You may or may not remember this next artist, but I’m going to just assume that it’s going to be the latter. Ideally that’s the case, because I am more than prepared to refresh your memory.
Nivea rose to prominence in the early to mid-2000’s and is probably most remember for her top 10 hit Don’t Mess With My Man which featured Brandon and Brian Casey from the group Jagged Edge. Yes, I just reminded you of Jagged Edge. You’re welcome. Another track you may remember her from is Been So Long by the one and only Mystikal in which she sang the hook. Ah, the memories come rushing back.
Sadly, Don’t Mess With My Man is not the focus of todays entry. It’s a track far more obscure, but just as memorable I assure you.
In 2001, Nivea burst onto the scene with her self-titled debut album. The first single, entitled Don’t Mess With the Radio, instantly proved that she has a big issue with people interfering with her shit, an ongoing trend through-out much of her music. Every artist has a niche and Nivea’s was being overly-protective of her belongings. Whether it be her radio, her car, OR her man, I enjoy her aggressive approach to life and that’s why she is the single most badass singer named after a skincare product to date. Don’t Mess With the Radio peaked at 90 on the Hot 100, but it’s definitely worth revisiting for the sheer nostalgia. I promise you that, the moment you hear that sleek, nod-inducing intro you’re going to be hooked. Again. Let’s dive in.
One, don’t mess with the radio
Two, don’t tell me which way to go
Three, just leave it up to me cause
Four, you ridin’ with a pro
Five, you gotta leave it all behind
Six, we bout to get up in the mix now
Seven, everyday is a blessing
Eight, don’t make no mistake about one
Everybody loves a countdown, and Nivea offers you one of the best of them. The chorus here is super catchy. It’s simple as hell and perfect for singing along to when driving. I mean, hell, the whole thing is about your car. You can even reference your actual vehicle when reciting these lyrics. If you have a passenger at the time, you can maybe get a little hostile with them. Don’t touch my shit mother fucker! Nivea knows we can all relate to this. She’s sick of the tampering and she’s laying down the law. This girl’s seen some shit in her day.
Please treat yourself to the music video and allow your mind to be free.
When it comes to the music video one thing truly stands out. Nivea’s hair. Let’s be real, after watching that video it’s the one thing we are ALL thinking about. Nivea’s hair game is on FIRE! These weave’s are truly mind-blowing and deserve to be acknowledged.
First weave.
Keeping it basic here. She’s starting her day with a painted face so it’s only right she keep the rest of it simple. Now, of course she sleeps in a matching pink ensemble so it makes sense to match her hair with it. Pink highlights in a sensible up do. Very low-key.
Second weave.
Of, we’re getting a little crazy nah’. Those red and orange highlights have the spunk and attitude required when instructing someone to lay off your material possessions. If someone came at me with hair of fire I would hesitate before getting all up on their shit. She knows how to make a point.
Third weave. And it’s the best of the best, I assure you.
With this PRIME addition to her sew-in collection, Nivea has just elevated the weave-game to a whole new level. Electric blue and green with an angled bang? What?! Yes Nivea! Thank you for having no issue with making such a BOLD fashion statement. Nobody can compete with this weave. NOBODY. She is ready to have the best night ever, and she KNOWS that all eyes are going to be on her and specifically her skull. If you’re going to make an impression, you might as well make it memorable.
After her all to brief streak of success, Nivea fell off the radar and was never quite able to recapture the magic of her early career. Maybe it was a downgrade in the quality of her hair-pieces, we will never know. But one thing is for sure. Every time I reach for my body-wash, I will be reminded of her. And every time one of you fucks with my music, you better believe I will recite the lyrics to this chorus, word for fucking word.
Fizzy Bubbles 