading up to it. I've been revisiting all of the amazing home performances, the live snippets, and of course everything MC30. She's given so much this year and it's all come in with such great energy. I love where she is in 2020. So my book arrived 2 days after release (Amazon) and I took 2 days to read it. I wanted to read first, then treat myself to the audiobook. I honestly could not put the book down. I forced myself to because I wanted to stretch it at least 2 days. I am still so blown away. Wow. I loved hearing her stories and reflections. So many were relatable for a multitude of reasons. Coming from a multi-cultural family myself, the perspective that she spoke from was so refreshing, relevant, honest, raw, and just right on. It wasn't sugar-coated sunshine and rainbows at all and I love her for it. The fact that this was a memoir rather than an autobiography really provided a platform for her emotional truth. The webs and loops displayed how emotional experiences affected her throughout her life. I loved that. I feel communicating from that place of emotional truth is one of her strengths, it's what makes her songwriting so powerful. I found myself revisiting my own memories as I read about hers, revisiting songs from the eras I was reading about as I went along, it was just a whole experience and it was so full. Everything in the book tied together so well, it was cohesive, and the themes were woven throughout. The themes of racism (systemic and otherwise) and division were so timely. Mariah has touched on these subjects for many many years. However, the book gave her the place to really share her experiences and perspectives in the proper setting. The biggest surprise for me was how visual the experience was. It's like I could see every single scene and story that was told. Shout out to Michaela Angela Davis, this was a powerful collaboration. I keep racking my brain to choose a favorite section, but I just loved the whole thing. Though I would love for her to write an autobiography one day, I would actually love to get a couple more memoirs from her first. This one focused most on her childhood, I would like to hear more about some other aspects or themes in her life. This book feels like a transition project, carrying Mariah into a whole new aspect of her career. Between TMOMC and The Rarities, I am so stoked for what is to come. (Monday 12 October 2020; 11:59)

Promo tour (96,073) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa Um... I don't usually talk or post about Mariah's looks, I like to focus on her art. However, she looks so incredibly stunning in every appearance that I have seen on this promo tour. I'm watching WWHL and I'm mesmerized by her beauty. It's because she looks so relaxed, at peace, and very comfortable in her own skin. I'm not sure if I know another "era" that she was this radiant and stunning. Sometimes I can tell when her breathing is short due to shapewear etc but I'm not seeing that at all here. I know for me personally, the reflection I've done and the stress I chose to let go of throughout the pandemic this year has changed my physical appearance. I imagine the writing process, but very importantly the completion and release of this project has lifted tons of old energy and stress off of her. I can see it in her face. I love this Mariah so much. (Saturday 10 October 2020; 06:09)

The Rarities, my track by track review (96,072) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa Caution: A bit long and only a review of Volume 1. The Rarities Review Ok, so anticipating this release, I really didn't know what to expect. OHOMO was a nice song, but it didn't move or grab me at first listen (many listens later, I think this song is absolutely stunning). I chose not to indulge the leaks and waited for the official release. Let's just say, it's been on heavy rotation every single day since. Here We Go Round Again What a great way to start. I love the energy, it takes me back to a time in music where dance tracks were much lighter and mature at the same time (think Square Biz, All Night Long). I was not expecting a song like this and I love her voice with this type of song. Can You Hear Me Another surprise. This song reminds me of the 80s in all the best ways. This is a song I would have played over and over on my Fisher Price record player as a kid. The emoting is just enough. Do You Think Of Me Ok, so I know this one has been around, but I have never heard it. This is what I hoped for but didn't expect to get. It's sultry, sensual, such a groove. There's an instrument that sounds like a synthesized horn and I live for it. What's different is that she usually uses her backup vocals to set the mood and sensuality, but in this song it's the actual instruments and lead vocals. Love it. Everything Fades Away This one wasn't a new listen for me. Between her backstage moment with Jojo and this release, this is hands down my absolute favorite piece of art that she has created. I don't want to say too much, I just feel this infinitely in my soul. All I Live For Oh. My. Goodness. Possibly the biggest surprise of the batch for me. This easily could've been a Tevin Campbell song. The brightness on the chorus, the group of background singers, this was a sunny Sunday afternoon in the 90s for me. I live for it, this may be my second favorite song on the album. One Night Another good song. I actually really like both sections. To me it's very visual, like her and her backup singers sitting around singing stories and then getting up when the beat comes in. I can so see the video. This song would have fit perfectly on En Vogues EV3 album. It sounds like the same brand as Dreamlover. And honestly, this song makes me really enjoy Dreamlover (it's never really been my jam). Slipping Away Another one I've heard. Nice song, good song. To me it sounds like somewhere between a mid-tempo and a slow song and I kinda wish it was totally one or the other. Out Here On My Own Such a beautiful song. In the vein of introspective closer that we have become accustomed to. Maybe that's why it caught me off guard as a single. She captures the energy of this song impeccably, vocally taking the most minuscule of cues from the instrumentation. A gem. Loverboy Firecracker Ok, so at first listen I was confused. Or maybe my ears were confused. To be honest, I never loved the Candy version. I really disliked the video upon release and it just wasn't the follow-up to Honey and Heartbreaker that I was looking for. Now, after some listens this is a whole bop. I love it actually. It is much more innocent than the Candy version. I would always cringe at "sugar daddy" but I don't mind it at all on this version. I Pray I'll be totally honest. For some reason when this song comes on I tune out. I have never really heard it straight through. I think I need to be in a certain mindset for it. Cool On You I cannot stop listening to this song. This is the only song I will repeat on its own over and over again. The lyrics are so clever, I laugh out loud every time, and it is so gratifying to sing this one out loud at home alone to everyone that I feel this way about. This is everything. "Do the coat" just confirms that the Mariah in my head is very much the Mariah that is. I live. Mesmerized This song sends me on vacation. A slick cruise that never ends. Her voice is like heaven, the title is so accurate. She has evoked feelings of water many times in her music and this time it's very different than ever before and I love it. To me, this song sounds like the color of dolphins. Love. Lullaby of Birdland The first 8 seconds of this track sends me to the moon. I have replayed those 8 seconds over and over, it's the way she says "stage" for me. But I just love this song in general. I've daydreamed about seeing Mariah at a shady jazz lounge, relaxed and giving imperfect vocals, scatting, improvising, and having fun. This is the closest I have gotten to that and I love the authenticity of it. This is a standout track to me. Save The Day I reviewed this previously on the board. I still love it, I think it fits so well at this part of the album. It actually sounds even fresher in this body of work than as a single. So good. Close My Eyes When this song was released, I listened to it hundreds of times in that first year. Every word spoke to me. It has a special place in my heart and having a new stripped down version with new vocals is such a blessing. Just beautiful. "And you're still alive" that part. That part. Volume 2 I honestly haven't listened closely. When this part comes on, it's my cue to start back at Here We Go Again. Faves Everything Fades Away All I Live For Cool On You Mesmerized Lullaby of Birdland (Saturday 10 October 2020; 04:50)

Guardian interview, reading between the lines (95,994) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa So in the interview, Mariah said "If it was a relationship that mattered, it's in the book. If not, it didn't occur." This has me thinking of Tanaka. From the beginning of their "relationship" I figured it was just for show, not really a relationship. She mentioned him in the acknowledgements of the book in a "good friend" kinda way, but nothing else. She chooses her words wisely and I think the statement above is applicable, it didn't occur. Whatever their professional arrangement is, his energy is so positive and it seems to be working for them. P.S. Counting on one hand: TM, DJ, LM, NC... (Tuesday 6 October 2020; 21:32)

Re: Amazon review from 2015 (95,838) (95,843) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa I saw that earlier and just died. The layers. She is truly an elusive chanteuse lol. (Monday 28 September 2020; 21:20)

Re: Chick - Someone's Ugly Daughter (95,813) (95,823) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa Amazing, I love it. Jack is in the Malibu video too (that or a Jack lookalike). (Monday 28 September 2020; 02:37)

Re: Cool On You (95,816) (95,821) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa Clairvoyantriah. I live. (Monday 28 September 2020; 02:33)

Re: Follow-up to The Meaning of Mariah Carey (95,808) (95,819) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa I'm laughing so hard. It's sooo extra and such a necessity. (Monday 28 September 2020; 02:29)

Follow-up to The Meaning of Mariah Carey (95,794) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa This is such a daydream, but I would love Mariah to follow up her memoir with: The Encyclopedia of Mariah Carey Vol. 1 This would be a reference guide to all of her music, released and unreleased. When they were written, recorded, who worked on them, the studios used, etc. It will also include inspiration behind each song. My vision is for this to be solely focused on her career (which of course will dip into the personal) and not so much about personal details that don't pertain to her work. Mariah comes from a breed of artists with a truly remarkable work ethic, prolific artists. She is extremely hands on in her career and I feel like this encyclopedia would be an interesting guide for more than just her fans, but people that study music and also up and coming musicians. And since it will include all of her unreleased music, the success of The Encyclopedia of Mariah Carey would create a great demand for the release of all the other hidden gems that she has. Enter: The Rarities Vol. 2. (Sunday 27 September 2020; 06:28)

Re: I'm proud of Mariah (95,766) (95,790) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa I love this. So well put. (Sunday 27 September 2020; 02:01)

Re: Oprah interview (95,741) (95,765) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa I would actually love a Unicorn album by her. But yes, I'm so glad that she is going there with this book. So cathartic. (Saturday 26 September 2020; 02:33)

Re: Mariah and Oprah (95,736) (95,764) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa Yes. I've felt this way for years that she's doing the best she can with the hand when was dealt/unresolved issues and trauma. She so not perfect but amazing and deserving of kindness nonetheless. Music has always been her vehicle to heal, it doesn't always have to make sense to us. I am so happy that she is getting this weight off of her shoulders. (Saturday 26 September 2020; 02:30)

Re: A list, for Bill (95,559) (95,563) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa In order, my top 10: 10. Don't Forget About Us (Desert Storm) 9. TGIFY (original version) 8. Heartbreaker (both versions, package deal) 7. Shake It Off 6. Honey 5. Fantasy (BBR) 4. Always Be My Baby 3. The Roof 2. Endless Love (live) 1. My All/Stay Awhile (So So Def) (Wednesday 16 September 2020; 11:57)

Gladys and Patti Verzuz (95,558) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa This was epic, the best of the series in my opinion. They gave Mimi a shout out. Listening to the classics and cuts of these two extraordinary women. I had forgotten what this type of music can sound like and what it can do to you. Even lyrically. I would absolutely love for Mariah to take a few pages or a whole book from their career and give us that meaningful soul music that sticks with you for a lifetime. Their music was rarely trendy, it's all so timeless. "If Only You Knew" by Patti, "License To Kill" by Gladys, and countless others. I would love for Mimi to be the new auntie for these kids coming up. (Tuesday 15 September 2020; 21:11)

Re: Loverboy - Firecracker (95,465) (95,487) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa Clutching my pearls just thinking of this. Scandalous. (Friday 11 September 2020; 07:53)

Webmaster (95,399) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa Thank you so much for all that you do here. I appreciate how swiftly the posts are up and just having this space in general. You do your job so well. It means a lot and I know that you don't have to do it. Just wanted to say a big thanks. (Friday 4 September 2020; 23:53)

Re: Do You Know... Bonita (95,396) (95,398) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa I was so hoping someone would get it. (Friday 4 September 2020; 23:46)

Re: Derek Jeter (95,374) (95,389) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa Giggling. (Friday 4 September 2020; 20:57)

Do You Know... Bonita (95,388) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa These remixes are everything. I've never heard them before. They are giving me 4 am after hours tacos with a tiny dingey dance floor and some red and blue lights and nothing but locals. I'm so loving it. MC30 is such a gift, what a creative rollout to her memoir. Very innovative. (Friday 4 September 2020; 20:55)

Re: Derek Jeter (95,379) (95,387) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa I agree. I have a feeling it's one of those things like, "this man is so amazing because he's nothing like what I just had". Like a refreshing rebound and she got super excited. I think the songs are more of a reflection of the feelings she felt by being with him more so than the relationship itself. I mean she has a Cancer ascendant and a Pisces mercury so go figure. (Friday 4 September 2020; 20:31)

Re: Derek Jeter (95,370) (95,375) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa And don't forget For The Record. (Friday 4 September 2020; 08:00)

Re: My All and The Roof (95,287) (95,304) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa I always thought that about The Roof, so then it's sequel Lullaby must be about him too (which I also always believe..) And I think Subtle is about the same person. If not Derek, it's some puppy love connection pre-fame. For some reason I hear a connection between The Roof, Lullaby, and Giving Me Life. It might just be the mood/vibe. (Monday 31 August 2020; 18:58)

Re: Another take on the voice (95,227) (95,229) by Nicky from Jasmine's Sofa I'm wrong? We all have different opinions and perspectives so I don't know how I'm "wrong". I didn't think that's what we were doing on this board. I went to the Caution World Tour and she sounded great. I was responding to a post comparing the lifespan of great athletes careers to Mariah's. My point was that these other singers have very different careers and expectations past their prime. Diana, Stevie, Aretha, Teena Marie, Whitney, and many others voices have been inconsistent and changed through the years. No rosy colored glasses, just real talk. Your post comes off as if you were very triggered, I'm just here for conversations and healthy exchange. I don't need to belittle others here to make a point. (Thursday 27 August 2020; 03:55)

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