Not sure about production credits, but it definitely sounds like Stargate production (written by Ne-Yo) a la Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable” and Rihanna’s “Good Girl Gone Bad.” I think your American Idol, Jordin Sparks gave it a good shot, but the lyrics to the song are just very corny to me. The song needs a little less campy-ness, and a better concept. Her voice sounds great though, I can definitely see why she was America’s favorite.
For those who don’t know, Ms. Jordin Sparks won the last season of American Idol. Of course, Simon criticized her for being “too cute” and many Idol fans speculated that Jordin was “slightly overweight,” she definitely won the States over with that voice of hers. As you know, as the winner of Idol, you recieve a recording contract. Past Idols have definitely made a transition into semi-reality TV show artist, to serious, successful and respected artists. Do you think Jordin has what it takes with this new single, “Tattoo?” Even though it’s a little corny, is it hot or not?
Alicia Keys is finally back on the music scene with her new single, “No One.” Some of you may have heard the snippet earlier this week, but here is the full version. I want to give a big thanx to Natacha over at alicia-zone.net for providing us with the song. Make sure you check out her site.
In related news, Alicia went on TRL last week and said this about the song:
“The single is called ‘No One” and I’m LOVING IT!!! I hope it’s a bit unexpected and something that completely surrounds you, engulfs you and sweeps you away. I hope it makes you feel good and strong and passionate and makes you scream the words at the top of your lungs.”
Her 3rd studio album, As I Am will be in stores on November 13th and let’s just say after hearing this song, I am very excited! What’s your take, Hot or Not?
Keyshia Cole’s single “Let It Go” has gotten plenty of love, but with her album, Just Like You dropping on the 25th of September, Keyshia has room to squeeze out another single before the album drops. This time around, Keyshia has worked with some of the biggest names in R&B and hip hop production, with producers ranging from Bryan-Michael Cox to Scott Storch to Rodney Jerkins.
Today on Atlanta’s people station, V103 (103.3 FM), they premiered her new single, “Shoulda Let You Go,” which is pretty much in the same vain as the first single, “Let It Go.” I’m not sure how I feel about this being the second single, because it’s not as strong as “Let It Go” was, but maybe it’s just one of those things that have to grow on me. So what do you think? Is “Shoulda Let You Go” hot… or not?
Make sure you support Keyshia with her new project, Just Like Me due out September 25, and show her some love via MySpace.
There’s a rumor going around that Bow Wow and Omarion are to release an album together a la Jay-Z/R. Kelly-style, titled Face Off. While I don’t think it’s a bad idea, considering that Omarion could barely give away copies of his latest album, 21, I’m not sure if this song is really a good representation of what these two can do together. Although they’ve made pretty good transitions from child-stars to reputable artists, I don’t think that “Designated Driver” is a good way to promote their project together. It just sounds like something we’ve all heard before. I hope that their other material is a better representation of what the two of them can do, because this album could do well, considering their fan base.
Second single already? Wow. I’ve been hearing a lot of “Whatever You Like” on the radio, and there have been random snippets of her video floating around the internet. “Super Villain” is produced by Mad Scientist. It’s funny though, this sounds like a Pussycat Dolls leftover. It really sounds like something that could have been on PCD, but maybe it’s just because I’m so familiar with Nicole’s voice. I’m not sure if this was a good choice of a second single, but apparently, it’s the front-runner. She should have gone with one of the more dance singles that they claim are on the album, Her Name Is Nicole, due out October 16th.
For more information on Nicole, hit her up via MySpace or you can log on to her community-based official website, hernameisnicole.com.
Ray Lavender, 23 years old, based in Atlanta, by way of Monroe, Louisiana is the latest R&B crooner who says that it was R. Kelly who first ignited his passion for R&B music at a young age. “His tribulations sounded like my tribulations. He inspired me to write, sing, and become a hard working young man,” states Ray. He’s signed to Akon’s Konvict Records through Geffen Records.
His racy and risque new single, “My Girl Gotta Girlfriend,” taken from his debut album, X-Rayted, due out this fall, has garnered him a slight buzz on radio. And judging from the single’s title and content, I can definitely see why Mr. Lavender what proclaim himself quite the ladie’s man. Vocally, I’m not really jumping up and down, but it seems like for a while, since nobody is really filling Usher’s shoes, R&B is trying to spit out as many male artists as possible right now.
So what do you guys think? Is this Ray’s “My Girl Gotta Girlfriend” hot or not? If you like Ray Lavender, for more information or to hear more music, check out his MySpace page. And make sure to be on the look-out for more songs!
Last month we posted stills from Eve’s new video “Give It To You” featuring Sean Paul. The video has yet to be released but the .mp3 hit the net this week. This is Eve’s second single from her forthcoming album “Here I Am” due in stores August 7.
