Tuesday, November 3, 2009 |
After her last album, Because I Love It… back in 2007, which didn’t see a United States release, Amerie is back with her fourth studio album, In Love & War, which hits stores today (November 3), on Island Def Jam Records.
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In Love & War finds itself mimicking those same hard blaring, live horn percussive sounds from her days with producer Rich Harrison. However, the album boasts no collaborations from him. Even with it’s over the top, Ray Kay-directed music video, the first single, “♫ Why R U,” co-produced by The Buchanans, didn’t seem to grab attention of the fans.
In contrast, “♫ Heard ‘Em All,” the next single to follow, got a little more love from radio and in the clubs. The online blitz began when they put out a teaser video, and fans became a little more excited to see promotion on the label’s end for Amerie. But soon after, a 106 & Park guest spot, there was little-to-no promotion coming from her or her camp.
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Thursday, October 29, 2009 |
These past few months have been challenging for former Xcape member turned reality TV star Kandi Burruss, but she’s proving her perseverance with her “I Fly Above” EP available for download today (October 29th). Many were surprised that the star has not shied away from the spotlight following the untimely death of her ex-fiancée Ashley “AJ” Jewell, but she is clearly showing her strength and dedication to her craft, which is admirable. This sneak peak provides a lucid precursor to what we can expect from her upcoming full-length effort, B.L.O.G.
The title track “I Fly Above,” produced by Drumma Boy gives way to a straightforward crack at addressing her haters. “Trade Him In,” featuring current hot rapper Gucci Mane (whose rap delivery is pure comedy by the way) provides a pinch of cockiness to the relationship based songs that goes against the grain of Kandi’s somewhat mild-mannered persona. Despite trying her hand at a raspier tone, the song’s lyrics are catchier than Kandi’s actually performance itself. “Must Be Good,” is undoubtedly the most contagious track on the EP and by far the most relevant and personal as she wrote it about the Internet fodder surrounding her relationship with AJ. Lastly the indecisive “I Like Him” feat. Rick Ross and Rasheeda and the syrupy “I Just Know,” round out the EP.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009 |
Baltimore native Mario is testing more than a newly shaved head these days, he’s also trying his hand at a more mature offering with the release of his fourth album “D.N.A.” Although the subject matter follows the usual formula: love and heartbreak, it’s the musical composition that earns Mario extra points.
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The lead single “Break-up” featuring Sean Garrett and Gucci Mane kicks off the theme of infusing bass-heavy, highly synthesized beats with Mario’s signature croon. “Thinkin’ About You,” is pretty self-explanatory but the song’s robotic space aged sexiness thankfully stops it from being just another sappy love song.
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Tuesday, September 29, 2009 |
After what some fans and music critics would consider to be a disappointing performance on her last studio album, 2008’s E=MC², Mariah Carey is back with her twelfth studio album, Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel, which hits stores today, September 29th, via Island Def Jam Records.
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On Mariah’s last album, it seemed as though she tried to recreate the magic of her “comeback,” three years before with Emancipation of Mimi but fell short. However, amid what some saw as mediocre single choices and material, Mariah managed to serve up a gem of a single with “Touch My Body,” which surpassed Elvis Presley for the most #1 singles by a solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was immaculately crafted by the dynamic duo, Tricky Stewart and The Dream.
The chemistry created was undeniable, thus Mariah recruiting the two to write and produce her whole album, with additional production from LOS Da Mystro, with whom The Dream crafted J. Holiday’s smash, “Bed,” and Mariah co-writing. Continue Reading »
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 |
After a two year album hiatus, Hip-Hop heavyweight, Jay-Z is back with his 11th album, “The Blueprint 3″. The album (which was supposed to be released next week but pushed up due to constant leaking), finds the rapper/entrepreneur telling you that he is bored with the current state of hip-hop and then some.
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In his infamous big brother style “do as I say not as I did” tone, this album sheds the transparency of Cristal and fast cars and trades them in for the executive life. You know the kind where you’re so high above the game that it really doesn’t matter what kind of music you put out? Most obvious on the horn-heavy “Thank You,” the Brooklyn native still proudly carries New York’s biggest borough on his back but is more content in his position at the top of the rap game.
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Monday, August 31, 2009 |
Virginia native and R&B singer Trey Songz returns after two years with his third offering, Ready. Following the release of two mixtapes earlier this year—Genesis, which included music he recorded before his debut album, I Gotta Make It, and Anticipation, which helped occupy fans a couple of months before his new album was released—Trey Songz is letting the world know he’s ready.
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His previous albums included a little baby-making music, but this album takes it to another level. Citing R. Kelly as an early influence when he first appeared on the scene and later calling him out for attempting to remain relevant to younger listeners on “D.O.K (Death of Kellz)”, Trey sounds a little like him on the album intro, appropriately titled “Panty Droppa”, and “Neighbors Know My Name”, a slow jam on which the 24-year-old reflects on his sexual prowess and what that means for the neighbors during his sexual exploits. The album continues with “I Invented Sex”, again reiterating what he said before but this time with Drake on the track. Teaming up again with Stargate who produced “Can’t Help But Wait” (his most successful single yet) on “I Need a Girl” was genius as they delivered another hit which also served as the album’s lead single. Here, the album shows another side of Trey as he contemplates commitment and carries it over to the rock-tinged ballad “One Love”, produced by Brian Michael Cox. But he’s not done with sex just yet.
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Monday, August 31, 2009 |
Although it seems longer, it’s been nearly seven years since we’ve heard anything new from Whitney Houston. After spending the last three years recording, she’s back with I Look to You, and she sounds better than ever.
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Whitney explained the title saying, “The last several years spiritually, this song says all I wanted to say. There are times in life when we go through certain situations - some not so good. You have to reach for a higher strength, you have to reach deep inside yourself, spend time with yourself to make some corrections that go beyond your own understanding and lean on a higher understanding, for me this song puts it all in check. If I did not have my faith I wouldn’t be as strong today.”
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