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After performing "Roman Holiday", the track that starts the album off at the 2012 Grammy Awards, the rapper's flamboyant alter ego Roman was officially introduced to the world. The song shies away from Nicki's hip hop roots forcing you to remind yourself that it is Roman Zolanski on the mic. I'm sure her fans would agree that she should "Come On A Cone". The follow up track is laced with boasting lyrics about vulgarly weeding out the competition.
Starting off the hip hop element of the album the Cam'ron and Rick Ross assisted "I Am Your Leader" turns the Roman Reloaded experience up a few notches. Having Rick Ross on any song is promising but adding Cam'ron came unexpected and although he comes off as a misfit there is so much going on it works. From the title you may think that fourth song, "Beez In The Trap" is about a bonnet of bees. The catchy repetitive hook outshines the verses spat by Nicki almost making rapper 2 Chainz the stand out.
A nod to Jay-Z, "HOV Lane" continues her streak of gripping lyrics, "they gon' frame the receipt if I sign the dotted" she raps. A shot at everyone who claims she has gone commercial. "Roman Reloaded" features her boss man Lil Wayne. The self-proclaimed 'best rapper alive' dominates the track almost as if it were made for him to be on it. He appears on the album again with Bobby V on the song "Sex In The Lounge."
Instant favorite from the day it hit the web "Champion" featuring hip hop heavyweights Nas, Drake and Young Jeezy brings that extra edge to the album. Similar to "Moment For Life" Nicki toasts' to the good life after reflecting on her journey to the top.
Another fan favorite "Right By My Side" is an upbeat ballad that features singer Chris Brown.
Singles "Starships" and "Marilyn Monroe" start off on the pop side of Roman followed by "Pound The Alarm", "Whip It", "Automatic", "Beautiful Sinner" and "Young Forever". "Fire Burns" takes more of a slower tone with Nicki, yet again showing off her singing skills.
The better half of the album is dedicated to the fans of mainstream Nicki, as her sound transition has been called. It is obvious that she had younger fans in mind minus some of the lyrics. Surprisingly the album ends with a little Reggae reminiscent of Nicki's earlier work; "Gun Shot" features Reggae legend Beenie Man.
Overall the album is dominated by Roman but, that is to be expected considering the title of the album. The pop-inspired album will more than likely dominate the dance charts and satisfy the fans.
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