So… I stopped paying attention to the Trapped In the Closet series a long time ago. Seriously, I forget what happens after chapter 5. I have no idea at this point what’s going on in the story, and honestly, I don’t care. So I listened to the song, completely confused, having absolutely no idea about what happened for the past 8 chapters before, and I’m just completely floored at how absolutely insane this entire thing is. Like, what? It just seems like R. Kelly has nothing to do at this point. And then there’s going to be low-budget videos shot for every last one of these? I just want those people that “starred” these videos to know… this is not going to be an excellent resume builder to jump start your acting career…
By the way, if you’re at work or at school, I wouldn’t suggest playing this loudly. It’s very vulgar.
Did you listen to Timbaland’s Shock Value? Did you bump the track titled “Fantasy” from this random girl, Money? Were you wondering who she was and where did some come from? Well, apparently, the story goes that famed producer/songwriter Walter Milsap (household name among musicians from all genres - think the entire Afrodisiac album from Brandy) did this as a demo for Timbaland’s Shock Value and Timbaland liked it so much that he decided to leave it on the album as is. So from just recording to having a full-length feature on one of the year’s most anticipated releases.
A California native, Money says that she is most inspired and influenced by Prince. While most labels are trying to match their artists to the hottest thing, and trying to make them the next biggest thing, Money, with her unique style, original voice, and captivating choreography, is ready to give us an example of what the future of pop/R&B music will be.
For more information about Money, and to check out some more songs from her, make sure you hit her up on MySpace and tell her CL sent you!
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.
50 Cent feat. Robin Thicke - Follow My Lead (full) - listen
50 Cent might be mad about the leaking of his album, and he’s been releasing videos as much as he changes underwear. Seems like 50’s album is strictly geared towards the ladies. I knew that Robin was gonna be working with 50 because they’d been making too many cameo appearances together. I kinda dig the groove of this song, regardless of my not being a 50 Cent fan. Robin Thicke’s voice just floats over everything, so I’m kinda feeling it.
Fabolous feat. Jagged Edge - Make Me Better (Remix) (full) - listen
Another “Make Me Better” remix - to the same beat of the other remix with Lil’ Mo. Personally, I’m not feeling this one. But you know in Atlanta, they’re playing this. Jagged Edge is on there way back with another album, Baby-Makin’ Project, which, I suppose is highly anticipated from Jagged Edge fans. I don’t know, this remix just sounds a little awkward. I guess now DJ’s have gotta make a choice between remixes and which one’s going to be played.
Meet Steph Jones. This Houston-born, Missouri City-raised singer has really been picking up some steam recently. The self-proclaimed momma’s boy was discovered and signed by DTP’s Ludacris and Chaka. Steph attributes much of his inspiration to the likes of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, and Frank Sinatra - just to name a few.
“Mr. Ordinary” is an easy track. It’s got a nice groove, and Steph’s voice floats over it very nicely. It just feels like a good song. The production is simple and light, which I think adds to the charm of the song. It doesn’t over-power the sweetness of Steph’s voice. He’s like none other artist on DTP. Even with Bobby Valentino on the roster, I think that Steph will definitely get his shine on later this year.
If you like what you’ve heard and read, for more information on Steph Jones and to check out some more tunes, log onto his MySpace page. And be on the look out for more of him.
Joe - My Love (full) - listen
I was very impressed with the bulk of the material that Joe had on his latest album, Ain’t Nothin’ Like Me. I had been waiting on the album since last summer when he’d released “Where You At” (featuring Papoose) to radio, as well as the few songs (”Go Hard” written/produced by Bryan-Michael Cox) had leaked. From what I know, this will be the third single that Joe will release from the album, but it just seems like it hasn’t been talked about much. “My Love” is a nice slow jam, also written and produced by the homies Bryan-Michael Cox, Kendrick Dean and Johnta Austin.
Trey Songz - Grub On (Live) (full) - listen
I’ve been e-mailed this song more than a few times, so I had to post it. First of all, I was just wondering what this song was about immediately after reading the title. “Grub On?” Are you serious? I knew that it wasn’t about to be about food. I just knew it. But low and behold, there I was, scratching my head about 30 seconds into the moment that I hit “play.” I have a couple of questions for Trey after this one.
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!
