Get High To It...

The Hot Spitta has a new video for his track Elevator Musik. Now Curren$y gets a lot of attention for how hard he grinds... He's produced so many mixtapes since getting off Cash Money that he's earned a reputation as mix tape master. Hence the album that is entitled This Ain't No Mixtape. I like the beat of this song, as it's very true to it's name. And the way that Curren$y spits his verses over the beat smooths it out even more. He is definitely a talented MC and deserves his dues.

The video is quite cool... Very good use of the green screen. And it's not over acted with a huge story line, it's just a simple music video with some simple effects. Similar to that of Rock With You by Michael Jackson.

Save Us...

It's been a while since I've been able to blog about quality R&B that is truly pop. But I would put Jordin Sparks in that category. I was blessed to see her live, her voice is the truth! She has a new video out for the second single off Battlefield... It is entitled S.O.S. This video has her in the classic club scene waiting to see the classic dirty dog of a man (dunno how us men always get portrayed like this). It reminds me of that Ashley Tisdale clip a bit (don't ask me what it's called... I wouldn't have a clue). Which annoys me a bit as Jordin actually has talent. But I guess her producers have a demographic and need to sell records. Sexing Jordin up a bit may help... It usually does with everyone else. Lets hope they don't turn her trashy... Anyways, check the vid.

Just Go Out...

I kinda slept on this video... It's been out for a while now. But I'm really feeling the way this guy flows. And obviously I'm not the only one. Kanye jumped on this video and has signed him to G.O.O.D music. It's Big Sean with the song Getcha Some off his mixtape UKNOWBIGSEAN, and should be on his upcoming album Finally Famous. From what I've heard, it's looking to be a good album.

The video, while not only having Kanye cameo in it, is directed by Hype Williams. It matches the lyrics of Big Sean telling the world that he's flyer than the rest of them. The artwork in the video is similar to what we've seen Hype produce before. But it seems more real coming from a seemingly unknown, but gifted MC. I can't imagine Big Sean being unknown for too long. His talent is undeniable, and his lyrics are on point.

Turn Them Down...

Jamaican-born Carl Henry has a video for his song Dim The Lights. Coming out of Canada, this singer hasn't released a whole lot since his last album I Wish. Still on the pop infused R&B tip... He's released this song which sounds like a fake Craig David... Which isn't saying a whole lot. I can imagine this song doing really well in the UK. But I don't think that you'll find it playing on my iPod. He has a simple video, which would be good for those video DJ's, as this song could keep a full dance floor moving. It's not my thing, but some of you may like it.

What You Doin To My Head...

Novel has a video for the song aptly titled F#%k With My Mind. I really like this song... It has a simple melody and matching beat. Novel's voice trips over this melody with controlled awkwardness. The whole song reminds me of early D'Angelo. And I like that... It's something that I haven't heard in a while. It's refreshing to hear a melody and voice like this in the age of pop infused RnB. Hopefully Novel gets more airplay than just his mixtape grind.

Oh yeah... And the video... Nothing spectacular... But I don't think that Novel is going out of his way to make a game changing video. He's putting himself out there... And the director Ric Cordero has done a really good job of this. I especially like the old skool Wurlitzer keyboard playing a central role in the clip. It gives the video a feel of authenticity that Novel deserves. He doesn't come across as one of the over produced and under talented stars of today.

Knives In The House...

One of the most anticipated hip hop albums of this year is Raekwon's Only Built for Cuban Links II. He's going to have to release an album of instant vintage to live up to it's predecessor. He's done well so far... And the latest video is House of Flying Daggers featuring Inspectah Deck, GZA, Ghostface Killah and Method Man. The song is classic Wu Tang... And that is something that will always be rated highly amongst the die hards. And the video will keep the Wu heads satisfied also. Being fully animated by 1000styles it is definitely anime. The style of animation loved by many Wu fans... Especially the Manga series. So watch the video and be amazed... Or just have a look and appreciate.

E-Macking...

Jamie Foxx has released the video for the Digital Girl Remix featuring Kanye, Drake and the Dream. It's a Hype Williams clip, so the expectations are high. Hype has done really well with this video. The effects are used to perfection. They don't override the video into just being all about the effort that it must've taken to render the effects. It is a Jamie Foxx song, so there was always going to be a plethora of females prevalent throughout the video... But I like how literal they look in regards to the title of the song... Good make up. The artists featured on the video give their swagger to the video and add something that only each of them could. All in all I like the video as it matches the song. However, I just think that it took too long to come out. Good choice using the remix for the video.

24 Carats Baby...

J.Dilla is one of the greatest producers of all time... Everyone knows this. So his post mortem album Jay Stay Paid is something special for all those real hip hop heads. Since I first heard the song, I've like 24k Rap. I like how Havoc sounds over the beat and Raekwon brings his game to a whole new level. And now that the video is out... I'm more in love with the song. The video was shot over at A Life Rivington club... I'm a huge sneaker head, so pairing up the song with the store is a match made in heaven. It gives the video the feel that you are entering a secret society and thats exactly how it is at A Life. It's exclusivity makes it cool... It's cool factor is replicated in the video. Good match... Great video.

All Black Everything...

Finally the video for We Run This Town has been released. And in true Jigga fashion he hyped it, major. I am glad that I checked it though, this video is as expected... Epic. Anthony Mandler is due credit for his foresight on the video... It isn't your typical hip hop video... But once again Jay-Z isn't your typical hip hop artist. He needed to have a good lead video for the Blueprint 3 as he is following some classics in the Blueprint series. A lot is expected of him, so he needs to deliver. DOA was a bit of a disappointment from a Jay-Z purist perspective. But We Run This Town is more of a proper lead single so I'm glad he delivered. And the video is no exception. Epic is really the only way that I can describe it.

I like the all black army feel to it... It could almost be a rebel movement recruitment video. Dressed similar, but each individual. It's good to see Rihanna back on top looking great. Kanye definitely stepped up since his horrid showing in the Make Her Say video and Jay-Z looks like he is putting a lot more thought into what he wears.

Check the video and see what you think.

Umm... You In...

Ginuwine is set on this comeback thing. Although he hasn't released too much from his A Man's Thoughts album. This video Trouble (which has Bun B on the album, but not the video), shows that he means business. The song itself is something that doesn't stand out as an instant hit. But i can imagine station managers thinking that it is very radio friendly.

The video is typical Ginuwine. He always likes to put an element of acting in his clips (future hint at a career change?). There is also the ever present dancing. And you can't forget the hot girls (does anyone think that the main actress is a Vanessa Hudgen's lookalike?). So all in all... Typical R&B video of today. You could probably put anyone in the video and it would fit... From Usher to Ne-Yo. It would still look right.

About To Run...

Preview for We Run This Town.. It's going to be epic... All I will say...

Don't Hold On...

Let It Go... The new video from Nelly featuring Pharrell. There are some unsurprising features on this song... And then there is something that will make you take a second, third and fourth check before it becomes believeable. The unsurprising factor... It's featuring Pharrell... So the beat sounds accordingly. The part that astounds me still (And I've had this song for a while now)... Nelly is not doing his singing/rapping thing. He's actually rapping. And although he doesn't wax lyrical Mos Def, Common or Kweli-like... He does do pretty nice.

The video doesn't continue with the surprising ethos... It's typical of anything linked to Pharrell. Almost the same as Drop It Like Its Hot. Although surprisingly Pharrell is looking hilarious sporting that 'stache. I haven't seen him look this bad since the Lap Dance video. Ever since he arrived at unconventional sex symbol status, he's kept as pretty boy as he can... He may need to take a look in the mirror and revise his current look. Digging the glasses though Skateboard P.

Look Up In The Sky...

After his mega-hit Birthday Sex (I judge a mega hit by it getting a fair amount of airplay on mainstream radio... not just the RnB and Hip Hop stations)... Jeremih had large expectations placed on him for his follow up single. He has a reasonable album... Could easily get sales in the ringtone environment we live in. So he had a lot to choose from. So his choice of Imma Star (Everywhere We Are) was a good one... Especially with how the video is. I watched it three times and laughed uncontrollably each time. So I think that the general public will enjoy this.

There are a couple of spots where Jeremih reminds me of Kanye... Just the looks. See if you can peep them.

Who's Good?...

Clipse with Pharrell... New track... New video... I think that you already know what it's going to be like... Especially with a title like I'm Good. It's the classic Neptunes track... Nice beat and synthesizers used to full extent. Pharrell singing over the hook with that unique singing voice he has. And then Clipse come at you with their decent flow... Of which I have to say, that I do like. But it just seems a little cliche of them to drop a video with fancy cars, hot girls and pool parties. And then, they are still wearing the same stuff they have for the last 5 years. I still think that this song will get a decent amount of air time, and probably the video too. I just wish they got bored with themselves at some stage and came out with something a little different. Form your opinion by watching the video...

Hard Case...

I know that I don't normally give 50 any ink. But I couldn't go past this track... The original of Case's Touch Me, Tease Me featuring Foxy Brown used to be my jam! I remember being at dances when I was young and trying to get at girls when the song would drop. It was a good song to be in the middle of the dance floor with a girl. 50 went and put his spin on it... And although I don't really enjoy a lot of 50 cent... I'll give him this one on flow and backing track alone. You got me listening again 50... I'll see what else you can come up with in September...

Bad Habits... Revealed...

I know that I've blogged about this song before... But you know that I'm all over Maxwell's songs. He's released the video for Bad Habits. And as if you didn't know... He often epitomises the word smooth, and just to solidify the fact... He went and got Kerry Washington on the video. She is a talented actress, but as you can see she is more than just easy on the eye. I like the video's feel of a dark and risque act being performed.

Till You Get Enough...

Esso has been working on a Mixtape for a minute now based on the late Michael Jackson's Off The Wall album. We all know the King of Pop passed away not so long ago... Hence the mixtape feels a little ill timed. But there is no denying that the lead single Don't Stop is a catchy track. The video is reminiscent of MJ's Don't Stop Till You Get Enough video which is no real surprise. But I can imagine this being a club banger given recent events. Its nice production and although it's not an amazingly lyrical assault on the ears... Its enough to hold the track up.

And I do like how he is rocking that Toro Bravo Jordan V pack (writing this as I wear my new True Blue Jordan III international release only!)

Beautiful Decay...

Skyzoo has a video for his song Beautiful Decay. I'm really feeling this song as he flows and speaks with consciousness. The video is a hood showcase. Nothing too flashy and nothing going for any video awards... But it feels real. The song itself has that speed up loop sound to it slung over a classic new york sounding hip hop beat. Its something that I haven't heard in a while, but I miss it. And its refreshing. It's almost a beat that you would expect a great like Rakim to step onto. But its 9th Wonder... You know you gonna get something nice when 9th Wonder is attached. Get into this song... Something to chill to. Be nice to hear the album when it drops on September 29th.

Make Her Say...

So Kid Cudi finally got a video for Lady Gaga's Poker Face sampled joint... Poke Her Face. But now it's called Make Her Say... Easier to mass market that sort of name. And this should do well to keep the Cudi hype up leading into the release of his album Man on the Moon: The End of Day. Especially when you have heavyweights like Kanye and Common on the track.

The video is nothing outstanding... But being so clean, you're able to focus on the MC's a lot more. Which is perfect marketing for someone like Kid Cudi who is still needing some more air play to become a household name. Mainstream exposure is something that Kid Cudi deserves. Check the video... You'll still find your head bobbing to this infectious song.

Jackpot...

Maino's song Million Bucks featuring Swizz Beats has now got a video for it. I've been banging this song since I first heard the album If Tomorrow Comes... I have a soft spot for Swizzy's production. I dig the way that he uses that big band feel. And it goes well with the ethos of the song. It's such a feel good song that when you hear it you can't help but smile. The video is kinda dope too... Its all about hustle hard and party harder. Bit of an epic feel to the video when you watch the introduction. The cinematography is really good in it too. But still has all the elements of a hip hop video... Fancy cars, hot girls, excessive use of money and alcohol (and of course these days you gotta have those pink Nuvo bottles). The song is a banger... But thats something you start to expect of Swizzy. Keep it on your iTunes for when you're feeling down... It'll pick you up and force you to smile.

Why Would You...

Mario (who is looking grown man these days) dropped his video for the song Break Up featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett. Now he's lucky that he put these two on the track. The track feels like he's trying to pick up the market that Omarion and Bow Wow cater for. I'm not really feeling it... But I that it'll get mad airplay and probably do really well. It's good marketing to get these three on this sort of track cause I don't think that it could've been justified by using just a singer on it. Its pop but hip hop, so good to hear Gucci Mane on it. He's doing his thing right now. Anyways... Take a look, have a listen and make up your own mind. Ladies should love it. Might grow on you after a few plays...

Feels Like Magic...

Joe has always been a favourite of mine. I like how smooth his voice is without over singing on a track. Never tries to change the game but is always on point. His new video for Magic is classic RnB: Singer wearing sunglasses singing and acting his heart out, girls on display (the cover up of a photo shoot makes it less lewd), a few crowd shots here and there, nice car, but most importantly... The girls all fall for the singer.

The song itself is a really nice track. Smooth as what we expect from Joe. But the lyrics are the aspect that I enjoy the most... They whet my carnal appetite. Another reason to check out Joe's new album Signature... Apparently dropping next week. Although who trusts release dates these days?

The Bestest...

Drake has finally put a video out for Best I Ever Had... This track has needed a video for so long. And I thought that he would put out something of substance for it. Especially as it was directed by Kanye. I was wrong. It's just a video showcasing the female form. Of which I am a loyal fan. The acting is a little off to say the least. But at least the video portrays the nature of the lyrics... It's all about exploiting women. But it does make me think about the best I've ever had... Shout out to you girl...

Mrs. International Video...

Finally I have the video for Mrs. International. It's been a long time coming, and I'm sorry that I've been a bit slow on this one. But here it is.

As expected... The video is hilarious. Eric Sermon making his appearance in the 'not so' Temptations. Red getting his Rick James on. Meth looking like an 90's R&B singer with his waistcoat over a t shirt. This video is looks like Red and Meth are ready to make another How High movie. Humour is everything you expect from them... And you won't be disappointed.

Long Live The King...

I've been off for a while, and I'm away for the weekend... But there is something that I need to put up really quick. I have to pay my respects to a true musical genius. Michael Jackson paved the way for many artists that are around today. His influence is felt through more than just samples and regurgitated dance moves. He broke through barriers that could have only have been done by a great artist. His performances were mind blowing. Just his moonwalk would send crowds into an uncontrollable frenzy. More than an international superstar... He will always be the King of Pop.






Death of an icon... End of an era...

Hot Like...

I know that it's a little late... Cause the mixtape (FakeShoreDrive x Timbuck 2) has been out a minute now. But I do have to write about it as I'm really feeling it. I am a fan of Lupe for his lyrical prowess... I think that the stuff he puts out is amazing and this track is nothing different. What I am really impressed by, is the beat of this track. Its sounds almost g funk in its use of the simple bass drop and then melodic horns. The speed up chorus is something different... Heard it all before, but yet it still has it's place and I like the way that it fits with the track. The lyrics are what we come to expect from Lupe... It's not the most lyricallly astounding track from him. No massive song length double entendre like we have heard from him before ... Just a one dimensional rhyme that is laid down with impeccable semantics. Its Lupe, he's nice on the track...

They Never Die...

The second song off BLACKsummers night from Maxwell is going to be Bad Habits. I'm really glad that he chose this song, as I think that it is the better of the two lead singles. I did like Pretty Wings, and I never doubt Maxwell. But this song is more classic Maxwell... His velvet voice slides seductively over the track and compliments the horns which are seldom used these days. Although Maxwell has always used them to perfection. The beat will have you rocking your head in a rhythm that the rest of your body will want to follow. Listen to this song with your other half... You will be thanking me...

DC killin it...

Wale has a couple of new video's out... Looking like he's going to be pushing this Back to the Feature mixtape. Which should be pretty good.

The first video I think most of you would have heard. And when you first heard it... Thought that Santogold had hooked up with another hip hop artist. But it ain't Santogold on the track. It's Lady Gaga... Miss Controversial. This track is hot, and I've been on it for a minute now. The lyrics are fire, and the beat is superb. Its something I'm starting to expect of Wale though. He pays homage to the "I'm flyer than the rest of them" premise, and proceeds to tell the audience why he is 'Flyer than the rest of them.' Lady Gaga adds a whole new attribute to her musical repertoire with the Santogold feel. All in all it's a track that I like the feel of, and the video is what it is. It'll advertise Wale to the general public that haven't heard of him and give him some deserved air time...




The other video that he's got at the moment is Family Affair. On this track he gets a lot more lyrical and not so much bragging. He seems to put more emotion into this track. I've been caught out calling him the Nas of DC after hearing this track. The beat is emotionally gripping enough, and his flow follows that of Nas but with a Wale twist. Those two combined give this track an epic feel... It almost gets climactic on the track. Similar to One Mic the beat builds up and takes over your soul like a movie backing track does. The video matches the track well too... Very movie like in it's cinematography and its emotional content. If you didn't know by now... This video will show you... Wale is a real MC.

Happy Birthday...

Doing what I do... I go a lot of places in search of new music that's dropping. And lately everywhere I've gone, I keep getting suggestions to listen and watch the video for the song Birthday Sex by Jeremih. So I finally watched the video and listened to the song. The lyrics are all about what the name eludes to. It's a simple song... Not a complicated melodic set... But with a seductive song as this, that's not what you want. Jeremih achieves what he needs to with both the song and the video. Even if it is sung mostly on auto tune... This song will get a lot of bedroom play. New artist who should receive a lot of attention... So watch out fella's. Your ladies will want to listen to this when they want to... Well you get where I'm going with this...

Space Boots...

The Dream is linking up again... This time with Kanye. This is off The Dream's latest album Love Vs Money... Which has been one of my favourite albums this season. And I've already heard this song playing on the radio. So I'm glad that he decided to make a video for it... Especially with a superstar like Kanye on the track, and then getting Hype to direct it. He's really looking for a hit. The song is good, that goes without saying... The video is a bit of a hard one to gauge. I don't know if the general public will like it... Even though I kinda like it. It looks like Michael and Janet's Scream mixed up with Lil Mama and Chris Brown's Shawty Get Loose. Which isn't such a bad combination. But then The Dream goes and wears Michael's outfit from Bad... ha ha. Kanye is doing his thing as he does when he does it. Both look like they're dressed in the 1980's... Not 2085 as said at the start of the song. Either way... I like the song, and I like the video. The Dream and Kanye... It's getting airtime for sure!

Black Amex... Throw It In The Bag...

Fabo and The Dream connect on the track and the video too. The video is funny as heck... Watching a girl thieving and still wanting to get at her... Different strokes for different folks.

The song is what you'd expect of anything The Dream is on lately. He's staying true to his name and killing the radio. I've been hearing him all the time on the airwaves lately. I wouldn't be surprised if this one cops a lot of airplay from the radio dj's.

I Need A Girl...

The title of this post is not in reference to myself, although it would be nice... ha ha. Trey Songz has dropped the video I Need A Girl from his upcoming album Ready. Trey Songz has got mad pop appeal. And he carries on with this in this video... But grows up a little bit. Less 'I'm a thug' and more 'I'm an R&B singer.' The song is a lady killer... But do you expect anything less of Trey? It should get the deserved airplay. The video does what it needs to do and whets the appetite for his album drop... 30th June from what I hear.

Long Time Coming...

Maxwell has finally put out a video for his song Pretty Wings... Its classic Maxwell... His smooth high notes seductively caressing the slow beat and soft melody. Excuse the last sentence... But thats what Maxwell does... Makes you want to find a girl and treat her to unbridled ecstasy, if for one night only. More baby making music... Nay... Music to make love to.

The video is an extension of the last paragraph... Watch it and find out. Hopefully with the video out... This leads to him finally putting out this long awaited album Black Summers Night.

Return Of The Velvet Teddy Bear

It's been a while now hasn't it. And I haven't forgotten about this blog... I've just been caught up in some stuff... Getting minimal sleep while having to continue to work. Now that I have some decent sleep in me... I'm back!!!

And to return... I've got the new video for Ruben Studdard's track Together. Its a simple track... Nice melody and a feel good happy R&B song. Plus there's that unmistakable voice that everyone came to love during that second american idol season... And then didn't really hear from again. Well here he is with that same voice over a lovely piano melody (bring back more piano and less auto tune!).

I think that its a more organic sound than we currently get through the airwaves. Hopefully this song gets some airtime.

Viewing The List

Ne-Yo has a new video for Part Of The List. Well I don't know how new it is as I saw it on TV the other day. And I felt a little behind as video's hardly get to air on television before I see them. But I been trying to find this video for a while now. And as always I'm impressed. I do like the song, but it's Ne-Yo's video's that are impressing me as of late. I always expect him to write a good song, but now I expect him to act in his video's as well. Not just your typical R&B video which consists of the girl pining over the main singer. Ne-Yo has substance to his video's. Check this one, and the three releases preceding it... You'll know what I mean.

International loving... Ayo!

Anyone that knows me knows that I love Red and Meth. So when I heard about Blackout 2 I was over the moon. Not long till the album drops...

Anyway, the upcoming single is Mrs. International. The video for this song should be out soon. The song is real nice though. Very low key on the beat with classic Red and Meth over top of it. It's a beat that you could imagine Jay-Z trying to pick up (anyone that has seen Fade 2 Black knows how picky he is with beats). So I'm glad that they picked this one up. When the video drops I'll put it up... But until then you're going to have to wait.

But the video that they have had out for a while is Ayo! Its got a very early Def Jam sound, classic Method Man and Redman. Nothing tricky on the sample, and nothing amazingly intellectual on the lyrical front. But flow like ooh and two of the most recognised voices in the game. Hip hop is always more fun when Red and Meth are in the game.

Teasing....

Mario's got some new material, Such A Tease. Lyrics are what you could imagine from the title. And the beat is similar to Mario's earlier tracks. His upcoming album And Then There Was Me could be another good album from him. He doesn't get enough credit as an artist. He has made some solid albums, but it's only a couple of singles that have gotten him any airplay. Hopefully this album proves to be different.




The other track on the post is Turn Her On. And if you thought the last track was all about the love making... This one will get you messing up the bed real quick. Smooth beat, sensual singing... Nothing more is really needed. Hence, this is my favourite of the two.

Luxurious Lyricism...

The Boss, Rick Ross has got a new one... Maybach Music Part 2. The only way that I can describe this song is epic. You could imagine this being a theme song. Next time you're walking into a party, have this song banging in your head and notice your swagger. It's in the same league as The Roc Boys... I'm gonna call it 'swagger inducing music'.

Rick Ross gets some help on this track... Lil Wayne, Kanye and T-Pain are on it. He's pretty much guaranteed a radio banger with this. Those three are the current hitmakers, everything they touch turns to gold.

Cudi Going Gaga

Kid Cudi gets crazy over a sampled version of Lady Gaga's Poker Face. The song is called I Poke Her Face and has Kanye and Common on the track. The production is fire. It's one of those beats that gets infectious... You just wanna hear it over and over again. Now I give Cudi cred for doing his thing, and he does it well stepping up first on the track... But as the song goes on, the MC'ing gets better and better. I know that Kanye isn't the best MC in the world, but rolling in second he kills Cudi. But then you got Common coming in last and straight steps on them both. Its not really fair when you have a legend like Common on the beat, he will always make any MC look foolish.

If Lady Gaga sung for this track... Then props to her. She sounds good with some decent production. And A-Track gets Premier-like on this too... Listen for the cuts.

Very impressed with this track....

We Like Her... And We Like Her Too.

Lil Wayne has been off doing his rock thing as seen in Prom Queen. But he's back with a video to Every Girl with the rest of Young Money. The song is catchy and makes you wanna keep listening to it. The lyrics are hilarious "In about three years, holla at me Miley Cyrus".

I like how they use the cartoon effects over top of a pretty simple video. It feels very Good Life by Kanye, especially with the excessive use of the auto tuner.

I'm having a writers block, so you might have to just watch it and make your own mind up... I may update this post later... ha ha.

My earlier video got removed... So here's a bad quality one... Sorry but it's all I could find.

Sensual...

Avant has had his new album out since the end of last year. Didn't really hear too much about the first two singles (When It Hurts, and Break Ya Back (In A Good Way)), but I think that he missed out on not releasing the first track of the album. The album itself "Avant" has a host of guest producers, and the first track Sensuality sounds like its a Neptunes produced beat. The beat is real nice and I was surprised to find out that it's one of the few tracks that hasn't got a guest producer behind it. The song sounds like what Pharrell wanted In My Mind to sound like... Dope beats with a good melodic voice over them. Unfortunately Pharrell failed on the latter part of that statement. But that's where Avant has made this combo work. The lyrics aren't all that great, but you could bang this song in your ipod and find yourself nodding your head to the beat. You could actually bang most of the album in your ipod and have the same effect. It's pretty good.. So pick the album up and have a listen.




Sorry for the video, I couldn't find anything better... Hopefully I'll be able to post something soon.

Back On The Pony...

Ginuwine... A name you may not have heard from in a minute now. He's got a new video out for his latest song Last Chance. He's recruited some celebrity actors for the video in LisaRaye and Tyrese. We all know that Tyrese can sing as well, but for the latter part of his career, he's been trying to act. The video was well directed and has a good story. The acting is good for a music video (that ain't hard), and looks as though Ginuwine has kept his dancing shoes on too. To me it looks like Ginuwine has seen what Ne-Yo has done with his video's in respect to the acting and wanted a piece of that action. But then wanted to keep true to his roots, so put some dancing in there also.

The song is catchy and might get some rotation. But don't expect it to eclipse Pony as Ginuwine's most played song. His lyrics are a little weak for the subject "If I only got one shot to win you... Then call me Jordan, fourth quarter in '92" (have to admit I had a soft spot for that line as I'm a massive Jordan fan). But this song is ok... Not fire... But you might hear it a bit more.

New R.Kelly???

I'm sitting here chilling with one of my boys just listening to old songs. And it got me motivated to write on this thing again. I mentioned The Dream in a recent post. His latest album offering is called Love Vs Money. And all in all its a good solid album. Something that I'm becoming accustomed to with him. But the other thing is, I know that he won't get that much mainstream airplay.

Anyways, getting back to it. My favourite track off the album is Sweat It Out. Its a very sexual song... And it sounds very R.Kelly. I've showed it to a couple of people and they agree with me. The lyrics bleed R.Kelly. He even sounds like him. And to tell you the truth, he does a good job of it. Smooth voice... Panty dropping lyrics... Ain't nothing wrong with this song.

Love Knocked Down...

So I'm a start back with Keri Hilson featuring Kanye (minus a broken heart and his auto tuner) and Ne-Yo. Keri has been doing her thing for a minute now. But she hasn't really gotten as much air time as I think is deserved. So she's employed two powerhouses to boost her latest. And its nice! Kanye on the track actually rapping sounds good. Ne-Yo singing is another nice addition. She couldn't have really asked for much more. The song is radio friendly, and should get the air time that she has lacked as of late. Nice pop track, beat fast enough that you might even hear it in the club as soon as dj's get onto it. This song sounds a little like early Cassie (but with more superstar power backing it)... Which is a good thing as she got a lot of radio play early on. I think you'll be hearing this song a lot in weeks to come.

Back Once Again

Sorry people... I been away for a while. But I haven't forgotten about this little blog thing. I have been listening to a lot of music lately, and needed to find time to write about it. So you might see some posts turn up in the near future and think that I've been slipping. But it's just that I haven't had a chance to write about it... So I'll take this opportunity to do so.

Some fire albums have dropped lately... The Dream crept up on us. J.Holiday has quietly released a new one. Avant sung his way into more studio time. Bobby Valentino has been doing more than just cameo's. Wale has a new mixtape. The return of Red and Meth! Joe Budden has a nice one out now. Even Keri Hilson is doing more than just looking good. Trey Songz, Drake, Musiq Soulchild, even Weezey with his new rock style. There's just too many to list. So expect me to be on at least three times a week just trying to catch up.

One!

Old Skool Cool...

A career that has spanned decades hasn't slowed Q-Tip at all. He has a flow that is uncannily infectious and a voice so nasal that on any other man, it would have an average person running for the hills. But Q-Tip manages to pull it off... And with unparalleled class. With the release of Renaissance, Q-Tip solidified his place in hip hop heroism. 2008 was another year where hip hop had found it's commercial niche and lost its street cred. But Renaissance regains the cred lost by one hit wonders and cameo concoctions. This album brings together what hip hop used to feel like... Good beats made to have a talented lyricist bounce over with well thought semantics and sly artistic direction. There are many highlights on the album... One of my favourites is Raphael Saadiq collaborating with Q on We Fight/We Love.



There is also the J.Dilla produced Move. Given a beat by a great such as Dilla, Q-Tip really ripped it up and made it more than just a dope beat... Now a complete classic. As Saadiq aptly named his solo joint, I'm a give this the same title... Instant vintage.



A definite "cop it now, play it forever"

Cudi's on the Throne

He's relatively unknown, but you may have heard him on 808's and Heartbreak's Welcome to Heartbreak. Thats if you bothered to cop the album at all. The dude's name is King Cudi, and he has a mixtape out called 10 Deep Presents: A Kid Named Cudi. His whole sound is like old Kanye... Someone that most of the music loving world hopes will return for his upcoming album, rumoured to be called Good Ass Job. Anyways, enough of Yeezy, and back to Cudi. His flow is a little forced, but purposefully. His beats are simple, but you find is voice and flow addictive. So you can listen to his whole mixtape pretty easily. His lyrics are funny and somewhat intelligent "you nigga's so so like seamstress'". He has a track with underground east coast rapper Wale. Good collaboration, so take a listen. Its called Is There Any Love? And I've got love for the way this guy is taking the game.

If you can... Get the whole mixtape and listen carefully. It's different... But good.