Miley Cyrus latest album “Bangerz” is filled with heart-felt
ballads, twerk team inspired songs, and country inspired songs. There is no
denying that Miley has talent, however Bangerz is not a banger. The many
features on this album did not help it either. I only found interests in her ballads.
You can hear hurt in her voice in the many ballads. Break ups usually make for great songs. If you choose to listen to Bangerz check out these tracks.
What would the world be with boy bands? The world may never know thanks to Great Britain. The four piece male group, Union J, comes straight out of Great Britain following the footsteps of One Direction and The Wanted. They came together for the British show The X Factor. A new set of heartthrobs are making waves. Listen to their latest single below
Well you can take the man out the trap, but you can't take the trap out of the man. Young Jeezy's new single, "In My Head" he tells us that just can't leave the trap alone. It's all he thinks about. Jeezy also lets us know that he continues to rap about his kilos because that was apart of his life, so don't expect to not hear about it. Take a listen below.
Indonesia singer Agnes Monica also known as Agnez Mo newest single, "Coke Bottle" feat. Timbaland and T.I is pretty dope. Agnez Mo knows that she looks good and that's why the men are looking at her "coke bottle" shape, which she thanks her mama for.This Timbaland produced track is great entrance to mainstream North America. If you're a curvy chick, this may become your anthem. Take a listen below:
So far everything that I have heard from Luke James I love.
His new single, “Oh God”, follows suit. In this song he sings about not being
able to let go of his ex that left him. He feels that they belong together. He
misses her and doesn't know how he can go on without her. Hit-Boy adds his own sixteen letting his ex
know that he is pretty depressed without her. Men get hurt too ladies. Click the
link below to hear:
Artists make music as a form of therapy for themselves, but
also to reach the masses. When a customer is listening to a song, it is
important that the artist grabs their attention from the beginning. If not, it’s
on to the next. This happens to be a problem that I see with Let's Roll. The tracks by SP and Foe- Hun’ed are decent, but nothing that is
attention grabbing. I like to be able to say, "Yo did you just hear that?" I did not do that with any of the tracks that I heard. Another problem is, nothing sets them apart from the other young independent
rappers. They have good beats , however on "Snap on’em" it over powers the artist.
I can barely hear what he is saying. One of the artists’ on “Stunnin” reminded
me of the late Stack Bundles, his voice that is, and another guy channeled in the late Nate Dogg. All and all they definitely
have potential; I would not take that from them. They just need more practice. Take a listen below
Is Bun B, Rick Ross and 2 Chainz channeling their Caribbean roots?
No, however on Bun B’s new track “Fire” featuring Serani, Rick Ross, and 2
Chainz, they are attempting to rap with a Caribbean accent. Of course they do
not do a good. I couldn't help but laugh. This track is okay because of the
hook, thank you Serani. Take a listen below
Ohio rapper Stalley just released his EP Honest
Cowboy. On this EP Stalley lets the listener know how life was for him in Massillon, Ohio.
If you listen to the lyrics, you will be able to visualize the Ohio blue collar
life. A few songs give off an ol’skool relaxing vibe. I like that Stalley does
not use any vulgar language on Honest Cowboy. No cursing and no disrespectful
words towards women. He is all about positivity. Stalley is different and Honest Cowboy is a good
investment. This seven track EP includes features from Schoolboy Q, Scarface,
Joi Tiffany, Rashad, and Crystal Torres.
Make sure you listen to: Sticks and Stones, The Highest,
Samson, Swangin', and Blue Collar Gang.
Wow shots fired at musicians who are so focused on materialistic items? And no I am not referring to Kanye West and his numerous rants, but I am referring to a 16 year old girl who goes by the name Lorde. She appeared on my radar after I heard Bobby Konder's play a snippet of her song on Hot 97. I was hooked at first listen. On her single, "Royals", she discusses how every song out is about material things and that the listeners are not into or cannot relate to what they are dishing out. She has a valid point especially since everyone will not be "royals". The catchy hook goes, "But every songs like; gold teeth, grey goose dripping in the bathroom... we don't care we're driving Cadillac's in our dreams...Cristal, Maybach, diamonds on your time piece...we're not caught up in your love affair". I like how she refers to herself as Lorde, in her way she is royal. She also says, "You can call me Queen B". Take a listen below and see if you agree with Lorde.
The Champagne Papi has done it again. The hip hop/ R&B
crooner has another gem with “Nothing Was The Same”. He is the same cocky Drake
that can back up his lyrics. He has a well balance of music that will invoke different
emotions. It’s not overly emotional, but he does say many emo lines. You want
to party? There’s a track for that. Oh you fell unappreciated? There’s a track
for you too! This album is worth a purchase. It shows growth from Take Care and
Thank Me Later. NWTS features appearances from: Jay Z, 2 Chainz, Birdman, Big Sean, Majid Jordan,and Sampha. Drake will have longevity in the music biz because he is building his catalog and so far it is dope. How many rappers do you know that can spit hot bars and really sing? Not
many. Take a listen below.
*Side note Started From The Bottom is still my jam
Make sure you listen to: Tuscan Leather, Too Much, Wu-Tang
Forever, Worst Behavior, From Time, The Language, and Pound Cake/Paris Morton
Music 2
On Future’s new single “Substitute Everything”, he discusses how
instead of dealing with problems he substitutes them with drugs. “I’m trying to
substitute everything”, is what he sings. This is definitely not how you should
deal with problems. When the high goes away, the pain is still there. It sounds
like he needs to talk to a counselor. I only like this song because of his
honesty. At the end of the song he adds
Nancy Reagan’s voice. “Say NO to drugs and say YES to life!” Click the link
below
I stumbled across this London EP by Banks. After numerous
searches, I finally found my answer. Banks recently released her London EP
which showcases 4 tracks. Each song is connected and describes the hesitation
of falling in love, falling in love, attempting to keep love, and letting go of
love. Her sound is reminiscent of The Weeknd. The melodies and her soft voice
can definitely put you in a peaceful trance. Take a listen below
Olivia is again making music. Is Love and Hip Hop NY coming
on soon, because she only drops a single when they coincide? Anyway, with this
new track she has enlisted the help from Mr. Sexy himself, Tank. I've listened
to “Love Like This” remix about six times and I just do not connect to it. Maybe
it will grow on me. Take a listen below
Well I enjoyed my ride to “A Place Called Love Land” with
Raheem DeVaughn. In the beginning the
journey started off slow. Once reaching the “Don’t Go” interlude the trip began
to get interesting. While listening to this track, the “baby don’t go” accompaniment
gave me a nostalgic feeling. At first I couldn’t figure out why, but then I
remembered that I heard it back on Mary J. Blige’s “What’s the 411”, so I instantaneously
liked this interlude. The Raheem I’ve grown to love shows up “In the Meantime”.
The rest of the ride is smooth sailing. Once reaching Love Land, I felt like
Raheem would be my “Greatest Love”. His vocals and lyrics will do that. Although
there are 16 tracks, it felt like a short trip.
If you are not in love with someone yet, this album will
make you wish you were and/or miss that one ex. If you do have someone, be prepared, you may
just want to have a baby.
Make sure you listen to: Wrong Forever, It’s Complicated, Ridiculous,
Greatest Love, Cry Baby, Make a Baby, Make ‘Em Like You
What do you get when
you add the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s? Well you get none other than Janelle Monae. Her
sound is a well balanced mixture of psychedelic funk and classic R&B. What
a difference from her first studio album, The ArchAndroid. Although, she did
not change herself or style, this album is just more ear friendly. Each song
shows the talent that she possess. To say that I am pleasantly surprised with
this album would be an understatement. I saw her perform at the Essence
Festival and I was so lost that I could not wait for her set to be over. Now,
if she would have performed the songs from this album, I could have waited for
Beyonce a little bit longer.The Electric Lady is an album that can go far
if Atlantic and Bad Boy promote it well. The Electric Lady features appearances
from Prince, Miguel, Solange, and Erykah Badu. Each individual featured
on this album is a great compliment to her. I suggest that this album be in
everyone’s music catalog. "Electric Lady" is set to hit stores Sept. 10. Check out a few tracks below
What you should take a listen to: Primetime, Electric Lady, Give em What They Want, Dance Apocalyptic and It's Code
And the beef continues. After it took Meek Mill months to respond to Cassidy, Cassidy has now returned the favor. This beef is like watching a ping pong game, boring bars for bars. Cassidy does say some slick stuff, but nothing to write home about. I hope that Meek Mill does not respond because no one truly cares. However, I will not be surprised if Wale, Stalley, or Rick Ross says something on their upcoming Self Made 3 album. Click the link to hear Cassidy's response.
I would say "Ba*Bing" is house meets the middle east. I can only imagine how this song sounds at a party, specifically The Pool After Dark at Harrah's. With Havana Brown being a DJ, she knows what would bring people to the dance floor. Even if you are not a fan of house music, this song will have you moving your body without your knowledge. Click the link below and enjoy.
Maybe I’m too tough of a critic, but this album is just okay.
Based On a Tru Story II #MeTime is…eh. I had to listen to it a few times so
that I could give a good review. For the most part he talks about the same
thing on every song. I really do not see any growth. His word play is subpar.
What’s positive about this album is it gives hope to the hopefuls that want to
be in the music game and the production. Let’s be honest, 2 Chainz should not
be on anyone’s top 10 list however, he still gets features by those who are on
these lists. When you look at him you may say to yourself,”If he can, so can I”.
B.O.A.T.S II #MeTime (deluxe) includes features from Pharrell, Drake, Lil
Wayne, Chrisette Michelle, Fergie, Pusha T, and IAMSU. These features help the
album some. I would not say this is an album that should take up space in your
iTunes nor CD rack, but if you do support check out these few songs. It can grow on you.
What you should take a listen to: Feds Watching, Where You
Been, I Do It, Used To, So We Can Live, Black Unicorn, Outroduction, and Live and Learn (It Will).
Well I’ll be damned. Celine Dion has returned with a
vengeance.This is definitely not the Celine I remember. I love this new single “Loved Me Back to Life”. She is keeping up with the times. Check the single
below.
Another day, another diss track. Last night Meek Mill decided to release a diss record going at Cassidy. My question is why? I really thought this beef was done with. We get it, you guys don't rock with each other. Anyway, this does not help him, it just brings light to Cassidy. Plus, no one is checking for Cassidy. He should have just responded to someone who matters right now, Kendrick Lamar. He don't want that though. I will say that he does deliver some funny punch lines. Peep that diss below.
Mrs. Braxton-Herbert has said that her latest album “Love
and War” is about her marriage with her husband Vincent Herbert. You definitely
do not have to be married to understand where she is coming from. Everyone will
understand the songs because they are relatable. One minute you’re high on love
and the next… not so much. Love and war sounds about right, don’t you think? Each
song feels like she is singing from her soul. Like any solid piece of work, you
have your party song, ballad, and the in between. This album consists of 14
songs that will invoke different emotions. I would recommend this album because
she definitely did that!* Tamar voice* Check the breakdown of the songs below.
Party songs: Tip Toe, Hot Sugar, One on One Fun, She Did
That
Love: The One, Prettiest Girl, All The Way Home, Where it
Hurts, Sound of Love, White Candle
Work it out: Stay and Fight, Love and War, All the Way Home
War: Pieces
My favorites are: Thank You Lord, Hot Sugar, Love and War, and
Pieces, and All The Way Home
When you go into a relationship, it's always with the notion that he/she is the "one". But, a lot of the times it is not the "one". In this song Jessie J is over the dating scene, which is square one. She is tired of meeting a stranger, dating, falling for this person, and then it ending. Who can't relate to this? She wants to find someone that she needs. I definitely understand her frustration.
What a voice is all that I can say. The range of this singer is magnificent. Saying goodbye isn't easy, but sometimes it is certainly called for. If you are scared to say goodbye, play this track for them. He, yes he, puts it so eloquently. This song is on his sophomore album " Life as a Ballad", which was released in August of last year.
Is it true that every music producer or writer deep down really wants to be the one on stage with fans and groupies calling their names? Hmmmm..... of course Diddy is the first to come to my mind. There is also Keri Hilson, Ester Dean, Hit Boy, Kanye West, and a host of others that decided it was there time to come to the forefront. Enter Rico Love to the stage. Rico is new, but not really. He has written songs for many of the music industries best. Just going on his website it shows how he is a heavy weight in the biz. For example he wrote "Sweet Dreams" for Beyonce, he co-wrote Pleasure P's "Boyfriend #2" (secretly one of my favorite songs), and co-wrote Kelly Rowland's smash hit "Motivation".
This new EP "Discrete Love", which after doing some digging I was able to find that he attempted at an album back in '07, contains 5 tracks and is not for the ladies I shall say.
The first track, "Everybody's Girl", Rico is singing about how a guy that is new in town is dumb to wife a chick who is as he calls it a "jump, wop, hoe, freak, nympho". This female has been around with NBA players and dudes who have money. She is a grinder which he respects, but falling for her would be a dumb move. Why? Because she is everybody's girl.
The second track, "To my ex", features his new artist Tiara Thomas. Of course this song is about how his ex looks wack out here since she is no longer with him. The dude she is with now is not at his level, especially money wise. Tiara does not sing on this track. Honestly, Tiara was not even needed on this track because what she decides to spit is not memorable.
The third track "Champagne", is another disappointment. "Champagne is my viagra", is the chorus. This song is just about having sex with chicks that he flys into town. Since he has flown them in, sex is a must. *side eye*
Finally a track I like. On the fourth song, " They don't know", I get to hear the only decent song on the EP. On this track he discusses how he likes that the female he is kicking it with does not talk about their "relationship". He takes care of her by buying bags, giving her the "D", and buying cars. This will continue as long as no one knows. Whatever she wants is hers. This is all and all the best side chick to have. The only one that does know is his wifey.
The last track on the EP is " Strip Club". He wishes that he could turn his hotel into a strip club. He name drops ex strippers and strip clubs. At the end of the song he says part 2 is coming soon. I, myself, hope not.
I would say that " Discrete Love" is not worth the money. The lyrics are too simple. For someone that has a resume such as his, I would have expected something better, EP or not. Tiara's verse was as horrible to my surprise. The beats however are good. Another great thing about this EP, is that there are only five tracks!
