SkimIt
Artist(s): Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj
Genre: R&B
Label: Island Def Jam
Release Date: 06/19/2012
Edited Version Available: Yes
Parental Advisory: No
Other Choices: "Too Close" (CD Single), "Give Your Heart a Break" (CD Single), "Both of Us" (CD Single)
Common Sense Says: Pop, rap titans team up in mildly suggestive track.
Common Sense Rates It:
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that "Beauty and a Beat" is more mature than earlier Justin Bieber songs but is among the tamest Nicki Minaj tracks. It includes the word "bitch," a few suggestive lines about dancing close and grinding, and loose talk about partying. There is a line about using ether.
- Families can talk about the musical chemistry between Bieber and Minaj -- two of the cleanest and raunchiest musicians around, respectively. Does it work?
- Why would Bieber choose to collaborate with a notoriously risque rapper like Minaj?
- What would Minaj stand to gain from matching up with a squeaky-clean teen heartthrob like Bieber?
What's the story?
"BEAUTY AND A BEAT" is one of the growing mountain of singles released from Believe, the second full-length album of original material from teen superstar Justin Bieber. This particular track, which is about wanting to impress the beauty on his arm, features guest rhymes from notoriously edgy rapper Nicki Minaj.
Is it any good?
Justin Bieber's musical mentor, Usher, comes through loud and clear in the smooth, danceable beat of this track. Though it's not one of the strongest tunes on the album, the song is still well-suited for club rotation and radio play.
The Good Stuff
Messages: Bieber wishes to give "all the finer things in life" to his girl.
Role Models: The song is about wanting to impress the person you love.
What to watch out for
Violence Not an issue
Sex: Some suggestive lyrics, like "Body rock, girl, I can feel your body rock." Also a reference to grinding: "Buns out, wiener."
Language: The word "bitch" appears in Minaj's rap.
Consumerism: A reference to Selena Gomez.
Drinking, drugs & smoking: There's a line that says, "hit 'em with the ether."
