| NEW UPDATES coming for 2011 |
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| 2009 |
| Estelle-Shine: Did you know she was a rapper before she started singing? Her and T-Pain (rapper turned singer) should host an awards show. But no really, her LP Shine is off the charts and I love the feel good vibe she gives off on this CD. With tracks like No Substitute Love, American Boy, More Than Friends, You Are and Come Over, I am a new fan of Estelle. I am just mad I missed her and John Legend in concert a few months back, I head they both had a great show. |
| Musiq Soulchild- On My Radio: Very solid CD but had little to no promo. The recession is hitting everywhere apparently. His single on Radio sets the tone for the album. I was feeling it... |
| Ne-Yo- Year of the Gentlemen: If he wasen't dropping his own fire track this year, the man behind the ink was writing a hit song for someone else. Go cop that Year of the Gentlemen |
| Jazmine Sullivan-Fearless: Hello world! I will follow up my first CD with a Grammy nominee, enough said about Ms. Sullivan, we all needed her CD in 08. |
| John Legend- Evolver: Not your typical J Legend sound but I will say this, 3 for 3... |
| Keyshia Cole- A Differnt Me- Another solid Cd for the sexy Bay Area native. She continues to grow up and evolve in front of out eyes(but no, really she does on BET) so I am glad she is coming into her own and showing us a little more these days because Ms. Cole knows shes always been a cutie :-) I can roll with this LP.... |
| Bobby Valentino-The Rebirth: I haven't heard it yet so the verdict is still out to weather or not he can bounce back after a loooooong break from a great first CD. |
| Anthony Hamilton- The Point of it All: Dope, cop it, enough said. |
| Ryan Leslie- Ryan Leslie: I have been a fan of this brotha for a while now. Hes a musical genius who can play various instruments (guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, vocals and trumpet) but the public hasen't caught up to his level yet. But when they do, I think it will be big like with Kanye and J Legend. Its seems to be a blend of both with his unique vibe and creativity in my opinion. I am not even going to point out must hear songs on the CD because the whole thing is hot. I mean the man attended Harvard University in the fall of 1994 at 15 years old and graduated at the age of 19 with a degree in Government and Economics. I'd want him in my camp and on my LP... |
| Plies-Da Realist: Good old Plies is back for more. The 2009 version of Juvanile, along with Rick Ross, keep Florida relevent. (sorry Flo Rida but you got some work to do my brotha). He is running Jeezy down for the strip club bangers with tracks like Plenty Money. If you like one Plies CD's you will like them all because you know what your getting, a blend of Hood anthems and irresponsible sex talk but Plies will be Plies. |
| Jamie Foxx- Intuition: Mr. Foxx dropped a dope cd but had no promo. I just don't understand it, I guess when you have that movie and tv syndication paper it doesn't matter. He followed up Unpredictable with Intuition and I am still a fan. He has the unique ability of being funny yet still a fantastic singer while having a comedic song such as Just Like Me and Blame It feat. T-Pain. Must be nice to say "I sing, tell jokes and act better then you." She got her own is another staple track on this uniquely put together CD. |
| T.I.- Paper Trail: Sold CD but not his best work. I appreciated TIP when he had a variety of producers on King but Paper Trail is still a solid buy. No Matter What, Porn Star, Swing Ya Rag, What Up, What's Haapnin and Dead and Gone stick out to me but Ready for Whatever explain his whole prison bind he seams to be in... |
| T-Pain- Thr33 Ringz: Very solid CD from front to back for Teddy P aka I been the hook man for over 5 years now. I love anyone who is a fan of strippers and T-Pain ALWAYS has a stripper track (I'm in love with a stripper,69, Long Lap Dance and so many others. He is 3 for 3 with tracks like Chopped 'n' Skrewed, Freeze, Blowing Up, Therapy, Long Lap Dance (my personal fav) and Reality Show. Keep leading the circus ring leader. |
| Kanye West- 808's & Heartbreak: Good old Yeezy. On a album like this you either love it or hate it. He had a sound/vision he went after and didn't care what folks had to say about it. I could appreciate him talking chances on this disc and I actually loved it. It sounds nothing like his previous classics but his life has changed a whole lot since dropping those vinals with the lose of his mother and long time GF. This sounds like a hip-hop version of Faris Bulers Day off and Kena in my opinion. What type of music is it? But thats what makes it great, its different. Thats what all the greats have done, take chances with change and Kanye pulled this one off with tracks like Love Lockdown, Paranoid, RoboCop, Street Lights, See You In My Nightmares and Amazing. |
| Ludacris- Theatre of the Mind: Solo disc but what do you expect? Chis Lova has yet to drop a junk cd to this day. What is that now, 6 for 6 plus a Grammy! Some please stop the real King of the south already... |
| Young Jeexy- The Recession: Young Jeezy is back to his old self and i'm glad! Got fat on his second LP but came back with the heat on this one. "My president" along with countless other bangers gets my current vote for RAP ALBUM OF THE YEAR! We missed you Shawty Redd.... |
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| Lil Wayne- The Carter III: Not as good as sales would indicate but nonetheless a hot LP. Could have put his double CD together and made 1 solid CD instead. Sounds like a 4 out of 5 at best. I still rather the Carter 2... |
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Twista-Adrenaline Rush 2007… Twista decided to remake his classic hip-hop LP with a few changes. He decided to go without his money maker who produced the infamous hood classic Adrenaline Rush, but the album still gave you some musical satisfaction from the windy city legend. Tracks that sum up the CD: 7 Day Hustle, Pimp Like Me and Jazze Pha-produced “Trappers Delight.” All in all, Adrenaline Rush 2007 provides to good overall listening.
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T.I.- T.I.vs. T.I.P… The conflict T.I. has on his latest LP provides his listeners with a throwback feel of that of I’m Serious. The album comes across as “front heavy” and does not compare to that of King, Urban Legend or Trap Muzik. Key tracks to listen for are “help is coming”, “big s*** poppin,” “Tell ‘em I said it” and “Raw”. |
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Yung Berg- Almost Famous: The Sexy Lady EP…This Chi-town brotha may appear to be young but with his club banger “sexy lady”, you would never know it. Berg seems poised to make a steady run in the game with above average beats and production. Strong Songs: “sexy lady” and “almost famous”.
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Yung Joc- Hustlenomics… Platinum. That describes the motorbike mans first solo LP courtesy of Bad Boy/Block Ent. And he still has us sayin’ “it’s goin down.” Diddy was not stingy on the production efforts of Joc for his second CD with features from Gorilla Zoe, Ludacris, Bun B. The CD is full of bangers from start to finish! Production points on the album are that of DJ Quick, Cool and Dre from MIA. However, without his money man aka ATL hitmaker “it’s a Nitti beat”, Hustlenomic still packs the heat his first child did. Strong Songs: Play Your Cards, Bottle Poppin’, Hell Yeah, Cut Throat, I’m a G, Momma, Chevy Smile and Living the Life.
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The Empire & Lil Wayne- The Drought Is Over 2: The Carter 3 Sessions. Is Lil Wayne the king of the south? Is he the current king of rap? Regardless of your answer, he is on another level right now people. The Drought Is Over 2 lets him go off yet again with tracks titled “Something You Forgot” and “Prostitute Flange.” Cop it…
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Will.I.Am- Songs About Girls… After crankin out tracks for the likes of just about every bangin CD last year, pop and rap, Will decides to try his hand at a solo joint. Simple lyrics (like the Black Eyed Peas’) along with catchy beats allow for feel good music on tracks like “She’s a Star”, “Heart Breaker”, “The Donque Song” all provide “cute songs.” A strong pop influence is always close to Will’s heart which is always a refreshing change for your Zoom.
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Little Brother- Getback… All you Little Brother fans should not be disappointed with this release in that it breaks the thoughts of the sophomore jinks. Illmind, Hi-Tek and Nottz all provide a great foundation for LB to go off. Lil Wayne even stops by to grace the track. Strong Songs: “Good Cloths,” “Siren” and “Breakin’ My Heart”.
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Kanye West- Graduation…If you haven’t already heard it, where have you been? If you don’t already have it, go buy it. Its not quite The College Dropout but it still hovers right below a 5 mic classic. Key tracks: Good Mourning, Champion, I Wonder, Barry Bonds, Flashing Lights, The Glory, and Homecoming.
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9th Wonder- Dream Merchant… Sample and cameos help 9th release a decent LP with the likes of Sean Price, Saigon and Ness. He gives us all a little something lyrically which makes this CD with your red Penny, with its dope beats and catchy rhymes. True hip-hop fans have at it.
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Cassidy: B.A.R.S….Instead of being behind bars for a long time, Cassidy released the track B.A.R.S. (Barry Adrian Reese Story). This CD is stamped throughout with introspective rhyme schemes. Cassidy has always spit gilette by the mouth but this LP comes across a little over the top. IF you are lookin for bangin beats by the One Man Band Man aka Swizz Beatz in his Full Surface camp, go get a copy of B.A.R.S.
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Lupe Fiasco- The Cool…Def Jam should be ashamed of themselves for not doing a better job of pubbin’ this CD! Its classic Lupe from start to finish that has you listening to the same song over and over because he lyrically is just too much to digest all at once. With a plethora of grand tracks you will definitely text your boy or girl that “this new Lupe is Hot!” Don’t just burn it, but go out and buy this “Cool” LP, my people. Lupe does his best to put hip hop on his back and take it into the 08’ with a bang but the only problem is, Hov/his label hasn’t given him a 50 Cent budget… |
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Mary J Blaige- Growing Pains... Mary sounds off on track one professing that her life is much better then it was. Her production team gave her a tailor made blend of both hip-hop and an R and B blend that fit her to a “T.” A cameo from Ludacris also comes off as a smooth must hear track. She also goes off on the track “Roses”and insisting, “you work it out!” Classic new Mary provided a soulful blend that will not disappoint. If you like Mary, you will like Growing Pains. Key tracks: Work That, Grown Women, Feel Like a Women, Hurt Again, Shake Down Fft. Usher and Talk to Me (my fav).
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R. Kelly- Double Up…Kells where you been at playa! It has been a minute since we have heard that infamous “Mr. 12 Play” at his best. Robert comes through with a track that boasts some pretty hefty tag teams. The track Double Up with your uncle Snoop Dog, Get Dirty with Texas talent Camillionaire comes right after the intro done by none other than Half Man Half Amazing Swizz Beatz. Mr. Stuck In The Closet also gets Nelly out of the board room from an Apple Bottom meeting to drop a hot one titled Tryin’ To Get a Number. Im a Flirt, Same Girl are also on the disc but the apple itunes special edition also boasts must hears such as Rock Star, Roolin’, I Like Love, Ohh Baby and a mean windy city calbo with Twista Good Sex. In short, Double Up is in heavy rotation on my ipod touch!
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Chamillionaire- Ultimate Victory... After the wave of Houston rappers in 06 and 07 (Camillionaire sold the most) he tries to keep the cash flow rollin’ into 08’. Calabos from Slick Rick, Bun B, Lil Wayne and Pimp C headline this second mainstream release for one of H-Towns finest. Key tracks include: Standing Ovation, Hip Hop Police, Industry Groupie, Rock Star, and Welcome to the South. Its just an “ok” on the accounts of Flavor Of LA.com, I would rather listen to Paul Walls second drop Get Money Stay True.
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Gorilla Zoe- Welcome to the Zoo... 808 all throughout. D Boy music throughout is what you will find on Welcome to the Jungle and G Zoe does his best to replace Young Jezzy in Boyz N Da Hood. With calabos with Big Gee, Jody Breeze, Yung Joc and D. Woods, Gorilla Zoe drops a solid but not classic disc. Simple rhymes and that raspy southern flow (aka Young Jeezy) then you will like Welcome to the Jungle. I do. If your lookin’ for something to ride to on your way to the club, cop it… Key tracks… Do Something, Hood N****, Battle Field, Take your Shoes Off , Count On Me and Lil’ Shawty.
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J. Holiday- Back of My Lac’… Smooth talented brotha who speaks/sings from the heart. He opens his all or nothin’ LP with a track talking about how his Pops left him at a young age and words from the heart keep coming throughout. The soulful sounds makes you want to find someone to get next to and take to Bed. This brotha sings about being “one of Gods children” in Thug Commandments and follows that up with Bed lol. Nonetheless, I feel what he’s trying to do and I think the joint is full of FLAVOR. Its not quite on the Trey Day level just yet with VA native Trey Songz, but it’s a nice cool sound for the r and b. I would let Back of My Lac’ play through in the back of my lack with my special lady friend. Key tracks: Back of My Lac’, Thug Commandments, Bed, Betcha Never Had, Laa Laa, Suffocate, and Thank You.
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Trey Songz- Trey Day… No review needed, “Mr. Thanksgiving” aka “Virginia Slim” drops another BLAZZING JOINT for your ipod FLAVOR. There are few cd’s one can listen to from intro to the very end but Trey gives you that. This is one talented brotha that is positioning himself to make major moves in the future after label disputed delayed his latest drop. Ladies… fellas… this cat has songz for days and I can’t say enough about the man in that he wrote and produced many of his own tracks on his first CD Gotta Make It. I shouldn’t even give you key tracks because they are all hot! However, my favs are: Long Gone Missin, Wonder Women, No Clothes On, Sex for Yo Stereo, Last Time, Fly Together featuring Jim Jones, Store Run (classic song I tell you, you gotta hear it, we have all made one of these), Missin You and Role Play.
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Alicia Keys- As I Am …No Review needed ladies and gentlemen, she’s 4 for 4( I included her amazing Unplugged CD.) The only thing I will say about this talented sexy songstress is that keep doing whatever you are doing because it’s working. People try their entire career to drop “just 1 hot 1” but you have 4 in a row! Congrats Ms. Keys on another beautiful display of when passion and soul combine to form As I Am. No need to list key tracks, just get it…
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Keyshia Cole- Just Like You… Her second drop does not disappoint after her first one was off the chain! She hit the ground running and had all the women with Diddy and Last Night, then kept it coming when she had all the ladies yelling “O ish that my song” with Let It Go featuring Missy “I make hits man” Elliot. Her reality show on BET kept her on our mind even if she was not in rotation (genius move on the publicist tip.) Ms. Cole seams to have polished her raw and edgy sound in the studio and put together a very strong follow up to her first LP The Way It Is. She reminds me of MJB in that the her first disc was all her pain and struggles up until that point but it seams that life has gotten better for both young ladies recently. I strongly recommend that you go get Just Like Me, its worth your $9.99. Key tracks… Let It Go, Just Like You, Losing You, Should Let You Go, Didn’t I Tell You and Was It Worth It?
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