In this edition of “Who Owns the Track” we decided to switch it up a bit and ask “Who Sang It Better?” Here we have two music divas/vocal powerhouses singing the Judy Garland hit “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

The song, which originally premiered in “The Wizard of Oz” was sang by Beyonce at 2007′s Movie Rocks. Jennifer Hudson later tackled the song at a Netflix Event in Central Park back in 2009. While we believe that both artists did their things respectively on their renditions, Beyonce has been criticized for not taking a risk and switching up the arrangement too much, while many think that Jennifer Hudson’s gospel version is a bit oversang. If you ask us, Bey did her thing at the 1:45 mark and Jennifer killed it at the 2:50 mark with her backup singers and band.

So check out the videos below and let us know, between Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson… Who sang it better?

Take Our Poll

BEYONCE – “SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW”

JENNIFER HUDSON – “OVER THE RAINBOW”

Recently, drama unfolded between R&B singer Kelly Rowland and upcoming singer and socialite Teyana Taylor over a song both artists recorded called “Smooches.” The song was originally intended to be released as a single from Teyana’s upcoming debut album. Not too long after it leaked to the web, an angry (and sad) Teyana took to her Twitter in a rant alluding to the fact that she was done with music, but later took it back. As far as Kelly is concerned, she maintains that she didn’t leak her version of the song and she says that it will NOT be on her album.

So in light of all that drama, we ask you: whose version of “Smooches” do you like better? Take a listen to both versions below and leave your thoughts in the comments after you take our poll!

KELLY ROWLAND’S VERSION »
[See post to listen to audio]

TEYANA TAYLOR’S VERSION »
[See post to listen to audio]

Take Our Poll

Venus Vs. Mars // Album Version (Beyonce)
[See post to listen to audio]

Venus Vs. Mars // Leak (Cassie)
[See post to listen to audio]

This is usually done with full songs but we decided to switch it up a bit and put Beyonce and Cassie head to head to see which version of Jay-Z‘s “Venus vs. Mars” you like the most. The original leak back in August 2009 featured Cassie on the hook, while the final cut on the Blueprint 3 album, in stores now, features Jay’s wife Beyonce singing the song’s hook. So we’ve gotta ask…

[poll id="103"]

We already know Beyonce‘s a diva, but can Ciara keep up with her? Apparently, the Atlanta native thinks so because she’s released her own version of Beyonce’s “Diva” track, produced by Bangladesh (who also produced Lil’ Wayne’s “A Milli“). Peep both versions below, and comment and take our poll and let us know who you think owns the track!

LISTEN: Ciara – “Diva” (Remix)

LISTEN: Beyonce – “Diva”

[poll id="81"]

Why did it take me so long to figure out that the “Single,” by New Kids on the Block is 100% identical to the same “Single” from Ne-Yo‘s latest album, Year of the Gentleman. I remember Kennesha premiering the video at the beginning of September, but by the time I had heard Ne-Yo’s album, I had almost forgotten about it. But I’d always think to myself and wonder if I’d heard the song every time I listened to Ne-Yo’s version.

So today I was browsing through some of the older posts, I came across the NKOTB video and it all clicked! This is the same damn song, lol! So you know, in usual GOT fashion we’re pitting these two against each other to find out one question: WHO OWNS THE TRACK?

NE-YO: “SINGLE”

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: “SINGLE”

[poll id="67"]

Personally, if it were up to me, I’d give the track to Ne-Yo, hands down, no questions ask, point, blank, period. And yes, it is that serious for me to use that number of words, lol. For some reason, I just couldn’t get into the NKOTB version. Maybe the video killed it for me seeing as those white boys were dancing like … white boys lol, and just killing the mood of the song. And it sounded like they were trying too hard. It just didn’t sound like they were meant for the song. When you remix a song by adding another artist to the mix, it’s supposed to flow as if they were originally meant for it. People do it all of the time (Justin Timberlake and Beyonce – “Until the End of Time” anyone?) and it’s seamless. I could see the seams all the way through this song, and it just didn’t work out.

Here Trey Songz can be heard covering T.I.‘s chart-topping single “Whatever You Like” from his forthcoming project entitled Paper Trail (Grand Hustle/Atlantic) in stores and online September 30th! Now, my question is Who Owns the Track?

? Trey’s version!

? T.I.’s version!

Even though this would be more so a cover I still decided to do Who Owns the Track? T-Pain‘s single “Can’t Believe It” was growing on me but I think now JoJo made me like the song as a whole! Who Owns the Track?

? JoJo’s Girl Version!

? T-Pain’s Boy Version!

[poll id="60"]

“Numba 1 (Tide Is High)” will be a track included on reggae man Kardinal Offishall‘s forthcoming album Not 4 Sale in stores Sept. 9th. Now, initially the track featured The Pussycat Dolls, but decided to use Rihanna instead I guess for that “island” feel. I actually kind of like The Pussycat Dolls’ version of the song better in my opinion. What do you guys think?

? The Pussycat Dolls’ version!

? Rihanna’s version!

[poll id="59"]

In this edition of T2W‘s Who Owns the Track?, we have Rihanna and fellow label mate Ne-Yo with “Take A Bow“. I think I’m going to have to give this one to Rihanna; though, I do give props to Ne-Yo for his contribution since obviously he owns the rights to the song. But I think “Take A Bow” just suits Rihanna a little bit more in my opinion. Anyway, Who Owns the Track?

? Rihanna’s Version!

? Ne-Yo’s Version!

[poll id="51"]

On this edition of “Who Owns the Track?” We have Jesse McCartney, whose album recently dropped, and Leona Lewis singing both their versions of the hit “Bleeding Love.” You know, I always thought that this song was meant for a boy and — though Leona did do the song some justice — I think I like Jesse’s version better! However, it’s really not totally up to me now isn’t it? Who Own the Track? [Sidenote: Thank you, Devin, for the heads up!]

♫ Jesse’s version of “Bleeding Love”

♫ Leona’s version of “Bleeding Love”

[poll id="41"]

Haven’t done this in awhile, y’all! Here is yet another Who Owns the Track? post featuring young starlets Karina Pasian and Cassie. Official Girl is the official first single from Cassie forthcoming project, the song was written by The Clutch and produced by Danja. Obviously Karina passed up the track but Dustin thought it would be dope if I posted both versions. I have to say that, I love Cassie, but Karina definitely owns it! I think the song fits her more as far as vocals, attitude, etc. But it really isn’t up to me quite yet … so I need to know Who Owns the Track?

Cassie – Official Girl – page link
Karina Pasian – Official Girl – page link

This feature on “Who Owns the Track?” we have ‘Southern Hummingbird’ Tweet and my girl Ciara! “My Dear” will be Tweet’s first single from her upcoming album tentatively titled Love, Tweet. Now, keep in mind, this is not the finalized version I believe. Originally, this was suppose to be a track featuring Ciara from T.I.’s T.I. vs T.I.P. but it end up being unreleased; and given to Tweet. Luckily, I got dibs on Ciara’s version, the FULL version, with NO DJ! Now, hmm, I need you guys’ help . . . Who Owns the Track?

“My Dear” ft. T.I. • ( FULL )

“Goodbye, My Dear.” ft. T.I. • ( FULL )

KEYSHIA COLE – “LAST NIGHT”
[See post to listen to audio]

ASHANTI – “HEY BABY (AFTER THE CLUB)”
[See post to listen to audio]

So, I’m having this AIM conversation with my friend…

ME: WHY do I like this sooong … [links her to the song]
ME: please tell meee
ME: now
ME: its Ashanti
ME: =x
ME: WHY!???
FRIEND: sounds like
FRIEND: LAST NIGHTTTTTTTTT
ME: YEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!! THANK GOD!!!
FRIEND: she just HAD TO SAY BABY!
ME: I knew it was somthing
FRIEND: *mad*
ME: I thought I was goin crazy, I was sooo about to become a potential Ashanti fan -_-
FRIEND: imma slap her for saying BABY
ME: Urgh, I’m so sick of people with that!? Ashanti’s music varies, it varies, there’s “ooh baby, ahh baby, hey baby, look at my baby hair (something like that I said I forgot)” — many variations! <_<
FRIEND: LMFAO!

With that being said, I need your help – this is hard, Who Owns The Track? Oh yeah, this is Ashanti’s new single – blah, blah, blah – something about The Declaration dropping December 4th.

Well, I’m sure you guys remember me formally introducing you to R&B sensation J. HOLIDAY and Contemporary R&B singer THE DREAM, now it is time to give you the best of both worlds! This version of “Who Owns the Track?” includes two very talented brothers, who happen to be new artists now, bringing some form of uniqueness and individuality to the game. Especially with the hit R&B single “Bed”! Now after hearing both versions, I think each artist brings their own type of flare that makes the song, so this is very hard – luckily I have you wonderful folks to help me decide! Who Owns the Track?

J. Holiday » “Bed” (prod. by Los Da Mystro) » LISTEN » (Full)
The Dream » “Bed” (prod. by Los Da Mystro) » LISTEN » (Full)

It’s been a long time since I did this! Once again it’s time for another “Who Owns The Track?” But this time it’s Rihanna vs TYNISHA KELI! She recently did a “Rehab” Cover on YOUTUBE that blew me away, so I ripped it from there, added the instrumentals and edited the audio. I love “Rehab,” so I’m in heaven right now, I think because it was produced by Timbaland and written by Justin Timberlake – what am I saying!? That’s EXACTLY why I love this track! I hope Rihanna releases it soon or she’s crazy!

Rihanna » “Rehab (Original)” » LISTEN » (Full)
Tynisha Keli » “Rehab (Cover)” » LISTEN » (Full)

Welcome to the second edition of ‘Who Owns the Track?’ Where old school meets new! This one is a little tougher, I decided to go on and post it since both songs are similar in a way, our artists are Jagged Edge and Ciara; Jagged Edge with there hit “Promise” reaching #1 on the R&B charts and #9 on the Hot 100 and Ciara with hers debuting on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles at twenty-four. After two weeks on the chart, “Promise” debuted at #45 on the Billboard Hot 100, making the single Ciara’s highest debut and the top debut of that week (source: Wikipedia). There is this case – of course Jagged Edge would win because that was an ultimate hit, you can’t beat out the old school BUT Ciara has been on her grind lately, they play her single heavy down here, people seem to dig it so I think this would be a tie in my book because they both did their thing! Which version of “Promise” do you guys like?

Jagged Edge » “Promise” (Male Version) » Listen » (Full)
Ciara » “Promise” (Female Version) » Listen » (Full)

I wanted to try out this new feature to the site, called “Who Owns the Track?” Where I find some similar songs of artist, post them on Think2wice and you tell me which song is the best and which artist “owns the track.” Now our lucky artists for the very first “Who Owns the Track?” are Fantasia and Monica, they’ve recently record two singles, “No Stoppin,” both of which were recorded and produced by my favorite of all Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott! Well I think both ladies held it down very nicely but the version I most liked was Fantasia’s, now I could be wrong since I’m a Fantasia fan, but I love her soulness on this joint and the song fits her more naturally; Monica’s version was very boring to me, but again, I could be wrong! Which is why I need you to tell me which one is the best! Listen to both versions below and make your decision! Also check out a special mix of both these ladies by MellyMell.

Fantasia feat. Missy Elliott » “No Stoppin” » Listen » (Full)
Monica feat. Missy Elliott » “No Stoppin” » Listen » (Full)
Fantasia + Monica feat. Missy Elliott » “No Stoppin” (MellyMell Mix) » Listen » (Full)