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Ne-Yo – Used to You (full) – listen
Ne-Yo has begun work on his third studio album, Year of the Gentlemen, which is set to release June 24th. I have liked the material that I’ve heard from the upcoming release so far. It took me a little while to get used to the single, “Closer,” but it has grown on me a lot. “Used to You” almost sounds like a Neptunes track to me. It seems as though Ne-Yo is going for a more retro sound on the new record. I am actually excited for this one.

Busta Rhymes – Don’t Touch Me (full) – listen
Here is the first single from Busta Rhymes from his upcoming album. When I first heard it, it put me in the mindset of the first song that leaked when Diddy was gearing up to release Press Play, with the James Brown-inspired “Get Off Me.” I think it’s just the instrumentation, because here, you just hear classic Busta Rhymes. But the chorus definitely gives me that Brown-esque call-and-response sound. I really liked Busta’s last album, so hopefully this one will be equally as satisfying.

Ludacris – Stay Together (full) – listen
Ludacris, who has achieved a great deal of crossover success, is back with a new song, “Stay Together.” The new song basically just says “United we stand, divided we fall.” Nice message, but the verses almost make it seem like a big joke. Ludacris raps about everything from the Brad/Angelina/Jennifer love triangle, from Diamond leaving Crime Mob. Although, I really like the sample choice, I think they could have done a little more with it. I hate when a good sample clearance goes to waste.

Lupe Fiasco feat. Matthew Santos – Superstar (Acoustic) (full) – listen
Here’s an acoustic version of Lupe’s hit, “Superstar.” I really liked this song when it first leaked. I just loved how it sounded – but then radio got a hold of it and it was all down-hill from there. The video was coming on all the time, and I think I just got over it. But this new acoustic version has definitely revived my appreciate for the song. I just like the delivery all over again.