Logo

(Rating: 5.0/5.0)

Materials Needed:
Sufficient sound system
Bulletproof vest (Shots will be fired)
Crack pipe (Album is quite potent)

With these materials, I promise you a safe and enjoyable session while listening to the fourth studio album by Royce Da 5’9”entitled “Street Hop”. Royce Da Fever Nina is the number one contract killer out right now. I highly doubt Royce needs any introduction, as he has been a part of the game for quite some time now. Royce began to stir up a buzz, when he first stepped on the scene alongside Eminem as the duo, “Bad meets Evil”; a name which properly describes such a deadly team. Unfortunately, the two had a falling out and went their separate ways. (Watching Drake’s “Forever” video you can see Royce {including slaughterhouse, who just might be signed to Shady Records} backing Eminem, while he spits hot fire. Shout outs to Dave Chappelle lol). Royce Da 5’9” refuses to fall short of greatness.

As we start off the album with the first song, “Gun Harmonizing” (produced by Emile) , Royce speaks to us in his native tongue; a gunshot filled jazzy scat. It is then translated into Royce explaining his hunger for committing lyrical homicide. Fellow slaughterhouse member, Crooked I, also does his damage on the track with lines such as, “…our trigger finger’ll nail you as quick as you clip a cuticle/ hollows’ll hit ya follicles/ ill split ya wig from far away like a long arm barber/ then lift ya weight like a strong arm robber…/”.

"Far Away" (produced by Emile), is a very interesting track. On this particular track, Royce decides to take a different approach by…singing. Yes singing. The track opens with a smooth R&B feel and when I heard Royce speak over the track with, “Yeah, what’s up girl, this my love song”, my shoulders dropped in despair. I couldn’t believe my ears as Royce began to sing, “Maybe you should or maybe you just shouldn't because baby I want to take you so far away, hey.” However, what prevented me from skipping to the next song was Royce’s confession,” I'm just playing I don't really want to take your ass nowhere, let’s do the real song. C'mon!” The song continues to establish Royce as a lyrical murderer.

I’m not going to review all 19 tracks but I assure you each track is worth blowing out a speaker or two. Royce Da 5’9” displays why he deserves his veteran status on each track with his cannibalistic lyrics backed by heavy hitting producers, such as; Mr. Porter (of D12), 6 July, Nottz, Streetrunner, and the great DJ Premier. This album will leave you with enough head bopping to give you whiplash, along with a few jokes to have you laughing (Beginning of “Thing for Your Girlfriend”). Guest appearances include: Slaughterhouse, Kid Vishis, Tre Little, Busta Rhymes, Bun B, and a few others. If this review, or any other for that matter, doesn’t persuade you to listen to “Street Hop”, listen to it for yourself. Still not convinced? Ok. “Street Hop” is better than "Jay-z’s Blueprint 3". That’s a bold enough statement to make anyone listen.

My Favorite tracks include: Gun Harmonizing, Soldier, Shake This, Mine in Thiz, Bad Boy (I’m Jamaican so the track appeals to me more lol), and Murder/On the Run.

(Rating: 4.0/5.0)

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!

Release Date: June 9, 2009 (US)
Number of Tracks: 15 (on the Reg Version), 25 (with the 2CD Deluxe Edition)
Number of Tracks worth listening to: 10
Rating: 4 out of 5

The E.N.D. is the Black Eyed Peas' latest studio release since Monkey Business in 2005. According to Will.I.Am, this is a compilation of singles, because "the album is dead" (I completely agree). The album is predictably quirky, funk fused, dance pop. To do pop successfully, you have to have good production (beats) and a catchy phrase. The tracks should not require heavy thinking and should could dance floor ready! Black Eyed Peas have been perfecting this craft since 1998, and if you loved their formula in the past, you will love this album. There are a few misses, such as "Out of My Head" and "One Tribe", but as whole this album is bubblegum pop at its best. It completely understands it was created for the weekend, and it serves its purpose! The best song on the album is of course "Boom Boom Pow", but other standouts are "Ring A Ling", "Party All The Time", and "Electric City". The Deluxe Edition isn't necessary, all the songs you are going to pump are in the regular version. Listen below and comment!

Bottom Line: Soundtrack for the Summer!

The "Demo" Tape is a R. Kelly mixtape brought to you courtesy of DJ Drama & DJ Skee to help build anticipation for his upcoming album, Untitled. Starting with track #1, Kellz takes to reminding the audience that he runs the R&B world and the crown is his to lose. The male R&B artist is getting younger and younger, but R. Kelly, adapts effortlessly, showing the "youngins" that he can come in their lane and master it like it is his own. You may not like the man, but you have to respect his talent. The mixtape has a couple of standouts, they are (in no particular order): "Supa Man High", "Tip the Waiter", "Banging the Headboard", and... uh...track #8. Overall, this mixtape will satisfy your R. Kelly fix until the album is released. My only complaint is the arrangement of the tracks (the hype songs are in the middle of the ballady (is that a word?) bedroom songs). Oh, and check out his remix to "Birthday Sex" (track#15)...his part was ok...but when Jeremih voice hits...it seems like he should've stayed away from that one. Listen, Download, and Comment Below!

Ginuwine, Missy, and Timbaland all one track....automatic hit right? You would think, but somehow the trio who usually conspire together to create magic, disappoints tremendously on this track. It hurts a little because not even the beat saves this song! It just isnt believable, and it feels like a forced attempt to fit into the current dance craze. Timbaland is always known for his creativity, it would of been nice if he could have remembered that that is reason we love him, not his ability to jump on the current bandwagon, but his ability to create another one! Missy comes off as un-inspired, talking about how much she has let me down, will only send me off on a rant! Ginuwine is the only person I dont blame, I mean its been so long...I am sure he cant remember what a hit is suppose to sound like anyway. Listen below and remember to leave a comment!

Jason Mraz, is back with new music, 1 year after the success of his last album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. Each single he releases now is destined to be compared to his third albums, first single, "Im Yours", so unless he manages to match that magic, people will always be a little disappointed. While this latest single , "Try Try Try" is not at that level, it puts Jason's talent for mixing pop, folk, and hip-hop together on display. The tune is catchy and light-hearted enough to have fans singing along in no time. Give it a listen below!

"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.

Release Date: May 15, 2009
Number of Tracks: 18 (not including bonuses)
Number of Tracks worth listening to: 18
Rating: 5 out of 5

21st Century Breakdown is Green Day's first album release since American Idiot was released in 2004. The album is formatted similar to American Idiot taking on a "rock opera" form. This time we are following fictitious couple, Christian and Gloria through three acts: Heroes & Cons, Charlatans & Saints, and Horseshoes & Hand Grenades. Their first released single, "Know Your Enemy" (from the Heroes & Cons act), was an instant fan favorite, but if you were one of those few who did not like it, no need to worry it only gets better!

The second track on the album, "21st Century Breakdown" is one of the best songs I have ever heard from Green Day. To list all of the great songs, I would have to give you the track list, but other stand outs are, "Before the Lobotomy" and "21 Guns". This is one of those albums that you can listen to ONCE, and then go to their concert, and sing along with the band! You may not agree with some of their views (political or religious), but the songs are so catchy that it is possible to sing along without realizing what you are actually saying. Give the album a listen below!

Overall: This album will have your fast-forward button feeling abandoned!!! It is a CLASSIC!!!

Jeremih is set to make a big splash in the music world, and it couldn't have come at a better time, the R&B genre has been suffering lately, and the throne left wide open (Usher vacated...one disappointment is all it takes). If "Birthday Sex" was not enough to make you a fan of the man, then this track definitely will. "Raindrop" has Jeremih, once again exploring what is presumably his favorite topic: sex. Hey, if you do it well.... (I mean sing about it, freaks!). So, ladies...it doesn't have to be your birthday... this is a definite hit, that will have you singing along. Check it out below:



While you are here check out another leaked single from Jeremih entitled, "Everywhere We are". Def Jam may want to release the album soon, while there is still some hype, new R&B songs have a short life cycle. A studio performance of "Birthday Sex" is also listed below.

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!

A track laced with string instruments and Issac Slade's voice is a winning recipe for a hit. "Never Say Never" is The Fray's second release from their self-titled album, and it has all the right stuff. There is only one problem: it's already been done too many times before. Is this one of those cases where you shouldn't mess with a good thing? I would say yes, but when it comes to mellow songs, its good to mix it up at least a little. The track is beautifully written and Slade showers it with emotion, but still I cant help but think about how familiar it sounds, and how I've heard better. "How to Save a Life" and "Over My Head" may have set the bar too high, and it would be unfair to expect them to match it, but I'm going to need something closer to that level. "You found me" was a perfect first single, but as a second, "Never Say Never" doesn't convince all those undecided buyers to go the store. Click here to listen.

Release Date: April 21, 2009
Rating: 4 out of 5
Number of Tracks: 13
Number of Tracks worth listening to: 8

It only seems right to start off the review with a warning. In case you missed it, Depeche Mode has changed; it’s whether or not it is for the better or for the worst that’s debatable. Old Depeche Mode fans consider the all of the albums between Formation and Violator to be the band’s best work. New Depeche Mode fans have based their love on Ultra, Exciter, and Playing the Angel. This album is a mixture of the both; the first half finds DM in classic “old fan” mode, and the remainder of the album is given to the new fans.

The opening song, “In Chains” is nearly a 7 minute reminder of why you love them and flaunts everything that is wonderful about New Age music. What’s so great about “Wrong”? It’s simple! Everything!!! The lyrics are well written, the beat is nothing sort of genius, and it supplies an intensity that is evenly matched by Gahan’s vocals. “Hole to Feed” is one of three songs written by Gahan and Eigner, unfortunately its positioning between “In Chains” and “Wrong” (the two best songs of the album) does it no favors, you forget it almost immediately. The two other band-written songs are “Come Back”, Gahan’s vocals on this song are oddly touching, and “Miles Away”, on which everything but the chorus get drowned out by an awesome beat. There are some letdowns, one that stands out is “Jezebel”, within the first minute of the song, boredom consumes you.

So overall, it starts out strong and then fizzles toward the end. But, that could just be the signs of an ODM (Old Depeche Mode fan) talking. Sounds of the Universe will definitely make you look forward to what the band will cook up next, and shows promise that the band will return to their pre-Violator days.

Below are links to a few songs:

"In Chains"
"Wrong"
"Come Back"
"Miles Away"

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.

I remember the first time I heard this song. I had just woken up around 2pm Saturday from what must have been a great Friday night, and my TV was on VH1. The host began to give some spill about a rock band called the Plain White T’s and their new song. I was just about to turn it, when I heard Tom Higgenson’s voice whispering through the speakers. By the time he said New York City, I was sold. “Hey There Delilah” written by Higgenson is pop at its best. As soon as the song comes on you find yourself relaxed, whatever part of you is remaining after the acoustic guitar intro, Higgenson mops up with his gentle vocals. You desperately want things to work out for Delilah and her man, or you desperately want to be her. To be the object of such desire is every woman’s dream. “Simple, sweet, and lovey-dovey”, Plain White T’s should stick to this lane and watch their fan base multiply.

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.