It’s December 31st, 2009 — the last day of the month, year, and decade. If you’re anything like me, you’ve listened to a LOT of music this past decade. Last night on Mindstream Radio, I counted down my top 11 hip-hop and R&B albums, but there are a few that I couldn’t announce last night for the sake of time that need to make it on the Top Albums of the 2000’s list. So here’s my complete list…By the way, this list is NOT RANKED, these are just my personal favorites over the past 10 years. Read the rest of this entry »

Now wait… before you get your blood pressure up, there’s no word that this is an OFFICIAL Remix. Personally, I think this is OJ Da Juiceman’s attempt at crossing over. I don’t care if it’s a number 1 hit or not… I didn’t really care for the original version of this song, but having someone yell “AYE” all over it makes it even worse. Ehhh, those are my thoughts, what do you think? Read the rest of this entry »

New joint from the upcoming Last Train To Paris album which has yet to receive a release date. This joint is okay, not nearly as impressive as Angels or Love Come Down, but it’s got a mellow feel to it. There’s also a male vocalist I can’t figure out but it’s NOT Diddy…  Kinda relaxing… u like? Read the rest of this entry »

Can The Dream really put out garbage like this and complain about not getting a Grammy nomination? According to his Twitter page, Cry took 36 minutes and 6 seconds to write and sing and it’s inspired by Sam Cooke. In my opinion, the song is garbage. Stunts like this are reserved for people with an undeniable track record, whereas The Dream is more hit-and-miss. I’d have more faith in someone like R. Kelly writing a hit record in 36 minutes… Read the rest of this entry »

Wow, I’m actually kinda diggin this new joint from Cassie! She’s been criticized for her inability to be a power vocalist, but songs like this with a hot beat (produced by Drop Zone) and simple melodies really work for her. She’s still working on her new album Electro Love, which should see release next year. Take a listen, what ya think? Read the rest of this entry »

Artist: Young Money
Album: We Are Young Money
Release Date: 12.21.09

And the award for Wackest Rap Album by a Duo or Group goes to…. congratulations Young Money!! Not only does this album lack any discernable direction, it also fails to establish a distinct identity for any member of this motley crew. The undercard rappers spend most of the album trying to out-rhyme each other for shine with none striking above average. There is also no variation in sound so by album’s end, you STILL won’t be able to distinguish one member from another.

Aside from the album’s first two singles Every Girl and Bedrock, there’s not much to be impressed with on this project. Ms. Parker recalls the curvaceous character from the comedy classic movie Friday but the excessive auto-tune kills the track. In fact most of the auto-tune on the album sounds like Wayne is slumped in a chair, high on a few E-pills, foaming at the mouth and trying to sing at the same time. The rest of the album suggests a normal day for Young Money only involves smoking weed and having sex all day – and when they’re not having sex they’re writing about having sex. Roger That is one of busty beauty Nicki Minaj’s few appearances and is another of the few decent tracks. Wayne is at his best on this project with Steady Mobbin, which features Gucci Mane. The only other track worth a spin is Finale, aptly titled to close out the album. Finale spotlights each member of the group, and for once they sound like a group working together, not against one another.

The We Are Young Money album is a poor representation of many things: the quality of artists signed to Young Money, the amount of time put into this project, and Lil Wayne. Though it’s not a reflection of Wayne as a solo artist (Tha Carter 3 was dope!), it speaks to his level of discretion as a label head and businessman. More importantly, with a title like We Are Young Money, one would naturally expect to get a feel for the group’s members. Don’t get your hopes up – I still don’t know a Tyga from a Gudda Gudda, and can’t tell you anyone else’s name beyond Drake, Wayne and Nicki. In short, FAIL….

Sound-Savvy rates We Are Young Money with 1.5 out of 5 platinum headphones.

Artist: Mary J. Blige
Album: Stronger With Each Tear
Release Date: 12.18.09

Judging by its cover, you’d think Mary J. Blige’s Stronger With Each Tear would be a slower, more ballad-heavy album. Au contraire, it’s actually very light, mostly upbeat and filled with feel-good empowerment anthems that echo sentiments of strength, growth and love. Her ninth album is yet another representation of her life with songs written that reflect a more mature and happier, yet still growing woman. Women will relate; men will enjoy the insight. What’s most impressive is the fact that Mary’s team of writers seems to pen nearly perfect songs for her while the real beauty remains in the delivery.

The album’s opener Tonight kicks off the project with a mild dance beat and a smooth clean harmony on the hook. With a bit of help from Drake and some auto-tune for the alley-oop, Mary delivers the album’s official first single The One, a bounce track with street edge reminiscent of Blige’s earlier work on albums like What’s The 411 and Love and Life.  Rapper T.I. makes an appearance on the fun and flirty Good Love, while Ryan Leslie contributes the bass-heavy Said and Done, a mature love song about getting over the small stuff for the one you love. I Feel Good is more empowering, similar to her earlier hit Just Fine , though not quite as impressive or catchy. The album’s second single, I Am, is one of the best ballads Mary’s ever delivered, penned by Johnta Austin and showcasing Mary’s raw vocals with a message that personifies a confident love. Each Tear is a life lesson put to music, and highlights Mary’s ability to be empowering and inspirational without being too gospel-ly. The closing track I Can See in Color (from the soundtrack to the movie Precious) is undoubtedly  of the album’s best offerings, delivered in Mary’s bluesy disposition with more dynamite vocals.

This project is one of Mary’s best yet, despite a few shortcomings. Said and Done contains yet another recycled beat from Ryan Leslie (think Fabolous’ Everything Everyday, Everywhere) . Ladies can thank Mary for the warning delivered on Kitchen but lyrically it falls short and it just doesn’t work – no matter how REAL it is. I Love U (Yes I Du) is a bit hard to get into; the track is much busier than the rest of the album, and the quality of the song suffers for it. Simplicity with this album worked best so this track stuck out a bit.

The key element to Stronger With Each Tear is that it continues the progression of Mary J. Blige as an artist and a woman. She’s matured into a stronger woman, and her vocals and content share the same evolution. It’s great to see her have fun with her music but stay mature. As an artist, Mary seems to be moving into a place where her music is consistently great, timeless even. Her last few projects have involved a lot of soul searching but have produced excellent music, proving the title to be true: she’s getting stronger with each tear…

Sound-Savvy officially rates Stronger With Each Tear with 4 out of 5 platinum headphones.

Success and Failure. That’s the name of Chingy’s forthcoming 5th studio album, and how appropriate a title it should be. After all, Chingy should know a thing or two about both. This decade has seen the rise and fall of his career, starting with a few hit singles on Disturbin Tha Peace Records, ending in a lawsuit against the label. Now he’s using his own imprint Slot-A-Lot- to release his new album. Be My Girl is just okay, haven’t really grown to expect more from Chingy; lyrically this joint is rather juvenile… #kanyeshrug Read the rest of this entry »

Check out this bonus track from Alicia Keys’ latest album, The Element of Freedom. This joint appears on a deluxe edition released overseas. I like the sound of Heaven’s Door, it could’ve been included on the original release. Make sure you check out the album reviews above to read our review of The Element of Freedom, in stores now… Read the rest of this entry »

“When a woman ceases to cry, she’s bout ready to say goodbye…“

Are a woman’s tears really the sign of an open heart? They say when a woman’s fed up, there’s nothing you can do about it. Is that really the point of no return? Do you think the vulnerability of a woman’s tears can cause a man to continue doing wrong because he knows your heart is still open to him? When the tears stop, are you over him or over the wrong? Help me out ladies… Read the rest of this entry »