I’ve never been a huge fan of hip-hop concerts. I mean, I’ve been to my share, but there’s usually nothing really exciting: 16 different guys on stage during one guy’s set and unless you’re in-the-know, you’re probably guessing which one is the actual performer. Beyond that, hip-hop shows in the past (with a few exceptions) have proven to lack the one thing that sells out shows – artistry. The Glow in the Dark Tour, however, challenged that theory: 4 performers, one stage, and thousands of fans. The highlight of the night, Mr. Kanye West, delivered an astounding performance, and while he didn’t make me a fan of hip-hop shows, he definitely made me a fan of the Kanye West show…

Opening the show was Lupe Fiasco. Now when the intro music was cued, I didn’t know whether to expect the cool young Lu, or a half-dressed Spartan named Leonidas. The theme music from 300 melted away for Fiasco’s triumphant entrance, and an energetic performance of The Coolest. With the same swag, he took us to Paris, Tokyo, and then Kick Push’ed us back to the Chi where it all began. At his right hand was vocalist Matthew Santos who assisted as Lupe turned up the heat with their current chart topping duet Superstar, along with Streets on Fire and Fighters. After sparking the crowd, Lupe closed with a rousing electric performance of his Jill Scott collaboration Daydreamin’. It was a performance much better suited for a feature performer instead of an opener.

Next on the bill were the brothers of N.E.R.D. Let me preface this: I don’t own any N.E.R.D. albums, nor have I listened to any in their entirety. However, those brothers can ROCK!! They performed the better known hits Lapdance, and She Wants To Move. Apparently, I was in the minority, as the rest of the crowd sang along to Brain, and some song that asks “Are you ADHD?” Ummmm.… yeah, okay. Only downside was that you couldn’t hear a word they were saying. I know they’re a rock band, but it helps when people can actually hear you along with the music. Try a sound check next time fellas. But hey that on-stage crumping cameo from Chris Brown at least made their new joint Spaz more enjoyable and memorable.

Speaking of Chris Breezy, let’s move on to his woman: the beautiful Rihanna. With her initial engulfed in flashing lights, Rihanna emerges in a neon trimmed, form-fitting outfit to kick off with Breakin’ Dishes, from her latest album Good Girl Gone Bad. She moved the entire arena with some of her previous hits including S.O.S. and Pon De Replay. Ri-ri proved herself to be more than just a studio singer as she belted out her ballads Unfaithful, and a solo rendition of Hate That I Love You. Her set closed with her best smash to date, Umbrella, which indeed led the entire arena to their feet, chanting along every word and every ”ella ella eh eh”. Overall, her performance was great, much better than I expected. Oh, and for the record: I’m officially hating on Chris Brown, this girl is amazingly beautiful.

Harder, better, faster…STRONGER. The guy sitting next to me wondered aloud as to why this show is called the Glow In The Dark Tour. By the end of the night, we all knew the answer – Kanye sets the place on FIRE!!! I’ll try not to spoil too much of this for you but if you’re planning to see the show, stop reading now. He was like a kid onstage living strictly within his own imagination. He performed for 90 minutes straight, with barely any breaks in between. From his elaborate futuristic theme and introduction to his Homecoming ending, Kan-the-Louis-Vuitton-Don kept the entire crowd on their feet. There’s no way you couldn’t feel the energy emanating from Kanye, he was like a supernova on stage! After his talking spaceship crash lands, Mr. West finds himself on a quest to virtually ROCK his way home. Along the way, he took the audience Through The Wire, introduced us to The Good Life, and taught us all how to Touch The Sky with the help of Lupe Fiasco. On Diamonds From Sierra Leone, the audience created a sea of diamonds, as everyone in the place threw up the dynasty sign. He touched hearts and minds with his performances of Jesus Walks and Hey Mama, and you could feel the tears and sadness in Kanye’s voice. The energy reached a max as West moved erratically while performing Stronger bringing the crowd to an ultimate high. As he closed, he reminded the audience that yes, he’s got a big mouth and a big ego. In fact, his ego is so big, there wasn’t room for his background singers or band on stage, they were all down front! You can’t tell him nothing; but I guess when you’re at the top of the charts and selling out arenas, you can do that! After an amazing show like that, he’s bound to set the world on fire, and have us all glowing in the dark.

-MackN2U-

Mello: Top 3!
MackN2U: We picked ‘em… and who said WE ain’t sound savvy?
Mello: LOL, I know right? Cook, Archuleta & Syesha… just as we picked: survival of the fittest! It wouldn’t surprise me if the voting is rigged this week so the competition is left with the Battle of the 2 Davids
MackN2U: well the last time there were 2 guys in the finale was when Clay and Ruben were in it. I definitely think the 3 left are the best in it… Syesha’s gonna have to be very careful what she does next week, and turn it all the way up!!
Mello: she’s already in the minority so song choice is KEY for her. If you win over Simon you’re thru to the next round
MackN2U: and performance… she needs to do something that will make the world say “WOW”
Mello: yea, something as memorable as Whitney & the National Anthem
MackN2U: yeah but she better not do a Whitney song
Mello: of course not
MackN2U: in all honesty, none of them are totally safe… I could see any one of them going home. David Cook, he needs to bring some more energy back to his performances. He seems like he’s bored with the competition
Mello: Archuleta…flawless performance & his innocent face will win him over
MackN2U: with the teenyboppers
Mello: they’re the ones who ACTUALLY vote
MackN2U: right… but more adults vote when it gets down to the bottom 3. I’d love to see David Cook win it, but I’d also like to win some money in this pool… so I need him to screw up next week and go home. He’s gonna have recording contracts thrown at him if he loses anyway
Mello: if it comes down to Archuleta & Syesha…. I’m torn between the two
MackN2U: in fact, David Cook may have slacked off because he WANTS to lose
Mello: hell, anytime you’re in top 5, recording contracts will be there
MackN2U: it would work out better for him if he did… that way he’d have his choice of which contract he wants and may get more artist control without being under Clive Davis
MackN2U: the winners of AI, their debut CD’s are known to be full of pop garbage. It’s usually not til their sophomore release that they get into their own artistry and develop more control. We’ve seen it with Kelly Clarkson, Ruben and Fantasia for example
Mello: yea, but Ruben has flopped
MackN2U: but Chris Daughtry, I’m sure he had way more creative control since he didn’t win and probably chose to go with a label that gave him more freedom
Mello: honestly, if an african american wins idol, they have to almost market themselves
MackN2U: Ruben flopped in sales, but the Return of the Velvet Teddy Bear was a SOLID album talent-wise. It was great to listen to. Ruben flopped due to horrible marketing
Mello: exactly… you got to market yourself! My point exactly!
MackN2U: yeah, that’s true
Mello: if you’re Kelly Clarkson, or Carrie Underwood your marketing is pretty much done for you
MackN2U: well lets look at that… They market to demographics of people who actually BUY CDs. More money from sales, equals a bigger marketing budget. Fantasia and Ruben market to the urban demographics… people who DOWNLOAD
Mello: sad 2 say people don’t buy anymore. The folks who do, such as, you & I, we’re the last of a dying breed
MackN2U: yes we are… I’ve got a whole wall of AUTHENTIC CD’s
MackN2U: but then… Ruben didn’t do much else anyway. He didn’t tour a lot because of his health issues, so when it came to sales and marketing, he’s partially to blame. If you’re not selling you’ve gotta tour, so you can still make money. I don’t think he can keep up with an aggressive touring schedule
Mello: he had some management issues as well
MackN2U: yeah… well at least he didn’t get dropped like Taylor Hicks. Anyways, back to the topic… I wanna see David Cook go home next week… so I can buy a great David Cook CD in a few months
Mello: unless he gets up there and just sits idle, there’s no way he’s goin home
MackN2U: i know… If not him, then I need Syesha to go so I can buy a great Syesha Mercado album…LOL
Mello: its gonna be tough; the right people are in it. I expect since they’re the top 3, they each better bring near flawless performances. Let us think we have made the right decision on keeping those 3 in
MackN2U: right… and right now Syesha’s the weakest of the 3 but she’s got just as much potential as the guys
Mello: yea. I’m with you.
MackN2U: I think she’s gonna be a shocker next week and blow them away
Mello: I agree she’s going 2 step it up because she’s been in the bottom before
MackN2U: before??!??? She’s been in that joint every week for the past like 6 weeks!! Last night she was probably thinkin “Seacrest, just cut the bullshit!”
MackN2U: I wonder what’s gonna happen with Jason Castro… maybe he’ll get signed to a label that makes him cut his hair!

Mother’s Day is coming up: Sunday May 11, and Sound-Savvy would like to take the time to shout out those special women who have done so much in our lives. Being a mother is about more than just pushing out a kid; we recognize the struggles, and appreciate the sacrifices. Fortunately, so do many music artists, so we dedicate this countdown to all the mothers, especially those moms rockin with Sound-Savvy!

Artist: Jay-Z

Artist: Jamie Foxx
Song: I Wish You Were Here

This song was written for the woman who raised Foxx, his grandmother. For many, grandmothers were mothers, and Jamie does a masterful job of paying homage to the special woman who raised and molded him. Grandmothers all over the world, we love ya’ll just as much.

Artist: Raheem Devaughn
Song: Woman

Once again reppin the DMV, Raheem celebrates the beauty of women as a whole, from the things we love, to the things that drive us crazy – and yes, even the little things. Woman is featured on Raheem Devaughn’s sophomore studio release Love Behind The Melody.

Artist: GhostFace and Mary J. Blige
Song: All That I Got Is You

A heart wrenching shout to moms and grandmothers accompanied by a tear jerking video clip. From overcrowded living spaces, to borrowing food from your neighbors just to make it, this song delves into the struggles a mother will endure for her children.

Artist: Anthony Hamilton

Artist: 2Pac
Song: Dear Mama

Without question, Tupac was a lyricist beyond his years and his peers in the rap game. ‘Pac wrote this song to symbolize his appreciation for the one woman who would always understand him — in life and beyond the grave.

Artist: Mario
Song: Do Right

In 2007, Mario filmed a documentary, I Love You, But I won’t Love You to Death, which chronicled his struggles with his mother’s addiction to heroin. This song is featured on his latest project Go (2007) and explains his love for her in spite of her addiction and his admiration for her as she overcame it.

Artist: Kanye West
Song: Hey Mama

This cut is from The Louis Vuitton Don himself and it was a shout to the woman who single-handedly helped him reach his dreams. With the passing of his mother last year, one thing this joint teaches, is to honor your mother while she’s still here. Rest in Peace Dr. West.

Artist: Lyfe Jennings
Album: Lyfe Change
Release Date 4.29.2008

“Just like any other thing, the guy who stays in the game the longest is the guy that brings change.”

I just wanna personally thank Lyfe Jennings for some real GROWN MAN MUSIC. This CD is more mature, a better sound, and its real talk. Ever since his first release he’s pretty much been an open book and his music has always been derived from his life experiences and lessons learned. On Lyfe Change, his 3^rd studio release, we’re introduced to his more socially conscious, more sentimental side. The lyrical content is taken to a new level so prepare your mind for some introspection and life reflection as you listen – it’s a welcomed change from the superficiality of most pop stars today.

Lyfe steps up just about everything on this CD, calling in some reinforcements on the production, invoking some old soul into the vocals, and dishin out some food for your mind and soul with the lyrics. However, he keeps a tried and true formula on his emotive love songs. The first single, Never Never Land and the soulful Midnight Train are shining examples that his style still works. He adds in some pretty hot collabos and keeps it hip-hop on Brand New (which features rapper T.I.) and Old School (featuring Snoop). It’s Real is a clever song – it’s got a powerful message about unprotected sex and HIV/AIDS, but the production is simplified so the message isn’t overshadowed. Although he’s not talkin’ about the street hustle too much, there’s still some real talk on Old School. Take note of the empowerment theme of the album opener Keep On Dreaming. Other highlights include the more commercial second single Cops Up, and the reflective Hmmm.

Overall, the changes on this project are enough to show growth of an artist, while still making this a mostly solid album. It’s less street and more sensible, less thump but more thought. This is truly a modern soul album, and if more artists followed in Lyfe’s conscious footsteps it could, in fact, change the game. Change is constant, the effects are variable. In the story of Lyfe, Change is great!

-MackN2U-

MackN2U: so the Love In This Club original joint had to grow on me, but the remix was hot off gate. I mean, damn. Usher flexed his star power with this one
Mello: yea, its always good to hear a females view point and he used a dominant artist to present it! All Hail Queen B. Dudes aren’t the only ones wanting to make love in the club
MackN2U: and Weezy blazes it
Mello: just about anything Weezy touches, goes ablaze. Where’s “Tha Carter 3” Weezy!
MackN2U: supposed to be out in June
Mello: Busta/Linkin Park’s joint “We Made It”- concept of the song is great, you get two for the price of one
MackN2U: yeah, and it merges the genres really well
Mello: I enjoy Linkin Park more
MackN2U: but I have a problem with Busta dropping the n word all over this track
Mello: its inevitable… rappers & the N word go hand in hand
MackN2U: I disagree… there are white rappers
Mello: black rappers
MackN2U: I mean, I can just see fights breakin out because people from other races will think this gives them license to say it. At some point, you gotta rise above that mentality… especially if you’re trying to crossover like Busta is attempting
MackN2U: don’t get up in arms about being called a ‘nigga’ by someone of another race if you’re making music for them to listen to and you’re throwin it all in their faces… anyway, as for the song…
Mello: I’d blast it
MackN2U: it really is a “bangin instrumental”
Mello: the message in the song is inspiring and the beat is bananas
MackN2U: It’s definitely gonna get some airplay from me… but just the edited version…But that electric guitar is crazy. Linkin Park is a true band, they have a great sound… and they can work with anyone
MackN2U: what about Nelly and Fergie’s new joint, Party People. To me, Nelly is always gonna be a popstar… but he tries to go a little harder on this track
Mello: yea, both are crossover artists, making music for everyone. Nelly brings the women, Fergie – the men
MackN2U: exactly… classic collabo… and smart
Mello: an equation made for a # 1 hit
MackN2U: definitely a summer club banger. Cookouts everywhere will be blazin this one…
MackN2U: I like John Mayer’s new single ‘Say’… u heard it?
Mello: nope, and that’s a 1^st. I’m usually up on my dosage of Mr Mayer
MackN2U: mellow joint… his instrumentals are always nice, progressive. And he’s always got great lyrical content…
Mello: always does
MackN2U: u still not feelin that Chris Breezy joint ‘Forever’
Mello: I still get lost in the beat. I think its possibly overproduced, taking away from the vocals…beat is sick though
MackN2U: yeah, its like the vocals were just intended to fill out the beat, but I still think it’s hot…Polow did that one… sometimes he can be that way
Mello: but, its not something I envision for CB
MackN2U: but Polow also did Love In This Club. I like the beat on this new joint ‘No Matter What’ from T.I.
Mello: yea I enjoy mr TI
MackN2U: he’s definitely one of my favorite rappers out and has been for a while… T.I. vs. T.I.P. was CRAZY!!!
Mello: he’s another one doesn’t care what folks say
MackN2U: and that’s what gives him such mass appeal… it’s about the music… call him pop, call him gangsta, he put together an album that says “Okay, I can do both, now find some other shit to talk about”
Mello: and in all his songs, he pays homage to those he’s lost
MackN2U: that’s a definite hood empowerment joint. Everything you throw at him, he’s still standing — NO MATTER WHAT!
Mello: exactly, people prey on your downfall
MackN2U: just to know his story and to still see his struggles, u gotta respect this man’s strength…
Mello: and in the end..you’re still on top in a better position. “You can hate if ya want to, but ya wasting ur time”
MackN2U: now one joint im not feelin is Rihanna’s… and I’m actually a fan
Mello: Take A Bow?
MackN2U: yes… please someone throw that shit away
Mello: I mean, its not her best, but its not her worst… its mediocre
MackN2U: she’s whiny
Mello: but, her lyrics are true facts
MackN2U: her lyrics on this joint suck to me
Mello: every woman can relate
MackN2U: well maybe that’s why I’m not feelin it. Leona Lewis has a track of the same name, and I’d play her joint 20 times before this joint
MackN2U: Luda‘s supposed to be back soon… i can’t wait… he’s another favorite of mine
Mello: yea… Lloyd & Weezy track is cool it’ll be # 1, I’m sure – “Around the World Girl”
MackN2U: Lloyd’s vocals and verses are just aight, but dammit Weezy…how did he get so hot? I didn’t even become a Lil Wayne fan til recently…
Mello: its the sizzurp
MackN2U: If there’s one thing I can say about Wayne, he’s smart. This dude has oversaturated the market so you can’t help but like him
Mello: lol
MackN2U: a lot of artists are doing that now… T-Pain, Akon they’re showing up on everything, so they’re bound to do at least one track you’ll like, then they’ve got you hooked. If you need a hit, call Weezy “and he can make it juicy for ya”
Mello: yea..weezy is the next T-Pain in regards to being on everyones tracks
MackN2U: weezy is the next Jay-Z… or has weezy surpassed Jay?
Mello: that’s an argument I want no parts of… lol
MackN2U: lol… me either… not yet anyway
Mello: right

On this edition of TIYMLI, I decided to cover a few of the American Idols and some of their recent releases. Brooke’s tearful exit last night prompted me to check in on some of the rest of them (don’t get it twisted, I’m glad she’s gone). Okay okay, so you might not like the show, but you do like good music, that’s why you’re here. Try something different, you might enjoy it. Happy listening….

Song: Sober
Idol: Kelly Clarkson
Album: My December
Video Link (Fan-made, not official)

Who else to start with but the original? Okay, I admit: I didn’t become an Idol fan until the 3^rd season (Fantasia era), but I became a Kelly Clarkson fan during the finale for Season 1. Sober is a track from her 3^rd album, My December. The instrumental is deep and haunting, the lyrics somber and emotional. Even now, Kelly could sing circles around most of the Idols that came after her and this track proves it.

Song: Celebrate Me Home
Idol: Ruben Studdard
Album: TBD
Video Link (Fan-made, not official)

Ruben, oh Ruben… wherefore art thou? If you don’t watch Idol, then you probably wouldn’t know that this is the song to boot this year – literally. This is the song that’s played when contestants get the boot just before their tearful farewell performance. Don’t get your hopes up though, this isn’t new material from Ruben, it’s a gospel-y cover of an old Kenny Loggins song. Still makes for a good listen though…

Song: One Word
Idol: Elliott Yamin
Album: Elliott Yamin
Video Link

He was a favorite during his season of Idol, and R&B crooner Elliott Yamin is making some great music these days. If you’re a true fan of R&B music, there’s no way you can pass up this guy’s music. If I had to choose one word to describe One Word, all I can say is amazing…

Song: What About Now?
Idol: Daughtry
Album: Daughtry
Video Link (Idol Gives Back performance)

What About Now is a charity single for Idol Gives Back, is a cut off the debut album, Daughtry, from the prominent Idol rocker Chris Daughtry. The video clip I’ve included is to the live performance from this season’s Idol Gives Back episode, and totally captures the sensitivity in the song. You can’t help but feel it. As for the album: I highly recommend it, probably the best debut of all the Idols in the history of the competition.

Song: Permanent Monday
Idol: Jordin Sparks
Album: Jordin Sparks
Video Link (Fan-made, not official)

The current American Idol, Jordin Sparks’ self titled-debut is already gold. Permanent Monday isn’t an official single, but it’s a cut off her CD that’s getting some airplay. There’s no official video for it. It’s a little bit country and a little bit of rock n’ roll…

-MackN2U-