Sunday, March 14, 2010

Archive for September, 2008

New Alicia Keys: Another Way To Die

Posted by Mack On September - 30 - 2008

Artist: Alicia Keys featuring Jack White of the White Stripes
Song: Another Way To Die
Album: 007: Quantum of Solace Soundtrack

Well, the honor of creating the theme to a James Bond movie doesn’t just go to anyone… I’m much happier to see Ms. Keys as a Bond girl than Amy Crack…oops I mean Winehouse (she declined the opportunity to create the theme for the 22nd Bond flick a few months ago). This song is a bit of a departure from Alicia’s normal musical style, but I love it!! The song just feels like a Bond theme. It features Jack White (of the White Stripes) for a rock edge and a very new sound. This is the official Quantum of Solace theme, so check it out and give props to Alicia, she never bores me!
-Mack-

Album Review: Jennifer Hudson

Posted by Mack On September - 30 - 2008
No more standin’ in the back of the line, cause I’m invisible for the last time…


Artist: Jennifer Hudson
Album: Jennifer Hudson
Release Date: 9.30.08

It’s often said that hindsight is 20/20. Maybe that’ll explain why Simon Cowell doesn’t need glasses. After her early dismissal from the 3rd season of American Idol, Jennifer Hudson has risen to become arguably the most successful contestant in the show’s history. Her self-titled debut album is everything you’d expect from the former American Idol contestant – gi-normous vocals, soulful melodies, and an album full of content that compliments her character. With production from Ne-yo, Tank, Stargate, Timbaland and Polow Da Don (to name a few), this is undoubtedly one of the strongest R&B releases of the year – minus a drawback or two.

The sound of this album is very independent, very strong and even sassy in parts as shown on the lead single, Spotlight, which also opens the album. If This Isn’t Love (Brian Kennedy) is the first of a few amazing power ballads found throughout the album and reintroduces the voice that brought us Circle of Life during her stint on AI. One of my top picks for this album is the upbeat (surprisingly) Pocketbook, which features a cameo from Ludacris and production from Timbaland. I like it because of its personality and lightheartedness – and it has that Jenny-from-the-block flavor to it! My Heart (Polow Da Don) is a smooth to-the-point mid-tempo that address the need for honesty to build a solid love. One of the more vulnerable tracks is Can’t Stop The Rain, as it recounts questions and mixed emotions behind a tragic loss. More power vocals shine through on Invisible, which could have easily been the uplifting American Idol single, minus the cheesy factor that usually accompanies. Effie White pays a visit on Hudson’s rendition of And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going, which precedes the final song on the album, Jesus Promised Me a Home Over There. I find this to be an appropriate closing number as it revisits the birthplace of Jennifer’s amazing voice – church.

The shortcomings on this album are on the duets. Fantasia Barrino joins her one-time competitor on a stunning diva-duet with I’m His Only Woman. This song is a cross between Woman to Woman (Shirley Brown) and The Boy Is Mine (Brandy and Monica). It’s a great song, but the problem here is that the women seem to think they’re still vying for votes, and that leads to a lot of over singing and too much “church” for one song. But even worse is the collaboration with T-Pain, which is T-Painfully annoying at best. He tries desperately to match Jennifer’s natural sound on What’s Wrong (Go Away) with his infamous AutoTune-enabled vocals but he is really no match for her voice. This duet would have been better suited for a stronger, REAL vocalist, namely Tyrese or even Jamie Foxx.

Despite it’s minor drawbacks, this album is the real thing – in stereo. A monumental team of R&B producers and writers made noteworthy contributions to this album, giving it just enough spark to set the R&B world on fire. On her next album, I’d love to hear some more mid-tempos; I think one upbeat track is enough for her. And please, no more T-Pain! It’s a safe bet to say that Oscar and Globe will have a new friend in about 6 months; that friend’s name is Grammy.

Related Post:

Your Prescription is In: R&B Edition
The Spotlight Is On
Sex And The Soundtrack

-Mack-

Album Review: T.I. – Paper Trail

Posted by Mack On September - 29 - 2008

You can’t expect me to think like you ‘cause my life ain’t like yours…


Artist: T.I.
Album: Paper Trail
Release Date: 9.30.08

Fresh off a year of significant highs and lows, the self-proclaimed King of the South releases Paper Trail, his 6th studio album and a full testimony that his spirit and his swagger remain untouched. As on the previous album (T.I. vs. T.I.P, 2007), we see a balanced display of his dual personalities, each making noteworthy contributions. While I wouldn’t call Paper Trail T.I.’s all time best release, it’s definitely near the top of the list and brings the listener another step closer to the heart of the King.

56 Bars and I’m Illy reintroduce T.I. as one of the greatest lyricists and trendsetters in the game. I’d like to know what blogger pissed in T.I.’s cornflakes, cause he let’s loose on What Up, What’s Happenin’, (“How bout we stay up all night, on the blog sites, spread vicious lies and nasty rumors, we can all write! But that’s alright, let the nerds hate…”) which also allegedly addresses his beef with Shawty Lo (“I ain’t mention yo name, that’s what all this bout?”). Usher chimes in on My Life Your Entertainment, which offers a perspective on life from the other side of the lens, and while the rapper shines here, the hook is a bit dry and the singer leaves much to be desired. T.I. still knows who to call when he needs a club banger – that’s right, Swizz Beatz: Swing Ya Rag is the ultimate baller’s anthem for a night out partyin’ in the club. Oh, and the Rubber Band Man hasn’t lost his touch for satisfying the ladies. Porn Star is a nice dedication to the naughty side of life (and one of my favorite tracks), and your reward: Whatever You Like. One of the downsides to the album is Ain’t Missin Nothin’ which just doesn’t seem to fit. He attempts to bring hope to the incarcerated, but the content on the rest of the album completely disproves the title and theme of this track – they really are missing something: life.

This album sees quite a few powerhouse collaborations. He teams up with B.O.B. and fellow ATL rapper Ludacris for a monstrous hit with the tragedy-to-triumph inspired On Top Of The World, where Luda totally blazes his verse (Theater of the Mind – 11.11.08). Rihanna unites with T.I. on the empowering Livin My Life, a song that uplifts the principle of doing you, regardless of haters. The album mellows out just a bit with a cameo from R&B crooner John Legend on the introspective Slide Show. The most momentous of collaborative efforts is undoubtedly Swagga Like Us. The masters of the hip-hop universe (Jay-Z, Kanye, Lil Wayne and T.I.) come together for a grand slam of epic proportions. Justin Timberlake revives his musical chemistry with T.I. on the closing number, Dead and Gone. It’s one of the album’s shining moments, as T.I. kicks some real knowledge about maturity, taking responsibility as a man, and leaving childish things behind.

With this album, T.I. sets out to give a more realistic view of his life and along the way he dispels some of the misconceptions portrayed by the media and the blogosphere. His ability to showcase his vulnerability through his music (an uncommon characteristic among rappers) is what sets him levels above his competition. Listeners can relate to emotion and T.I.’s music is heartfelt, born out of his life experiences. Webster defines a king as one that holds a preeminent position, especially a chief among competitors. Hip-hop defines a king as T.I. – and he’s still serious!

Related Posts:
Swagga Like Us
Mack’s New Anthem
T.I. – Whatever You Like
Your Prescription is In: Hip-Hop Edition

-Mack-

Britney Spears: Womanizer

Posted by Mack On September - 28 - 2008
You say I’m crazy? I GOT YOUR CRAZY!”


Artist: Britney Spears
Song: Womanizer
Album: Circus

How appropriate is it that Britney’s new album is titled Circus? Pardon me if I laugh at the irony, but that’s really what her life has become. So it’s album number 6, in stores December 2 and this is the first single, Womanizer. It sounds pretty good for Britney and maybe this album will give her the comeback that Blackout didn’t. If this one flops, it could be the end of career, but major sales could propel her back into the limelight. Let me know what you think of this joint…

-Mack-

Janelle Monae – Many Moons

Posted by Mack On September - 27 - 2008
This is the eclectic R&B, rockstar cybertronic goddess that the music industry needs right now. I love the android auction concept for the video of her second single Many Moons. She’s not afraid to be different and breathe life into a stale music world. On top of that, I’ve heard she’s an amazing live performer. If you haven’t picked up the first EP, click here to read the review and go get it. Janelle Monae – the future…

Related Post: TIYMLI: An Alien From Outer Space

-Mack-

Review: LL Cool J – Exit 13

Posted by Mack On September - 25 - 2008

Artist: LL Cool J
Album: Exit 13
Release Date: 9.9.08

Hip-hop heads everywhere have been calling for the retirement of LL Cool J for some time now. Critics have said he’s lost it, fans say he’s not the same, and it appears that even record labels have lost hope for the man greatly responsible for building the Def Jam Dynasty — including Def Jam (“I built an empire, they tried to kick me out in the rain”). After listening to LL’s latest album, Exit 13 (his final project in his Def Jam contract), I’ve concluded that it’s not for lack of talent that this CD isn’t going to be a hit. It’s that other thing, the thing that really keeps you going after 20+ years; the thing that keeps loyal fans buying your music for all those years. It’s the thing that LL Cool J shares with aspiring artists, and the same reason those artists aspire after his success. Exit 13 has a surplus of hot beats, variety, and some pretty nice lyrical flow, but it’s his passion for the music that’s in short supply.

It’s Time For War opens the album quite appropriately with a history lesson that reintroduces the self-proclaimed G.O.A.T. and is one of the strongest tracks on the album. But on the next few tracks LL seems to succumb to industry trends, making some of the music very pop-infused. The lead single Baby featuring The Dream is an example of this – the lyrics seem overly simple and LL resorted to industry standards of “hotness” instead of his own ability on which he built his career. But then there are the classic heartfelt LL tracks like Cry, where he resurrects Lil’ Mo for the hook. Ryan Leslie adds some flavor to the hook and the beat on the metaphoric Like a Radio, which gives the ladies yet another reason to love Mr. Smith. Rockin with the G.O.A.T. (DJ Scratch) has some pretty nice lyrics and great production to it, as does Speedin On The Highway/Exit 13 (Suits & Ray Burghardt). The highlight of the album for me is the politically charged Mr. President featuring Wyclef Jean. It’s one of the best songs addressing the political state of affairs and speaking for the people. But then the album has it’s corny-as-hell tracks, like the marching-band inspired American Girl, complete with marching cadence and a sample of the national anthem (no, not the black national anthem).

Sure LL’s style isn’t the same as it was in his prime, but neither is the music industry (specifically the rap game). With this album, LL has shown his ability to conform, not necessarily adapt, and in the process he loses a bit of the passion he shared with his fans for the music – the passion to make good music, not just for the sake of making a song or a hit record. While this album does have flow and style, it lacks the heart and soul that built LL’s career for over 2 decades. So I agree that it may be time for him to retire from the studio to the silver screen, but it’s only for fear that conformity might have LL singing on the next album, and that would NOT be cool Mr. Smith…

-Mack-

MindStream Topic: Dating Do’s and Don’ts

Posted by Mack On September - 25 - 2008
The topic for Mindstream Radio on 9/24 was The Do’s and Don’ts of Dating and Relationships. As part of the Sound-Savvy report, I put together a countdown of 7 tips and tunes to help you keep your dating life in perspective. If you missed the report, check it out here. Make sure you tune into MindStream every Wednesday from 8-10PM EST at www.im4radiodc.com!

1. Know what you want out of the situation in and be honest. No one demonstrates this better than Musiq Soulchild, but not just on one track, he gives you two. On his very first single, Just Friends, he takes the nice guy approach of just kickin it with a nice shawty and letting it flow from there. If that’s not the way you wanna go, check out one of his more recent joints B.U.D.D.Y. an anthem about the beauty of being friends with benefits.

2. Ladies this one’s for you: keep it real with your heart, and don’t play us with the rebound game. The #2 joint on this week’s countdown is Danity Kane with Damaged. Although the topic makes for a nice song, emotional baggage isn’t cool at all. If you need someone to fix it, maybe you need Jesus. And besides, keepin’ it real upfront causes less stress down the road.

3. A lot of fellas meet the nice lookin chick and think they’re willing to take on any challenge for her. That is, until her 15 year old son shows up and he’s taller than you. That’s why comin in at #3 is Lyfe Jennings with She Got Kids. On the real, kids are an important part to any person’s life, man or woman. If you can’t handle that you probably don’t wanna date someone with kids.

4. The #1 reason relationships dissolve is lack of communication. The #2 reason is too much communication – from outside forces. Up at #4 is Brandy and Kanye West with Talk About Our Love. A good way to keep your relationship in perspective is to keep everyone else OUT.

5. Fellas and ladies, if your significant other has an unusual amount of contact with the one before you, it might be a sign. The #5 joint is Mya with Case of the Ex. Mya was onto something here; if the ex is too close, you might need to move on to the next. Midnight phone calls, text messages and unexpected cameos from the ex could end up turning you into the next ex.

6. Fellas don’t fool yourself: if she left him for you, she’d leave you for the next man. #6 is an artist who needs a search party to dig him out of his retirement: Ginuwine with What’s So Different? Keep it in perspective and ask yourself, what’s really so different? The answers may shock you…

7. If this song hits home for you, it might be time to pick up and move. The #7 jam is from a woman who could write a book on keeping relationships in perspective – and that’s because she’s in one of the most successful celebrity marriages of our time. It’s none other than Tamia’s smash single Stranger In My House. This song highlights trust issues, which is yet another reason for the failure of relationships. When the trust is gone, you’re just slow dancing in a burning room.

VIDEO-WHY ME

Posted by Mack On September - 25 - 2008

The beat in itself is captivating, that is until you follow the lyrics, “Why you wanna murder me, you never ever heard of me..”. DEEP! This is an anthem for all those lives who have been lost to the bullshit of the streets; innocent lives. Ice Cube is an artist, who digs beneath the surface on all issues. This is real folks, there’s too much senseless violence going on. When will it stop? Only cowards use guns as a means to resolve issues. Wake up, the world we live in is real!

-Mello-

Maybe Just A Few Tears…

Posted by Mack On September - 24 - 2008

I told myself I couldn’t cry… I wouldn’t. This week makes it a year since u left us, and it’s still hard to grasp. This past week random images of you seemed to just pop into my head… I hear your voice and your laugh… and then that 4:30 am phone call replays in my head…you were gone.

I told myself I can’t cry now… I fight the tears because I’m trying to be strong for Dad, he misses you so much. I keep my eyes dry so I can be his strength. I know it’s especially hard for him, he was holding your hand when you took God’s hand. I know it’s crazy but I still haven’t removed your number from my cell phone, it’s kinda like part of you is still with me, especially when I’m flipping through and I see “Grandma” in the list. I know you’re looking down on your family wondering how and why certain things have happened since you went home, I wish I could answer that. I wish I could do a lot of things, but all I can do is miss you. Save me a seat up there, we’ll have a lot of catching up to do when I get there. Your grandson misses you, and loves you forever.

I told myself I wouldn’t cry, but tonight, when I’m by myself, I can let a few tears fall, not in weakness or sadness, but because your love gives me strength, and your new life gives me hope…that I’ll see you again. Love you Grandma…

Related Post: Grandma, I Miss You…(MySpace blog)

-Mack-

New Avant – When It Hurts

Posted by Mack On September - 23 - 2008

Now THIS is more like it! I posted a track from Avant a few months ago but it was absolute garbage (see the Related Post link)… this joint is a nice return from Avant. If you’re a stranger to Avant… da hell u been? This brother always lays down the nice vocals, production can tend to be lacking for him, but the vocals are always on point. Since I actually own all 4 of his previous albums (all solid –not necessarily classics), I consider myself qualified to say this 5th album is shaping up to be another good contribution from the underrated crooner. His upcoming self-titled album, is due out December 9th. For now, check the track!

Related Post: Avant – She Haunts Me

-Mack-
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