What if N.E.R.D. pulled a Black Eyed Peas and added a chic to the clique?
The acclaimed rock, funk and hip hop band’s style is so defined, you can’t just throw any female on top of their super electronic, heavy bass and funk beats. But if we had to add a “Fergie” to their fray, this would be the R.C. shortlist.
From her animal print skinny jeans to her funky shades of style M.I.A is basically an honorary member of the group already. Her music is a blend of hip hop and indie sounds so M.I.A’s flavor on N.E.R.D. would provoke some interesting takes. Since her voice would cut through their rougher beats, imagine an M.I.A free-style over NERD’s, “Everyone Nose.” She’d definitely have the update on why all the girls are standing in the line for the bathroom and painting vivid lyrical pictures along the way.
The only problem… could we understand what she’s saying?
Although she’s more of a protégé of Pharrell, Teyana could also fill a female spot. While we’re still waiting to hear that debut – her only single “Google Me” left her career stalled on YouTube and blog sites – this would be a dope primer to get the world ready for her solo opus.
Her raspy voice over a sick N.E.R.D. beat with Shay going hard on the drums, would only be the best thing since the classic Kelis & Pharrel days. Teyana’s Harlem street style compliments the skater boy look already pushed by N.E.R.D. which keeps her rolling in the front seat.
The only issue… would anyone care?
Remember Brooke Valentine from “Girlfight” or “Pimped out” fame? You know, the girl from Houston riding in the slabs in her videos? Anywho…
Most people slept on her album Chain Letter but Brooke had a few tracks on the joint, (i.e. “I Want You Dead” or “American Girl”) that easily make her sound like the fourth N.E.R.D., only pretty. Not only can she sing a note or two, she’s also comfortable with “Rhythm and Crunk” party lyrics.
She’d also be the only band member that could look exquisite in a graphic belly t-shirt, denim “booty” shorts and patent leather platform pumps, which is always a plus. Her feline maneuvers would add some blatant sex appeal, and it could make N.E.R.D. relevant beyond the niche crowd they’ve already amassed.
If you made the choice, who’d roll with the N.E.R.D.’s?
Drew-Shane is a New Jersey based writer whose words have been featured in various college publications, and on BET as well – but we don’t hold that against him.
Tags: Brooke Valentine, M.I.A., N.E.R.D., Teyana Taylor
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