I love it. Honestly, I always have an affinity for Aretha Franklin’s new material. This is a nice duet, and their voices really do compliment eachother. I can’t even hate on the subject matter, either, it’s really cute. Aretha’s been through it all before, so she’s trying to school Fantasia and “put her up on game.” So since there’s new music, that must mean there’s a new album in store for Aretha Franklin. The album is titled Jewels In the Crown: All Star Duets with The Queen. It will feature duets with music legends, as well as some of today’s hottest voices and brightest stars. Jewels will have duets with Mary J. Blige, John Legend, the late Luther Vandross and many more.

Make sure you check for “Let Me Put You Up On Game,” which will impact radio officially October 1. Also, Jewels In the Crown: All Star Duets with The Queen will hit stores November 13, so make sure you give the Queen her props and show some respect.

This new track, “Hoodstar” is taken from Bow Wow & Omarion’s duel album, Faceoff, which I have heard little information about it. “Hoodstar” is the rumored first single, not “Designated Driver,” which we featured in our Hot or Not section. I’m sorry, but I just can’t get into this song at all. When Bow Wow raps, it seems as though he always has something to prove to people, since he’s an “adult” now. I guess that’s the downside of being a child star. The production also overpowers Omarion, sometimes I can barely tell that he’s there.

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Kevin Michael has teamed up with our good friends from The Clutch for this new track, “Weekend Jumpoff.” A couple of months ago, we featured Kevin in our artist spotlight section and he got a lot of love. His self-titled debut album, Kevin Michael is due out October 2. “Weekend Jumpoff” combines well-crafted production, melodic vocal arrangements, excellent lyrical composition and Kevin’s immaculate tone to create this fun, sultry song. This song really fuses new school flavor with old school elements, and I think that’s what’s most diggable about Kevin’s music.

Be sure to check Kevin Michael out on MySpace or log on to his official site, kevinmichael.com. If you like what you’ve heard, cop his debut, Kevin Michael on October 2.

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50 Cent, Jay-Z & Diddy – I Get Money (Forbes Remix) (full) – listen
So remember these three topped Forbes’ ‘Hip-Hop Cash King’ list this year? Yeah, well they made a song about it. There’s not much to be said about it, except that Jay-Z and Diddy are on it. Other than that, it’s the typical “I Get Money” remix. I guess it’s cool that they just got on a track to talk about how much money they have. I mean, I love when people throw their money in my face. Either way, the song knocks. 50 and Jay’s verses are my favorite.

Q. Amey – Catching Feelings (full) – listen
Honestly, I don’t understand why Q. Amey hasn’t taken off yet. “Forever Girl” came out two summers ago, and now it seems as he’s not releasing any new material as a single. I know he’s been in the studio, writing for other people, but I’m very much so fond of his voice. There really aren’t any new, young talented males out right now, and I think he can definitely fill that void. “Catching Feelings” is produced by the homie Bryan-Michael Cox, I love when he does stuff like this. The song is uptempo but it’s still very mellow. I just love the feel of the track. There’s no reason that this boy isn’t out.

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