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I like this joint. I am not sure why, but its hot. Maybe this relationship is really a good career move for Milan (She should give Cassie some advice). Try and work around the humming in the beginning,the laughable lyrics, and most importantly remember that this is Pop Music, talent is not a requirement.

During a casual stroll through the heavily populated metropolis, known as Youtube. I stumbled across a number of videos talking about the uprising of another British phenom (Where the heck did all this talent come from all of sudden?). I decided to check out what all the hype was about, and I was led straight to Pixie Lott.

Pixie was originally signed to Island Def Jam Music Group at age 15, but some "stuff" (boring crap) happened and she is currently signed to Mercury Records in the UK, and distributed through Interscope Records in the US. Her sound can only be described as UK-Soul, and her look is Young-Britney. She is cute enough to sell teeny-bopper pop, and talented enough to turn a few older ones into believers.

Her first released single,"Mama Do", is a catchy little pop tune that was released on June 8th, and her second single will be "Boys and Girls". But, it is the covers of other people's songs that made us a fan. Check out the video below of her cover version of Kings of Leon's Use Somebody. There is also videos of "Mama Do" and "Boys and Girls"

Her album, Turn It Up, is due out on September 1 2009.

I am starting to feel bad for CiCi, but she is not doing herself any favors by outright refusing to take a hint (...any hint...). She has a new single (aka old track that didnt make the album cut) out now entitled, "Tic Toc", which is similar to some of the songs you've never heard from her album that you didnt buy. Its a somewhat sexy, laid back mid-tempo track that is not horrible, its just not great (she needs great, at this point). With that said, had this track been released, by say umm...Rhianna or heck even Britney Spears, we would all be singing along. Hopefully, Ciara will rediscover that bubblegum pop dipped in grits (southern flavor), that helped make her famous, and we will all be able to overlook these indiscretions. Until then, listen to the single below and comment!

We now have a total of 11 out of the 17 songs from the Black Eyed Peas album for you enjoy, before you buy the album on June 9th! The 12th song on the player below, "I Cant Make You Dance" did not make the cut. I cant say that I like "Rock That Body" (track 2), "Outta My Head" (track 10), or "Now Generation" (track 11 on my player), but out of all 3 of them, "Outta My Head" is the easiest to listen to throughout, even if your only reason is the funky beat. Try and find these songs somewhere else!!! Tell me what you think below!

To prove that we are dedicated to bringing you only the best in music, we are going to do you a tremendous favor and introduce you to Zack Borer, an amazingly talented, unsigned, 25 year old artist out of New York City. It is impossible to listen to his song “That’s The Way” or any song of his for that matter, and not become an instant fan! (Listen to his songs here! Videos are below!) We scored an interview with the man himself, check it out below:

EK: What genre do you consider your work to be?

Zack Borer: The eternal question!!! Ha! I've been answering this question for years, so I think I have a pretty good answer...I am in the pop/rock/funk/soul genre! HA. My aim is to take the traditional singer/songwriter thing, and add elements of funk and groove behind it. I want the song to be the most important thing, but I want people to be able to move to it.

EK: How long have you been in the music industry?

Zack Borer: I have been playing music for many many years. Upon graduation from college though, is when I began looking at the music industry as a career. Over the past year I have been more determined and motivated to put myself in the right position to actually make playing into a sustainable career.

EK: What inspired you to make music?

Zack Borer: There is not one thing that inspires me to make music. The writing process is very spontaneous to me, and inspiration can come from the most unlikely of places. Sometimes it's a life experience I've had, or a tv show I just watch, or even seeing the expression on someone's face sometimes drives me to create music. Once I started writing and performing, I couldn't stop....

EK: Who are some of your influences?

Zack Borer: If it wasn't for my friends and family, and some former band mates from previous projects there is no way I would be where I am today. BUT, musically speaking I have always been influenced by artists who are genuine and real. Ben Harper and Stevie Wonder have always been constants in my development. Recently, I have been influenced by a number of amazing vocalists such as Amos Lee and Martin Sexton.

EK: If you could work with any artist right now, who would it be and why.

Zack Borer: From 2 opposite ends of the spectrum: Ben Harper for his sheer influence on me and his ability to play every genre of music flawlessly, and Justin Timberlake who always seems to be on the cutting edge with sonic arrangements and production.

EK: Do you have a recording label, or are you apart of any music groups?

Zack Borer: I am not. Everything I do comes from me (and a few others on my team). I am a DIY artist through and through right now.

EK: Where have you performed, and do you have any upcoming shows?

Zack Borer: The stage is where I feel most comfortable so I have always been a strong advocate of playing live. I have played up and down the east coast, Canada, LA, but as of now I am playing multiple shows a month in New York City. I always have upcoming shows, the next one being on June 6th at a venue called Ace of Clubs, which is located at 9 Great Jones St.

EK: What are the main themes or topics for your songs?

Zack Borer: I try to write about whatever I'm feeling, but I'd say a major theme of my songs is staying positive through misfortunes. Whether it be heartache or loss, I try to look at situations for what they gave you, not what they have taken out of you.

EK: What is your objective in reference to music? Raise awareness, make good music, enlighten?

Zack Borer: I don't think I have an objective with my music. I'm just a normal guy putting his thoughts on a piece of paper. Hopefully, my experiences can be relatable to someone listening and that something I'm saying can be useful in someone else's life.

EK: Has your music changed since you first begin? If so, how?

Zack Borer: I think my music has definitely changed a ton. I think the longer someone does something, the better at it they become. When I first started writing I wrote in a very impersonal way. I used to think that no one was interested in my experiences, so I would write in deep metaphors, which took most of the emotion out of what i was trying to say. Then, I just got to a point where I said, "I'm laying it all on the line", and I really believe that has sky-rocketed my lyrics, my melody and my delivery. You can't fake it, People definitely see through it. Also, I think I am a student of music, and am constantly discovering new music every day. The more I listen, the more I learn.

EK: How can fans gain access to your music?

Zack Borer: I am all over the internet!
http://www.zackborer.com/
www.myspace.com/zackborer
www.youtube.com/zackborer
www.twitter.com/zackborer
Become my friend on facebook as well!!!!

EK: Lastly, Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge?

Zack Borer: I want to thank everyone who is always there for me. It gets lonely out there as an artist and without my family and friends behind me it would be impossible to stay focused and motivated. Oh yeah, and PB and RB

Here at EK, we believe, its always better when other people help you stroke your ego, so feel free to comment below and tell us how right we are about Zack...(this could work in your favor as well... in the future when you and all your friends, are at a sold out Zack Borer performance, and they try and act like they discovered him first, you can get to smile and say...um no loser (aka non-E.K. blog reader) I been had the scoop!)

Dont forget to check out his latest tracks!

There is much debate about the track listing for The E.N.D., if you go by what Wikipedia says, then 4 of the 5 songs below made the cut for the new album. The other, "I Cant Make You Dance", didn't make it. If you go by what bloggers have been posting to their sites, then, none of these songs made it and I find that very hard to believe because "Ring-A-Ling" is a hit waiting to happen! Anyways, check out the songs below, I included all the recent BEP songs I posted on the site along with the latest 5 songs. The 5 that are new are: "Meet Me Halfway" (#2), "Missing You" (#6) , "Ring A Ling" (#7), "Party All the Time" (#8), and "I Cant Make You Dance" (#9). Make sure you check out #7! I want credit for this too, so make sure you tell your friends where you heard it first!!!!

The Paradiso Girls are the Pussycat Dolls' European spin-off group. Their first released single was "Patron Tequila", a song that was also sang by Keri Hilson featuring T-Pain. This is their second single entitled, "That's Just What I Like" featuring Will.I.Am, who has been killing it lately! I hate to say that he outshines them on this song, but when his part comes on you feel an extra burst of energy. Ultimately, its a light, dance track, meant for the weekend. Turn it up and get loose!

"Dont Stop" will hopefully be on Nina Sky's new upcoming album, The Musical. Overall, it may not be a banger, but its still a good song. The beat seems like it should be a little faster. Part of you wants to all out dance on this track, but you feel a little held back by the slowness of it. Hopefully they will speed it up with the remix. Check out the new song below and tell me what you think! Will the fact that their new songs are half good even make a difference? Are they a distant memory...and this a failing comeback attempt?

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Click here to listen to "On Some Bulls**t" also by Nina Sky.

I may go crazy waiting for the new Black Eyed Peas album to drop. Here is a sneek peek at another leaked single entitled, "Alive". With every track I have heard so far, Will.I.Am is trying to send one message: the 80s are back! I love it! Pop was at its height in the 80s! Now if only we could get rap to bring back the 90s! Tell me what you think below. I also included a good copy of "I Got A Feeling"!

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Want to hear other tracks from The Black Eyed Peas new album The E.N.D (Energy Never Dies)? Click here.

With "Boom Boom Pow" still on top of charts, Black Eyed Peas, have released (leaked) another single for their upcoming album, The E.N.D. (album cover artwork is on the left). Pop should not be this addictive!!!! I hope the whole album is of this caliber. "Imma be" is a mix of funk, hip-hop, dance, electronica, basically everything that is hot right now. Check it out below!




The official second single is suppose to be "I Got a Feeling"...sounds different then "Boom Boom Pow" and "Imma be" definitely, but I think this Black Eyed Pea's album is a collection of "singles" that happen to be on one album together...below is the best version of the song I could find.

This song should really be Timbaland ft. Wyclef Jean, because 'Clef doesn't really say much and when he does he gets repetitive. This song is hot, but it is because of the beat alone, Timbaland is a beast, and this is one of his signature club ready tracks. Give it a listen below and tell me what you think in the comments section!

New Artist: Electrik Red

Electrik Red is an R&B girl group made up of Kyndra Reevey, Lesley Lewis, Naomi Allen and Sarah Rosete, two sets of best friends. The group was formed in 2008 and was signed to Radio Killa/Def Jam Records in 2008. They all started their careers in the entertainment business as back-up dancers, so we should expect a lot of dance tracks…think Ciara x(times) 4. Their debut album, How to Be a Lady: Volume 4, is set to be released on May 26, and according to the group, they are “…bringing a new age woman to the world”. Three albums from the album have been released, “Drink in My Cup”, “So Good”, and “Friend Lover”. “Friend Lover” is a favorite, light hearted dance track (very reminiscent of the 80s), check it out below. They also have a website, check it out here.


Find more videos like this on The Hype Factor

Release Date: May 5, 2009
Rating: 3 out of 5
Number of Tracks:12
Number of Tracks worth listening to: 5

I hate when people mess with a good thing. Ciara had carved out a lane for herself in the up-tempo pop world with hits like “Goodies”, “Get Up”, and “1, 2 Step". She caught some flack for what is thought to be her inability to sing (I've heard worst), and apparently she thought coming out with a diverse album would help her quiet the haters. She is successful in Fantasy Ride to the extent that her album is indeed diverse, but in the end you still aren’t convinced. This is one of the times she just should have stuck her nose up to her haters, and kept with what she knew.

The album gets off to a mediocre start with "Ciara to the Stage". The intro song is supposed to hype you about the rest of the album, this comes off as a warning...and not the good kind. Funky fresh, "Love Sex Magic" is an ok song, but it reeks of 2006 (when “SexyBack” was a hit). “High Price”, (which reminds me of “Oh”) is concept-wise and beat-wise great, but there is something missing in the execution (the Dream would have killed this song). She is partnered up well with The Dream on "Lover's Thing", which serves as the beginning of the good part of the album. The best song is “Never Ever" featuring Young Jeezy with "Keep Dancin’ on Me", a mellow dance record, following as a close second. In all fairness, “Pucker Up” is a good electro song, it just seems like a Britney Spears reject.

My initial rating for the album was 3.5 out of 5, but the good songs aren’t great songs (the only song that made to it playlist status was “Keep Dancin’ On Me”). It's the bad songs you’ll remember after you're done listening to it. You can make up a million jokes regarding the lyrics to "Like a Surgeon" (which I think is suppose to be reminiscent of Ginuwine's "So Anxious" (tempo and subject wise), but that thought only makes this fail seem even worse), one line is "you're my best patient, and you never have to wait in line"...seriously?!? Did she just call herself a ho?

If you are a fan of Ciara’s past albums, you will appreciate that she took a risk and considering its her first time experimenting with new styles, she did a good job. If you are not a fan, however there will be endless opportunites for you to laugh, and if you, after having purchased everything you could possibly need and want, have an extra $13.00 lying around, then...you really need to re-evaluate your "wants" 'cuz I am sure there is something else you could spend your money on.

Here are links to a few tracks:

"Neva Eva"
"Keep Dancin' on Me"
"Love Sex Magic"
"Like a Surgeon"

Taylor Swift has always managed to successfully ride the thin line between new country and pop. With this latest single, which is heavy on the pop, she sings about a failed relationship with a boy, who has used up all his chances. In her vocals, you can hear the girl who is tired of the games, doesn’t care what her ex wants to say, and just knows it’s time to move on. I am sure every girl has felt this emotion (more than they’d like to admit) and Swift pens it perfectly. I would highly recommend playing this right before you break off a relationship, so that way you walk in thinking “all you do is let me down”, or immediately after breaking off a relationship, so that you can be reminded that you “don’t wanna hurt anymore”.

She is by far one of the most talented young singers the music world has seen in a while. The fact that she plays an instrument puts her above most, but once you factor in her song writing skills, this 18 year old is putting everyone in her age group to shame (and even some who aren’t in her age group).

If you love this song, you will love the album! Buy It!

Final Verdict: Hot!

Click here to hear the song.

Fergie’s solo success had me concerned about the odds of BEP coming back together for another album. But, I am glad that the group, regardless of the motive/reasons has reassembled. They are back together and hotter than ever! And to prove it to you they released “Boom Boom Pow”. It is pure pop sugar, no additives! The beat is provided of course by Will.I.Am and he does not disappoint. It is a magic carpet ride back to the 80’s dance culture. While you will instantly like the song, its Fergie’s verse, that double dose of swag, that makes you love it. By the time you hit apl.de.ap’s verse you are in a trance. Songs like this make you want to instantly hit the club and for lack of better words, “act a fool”. They kept their pop trademark, but mixed in some electro (I especially love the break down that starts at about the 1:50 mark), so while they are riding the current grove, they are so ahead of the curve, or should I say “3008”, that everyone just feels “so 2008”.

Bottom Line: Uncut Pop Crack! If you haven’t heard this song by now, stop what you are doing, and immediately make your way to one of the links below! To say it is “a hit” may be an understatement at this point.

“Boom Boom Pow” (Reg Version)

"Boom Boom Pow” (Faster Version)

“Boom Boom Pow” (Remix ft. 50 cent) (definitely listen to the others first)
Sidenote: 50 aint had a flow this cold in a while!

When you first heard that Timbaland was coming out with another LP, you probably had one of two reactions: you either couldn’t understand why (considering his past endeavors), or you couldn’t wait because you wanted to hear what beats he managed to cook up. I admit that coming in my expectations were low, but I was pleasantly surprised. To fully appreciate this album, there is one thing you need to go in understanding: it is not a hip-hop album! Timbaland blends in a little rock and funk, and even some Elton John. This eclectic mix will be a favorite among music lovers, but a little disappointing for straight hip-hop fans. Especially since most of his few forays into rap, come out a little flat (i.e., “Oh Timbaland” ,“Come and Get Me” (minus 50’s verse), and “Kill Yourself”).

Stand out songs are “The Way I Are” featuring Keri Hilson. Keri is mostly known now for her song writing ability, but if this song is a preview of whats to come, her career in the forefront looks promising. “Apologize” featuring One Republic. One Republic does not have a large following, but this song should fix that! They are alternative rock with a double dose of soul, and you will love them if you like Maroon 5 or The Fray. “Give It to Me” featuring Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake. Really, how can you go wrong with that combination? This song pleases your ears down to the last second, and will leave you panting for more! It’s best when played 5 times in a row. “Release” and “Bombay” will satisfy that Timbaland dance beat you’ve been craving for. If you can’t find yourself moving to these two songs, it’s because you’re paralyzed!

So overall, you may have to hit the fast forward button a couple of times, but when the songs are good they are downright infectious, and will have you hitting the rewind button enough times to forget about those you had to skip. This one is a definite BUY.