I heard an amazing r&b album the other day. It is an instant classic. I can’t wait to share it with you.
No, Keyshia Cole drops NEXT month.
My real inspiration for this post is one of my best friends. Junior was messing with his radio last night and asked me why all of Usher’s new songs are about grocery shopping. Words can’t do his impression justice. My bad YouTube.
The point is I have no time to update but love the conversation. Follow me on Twitter by clicking here.
Under normal circumstances I don’t review mixtapes. I find it tough to critique an informal compilation with a central theme/message because it may not accurately reflect the artist’s true perspective. In my mind, a good mixtape is one of high risk/reward where an artist can experiment and make a statement. In this particular instance, the artist is a friend of mine so I agreed. Guru Nanak Entertainment’s Saint Soulja is an East Coast open mic night regular who brings passion and light to minority issues while hawking t-shirts in between sets.
After re-arranging the track listing from my first listen, Saint Soulja wastes no time introducing himself in double time over a heavy hitting custom beat on “Rapid-Fire.” I like this song but don’t like it as the first on a debut mixtape. With a lot on his mind, I expected Saint Soulja to give a little more in depth intro while keeping this trick up his sleeve a little longer.
The second track is the best of the disc. “Metropolis” ft. L-fresh is a really smooth and professional cut where Saint Soulja gives you a bit more insight into the issues of his life and lets you know he raps with a purpose. L-fresh provides a nice complimentary verse and is someone I look forward to hearing from on future efforts.
As the story continues, Saint Soulja keeps his foot on the gas and listeners are treated to a variety of pretty good beats with a consistent underdog change message. In “Soulja’s Story,” a track about revolution, he cleverly spits:
I’m a rebel to this world and I fight with a cause
and if I lose my swords then Imma fight with my paws
and if I lose my hands then Imma fight with my jaw,
fight with the law as long as I fight what’s wrong.
Later, with the use of Punjabi in “Disasters” and “P.O.W.” ft. Nayr Cross, Saint Soulja brings himself into the same category of Bohemia (The Punjabi Rapper) and Kanwar (Son of a Sardar). The difference between the two is Bohemia is a rapper who tells stories while Kanwar is a storyteller using rap. Both do a pretty good job although Kanwar with a smaller sample size and despite the swing-and-a-miss use of the word “ninja.” At this point, Saint Soulja’s story is evident but his flow isn’t yet limited to one category as he continues to develop his on-mic personality.
It is clear that Saint Soulja is a conscious talent who shows signs of promise with intelligence and creativity. His statements and vision of production are impressive resulting in a lot of ups and very few downs on this disc. Fans of smart lyrics will find themselves pleasantly surprised more than once, better left in context than in pieced quotes on this post.
Soulja’s Rise is a solid effort by any standards. Although it would be premature to label him a niche artist, with one mixtape Saint Soulja appointed himself the voice of a people and made himself easy to endorse.
Favorite tracks: “Metropolis feat. L-fresh,” “Soulja’s Story,” “Memory Lane,” “What I feel,” “Disasters.”
Final Review: It’s a free download, open your ears and let him open your mind. Cop it.
Let it be known that I have listened to no fewer than 25 full albums since my last post; I just haven’t had the time or inspiration to share my thoughts. In this span, there have been some surprises but the majority of artists today are down to producing standout singles. I don’t know if this can yet be called an iTunes phenomenon but certainly hope that Microsoft Zune’s unlimited downloads will move people to get more than just the track featuring Lil’ Wayne.
That said, if there is one person my music world (and love life) revolves around it’s Ms. Keyshia Cole, who’s back with her third feature: A Different Me.
On the very first track Keyshia sings “I would like to introduce a sexier side of me,” and while listening to it the only thing I could think was “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Curious, I immediately felt a different her on “Make Me Over” where heartbreak Keyshia displays her newfound swag by strongly singing over a hot jazz beat. It would be quite a night to see her singing this track live in a historic jazz club:
I’m bright as the stars so make me brighter
I’m already the shit baby so make me better
Yeah come on baby show me what you got
Keep saying you can take me to the top
We’re almost there so baby don’t stop don’t stop
Totally Make Me Over
Without delay, the next song on the disc continues a different her because “Please Don’t Stop [Your Love]” definitely leans to the pop world. It’s okay but a strong bridge could have been better complimented by a rap element. After that, the song “Erotic” features one of the sexiest beats I’ve ever heard, which ultimately gave Keyshia a free pass. Apart from the hook, she could have sung about home foreclosures and it still would have worked. “Situations,” off The Way It Is, is the better of both worlds and the sexier choice.
A Different Me pushes towards new boundaries as Keyshia unveils her sexier side while every so often reminding you what made her sexy in the first place. The disc’s first single features an alluring Tupac and vulnerable Keyshia , creating a classic chemistry parallel to any Biggie/Faith collaboration. However, my favorite track on the disc is “Oh-Oh, Yeah-Yeah,” an ultra smooth song over a nice string and high bass drum pattern featuring the living legend Nas, who murders it while Keyshia pleads to a dude to believe in their relationship. This is a must hear.
Another collaboration worth a listen is the heartfelt duet with Monica: “Trust.” Although she can’t match Keyshia vocally, Monica has seen a lot of things in her life and outshines Keyshia twice on this track. More surprising than that though, is the track “This Is Us,” an almost guaranteed single featuring a beautiful but softer Keyshia over a simple guitar melody. Future haters of this song include Jessica Simpson, Hannah Montanah and the winner of the next American Idol. Here’s why:
I’m like a Sunday morning.
You’re like Friday night.
And when we kiss it’s the perfect weekend, no rain in sight.
And when I’m feelin’ incomplete, you’re my missing piece.
And when you need your breath taken away, ill be your thief.
From the start to the end we don’t need to pretend
that we’re perfect all the time.
’Cause we know what we have through the good and the bad
It’s the strength that you cant deny.
I don’t need to find a million reasons why
This is us. This is us. And this is how we love.
Some ways we’re different but together we’re so right.
This is us. This is us. And this is how we love.
Overall this CD has its share of shortfalls and surprises but is a solid progression for a young artist seeking to establish the identity she wants while maintaining her fan base and the soulful MJB comparisons. I was impressed by the disc’s drum patterns and entire production which encompassed a little less hood heartbreak, a little more pop, a little more love and a lot more swag. The final track, “Beautiful Music,” is spectacular song that pulls the whole album and Keyshia Cole’s development together. And in the end, everything feels so right ‘cause no one else can do what she do.
Favorite Songs: “Beautiful Music”, “Oh-Oh Yeah-Yeah” feat. Nas, “Playa Cardz Right” feat. Tupac, “Make Me Over” and “Trust” feat. Monica.
Final Review: Although not everyone will get down with her reality show, Keyshia is taking steps to become a bona fide star. Her singles clearly target the existing fan base but tracks on this disc make crossing over within reach. Wherever you fall, you won’t be disappointed. Cop it.
.:Keyshia, throw me some tickets to the Cincinnati show!:.
I’m back and my sister is finally married. Google an Indian wedding and you’ll find that there are a million ceremonies and rituals to be done, which ultimately left me M.I.A. on the review side for quite some time. The good news is my brother-in-law broke it down at his own reception, mashing “The Way I Are” with “Tamale.” I ain’t mad at that.
Although dated, I hope to get some reviews up in the next couple of weeks before the some of my personal favorites drop. Until then, chew on the following mixtapes my boy DJ Rocket and I collaborated on from Jan ‘07 and August ‘07, respectively.
Don’t Sleep – http://www.bitdig.com/torrent/music/download-953140/DJ-Rocket-and-Stunna-Singh-Don-t-Sleep.html
Show & Tell -
http://www.bitdig.com/torrent/music/download-948711/DJ-Rocket-amp-Stunna-Singh-Show-amp-Tell.html
After releasing the album that finally took him into super stardom while experiencing the golden touch with every single post-“Yeah!”, many wondered what moves would Usher make next. A cologne? Sure. TV commercials with Martha Stewart? Obviously. Getting married to a woman who’s as old as (and looks like) his Mom? Even for Usher, that was a stretch.
I couldn’t have cared less until I threw his CD in today. Usher’s signature CD of yesterday, filled with passion, intensity and the confessions of a man growing up are now gone. What’s left is a much more mild and channeled R&B Usher. He’s in love and got married. It’s just that exciting.
His first single, “Love in this Club”, is an ominous first song on the disc as I never quite figured out if I liked it or not. It’s definitely catchy and Jeezy’s verse grew on me but it’s kind of out there and Usher’s lyrics aren’t great. The remix with Beyonce, featured later on the disc is much better and even though Lil Wayne’s delivery is worse than a “Through the Wire” Kanye West, his rap is as tight as I’ve ever heard:
Shawty want a thug, it started with a hug
And the rest went like this
I gave her neck a kissy kiss
She gave my neck a kiss back
I said we could do it like a stack
I mean we could do it like a G
On the couch in V.I.P
Shawty we can get it on
Im like shout out to the D.J for playin’ this song
Girl, we could act like two damn fools
Have everybody think we doin a dance move
Call me, so I can make it juicy for ya
Meet me in the bathroom and you could be my secret lover girl
And it started with a hug but now we makin’ love in this club
And we not gonna stop just because
The people in the crowd are watching us
Cause we dont give a damn what they say,
this is th-the remix baby!
A bright spot in the disc is “Trading Places”, an abstract song that will certainly entice R&B fans. I really like it and consider it a must hear. Unfortunately, the rest of the album didn’t bode as well for me. I was disappointed with “Moving Mountains” given that I heard it as Usher’s version of Omarion’s “Ice Box.”
The disc’s second single, “What’s Your Name?” featuring will.i.am, has a super hot hook and a great verse by Usher:
Until we solar skating babe
Don’t want to float away
Cause we got the light, you be the ball, and Imma be the chain babe
…Illuminate and create a new thing
Let ‘em papparazzi this you and me thing
But we can’t do a thing ‘til I know your name
Beyond these two singles, I can’t see this disc having the longevity of his previous releases. Usher still sings well but clearly his love theme is a major detour for fans expecting him to build on his success. It wouldn’t bother me so much if I heard some of the greatest love songs ever on this CD but instead Usher sings “I used to be a hustler and player before I met you.” Really Usher? You and Ray J both. Another track, “His Mistakes”, is the male version of the same sad trust song we’ve heard before and really epitomizes the lack of creativity Usher put into this album.
Overall, Usher was at a point where he could carry himself as a superstar. A disc with features such as Jay Z, Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy and a who’s who of producers really manufactured a third-rate product. While some of the songs aren’t bad, the album comes no where near the lofty expectations he set for himself after Confessions. Had I known, I wouldn’t have wasted my time. Had he known, maybe he wouldn’t have wasted his either.
Favorite Songs: “Intro”, “Love in this Club Pt. 2”, “Trading Places”, “What’s Your Name?” and “Something Special”.
Final Review: Mostly forgettable. It’s a disappointment you can surely download.
Bitchassness. Actually, I don’t even know what that means because I never watched a single episode of Making the Band 4. As big of a Diddy fan as there is, I stuck with him through all three seasons of Making the Band 2 (D-A, B-A, N-DDDDDD), which even involved me leaving my college dorm room when the cable was out to go home and watch the picking of the band, and then three full seasons of Making the Band 3 (Danity Kane). By the time number 4 rolled around I was pretty sure I’d seen everything I wanted to see. Making the Band 4 was going to be version 3 except with guys. No Thanks.
With hours invested in their story, I bought each group’s CD with the expectation of hearing a few good tracks with fortunate production (“Why”/ “Right Now”) and jamming to a couple of songs I recognized from the show (“Do You Know” / “Sleep on It”). Day26 didn’t have the latter benefit but I wanted to give them a fair shot on a low bar anyway.
Right off the bat I was not impressed. “I’m The Reason” sounds a little too much like “Rock With You” by Michael Jackson except instead of one good voice, it’s a lot of decent voices singing about how they’re still thug and how girls shouldn’t play them now. It’s funny that people who wind up making a band always have the same cookie cutter material but can’t put their own spin on it given how they literally stood in line to catch their break.
Next, I was reminded how I recently had the chance to call in to Russ Parr and bring Day26 to sing “Got Me Going” at my prom. If I had a prom, I would do it because this song is hot. I especially like the guy with the 2nd verse. “In my Bed” follows with a extra dope beat. I think the hook is a tad over complicated but I like this song. Doing a sex song like this immediately makes me draw comparison to THE Bad Boy boy band: 112. Here, Day26 raised the bar for themselves.
“Come With Me” is hot too and more importantly sounds like progress for the members of Day26 learning how to sing and vibe off each other. The song “Co-Star” is a good effort as the group sings:
We both know what will go down on tonight
You’ve been teasin’ until the time was right
So let’s go. It’s your show.
All I wanna do is Co-Star
At first I heard “seasoned” instead of “teasin’.” I like my version better, probably because I was in a better mood once realized I wasn’t going to be wasting my time with this disc. With 112 setting the standard, Day26 comes through with “Are We In This Together”, the best track on the CD because 1) the first guy singing is a complete throwback ’90s R&B singer and 2) collectively, they put their own [good] spin on common material.
Overall, Day26 shows some potential on a handful of good songs and can be overlooked on mostly everything else. They will face extra criticism as products of the media which will likely allow their individual egos to stand in the way of making any substantial progress during the growing pains they’ll face. The two or three group members who sang particular verses I like will definitely be worth watching in the future. If someone wants to give me some background on these guys, it will be appreciated.
Favorite Songs: “Got Me Going”, “In My Bed”, “Co-Star” and “Don’t Fight This Feeling.”
Final Review: Not bad but also nothing special. My assessment for Making the Band groups holds true. The self titled debut of Day26 is worth a listen, especially if you watched the show. Download it.
Who’s house? Yeah, whattya know, it’s a real song! As with “Thriller”, a little LL, and other albums I keep close to me, sometimes it’s just good to return to the classics. What more can really be said about Run DMC? Hip hop pioneers who forever branded generations to come and should be eternally praised through one disc: Ultimate Run DMC.
One of the many reasons Run DMC is special is because they were the first group to spotlight their DJ as an artist. This feature, along with witty, non-drug/alcohol heavy lyrics and fresh production is on display right from the beginning on “Rock Box:”
You’re the kind of guy that girl ignored
I’m drivin Caddy, you fixin a FORD
My name is Joseph Simmons but my middle name’s Lord
and when I’m rockin on the mic, you should all applaud
Because we’re (wheelin, dealin, we got a funny feelin)
We rock from the floor up the ceilin
We groove it (you move it) it has been proven
We calmed the seven seas because our music is SOOTHIN
We create it (relate it) and often demonstrate it
We’ll diss a sucker MC, make the other suckers hate it
We’re rising (suprising) and often hypnotizing
We always tell the truth and then we never slip no lies in
No curls (no braids) peasy-head and still get paid
Jam Master cut the record up and down and cross-fade
Also on this track is the infamous Calvin Klien line, which shows how the group originated the brand shoutout, both in good and bad lights, way before corporate America recognized Hip Hop as a marketing medium. Their innovation was the forefront of 80’s rap genius, brought by tight rhymes and funky fresh beats that are still being used by today’s hottest producers (Jermaine Dupri, Missy Elliot). I personally love the old school production on “Together Forever.” Give me a throwback keyboard from Service Merchandise and I can re-create the beat (minus the bass line) in a day. Whatup Kanye.
Beats and lyrics aside, there wouldn’t be a lot of people doing what they do today without Run DMC. The best analogy I heard regarding the Jay-Z/Linkin Park collabo of a couple years ago was, “Are they the new Run DMC/Aerosmith?” That is the high bar they envisioned for hip hop because they not only had the marketing/crossover insight but music acumen to recognize a hot thing. In my opinion, Linkin Park and HOV put up a good effort but fell way short in walking in the group’s footsteps. I suggest you dig that cowbell if you already don’t know and love Run DMC and Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.”
As it goes, their influence cannot overshadow the classics they did create. For instance, check the “Down with the King” lyrics:
Down with the king for years, about ten of ‘em
recruiting suckers, Mac and Mike, and makin’ men of ‘em
tears and fears for my peers, they rippin’
you think that it is, it is, if not it isn’t
race for the border my daughter, ’cause beats you’re bangin’ out
jeeps rockin’ beats in the streets when there’s time for hangin’ out
gather, or rather form a circle around a loud
’cause brothers or others could never ever rock a crowd
is it because he’s runnin’ off with the mouth
or was he really clearly tryin’ to play a nigga out
nope, shut him down, the king with a crown
’cause all you wanna be is dicky down
The lyrics are sick but Run’s flow is something legendary. Watch his show if you need any proof – the passion is still there.
Overall, this is album is a refresher course for Hip Hop heads. If you’re kind of into hip hop, or you’re one of those “I like everything but country” persons, it may be a tougher appeal but you should be able to appreciate most of this CD for what it is. That said, tracks like “Tricky” should never go out of style.
Favorite Songs: “Rock Box”, “Run’s House”, “Walk This Way”, “It’s Tricky”, “Peter Piper” and “Down with the King.”
Final Review: If you’re into Hip Hop, Cop It! If you’re on the fence, find a friend.
Watch them boost Reading Rainbow’s street cred:
By now you’ve surely heard the smash singles “Bed” and “Suffocate” so ladies, if there was any doubt, let it be known that J. Holiday has arrived. Better late than never, I decided to give his CD debut a whirl. By the second listen, I was floored.
For me, Ginuwine, John Legend, Craig David and R. Kelly set the standard for male R&B vocalists and after “Bed”, R&B fanatics around the country were calling J. Holiday the next great male soul artist. As a result, I came into this with high expectations and right off the bat was greeted with a surprise. The surprise was that there was more to J. Holiday than a hat leaning low. He really is from the streets and on his disc he allows listeners to relate to what he’s saying because he has to cred to know what’s going on and the mature charisma to let you know how it’s going on, with a little pimp swag to it.
Hearing “Ghetto” instantly made me a fan. This track starts with great guitar and superb drums even before Holiday impresses with his voice and meaningful lyrics. After only hearing his singles, “Ghetto” shows his less mainstream side with this street anthem:
I done seen plenty of cats get they ass knocked out
If you come round here better not run your mouth
I ain’t never been a thug but I still get down
Shots to South East to uptown
What you know about rent when it can’t get paid
Ya can’t get a coupe so you get a Chevrolet
And ya momma on her knees, all she can do is pray
But where I’m from this is life, same shit different day
Assuming the track’s lyrics get your blood moving and the beat gets your head boppin, before you know it J. is ready to break it down. The classic “Bed” fills the industry void since the last great Ne-Yo R&B song with J. singing “I’m gonna send you out into the world with my love.” Deep. You already know.
His confidence on each track grows throughout the disc, allowing him to reach deeper and give more of his raw self to the listener. “Come Here” isn’t exactly a banger but it’s a nice complimentary feel-good dance track. Darkchild brings it on both productions. “Be With Me:”
Baby… My Hearts Beatin’
Can’t You Hear It?
If I’m The Music
Your My Lyrics
Baby girl it’s killin’ me… girl it’s killing me…
Why you tryna act like you don’t
Like you don’t see what I see (oh oh oh)
(you should be with)
You should be with me
and “Without you:”
First let me apologize
for everything I did that made you cry
I know you don’t wanna hear this song
but I promise I wont take too long
I needed you hear the rest
at least I got it off my chest
don’t walk away
cuz if you do you’ll miss the best part
of what I gotta say
Baby I want, to go back in time
the to first time, get it right
I’m sorry
And my life is nothing without you, baby
J. Holiday earned my liking after hearing more than his first two singles because as with the four others, I feel he’s an artist for both men and women. He had a couple songs on the disc for everyone: the people in love, the heartbroken guy, the ladies and the thugs.
This kid is smooth and so is the album. I like his story and his music. I am a fan.
Favorite Songs: “Suffocate” “Back of my lac’” “Come Here” “Laa Laa” “Be With Me” “Without you” “Pimp in me”
Final Review: Sure his singles are great, but there is more to be discovered on “Back of my Lac” and in the future. Hop on board. Cop it!
Though less frequently, I’ve still listened to a bunch of CDs that just never got around to being posted due to an extremely busy personal and professional life as of late. I am now making the time to write, so expect updates soon…
One thing taking my time away from listening to CDs is The Russ Parr Morning Show. Rarely can any one media show cover multiple topics in a coherent fashion but Russ Parr & Crew do it every morning. I get local news, national news, crazy ass news, entertainment news, sports scores, one of a kind political updates (Clinton and Obama both call in), A word of the day, hilarious horoscopes, old school and new school music and straight up clowning all in one, EVERY morning, without fail. Ask anyone who’s ever listened to it; Parr motivates the masses in a positive way. The Russ Parr Morning Show truly is everything right about hip hop. Do yourself a favor and check it out here.
When I popped in this CD I was hoping for more of “Lay Low” than “Beautiful”, and at worst, more of “Let’s Get Blown” than “Signs”. Granted Snoop has been around since I got into hip hop so I can understand, even without watching his show, where he’s at in life but at the end of the day, I still expect a gangsta edge to the iconic coolness he created.
His evolution from a thug on the streets to a media magnet leaves impossible steps to follow as proven by the current state of West Coast hip hop. As they cling to E-40 and The Game, fans of the West Coast should be happy with whatever they get from the Doggfather, no matter the outcome of Ego Trippin’. Lucky for you, I’m Bad Boy for life so I can give it to you raw.
Throughout this disc, Snoop plays into the latter, more marketed persona mentioned above. He wastes no time shouting himself out on virtually every track (i.e. Jim Jones – Party Like a Rock Star [Remix]) and even dedicates an entire song to his presence at a party, entitled “SD is Out”. Three tracks in, I felt like I was in for some commercial garbage but Snoop soon addressed my concerns on the deepest cut of the album: “Neva have 2 Worry” featuring John Legend:
15 years in the game man
And I’m still relevant, it’s a blessing
It’s a fine line, how to keep it cool and keep it G
Oh, but keeping it G is keeping it cool and keeping it cool is keeping it G
Well put. In no way am I saying Snoop is a sell out (he had a feature slide in my “Rappers turned Actors” presentation in college), it’s just he’s walking that proverbial fine line that everyone from humble roots come across. This particular song discusses the ups and downs of his career and as much as I appreciate it, it’s a huge buzz kill and would have been better off concluding the CD.
As it goes, Snoop follows with a couple ‘80s themed songs, covering “Cool” by The Time as well as the smash single “Sexual Eruption” and yet his 2008 tracks struggle the most. “Life of the Party” features a great Snoop and a decent Too $hort but an absolutely amateur Mistah F.A.B. “Waste of Time” marks terrible production/singing and “Nobody Better” might have well been replaced by Pac’s “Changes”.
Overall, the album is a weak effort considering hot beats and a couple of catchy songs are to be expected off Snoop Dogg’s 9th studio album. I did get my gangsta fix on two tracks but on the whole, felt the life/career/inner dog reflective material covered was inconsistent and disjointed throughout the flow of the CD. The only song to really go out of your way for is the completely unexpected Johnny Cash inspired “My Medicine”.
She say she wanna be an actress
So I pointed to these nuts and then I yelled ACTION!
Favorite Songs: “Sexual Eruption”, “My Medicine”, “Staxxx in my Jeans”, “Deez Hollywood Nights” and “Riding in my Chevy”.
Final Review: A poor “party” to “gangsta” track theme ratio really did this CD in for me. Snoop covered a lot of the same material better on cameos and previous releases so check those out and don’t waste your time with this.
