Amerie is back to fight her way back up the charts with her latest album, In Love & War. After Touch, her last US released studio album was released in 2005 she’s back from a hiatus with brand a new home at Island Def Jam and a new line of producers behind her unique and soulful voice. With the release of her lead single “Why R U,” she let fans get a taste of 80’s Hip-Hop flare and hinted at what was to come next, which was the official single, “Heard ‘Em All,” penned and produced with the help of Sean Garrett and Eric Hudson.

You can definitely tell the absence of Rich Harrison was missed throughout this projectl though with the help from today’s best, the project came out well written and the sound quality was efficient. Amerie has had a lot of buzz during the past week with the anticipation of her new album. Amerie released a album, Because I Love It, in 2007 which hit shelves in the US after a year of being in the UK. With a four year void of Amerie she comes back hard with with her track “Heard ‘Em All” stating her landing back onto the scene.

(...) Continue Reading »

The diva is back! Whitney Houston released her sixth studio album I Look To You today showing the world that she’s still got it. I Look To You is Whitney’s first album in almost seven years and it features production from Akon, Swizz Beats, Danja, etc.

Ranked as the fourth best-selling female artist in the US, Whitney’s career took a turn when she turned to drugs during the late 90s and early 2000s. With her suddenly becoming missing in action for interviews and performances, being fired from the Academy Awards, and losing many pounds due to drugs and stress, the legend that was once known for her amazing and powerful vocals became an object for negative criticism. When asked about her drug use in an interview with Diane Sawyer in 2002, Whitney dismissed the rumors, claiming that “crack is whack,” a line that would later become infamous.

But after years and years of controversy, Clive Davis announced in March 2007 that Houston would be heading back into the studio to work on a new studio project. The product of these sessions became I Look To You. I have listened to the album a couple times and below is my track my track review!

Million Dollar Bill: Whitney knows how to start an album. The beginning of the Alicia Keys penned track starts off with Whitney singing “Oooh…” before going into the groovy feel good dance track. Swizz really did his thing on this song. It will have you moving within the first few lines and Whitney sounds amazing on it. Even without having any high notes to reach, you will notice that the voice is still there. (4/5)

(...) Continue Reading »

Ex-Destiny’s Child member LeToya Luckett returns with her sophomore album Lady Love after the success of her No. 1 self-titled debut. Lady Love doesn’t submit itself to today’s dance pop craze and LeToya stays true to her R&B roots. Everyone loves good old school R&B but is this good enough to keep the Houston-born singer relevant? Keep reading to find out!

Lady Love: When the song starts, it sounds like it should be a short interlude to the album but then the track progresses. The track is definitely nothing special and I don’t think it should have been the opening of the album. Should be a filler track. (2.5/5)

She Ain’t Got…: Swing batta batta batta… LeToya’s second single and the most pop song on the album. The electric guitars, synth, and drums add to the very catchy song. We’ve all heard the story before: man cheats on a woman and the woman goes off stating that she’s much better than the new woman. The only difference here is that it’s incorporated into a hard club song. (3.5/5)

Not Anymore: I wasn’t too keen on this song when it was first released because I didn’t think the video fit. After listening to it again, I’m actually feeling it. The lyrics and vocals are on point in the mid-tempo track. Nevertheless, there are two cons to the song: the random “this is dedicated to…” that repeats towards the end of the track is distracting and kind of takes you out of the mood of the song. Also, I feel the track would be better if it was simply piano and drums instead of the synth that’s added in the chorus. (3.5/5)

(...) Continue Reading »

The youngest American Idol winner and platinum selling artist Jordin Sparks returns with her sophomore album Battlefield. Sparks made a splash on the scene not when she AI, but more so with her hit “No Air,” a duet with Chris Brown. While the song granted her a Grammy Nomination, her self-titled debut album only peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Now, she’s back with a hot new single and an even more impressive second album. I have spent days listening to the album and here’s my track by track review:

(...) Continue Reading »

Common took it back!  Common did a 180 and took hip-hop back to its days of electro, teaming up with Pharrell Williams, who comes off like a modern day version of the 1980s studio whizzes. While we’re used to Common in the role of poetic prophet or self righteous rhyme slayer, Universal Mind Control is primarily a rhythmic celebration, paying tribute to Afrika Bambaataa and Jonzun Crew jams.

LISTEN: Common – CHANGES

(...) Continue Reading »

I’ll keep this simple. This album is outrageously hot and it’s probably the best Ludacris album since Word of Mouf. When folks consider the best MCs, Ludacris usually isn’t in the mix, but Chris Bridges has been one of the most prolific and consistent rappers of our era and deserves to be on the tip of tongues. He over-reaches thematically on this disc, as he conceives it as a cinematic piece with dramatic production on some tracks.

LISTEN: LUDACRIS – EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS

(...) Continue Reading »

Brandy will release her fifth studio album, “Human,” on Tuesday, December 9th 2008. This is her first project on her new home label Epic Records. The “Afrodisiac” singer left Atlantic Records back in 2005. After all the drama that occurred in her personal life in recent years, Brandy wants us to know that she is just ‘human.’ The album has critics on edge waiting days before the release to critique audiences of Brandy’s revival.

LISTEN: BRANDY – FALL

(...) Continue Reading »

Kanye West – 808’s and Heartbreaks – Dropped out of college. Then he re-enrolled, and, on his third album, finally graduated. Next, he was supposed to get a “good ass job.”

Instead, he had his heartbroken. With life, expect the unexpected. Kanye West has had one hell of a year. West’s first and only true love, his mother, Donda West, died from surgery complications. He’s been arrested twice after clashes with the paparzzi, and he even called it off with his fiancé, Alexis PhiferHe’s lived through blow after blow, and the album itself is a reflection of how reality can reflect art or vice versa.

So, with all that Kanye has been through thus far, it shouldn’t shock anyone that he shelved his original album titled, Good Ass Job, and recorded an album full of loss, vocal robots, and heartbreak.

LISTEN: KaNYE WEST – SAY YOU WILL

(...) Continue Reading »

John Legend’s new album, Evolver, has been out for some time now, and everyone has been talking about it! “Green Light,” featuring Andre 3000 has been one of our favorite songs now for a minute. So, we had no other choice but to review the album. Producers that are featured on this project are Kanye West, John Legend, Malay, KP, Midi Mafia, Will.I.Am, Trevor Horn, Devo Springsteen, The Neptunes, Supa Dups, and Teddy Riley. The album has been considered to be John Legend’s most heavy pop influenced effort.

LISTEN: JOHN LEGEND – THIS TIME

(...) Continue Reading »

Jive Records’ mega superstar Britney Spears is leaking like nobody’s business. Circus, is slated to be the official revival of the Pop Princess. The album’s official release date is December 2, 2008. This festive occasion not only marks the release but it is also Britney Spears’ birthday. Spears seems untainted with the downfall of one of the most powerful brand names to hit households. And after the release of Blackout, her most controversial, risk-taking, and unfulfilled in sales album to date. But fortunately, she’s picked herself up in a matter of months for her children’s sake. Blackout, being considered her laziest effort, delivered the most potent Spears material to be released. So, now that the Pop Princess is back on her P’s & Q’s, will she succeed with Circus? The album title itself was a clever spin to the reality she was living. Spears stated, “I was stuck in the middle of it all. It was just crazy.” With, all eyes on Britney Spears’ latest effort, does she deliver? With that being said…let’s see what I found out.

(...) Continue Reading »

Columbia Record’s leading superstar Beyonce (or Sasha Fierce) is days away from releasing, I Am…Sasha Fierce. The album is slated to be a double disk album with plenty of ballads and get busy tracks. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to sit down and listen to the whole album. I’m still in disbelief that she gave, “Sasha,” a last name. It takes away from the aura of “Sasha,” being a diva. The cliche part is that “Fierce,” is an obvious outreach to her homosexual fanbase. Nonetheless, Beyonce brought just enough to keep her fans at peace with this project. When reviewing this album you must remember Beyonce stated, “I’ve recorded over 100 tracks for this project.” So, clearly this review is going to be critical.

(...) Continue Reading »

I feel no one can use the vocoder or vocalizer like him. With tracks like “Blowing Up“ featuring Ciara, “Therapy” featuring Kanye West, “It Ain’t Me“ featuring T.I. and Akon, it’s possible that any track on the album is potentially a hit single. Aside from his singles, “Can’t Believe It“ featuring Lil’ Wayne, “Chopped & Skrewed“ featuring Ludacris, and “Freeze“ featuring Chris Brown, you can smoothly flow into the album with a nice transition. You can truly listen to each song on the album without a skip besides the skits.

(...) Continue Reading »

The jazzy, bluesy singer Jazmine Sullivan debuts “Fearlessly” with her 2008 release under J Records, Fearless. The album’s preceded by the Missy Elliott-produced single “Need You Bad”, which exudes a nice soulful, reggae feel.

Fearless can cite a few inspirations from Lauryn Hill, Brandy, Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, etc. – at least that’s who I heard listening to the album from personal experience since those are all some of my favorite artists. A lot of the tracks that can be heard on Fearless are very big sounding and jaunty as far as production and some lyrical content.

Sullivan’s rhythmic raspy voice and arrangements are like that pleasurable cream sweetner or voice added that semi-perfect coffee or song. Fearless is highly relatable, highly enjoyable, highly buyable in my honest opinion.

My standout tracks on this album would be Salaam Remi-produced “Bust Your Windows” (which is also slated to be the next single), “My Foolish Heart”, “Call Me Guilty”, “Live a Lie”, and the very Brandy influenced “After the Hurricane”; I don’t know why but in some parts in this song I can picture Young Jeezy in the background saying his trademarked “Aye!” Also, single material in my opinion. Fearless in stores now, p-p-p-pick it uuuup!

» Buy on Amazon.com!
» Buy on iTunes!

♫ Jazmine Sullivan – Bust Your Windows
♫ Jazmine Sullivan – Need U Bad
♫ Jazmine Sullivan – After the Hurricane
♫ Jazmine Sullivan – Fear

I knew it would not be long before young music starlet Solange Knowles (aka Solange or Solo) got the chance to scholar in her own right with the new album appropriately entitled SoL-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (Music World Ent./Geffen). Featured guest appearances on this project, both composition and production, include Bama Boyz, Bilal, Mark Ronson, and The Neptunes to name just a few.

Hadley Dreams is a jazzy tune composed of soul and blues to last a lifetime; to give you a general idea, some of Hadley Dream’s tracks can cite old inspiration from Diana and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis as far as production. Overall, Hadley Dreams is a bluesy, harmonic, melancholy — yet “When all is said and done, move on with stride“-type of record.

I think Solange has grown — not only as a singer — but also as a songwriter, it really shows, especially with the album Hadley Dreams; with sounds spouting from the 70s/80s, this album is like a groovy gem! I think Solange flourishes eclectically with this entire project and I am just so amazed of the talent spewing from this artist creatively as a whole.

My recommended track listens would have to be “T.O.N.Y.“, which is definite single material, “Would’ve Been the One“, “6′O Clock Blues“, “Dancing in the Dark“, “Valentines Day“, and the melodic “Cosmic Journey“.

The album, Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (Music World Ent./Geffen) will be available in stores August 26th and will include the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart-topping hit “I Decided” and “Sandcastle Disco“. Click Here To Listen To Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams!

Solange’s official site, MySpace, Blog, YouTube.

R&Ber Lloyd returns with his third studio album Lessons In Love, set to release Aug. 4th (U.K.) and Aug. 5th (U.S.) off The Inc. via Universal. Guest productions include Tricky Stewart, Brian Michael-Cox, Eric Hudson, Polow Da Don, J. Lack and, of course, Big Reese and Jasper on the infatuating single ? Girls Around the World featuring the album’s one guest appearance Lil’ Wayne.

(...) Continue Reading »

KATY PERRY is ONE OF THE BOYS; officially debuting her album internationally on Capitol Music Group, Perry executes the new wave generation of music today with chart-topping hits like ‘? Ur So Gay‘ (G. Wells) and ‘? I Kissed a Girl‘ (L. Gottwald). One of the Boys is electro, it’s pop, it’s garage band, it’s everything! Collectively collaborating with such notable producers as Greg Wells and Luke ‘Dr. Luke’ Gottwald, among many others, it’s probable that this album would include no fillers! Almost every track has potential to be a hit. One of the Boys is in stores now.

? Click Here To Listen to One of the Boys

Ashanti is back with a new longly anticpated album, The Declaration. This album is not what I expected, but in a very good way. Ashanti has came out of the box and broaden her lyrics and melodies. This album is an R&B album but it’s an upbeat album that doesn’t give you a lot “ballads” which I feel would be a good thing especially listening to new music from Ashanti. I listened to Diddy’s philosophy on new tracks. Ashanti definitely passed the “5 second rule”. Ashanti collaborated with many great producers on this new project. She’s worked with Kanye West, Jermaine Dupri, Akon, BabyFace, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, and more. The first single, “The Way That I Love You” which is still in heavy rotation on the radio was one of the hottest singles and videos of 2008. Some of the tracks on this album that stood out the most would be, “In These Streets”, “Things You Make Me Do” featuring Robin Thicke, “Good Good”, and “Shine”. This is a great return for Ashanti. If you haven’t picked up this album it’s now in stores on iTunes.

Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (of production team The Neptunes) and Shay Haley, collectively known as N*E*R*D, return to release their third studio album, Seeing Sounds (Interscope), available June 9th, 2008; but you may pre-order the album on AMAZON now!

N-E-R-D.COM // MYSPACE.COM/NERDOFFICIAL

(...) Continue Reading »

RATING:
Young starlet Raven Symone released her fourth studio album this week, please make sure you go out and support her buying the album!! It features stellar production from Sean Garrett, who will also be dropping an album later on this year, Oak and Mario (of the Knightwritaz) and of course The Clutch!!

Lordy, I have to honest, I got a little worried about that Double Dutch Bus single, I know Raven getting her money but c’mon now … she is too grown! However, HOWEVER this album is the epitome of grown, sexy, WOMAN-she’s woman now. So yeah, that Double Dutch Bus single is misleading indeed, there are no kiddie Disney fillers — thank Baby Daniel’s royal pimp hand!

Overall I would say Raven Symone’s new eponymous album is a good buy; and a nice birthday gift or something. There are a few bangers, with Sean Garrett, and some nice ballads. My favourite tracks would have to be Anti-Love Song, Love Me Or Leave Me, In Your Skin and Keep A Friend.

released through Columbia Records. The album will include the hot tunes Promise Ring featuring Ciara and I’m Grown, produced by Darkchild, featuring Bow Wow. On some tracks I thought there were a few holes; she sounded a bit shaky to me. With having said that the album was pretty decent to say the most. I love I’m Grown, Lay Back And Chill, and Girl Gone Wild – “shawty, you don’t need no soldier, what you think we going to war?” I see they added some new material! Although I liked the original version that leaked that’s the only part I like that they added. They could’ve kept all those unnecessary noises added to the updated version. Overall Tiffany Evans’ debut album is kind of like a show and tell effort, which is a nice thing, Tiffany shows lots of growth and tells you her story!

LISTEN TO THE ALBUM VIA BET.COM

Mariah Carey has returned with her latest project appropriately titled E=MC2 (Island), the album hits all store markets April 15th so make sure you look out when it drops! Guest appearances include T-Pain, Damon Marley and Young Jeezy. Producers include T-Pain, Bryan Michael-Cox, Stargate and of course Jermaine Dupri. E=MC2 is exactly what the album represents, nothing short of the Emancipation of Mimi, and I think that it shows greatly throughout this project. There are mostly ballads on E=MC2; and some mid-tempos. Then you have classic, melodic magna opera which Mariah is known for, respectably. My favourite tunes from here would have to be Side Effects, Loving You Long Time, OOC and I Wish You Well. I have all of those on repeat the most! Ideally, I Wish You Well, for the simple fact that this is the Classic Mariah that I was mentioning about and the song itself spoke tremendous volumes. Overall I would say that E=MC2 is definitely buyable, listenable … er, um- “whip-able” (car listenable) if that’s a word. It’s just a fun, open and honest album much least like the Touch My Body video (which was JUST a video and wasn’t meant to be taken seriously!). I really enjoyed E=MC2 and I will definitely be getting my copy as soon as it comes out! Mariah, you know I got you! Please release Side Effects for me if possible, k? Oh, by the way, visitors of T2W we will be holding an exclusive E=MC2 album give-a-way to you pretty soon … so you might want to stay clicked for that!

BUY THE ALBUM NOW!!

Diddy’s Angel’s have returned to bring us another hawt-ass album, Welcome To The Dollhouse (Bad Boy/Atlantic), in stores March 18th 2008! Productions for this album will include, A to Z, Bryan Michael-Cox, Danja (and the Clutch), Runners – everybody! And appearances from Day26, Diddy, Missy Elliott and Rick Ross!

Welcome To The Dollhouse, in my opinion, is like a musical platter full of influences from 80’s/90’s pop and R&B to hip-hop and modern day dance tunes that fit into today’s genre. My favourite songs off the album are Bad Girl, Secret Place, Lights Out and Is Anybody Listening.

DANITY KANE ..:|| BAD GIRL ||:.. DIRECT LINK
DANITY KANE ..:|| STRIP TEASE ||:.. DIRECT LINK

Gnarls Barkley returns with their sophomore album The Odd Couple (Atlantic), make sure you all pick up your copy April 8th, 2008! I’ve been turned onto Gnarls Barkley’s randomness (good random, though) when I first heard their single ‘Crazy’. Now, I’m extremely random, so soon I knew Gnarls Barkley would ultimately become one of my favourite bands ever. I still bump St. Elsewhere from time to time even now, just like I’ll be with this album soon :)

[ THANKS JONNY ALI'S BLOG ! ]

My current favourite tunes from this album, so far, are ‘Would-Be Killer’, ‘Open Book’, ‘Whatever’, ‘Blind Mary’, ‘Neighbors’ and ‘A Little Better’. If you liked St. Elsewhere you’ll love this album, it’s a little more darker, though; lots of soul and a little bit of funk. I love it long time! You can’t go wrong with GB.

The ‘Dogfather’, aka Snoop Dogg, returns strong, once again, with his ninth studio album appropriately entitled Ego Trippin’ (Doggystyle/Geffen); it hits stores everywhere March 11th so make sure you pick up a copy. Guest appearances on E.T. include Too $hort and Charlie Wilson, who is currently at work on his forthcoming project, amongst others.

Snoop Dogg’s album Ego Trippin’ is an exuberant magnum opus to me; probably Snoop’s most progressive work. I really enjoyed it. From the enticingly-addictive Redd-produced ‘Sexual Seduction’ to the rural-tribute to the late Johnny Cash. There are no fillers.

[ THANKS Jonny Ali's Blog! ]

Janet ‘Mrs. Jackson’ Jackson returns with her new album Discipline (Island) hitting stores everywhere February 26th next week! I’m so exciting about this right now! Fans can most definitely expect ‘Classic Janet’ on this record, there are a lot of jams to look forward to, and I’m sure you all can’t hardly wait for it. I don’t know about you all but I would like to see Janet dancing again. You know? Those legendary, iconic moves she’s famous for! I think I might be getting what I’ve been waiting for finally! I just pray to God she tours with this record, I mean, she has to, it’s most likely probable.

(...) Continue Reading »

Awhoo! Go P!nk! So far the pop-singer’s 2006 album I’m Not Dead (LaFace), a follow-up to 2003’s Try This (Laface), has been certified platinum in the U.S. and has done extremely well Australia, becoming the best-selling album of all time, certified 8x’s platinum, thus leading to the the most successful tour in the nation! Wow, you rock, Pink!

You guys can get your copy of I’m Not Dead Platinum Edition in stores now, the album will include all new bonus material, including four stellar new tracks and a DVD set of all videos from the album. If your wondering, all of this was released around December of last year. So yeah, I’m like a year late, but technically not — two months late! Hey, I loved this album ok! I think out of Ashlee, Lindsay, and P!nk’s latest albums I’d have to say P!nk rules out of the three. I went through all sorts of emotions with I’m Not Dead, I think that was the album that really related to me more so than the others.

Anyway my new favourites from this album has to be “I Have Seen The Rain” and “Fingers,” becos it reminds me of Britney Spears’ “Touch of My Hand”. But really, I love all of the new songs, matter of fact, the whole album! “Runaway,” “Cuz I Can,” “Who Knew,” “I Got Money Now,” all of them … “Runaway” probably the most. Any type of rebellion: I’m for. Even with N*E*R*D’s Fly or Die (Virgin) album — I was so ready to run away — I must have ran away 500 times in my mind already.

Pink – I’m Not Dead – page link
pass: tmi

Whilst all the promotion of Maroon 5’s latest single release, ‘Goodnight, Goodnight’, they will be releasing a limited edition version of their platinum-selling album It Won’t Be Soon Before Long (Octone) released last year.

The limited edition M5 LP will include all sorts of new material and bonus (US, UK, iTunes) tracks for your listening pleasure like ‘Wake Up Call’ featuring Mary J. Blige. If you liked the original version of M5’s It Won’t Be Soon Before Long then I definitely recommend you downloading/picking up the limited edition. I said it before and I’ll say it again: Maroon 5 is frickin’ gold platinum in my book! They are possibly just one of my favorite bands out there and I’m sure they well accumulate a conglomerate of brand new fans in the coming year, with their tour, and the release of this album especially.

The new material, no different from the old, covers all the stress and abyss that comes with relationships. The production is melodic and alternative – which I adore – the sound M5 is famous for. I love all of the newly added bonuses but my ultimate favourites would definitely have to be ‘Infatuation’, ‘Losing My Mind’ and ‘Story’.

You know the drill, bitches!

The King of all that is Pop, Michael Jackson, returns with Thriller 25, Thriller – 25th Anniversary Edition is a special 25th anniversary edition of the album Thriller by Michael Jackson. Thriller, released in 1982, was and still is the world’s best selling album to date. Michael Jackson not only started a trend but a phenomenon, influencing many artists for over a decade. If there were no Michael Jackson, there would be no Usher, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, Sterling Simms, the list goes on and on. Michael Jackson will always be relevant in all that is pop, this is apparent, no if’s, and’s, or but’s about that.

You know, when I think about it too, I have always been more of a MJ lover than Prince (no disrespect, none, sir). Mike just has that charisma and stage presence about him, and yes I know your going to say, “but he doesn’t play an instrument!” FOOL! His body is an instrument! Just imagine Michael Jackson on stage with an “instrument,” it would be so, beneath him.

Anyway, I digress (somewhat, I lost myself). Oh! With this special edition of Thriller you can look forward to brand new material, including five remixes of original material featuring Akon, Fergie, Kanye West, and producer will.i.am ftw! Now, I have to admit, some of these songs they shouldn’t have messed with just for the fact of definitiveness. BUT I do love most of will.i.am’s work (”P.Y.T.” and “The Girl is Mine”) and Akon’s (”Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”) mixes.

gimme MOAR!?

Lupe Fiasco returns with his sophomore effort Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool (1st & 15th, Atlantic) which hits stores December 18th, included with Fiasco’s new LP is the first single lifted “Super Star” featuring Matthew Santos and street single “Dumb It Down (which was made into a “virtual buzz” video on Youtube). Now you know I couldn’t wait for this album, ever since Food & Liquor I was hooked! I swear this man is underrated due to lackadaisical promo, every time I would listen to that album and say who’s it by people would be like, “who’s that?” Then I let them HOLD the album and they do not return it. I’m so serious, Fiasco is … the truth! His metaphors and approach are just so stellar and inspirational at the same time! Same case with his latest album, The Cool. I think it’s fairly up to par with F&L. My favourite tracks are “Gold Watch,” “Little Weapon,” “Superstar,” “Go Go Gadget Flow” and “The Coolest.”

// CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL ON MTV’S THE LEAK BEFORE IT HITS STORES DEC. 18TH! //

The D R E A M – Love/Hate » Love Hate (Def Jam), or “Love Me All Summer, Hate Me All Winter,” is the debut album by singer and songwriter The-Dream. The album drops December 11 and will include the singles “Shawty Is Da Shed” and current single “Falsetto.” Most of the production for Love Hate was done by none other than Tricky Stewart and appearances by Fabolous and Rihanna of course. I really enjoyed Love Hate, it’s a vibrant album, I get this whole Prince + Dream + Dark Vadar + house + club vibe; meaning it seems he pulled some Prince inspirations and fused it with his own sound. I can literally play the whole album through and not skip one damn song becos that’s how much I love it! So I might have to go out December 11 and get me a copy!

Fast Car // Nikki // Ditch That… // Livin’ a Lie ft. Rihanna

Mary J. Blige // Growing Pains » Growing Pains (Geffen) is the name of MJB’s new studio album which hits stores December 18 and includes the hit single “Just Fine” produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart. The album starts off as this big celebration with the first single “Just Fine” that kind of gave me this Jackson vibe, I still think she shoulda got them on the remix or something, that’s a hot joint right there! Anyway GP continues to mid tempo and then to some real nice downbeat, classic ol’ school joints to say it best, that’s what it sounded like to me. Guest appearances for this LP includes Ne-Yo, Ludacris, and you know Mary had to get Usher on this project — he ripped that shed! Yes you should go get this album, the arrangements and production are pretty solid and Mary delivers as always! Two thumbs up! My favorites are “Roses,” “What Love Is” and “Come To Me (Peace).” AND “WORK THAT!” <3.

Just Fine // Roses // Work That! // What Love Is

(...) Continue Reading »

America Idol’s very own, Jordin Sparks, releases her eponymous debut effort next week Tuesday (November 20th) as well off of Jive records. The Idol’s album includes some crazy, stellar production from the likes of Stargate, with the first single ”Tattoo,” and The Underdogs.

My, my, my, despite critic’s frivolous claims towards Sparks’ efforts, this album isn’t half bad, for a debut, especially considering how young the Arizona-native actually is. I’m so, so proud of Sparks becos she has come a very long way, for the most part, she gets high praises from me.

Overall this album wasn’t anything I expected, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a bad thing, there was some wicked jams and unordinary downbeats. I don’t think fans, existing or potential, will be disappointed. Some of my favorites are “No Air,” “Freeze,” “Shy Boy,” and “Just For The Record”.

Jordin Sparks » “Shy Boy” » [full] » LISTEN
Jordin Sparks ft. Chris Brown » “No Air” » [full] » LISTEN
Jordin Sparks » “Now You Tell Me” » [full] » LISTEN
Jordin Sparks » “Young and in Love” » [full] » LISTEN

OneRepublic make their amassing debut with Dreaming Out Loud, set to be released November 20th off of Interscope and Timbaland’s Mosley Music Group, if your feeling any of the following material from them you should go out and pick up your copy.

With the mutual success of “Apologize” I found it cumbersome to get into this album, but after I got over the fact, it wasn’t so bad. In culmination with aesthetic arrangements this album had incredible rock ability I’d say. Production for this particular project include Ryan Tedder, Timbaland and Greg Wells on the group’s first official single lifted entitled “Mercy”.

Overall, for a debut, Dreaming Out Loud wasn’t so bad in my opinion. I think OneRepublic hit all the pro marks, respectively, for this album. An album I would definitely recommend for a solid buy. My favorite tracks, in no particular order, are “Apologize,” “Stop and Stare,” “Someone To Save You,” “Tyrant,” and “Won’t Stop”.

OneRepublic » “Mercy” » [ full ] » LISTEN
OneRepublic » “Won’t Stop” » [ full ] » LISTEN
OneRepublic » “Apologize” » [ full ] » LISTEN
OneRepublic » “Stop and Stare” » [ full ] » LISTEN

As I Am is the title of R&B songstress Alicia Keys’ forthcoming album set to be released November 13th off of J Records. Make sure you go pick it up once it hits stores! Or, you may pre-order it via clicking the album cover above! Well I recently had the chance to listen to the album today exclusively and I must say, this album is the shit! All I can say is growth, growth, GROWTH. Growth in vocals, harmonies, production team – everything! It’s some nice Downbeat and soulful ballads, hard breakdowns, stellar arrangements … I feel everything just comes into play with As I Am. This record is possibly, in my opinion, the R&B/Soul album of the year (material wise). I pulled a lot of my favorites from here, I heard some Prince, some Boogie (Mrs Hill), some Sam Cooke — this album brought me back to a state of nostalgia.

The soulfulness and richness is so uncanny in this day in age! Of course Keys adds her own uniqueness to sound, I surely wouldn’t doubt her much, I just appreciate her even more for this! She has definitely come a long way and you can tell by the dynamics in her powerhouse-voice! I still can’t figure out how she puts sooo much feeling into her projects, it’s almost chilling, she makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand! I’d play this album if I were painting or drawing or doing something artsy becos that’s the kind of influence this leaves.

My personal favorite tracks, and possible standouts, are “Like You’ll Never See Me Again,” “The Thing About Love,” “I Need You” and “Sure Looks Good To Me”.

[ » CLICK HERE TO PREVIEW AS I AM BEFORE IT HITS STORES 11/13! ]

Mr. Man-ish himself, Chris Brown, hits us with his latest Exclusive album, which is scheduled for release next month Tuesday (November 6th), it features guest appearances, as well as stellar productions, from the likes of T-Pain, will.i.am, Swizz Beatz, and Timbaland just to name a few.

The album starts off languid with consistent blandness.

I swayed this opinion towards the starting of a luring “You,” which gave off this Prince vibe to me, so ultimately, this was my favorite.

I wasn’t necessarily floored or in awe about the latter … BUT, I still enjoyed the album nonetheless. I was lackadaisical until “I’ll Call Ya,” (after hearing the snippet previously) I was quite interested in hearing the actual full to this, then I relapsed.

Overall Chris Brown’s Exclusive sounded like unmastered kiddie-Pop and not exactly what I semi-predicted. I was really rooting for Chris, I was. But I’m more so looking forward to Face Off at this moment. :SARCASM:

Standout tracks are “You,” “Damage,” “I Wanna Be” and “Down”.

MY RATING: 5

CLICK HERE TO PREVIEW EXCLUSIVE!

Jay-Z returns with American Gangster. After nearly a decade the rapper is still going strong with his tenth studio album set to release November 6th in accordance with the film American Gangster, which is in theaters November 2nd.

American Gangster has some ultra solid productions from The Neptunes, including the single “Blue Magic” and “I know,” my favorite. Other productions from the album include Just Blaze, Jermaine Dupri and Mario Winans. This album is trill as f*ck, Hov definitely wasn’t lying about taking it back to the Reasonable Doubt, lyrical wise, I think this can be Reasonable Doubt’s latter. I cannot stop playing “Pray” and “Success” among others. I feel like this album is relative in so many ways, this is seeming proof that you can come from rags to riches in due time and Shawn Carter has paid all of his. Period.

MY RATING: 10

“Success” ft. Nas • ( FULL )
“Hello Brooklyn” ft. Lil’ Wayne • ( FULL )
“Say Hello” • ( FULL )
“I Know” ft. Pharrell • ( FULL )

Pop legend Britney Spears returns with her fifth studio LP, Blackout, in stores October 30th – but you can pre-order it via the link (barcode) above or HERE!

I did not want to post any leaked material before, like everyone else, because I was assured they were all incomplete for the simple fact they were not mastered. So I relapsed and was pleasantly surprised after hearing the retail. Britney fans can expect a host of new material added! ;-)

Now, on the the album review! I heard a lot of stellar Dance-pop and Club variations — thanks to Danja (love his work), Bloodshy & Avant, Sean Garrett, and The Clutch! Although some of Sean’s arrangements are a tad bit questionable (he can not write for crap, I am sorry.) I have not many cons to rant on and on about … I will save that for Cassie’s album (KIDDING!). Overall Blackout is FUN and lively! I was nodding and shaking … thank God I do not dance in public! Ha ha, but forreal, the music ultimately moves you in the beginning, then it sort of culminates with Downbeat (that would only be a few songs – rest of the album goes HARD in the club!). In conclusion it all boils down to whether you are a true fan of the Pop superstar — would I recommend it as a solid buy? Of course … I am a Britney Spears fan! :-)

Forgot to say my personal favorite tracks are “Get Naked (I Got A Plan),” “Freakshow,” “Hot As Ice” and “Perfect Lover”!

MY RATING: 10

“Heaven On Earth” • ( FULL )
“Get Naked (I Got A Plan)” • ( FULL )
“Freakshow” • ( FULL )
“Toy Soldier” • ( FULL )

Platinum selling recording artist Mario returns with his third studio effort entitled Go! in stores Oct-uh … November 27th … ??? Despite the constant letdowns and frequent post-pones from Mario’s label – I, surprisingly, enjoyed the album. I heard some ultra sweet arrangements and solid production; that including The Neptunes, Stargate, Timbaland and Ne-Yo. Both erotic AND eclectic, Go! reached systemic volumes, the album had some great Uptempo and Downbeat on it. Standout tracks from the LP, in my opinion, are “Go”, “Crying Out For Me”, “Why” and “Right And Wrong Way”.

“GO” • ( FULL )
“Crying Out For Me” • ( FULL )
“Why” • ( FULL )
“Right And Wrong Way” • ( FULL )

Jennifer Lopez drops her fifth English album, Brave, next week. The album features the singles “Do It Well,” including the remix with Ludacris, and “Hold It, Don’t Drop It”.

I was highly disappointed. Believe me, I’m a big fan of Jennifer Lopez, but this was little to no effort.

Overused samples, shot vocals, poor editing … I think, with Lopez, everything fell short into blandness.

BOTTOM LINE: Over all, I wasn’t impressed at all. Brave was very lackluster and not enough BOOM KAT! Jennifer Lopez’s new album Brave hits stores October 9th, buy at your own will.

Jennifer Lopez » “Stay Together” » LISTEN » (Full)
Jennifer Lopez » “Hold It, Don’t Drop It” » LISTEN » (Full)
Jennifer Lopez » “Gotta Be There” » LISTEN » (Full)
Jennifer Lopez feat. Ludacris » “Do It Well (Remix)” » LISTEN » (Full)

WILL.I.AM – “ONE MORE CHANCE”

will.I.am’s new album, Songs About Girls, drops on September 25; the LP includes the single “I Got It From My Mama”. I’m not all that crazy about the song, production wise, being the first single. But I am glad it’s doing pretty well on the charts, to say the least. Anyway, some other great productions include both Polow Da Don and Fernando Garibay; Snoop Dogg is the only guest artist featured.

If you are an avid party goer, into Club and everything in between, this album is for you basically! This is my kind of music, as predicted, my favorites originally were “Get Your Money,” “The Donque Song,” and “Fantastic”. But after listening to the album in its entirety “Heartbreaker,” “Make It Funky,” and “One More Chance” (possible second single) are all standout tracks to me. Overall will.I.am’s Song About Girls is Fun, Funky and Futuristic! You’ll love it!

will.I.am » “Heartbreaker” » LISTEN » (Full)
++ THIS SHOULD’VE BEEN BRITNEY’S SONG TO JUSTIN, SERIOUSLY.
will.I.am feat. Snoop Dogg » “The Donque Song” » LISTEN » (Full)
++ I SMELL SECOND SINGLE … LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN, WILLIAM!
will.I.am » “Get Your Money” » LISTEN » (Full)
++ HA HA, THIS ISN’T HALF BAD; LOVE THAT BEAT!
will.I.am » “Impatient” » LISTEN » (Full)
++ I ONLY LOVE THIS SONG BECOS IT REMINDS ME OF PRINCE!

Keyshia Cole returns with her sophomore project, Just Like You, in stores September 25 The album will include the smash “Let It Go” featuring Lil’ Kim and Missy Elliott and the Darkchild-produced single “Shoulda Let You Go”.

It has definitely been a while since that real genuine R&B feel, like with Cole’s 2005 debut The Way It Is, I still bump that album every now and then. It was one of those records that you really got into, relatively. And I think that’s the case with Just Like You, as I always say, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. I think everything happens for a reason, I’m a firm believe of that, like people are just destined to do what they do. Again, the case with Keyshia. Her talent is just incredible, effortlessly. Some how she keeps me running back, eager to hear new material and growth — this album is just that! Smooth, overflowing ballads, adjacent to vocals, drifting throughout the whole LP; some old school Mary J. Blige mixed with Anthony Hamilton — matter of fact he was featured on this lovely song called “Loosing You”. I have no idea why they added Diddy’s but on here, with “Last Night” like it’s all new, but then again that was a pretty hot joint too! I don’t know what it is but I never get tired of that song, even the remix and that’s very rare with Diddy’s remixes <_<

Keyshia Cole feat. Too $hort » “Didn’t I Tell You” » LISTEN » (Full)
Keyshia Cole » “Got To Get My Heart Back” » LISTEN » (Full)
Keyshia Cole (Introducing Amina) » “Shoulda Let You Go” » LISTEN » (Full)
Keyshia Cole » “Just Like You” » LISTEN » (Full)

Chamillionaire’s Ultimate Victory hits stores September 18, guest appearances include Krayzie Bone, Lil’ Wayne, Slick Rick and UGK; producers J.R., Play-N-Skillz, and The Runners. I really enjoyed this album, everything is so relative, and I think that’s always the case with Chamillionaire as far as approach. Chamillionaire is deep, lyrically on point, holmes did the damn thing. Stand out tracks are “Industry Groupie,” “Me Breakin’ Up,” “The Ultimate Victory” (oh gawd, I have this on repeat! “this is what I say the moment after I’m winning … thank you.”) and ALL tracks featuring UGK..Lol “Rocky Road” is another great one!

Chamillionaire feat. Pimp C » “Welcome TO The South” » LISTEN » (Full)
Chamillionaire » “Me Breakin’ Up” » LISTEN » (Full)
Chamillionaire feat. Devin The Dude » “Rocky Road” » LISTEN » (Full)
Chamillionaire » “Ultimate Victory” » LISTEN » (Full)

Oh, what a surprise! 50 Cent’s Curtis leaks! LOL. Curtis is the third studio album by 50 Cent set to release September 11th :coughGRADUATIONcough: The album features some amazing guest appearances from Robin Thicke, Eminem, Nicole Scherzinger and G-Unit’s own Young Buck. As for production, like Kanye, 50 also did some executive work on his LP; other producers include Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Timbaland. I will admit, listening to the clean version makes me want to buy the album even more, it was a couple tracks on it I liked. Dang, so that means I gotta save up for more than a DUB come 9/11?

50 Cent feat. Robin Thicke » “Follow My Lead” » LISTEN » (Full)
50 Cent feat. Eminem » “Peep Show” » LISTEN » (Full)
50 Cent feat. Nicole Scherzinger + Young Buck » “Fire” » LISTEN » (Full)
50 Cent feat. Mary J. Blige » “All Of Me” » LISTEN » (Full)

Well, it was bound to happen . . . please do not jump on me, as I am a Kanye West fan also, the album just didn’t leak itself! :coughKANYEcough: He knows what he’s doing . . . all in do time. Anyway, Mr. West hits us with his third LP, Graduation, which hits stores September 11th! Make sure you get it, cos I know I am, I give this album 5.55555555555555 stars joe! Where oh where do I begin? OK, let me start with guest, lol, appearances on this album include T-Pain, Lil’ Wayne, Mos Def, and Singer/Songwriter Dwele! Production by Kanye West, who also executive produced, DJ Premier, DJ Toomp, and Jon Brion. The Chi town rapper’s album features the hit “Stronger” and the upcoming third single, with T-Pain, “Good Life” (included below). My recommended listens are “Champion,” “Everything I Am,” “Big Brother,” and my all time favorite “Good Life” :sigh:

Kanye West » “Champion” » LISTEN » (Full)
Kanye West feat. T-Pain » “Good Life” » LISTEN » (Full)
Kanye West » “The Glory” » LISTEN » (Full)
Kanye West » “Big Brother” » LISTEN » (Full)

“The Godmother” Lil’ Mo is back with her third studio album, Pain & Paper, set to release tomorrow! Album appearances include Da Brat, Jim Jones, Fabolous, and Trina. She also worked with producers Jazze Pha, Stargate and writers Sean Garrett and Ne-Yo on this latest project. The album will also include the first single lifted, featuring Jim Jones, entitled “Sumtimes I”. Lil’ Mo is definitely the one to bring that smooth R&B back to the game, for the most part most of the album is slow jams, it’s also some nice feel good club bangers on there to ride in the whip. I think it relates mostly to ladies on some REAL joints yo, a good one is “Sumtimes I” featuring Jim Jones, “Heartbeat” featuring Donny Roc and “Lucky Her”. Ladies and gentleman . . . “The Godmother” is here, now what are you waiting for? “GET UP ON THIS!!!”

Lil’ Mo feat. Jim Jones » “Sumtimes I” » LISTEN » (Full)
Lil’ Mo feat. Donny Roc » “Heartbeat” » LISTEN » (Full)
Lil’ Mo » “Lucky Her” » LISTEN » (Full)
Lil’ Mo » “Baby Please” » LISTEN » (Full)

Contemporary R&B musician and Songwriter Emily King reigns on East Side Story, her debut album set to release August 28th of next week. With a broad gain of musical influences, ranging from The Beatles, Nas and Michael Jackson, King has always had a deep-routed passion and love for music; using it as her emotional comforter. At the age of sixteen she got her GED, starting composing, and quickly immersed herself towards her goal.

Emily King then reached out to Chucky Thompson, a music producer, he was the member of Bad Boy Entertainment’s famed Hitman studio team. Thompson signed King to the production company, eventually landing her a major recording contract with J Records, they then began searching for the right sound to capture the songstress’ eclectic tastes and styles. King insists that she isn’t trying fit into anyone’s box, “I’m just finding my own culture within myself,” she explains.

I believe that there is great true to that statement, because conceptually, this album is stark brilliance! It almost brings you back to that genuine R&B/Hip-hop feel, as Ms. Hill revolutionized with all of her projects, with joints like “Business Man”. King also tears up this amazing cover of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” – absolutely amazing! To know more info on this gifted soul please visit EMILY KING’S MYSPACE or the singer’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE; spread the word peeps!

Emily King » “Walk In My Shoes” » LISTEN » (Full)
Emily King » “ColorBlind” » LISTEN » (Full)
Emily King » “Alright” » LISTEN » (Full)
Emily King » “U & I” » LISTEN » (Full)